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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


The 
WORKS 

°f 
SHAKESPEARE, 

Volume  tie  eighth  : 

containing, 

Julius  Caesar; 
Antony  and  Cleopatra ; 
Timon  of  Athens ; 
Titus  Andronicus. 


LONDON: 

Printed  for  J.  and  R.  TON  SON  in  the  Strand. 


PR 


Cm 


JULIUS 
C  M  S  A  R. 


1376S72 


Perfons  represented: 

Julius  Caesar. 

O&avius  Caesar,      ~)   <r  .        .         «       » 

Marcus  Antonius,    I  ?"  urn*  >rs,  after  the 

Death  °/CzEsar' 


M.  ^mil.  Lepidus,      _ 

Cicero,  Publius,  Popilius  Lena,  Senators. 

Brutus, 

Caflius, 

Cafca, 


Cinna, 
Decius, 


Confpirators  again/}  Caesar. 


Metellus, 
Trebonius, 
Ligarius,    • 
Flavius,  and  Murellus,  Tribunes. 
a  Sootbfayer ;  Artemidorus,  a  Sophift ; 
Cinna,  a  Poet ;  and  another  Poet. 
Lucilius,  Titinius,  Meflala,  young  Cato,  and 
Volumnius ;  Friends  to  Brutus  and  Caflius. 
Lucius,  Varro,  Claudius,  Clitus,  Dardanius, 
and  Strato  a  Grecian  ;  Servants  to  Brutus. 
Pindarus,  Servant  to  Caflius. 
S*r<v .  to  Cassar ;  Ser<v.  to  Antony ;  Ser<v.  to  Oftavius ; 
four  Citizens,  a  Mejfinger,  and  two  Soldiers. 

Calphurnia,  Wife  to  Caesar. 
Portia,  Wife  to  Brutus. 

Other  Citizens,  Soldiers,  Officers,  Senators,  &c. 
Sctne  difperfd;  in  Rome,  near  Saxdis,«»</»wrPhilippi. 


JULIUS      C^SAR. 


i. 

SCENE  I.    Rome.  ^S/r«/. 

Rabble  of  Citizens  ;    FLAVIUS, 
and  MURELLUS,  driving  them. 

FLA.  Hence;  home,  you  idle  creatures,  get  you  home: 
Is  this  a  holiday  ?  What,  know  you  not, 
Being  mechanical,  you  ought  not  walk, 
Upon  a  labouring  day,  without  the  fign 
Of  your  profeffion?  _  Speak,  what  trade  art  thou  ? 

j .  C.  Why,  fir,  a  carpenter. 

Mu R.  Where  is  thy  leather  apron,  and  thy  rule? 
What  doft  thou  with  thy  belt  apparel  on  ?  — 
You,  fir  ;  what  trade  are  you  ? 

2.  C.  Truly,  fir,  in  refpe&of  a  fine  workman,  I  am 
but,  as  you  would  fay,  a  cobler. 

M UR  .  But  what  trade  art  thou  ?  Anfwer  me  direftly. 

2.  C.  A  trade,  fir,  that,  I  hope,  I  may  use  with  a 
fafe  confcience ;  which  is,  indeed,  fir,  a  mender  of  bad 
fouls.  [what  trade  ? 

MVR.  What  trade,  thou  knave  ?  thou  naughty  knave, 

»6  Fla,  What 


4  Julius  Caesar. 

2.  C.  Nay,  I  befeech  you,  fir,  be  not  out  with  me: 
Yet,  if  you  be  out,  fir,  I  can  mend  you.  [fellow? 

MUR.  Whatmeaneft  thouby  that:  Mendme,thoufaucy 

2.  C.  Why,  fir,  coble  you. 

FLA.  Thou  art  a  cobler,  art  thou  ? 

2.  C.  Truly,  fir,  all  that  I  live  by  is,  the  awl  :  I 
meddle  with  no  tradesman's  matters,  nor  women's  mat- 
ters; but,  with  all.  I  am,  indeed,  fir,  a  furgeon  to  old 
ihoes  ;  when  they  are  in  great  danger,  I  re-cover  them : 
As  proper  men  as  ever  trod  upon  neats-leather  have 
gone  upon  my  handy-work. 

FLA.  But  wherefore  art  not  in  thy  fhop  to-day? 
Why  doft  thou  lead  these  men  about  the  ftreets  ? 

2.  C.  Truly,  fir,  to  wear  out  their  fhoes,  to  get  myfelf 
into  more  work.  But,  indeed,  fir,  we  make  holiday,  to 
fee  Ctesar,  and  to  rejoice  in  his  triumph.  [home  ? 

MUR.  Wherefore  rejoice?  What  conqueft  brings  he 
What  tributaries  follow  him  to  Rome, 
To  grace  in  captive  bonds  his  chariot  wheels  ? 
You  blocks,  you  ftones,  you  worfe  than  fenfelefs  thing: ! 
O,  you  hard  hearts,  you  cruel  men  of  Rome, 
Knew  you  not  Pompey?  Many  a  time  and  oft 
Have  you  climb'd  up  to  walls  and  battlements, 
To  towers  and  windows,  yea,  to  chimney'  tops, 
Your  infants  in  your  arms,  and  there  have  fat 
The  live-long  day,  with  patient  expectation, 
To  fee  great  Pcmpey  pafs  the  ftreets  of  Rome  : 
And  \vhen  you  faw  his  chariot  but  appear, 
Have  you  not  made  an  univerial  Ihout, 
That  Jjber  trembl'd  underneath  his  banks, 
To  hear  the  replication  of  your  founds 
Made  in  his  concave  fhores  ? 

*  is  with  the  Aule         *  v.  A'r.v. 


Julius  Csesar.  5 

And  do  you  now  put  on  your  belt  attire? 
And  do  you  now  cull  out  a  holiday  ? 
And  do  you  now  ftrew  flowers  in  his  way, 
That  comes  in  triumph  over  Pompefs  blood  ? 
Be  gone ; 

Run  to  your  houses,  fall  upon  your  knees, 
Pray  to  the  gods  to  intermit  the  plague 
That  needs  muft  light  on  this  ingratitude. 

FLA.  Go,  go,  good  countrymen,  and,  for  this  fault, 
A/Terrible  all  the  poor  men  of  your  fort ; 
Draw  them  to  Tyber  banks,  and  weep  your  tears 
Into  the  channel,  'till  the  loweit  ftream 
Do  kifs  the  molt  exalted  ihores  of  all. 

[Exeunt  Citizens. 

See,  whe'r  their  bafeft  metal  be  not  mov'd  ; 
They  vanifh  tongue-ty'd  in  their  guiitinefs. 
Go  you  down  that  way  towards  the  capitol ; 
This  way  will  I  :  Difrobe  the  images, 
If  you  do  find  them  deck'd  with  ceremonies. 

MUR  .  May  we  do  fo  ?  you  know,  it  is  the  fcaft 
Of  Lupercal. 

FLA.  'Tis  no  matter;  let  no  images 
Be  hung  with  Co-tar's  trophies.     I'll  about, 
And  drive  away  the  vulgar  from  the  llreets  : 
So  do  you  too,  where  you  perceive  them  thick. 
These  growing  feathers  pluck'd  from  Cesar's  wing, 
Will  make  him  fly  an  ordinary  pitch  ; 
Who  elfe  would  foar  above  the  view  of  men, 
And  keep  us  all  in  fervile  fearfulnefs.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  II.   r be  fame.  A  publick  Place. 
Enter,  in  folsmn  ProceJ/ion,  ivith  Mustek^  £c. 


Julius  Caesar. 

;  ANTONY,  for  the  Courfe;  CALPHURNIA, 
Portia;    Decius,  Cicero,    BRUTUS,    CASSIUS, 
CASCA,  &c.  a  great  Crowd  follo*iving; 
Soothfayer  in  the  Crowd. 

CMS.  Calphurnia, 

CAS«*.  Peace,  ho  !  C<ssar  fpeaks .  [  Mustek  ceafes. 

CMS.  Calpburnia, 

CAL.  Here,  my  lord. 

CMS.  Stand  you  diredlly  in  Antonio's  way, 
When  he  doth  run  his  courfe.  _  Antonio, 

ANT.    C<esar,  my  lord. 

CMS.  Forget  not,  in  your  fpeed,  Antonio, 
To  touch  Calpburnia :  for  our  elders  fay, 
The  barren,  touched  in  this  holy  chace, 
Shake  off  their  fteril  curfe. 

ANT.   I  mall  remember: 
When  Ceesar  fays,  Do  this,  it  is  perform'd. 

CMS.  Set  on;  and  leave  no  ceremony  out. 

\Muiick  ;  and  the  Procejpon  moves. 

Soo.       Cifsar, 

CMS.  Ha!  Who  calls? 

CASC<*.  Bid  every  noise  be  ftill : Peace  yet  again. 

[Mustek  ceafes. 

CMS.  Who  is  it  in  the  prefs,  that  calls  on  me? 
I  hear  a  tongue,  fhriller  than  all  the  musick, 
Cry,  Cefsar  :  Speak  ;  C<ssar  is  turn'd  to  hear. 

Soo.      Beware  the  ides  of  March. 

CMS.  What  man  is  that? 

£RU.    A  foothfayer,  bids  beware  the  ides  of  March. 

CMS.  Set  him  before  me,  let  me  fee  his  face. 

CAS.    Fellow,come from  the  throng.look  uponC&sar. 

C/ES.  Whatfay'itthoutomenow?  Speak  once  again. 

*9  bids  you  beware 


Julius  Caesar.  7 

Soo.     Beware  the  ides  of  March. 

C^ES.He  is  a  dreamer;  let  us  leave  him:  pafs. 

[Mustek.  Exeunt  All,  £#/Bru.  WCaf. 

CAS.  Will  you  go  fee  the  order  of  the  courfe? 

BRU.  Not  I. 

CAS.  I  pray  you,  do. 

BRU.  I  am  not  gamefome;  I  do  lack  fame  part 
Of  that  quick  fpirit  that  is  in  Antony :~ 
Let  me  not  hinder,  Cajfius,  your  desires ; 
I'll  leave  you. 

CAS.  Brutus,  I  do  observe  you  now  of  late  : 
I  have  not  from  your  eyes  that  gentlenefs, 
And  (hew  of  love,  as  I  was  wont  to  have : 
You  bear  too  ftubborn  and  too  ftrange  a  hand 
Over  your  friend  that  loves  you. 

BRU.  Co/pus, 

Be  not  deceiv'd  :  If  I  have  veil'd  my  look, 
I  turn  the  trouble  of  my  countenance 
Meerly  upon  myfelf.     Vexed  I  am, 
Of  late,  with  paflions  of  fome  difference, 
Conceptions  only  proper  to  myfelf, 
Which  give  fome  foil,  perhaps,  to  my  behaviours : 
But  let  not  therefore  my  good  friends  be  griev'd  ; 
(Among  which  number,  CaJ/ius,  be  you  one,) 
Nor  conftrue  any  further  my  negledl, 
Than  that  poor  Brutus,  with  himfelf  at  war, 
Forgets  the  fhews  of  love  to  other  men. 

CAS  .  Then,  Brutus,  I  have  m  uch  miftook  your  paffion; 
By  means  whereof,  this  breaft  of  mine  hath  bury'd 
Thoughts  of  great  value,  worthy  cogitations. 
Tell  me,  good  Brutus,  can  you  fee  your  face  ? 

BRU.  No,  CaJ/ius:  for  the  eye  fees  not  itfelf, 


8  Julius  Caesar. 

But  by  reflection,  by  fome  other  things. 

CAS.  'Tis  juft: 

And  it  is  very  much  lamented,  Brutus, 
That  you  have  no  fuch  mirrors,  as  will  turn 
Your  hidden  worthinefs  into  your  eye, 
That  you  might  fee  your  ftiadow.    I  have  heard, 
Where  many  of  the  beft  refpeft  in  Rome, 
(  Except  immortal  Ca>sar)  fpeaking  of  Brutus, 
And  groaning  underneath  this  age's  yoak, 
Have  wifh'd  that  noble  Brutus  had  his  eyes. 

BRU.  Into  what  dangers  would  you  lead  me,  Caffius, 
That  you  would  have  me  feek  into  myfelf 
For  that  which  is  not  in  me  ? 

CAS.  Therefore,  good  Brutus,  be  prepar'd  to  hear  : 
And,  fince  you  know  you  cannot  fee  yourfelf 
So  well  as  by  reflection,  I,  your  glafs, 
Will  modeftly  difcover  to  yourfelf 
That  of  yourfelf  which  yet  you  know  not  of. 
And  be  not  jealous  of  me,  gentle  Brutus  : 
Were  I  a  common  laugher,  or  did  use 
To  ftale  with  ordinary  oaths  my  love 
To  every  new  protefter  ;  if  you  know 
That  I  do  fawn  on  men,  and  hug  them  hard, 
And  after  fcandal  them  ;  or  if  you  know 
That  I  profefs  myfelf  in  banqueting 
To  all  the  rout,  then  hold  me  dangerous. 

[Shout  nuitkin, 

BRU.  What  means  this  fhouting :  I  do  fear,  the  people 
Choose  C<tsar  for  their  king. 

CAS.  Ay,  do  you  fear  it? 
Then  muft  I  think  you  would  not  have  it  fo. 

BRU.  I  would  not,  Caffius ;  yet  I  love  him  well :  — 

1 8  you  yet         *°  Laughter 


Julius  Cassar. 

But  wherefore  do  you  hold  me  here  fo  long  ? 
What  is  it  that  you  would  impart  to  me  ? 
If  it  be  ought  toward  the  general  good, 
Set  honour  in  one  eye,  and  death  i'  the  other, 
And  I  will  look  on  both  indifferently  : 
For,  let  the  gods  fo  fpeed  me,  as  I  love 
The  name  of  honour  more  than  I  fear  death. 

CAS.  I  know  that  virtue  to  be  in  you,  Brutus, 
As  well  as  I  do  know  your  outward  favour. 
Well,  honour  is  the  fubjeft  of  my  ftory. — 
I  cannot  tell,  what  you  and  other  men 
Think  of  this  life ;  but,  for  my  fingle  felf, 
I  had  as  lief  not  be,  as  live  to  be 
In  awe  of  fuch  a  thing  as  I  myfelf. 
I  was  born  free  as  Caesar ;    fo  were  you  : 
We  both  have  fed  as  well ;  and  we  can  both 
Endure  the  winter's  cold,  as  well  as  he. 
For  once,  upon  a  raw  and  gufty  day, 
The  troubl'd  Tyber  chafing  with  his  mores, 
Ceesar  faid  to  me,  Dar'Jl  thou,  Camus,  now 
Leap  in  <witb  me  into  this  angry  flood> 
And  f<viim  to  yonder  point?  Upon  the  word, 
Accouter'd  as  I  was,  I  plunged  in, 
And  bad  him  follow  :  fo,  indeed,  he  did. 
The  torrent  roar'd ;    and  we  did  buffet  it 
With  lufty  finews ;  throwing  it  afide, 
And  Hemming  it  with  hearts  of  controverfy. 
But  ere  we  could  arrive  the  point  propos'd, 
Casar  cry'd,  Help  me,  Caffius,  or  1  Jink. 
I,  as  jEneas,  our  great  anceftor, 
Did  from  the  flames  of  Troy  upon  his  moulder 
The  old  Ancbifts  bear,  fo,  from  the  waves  of  Tyber 


io  Julius  Cxsar. 

Did  I  the  tired  Ctesar :  And  this  man 

Is  now  become  a  god  ;  and  Caffius  is 

A  wretched  creature,  and  mult  bend  his  body, 

IfC&sar  carelefly  but  nod  on  him. 

He  had  a  fever  when  he  was  in  Spain, 

And,  when  the  fit  was  on  him,  I  did  mark 

How  he  did  make  :  'tis  true,  this  god  did  make  : 

His  coward  lips  did  from  their  colour  fly  ; 

And  that  fame  eye,  whose  bend  doth  awe  the  world, 

Did  lose  it's  luftre  :  I  did  hear  him  groan : 

Ay,  and  that  tongue  of  his,  that  bad  the  Romans 

Mark  him,  and  write  his  fpeeches  in  their  books, 

Alas,  it  cry'd,  Give  me  feme  drink,  Titinius, 

As  a  fick  girl.     Ye  gods,  it  doth  amaze  me, 

A  man  of  fuch  a  feeble  temper  mould 

So  get  the  ftart  of  the  majeftick  world, 

And  bear  the  palm  alone.  [Shout  again. 

BRU.  Another  general  mout : 
I  do  believe,  that  these  applauses  are 
For  fome  new  honours  that  are  heap'd  on  C<esar. 

C^s.  Why,  man,  he  doth  beftride  the  narrow  world, 
Like  a  Colo/its ;  and  we  petty  men 
Walk  under  his  huge  legs,  and  peep  about 
To  find  ourfelves  dimonourable  graves. 
Men  at  fome  time  are  mafters  of  their  fates  : 
The  fault,  dear  Brutus,  is  not  in  our  ftars, 
But  in  ourfelves,  that  we  are  underlings. 
Brutus,  and  Casar  :  What  mould  be  in  that  C<esar  ? 
Why  mould  that  name  be  founded  more  than  yours  ? 
Write  them  together,  yours  is  as  fair  a  name  ; 
Sound  them,  it  doth  become  the  mouth  as  well ; 
Weigh  them,  it  is  as  heavy ;   conjure  with  them, 


Julius  Caesar.  II 

Brutus  will  ftart  a  fpirit  as  foon  as  Casar, 

Now  in  the  names  of  all  the  gods  at  once, 

Upon  what  meat  doth  this  our  C<esar  feed, 

That  he  is  grown  fo  great  ?   Age,  thou  art  iham'd : 

Rome,  thou  haft  loft  the  breed  of  noble  bloods. 

When  went  there  by  an  age,  fince  the  great  flood, 

But  it  was  fam'd  with  more  than  with  one  man  ? 

When  could  they  fay,  'till  now,  that  talk'd  of  Romt, 

That  her  wide  walls  encompaff'd  but  one  man  ? 

Now  is  it  Rome  indeed,  and  room  enough, 

When  there  is  in  it  but  one  only  man. 

0  !  you  and  I  have  heard  our  fathers  fay, 

There  was  a  Brutus  once,   that  would  have  brook'd 
The  eternal  devil  to  keep  his  ftate  in  Rome, 
As  easily  as  a  king. 

BRU.  That  you  do  love  me,  I  am  nothing  jealous ; 
What  you  would  work  me  to,  I  have  fome  aim : 
How  I  have  thought  of  this,  and  of  these  times, 

1  mall  recount  hereafter  ;  for  this  present, 

I  would  not,  fo  with  love  I  might  intreat  you, 

Be  any  further  mov'd  :  What  you  have  faid, 

I  will  confider ;  what  you  have  to  fay, 

I  will  with  patience  hear;  and  find  a  time 

Both  meet  to  hear,  and  anfwer,  fuch  high  things. 

'Till  then,  my  noble  friend,  chew  upon  this ; 

Brutus  had  rather  be  a  villager, 

Than  to  repute  himfelf  a  fon  of  Rome 

Under  fuch  hard  conditions  as  this  time 

Is  like  to  lay  upon  us. 

CAS.  I  am  glad,  that  my  weak  words 
Have  ftruck  but  thus  much  ihew  of  fire  from  Brutus. 
Re-enter  C-ffiSAR,  and  his  Train. 


o  Walkes        *8  Under  thefe  hard 


12  Julius  Caesar. 

BRV.  The  games  are  done,  and  C<zsar  is  returning. 

CL#s.  As  they  pafs  by,  pluck  Cajca  by  the  fleeve  ; 
And  he  will,  after  his  four  fafhion,  tell  you 
What  hath  proceeded,  worthy  note,  to-day. 

BRU.  I  will  do  fo:  —  But,  look  you,  Caffius, 
The  angry  fpot  doth  glow  on  C<*-j«r's  brow, 
And  all  the  reft  look  like  a  chidden  train  : 
Calphurnia's  cheek  is  pale  ;  and  Cicero 
Looks  with  fuch  ferret  and  fuch  fiery  eyes, 
As  we  have  feen  him  in  the  capitol, 
Being  crofPd  in  conference  by  fome  fenators. 

CAS.  Cajca  will  tell  us  what  the  matter  is. 

C/£*.  Antonio, 

A  XT.  C/esar. 

C^.s.  Let  me  have  men  about  me,  that  are  fat ; 
Sleek-headed  men,  and  fuch  as  fleep  o'  nights : 
Yon  Cdffiuf  has  a  lean  and  hungry  look  ; 
He  thinks  too  much :  fuch  men  are  dangerous. 

ANT.  Fear  him  not,  Ctesar,  he's  not  dangerous ; 
He  is  a  noble  Roman,  and  well  gi/en. 

C/£S.  'Would  he  were  fatter:  But  I  fear  him  not : 
Yet  if  my  name  were  liable  to  fear, 
I  do  not  know  the  man  I  mould  avoid 
So  foon  as  that  fpare  Caffius.     He  reads  much; 
He  is  a  great  observer,  and  he  looks 
Quite  through  the  deeds  of  men  :    he  loves  no  plays, 
As  thou  doft,  Antony ;  he  hears  no  musick  : 
Seldom  he  fmiles ;  and  fmiles  in  fuch  a  fort, 
As  if  he  mock'd  himfelf,  and  fcorn'd  his  fpirit 
That  could  be  mov'd  to  fmile  at  any  thing. 
Such  men  as  he  be  never  at  heart's  ease, 
Whiles  they  behold  a  greater  than  themfelves ; 


Julius  Caesar.  13 

And  therefore  are  they  very  dangerous. 
1  rather  tell  thee  what  is  to  be  fear'd, 
Than  what  I  fear ;  for  always  I  am  C&sar. 
Come  on  my  right  hand,  for  this  ear  is  deaf, 
And  tell  me  truly  what  thou  think'ft  of  him. 

[Exeunt  CJESAR,  and  Train:  Cafca  ftays. 

CAS'*.  Youpull'd  me  by  the  cloak;  Would  you  fpeak 
with  me  ? 

BRU.  Ay,  Cafca^,  tell  us  what  hath  chanc'd  to-day, 
That  Caesar  looks  fo  fad. 

CAS™.  Why  you  were  with  him,  were  you  not  ? 

BRU.     I  mould  not  then  aik  Cafca  what  had  chanc'd. 

CAS'".  Why,  there  was  a  crown  offer'd  him  :  and 
being  offer'd  him,  he  put  it  by  with  the  back  of  his 
hand,  thus  ~|" ;  and  then  the  people  fell  a'  fhouting. 

BRU.     What  was  the  fecond  noise  for? 

CAS'*.  Why  for  that  too  ? 

CA  s .     They  fhouted  thrice ;  What  was  the  laft  cry  for? 

CA^ca.  Why  for  that  too  ? 

BRU.     Was  the  crown  offer'd  him  thrice? 

CASC".  Ay,  marry,  was't,  and  he  put  it  by  thrice, 
every  time  gentler  than  other  ;  and  at  every  putting 
by,  mine  honeft  neighbours  fhouted. 

CAS.     Who  offer'd  him  the  crown  ? 

CASC<*.  Why,  Antony. 

BRU.     Tell  us  the  manner  of  it,  gentle  Cafca. 

CAS™.  I  can  as  well  be  hang'd,  as  tell  the  manner 
of  it :  it  was  mere  foolery,  1  did  not  mark  it.  1 
faw  Mark  Antony  offer  him  a  crown ;  —  yet  'twas  not 
a  crown  neither,  'twas  one  of  these  coronets;  — and, 
as  I  told  you,  he  put  it  by  once  :  but,  for  all  that, 
to  my  thinking,  he  would  fain  have  had  it.  Then  he 

VOL.  VIII.  B 


14  Julius  Caesar. 

offer'd  it  to  him  again ;  then  he  put  it  by  again  : 
but,  to  my  thinking,  he  was  very  loth"  to  lay  his  fingers 
off  it.  And  then  he  offer'd  it  the  third  time  ;  he  put 
it  the  third  time  by  :  and  ftill  as  he  refus'd  it,  the 
rabblement  houted,  and  clap'd  their  chopt  hands,  and 
threw  up  their  fweaty  night-caps,  and  utter'd  fuch  a 
deal  of  (linking  breath  because  C<esar  refus'd  the 
crown,  that  it  had  almoft  choak'd  C&sar ;  for  he 
fwooned,  and  fell  down  at  it :  And  for  mine  own 
part,  I  durft  not  laugh,  for  fear  of  opening  my  lips,  and 
receiving  the  bad  air. 

CAS.     But,  foft,  I  pray  yon  ;  What,  did  C<rsar  fwoon  ? 

Cj  r".  He  fell  down  in  the  market-place,  and  foam'd 
at  mouth,  and  was  fpeechlefs. 

Bnu.    3Tis  very  like ;  he  hath  the  falling-ficknefs. 

CAS.     No,  Casar  hath  it  not  ;  but  you,  and  I, 
And  honeft  Cafca,  we  have  the  falling-ficknefs. 

CAS™-  I  know  not  what  you  mean  by  that;  but, 
I  am  fure,  Ctesar  fell  down.  If  the  tag-rag  people 
did  not  clap  him,  and  hifs  him,  according  as  he 
pleas'd,  and  difpleas'd  them,  as  they  use  to  do 
the  players  in  the  theatre,  I  am  no  true  man. 

BRU.     What  faid  he,  when  he  came  unto  himfelf  ? 

CA  sea.  Marry,  before  he  felidown,  when  heperceiv'd 
the  common  herd  was  glad  he  refus'd  the  crown, 
he  pluck'd  me  ope  his  doublet,  and  offer'd  them 
his  throat  to  cut  :  —  An  I  had  been  a  man  of  any 
occupation,  if  I  would  not  have  taken  him  at  a 
word,  I  would  I  might  go  to  hell  among  the 
rogues: — and  fo  he  fell.  When  he  came  to  himfelf 
again,  he  faid,  If  he  had  done,  or  faid,  any  thing  amifs, 
,be  desir'd  their  worlhips  to  think  it  was  his  in- 


Julius  C-esar.  I  q 

firmity.  Three  or  four  wenches,  where  I  flood, 
cry'd,  Alas>  good  foul !  and  forgave  him  with  all 
their  hearts :  But  there's  no  heed  to  be  taken  of 
them;  if  C<esar  had  ftab'd  their  mothers,  they  would 
have  done  no  lefs. 

BRU,     And  after  that,  he  came,  thus  fad,  away  ? 

'CASca.  Ay. 

CAS.     Did  Cicero  fay  any  thing  ? 

CA  sf<*.  Ay,  he  fpoke  Greek . 

CAS.     To  what  effedl  ? 

CASM.  Nay,  an  I  tell  you  that,  I'll  ne'er  look  you 
i'th'  face  again:  But  those,  that  Onderftood  him,  fmil'd 
at  one  another,  and  (hook  their  heads :  but,  for  mine 
own  part,  it  was  Greek  to  me.  I  could  tell  you  more 
news  too  :  Murellus  and  Flavins,  for  pulling  fcarfs  off 
C<?sar's  images,  are  put  to  filence.  Fare  you  well.  There 
was  more  foolery  yet,  if  I  could  remember  it. 

CAS.     Will  you  fup  with  me  to-night,  Cafca? 

CAS™.  No,  I  am  promis'd  forth. 

CAS.     Will  you  dine  with  me  to-morrow? 

CASC*.  Ay,  if  I  be  alive*  and  your  mind  hold,  and 
your  dinner  worth  the  eating. 

CAS.     Good  ;    I  will  expecl  you. 

CASCO.  Do  fo  :  Farewel,  both.  [Exit  CASCA. 

BRU.    What  a  blunt  fellow  is  this  grown  to  be  ? 
He  was  quick  mettle,   when  he  went  to  fchool. 

CAS.     So  is  he  now,  in  execution 
Of  any  bold  or  noble  enterprise, 
However  he  puts  on  this  tardy  form. 
This  rudenefs  is  a  fauce  to  his  good  wit, 
Which  gives  men  ftomach  to  digeft  his  words 
With  better  appetite. 

B  2 


16  Jolms  Cxfar. 

BRU.    And  fo  it  is. 
For  this  time,  I  will  leave  you, 
To-morrow,  if  you  please  to  fpeak  with  me, 
I  will  come  home  to  you  ;  or,  if  you  will, 
Come  home  to  me,  and  I  will  wait  for  you. 

CAS.     I  will  do  fo  :    'till  then,  think  of  the  world. 

[Exit  BRUTUS, 

Well,  Brutus,  thou  art  noble  :  yet,  I  fee, 
Thy  honourable  metal  may  be  wrought 
From  that  it  is  difpos'd  :  Therefore  'tis  meet 
That  noble  minds  keep  ever  with  their  likes  : 
For  who  fo  firm,  that  cannot  be  feduc'd  ? 
Ceesar  doth  bear  me  hard  ;  but  he  loves  Brutus  : 
If  I  were  Brutus  now,  and  he  were  Caffius, 
He  mould  not  humour  me.     I  will  this  night, 
In  feveral  hands,  in  at  his  windows  throw, 
As  if  they  came  from  feveral  citizens, 
Writings,  all  tending  to  the  great  opinion 
That  Rome  holds  of  his  name  ;  wherein  obfcurely 
C<?sar's  ambition  (hall  be  glanced  at : 
And,   after  this,  let  C<zsar  feat  him  fure  ; 
For  we  will  make  him,  or  worfe  days  endure.      [Exit. 

SCENE  III.   The  fame.     A  Street. 

Thunder  and  Lightning.    Enter,  from  opposite  Sides, 

CICERO,    and  CASCA  with  his 

Sword  drawn. 

Cic.      Good  even,  Cafca:  Brought  you  Ctesar  home? 
Why  are  you  breathlefs  ?  and  why  flare  you  fo  ? 

CASM.  Are  not  you  mov'd,  when  all  the  fway  of  earth 
Shakes,  like  a  thing  unfirm  ?   O  Cicero, 
I  have  feen  tempefts,  when  the  fcolding  winds 


Julius  Caesar.  17 

Have  riv'd  the  knotty  oaks ;  and  I  have  fcen 
The  ambitious  ocean  fwell,  and  rage,   and  foam, 
To  be  exalted  with  the  threat'ning  clouds  : 
But  never  'till  to-night,  never  'till  now, 
Did  I  go  through  a  tempeft  dropping  fire. 
Either  there  is  a  civil  ftrife  in  heaven  ; 
Or  elfe  the  world,  too  faucy  with  the  gods, 
Jncenfes  them  to  fend  deftruftion. 

Cic,     Why,  faw  you  any  thing  more  wonderful  ? 

CA  sc<t.  A  common  flave  (you  know  him  well  by  fight) 
Held  up  his  left  hand,  which  did  flame,  and  burn, 
Like  twenty  torches  joiti'd ;  and  yet  his  hand, 
Not  fenfible  of  fire,  remain'd  unfcorch'd. 
Befides,  (I  have  not  fince  put  up  my  fword) 
Againft  the  capitol  I  met  a  lion, 
Who  glar'd  upon  me,  and  went  furly  by, 
Without  annoying  me :  And  there  were  drawn 
Upon  a  heap  a  hundred  gaftly  women, 
Tranfformed  with  their  fear ;  who  fwore,  they  faw 
Men,  all  in  fire,  walk  up  and  down  the  ftreets. 
And,  yefterday,  the  bird  of  night  did  fit, 
Even  at  noon-day,  upon  the  market-place, 
Hooting,  and  fhrieking.     When  these  prodigies 
Do  fo  conjointly  meet,  let  not  men  fay, 
These  are  their  reasons^  —  They  are  natural ; 
For,  I  believe,  they  are  portentous  things 
Unto  the  climate  that  they  point  upon. 

Cic.     Indeed,  it  is  a  ftrange-difposed  time  : 
But  men  may  conftrue  things  after  their  fafhion, 
Clean  from  the  purpose  of  the  things  themfelves. 
Comes  Cefsar  to  the  capitol  to-morrow  ? 

Cjsca.  He  doth  ;  for  he  did  bid  Antonio 


i"8  Julius  Ca?sar. 

Send  word  to  you,  he  would  be  there  to-morrow. 

Cic.     Good  night  then,   Cafca  :  this  difturbed  fky 
Is  not  to  walk  in. 

Cjisca,  Farewel,  Cicero.  [Exit  CICERO. 

Enter  CASSIUS. 

CAS.     Who's  there? 

C^sca.  A  Roman. 

CAS.     Cafca,  by  your  voice. 

CA  sea.  Your  ear  is  good.    Cafftus,  what  night  is  this  ? 

CAS.     A  very  pleasing  night  to  honeft  men. 

CAS  ea.  Who  ever  knew  the  heavens  menace  fo  ? 

CAS.    Those,  that  have  known  the  earth  fofull  of  faults. 
For  my  part,  I  have  walk'd  about  the  llreets, 
Submitting  me  unto  the  perilous  night ; 
And,  thus  unbraced,  Cafca,  as  you  fee, 
Have  bar'd  my  bosom  to  the  thunder-ftone  : 
And,  when  the  crofs  blue  lightning  feem'd  to  open 
The  breait  of  heaven,   I  did  present  myfelf 
Even  in  the  aim  and  very  flafli  of  it.  [heavens  ? 

CAS«>.  But  wherefore  did  you  fo  much  tempt  the 
It  is  the  part  of  men  to  fear  and  tremble, 
When  the  moft  mighty  gods,   by  tokens,  fend 
Such  dreadful  heralds  to  aftonifti  us. 

CAS.     You  are  dull,  Cafca;  and  those  fparks  of  life, 
Which  mould  be  in  a  Roman,  you  do  want, 
Or  elfe  you  use  not :  You  look  pale,  and  gaze, 
And  put  on  fear,  and  caft  yourfelf  in  wonder, 
To  fee  the  ftrange  impatience  of  the  heavens : 
But  if  you  would  confider  the  true  cause, 
Why  all  these  fires,   why  all  these  gliding  ghofts, 
Why  birds,  and  beafts,  from  quality  and  kind  ; 
Why  old  men,  fools,  and  children,  calculate  ; 


Julius  Cassar.  19 

Why  all  these  things  change,   from  their  ordinance, 
Their  natures,  and  pre-formed  faculties, 
To  monftrous  quality ;  why,  you  (hall  find, 
That  nature  hath  infus'd  them  with  these  fpirits, 
To  make  them  inftruments  of  fear,  and  warning, 
Unto  fome  monftrous  ftate.     Now  could  I  Cafca, 
Name  thee  a  man  moil  like  this  dreadful  night ; 
That  thunders,  lightens,  opens  graves,  and  roars 
As  doth  the  lion  in  the  capitol : 
A  man  no  mightier  than  thyfelf,  or  me, 
In  perfonal  aftion  ;  yet  prodigious  grown, 
And  fearful,   as  these  flrange  eruptions  are. 

CAS'".  'Tis  C<?sar,  that  you  mean  :  Is  it  not,  Caffius? 

CAS.     Lei  it  be  who  it  is  :  for  Romans  now 
Have  thews  and  limbs  like  to  their  anceftors  ; 
But,  woe  the  whiLs!  our  fathers'  minds  are  dead, 
And  we  are  govern'd  with  our  mothers'  fpirits ; 
Our  yoak  and  fufferance  (hew  us  womanifh. 

(Lo^tf.  Indeed,  they  fay,  the  fenators  to-morrow 
Mean  to  eftablifh  Caesar  as  a  king  : 
And  he  mall  wear  his  crown,  by  fea,  and  land, 
In  every  place,  fave  here  in  Italy. 

.CAS.     I  know  where  I  will  wear  this  "j~  dagger  then  ; 
Cafflus  from  bondage  will  deliver  CaJ/jus  : 
Therein,  ye  gods,  you  make  the  weak  moft  ftrong ; 
Therein,  ye  gods,  you  tyrants  do  defeat : 
Nor  ftony  tower,  nor  walls  of  beaten  brafs, 
Nor  airlefs  dungeon,  nor  ftrong  links  of  iron, 
Can  be  retentive  to  the  ftrength  of  fpirit ; 
But  life,  being  weary  of  these  worldly  bars, 
Never  lacks  power  to  difmifs  itfelf. 
If  I  know  this,  know  all  the  world  bcfides, 

7  name  to  thec 


so  Julius  Czsar. 

That  part  of  tyranny,  that  I  do  bear, 
I  can  (hake  off  at  pleasure. 

CAS"*.  So  can  I : 

So  every  bondman  in  his  own  hand  bears 
The  power  to  cancel  his  captivity. 

CAS.     And  why  fhould  Caesar  be  a  tyrant  then  ? 
Poor  man  !  I  know,  he  would  not  be  a  wolf, 
But  that  he  fees,  the  Romans  are  but  fheep  : 
He  were  no  lion,  were  not  Romans  hinds. 
Those  that  with  hafte  will  make  a  mighty  fire, 
Begin  it  with  weak  ftraws  :  What  trafh  is  Rome, 
What  rubbifh,  and  what  offal,  when  it  ferves 
For  the  bafe  matter  to  illuminate 
So  vile  a  thing  as  C<esar?  But,  o,  grief, 
Where  haft  thou  led  me  ?  I,  perhaps,  fpeak  this 
Before  a  willing  bondman  :  then  I  know 
My  anfwer  muft  be  made  :  But  I  am  arm'd, 
And  dangers  are  to  me  indifferent. 

Cjtsca.  You  fpeak  to  Cafca ;  and  to  fuch  a  man, 
That  is  no  flearing  tell-tale.     Hold  my  hand  : 
Be  faftious  for  redrefs  of  all  these  griefs  ; 
And  I  will  fet  this  foot  of  mine  as  far, 
As  who  goes  fartheft. 

CAS.     There's  a  bargain  made. 
Now  know  you,  Cafca,  I  have  mov'd  already 
Some  certain  of  the  noblefl-minded  Romans, 
To  undergo,  with  me,  an  enterprise 
Of  honourable-dang'rous  confequence ; 
And  I  do  know,  by  this,  they  ftay  for  me 
In  Pompey's  porch  :  For  now,  this  fearful  night, 
There  is  no  ftir,  or  walking  in  the  ftreets  ; 
And  the  complexion  of  the  element 


Julias  Caesar.  2i 

Is  favour'd  like  the  work  we  have  in  hand, 
Molt  bloody,   fiery,  and  moft  terrible. 
Enter  CINNA. 

CAW.  Stand  clofe  awhile,  for  here  comes  one  in  hafte. 

CAS.     'Tis  Cinna,  I  do  know  him  by  his  gate; 
He  is  a  friend.  _  Cinna,  where  hafte  you  fo  ? 

CIN.      To  findoutyou :  Who's  that  ?  MetellusCimber? 

CAS.     No,  it  is  Cafca  ;  one  incorporate 
To  our  attempts.     Am  I  not  ftay'd  for,  Cinna  ? 

CIN.      I  am  glad  on't.   What  a  fearful  night  is  this  ? 
There's  two  or  three  of  us  have  feen  ftrange  fights. 

CAS.     Am  I  not  ftay'd  for,  (JTinna  ?    tell  me. 

CIN.     Yes, 

You  are.     O,  Cajfius,  if  you  could  but  win 
The  noble  Brutus  to  our  party  — 

CAS.     Be  you  content:  GoodCinna,  takethis  =f=  paper, 
And  look  you  lay  it  in  the  praetor's  chair, 
Where  Brutus  may  but  find  it ;  and  throw  =f=  this 
In  at  his  window ;  fet  this  ^=  up  with  wax 
Upon  old  Brutus'  ftatue  :  all  this  done, 
Repair  to  Pomfey's  porch,  where  you  mail  find  us. 
Is  Decius  Brutus,  and  Trebonius,   there  ? 

CIN.      All  but  Metellus  Cimber ;  and  he's  gone 
To  feek  you  at  your  houfe.     Well,  I  will  hye, 
And  fo  beftow  these  papers  as  you  bad  me. 

CAS.     That  done,  repair  to  P empty's  theatre. 

[Exit  CINNA. 

Come,  Cafca,  you  and  I  will,  yet,  ere  day, 
See  Brutus  at  his  houfe :  three  parts  of  him 
Is  ours  already ;  and  the  man  entire, 
Upon  the  next  encounter,  yields  him  ours. 

O,  he  fits  high  in  all  the  people's  hearts : 

1  Is  Favors,  lite 


3.1  Julius  Caesar. 

And  that,  which  would  appear  offence  in  us, 
His  countenance,  like  richeft  alchymy, 
Will  change  to  virtue,   and  to  worthinefs. 

CA  s .    Him,  and  his  worth,  and  our  great  need  of  him, 
You  have  right  well  conceited  :  Let  us  go, 
For  it  is  after  midnight ;  and,  ere  day, 
We  will  awake  him,  and  be  fure  of  him.          [Exeunt. 

ACT    II. 

SCENE  I.     The  fame.     BnHus'*  Garden. 
Eater  BRUTUS. 

Bnu.  What,  Lucius,  ho!~ 
I  cannot,  by  the  progrefs  of  the  liars, 
Give  guefs  how  near  to  day.  — Lucius,  I  fay  !  — 
I  would  it  were  my  fault  to  fleep  fo  foundly.  — 
When,  Lucius,  when  ?  Awake,  I  fay :  What,  Lucius } 
Enter  Lucius. 

Lire.    Call'd  you,  my  lord  ? 

BR  u.  Get  me  a  taper  in  my  ftudy,  Lucius  : 
When  it  is  lighted,  come  and  call  me  here. 

Lvc.   I  will,  my  lord.  [Exit. 

BRU.  It  muft  be  by  his  death  :  and,  for  my  part, 
I  know  no  perfonal  cause  to  fpurn  at  him, 
But  for  the  general.     He  would  be  crown'd  :•— 
How  that  might  change  his  nature,  there's  the  queftion. 
Jt  is  the  bright  day,  that  brings  forth  the  adder ; 
And  that  craves  wary  walking.     Crown  him  ?  That ; 
And  then,  I  grant,  we  put  ailing  in  him, 
That  at  his  will  he  may  do  danger  with. 
The  abufe  of  greatnefs  is,  when  it  disjoins 


Julius  Caefar.  23 

Remorfe  from  power  :  And,  to  fpeak  truth  of  Casar, 

I  have  not  known  when  his  affections  fway'd 

More  than  his  reason.     But  'tis  a  common  proof, 

That  lowlinefs  is  young  ambition's  ladder, 

Whereto  the  climber-upward  turns  his  face : 

But  when  he  once  attains  the  upmoft  round, 

He  then  unto  the  ladder  turns  his  back  ; 

Looks  in  the  clouds,   fcorning  the  bafe  degrees 

By  which  he  did  afcend  :  So  Casar  may ; 

Then,  left  he  may,  prevent.     And,  fince  the  quarrel 

Will  bear  no  colour  for  the  thing  he  is, 

Fafhion  it  thus ;  that  what  he  is,  augmented, 

Would  run  to  these,  and  these  extremities  : 

And  therefore  think  him  as  a  ferpent's  egg, 

Which,  hatch'd,  would,  as  his  kind,  grow  mifchievous; 

And  kill  him  in  the  fhell. 

Re-enter  Lucius. 

Luc.   The  taper  burneth  in  your  closet,  fir. 
Searching  the  window  for  a  flint,  I  found 
This  =}=  paper,  thus  feal'd  up  ;  and,  I  am  fure, 
It  did  not  lye  there,  when  I  went  to  bed. 

BRU.  Get  you  to  bed  again,  it  is  not  day. 
Is  not  to-morrow,  boy,  the  ides  of  March? 

Luc,   I  know  not,  fir. 

ERU.  Look  in  the  calendar,  and  bring  me  word. 

Luc.    I  will,  fir.  [Exit. 

BRU.  The  exhalations,  whizzing  in  the  air, 
Give  fo  much  light,  that  I  may  read  by  them. 

reads\  Brutus  thou  Jleep'Jl ;  awake,  and  fee  thy/elf. 

Shall  Rome    -f-    -t-    -f-    4-   Speak,  Jlrike,  redrej's. 

Brutus,  thou  Jleep'Jl ;  awake, 

Such  inftigations  have  been  often  drop'd, 

*l  the  firft  of 


24  Julias  Caefar. 

Where  I  have  took  them  up. 

Shall  Rome  — Thus  muft  I  piece  it  out ; 

Shall  Rome  ftand  under  one  man's  awe?  What,  Rome? 

My  anceftors  did  from  the  ftreets  of  Rome 

The  Tarquin  drive,  when  he  was  call'd  a  king. 

Speak,  Jfrike,  redrefs.  —  Am  I  entreated 

To  fpeak,  and  ftrike  ?  O  Roma,  I  make  thee  promise, 

If  the  redrefs  will  follow,  thou  receiveft 

Thy  full  petition  at  the  hand  of  Brutus. 

Re-enter  Lucius.  'within. 

Luc.   Sir,    March  is  wafted  fourteen  days.   [Knock 

BRU.  'Tis  good.    Go  to  the  gate ;  fomebody  knocks. 

[Exit  Lucius. 

Since  CaJ/ius  firft  did  whet  me  again  ft  Ctesar, 
J  have  not  flept. 

Between  the  a&ing  of  a  dreadful  thing, 
And  the  firft  morion,  all  the  interim  is 
Like  a  phantasma,  or  a  hideous  dream  : 
The  genius,  and  the  mortal  inftruments, 
Are  then  in  council ;  and  the  ftate  of  man, 
Like  to  a  little  kingdom,  fuffers  then 
The  nature  of  an  infurreclion. 

Re-enter  Lucius. 

Luc.   Sir,  'tis  your  brother  Caffjus  at  the  door, 
Who  doth  desire  to  fee  you. 

BRU.  Is  he  alone  ? 

Luc.   No,  fir,  there  are  more  with  him. 

BRU.  Do  you  know  them  ? 

Luc.   No,  fir;  their  hats  are  pluckt  about  their  ears, 
And  half  their  faces  bury'd  in  their  cloaks, 
That  by  no  means  I  may  difcover  them 
By  any  mark  of  favour. 

11  fiftecnc  days 


Julius  Czefar  2J 

BRV.    Let  them  enter.  [Exit  Lucius. 

They  are  the  faftion.     O  confpiracy, 
Sham'ft  thou  to  fhow  thy  dangerous  brow  by  night, 
When  evils  are  mod  free  ?  O,  then,  by  day, 
Where  wilt  thou  find  a  cavern  dark  enough, 
To  mafk  thy  monftrous  visage  ?  Seek  none,  conspiracy; 
Hide  it  in  fmiles,  and  affability  : 
Fof  if  thou  path,  thy  native  femblance  on, 
Not  Erebus  itfelf  were  dim  enough 
To  hide  thee  from  prevention. 

Enter  CASSIUS,  CASCA,  DECIUS,  CINNA, 
METELLUS,  ^«</TREBONIUS. 

CAS.     I  think,  we  are  too  bold  upon  your  reft  : 
Good  morrow,  Brutus',  Do  we  trouble  you  ? 

BR  u.     I  have  been  up  this  hour  ;  awake,  all  night. 
Know  I  these  men,  that  come  along  with  you  ? 

CAS.     Yes,  every  man  of  them  ;  and  no  man  here, 
But  honours  you  :  and  every  one  doth  wiih, 
You  had  but  that  opinion  of  yourfelf, 
Which  every  noble  Reman  bears  of  you. 
This  is  Trebonius. 

BRU.     He  is  welcome  hither. 

CAS.     This,  Decius  Brutus. 

BRU.     He  is  welcome  too.  [Cimber. 

CAS.     This,  Cafca;  Cinna,  this;  and  this,  Metellut 

BRU.     They  are  all  welcome. 
What  watchful  cares  do  interpose  themfelves 
Betwixt  your  eyes  and  night  ? 

CA  s .     Shall  I  entreat  a  word  ?  [converfe  apart. 

DEC.     Here  lyes  the  eaft:  Doth  not  the  day  break  here? 

CAS".  No. 

Citf.    O,  pardon,  fir,  it  doth ;  and  yon  grey  lines, 

*S  this,  Cir.xa 


*6  Julius  Casfar. 

That  fret  the  clouds,  are  meflengers  of  day. 

CJSM.  You  mall  confefs,  that  you  are  both  deceiv'd. 
Here,  as  I  point  my  fword,  the  fun  arises  ; 
Which  is  a  great  way  growing  on  the  fouth, 
Weighing  the  youthful  feason  of  the  year. 
Some  two  months  hence,  up  higher  toward  the  north 
He  firft  presents  his  fire ;    and  the  high  eafl 
Stands,  as  the  capitol,   direftly  here. 

J?RU.    Give  me  your  hands  all  over,  one  by  one. 

Cjts.    And  let  us  fwear  our  resolution. 

BR IT.   No,  not  an  oath  :  If  not  the  face  of  men, 
The  fufferance  of  our  fouls,  the  time's  abufe,— 
If  these  be  motives  weak,  break  off  betimes, 
And  every  man  hence  to  his  idle  bed  ; 
So  let  high-fighted  tyranny  range  on, 
'Till  each  man  drop  by  lottery.     But  if  these, 
As  I  am  fure  they  do,   bear  fire  enough 
To  kindle  cowards,  and  to  Heel  with  valour 
The  melting  fpirits  of  women  ;  then,  countrymen, 
What  need  we  any  fpur,  but  our  own  cause, 
To  prick  us  to  redrefs  ?  what  other  bond, 
Than  fecret  Romans,  that  have  fpoke  the  word, 
And  will  not  palter  ?  and  what  other  oath, 
Than  honefty  to  honefty  engag'd, 
That  this  mail  be,  or  we  will  fall  for  it  ? 
Swear  priefts,  and  cowards,  and  men  cautelous, 
Old  feeble  carrions,  and  fuch  fuffering  fouls 
That  welcome  wrongs ;   unto  bad  causes  fwear 
Such  creatures  as  men  doubt :  but  do  not  ftain 
The  even  virtue  of  our  enterprise, 
Nor  the  infuppreflive  mettle  of  our  fpirits, 
To  think,  that,  or  our  cause,  or  our  performance, 


Julius  Caefar.  zj 

Did  need  an  oath  ;   when  every  drop  of  blood, 

That  every  Roman  bears,  and  nobly  bears, 

Is  guilty  of  a  feveral  baftardy, 

If  he  do  break  the  fmalleft  particle 

Of  any  promise  that  hath  paft  from  him. 

CAS.     But  what  of  Cicero  ?  Shall  we  found  him  ? 
I  think,   he  will  ftand  very  ftrong  with  us. 

CA$™,  Let  us  not  leave  him  out. 

CIN.     No,  by  no  means. 

MET.    O,  let  us  have  him  ;    for  his  filver  hairs 
Will  purchafe  us  a  good  opinion, 
And  bay  men's  voices  to  commend  our  deeds : 
It  mall  be  faid,   his  judgment  rul'd  our  hands  ; 
Our  youths,  and  wildnefs,  ftiall  no  whit  appear, 
But  all  be  bury'd  in  his  gravity. 

BRU.     O,  name  him  not :  let  us  not  break  with  him; 
For  he  will  never  follow  any  thing 
That  other  men  begin. 

CAS.     Then  leave  him  out. 

CAS'".  Indeed,  he  is  not  fit. 

DEC.     Shall  no  man  elfe  be  toirch'd,  butoniy  Cetsar? 

CAS.     Dta'us,  well  urg'd  : I  think,  it  is  not  meet, 

Mark  Antony,  fo  well  belov'd  of  Caesar, 
Should  out-live  C&sar  :  We  fhall  find  of  him 
A  mrewd  contriver ;  and,  you  know,  his  means, 
If  he  improve  them,  may  well  ftretch  fo  far, 
As  to  annoy  us  all :  which  to  prevent, 
Let  Antony,  and  Casar,   fall  together. 

BRU.    Our  courfe  will  leem  too  bloody,  CaiusCaffia;v 
To  cut  the  head  off,  and  then  hack  the  limbs ; 
Like  wrath  in  death,  and  envy  afterwards  ; 
For  Antony  is  but  a  limb  of  Casar. 


28  Julius  Caesar. 

Let  us  be  facrificers,  but  not  butchers,  Caiitf* 
We  all  ftand  up  againft  the  fpirit  of  Caesar ; 
And  in  the  fpirit  of  men  there  is  no  blood  : 
O,  that  we  then  could  come  by  Cottar's  fpirit, 
And  not  difmember  C<esar !  But,  alas, 
^Ca'sar  muft  bleed  for  it :  And,  gentle  friends, 
Let's  kill  him  boldly,  but  not  wrathfully  ; 
Let's  carve  him  as  a  dim  fit  for  the  gods, 
Not  hew  him  as  a  carcafs  fit  for  hounds  : 
And  let  our  hearts,  as  fubtle  matters  do, 
Stir  up  their  fervants  to  an  aft  of  rage, 
And  after  feem  to  chide  them.     This  mail  make 
Our  purpose  neceflkry,   and  not  envious  : 
Which  fo  appearing  to  the  common  eyes, 
We  fhall  be  call'd  purgers,  not  murderers. 
And  for  Mark  Antony,  think  not  of  him ; 
For  he  can  do  no  more  than  C&sar's  arm, 
When  Ca-sar's  head  is  off. 

Crfs.     Yet  I  too  fear  him  : 
For  in  the  engrafted  love  he  bears  to  C<esar,  — 

BRU.     Alas,  good  Caflius,  do  not  think  of  him  : 
If  he  love  Ctesar,  all  that  he  can  do 
Is  to  himfelf ;  take  thought,   and  dye  for  Casar  : 
And  that  were  much  he  mould  ;  for  he  is  given 
To  fports,  to  wildnefs,  and  much  company. 

TKE.     There  is  no  fear  in  him  ;  let  him  not  dye  ; 
For  he  will  live,  and  laugh  at  this  hereafter. 

BRU.    Peace,  count  the  clock.  \Clockfirikes. 

Cjs.     The  clock  hath  ftricken  three. 

VRE.     'Tis  time  to  part. 

Cjs.     But  it  is  doubtful  yet, 
Whe'r  Catar  will  come  forth  to-day,  or  no  ; 


Julius  Cassar.  29 

For  he  Is  fuperftitious  grown  of  late  ; 
Quite  from  the  main  opinion  he  held  once 
Of  fantafy,  of  dreams,  and  ceremonies : 
It  may  be,  these  apparent  prodigies, 
The  unaccuftom'd  terror  of  this  night> 
And  the  perfuasion  of  his  augurers, 
May  hold  him  from  the  capitol  to-day. 

DEC.    Never  fear  that :  If  he  be  fo  resolv'd, 
J  can  o'er-fvvay  him  :  for  he  loves  to  hear, 
That  unicorns  may  be  betray'd  with  trees, 
And  bears  with  glafles,  elephants  with  holes, 
Lions  with  toils,  and  men  with  flatterers : 
But,  when  I  tell  him,  he  hates  flatterers, 
He  fays,  he  does ;  being  then  moft  flattered. 
Let  me  work  : 

For  I  can  give  his  humour  the  true  bent; 
And  I  will  bring  him  to  the  capitol. 

CAS.    Nay,  we  will  all  of  us  be  there  to  fetch  him. 

BRU.    By  the  eighth  hour  ;  Is  that  the  uttermoft  ? 

CIN.    Be  that  the  uttermoft,  and  fail  not  then. 

MET.   Caius  Ligarius  doth  bear  C<esar  hatred, 
Who  rated  him  for  fpeaking  well  of  Pompey  ; 
I  wonder,   none  of  you  have  thought  of  him. 

BRU.    Now,  good  Metsllus,  go  along  to  him  : 
He  loves  me  well,  and  I  have  given  him  reasons ; 
Send  him  but  hither,  and  I'll  fafhion  him.      [Brutus;-. 

CAS.  The  morning  comes  upon  us :  We'll  leave  you, 
And,  friends,  difperfe  yourfelves  :  but  all  remember 
What  you  have  faid,  and  (hew  yourfelves  true  Romans. 

BRU.  Good  gentlemen,   look  frefh  and  merrily; 
Let  not  our  looks  put  on  our  purposes ; 
Rut  bear  it  as  our  Roman  aftors  do, 

*+  along  by  him 
VOL.  VHI.  C 


3 3  Julius  Caesar. 

With  untir'd  fpirits,  and  formal  conflancy  : 
And  fo,  good  morrow  to  you  every  one. 

{Exeunt  All  but  BrutUS-. 
Boy !  Lucius  !  Faft  afleep  ?  It  is  no  matter  ; 
Enjoy  the  honey-heavy  dew  of  {lumber : 
Thou  haft  no  figures,  nor  no  fantafies, 
Which  busy  care  draws  in  the  brains  of  men  ; 
Therefore  thou  fleep'ft  fo  found. 

Enter  PORTIA. 

Pt>R.  Brutus,  my  lord.  [now? 

BRU.  Portia,  what  mean  you  ?    Whetefore  rise  you 
It  is  not  for  your  health,    thus  to  commit 
Your  weak  condition  to  the  raw  cold  morning. 

FOR.  Nor  for  yours  neither.  You've  ungently,  Brutut, 
Stole  from  my  bed :  And  yefternight,   at  fupper, 
You  fuddenly  arose,   and  walk'd  about, 
Musing,  and  fighing,  with  your  arms  acrofs  : 
And  when  I  alk'd  you  what  the  matter  was, 
You  ftar'd  upon  me  with  ungentle  looks  : 
I  urg'd  you  further ;  then  you  fcratch'd  your  head, 
And  too  impatiently  ftamp'd  with  your  foot : 
Yet  I  infifted,  yet  you  anfwer'd  not; 
But,  with  an  angry  wafture  of  your  hand, 
Gave  fign  for  me  to  leave  you  :  So  I  did ; 
Fearing  to  ftrengthen  that  impatience, 
Which  feem'd  too  much  enkindl'd  ;  and,   withal, 
Hoping  it  was  but  an  effecl  of  humour, 
Which  fometime  hath  his  hour  with  every  man. 
It  will  not  let  you  eat,  nor  talk,  nor  fleep  ; 
And,   could  it  work  fo  much  upon  your  fhape* 
As  it  hath  much  prevail'd  on  your  condition, 
I  (hould  not  know  you,  Brutus*     Dear  my  lord, 


Julius  C«esar.  gi 

Make  me  acquainted  with  your  cause  of  grief. 

BRU.  I  am  not  well  in  health,  and  that  is  all. 

POR.  Brutus  is  wise,  and,  were  he  not  in  health, 
He  would  embrace  the  means  to  come  by  it. 

BRU.  Why,  fo  I  do:  Good  Portia,  go  to  bed. 

POR.  Is  Brutus  fick  ;  and  is  it  physical, 
To  walk  unbraced,  and  fuck  up  the  humours 
Of  the  dank  morning  ?  What,  is  Brutus  fick  ; 
And  will  he  fteal  out  of  his  wholfome  bed, 
To  dare  the  vile  contagion  of  the  night  ? 
And  tempt  the  rheumy  and  unpurged  air 
To  add  unto  his  ficknefs  ?  No,  my  Brutus  ; 
You  have  fome  fick  offence  within  your  mind, 
Which,   by  the  right  and  virtue  of  my  place, 
T  ought  to  know  of:  And,  upon  my  knees, 
I  charm  you,  by  my  once  commended  beauty, 
By  all  your  vows  of  love,  and  that  great  vow 
Which  did  incorporate  and  make  us  one, 
That  you  unfold  to  me,  yourfelf,  your  half, 
Why  you  are  heavy  ;  and  what  men  to-night 
Have  had  resort  to  you  :  for  here  have  been 
Some  fix  or  feven,  who  did  hide  their  faces 
Even  from  darknefs. 

£RU.  Kneel  not,  gentle  Portia.  [raising  her, 

POR.  I  mould  not  need,  if  you  were  gentle  Brutus, 
Within  the  bond  of  marriage,   tell  me,  Jirutus, 
Is  it  excepted,  I  mould  know  no  fecrets 
That  appertain  to  you  ?  Am  I  your  felf, 
But,  as  it  were,  in  fort,  or  limitation; 
To  keep  with  you  at  meals,  comfort  your  bed, 
And  talk  to  you  fometimes  ?  Dwell  I  but  in  the  fuburbs 
Of  your  good  pleasure  ?  If  it  be  no  more, 

C    2 


32  Julias  Czsar. 

Portia  is  Brutus'  harlot,  not  his  wife. 

BRU.  You  are  my  true  and  honourable  wife ; 
As  dear  to  me,  as  are  the  ruddy  drops 
That  visit  my  fad  heart. 

FOR.  If  this  were  true,  then  fhould  I  know  this  fecrct, 
I  grant,  I  am  a  woman  ;  but,  withal, 
A  woman  that  lord  Brutus  took  to  wife  : 
I  grant,  I  am  a  woman  ;  but,  withal, 
A  woman  well-reputed,  Ca/c's  daughter  : 
Think  you,  I  am  no  flronger  than  my  fex, 
Being  fo  father'd,  and  fo  husbanded  ? 
Tell  me  your  counfels,  I  will  not  difclose  them : 
I  have  made  ftrong  proof  of  my  conftancy, 
Giving  myfelf  a  voluntary  wound 
Here,  in  the  thigh  :  Can  [  bear  that  with  patience, 
And  not  my  husband's  fecrets  ? 

BRU.  O  ye  gods, 

Render  me  worthy  of  this  noble  wife  !     [Knock  within. 
Hark,  hark!  one  knocks:  Portia,  go  in  awhile; 
And  by  and  by  thy  bosom  (hall  partake 
The  fecrets  of  my  heart. 
All  my  engagements  I  will  conftrue  to  thee, 
All  the  characlery  of  my  fad  brows : 
Leave  me  with  hafte.  [Exit  PORTIA. 

Enter  Lucius,  and  LIGARIUS. 
Lucius,  who's  that  tfjat  knocks  ? 

Luc,  Here  is  a  fick  man,  that  would  fpeak  with  you. 

BRU.  "  Caius  Ligarius,  that  Metellui  fpake  of." 

Boy,  ftand  afide [Exit  Luc.]    Caius  Ligarius,  how  ? 

LIG.  Vouchfafe  good  morrow  from  a  feeble  tongue. 

BR  u.  O,  what  a  time  have  you  chose  out,  brave  Caius, 
To  wear  a  kerchief;  'Would  you  were  not  fick ! 


Julius  Caesar.  33 

LIG.  I  am  not  fick,  if  Brutus  have  in  hand 
Any  exploit  worthy  the  name  of  honour. 

BRU.  Such  an  exploit  have  I  in  hand,  Ligariut, 
Had  you  a  healthful  ear  to  hear  of  it. 

LIG.  By  all  the  gods  that  Romans  bow  before, 
I  here  difcard  my  ficknefs.     Soul  of  Rome, 
Brave  fon,  deriv'd  from  honourable  loins, 
Thou,  like  an  exorcift,  haft  conjur'd  up 
My  mortified  fpirit.     Now  bid  me  run, 
And  I  will  ftrive  with  things  impoffible ; 
Yea,  get  the  better  of  them.     What's  to  do  ? 

BRU.  A  piece  of  work,  that  will  make  fick  men  whole. 

LIG  .   But  are  not  fome  whole,  that  we  muft  make  fick  ? 

BRU.  That  muft  we  alfo.     What  it  is,  my  Caius, 
I  mail  unfold  to  thee,  as  we  are  going 
To  whom  it  muft  be  done. 

LIG.    Set  on  your  foot; 
And,  with  a  heart  new-fir'd,  I  follow  you, 
To  do  I  know  not  what :  but  it  fufficeth, 
That  Brutus  leads  me  on. 

BRU.  Follow  me  then.  [Exeunt, 

SCENE  II.  The  fame.  A  Room  in  Caesar's  Palace. 

Thunder  and  Lightning.     Enter  C./ESAR. 
CMS.  Nor  heaven,  nor  earth,  have  been  at  peace  to- 
Thrice  hath  Calphurnia  in  her  fleep  cry'd  out,      [night; 
Help,  ho  !  They  murder  Casar.     Who's  within  ? 

Enter  a  Servant. 
Ser.      My  lord  ? 

C/ES.  Go  bid  the  priefts  do  present  facrifice,, 
And  bring  me  their  opinions  of  fuccefs. 

$er.     I  will,  my  lord.  [Exit  Servant. 


34  Julius  Caesar. 

Enter  CALPHURNIA.  [forth? 

CAL.  What  mean  you,  Ceesar?  Think  you  to  walk 
You  fliall  not  itir  out  of  your  houfe  to-day.  [me 

C&s.  Ceesar  mall  forth  :  the  things  that  threaten'd 
Ne'er  look'd  but  on  my  back  ;  when  they  ihall  fee 
The  face  of  Casar,  they  are  vanilhed. 

CAL.  C<esar,  I  never  ftood  on  ceremonies, 
Yet  now  they  fright  me.     There  is  one  within, 
Befides  the  things  that  we  have  heard  and  feen, 
Recounts  moft  horrid  fights  feen  by  the  watch. 
A  lionefs  hath  whelped  in  the  ftreets ; 
And  graves  have  yawn'd,  and  yielded  up  their  dead  : 
Fierce  fiery  warriors  fight  upon  the  clouds, 
In  ranks,  and  fquadrons,  and  right  form  of  war, 
Which  drizel'd  blood  upon  the  capitol : 
The  noise  of  battle  hurtl'd  in  the  air, 
Horfes  did  neigh,  and  dying  men  did  groan  ; 
And  gholts  did  fhriek,  and  fqueal  about  the  ftreets. 
O  C<esar,  these  things  are  beyond  all  ufe, 
And  I  do  fear  them. 

CJES.  What  can  be  avoided, 
Whose  end  is  purpos'd  by  the  mighty  gods  ? 
Yet  Ceaar  fhall  go  forth  :  for  these  predictions 
Are  to  the  world  in  general,   as  to  Caaar. 

CAL.  When  beggars  dye,  there  are  no  comets  feen  ; 
The  heavens  themfelves  blaze  forth  the  death  of  prince- . 

CxES.  Cowards  dye  many  times  before  their  deaths ; 
The  valiant  never  tafte  of  death  but  once. 
Of  all  the  wonders  that  I  yet  have  heard, 
It  feems  to  me  moft  flrange  that  men  Ihould  fear; 
Seeing  that  death,  a  neceffary  end, 
Will  come,  when  it  will  coine. 


Julius  Cassar.  315 

Re-enter  Servant. 
What  fay  the  augurers  ? 

Ser.     They  would  not  have  you  to  flir  forth  to-day. 
Plucking  the  entrails  of  an  offering  forth, 
They  could  not  find  a  heart  within  the  beaft. 

CMS.  The  gods  do  this  in  fliame  of  cowardice  : 
Ctesar  mould  be  a  beaft  without  a  heart, 
Jf  he  fhould  flay  at  home  to-day  for  fear. 
No,   C&sar  (hall  not :  Danger  knows  full  well, 
That  Ctesar  is  more  dangerous  than  he. 
We  are  two  lions  litter'd  in  one  day, 
And  I  the  elder  and  more  terrible; 
And  Caesar  fhall  go  forth. 

CAL.  Alas,  my  lord, 
Your  wisdom  is  confum'd  in  confidence. 
Do  not  go  forth  to-day  :  Call  it  my  fear, 
That  keeps  you  in  the  houfe,  and  not  your  own. 
WV11  fend  Mark  Antony  to  the  fenate-houfe ; 
And  he  fhall  fay,    you  are  not  well  to-day  : 
Let  me,  upon  my  knee,  prevail  in  this. 

CM  s .  Mark  Antony  fhall  fay,  t  am  not  well  ; 
And,  for  thy  humour,    I  will  flay  at  home. 

Enter  DECIUS. 
Here's  Decius  Brutus,   he  fhall  tell  them  fo. 

DEC.   C&sar,  all  hail !  Good  morrow,  worthy  Ctssar: 
I  come  to  fetch  you  to  the  fenate-houfe. 

CMS.  And  you  are  come  in  very  happy  time, 
To  bear  my  greeting  to  the  fenators, 
And  tell  them,   that  I  will  not  come  to-day  : 
Cannot,  is  falfe  ;    and  that  I  dare  net,  falfer ; 
I  will  not  come  to-day,  tell  them  fo,  Decins. 

CAI.  Say,  he  is  fick. 

"  We  heare  two 


36  Julius  Caesar. 

C/ES.  Shall  C*sar  fend  a  lye? 
Have  I  in  conqueft  ftretch'd  mine  arm  fo  far, 
To  be  afear'd  to  tell  gray-beards  the  truth  ?  _ 
Deciui,  go  tell  them,    Caiar  will  not  come. 

DEC.  Moft  mighty  Casar,  let  me  know  fome  cause, 
Left  I  be  laugh'd  at,  when  I  tell  them  fo. 

Cxss.  The  cause  is  in  my  will,  I  will  not  come ; 
That  is  enough  to  fatiffy  the  fenate. 
But,  for, your  private  fatiffaclion, 
Because  I  love  you,   I  will  let  you  know. 
Calpburnia  here,  my  wife,  flays  me  at  home : 
She  dreamt  to-night,  (he  faw  my  ftatue,  sDceitw, 
Which,  like  a  fountain,   with  a  hundred  fpouts 
Did  run  pure  blood  ;   and  many  lufty  Romans 
Came  fmiling,    and  did  bath  their  hands  in  it  : 
And  these  does  me  apply  for  warnings,  portents 
Of  evils  imminent ;  and  on  her  knee 
Hath  beg'd,  that  I  will  ftay  at  home  to-day. 

DfC.  This  dream  is  all  amifs  interpreted ; 
ft  was  a  vision,  fair  and  fortunate  : 
Your  ftatue  fpouting  blood  in  many  pipes, 
]n  which  fo  many  fmiUng  Reanans  bath'd, 
Signifies,  that  from  you  great  Rome  fhall  fuck 
Reviving  blood ;  and  that  great  men-  fhall  prefs 
For  tinctures,  ftains,  relicks,  and  cognisance. 
This  by  CalphurnieCs  dream  is  lignity'd. 

C«s.  And  this  way  have  you  well  expounded  it. 

DEC.  I  have,  when  you  have  heard  what  I  can  fay : 
And  know  it  now;  The  fenate  have  concluded 
To  give,   this  day,  a  crown  to  mighty  Caesar. 
If  you  fhall  fend  them  word,  you  will  not  come, 
Their  minds  may  change.     Befides,  it  were  a  mock 

16  warnings  and  portents,     17  And  evils 


Julius  Cjesar.  37 

Apt  to  be  render'd,  for  fome  one  to  fay, 

Break  up  the  fenate  'till  another  time, 

When  Caesar's  nvife  Jhall  meet  with  letter  dreams. 

If  C<fsar  hide  himfelf,  malt  they  not  whifper, 

Lo,   Caesar  is  afraid? 

Pardon  me,   Ceesar;   for  my  dear,   dear,  love 

To  your  proceeding  bids  me  tell  you  this  ; 

And  reason  to  my  love  is  liable. 

CM  s .  How  foolim  do  your  fears  feem  now,  Calphurnia  ? 

I  am  afhamed  I  did  yield  to  them 

Give  me  my  robe,  for  I  will  go  :_-  [to  an  Att: 

Enter  PUBLIUS,   LIGARIUS,   BR.UTUS,  CASCA, 

CINKA,  METELLUS,  «W  TREBONIUS. 
And  look  where  Publius  is  come  to  fetch  me. 

PUB.  Good  morrow,  Caesar. 

(Lc*.  Welcome,  Publius.-. 
What,  Brutus,  are  you  ftir'd  fo  early  too  r  _ 
Good  morrow,  Cafca — Caius  Ligarius, 
Ceesar  was  ne'er  fo  much  your  enemy, 

As  that  fame  ague  which  hath  made  you  lean. 

What  is't  o'clock  ? 

BRU.    Ca:sar,  'tis  ftrucken  eight. 

Cy£s.  I  thank  you  for  your  pains  and  courtefy. 

Enter  ANTONY. 

See  !  Antony,  that  revels  long  o'nights, 
Is  notwithftanding  up: —  Good  morrow,   Antony. 

ANT.  So  to  moft  noble  dtsar. 

C&.  s.  Bid  them  prepare  within  :  _  [to  an  Att : 

I  am  to  blame  to  be  thus  waited  for._ 
Now,   Cz/mrf.-_Now,  Metellus :  —  What,  Trebonius  ! 
I  have  an  hour's  talk  in  flore  for  you ; 
Remember  that  you  call  on  me  to-day  : 


38  Julius  Cassar. 

Be  near  me,  that  I  may  remember  you. 

TRZ.  Ceesar,  I  will :  "  and  fo  near  will  I  be, 
"  That  your  befl  friends  mall  wifh  I  had  been  further." 

CJES.  Good  friends,  go  in,  and  tafte  fome  wine  with 
And  we,  like  friends,  will  ftraitway  go  together,  [me ; 

BRU.  "  That  every  like  is  not  the  fame,  o  C<esar," 
"  The  heart  of  Brutus  yearns  to  think  upon."  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  III.     The  fame.    Street  near  the  Capitol. 
Enter  ARTEMIDORUS. 

ART.  [reads.]  Caesar,  beware  of  Brutus;  take  heed 
of  Caflius  ;  come  not  near  Cafca ;  have  an  eye  to  Cinna  ; 
truft  not  Trebonius  ;  mark  well  Metellus  Cimber : 
Decius  Brutus  loves  thee  not ;  thou  baft  wrong  d  Caius 
Ligarius.  'There  is  but  one  mind  in  all  these  men,  and 
it  is  bent  againft  Caesar :  If  thou  beejl  not  immortal,  look 
about  you:  Security  gives  <way  to  confpiracy.  The  mighty 
gods  defend  thee  ! 

Thy  lover,  Artemidorus. 
Here  will  I  ftand,  'till  Ceesar  pafs  along, 
And  as  a  fuitor  will  I  give  him  this. 
My  heart  laments,  that  virtue  cannot  live 
Out  of  the  teeth  of  emulation. 
If  thou  read  this,  oCtesar,   thou  may'ft  live; 
If  not,  the  fates  with  traitors  do  contrive.  [Exit. 

SCENE  IV.     r he  fame.     Another  Part  of  the 
fame  Street,  before  Brutus'j  Houfe. 

Enter  PORTIA,  and  Lucius. 
FOR.  I  pr'ythee,  boy,  run  to  the  fenate-houfe ; 
Stay  not  to  anfwer  me,  but  get  thee  gone : 
Why  doft  thou  Jlay  ? 


Julius  Cassar.  39 

Luc.  To  know  my  errand,  madam. 

Pox.  I  would  have  had  thee  there,  and  here  again, 
Ere  I  can  tell  thee  what  thou  fhould'ft  do  there.— 
"  O  conftancy,  be  ftrong  upon  my  fide!" 
"  Set  a  huge  mountain  'tween  my  heart  and  tongue  !  " 
"  I  have  a  man's  mind,  but  a  woman's  heart." 
"How  hard  it  is,    for  women  to  keep  counfell"_ 
Art  thou  here  yet  ? 

Luc.  Madam,  what  fhould  I  do  ? 
Run 'to  the  capitol,    and  nothing  elfe  ? 
And  fo  return  to  you,  and  nothing  elfe  ? 

FOR.  Yes,  bring  me  word,  boy,  if  thy  lord  look  well, 
For  he  went  fickly  forth  :   And  take  good  note, 
What  C<esar  doth,    what  fuitors  prefs  to  him. 
Hark,  boy  !  what  noise  is  that  -? 

Luc.  I  hear  none,   madam. 

FOR.  Pr'ythee,  liilen  well : 
I  heard  a  buftling  rumour,  like  a  fray, 
And  the  wind  brings  it  from  the  capitol. 

Luc.  Sooth,  madam,  I  hear  nothing. 
Enter  Soothfayer. 

FOR.  Come  hither,  fellow: 
Which  way  haft  thou  been  ? 

Seo.     At  mine  own  houfe,  good  lady. 

FOR.  What  is't  o'clock? 

Soo.     About  the  ninth  hour,  lady, 

FOR.  Is  Ceesar  yet  gone  to  the  capitol  ? 

Soo.     Madam,  not  yet ;   I  go  to  take  my  Hand, 
To  fee  him  pafs  on  to  the  capitol. 

FOR.  Thou  haft  fome  fuit  to  C,?sar,  haft  thou  not? 

Soo.    That  I  have,  lady,  if  it  will  please  C<xsar 
To  be  fo  good  to  G<esar,  as  to  hear  me  : 


4o  Julius  Caesar. 

I  (hall  befeech  him  to  befriend  himfelf.      [wards  him  ? 
POR.  Why,    know'ft  thou  any  harm's  intended  to- 
Soo.    None  that  I  know  will  be,  much  that  I  fear  may 
Good-morrow  to  you.  Here  the  itreet  is  narrow:  [chance. 
The  throng  that  follows  Ctrsar  at  the  heels, 
Of  fenators,  of  prastors,  common  fuitors, 
Will  crowd  a  feeble  man  almoft  to  death  : 
I'll  get  me  to  a  place  more  void,  and  there 
Speak  to  great  C<esar  as  he  comes  along.  [Exit. 

POR.  I  muft  go  in.     "  Ay  me!  how  weak  a  thing" 
"  The  heart  of  woman  is !  O  Brutus,  'Brutus," 
"  The  heavens  fpeed  thee  in  thine  enterprise  ! " 
"  Sure,  the  boy  heard  me  :"  Brutus  hath  a  fuit, 
That  Caesar  will  not  grant.     O,  I  grow  faint  :_ 
Run,  Lucius,  and  commend  me  to  my  lord ; 
Say,  1  am  merry:  come  to  me  again, 
And  bring  me  word  what  he  doth  fay  to  thee. 

AC*    III. 

SCENEl.     7 he  fame.    The  Capital: 

Senate  fitting.    In  the  Entrance,    and  amid  a  Throng  of 

People,  ARTEMIDORUS,  and  the  Soothfayer.  Flourijh,  and 

Enter  C^SAR,  attended'^  BRUTUS,  CASSIUS,  CASCA, 

CINNA,  DECIUS,  METELLUS,  and  TREBONIUS  ; 

PO^ILIUS,  PUBLIUS,  Lepidus, 

Antony,  and  Gibers. 

C/ES.  The  ides  of  March  are  come. 

Soo.      Ay,  Ctesar ;  but  not  gone. 

ART.  Hail,  C&sar!  Read  this  =}=  fchedule. 

DEC.  Trebonius  doth  desire  you  to  o'er- read, 


Julius  Ca*sar.  41 

At  your  belt  leisure,  this  =f  his  humble  fuit. 

ART .  O,  Casar,  read  mine  firft  ;  for  mine's  a  fuit 
That  touches  Ccesar  nearer  :  Read  it,  great  Casar. 
C^s.  What  touches  us  ourfelf,  (hall  be  laft  ferv'd. 
4&r,  Delay  not,  C<esar;  read  it  inftantly. 
CMS.  What,  is  the  fellow  mad  ? 
PUB.  Sirrah,  give  place. 

CAS.  What,   urge  you  your  petitions  in  the  frreet  ? 
Come  to  the  capitol.  [Artemidorus  is  pujtfd 

back,    Czesar,  and  the  reft,  enter  the  Senate :  'The 
Senate  rises.      Popilius  prejjes  forward  to  fpeak 
to  Czesar  ;  arid  pajfing  Caflius,  fays, 
Pop,    I  wifti,  to-day  your  enterprise  may  thrive. 
CAS.   What  enterprise,  Popilius? 
POP.    Fare  you  well,     [leaves  him,  and  joins  Caesar. 
BRU.    "  What  faid  Popilius  Lena?"  [thrive." 

CAS.    "He  wifh'd,    to-day  our   enterprise   might 
"  I  fear,  our  purpose  is  difcovered." 

BRU.    "  Look,  how  he  makes  to  C<esar:  Mark  him.'* 
CAS.    "  Ca/ca,  be  fudden,  for  we  fear  prevention. "_ 
'  Brutus,  what  fliall  be  done  ?  If  this  be  known* " 
1  Cajfius,  or  Ca-sar,  never  mail  turn  back, " 
'  For  I  will  flay  myfelf." 

BRU.    "  Ca/tus,  beconftant:" 
'  Popilius  Lena  fpeaks  not  of  our  purposes  ; " 
'  For,  look,  he  fmiles,  and  C&sar  doth  not  change. " 
CAS.    "  Trebcmus  knows  his  time;    for,  look  you, 
'  He  draws  Mark  Antony  out  of  the  way."       [Brutus, " 
[Exeunt  ANTONY  HH^TREBONIUS,  con--verfing. 
Caesar  takes  bis  Seat;  the  Senate,   their i  :    and 
Metellus  ad-vances  towards  Ca;sar. 
DEC.  •«  Where  is  Mtttlluj  Cimbsr?  Let  him  go," 


42  Julius  Czsar. 

«'  And  presently  prefer  his  fuit  to  C<esar." 

BRU.    "  HeisaddrefTd:  prefs  near,  and  fecond  him." 

Cm.  "  Ca/ca,  you  are  the  firft  that  rear  your  hand." 
[The  Ccnfpiretors  range  them/elves  about  Czsar ; 
Casca,  en  tk>e  right  hand  of  his  Chair,  behind. 

C^ES.  Are  we  all  ready?  What  is  now  amifs, 
That  Ca-sar,  and  his  fenate,   muil  redrefs  ?       [Ctesar, 

MET,  Moft  high,    moft  mighty,    and  moft  puiflant 
Metellus  Cimber  throws  before  thy  feat 
An  humble  heart :  —  \_proftrating  bimfelf. 

CJES.  I  muft  prevent  thee,   Cimber. 
These  couchings,  and  these  lowly  courteiles, 
Might  fire  the  blood  of  ordinary  men  ; 
And  turn  pre-ordinance,  and  firft  decree, 
Into  the  lane  of  children.     Be  not  fond, 
To  think  that  desar  bears  fuch  rebel  blood, 
That  will  be  thaw'd  from  the  true  quality 
With  that  which  melteth  fools  ;   I  mean,  fweet  words, 
Low-crooked  curt'fies,  and  bafe  fpaniel  fawning. 
Thy  brother  by  decree  is  banifhed: 
If  thou  doll  bend,  and  pray,  and  fawn,   for  him, 
I  fpurn  thee  like  a  cur  out  of  my  way. 
Know,  Ctfsar  doth  not  wrong ;  nor  without  cause 
Will  he  be  fatisfy'd. 

MET.  Is  there  no  voice,  more  worthy  than  my  own, 
To  found  more  fweetly  in  great  C&sar's  ear, 
For  the  repealing  of  my  banifti'd  brother  ? 

BKU.  I  kifs  thy  hand,  but  not  in  flattery,  C<e sar ; 
Desiring  thee,  that  Publius  Cimber  may 
Have  an  immediate  freedom  of  repeal. 

CSEK.  What,   Brutus! 

C.4S.   Paxdon,  Casar\  Casar,  pardon: 


Julius  Caesar.  43 

As  low  as  to  thy  foot  doth  Cafftus  fall, 
To  beg  enfranchisement  for  Publius  Cimber. 

CMS.  I  could  be  well  mov'd,  if  I  were  as  you; 
If  I  could  pray  to  move,  prayers  would  move  me : 
But  I  am  conftant  as  the  northern  ftar  ; 
Of  whose  true-fixt,   and  refting  quality, 
There  is  no  fellow  in  the  firmament. 
The  fkies  are  painted  with  unnumber'd  fparks, 
They  are  all  fire,  and  every  one  doth  mine ; 
But  there's  but  one  in  all  doth  hold  his  place  : 
So,  in  the  world  ;  'Tis  furnim'd  well  with  men, 
And  men  are  flefh  and  blood,  and  apprehenfive  ; 
Yet,  in  the  number,  I  do  know  but  one 
That  unavailable  holds  on  his  rank, 
Unfhak'd  of  motion  :  and,  that  I  am  he, 
Let  me  a  little  (hew  it,  even  in  this ; 
That  I  was  conftant  Cimber  mould  be  banifh'd, 
And  conftant  do  remain  to  keep  him  fo. 

CIN.      Q  Caesar,  ~ 

C/ES.   Hence!  Wilt  thou  lift  up  Olympus? 

DEC.     Great  C<c:ar, — 

CM  5.    Doth  not  Brutus  bootlefs  kneel  ? 

CAS  ^,  Speak,  hands,  forme,  \Jlabbing  him  in  the 
Neck.  Csesar  rises,  catches  at  the  Dagger,  and 
ftruggles  --with  him  :  defendshimfelf,fcr  a  time, 
againjl  him,  and  againji  the  other  Confpirators  ', 
but,  Jiab'd  by  Brutus, 

C/ES.  £//;/,  Brute?— Then  fall,  Catsar,.  \hefub- 
mits  ;  muffles  up  his  Face  in  his  Mantle  ;  falls, 
and  dies.  Senate  in  Confu-ion. 

C/iV.     Liberty!  Freedom!  Tyranny  is  dead  !_ 
Run  hence,  proclaim,  cry  it  about  the  ftreets. 


44  Julius  Csesar. 

CAS.     Some  to  the  common  pulpits,  and  cry  oat, 
Liberty,  freedom,  and  enfranchisement  ! 

BRU*     People,  and  fenators,  be  not  affrighted  ; 
Fly  not,  ftand  ftill :  ambition's  debt  is  pay'd. 

CAS"*.  Go  to  the  pulpit,  Brutus. 

DEC.     And  Cajpus  too. 

ERU.     Where's  Publius  ? 

CIN.     Here,  quite  confounded  with  this  mutiny. 

MET.   Stand  faft  together,  left  Come  friend  of  Ceesar^ 
Should  chance  — 

BR  v.     Talk  not  of  (landing  :  _  Publius,  good  cheer ; 
There  is  no  harm  intended  to  your  perfon, 
Nor  to  no  Roman  elfe :  fo  tell  them,  Publius. 

CAS.     And  leave  us,  Publius',  left  that  the  people, 
Rufhing  on  us,  mould  do  your  age  fome  mifchief. 

£xu.     Do  fo; and  let  no  man  abide  this  deed, 

But  we  the  doers.  [Exeunt  All  but  Confpiraton. 

Re-enter  TREBONIUS. 

CAS.     Where's  Antony? 

TRE.     Fled  to  his  houfe  amaz'd  : 
Men,  wives,  and  children,  ftare,  cry  out,  and  run, 
As  it  were  doom's-day. 

BRU.  Fates,  we  will  know  your  pleasures  :_ 
That  we  mall  dye,  we  know ;  'tis  but  the  time, 
And  drawing  days  out,  that  men  ftand  upon. 

CAS.     Why,  he  that  cuts  off  twenty  years  of  life, 
Cuts  off  fo  many  years  of  fearing  death. 

BRU.     Grant  that,  and  then  is  death  a  benefit : 
So  are  we  Cesar's  friends,  that  have  abridg'd 

His  time  of  fearing  death Stoop,  Remans,  ftoop, 

And  let  us  bath  our  hands  in  C/esar's  blood 
Up  to  the  elbows,  and  befmear  our  fwords : 


Julius  Cxsar.  45 

Then  walk  we  forth,  even  to  the  market-place  j 
And,  waving  our  red  weapons  o'er  our  heads, 
Let's  all  cry,  Peace,  freedom  and  liberty  ! 

CAS,  Stoop  then,  and  wafh.— How  many  ages  hence, 
Shall  this  our  lofty  fcene  be  adled  over, 
In  ftates  unborn,  and  accents  yet  unknown  ? 

BRU.  How  many  times  (hall  C&sar  bleed  in  fport, 
That  now  on  Pompey's  bafis  lyes  along, 
No  worthier  than  the  duft  ? 

CAS.  So  oft  as  that  mall  be, 
So  often  mall  the  knot  of  us  be  call'd 
The  men  that  gave  their  country  liberty. 

DEC.  What,  mail  we  forth  ? 

CAS.  Ay,  every  man  away  : 
Brutus  mall  lead ;  and  we  will  grace  his  heels 
With  the  moft  boldeft  and  beft  hearts  of  Rome. 
Enter  a  Servant,  b. 

BRU.  Soft,  who  comes  here?  A  friend  of  Antony's. 

Ser.     Thus,  Brutus,  ~j~  did  my  matter  bid  me  kneel; 
Thus  did  Mark  Antony  bid  me  fall  down  ; 
And,   being  proftrate,   thus  he  bad  me  fay. 
Brutus  is  noble,  wise,  valiant,  and  honeft  ; 
Casar  was  mighty,  bold,  royal,  and  loving : 
Say,  I  love  Brutus,  and  I  honour  him  ; 
Say,  I  fear'd  C&sar,  honour'd  him,  and  lov'd  him. 
If  Brutus  will  vouchfafe,  that  Antony 
May  fafely  come  to  him,  and  be  resolv'd 
How  Ccesar  hath  deserv'd  to  lye  in  death, 
Mark  Antony  mall  not  love  Cessar  dead 
So  well  as  Brutus  living ;  but  will  follow 
The  fortunes  and  affairs  of  noble  Brutus, 
Thorough  the  hazards  of  this  untrod  ftate, 

VOL.  VIII.  D 


46  Julius  Caisar. 

With  all  true  faith.     So  fays  my  matter  Antony. 

BKU.  Thy  mafter  is  a  wise  and  valiant  Roman  ; 
I  never  thought  him  worfe. 
Tell  him,  fo  please  him  come  onto  this  place, 
He  lhall  be  fatiffy'd ;   and,  by  my  honour, 
Depart  untouch'd. 

Ser.     I'll  fetch  him  prefently.  [Exit  Servant. 

BRU,  I  know,  that  we  mall  have  him  well  to  friend. 

Cjts.  I  wifh,  we  may  :  but  yet  have  I  a  mind 
That  fears  him  much  ;  and  my  mifgiving  ftill 
Falls  fhrewdly  to  the  purpose. 

Re-enter  ANTONY. 

BRU.  But  here  comes  Antony.—  Welcome,  Mark  An- 

Ayf.  O  mighty  Casar  !  Doft  thoa  lye  fo  low  ?    [tony. 
Are  all  thy  conquefts,  glories,  triumphs,  fpoils, 

Shrunk  to  this  little  measure  ?  Fare  thee  well. 

I  know  not,  gentlemen,  what  you  intend, 

Who  elfe  muft  be  let  blood,  who  elfe  is  rank  : 

If  I  myfelf,  there  is  no  hour  fo  fit 

As  C<rsar's  death's  hour  ;  nor  no  inftrument 

Of  half  that  worth,  as  those  your  fwords,  made  rich 

With  the  moft  noble  blood  of  all  this  world. 

I  do  befeech  ye,  if  you  bear  me  hard, 

Now,  whilft  your  purpl'd  hands  do  reek  and  fmoak, 

Fulfil  your  pleasure.     Live  a  thousand  years, 

I  mail  not  find  myfelf  fo  apt  to  dye : 

No  place  will  please  me  fo,  no  mean  of  death, 

As  here  by  desar,  and  by  you  cut  off, 

The  choice  and  mafter  fpirits  of  this  age. 

BRU.  O  Antony,  beg  not  your  death  of  us. 
Though  now  we  muft  appear  bloody  and  cruel, 
As,  by  our  hands,  and  this  our  present  aft, 


Julius  Ca?saf.  47 

You  fee  we  do  ;  yet  fee  you  but  our  hands, 
And  this  the  bleeding  businefs  they  have  done : 
Our  hearts  you  fee  not,  they  are  pitiful ; 
And  pity  to  the  general  wrong  of  Rome, 
(As  fire  drives  out  fire,   fo  pity,  pity) 
Hath  done  this  deed  on  C<ssar.     For  your  part, 
To  you  our  fwords  have  leaden  points,  Murk  Antony, 
Our  arms  no  ftrength  of  malice ;  and  our  hearts, 
Of  brothers'  temper,  do  receive  you  in, 
With  all  kind  love,  good  thoughts,  and  reverence. 
CAS.  Your  voice  mall  be  as  ftrong  as  any  man's, 
In  the  difposing  of  new  dignities. 

BRU.  Only  be  patient,  'till  we  have  appeas'd 
The  multitude,  befide  themfelves  with  fear, 
And  then  we  will  deliver  you  the  cause, 
Why  I,  that  did  love  Cussar  when  I  ftrook  him, 
Have  thus  proceeded. 

Ant.  I  doubt  not  of  your  wisdom. 
Let  each  man  render  me  his  bloody  hand  : 
Firft,  Marcus  'Brutus,  will  I  (hake  with  you ;  _ 

Next,  Caius  Coffins,  do  I  take  your  hand ; 

Now,  Decius  Brutus,  yours; now  yours,  MeteUus}—. 

Yours,  Cinna; and,  my  valiant  Cafca,  yours; 

Though  laft,  not  leaft  in  love,    yours,  good  Trebomu>. 

Gentlemen  all,  alas  1  what  (hall  I  fay  ? 

My  credit  now  ftands  on  fuch  flippery  ground, 

That  one  of  two  bad  ways  you  myft  conceit  me, 

Either  a  coward,  or  a  flatterer.-. 

That  I  did  love  thee,  Caesar,  o,  'tis  true : 

If  then  thy  fpirit  look  upon  us  now, 

Shall  it  not  grieve  thee,  dearer  than  thy  death. 

To  fee  thy  Antony  making  his  peace, 

8  Aimes  in  ftrength 

P  2 


48  Julius  Caesar. 

Shaking  the  bloody  fingers  of  thy  foes, 

Moft  noble  !  in  the  presence  of  thy  corfe  ? 

Had  I  as  many  eyes  as  thou  haft  wounds, 

Weeping  as  faft  as  they  ftream  forth  thy  blood, 

It  would  become  me  better,  than  to  close 

In  terms  of  friendfhip  with  thine  enemies. 

Pardon  me,  Julius!  Here  waft  thou  bay'd,  brave  hart; 

Here  didft  thou  fall ;  and  here  thy  hunters  ftand, 

Sign'd  in  thy  fpoil,  and  crimson'd  in  thy  lethe.  _ 

O  world,  thou  waft  the  foreft  to  this  hart ; 

And  this,  indeed,  o  world,  the  heart  of  thee.  __ 

How  like  a  deer,  ftrooken  by  many  princes, 

Doft  thou  here  lye  ? 

Cxs.  Mark  Antony i  — 

Aur.  Pardon  me,  Caius  Caffius  : 
The  enemies  of  C&sar  (hall  fay  this  ; 
Then,  in  a  friend,  it  is  cold  modefty. 

CA  s .  I  blame  you  not  for  praising  Ctesar  fo  ; 
But  what  compaft  mean  you  to  have  with  us  ? 
Will  you  be  prick'd  in  number  of  our  friends  ; 
Or  mall  we  on,  and  not  depend  on  you  ? 

AKT .  Therefore  I  took  your  hands ;  but  was,  indeed, 
Sway'd  from  the  point,  by  looking  down  on  C<esar. 
Friends  am  I  with  you  all,  and  love  you  all ; 
Upon  this  hope,   that  you  (hall  give  me  reasons, 
Why,  and  wherein,  Ctfsar  was  dangerous. 

BRU.  Or  elfe  were  this  a  favage  fpeftacle  : 
Our  reasons  are  fo  full  of  good  regard, 
That  were  you,  Antony,  the  fon  of  Cttjar, 
You  mould  be  fatisfy'd. 

JNI-.  [That's  all  I  feek  : 
And  am  moreover  fuitor,  that  I  may 

1  *  the  Hart  of 


Julius  Caesar.  49 

Produce  his  body  to  the  market-place  ; 
And  in  the  pulpit,  as  becomes  a  friend, 
Speak  in  the  order  of  his  funeral. 
BRU.  You  mail,  Mark  Antony. 
CAS,  Brutus,  a  word  with  you. 
You  know  not  what  you  do ;  Do  not  content,  " 
'  That  Antony  fpeak  in  his  funeral : " 
'  Know  you  how  much  the  people  may  be  mov'd  " 
'  By  that  which  he  will  utter?" 

BRU.  "  By  your  pardon;  — 
'  I  will  myfelf  into  the  pulpit  firft, " 
'  And  mew  the  reason  of  our  C&sar's  death :  " 
'  What  Antony  fhall  fpeak,  I  will  proteft  " 
'  He  fpeaks  by  leave  and  by  permiflion ; " 
'  And  that  we  are  contented,   C<esar  mall " 
'  Have  all  true  rites,  and  lawful  ceremonies." 
'  It  mail  advantage  more,  than  do  us  wrong. " 
CAS.  "  I  know  not  what  may  fall;  I  like  it  not." 
BRU.  Mark  Antony,  here,  take  you  Ctesar's  body. 
You  mail  not  in  your  funeral  fpeech  blame  us, 
But  fpeak  all  good  you  can  devise  of  Ctesar-, 
And  fay,  you  do't  by  our  permiflion  ; 
Elfe  mall  you  not  have  any  hand  at  all 
About  his  funeral :  And  you  mail  fpeak 
In  the  fame  pulpit  whereto  I  am  going, 
After  my  fpeech  is  ended. 

ANT.  Be  it  fo ; 
I  do  desire  no  more. 

BRU.  Prepare  the  body  then,  and  follow  us. 

[Exeunt  All  but  Antony. 

ANT.  O,  pardon  me,  thou  bleeding  piece  of  earth, 
That  I  am  meek  and  gentle  with  these  butchers ! 


5«  Julius  Caesar. 

Thou  art  the  ruins  of  the  nobleft  man 

That  ever  lived  in  the  tide  of  times. 

Woe  to  the  hand  that  fhed  this  coftly  blood ! 

Over  thy  wounds  now  do  I  prophefy,— 

Which,   like  dumb  mouths,  do  ope  their  ruby  lips, 

To  beg  the  voice  and  utterance  of  my  tongue  ;  — 

A  curfe  fhall  light  upon  the  limbs  of  men  ; 

Pomeftic  fury,  and  fierce  civil  ftrife, 

Shall  cumber  all  the  parts  of  Italy  : 

Blood  and  definition  mail  be  fo  in  ufe, 

And  dreadful  objects  fo  familiar, 

That  mothers  mall  but  fmile,  when  they  behold 

Their  infants  quarter'd  with  the  hands  of  war  ; 

All  pity  choak'd  with  cuftom  of  fell  deeds  : 

And  Ctesar's  fpirit,  ranging  for  revenge, 

With  Ate  by  his  fide,  come  hot  from  hell, 

Shall  in  these  confines,  with  a  monarch's  voice, 

Cry,  Havock,    and  let  flip  the  dogs  of  war ; 

That  this  foul  deed  (hall  fmell  above  the  earth 

With  carrion  men,  groaning  for  burial 

Enter  a  Servant,   c. 
You  ferve  0 }  flavins  Carsar,  do  you  not  ? 

Ser.      I  do,  Mark  Antony. 

Avr.  Cefsar  did  write  to  him,  to  come  to  Rome. 

Ser.      He  did  receive  his  letters,  and  is  coming  : 
And  bid  me  fay  to  you  by  word  of  mouth, — 
O  Cottar  !  —  [Seeing  the  Body. 

ANT.  Thy  heart  is  big ;  get  thee  apart  and  weep. 
Paffion,  I  fee,  is  catching  ;  for  mine  eyes, 
Seeing  those  beads  of  forrow  ftand  in  thine, 
Began  to  water.     Is  thy  matter  coming  ? 

Ser.      He  lies  to-night  within  feven  leagues  of  Rome. 


Julius  Caesar.  51 

Avt.  Foil  back  with  (peed,  and  tell  him  what  hath 
Here  is  a  mourning  Rome,  a  dangerous  Rome:    [chanc'd : 
No  Rome  of  fafety  for  Qclavius  yet  j 
Hie  hence,  and  tell  him  fo.     Yet,  ftay  a  while  ; 
Thou  malt  not  back,  'till  I  have  born  this  corfe 
Into  the  market-place  :  there  mall  I  try, 
fn  my  oration,  how  the  people  take 
The  cruel  iffue  of  these  bloody  men  ; 
According  to  the  which,  thou  fhalt  difcourfe 
To  young  Oeiavius  of  the  ftate  of  things. 
Lend  me  your  hand.  [Exeunt,  with  the  Body. 

SCENE  II.   r be  fame.  The  Forum. 
Enter  a  Throng  of  Citizens,   tumultuoufly  ; 

BRUTUS,    and  CASSIUS. 
Cit.     We  will  be  fatiffy'd ;  let  us  be  fatiffy'd. 
BRU.  Then   follow  me,    and   give   me    audience, 
Coffins,  go  you  into  the  other  ftreet,  [friends.  _ 

And  part  the  numbers.— 

Those  that  will  hear  me  fpeak,  let  them  flay  here  j 
Those  that  will  follow  Caffius,  go  with  him  ; 
And  publick  reasons  mail  be  rendered 
Of  Ctesar's  death. 

1 .  C.  I  will  hear  Brutus  fpeak. 

2.  C.  I  will  hear  Crf^zw ;  and  compare  their  reasons, 
When  feverally  we  hear  them  rendered. 

[Exit  CASSIUS,  with  fame  of  the  Ciligevs : 
Brutus  goes  into  the  Ro/Irum. 

3 .  C.  The  noble  Brutus  is  afcended  :   Silence. 
BRU.  Be  patient  'till  the  laft.  Reman:, 

countrymen ,    and   lovers,     hear   me   for   my    cause ; 
and   be  filent,    that  you  may  he.ar  :    believe  me  for 

D'4 


52  Julius  Caesar. 

mine  honour ;  and  have  refpeft  to  mine  honour,  that 
you  may  believe :  cenfure  me  in  your  wisdom  ;  and 
awake  your  fenfes,  that  you  may  the  better  judge. 
If  there  be  any  in  this  affembly,  any  dear  friend  of 
C<?sar's,  to  him  I  fay,  that  Brutus'  love  to  Caesar 
was  no  lefs  than  his :  If  then  that  friend  demand, 
why  Brutus  rose  againft  C&sar,  this  is  my  anfwer,  — 
Not  that  I  lov'd  C*sar  lefs,  but  that  I  lov'd  Rente 
more.  Had  you  rather  Cecsar  were  living,  and  dye 
all  flaves ;  than  that  C&sar  were  dead,  to  live  all  free 
men  ?  As  Cresar  lov'd  me,  I  weep  for  him ;  as  he 
was  fortunate,  I  rejoice  at  it ;  as  he  was  valiant,  I 
honour  him :  but,  as  he  was  ambitious,  I  flew  him  : 
There  is  tears,  for  his  love ;  joy,  for  his  fortune ; 
honour,  for  his  valour;  and  death,  for  his  ambition. 
Who  is  here  fo  bafe,  that  would  be  a  bondman  ?  If 
any,  fpeak  ;  for  him  have  I  offended.  Who  is  here 
fo  rude,  that  would  not  be  a  Roman  ?  If  any,  fpeak ; 
for  him  have  I  offended.  Who  is  here  fo  vile,  that 
will  not  love  his  country  ?  If  any,  fpeak ;  for  him 
have  I  offended.  I  pause  for  a  reply. 

Cit.      None,  Brutus,  none. 

BRU.  Then  none  have  I  offended.  I  have  done  no 
more  to  Cefsar,  than  you  mall  do  to  Brutus.  The 
queftion  of  his  death  is  enroll'd  in  the  capitol :  his 
glory  not  extenuated,  wherein  he  was  worthy;  nor 
his  offences  enforc'd,  for  which  he  fuffered  death. 
Enter  ANTONY,  and  certain  of  bis  Houfe, 

bearing  Cassar's  body. 

Here  comes  his  body,  mourn'd  by  Mark  Antony :  who, 
though  he  had  no  hand  in  his  death,  mail  receive 
the  benefit  of  his  dying,  a  place  in  the  common- 


Julius  Caesar.  53 

wealth;  As  which  of  you  (hall  not  ?  With  this  I  de- 
part ;  That,  as  I  flew  my  beft  lover  for  the  good  of 
Rome,  I  have  the  fame  dagger  for  myfelf,  when  it  mall 
please  ny  country  to  need  my  death.  [comes  do-T.cn. 
Cit.  Live,  Brutus,  live,  live  ! 

1.  C.  Bring  him  with  triumph  home  unto  his  houfe. 

2.  C.  Give  him  a  ftatue  with  his  anceftors. 

3.  C.  Let  him  be  C&sar.. 

4.  C.  Caesar's  better  parts 

Shall  note  be  crown'd  in  Brutus.  [clamours. 

i  .  C.  We'll  bring  him   to  his  houfe  with  fhouts  and 

BRU.  My  countrymen,  — 

2.  C.  Peace;  filence  ;  Brutus  fpeaks. 

i.  C.  Peace,  ho. 

BRU.  Good  countrymen,   let  me  depart  alone, 
And,   for  my  fake,  flay  here  with  Antony  : 
Do  grace  to  Cesar's  corps,  and  grace  his  fpeech 
Tending  to  Caesar's  glories  ;   which  Mark  .Antony 
By  our  permiffion  is  allow'd  to  make. 
I  do  entreat  you,  not  a  man  depart, 
Save  I  alone,   'till  Antony  have  fpoke. 


i.  C.  Stay,  ho,  and  let  us  hear  Mark  Antony. 

3.  C.  Let  him  go  up  into  the  publick  chair  ; 
We'll  hear  him  :  _  Noble  Antony,  go  up. 

ANT.  For  Brutus'  fake,  I  am  beholding  to  you. 

[goes  up. 

4.  C.  What  does  he  fay  of  Brutus  ? 

3.  C.  He  fays,  for  BrutuS  fake, 
He  finds  himfelf  beholding  to  us  all. 

4.  C.  'Twere  beft  he  fpeak  no  harm  of  Brutus  here. 
i  .  C.  This  Ccesar  was  a  tyrant. 


54  Julius  Cassar. 

3.  C.  Nay,  that's  certain  : 
We  are  mod  bleft,  that  Rome  is  rid  of  him. 

2.  C.  Peace;  let  us  hear  what  Antony  can  fay. 

j4NT.  You  gentle  Romans, — 

Cit.      Peace,  ho  ;  let  us  hear  him.  [ears  ; 

ANT.  Friends,  Romans,  countrymen,  lend  me  your 
I  come  to  bury  Ceesar,  not  to  praise  him  : 
The  evil,   that  men  do,  lives  after  them  ; 
The  good  is  oft  interred  with  their  bones  ; 
So  let  it  be  with  Casar.     The  noble  Brutus 
Hath  told  you,   Ccesar  was  ambitious : 
If  it  were  fo,  it  was  a  grievous  fault ; 
And  grievoufly  hath  Ctesar  anfwer'd  it. 
Here,  under  leave  of  Brutus,  and  the  reft, 
(For  Brutus  is  an  honourable  man ; 
So  are  they  all,  all  honourable  men) 
Come  I  to  fpeak  in  Caesar's  funeral. 
He  was  my  friend,   faithful  and  juft  to  me  : 
But  Brutus  fays,  he  was  ambitious ; 
And  Brutus  is  an  honourable  man. 
He  hath  brought  many  captives  home  to  Rome, 
Whose  ranfoms  did  the  general  coffers  fill : 
JDid  this  in  Ctesar  feem  ambitious  r 
When  that  the  poor  have  cry'd,  Caesar  hath  wept ; 
Ambition  mould  be  made  of  fterner  fluff: 
Yet  Brutus  fays,  he  was  ambitious  ; 
And  Brutus  is  an  honourable  man. 
You  all  did  fee,  that,  on  the  Lupercal, 
I  thrice  presented  him  a  kingly  crown, 
Which  he  did  thrice  refuse :  Was  this  ambition  ? 
Yet  Brutus  fays,  he  was  ambitious  ; 
And,  fure,  he  is  an  honourable  man. 


Julius  Caesar.  55 

I  fpeak  not  to  difprove  what  Brutus  fpoke, 

But  here  I  am  to  fpeak  what  I  do  know. 

You  all  did  love  him  once,  not  without  cause  ; 

What  cause  withholds  you  then  to  mourn  for  him?_ 

0  judgment,  thou  art  fled  to  brutiih  beads, 
And  men  have  loft  their  reason !  —Bear  with  me  ; 
My  heart  is  in  the  coffin  there  with  Casar, 

And  I  muft  pause  'till  it  come  back  to  me. 

1.  C.  Methinks,  there  is  much  reason  in  his  fayings. 

2.  C.  If  thou  coniider  rightly  of  the  matter, 
Ceesar  has  had  great  wrong. 

3 .  C.  Has  he  mg  matters  ? 

1  fear,  there  will  a  worse  come  in  his  place.        [crown; 

4.  C.  Mark'd  ye  his  words  ?  he  would  not  take  the 
Therefore,   'tis  certain,  he  was  not  ambitious. 

i.C.  If  it  be  found  fo,  fome  will  dear  abide  it. 

2.  C.  Poor  foul!  his  eyes  are  red  as  fire  with  weeping. 

3.  C.  There's  not  a  nobler  man  in  Rome,  than  Antony. 

4.  C.  Now  mark  him,  he  begins  again  to  fpeak. 
JNT.  But  yefterday  the  word  of  Ceesar  might 

Have  Hood  againft  the  world  :  now  lyes  he  there, 
And  none  fo  poor  to  do  him  reverence. 

0  matters,  if  I  were  difpos'd  to  ftir 
Your  hearts  and  minds  to  mutiny  and  rage, 

1  mould  do  Brutus  wrong,  and  Coffins  wrong, 
Who,  you  all  know,  are  honourable  men  : 

I  will  not  do  them  wrong  ;  I  rather  choose 

To  wrong  the  dead,  to  wrong  myfelf,  and  you, 

Than  I  will  wrong  fuch  honourable  men. 

But  here's  "|"  a  parchment,  with  the  feal  of  C<fiar, 

I  found  it  in  his  closet,  'tis  his  will : 

Let  but  the  commons  hear  this  tettament, 


56  Julius  Cssar. 

(Which,  pardon  me,  I  do  not  mean  to  read) 
And  they  would  go  and  kifs  dead  Cesar's  wounds, 
And  dip  their  napkins  in  his  facred  blood  ; 
Nay,  beg  a  hair  of  him  for  memory, 
And,  dying,  mention  it  within  their  wills, 
Bequeathing  it,  as  a  rich  legacy, 
Unto  their  iflue. 

4.  C.  We'll  hear  the  will ;  _  Read  it,  Mark  Antony. 

Cit.     The  will,  the  will ;  we  will  hear  C&sar's  will. 

Aw?.  Have  patience,  gen  tie  friends,  I  muft  not  read  it; 
It  is  not  meet  you  know  how  C&sar  lov'd  you. 
You  are  not  wood,  you  are  not  ftones,  but  men ; 
And,  being  men,   hearing  the  will  of  C&sar, 
I  will  enflame  you,  it  will  make  you  mad  : 
'Tis  good  you  know  not  that  you  are  his  heirs ; 
For  if  you  fhould,   O,  what  would  come  of  it  ? 

4.  C.  Read  the  will ;  we  will  hear  it,  Antony ; 
You  {hall  read  us  the  will  ;  Cesar's  will. 

Axr.  Will  you  be  patient  ?  Will  you  (lay  a  while  ? 
I  have  o'er-fhot  myfelf,  to  tell  you  of  it. 
I  fear,  I  wrong  the  hpnourable  men, 
Whose  daggers  have  ftab'd  Co-tar  ;  I  do  fear  it. 

4.  C.  They  were  traitors  :  Honourable  men  ! 

Cit.     The  will,  the  teftament ! 

2.  C.  They  were  villains,  murderers:  The  will; 
read  the  will. 

ANT.  You  will  compel  me  then  to  read  the  will  ' 
Then  make  a  ring  about  the  corps  of  C<esar, 
And  let  me  fhew  you  him  that  made  the  will : 
Shall  I  defcend  ?  And  will  you  give  me  leave  ? 

Cit.     Come  down. 

2.  C.  Defceod. 


Julius  Ciesar.  57 

3.  C.  You  (hall  have  leave.  [becomes  down. 

4;  C.  A  ring ; 
Stand  round. 

1.  C.  Stand  from  the  hearfe,  ftand  from  the  body. 

2.  C.  Room  for  Antony;  moft  noble  Antony. 
ANT.  Nay,  prefs  not  fo  upon  me ;  ftand  far  off. 
Cit.     Stand  back,  room  ;  bear  back. 

ANT.  If  you  have  tears,  prepare  to  fhed  them  now. 
You  all  do  know  this  ~f~  mantle  :  I  remember 
The  firft  time  ever  Ceesar  put  it  on  j 
'Twas  on  a  fummer's  evening,  in  his  tent ; 
That  day  he  overcame  the  Nervii :  — 
Look,  in  this  place  ran  Coffins'  dagger  through : 
See,  what  a  rent  the  envious  Cafca  made : 
Through  this  the  well-beloved  Brutus  ftab'd; 
And,  as  he  pluck'd  his  curfed  fteel  away, 
Mark  how  the  blood  of  Ca?sar  follow'd  it ; 
As  rufhing  out  of  doors,  to  be  resolv'd 
If  Brutus  fo  unkindly  kuock'd,  or  no. 
For  Brutus,  as  you  know,  was  C&sar's  angel : 
Judge,  o  you  gods,  how  dearly  Ceesar  lov'd  him  ! 
This  was  the  moft  unkindeft  cut  of  all : 
For  when  the  noble  Ctesar  faw  him  ftab, 
Ingratitude,  more  ftrong  than  traitors'  arms, 
Quite  vanquifh'd  him  :  then  burft  his  mighty  heart; 
And,  in  his  mantle  muffling  up  his  face, 
Even  at  the  bafe  of  Pompey's,  ftatue, 
Which  all  the  while  ran  blood,  great  Casar  fell. 
O,  what  a  fall  was  there,  my  countrymen  ! 
Then  I,  and  you,  and  all  of  us  fell  down, 
Whilft  bloody  treason  flourifh'd  over  us. 
O,  now  you  weep ;  and,  I  perceive,  you  feel 


58  Julius  Csesaiv 

The  dint  of  pity  :  these  are  gracious  drops. 
Kind  fouls,  what,  weep  you,  when  you  but  behold 
Our  C&sar's  vefture  wounded  ?  Look  you  here, 
Hereof  is  himfelf,  mar'd,  as  you  fee,  with  traitors. 

1 .  C.  O  piteous  fpedacle  ! 

2.  C.  O  noble  C<ssar  ! 

3.  C.  O  woeful  day! 

4.  C.  O  traitors,  villains ! 

1.  C.  O 

Moft  bloody  fight ! 

2.  C.  We'll  be  reveng'd :  Revenge  ; 
About,  feek,  burn,  fire,  kill,  flay;  — 
Let  not  a  traitor  live. 

Ayr.  Stay,  countrymen. 

1 .  C.  Peace  there,  hear  the  noble  Antony. 

2.  C.  We'll  hear  him,   we'll  follow  him,   we'll  dye 
with  him.  [up 

AWT,  Good  friends,  fweet  friends,  let  me  not  ftiryou 
To  fuch  a  fudden  flood  of  mutiny. 
They,  that  have  done  this  deed,  are  honourable; 
What  private  griefs  they  have,  alas,  I  know  not, 
That  made  them  do  it ;  they  are  wise,  and  honourable, 
And  will,  no  doubt,  with  reasons  anfwer  you. 
I  come  not,  friends,  to  fteal  away  your  hearts  ; 
I  am  no  orator,  as  Brutus  is  : 
But,  as  you  know  me  all,  a  plain  blunt  man, 
That  love  my  friend  ;  and  that  they  know  full  well, 
That  gave  me  publick  leave  to  fpeak  of  him. 
For  I  have  neither  wit,  nor  words,  nor  worth, 
Action,  nor  utterance,  nor  the  power  of  fpeech, 
To  ftir  men's  blood  :  I  only  fpeak  right  on  ; 
I  tell  you  that,  which  you  yourfelves  do  know  j 


Julius  Czesar.  59 

Shew  you  fweetC^/ar's  wounds,poor,poor,dumb  mouths, 
And  bid  them  fpeak  for  me:    But  were  I  Brutus, 
And  Brutui  Antony,  there  were  an  Antony 
Would  ruffle  up  your  (pints,    and  put  a  tongue 
In  every  wound  of  C<esar,  that  (hould  move 
The  ftones  of  Rome  to  rise  and  mutiny. 
Cit.     We'll  mutiny. 

1 .  C.  We'll  burn  the  houfe  of  Erutus. 

3.  C.  Away  then,  come,  feek  the  confpirators. 

AVT.  Yet  hear  me,  countrymen ;  yet  hear  me  fpeak. 

Cit.     Peace,  ho ;    hear  Antony,  moft  noble  Antony. 

ANT.  Why,  friends,  you  go  to  do  you  know  not  what: 
Wherein  hath  Ctesar  thus  deserv'd  your  loves  ? 
Alas,  you  know  not ;  I  muft  tell  you  then  : 
You  have  forgot  the  will  I  told  you  of. 

Cit.     Moft  true ;  the  will,  let's  ftay  and  hear  the  will. 

AN*.  Here  is  the  will,  ~f~  and  under  CtfsaSs  feal. 
To  every  Roman  citizen  he  gives, 
To  every  feveral  man,  leventy  five  drachmas. 

2.  d  Moft  noble  Ceesar  ! We'll  revenge  his  death. 

3 .  C.  O  royal  Carsar .' 

ANT.  Hear  me  with  patience. 

Cit.     Peace,  ho. 

Ant.  Moreover,  he  hath  left  you  all  his  walks, 
His  private  arbours,  and  new-planted  orchards, 
On  this  fide  Tiber  ;  he  hath  left  them  you> 
And  to  your  heirs  for  ever;   common  pleasures, 
To  walk  abroad,  and  recreate  yourfelves. 
Here  was  a  C&sar  :  When  comes  fuch  another  ? 

J.C.  Never,  never :  _  Come,  come,  away : 
We'll  burn  his  body  in  the  holy  place, 
And  with  the  brands  fire  all  the  traitors'  house.-. 


60  Julius  Cxsar. 

Take  up  the  body. 

2.  C.  Go,  fetch  fire. 

3.  C.  Pluck  down 
"5TIJC  benches. 

4.  C.  Pluck  down  forms,   tbe  windows,  any  thing. 

[Exeunt  Citizens,  with  the  Body. 

An?.  Now  let  it  work :  Mifchief,  thou  art  a-foot, 
Take  thou  what  courfe  thou  wilt. 

Enter  Servant,  c. 
How  now,  fellow  ? 

Set:     Sir,   Otfavius  is  already  come  to  Rome. 

AK-T.  Where  is  he  ? 

Ser.     He  and  Lepidus  are  at  Cesar's  houfe. 

ANT.  And  thither  will  I  ftraight  to  visit  him  : 
He  comes  upon  a  wifii.     Fortune  is  merry, 
And  in  this  mood  will  give  us  any  thing. 

Ser.     I  heard  them  fay,  Brutus  and  Caffius 
Are  rid  like  madmen  through  the  gates  of  Rome. 

ANT.  Belike,  they  had  fome  notice  of  the  people, 
How  I  had  mov'd  them.     Bring  me  to  Qciaviu*. 

SCENE  III.   The  fame.     A  Street. 

Enter  CINNA  the  Poet. 

C{N,  I  dreamt  to-night,  that  I  did  feaft  with  Caesar, 
And  things  unlucky  charge  my  fantafy  : 
I  have  no  will  to  wander  forth  of  doors, 
Yet  fomething  leads  me  forth. 

Enter  Citizens. 

1 .  C.  What  is  your  name  ? 

2.  C.  Whither  are  you  going  ? 

3.  C.  Where  do  you  live  ? 

4.  C.  Are  you  a  marry'd  man,  or  a  batchelorr 

*S  unluckily 


Julius  Caesar.  Oi 

2.  C.  Anfwer  every  man  dire&ly. 

1.  C.  Ay,  and  briefly. 
4.  C.  Ay,  and  wisely. 

3.  C.  Ay,  and  truly,  you  were  beft. 

CIN.  What  is  my  name?  Whither  am  I  going?  Where 
do  I  dwell  ?  Am  I  a  marry'd  man,  or  a  batchelor  ?  Then 
to  anfwer  every  man  direftly,  and  briefly,  wisely,  and 
truly.  Wisely  I  fay,  I  am  a  batchelor. 

2.  C.  That's  as  much  as  to  fay,  they  are  fools  that 
marry  :  _  You'll  bear  me  a  bang  for  that,  I  fear :  Pro- 
ceed, direftly. 

CIN.  Direftly,  lam  going  to  C<esar'$  funeral. 

i.C.  As  a  friend,  or  an  enemy  ? 

CIN.  As  a  friend. 

2.  C.  That  matter  is  anfwer'd  direftly. 

4.  C.  For  your  dwelling, — briefly  ? 
CIN.  Briefly,  I  dwell  by  the  capitol. 

3.  C.  Your  name,  fir,  truly  ? 
CIN.  Truly,  my  name  is  Cinna. 

i .  C.  Tear  him  to  pieces,  he's  a  conspirator. 
CIN.  I  am  Cinna  the  poet,  I  am  Cinna  the  poet. 

4.  C.  Tear  him  for  his  bad  verfes,  tear  him  for  his  bad 
CIN.  I  am  not  Cinna  the  confpirator.  [verfes. 
4.  C.  It  is  no  matter,  his  name's  Cinna ;  pluck  but 

his  name  out  of  his  heart,  and  turn  him  going,  [brands  : 
3.  C.  Tear  him,  tear  him.    Come,  brands,  ho,  fire- 
To  Brutus\  to  Cajfius1;  burn  all :  Some  to  Decius*  houfe, 
and  fome  to  Cafca's  ;  fome  to  Ligarius* :  away  ;  go. 

ACT:  iv. 

SCENE  I.  We  fame.  A  Room  in  Antony'i  Houfe. 
VOL.  VIII.  K 


6z  Julias  Caesar. 

Enter  ANTONY,.  OCTAVIUS, 

[prick'd. 

Ax*.  These  many  ~\  then  mall  dye ;  their  names  are 

Ocr.  Your  brother  too  muft  dye  ;  Confent  you,  Le- 

LZP.  I  do  confent :  [fidus  ? 

OCT.  Prick  him  down,  Antony. 

LEP.  Upon  condition  Publius  fliall  not  live, 
Who  is  your  lifter's  fon,  Mark  Antony, 

Ayr.  He  (hall  not  live ;  look,  with  a  fpot  I  damn  him 
But,  Lcpidus,  go  you  to  Cesar's  honfe  ; 
Fetch  the  will  hither,  and  we  mall  determine 
How  to  cut  off  Tome  charge  in  legacies. 

LEP.  What,  mail  I  find  you  here  ? 

OCT.  Or  here,  or  at  thecapitol.        [Exit  LEPIDVS. 

ANT.  This  is  a  flight,  unmeritable  man, 
Meet  to  be  fent  on  errands :  Is  it  fit, 
The  three-fold  world  divided,  he  mould  Hand 
One  of  the  three  to  mare  it  ? 

OCT.  So  you  thought  him  ; 

And  took  his  voice  who  mould  be  prkk'd  to  dye, 
In  our  black  fentence  and  profcription. 

AVT.  Ofiaviuiy  1  have  feen  more  days  than  you : 
And  though  we  lay  these  honours  on  this  man, 
To  ease  ourfelves  of  divers  fland'rous  loads, 
He  mall  but  bear  them  as  the  afs  bears  gold, 
To  groan  and  fweat  under  the  businefs, 
Either  led  or  driven,  as  we  point  the  way ; 
And  having  brought  our  treasure  where  we  will, 
Then  take  we  down  his  load,    and  turn  him  off, 
Like  to  the  empty  afs,  to  make  his  ears, 
And  graze  in  commons. 

Ocr.  You  may  do  your  will, 


Julius  Caesar.  65 

But  he's  a  try'd  and  valiant  foldier. 

ANT.  So  is  my  horfe,  Oflavius ;  and,  for  that, 
I  do  appoint  him  ftore  of  provender  : 
It  is  a  creature  that  I  teach  to  fight, 
To  wind,  to  flop,  to  run  diredly  on ; 
His  corporal  motion  govern'd  by  my  fpirit. 
And,  in  fome  tafte,  is  Lepidus  but  fo ; 
He  muft  be  taught,  and  train'd,  and  bid  go  forth  : 
A  barren -fpirited  fellow  ;  one  that  feeds 
On  abjeft  orts,  and  imitations  ; 
Which,  out  of  ufe,  and  flal'd  by  other  men, 
Begin  his  fafhion  :  Do  not  talk  of  him, 
But  as  a  property.     And  now,  Qftaijiut, 
Liften  great  things.     Brutus  and  Cajfius 
Are  levying  powers  :  we  muft  ftraight  make  head  : 
Therefore  let  our  alliance  be  combin'd, 
Our  beft  friends  made,  our  beft  means  ftretch'd ; 
And  let  us  presently  go  fit  in  council, 
How  covert  matters  may  be  beft  difclos'd, 
And  open  perils  fureft  anfwered. 

OCT.  Let  us  do  fo :  for  we  are  at  the  flake, 
And  bay'd  about  with  many  enemies; 
And  fome,  that  fmile,  have  in  their  hearts,  I  fear, 
Millions  of  mifchiefs.  [Exeunt. 

S  CE NE  II.    Camp  near  Sardis. 
Before  Brutus'.;  Tent,    Enter  BRUTUS,  and  Forces  ; 

Lucius,  and  Others,  attending: 

BRU.  Stand,  ho.  [to  his  Officers,  entering, 

to  him,  L  u  c  I L I  u  S  >  nuitb  Soldiers  ; 

PINDARUS,  rtWTitinius. 
Luc,    Give  the  word,  ho,  and  {land,     [to  his  Party- 

IT3  On  Objeas,  Arts,  and 

E  2 


64  Julius  Cxtar. 

BRV.  What  now,  Lucilius?  is  Coffitu  near  ? 

Luc.  He  is  at  hand  ;  and  Pindar -us  is  come 
To  do  you  falutation  from  his  matter. 

[presenting  Pindarus,  <who  gives  a  Letter. 

BRV.  He  greets  me  well.  —Your  mafter,  Pindarus, 
In  his  own  charge,  or  by  ill  officers, 
Hath  given  me  fome  worthy  cause  to  wifh 
Things  done,  undone  :  but,  if  he  be  at  hand, 
I  fhall  be  fatiffy'd. 

PIN.   I  do  not  doubt, 
But  that  my  noble  mafter  will  appear 
Such  as  he  is,  fall  of  regard,  and  honour. 

BRV.  He  is  not  doubted.  —  "  A  word,  Lucilius ;" 
"  How  he  receiv'd  you,  —  let  me  be  resolv'd. " 

Lvc.  "  With  courtefy,  and  with  refpeft  enough; " 
'  But  not  with  fuch  familiar  inftances,  " 
'  Nor  with  fuch  free  and  friendly  conference,  " 
<  As  he  hath  us'd  of  old. " 

BRU.  "  Thou  haft  defcrib'd " 
'  A  hot  friend  cooling :  Ever  note,  Luei/ius, " 
'  When  love  begins  to  ficken  and  decay," 
'  It  useth  an  enforced  ceremony. " 
'  There  are  no  tricks  in  plain  and  fimple  faith  : " 
'  But  hollow  men,  like  horfes  hot  at  hand, " 
'  Make  gallant  fhew  and  promise  of  their  mettle  ;" 
'  But  when  they  mould  endure  the  bloody  fpur," 
'  They  fall  their  crefts,  and,  like  deceitful  jades, " 
'  Sink  in  the  trial.     Comes  his  army  on  r " 

Luc .  "  They  mean  this  night  in  Sard's  to  be  quarter'd ; 
'  The  greater  part,  the  horfe  in  general, " 
'  Are  come  with  Caffius."  [March  ivithin. 

BRV.  Hark,  he  is  arriv'd  :_ 

*  change 


Julius  Caesar.  65 

March  gently  on  to  meet  him.  [March. 

Enttr  C  A  s  s  I  u  s ,  and  Forces. 

CAS.  Stand,  ho.  [to  bit  Officers,  entering, 

BRU.  Stand:—  [to  bis.']  Speak  the  word  along. 

i.O.  Stand. 

2.  O.  Stand. 

3.0.  Stand. 

CAS.  Moft  noble  brother,  you  have  done  me  wrong. 

BRU.  Judge  me,  you  gods!  wrong  I  mine  enemies  ? 
And,  if  not  fo,  how  mould  I  wrong  a  brother  ? 

CAS.  Brutus,  this  fober  form  of  yours  hides  wrongs; 
And  when  you  do  them, — 

BRU.  Cajfius,  be  content, 
Speak  your  griefs  foftly,  I  do  know  you  well : 
Before  the  eyes  of  both  our  armies  here, 
Which  mould  perceive  nothing  but  love  from  us, 
Let  us  not  wrangle :  Bid  them  move  away  ; 
Then  in  my  tent,  Caffius,  enlarge  your  griefs. 
And  I  will  give  you  audience. 

CAS.  Pindar  us  i 

Bid  our  commanders  lead  their  charges  off 
A  little  from  this  ground. 

BRU.  Lucilius, 

Do  you  the  like ;  and  let  no  man,  C,uriliu0, 
Come  to  our  tent,  'till  we  have  done  our  conference. 
Let  Lucius  and  Titinius  guard  our  door.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  III.    Within  the  rent. 
Lucius,   and  Titinius,  at  the  Door  : 

£»/<?r  BRUTUS,  a^CASsius. 
CA  s .  That  you  have  wrong'd  me,  doth  appear  in  this : 
YOU  have  condemn'd  and  noted  Lucius  Pel/a, 


65  Julius  Caesar. 

For  taking  bribes  here  of  the  Sardians ; 
Wherein,  my  letter,  praying  on  his  fide, 
Because  I  knew  the  man,  was  flighted  of. 

BRU,  You  wrong'd  yourfelf,  to  write  in  fuch  a  cafe. 

Cjis.  In  fuch  a  time  as  this,  it  is  not  meet 
That  every  nice  offence  fhould  bear  his  comment. 

BRU.  8nfc  let  me  tell  you,  Caflius,  you  yourfelf 
Are  much  condemn'd  to  have  an  itching  palm  ; 
To  fell  and  mart  your  offices  for  gold, 
To  undeservers. 

C*s.  I  an  itching  palm  ? 
You  know,  that  you  are  Brutus  that  (peak  this, 
Or,  by  the  gods,  this  fpeech  were  elfe  your  lalt. 

BRU.  The  name  of  Coffins  honours  this  corruption, 
And  chaftisement  doth  therefore  hide  his  head. 

CAS.  Chaftisement! 

BRU.  Remember  March,  the  ides  of  March  remember : 
Did  not  great  'Julius  bleed  for  juftice'  fake  ? 
What  villain  touch'd  his  body,  that  did  ftab, 
And  not  for  juftice?  What,  (hall  one  of  us, 
That  ftruck  the  foremoft  man  of  all  this  world, 
But  for  fupporting  robbers ;  ftiall  we  now 
Contaminate  our  fingers  with  bafe  bribes  ? 
And  fell  the  mighty  fpace  of  our  large  honours 
For  fo  much  trafti,  as  may  be  grafped  thus  ? 
I  had  rather  be  a  dog,  and  bay  the  moon, 
Than  fuch  a  Roman. 

CAS.  Brutus,  bay  not  me, 
I'll  not  endure  it :  you  forget  yourfelf, 
To  hedge  me  in ;  I  am  a  foldier,  I, 
Older  in  practice,  abler  than  yourfelf 
To  make  conditions. 

*8  baite  not 


Julias  Caesar,  67 

BRV-.  Go  to  ;  you  are  not  Caffius. 

CAS.  I  am. 

BRU.  I  fay,  you  are  not, 

CAS.  Urge  me  no  more,  I  fhall  forget  myfelf; 
Have  mind  upon  your  health,  tempt  me  no  farther. 

BRU.  Away,  flight  man  ! 

CAS.  Is't  poflible  ? 

BRU.  Hear  me,  for  I  will  fpeak. 
Muft  I  give  way  and  room  to  your  ram  choler  ? 
Shall  I  be  frighted,  when  a  madman  flares  ? 

Cjs.  O  ye  gods,  ye  gods  !  Muft  I  endure  all  this  ? 

BRU .  All  this  ?  Ay,  more :  Fret,  'till  your  proud  heart 
Go,  mew  your  flaves  how  cholerick  you  are,        [break ; 
And  make  your  bondmen  tremble.    Muft  I  budge  ? 
Muft  I  observe  you  ?  Muft  I  ftand  and  crouch 
Under  your  tefty  humour  ?  By  the  gods, 
You  fhall  digeft  the  venom  of  your  fpleen, 
Though  it  do  fplit  you :  for,  from  this  day  forth, 
I'll  use  you  for  my  mirth,  yea,  for  my  laughter, 
When  you  are  wafpifh. 

CAS.  Is  it  come  to  this  ? 

BRU.  You  fay,  you  are  a  better  foldier : 
Let  it  appear  fo ;  make  your  vaunting  true, 
And  it  fhall  please  me  well :  For  mine  own  part, 
J  fhall  be  glad  to  learn  of  noble  men. 

CAS.  You  wrong  me  every  way,  you  wrong  me,  Brutus\ 
I  faid,  an  elder  foldier,  not  a  better : 
Did  I  fay,  better  ? 

BRU.  If  you  did,  I  care  not.  [me. 

CAS.  When  Co>sar\iv'd,  he  durft  not  thus  havemov'd 

BRU.  Peace,  peace;   you  durft  Hot  fo  have  tempted 

CAS,  I  durft  not?  [him. 


68  Julius  Caesar, 

£RV.  No. 

CAS.  What,  durft  not  tempt  him  ? 

BRU.  For  your  life  you  durft  not. 

CAS.  Do  not  presume  too  much  upon  my  love, 
1  may  do  that  I  mall  be  forry  for, 

BRU.  You  have  done  that  you  mould  be  forry  for. 
There  is  no  terror,  CaJ/ius,  in  your  threats ; 
For  I  am  arm'd  fo  ftrong  in  honefty, 
That  they  pafs  by  me,  as  the  idle  wind, 
Which  I  refpeft  not.     I  did  fend  to  you 
For  certain  fums  of  gold,    which  you  deny'd  me;  — 
For  I  can  raise  no  money  by  vile  means  : 
By  heaven,  I  had  rather  coin  my  heart, 
And  drop  my  blood  for  drachmas,  than  to  wring 
From  the  hard  hands  of  peasants  their  vile  tralh, 
By  any  indirection.     I  did  fend 
To  you  for  gold  to  pay  my  legions, 
Which  you  deny'd  me :  Was  that  done  like  Caffius  ? 
Should  I  have  anfwer'd  Caius  Cajjlut  fo  ? 
When  Marcus  Brutus  grows  fo  covetous, 
To  lock  fuch  rafcal  counters  from  his  friends, 
Be  ready,  gods,  with  all  your  thunder-bolts, 
Dam  him  to  pieces ! 

CAS.  I  deny'd  you  not. 

BRU.  You  did. 

CAS.  I  did  not:  he  was  but  a  fool,  [heart : 

That  brought  my  anfwer  back,    Brutus  hath  riv'd  my 
A  friend  mould  bear  his  friend's  infirmities, 
But  Brutus  makes  mine  greater  than  they  are. 

BRU.  I  do  not,  'till  you  pra&ife  them  on  me. 

CAS.  You  love  me  not. 

BRU.  I  do  not  like  your  faults. 


Julius  Caesar.  69 

CAS.  A  friendly  eye  could  never  fee  fuch  faults. 

BRU.  A  flatterer's  would  not,  though  they  do  appear 
As  huge  as  high  Olympus. 

CAS.  Come,  Antony,  and,  young  Oflavius,  come, 
Revenge  yourfelves  alone  on  Cajfiui, 
For  Cajjlus  is  aweary  of  the  world  : 
Hated  by  one  he  loves ;  brav'd  by  his  brother ; 
Check'd  like  a  bondman  ;  all  his  faults  observ'd, 
Set  in  a  note-book,  learn'd,  and  con'd  by  rote, 
To  caft  into  my  teeth.     O,  I  could  weep 
My  fpirit  from  mine  eyes.     There  is  ~j~  my  dagger, 
And  here")"  my  naked  breaft  ;  within,  a  heart 
Dearer  than  Plutus*  mine,  richer  than  gold  : 
If  that  thou  beeft  a  Roman,   take  it  forth  ; 
I,  that  deny'd  thee  gold,  will  give  my  heart : 
Strike,  as  thou  did'ft  at  Carsar ;  for,  I  know, 
When  thou  did'ft  hate  him  worft,  thou  lov'dft  him  better 
Than  ever  thou  lov'dft  Caffius. 

BRU.  Sheath  your  dagger  : 
Be  angry  when  you  will,  it  mall  have  fcope  ; 
Do  what  you  will,  dimonour  fhall  be  humour. 
O  Cajfius,  you  are  yoked  with  a  lamb, 
That  carries  anger,  as  the  flint  bears  fire  ; 
Who,  much  enforced,  fhews  a  hafty  fpark, 
And  ftraight  is  cold  again. 

CAS.  Hath  C^zu  liv'd 
To  be  but  mirth  and  laughter  to  his  Brutus, 
When  grief,  and  blood  ill-temper'd,  vexeth  him  ? 

BRV.  When  I  fpoke  that,  I  was  ill-temper'd  too. 

CAS.  Do  you  confefs  fo  much  ?  Give  me  your  hand. 

BRU.  And  my  heart  too. 

CAS.  O  Brutus,— 


76  Julius  Caesar. 

BRU.  What's  the  matter  ? 

CAS.  Have  you  not  love  enough  to  bear  with  me, 
When  that  rafh  humour,  which  my  mother  gave  me, 
Makes  me  forgetful  ?  [Neise  within, 

BKU.  Yes,  Caffius;  and,  henceforth, 
"When  you  are  over-earneft  with  your  Brutus, 
He'll  think  your  mother  chides,  and  leave  you  fo. 

Poet,  [within]  Let  me  go  in  to  fee  the  generals  ; 
There  is  fome  grudge  between  them,  'tis  not  meet 
They  be  alone. 

Luc.  [at  the  Door.]  You  (hall  not  come  to  them. 

Poet,  [within.]  Nothing  but  death  mall  Hay  me. 
Eater  Poet. 

CAS.  How  now  r  What's  the  matter? 

Poet.  For  mame,  you  generals ;  What  do  you  mean  ? 
Love,  and  be  friends,  as  two  fuch  men  mould  be  ; 
For  I  have  feen  more  years,  I'm  fure,   than  ye. 

CAS.  Ha,  ha ;  how  vilely  does  this  cynick  rhime  I 

BRU.  Get  you  hence,  firrah }  faucy  fellow,  hence. 

CAS.  Bear  with  him,  Brutus;  'tis  his  fafhion. 

BR  u.  I'll  know  his  humour,  when  he  knows  his  time : 
What  mould  the  wars  do  with  these  jingling  fools  ?  _ 
Companion,  hence. 

CAS.  Away,  away,  be  gone.  [Exit  Poet. 

Enter  Lucilius,  and  Titinius. 

BRU.  Lucilius  and  Titinius,  bid  the  commanders 
Prepare  to  lodge  their  companies  to-night.  [you 

CAS.  And  come  yourfelves,  and  bring  Meffala  with 
Immediately  to  us.         [Exeunt  Lucilius,  and  Titinius. 

BRU.  Lucius,  a  bowl  of  wine.  [£;«/ Lucius. 

CAS.  I  did  not  think,  you  could  have  been  fo  angry. 

BRU.  O  Cajfius,  I  am  fick  of  many  griefs. 

5  and  from  henceforth       **     i 


Julius  Caesar.  71 

CAS.  Of  your  philofophy  you  make  no  ufe, 
If  you  give  place  to  accidental  evils. 

BRU.  No  man  bears  forrow  better  •— Portia  is  dead. 

CAS.  Ha!  Portia? 

BRU.  She  is  dead. 

CA  s.  How  'fcap'd  I  killing,  when  I  crofFd  you  fo  ?__ 

0  infupportable  and  touching  lofs ! 

Upon  what  ficknefs  ? 

BRU.  Impatient  of  my  abfence  ; 
And  grief,    that  young  Ofla-vius  with  Mark  dniony 
Have  made  themfelves  fo  ftrong  ;  —  for  with  her  death 
That  tidings  came ;  —With  this  ihe  fell  diftraft, 
And,  her  attendants  abfent,  fwallow'd  fire. 

CAS.  And  dy'dfo? 

BR  u.  Even  fo. 

CAS.  O  ye  immortal  gods  ! 

Re  -  enter  Lucius,  *wit  b  Wine,    and  Tapers. 

BRV.  Speak  no  more  of  her — Give  me  a  bowl  of  wine :_ 
In  this  I  bury  all  unkindnefs,  Caffius.  [drinks. 

CAS.  My  heart  is  thirfty  for  that  noble  pledge :_ 
Fill,  Lucius,  'till  the  wine  o'er-fwell  the  cup ; 

1  cannot  drink  too  much  of  Brutus'  love.  [drinks. 

Re-enter  TITIICIUS,  'with  MESSALA. 

BR  u.  Come  in,  Titinius :_  Welcome,  good  Mejffala.  _ 
Now  fit  we  clofe  about  this  taper  here, 
And  call  in  queftion  our  neceffities. 

CAS.  "  Portia  !  art  thou  gone  ? " 

BRU.  "No  more,  I  pray  you."_ 
Mefa/a,  I  have  here  ~f  received  letters, 
That  young  Oflavius,  and  Mark  Antony, 
Come  down  upon  us  with  a  mighty  power, 
Bending  their  expedition  towards  Philippi. 


72  Julius  Catsar. 

MES.  Myfelf  have  letters  of  the  felf-fame  tenour. 

BRU.    With  what  addition  ? 

MES.  That  by  profcription,  and  bills  of  out-lawry, 
Oflavrus,  Antony,  and  Lepidus, 
Have  put  to  death  a  hundred  fenators. 

BKU.    Therein  our  letters  do  not  well  agree; 
Mine  fpeak  of  feventy  fenators,  that  dy'd 
By  their  profcriptions,  Cicero  being  one. 

Cjts.    Cicero  one  ? 

MES.  3p,  Cicero  is  dead, 
And  that  by  order  of  profcription — 
Had  you  your  letters  from  your  wife,  my  lord  ? 

BRU.   No,  MeJ/ala. 

MES.  Nor  nothing  in  your  letters  writ  of  her  ? 

BRU.   Nothing,  MeJJala. 

MES.  That,  methinks,  is  ftrange. 

BRU.    Why  afk  you  ?  Hear  you  ought  of  her  in  yours  ? 

MES.  No,  my  lord. 

BRU.   Now,  as  you  are  a  Roman,  tell  me  true. 

MES.  Then  like  a  Roman  bear  the  truth  I  tell ; 
For  certain  fhe  is  dead,  and  by  ftrange  manner. 

BRU.   Why,  farewel,  Portia We  muft  dye,  MeJ/ala: 

With  meditating  that  fhe  muft  dye  once, 
J  have  the  patience  to  endure  it  now. 

MES.  Even  fo  great  men  great  lofles  mould  endure. 

Cjs.    I  have  as  much  of  this  in  art  as  you,      [to  Bru. 
But  yet  my  nature  could  not  bear  it  fo. 

B»u.   Well,  to  our  work  alive.     What  do  you  think 
Of  marching  toPbilippi  presently? 

Cjts.   I  do  not  think  it  good. 

BRU.   Your  reason? 

Cjs.   This  it  is: 

"   by  that 


Julius  Caesar.  73 

'Tis  better  that  the  enemy  feek  us : 
So  fhall  he  wafte  his  means,  weary  his  foldiers, 
Doing  himfelf  offence  ;  whilft  we,  lying  ftill, 
Are  full  of  reft,  defence,  and  nimblenefs. 

BR  u.  Good  reasons  muft,  offeree,  give  place  to  better. 
The  people,  'twixt  Philippi  and  this  ground, 
Do  ftand  but  in  a  forc'd  affeftion  ; 
For  they  have  grudg'd  us  contribution  : 
The  enemy,  marching  along  by  them, 
By  them  (hall  make  a  fuller  number  up, 
Come  on  refrefh'd,  new-added,  and  encourag'd ; 
From  which  advantage  (hall  we  cut  him  off, 
If  at  Philippi  we  do  face  him  there, 
These  people  at  our  back. 

CAS.  Hear  me,  good  brother. 

BRU.  Under  your  pardon.     You  muft  note  befide, 
That  we  have  try'd  the  utmoft  of  our  friends, 
Our  legions  are  brim-full,  our  cause  is  ripe  ; 
The  enemy  increafeth  every  day, 
We,   at  the  height,   are  ready  to  decline. 
There  is  a  tide  in  the  affairs  of  men, 
Which,  taken  at  the  flood,  leads  on  to  fortune ; 
Omitted,  all  the  voyage  of  their  life 
Is  bound  in  mallows,  and  in  miseries. 
On  fuch  a  full  fea  are  we  now  afloat ; 
And  we  muft  take  the  current  when  it  ferves, 
Or  lose  our  ventures. 

Cjs.  Then,   with  your  will,  go  on  ; 
We'll  on  ourfelves,  and  meet  them  at  Philippi. 

BRU.  The  deep  of  night  is  crept  upon  our  talk, 
And  nature  muft  obey  neceflity  ; 
Which  we  will  niggard  with  a  little  reft. 

*9  wcc'l  along  our 


74  Julius  Caesar. 

There  is  no  more  to  fay  ? 

CAS.  No  more.     Good  night : 
Early  to-morrow  will  we  rise,  and  hence.      \Meffala  :  _ 

BRV.  Lucius,  my  gown.  [Exit  Luc.]  Farewel,  good 

Good  night,  Titinixs : Noble,  noble  CaJJius, 

Good  night,  and  good  repose. 

CA  s .  O  my  dear  brother  ! 
This  was  an  ill  beginning  of  the  night : 
Never  come  fuch  division  'tween  our  fouls ! 
Let  it  not,  Brutus. 

BRU.  Every  thirrg  is  well. 

CAS.  Good  night,  my  lord. 

BRU.  Good  night,  good  brother. 

Tif.  MES.  Good  night,    lord  Brutus. 

BRU.  Farewel,  every  one.      [Exeunt  CAS.  TIT,  MES. 

Re-enter  Lucius,  with  the  Gown. 
Give  me  the  gown.     Where  is  thy  inftrument  ? 

Luc.  Here  in  the  tent. 

BRU.  What,  thou  fpeak'ft  drowsily? 
Poor  knave,  I  blame  thee  not;   thou  art  o'er- watch 'd. 
Call  Claudius,  and  fome  other  of  my  men  ; 
I'll  have  them  fleep  on  cufhions  in  my  tent. 

Luc.  Farro,  and  Claudius! 

Enter  VARRO,   and  CLAUDIUS. 

FAR.  Calls  my  lord? 

BRU.  I  pray  you,  firs,  lye  in  my  tent,  and  fleep; 
It  may  be,  I  fhall  raise  you  by  and  by 
On  businefs  to  my  brother  Caffius.  [pleasure. 

FAR.  So  please  you,  we  will  ftand,  and  watch  your 

BRU.  I  will  not  have  it  fo:    lye  down,  good  firs; 
It  may  be,  I  fhall  otherwise  bethink  me. 

[Servants  retire,  andjleep* 


Julius  Caesar.  75 

Look,  Lucius,  here's  ~f  the  book  I  fought  for  fo  ; 
I  put  it  in  the  pocket  of  my  gown. 

Luc.   I  was  fare,  your  lordfhip  did  not  give  it  me. 

BRU.  Bear  with  me,  good  boy,  I  am  much  forgetful. 
Can'ft  thou  hold  up  thy  heavy  eyes  a  while, 
And  touch  thy  inftrument  a  ftrain  or  two  ? 

Luc.    Ay,  my  lord,  an't  please  you. 

BRU,  It  does,  my  boy: 
I  trouble  thee  too  much,  but  thou  art  willing. 

Luc.    It  is  my  duty,  fir. 

BRU.  I  mould  not  urge  thy  dnty  paft  thy  might ; 
I  know,  young  bloods  look  for  a  time  of  reft. 

Luc.    I  have  flept,  my  lord,   already. 

BR  u.  It  was  well  done  ;   and  thou  ihalt  fleep  again, 
T  will  not  hold  thee  long  :  If  I  do  live, 
I  will  be  good  to  thee.       [Mustek,  and  a  Song:  ttnuard 
the  End,    Lucius  falls  aflefp. 
This  is  a  fleepy  tune:  —  O  murd'rous  flumber, 
Lay'ft  thou  thy  leaden  mace  upon  my  boy, 
That  plays  thee  musick?  _ Gentle  knave,  good  night; 
I  will  not  do  thee  fo  much  wrong  to  wake  thee  : 
If  thou  doft  nod,  thon  break'ft  thy  inftrument, 
I'll  take  it  from  thee  ;  and,  good  boy,  good  night. 

[/ays  the  Inftrument  by,  and  Jits  do-tun, 
Let  me  fee,  let  me  fee;   Is  not  the  leaf  turn'd  down, 
Where  I  left  reading?  Here  it  is,  I  think. 

Enter  the  Gbojl  of  Crcsar. 

How  ill  this  taper  burns !  —  Ha !  who  comes  here  ? 
I  think,  it  is  the  weaknefs  of  mine  eyes, 
That  fhapes  this  monftrous  apparition. 
It  comes  upon  me  :_Art  thou  any  thing? 
Art  thou  fome  god,  fome  angel,  or  forae  devil, 


76  Julius  Caesar. 

That  mak'fl  my  blood  cold,  and  my  hair  to  flare  ? 
Speak  to  me,  what  thou  art. 

Gho.    Thy  evil  fpirit,  Brutus. 

BRU.  Why  com'ft  thou  ? 

Gbo.    To  tell  thee,  thou  (halt  fee  me  at  Pbilippi. 

BRU.  Well ;  Then  I  (hall  fee  thee  again  ? 

Gho.    Ay,  at  Pbilippi.  {fuanijhei. 

BRU.  Why,   I  will  fee  thee  at  Pbilippi  then. 
Now  I  have  taken  heart,  thou  vanifheft  : 
111  fpirit,    I  would  hold  more  talk  with  thee.— 
Boy,  Lucius  !  —  Varro!  Claudius !  —  Sirs,  awake!  — 
Claudius ! 

Luc.  The  firings,  my  lord,  are  falfe. 

BRU.  He  thinks,  he  flill  is  at  his  inftrument. _ 
Lucius,  awake. 

Luc.   My  lord.  [<waking.~\  [out? 

BRU.  Did'fl  thou  dream,  Lucius,  that  thou  fo  cry'dfl 

Luc.   My  lord,  I  do  not  know  that  I  did  cry. 

BRU.  Yes,  that  thou  did'ft :  Did'fl  thou  fee  any  thing  £ 

Luc.  Nothing,  my  lord. 

BRU.  Sleep  again,  Lucius Sirrah,  Claudius! 

Fellow  thou,  awake. 

FAR.  My  lord. 

CLA.  My  lord. 

BRU.  Why  did  you  fo  cry  out,  firs,  in  your  fleep  ? 

VAR.  CLA.  Did  we,  my  lord  ? 

BRU.  Ay;  Saw  you  any  thing? 

FAR.  No,  my  lord,  I  faw  nothing. 

CLA.  Nor  I,  my  lord. 

BRU.  Go  and  commend  me  to  my  brother  Caffiui\ 
Bid  him  fet  on  his  powers  betimes  before, 
And  we  will  follow. 


Julius  Caesar.  77 

VA*.  Cu>  It  fhall  be  done,  my  lord.  [Exeunt- 

ACT    V. 

SCENE  I.    Plains  of  Philippi. 
Enter  OCTAVIUS,  ANTONY,   and  their  Army. 

OCT.  Now,   Antony,  our  hopes  are  anfwered : 
You  faid,  the  enemy  would  not  come  down, 
But  keep  the  hills  and  upper  regions ; 
It  proves  not  fo  :  their  battles  are  at  hand  ; 
They  mean  to  warn  us  at  Pbilippi  here, 
Anfwering  before  we  do  demand  of  them. 

JUT.  Tut,  I  am  in  their  bosoms,  and  1  know 
Wherefore  they  do  it :  they  could  be  content 
To  visit  other  places  ;   and  come  down 
With  fearful  bravery,  thinking,  by  this  face, 
To  faften  in  our  thoughts  that  they  have  courage ; 
But  'tis  not  fo. 

Enter  a  Meffenger. 

Mef.    Prepare  you,  generals  : 
The  enemy  comes  on  in  gallant  mew  ; 
Their  bloody  fign  of  battle  is  hung  out, 
And  fomething  to  be  done  immediately. 

ANT.  Oflavius,  lead  your  battle  foftly  on, 
Upon  the  left  hand  of  the  even  field. 

OCT.    Upon  the  right  hand  I,   keep  thou  the  left. 

ANT.  Why  do  you  crofs  me  in  this  exigent  ? 

OCT.   I  do  not  crofs  you ;  but  I  will  do  fo.    [March. 

Drum.  Enter  BRUTUS,  CASS.IUS,  and  their  Army; 
LUCILIUS,  Titinius,  MESS  ALA,  and  Others,  attending. 

Bnu.  They  ftand,  and  would  have  parley. 

VOL.  VIII.  F 


78  Julius  Cassar. 

CAS.  Stand  faft,  7'itinius,  we  muft  out  and  talk. 

OCT.   Mark  Antony,  lhall  we  give  fign  of  battle  ? 

ANT.  No,  C&sar,  we  will  anfwer  on  their  charge. 
Make  forth,  the  generals  would  have  fome  words. 

OCT.    Stir  not  until  the  fignal.  [to  his  Troops. 

BRU.  Words  before  blows  :  Is  it  (b,   countrymen? 

OCT.   Not  that  we  love  words  better,  as  you  do. 

BR u.  Goodwordsarebetterthanbadftrokes,OtfflT;/«.r. 

ANT.  In  your  bad  ftrokes,  Brutus,  you  give  good  words : 
Witnefs  the  hole  you  made  in  Cesar's  heart, 
Crying,  Long  li*ve  !  bail,  Caesar  ! 

CAS.    Antony, 

The  pofture  of  your  blows  are  yet  unknown  ; 
But  for  your  words,  you  rob  the  Hybla  bees, 
And  leave  them  honeylefs. 

ANT.  Not  ftinglefs  too. 

BRU.  O,  yes,  and  foundlefs  too  ; 
For  you  have  ftoln  their  buzzing,  Antony, 
And,  very  wisely,  threat  before  you  fting. 

ANT  .  Villains,  you  did  not  fo,  when  yourvile  daggers 
Hack'd  one  another  in  the  fides  of  Casar: 
You  fhew'd  your  teeth  like  apes,  and  fawn'dlike  hounds, 
And  bow'd  like  bondmen,  kiffing  Ctesar's  feet; 
Whilft  damned  Cafca,  like  a  cur,  behind, 
Strook  Ctesar  on  the  neck.     O  flatterers  ! 

CAS.  Flatterers! —  Now,  Brutus,  thank yourfelf; 
This  tongue  had  not  offended  fo  to-day, 
If  Coffins  might  have  rul'd.  [fweat, 

OCT.  Come,  come,  the  cause  :  If  arguing  make  us 
The  proof  of  it  will  turn  to  redder  drops. 
Look,  "J"  I  draw  a  fword  againft  confpirators  ; 
When  think  you  that  the  fword  goes  up  again  ? 

*s  O  you  Flat— 


Julius  Caesar.  79 

Never,  'till  C&sar's  three  and  twenty  wounds 
Be  well  aveng'd  ;  or  'till  another  Casar 
Have  added  flaughter  to  the  fword  of  traitors. 

BRU.  C<#sar,  thou  can'ft  not  dye  by  traitors'  hands, 
Unlefs  thou  bring'ft  them  with  thee. 

Oc-r.   So  I  hope ; 
I  was  not  born  to  dye  on  Bruius*  fword. 

BRU.  O,  if  thou  wert  the  nobleft  of  thy  ftrain, 
Young  man,  thou  could'ft  not  dye  more  honourable. 

CAS.   A  peevifti  fchool-boy,  worthlefs  of  fuch honour, 
Join'd  with  a  maflcer  and  a  reveller. 

ANT.  Old  Caffius  Hill. 

OCT.    Come,  Antony;  away._ 
Defiance,  traitors,   hurl  we  in  your  teeth  : 
If  you  dare  fight  to-day,  come  to  the  field ; 
If  not,  when  you  have  ftomacks. 

{Exeunt  ANTONY,  OCTAVIUS,  and  Army. 

CAS.   Why  now,  blow, wind;  fwell, billow;  andfwim, 
The  ftorm  is  up,  and  all  is  on  the  hazard.  [bark : 

BRU.   Ludlius;  hark,  a  word  with  you. 

Luc.    My  lord.  [they  converfe  apart. 

CA  s .    Mefia/a,  — 

MES.  What  fays  my  general? 

CAS.    Meffala, 

This  is  my  birth-day  ;  as  this  very  day 
Was  Cajfius  born.     Give  me  thy  hand,  MeJJala : 
Be  thou  my  witnefs,  that,   againft  my  will, 
As  Pompey  was,  am  I  compelFd  to  fet 
Upon  one  battle  all  our  liberties. 
You  know,  that  I  held  Epicurus  ftrong, 
And  his  opinion  :  now  1  change  my  mind, 
And  partly  credit  things  that  do  prefage, 

1  thirty 


8o  Julius  Czesar. 

Coming  from  Sardis,  on  our  former  enfign 

Two  mighty  eagles  fell ;  and  there  they  perch'd, 

Gorging  and  feeding  from  our  foldiers'  hands  ; 

Who  to  Philippi  here  conforted  us : 

This  morning  are  they  fled  away,  and  gone ; 

And,  in  their  fteads,  do  ravens,  crows,  and  kites, 

Fly  o'er  our  heads,  and  downward  look  on  us, 

As  we  were  fickly  prey ;  their  fhadows  feem 

A  canopy  moft  fatal,  under  which 

Our  army  lies,  ready  to  give  up  the  ghoft. 

MES.  Believe  not  fo. 

CAS.   I  but  believe  it  partly  ; 
For  I  am  frefh  of  fpirit,   and  resolv'd 
To  meet  all  perils  very  conftantly. 

BR  v.  Even  fo,  Ludlius. 

CAS.  Now,  moft  noble  Brutus, 
The  gods  to-day  ftand  friendly ;  that  we  may, 
Lovers,  in  peace,  lead  on  our  days  to  age  ! 
But  firtce  the  affairs  of  men  reft  ftill  uncertain, 
Let's  reason  with  the  worft  that  may  befal. 
If  we  do  lose  this  battle,  then  is  this 
The  very  laft  time  we  fhall  fpeak  together  : 
What  are  you  then  determined  to  do  ? 

BRU.   Even  by  the  rule  of  that  philofophy, 
By  which  I  did  blame  Cato  for  the  death 
Which  he  did  give  himfelf ;  —  I  know  not  how, 
But  I  do  find  it  cowardly  and  vile, 
For  fear  of  what  might  fall,  fo  to  prevent 
The  term  of  life:— arming  myfelf  with  patience, 
To  ftay  the  providence  of  fome  high  powers, 
That  govern  us  below. 

CAS.   Then,  if  we  lose  this  battle, 

«0  refts     *9  The  tim«  of 


Julius  Caesar.  $1 

You  are  contented  to  be  led  in  triumph 
Thorough  the  ftreets  of  Rome? 

BRV.  No,  Cajfius,  no:  think  not,  thou  noble  Roman, 
That  ever  Brutus  will  go  bound  to  Rome; 
He  bears  too  great  a  mind.     But  this  fame  day 
Muft  end  that  work,  the  ides  of  March  begun  ; 
And,  whether  we  mall  meet  again,  I  know  not. 
Therefore  our  everlafting  farewel  take  : 
For  ever,  and  for  ever,  farewel,  CaJ/ius  f 
If  we  do  meet  again,  why  we  mall  fmile ; 
If  not,  why  then  this  parting  was  well  made. 

Cjs.   Forever,  and  for  ever,   farewel,  Brutus  f 
If  we  do  meet  again,  we'll  fmile  indeed; 
If  not,  'tis  true,  this  parting  was  well  made. 

BRV.  Why  then,  lead  on — O,  that  a  man  might  know 
The  end  of  this  day's  businefs,  ere  it  come  ! 
But  it  fufficeth,  that  the  day  will  end, 
And  then  the  end  is  known Come,  ho;  away.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  II.     rhefame.   The  Field  of  Battle. 
Alarums,  as  of  a  Battle  Join  d.    Enter 

BRUTUS,  and  Meflala. 

BRU.  Ride,  ride,  MeJ/ala,  ride,  and  give  these  "f"  bills 
Unto  the  legions  on  the  other  fide  ; 
Let  them  fet  on  at  once ;  for  I  perceive 
But  cold  demeanour  in  Otfavius'  wing, 
And  fudden  pufh  gives  them  the  overthrow. 
Ride,  ride,  Mejfala ;  let  them  all  come  down.  \Exeunt. 

SCENE  III.     Another  Part  of  the  FieU. 
Alarums.   Enter  C A s s i u s ,  and TITINIUS. 
CAS.  O,  look,  Titinius,  look,  the  villains  fly ! 


8z  Julius  Caesar. 

Myfelf  have  to  mine  own  turn'd  enemy : 
This  enfign  here  of  mine  was  turning  back ; 
I  flew  the  coward,  and  did  take  it  from  him. 

TIT.  O  Cajfius,  Brutus  gave  the  word  too  early: 
Who,  having  fome  advantage  on  Ot?arvius, 
Took  it  too  eagerly ;  his  foldiers  fell  to  fpoil, 
Whilft  we  by  dntcny  are  all  enclos'd. 
Enter  PINDARUS. 

PIN.  Fly  further  off,  my  lord,  fly  further  off; 
Mark  Antony  is  in  your  tents,  my  lord  : 
Fly  therefore,  noble  CaJJim,  fly  far  off. 

Cjs.  This  hill  is  far  enough. —  Look,  look,  Titinius; 
Are  those  my  tents,  where  I  perceive  the  fire  ? 

TIT.  They  are,  my  lord. 

C/*9.  Titinius,  if  thou  lov'ft  me, 
Mount  thou  my  horfe,  and  hide  thy  fpurs  in  him, 
'Till  he  have  brought  thee  up  to  yonder  troops, 
And  here  again  ;  that  I  may  reft  affur'd, 
Whether  yon'  troops  are  friend  or  enemy- 

TIT.  I  will  be  here  again,  even  with  a  thought. 

{Exit  TITINIUS. 

Cjs.  Go,  Pindarus,  get  thither  on  that  hill; 
My  fight  was  ever  thick  ;  regard  Tilinius, 
And  tell  me  what  thou  not'ft  about  the  field. 

[Exit  PINDARUS. 

This  day  I  breathed  firft  :  time  is  come  round, 
And,  where  I  did  begin,  there  mall  I  end ; 
My  life  is  run  his  compafs._ Sirrah,  what  news  ? 

PIN.    [within.']  O  my  lord! 

CAS.  What  news? 

PIN.  [fwithit:.]  Titinius  is  enclosed  round  about 
With  horfemen,  that  make  to  him  on  the  fpur;  — 


Julius  Caesar.  83 

Yet  he  fpurs  on.—  Now  they  are  almoft  on  him  :  — 
Titinius'.—  Now  fome  light:— O,  he  lights  too:  — 
He'sta'en;  and,  hark,  they  (hout  for  joy.  [Shout. 

CAS.  Come  down, 
Behold  no  more — 

O,  coward  that  I  am,  to  live  fo  long, 
To  fee  my  beft  friend  ta'en  before  my  face  ! 

Re-enter  P  i  N  D  A  R  u  s . 
Come  hither,  firrah : 
In  Parthia  did  I  take  thee  prisoner ; 
And  then  I  fwore  thee,  faving  of  thy  life, 
That  whatfoever  I  did  bid  thee  do, 
Thou  fhould'ft  attempt  it.   Come  now,  keep  thine  oath ; 
Now  be  a  free-man  ;  and,  with  this  good  fword, 
That  ran  through  Ca-sar's  bowels,  fearch  this  bosom. 
Stand  not  to  anfwer  :  Here,  take  thou  the  hilts ; 
And,  when  my  face  is  cover'd,  as  'tis  now, 

Guide  rhou  the  fword C&sar,  thou  art  reveng'd, 

Even  with  the  fword  that  kill'd  thee.  [  dies. 

PIN.   So,  I  am  free;  yet  would  not  fo  have  been, 
Durft  I  have  done  my  will.     O  Caffius  ! 
Far  from  this  country  Pindarm  (hall  run, 
Where  never  Roman  mall  take  note  of  him.  [Exit, 

Re-enter  TITINIUS,  nuitb  MESSALA. 

MES,  It  is  but  change,  <Titinius  ;  for  OSavius 
Is  overthrown  by  noble  Brutus'  power, 
As  CaJJius'  legions  are  by  Antony. 

Tif.  These  tidings  will  well  comfort  CaJJius. 

MES.  Where  did  you  leave,  him  ? 

Tir.    All  difconfolate, 
With  Pindarus  his  bondman,  on  this  hill. 

MES.  Is  not  that  he,  that  lies  upon  the  ground  ? 

*  Now  Titimui. 

F4 


84  Julius  Caesar. 

7/r.   He  lies  not  like  the  living.     O  my  heart! 

MES.  Is  not  that  he? 

7/r.    No,  this  was  he,  Mtfala, 
But  Cajfiusis  no  more — O  fetting  fun, 
As  in  thy  red  rays  thou  doft  fink  to  night, 
So  in  his  red  blood  CaJJtui1  day  is  fet ; 
The  fun  of  Rome  is  fet !  Our  day  is  gone  ; 
Clouds,  dews,  and  dangers  come;  our  deeds  are  done! 
Miftruft  of  my  fuccefs  hath  done  this  deed. 

MES.  Miftruft  of  good  fuccefs  hath  done  this  deed. 
O  hateful  error,  melancholy's  child, 
Why  doft  thou  fhew  to  the  apt  thoughts  of  men 
Tlie  things  that  are  not  ?  Error,  foon  conceiv'd, 
Thou  never  com'ft  unto  a  happy  birth, 
But  kill'ft  the  mother  that  engender'd  thee. 

fir.    Why,  Pindarus!  Where  art  thou,  Pindarus? 

MES.  Seek  him,  Titinins;  whilft  I  go  to  meet 
The  noble  Brutus,  thrufting  this  report 
Into  his  ears  :  I  may  fay,  thrufting  it ; 
For  piercing  fteel,  and  darts  envenom'd, 
Shall  be  as  welcome  to  the  ears  of  Brutus', 
As  tidings  of  this  fight. 

TIT.    Hye  you,  Meffala, 
And  I  will  feek  for  Pindarus  the  while. 

[Exit  MESSALA. 

Whydid'ft  thou  fend  me  forth,  brave  Coffins? 
Did  I  not  meet  thy  friends  ?  and  did  not  they 
Put  on  my  brows  this  ~\  wreath  of  viftory,        [fhouts  ? 
And  bid  me  give  it  thee  ?  Did 'ft  thou  not  hear  their 
Alas,  thou  haft  mifconftru'd  every  thing. 
But  hold  thee,  take  this  garland  on  thy  brow; 
Thy  Brutus  bid  me  give  it  thee,  and  I 

'»  0  Error 


Julius  Czsar.  85 

Will  do  his  biddirfg Brutus,  come  apace, 

And  fee  how  I  regarded  Caius  Caffius 

By  your  leave,  gods :  _^.This  is  a  Roman's  part ; 
Come,  Caffius'fwoTd,  and  find  Fitinius'  heart.        [dies. 
Re-enter  MESSALA,  with  Lucilius,  BRUTUS, 

young  C  A  T  o ,  and  Others. 
•    BRU.  Where,  where,  MeJ/ala,  doth  his  body  lye  ? 

MES.  Lo,  yonder;  and  Titiniut  mourning  it, 

BRU.  T'itixius*  face  is  upward. 

y.  C.  He  is  flain. 

BRU.  O  "Julius  Caesar,  thou  art  mighty  yet ; 
Thy  fpirit  walks  abroad,  and  turns  our  (words 
In  our  own  proper  entrails. 

y.  C.  Brave  Titinius  !  — 
Loolc,  whe'r  he  have  not  crown'd  dead  Caffius  f 

BRU.  Are  yet  two  Romans  living  fuch  as  these? 

Thou  lafl  of  all  the  Romans,  fare  thee  well ! 
It  is  impoffible,  that  ever  Rome 

Should   breed  thy  fellow Friends,  I  owe  more  tears 

To  this  dead  man,  than  you  fhall  fee  me  pay. 

I  (hall  find  time,  Cajjius,  I  mail  find  time.  _ 
Come,  therefore,  and  to  ThaJ/bs  fend  his  body ; 
His  funeral  (hall  not  be  in  our  camp, 
Left  it  difcomfort  us.  —.Lucilius,  come;_ 

And  come,  young  Cato;  let  us  to  the  field 

Labeo,  and  Flavius,  fet  oar  battles  on  : 

'Tis  three  o'clock  ;  and,  Romans,  yet  ere  night 

We  fhall  try  fortune  in  a  fecond  fight.  [Exeunt. 


S  CE  NE  I V .    Another  Pan  of  the  Field. 

Alarums.     Enter,  fgbting,   Soldiers  of  both  Armies ; 

then,  BRUTUS,  CATO,  LUCILIUS,  andOthers. 

»7Thelaft      ^Tbarfus     *3  Funeralls 


86  Julius  Caesar. 

BRU.  Yet,  countrymen,  o,  yet,  hold  up  your  heads! 
j.  C.    What  baftard doth  not ?_Who will  go  with  me? 
I  will  proclaim  my  name  about  the  field  :_ 
I  am  the  fon  of  Marcus  Cato,  ho, 
A  foe  to  tyrants,  and  my  country's  friend  ; 
I  am  the  fon  of  Marcus  Cato,  ho  ! 

[charges  the  retiring  Enemy, 
BRU.  And  I  am  Brutus,  Marcus  Brutus,  I  ; 
Brutus,  my  country's  friend ;  know  me  for  Brutus  ! 

\charges  them  in  another  Part,  and  Exit, 
driving  them  in.  The  Party  charged  by 
Cato  rally,  a nd  Cato  falls. 

Luc.    O  young  and  noble  Cato,  art  thou  down? 
Why,  now  thou  dy'ft  as  bravely  as  Titinius; 
And  may'ft  be  honour'd  being  Cato's  fon. 
i,  S.  Yield,   or  thou  dy'ft. 
Luc.  Only  I  yield  to  dye: 

There  is  "|"  fo  much,  that  thou  wilt  kill  me  ftraight ; 
Kill  Brutus,  and  be  honour'd  in  his  death. 

1.  5.  Wemuft  not,  fir.  _A  noble  prisoner! 

2.  S.  Room,  ho !   Tell  Antony,  Brutus  is  ta'en. 

j .  S.  I'll  tell  the  news.  —Here  comes  the  general :  •_* 

Enter  ANTONY. 
Brutus  is  ta'en,  Brutus  is  ta'en,  my  lord. 

JNT.  Where  is  he  ?  [they  Jho<w  Lucilius, 

Luc%    Safe,  Antony  ;  Brutus  is  fafe  enough  : 
I  dare  affure  thee,  that  no  enemy 
Shall  ever  take  alive  the  noble  Brutus : 
The  gods  defend  him  from  fo  great  a  fhame ! 
When  you  do  find  him,  or  alive,  or  dead, 
He  will  be  found  like  Brutus,  like  himfelf. 

.  This  is  not  Brutus,  friend ;  but,   I  allure  you, 

41  tell  thee  newes 


Julius  (Jxsar.  87 

A  prize  no  lefs  in  worth :  keep  this  man  fafe, 

Give  him  all  kindnefs :  I  had  rather  have 

Such  men  my  friends,  than  enemies.     Go  on, 

And  fee  whe'r  Brutus  be  alive,  or  dead  : 

And  bring  us  word,  unto  Octavius*  tent, 

How  every  thing  is  chanc'd.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE   V.    Another  Part  of  the  Field. 

Enter  BRUTUS,  DARDANIUS,  CLITUS,  STRATO, 
and  VOLUMNIUS, 

BRU  .  Come,  poorremains  of  friends,  reft  on  thisrock. 

CLI.    Statilius  ihew'd  the  torch-light ;  but,  my  lord, 
He  came  not  back,  he  is  or  ta'en,  or  flain. 

BRU.  Sit  thee  down,  Clitus :  Slaying  is  the  word  ; 
It  is  a  deed  in  fafhion.     Hark  thee,  Clitus. 

[  wbifycring  him  in  the  ear. 

CLI.    What,  I,  my  lord  ?  No,  not  for  all  the  world. 

BRU.  Peace  then,  no  words. 

CLI.    I'll  rather  kill  myfelf. 

BR  u.  Hark  thee,  Dardanius.  \jvahifpers  him. 

DAR.  I  do  fuch  a  deed  ! 

CLI.    O  Dardanius! 

DAR.O  Clitus! 

CLI.    What  ill  requeft  did  Brutus  make  to  thee  ? 

DAR.  To  kill  him,  Clitus:  Look,  he  meditates. 

CLI.    Now  is  that  noble  veflel  full  of  grief, 
That  it  runs  over  even  at  his  eyes, 

BRU.  Come  hither,  good  Volumnius  j  lift  a  word. 

VOL  .  What  fays  my  lord  ? 

BRU.  Why,  this,  Folumnius : 
The  ghoft  of  Carsar  hath  appear'd  to  me 
Two  feveral  times  by  night :  at  Sardis,  once  ; 

«  Shall  I  do 


88  Julius  Caesar. 

And,  this  laft  night,  here  in  Philipp?  fields  : 
I  know,  my  hour  is  come. 

VOL.  Not  fo,  my  lord. 

BRU.  Nay,  I  am  fure  it  is,  Folumnius. 
Thou  fee'ft  the  world,  Volumnius,  how  it  goes  ; 
Our  enemies  have  beat  us  to  the  pit :         [/o--w  Alarums, 
It  is  more  worthy,  to  leap  in  ourfelves, 
Than  tarry  'till  they  pufh  us.     Good  Volumnius, 
Thou  know'ft,   that  we  two  went  to  fchool  together  ; 
Even  for  that  our  love  of  old,  I   pray  thee, 
Hold  thou  my  fwcrd's  hilt,  whil'ft  I  run  on  it* 

POL.  That's  not  an  office  for  a  friend,  my  lord. 

[Alarums  JlilL 

CLI.   FIy:  fly,  my  lord;  there  is  no  tarrying  here. 

BRU.  Farewel  to  you  ;_ and  you  ;_  and  you,    F»- 
Strato,  thou  haft  been  all  this  while  afleep  ;     \_lumnius — 
Farewel  to  thee  too,  Strata,  _  Countrymen, 
My  heart  doth  joy,  that  yet,  in  all  my  life, 
I  found  no  man,   but  he  was  true  to  me. 
I  (hall  have  glory  by  this  losing  day, 
More  than  Ofta<vius,  and  Mark  Antony, 
By  this  vile  conqueft  mail  attain  unto. 
So,  fare  you  well  at  once  ;  for  Brutus'  tongue 
Hath  almoft  ended  his  life's  hiftory  : 
Night  hangs  upon  mine  eyes ;  my  bones  would  reft, 
That  have  but  labour'd  to  attain  this  hour. 

[Alarums.  Cry  'within,  Fly,  fly,  fly. 

GJ.J.    Fly,  my  lord,  fly. 

BRU.  Hence,  I  will  follow  tfjee. 

[Exeunt  CLITUS,  DARDANIUS,  and  VOLUMNIUS. 
I  pr'ythee,  Strata,  ftay  thou  by  thy  lord  : 
Thou  art  a  fellow  of  a  good  refpedl ; 

»»  Sword  Hilts,       »7  to  thee,  to  Strata,  Countrymen  j 


Julius  Cxszr.  89 

Thy  life  hath  had  fbme  fmatch  of  honour  in  it : 
Hold  then  my  fword,  and  turn  away  thy  face, 
While  I  do  run  upon  it.     Wilt  thou,  Strata? 

STS.  Giveme  your  hand  firft:  Fare  you  well,  my  lord. 

BR  u.  Farevvel,  good  Strata.  _  C&sar,  now  be  ftill ; 
I  kill'd  not  thee  with  half  fo  good  a  will. 

[runs  upon  his  Sivord,    and  dies* 
Alarums.  Retreat. 

Enter  OCTAVIUS,  ANTONY,  and their  Army ; 
LUCILIUS,  and  MESS  ALA. 

OCT.  What  man  is  that  ? 

MES.  My  matter's  man.  _  Strata,  where  is  thy  mafler  ? 

STR.  Free  from  the  bondage  you  are  in,  Meffala  ; 
The  conquerors  can  but  make  a  fire  of  him  : 
For  Brutus  only  overcame  himfelf, 
And  no  man  elfe  hath  honour  by  his  death. 

Luc.  So^r«/ajfhould  be  found — I  thank  thee,  Brutus, 
That  thou  haft  prov'd  Lucilius'  faying  true. 

OCT.  All  that  ferv'dSrutus,  I  will  entertain  them.— 
Fellow,  wilt  thou  beftow  thy  time  with  me  ? 

STR.  Ay,  if  Me/ala  will  prefer  me  to  you. 

OCT.  Dt>  fo,  Meffala. 

MES.  How  dy'd  my  mafter,  Strata? 

STR.  I  held  the  fword,  and  he  did  run  on  it. 

MES.  Ofla'vius,  then  take  him  to  follow  thee, 
That  did  the  lateft  fervice  to  my  mafter. 

Atst.  This  was  the  nobleft  Roman  of  them  all : 
All  the  confpirators,  fave  only  he, 
Did  that  they  did  in  envy  of  great  C<emr ; 
He,  only,  in  a  general  honeft  thought, 
And  common  good  to  all,  made  one  of  them. 
His  life  was  gentle ;   and  the  elements 

«  Do  fo,  good  Mef- 


g&  Julius  Csesar. 

So  mixt  in  him,  that  nature  might  Hand  up, 
And  fay  to  all  the  world,  This  was  a  man. 

OCT.  According  to  his  virtue  let  us  use  him, 
With  all  refpecl,  and  rites  of  burial. 
Within  my  tent  his  bones  to-night  {hall  lye, 

Moft  like  a  foldier,  order'd  honourably 

So,  call  the  field  to  reft  :  and  let's  away, 

To  part  the  glories  of  this  happy  day.       [Exeunt. 


ANTONY 

and 

CLEOPATRA. 


Penons  represented. 

Odavius  Cssar,  1 

Marcus  Antonius,  >    Triumvirs. 

M.  J£m\}.  Lepidus,        j 

Sextus  Pompeius. 

Mecasnas,   Agrippa,    Taurus, 

Thyreus,  Dolabella,  [Callus,] 

and  Proculeius,      Csesarians  : 

Me/fingers,  three;  Soldiers,  Jix ;   the  fame. 
Demetrius,  Philo,  Enobarbus, 
Ventidius,  Silius,  Canidius, 
Scarus,  Euphronius,  Eros, 
rfW  Dercet  as,        Antonians: 

Attendants,  five ;  MeJ/engers,  fix  ; 

Soldiers  (cr  Guards)  nine  ;  the  famt. 
Varrius,  Menas,  and  Menecrates,  Friends 
to  Pompey  :  Servants  of  the  fame,  tvja. 
A  Soothfayer. 

Alexas,  Mardian  an  Eunucb, 
Seleucus,  Diomedes,  and  Clown, 
Attendants  upon  Cleopatra. 

Cleopatra,  S>ueen  of  Egypt. 

Oftavia,  Wife  to  Antony. 

Charmian,      7  Anendams  on  Cleopatra. 

Other  Attendants,  Officers,  Soldiers,    &c. 

Seine,  difperf'd;   in  fever al  Partt 
of  the  Roman  Empirt. 


ANTONY  and  CLEOPATRA. 


AC?    I. 

SCENE  I.    Alexandria. 

A  Room  in  Cleopatra'/  Palace. 

Enter  DEMETRIUS,  and  PHILO. 

PHI.   Nay,  but  this  dotage  of  our  general's 
O'er-flows  the  measure  :  those  his  goodly  eyes, 
That  o'er  the  files  and  mufters  of  the  war 
Have  glovv'd  like  plated  Mars,  now  bend,  now  turn, 
The  office  and  devotion  of  their  view 
Upon  a  tawny  front :  his  captain's  heart, 
Which  in  the  fcuffles  of  great  fights  hath  burfl 
The  buckles  on  his  breaft,  reneges  all  temper  ; 
And  is  become  the  bellows,  and  the  fan, 
To  cool  a  gipfy's  luft.  —  Look,  where  they  come: 
Flourijh.  Enter  ANTONY,  CLEOPATRA,  and 

their  Trains  ;  Eunuchs  fanning  her. 
Take  but  good  note,  and  you  mail  fee  in  him 
The  triple  pillar  of  the  world  tranfform'd 
Into  a  {trumpet's  fool :  behold  and  fee. 

CLE.  If  it  be  love  indeed,  tell  me  how  much. 

VOL.  VIII.  G 


4  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Ant.  There's  beggary  in  the  lovethatcanbe  reckon'd. 

CLE.  I'll  fet  a  bourn  how  far  to  be  belov'd.        [earth. 

An T .  Then  muft  thou  needs  find  out  new  heaven,  new 
Enter  an  Attendant. 

Att.     News,  my  good  lord,  from  Rome. 

Awr.  '&  grates  me :  —The  fum. 

CLE.  Nay,  hear  them  Antony  : 
Ful-via,  perchance,   is  angry ;  Or,  who  knows 
If  the  fcarce- bearded  C<esar  have  not  fent 
His  powerful  mandate  to  you,  Do  this,  or  this ; 
Take  in  that  kingdom,  and  enfranchise  that ; 
Per  format,  or  elje  we  damn  tbee. 

Atn.  How,  my  love ! 

CLE.  Perchance?  Nay,  and  moft  like  :_ 
You  muft  not  ftay  here  longer,  your  difmiffion 
Is  come  from  C/esar\  therefore  hear  it,  Antony. — 
Where's  Fu/-via's  procefs  ?  —  C&sar's,   I  would  fay  r  — 

Call  in  themeflengers. Aslam£^^/'s  queen,    [Both? 

Thou  blufheft,  Antony  ;  and  that  blood  of  thine 
Is  Cttjar's  homager  :  fo  thy  cheek  pays  fhame, 
When  mrill-tongu'd  Fufoia  fcolds._The  mefiengers. 

ANT.  Let  Rome  in  Tyber  melt !  and  the  wide  arch 
Of  the  rang'd  empire  fall  1  Here  ~j~  is  my  fpace ; 
Kingdoms  are  clay  :  Our  dungy  earth  alike 
Feeds  beaft  as  man  :   the  noblenefs  of  life 
Is,  to  do  "|"  thus  ;  when  fuch  a  mutual  pair, 
And  fuch  a  twain  can  do't ;  in  which,   I  bind, 
On  pain  of  punimment,   the  world  to  weet 
We  ftand  up  peerlefs. 

CLE.  Excellent  falfhood ! 

Why  did  he  marry  FtJvut,  and  not  love  her  ?  -~ 
I  feem  the  fool  I  am  not ;  Antony 

*°  homager  :  clfe  fo      3»  ]je  feemie 


Antony  find  Cleopatra,  5 

Will  be  himfelf. 

Awr.  But,  ftir'd  by  Cleopatra,  — 
Now,  for  the  love  of  love,  and  his  foft  hours, 
Let's  not  confound  the  time  with  conference  harm  : 
There's  not  a  minute  of  our  lives  mould  ftretch 
Without  fome  pleasure  now  :  What  fport  to-night  ? 

CLE.  Hear  the  embafTadors. 

ANT.  Fie,  wrangling  queen  ! 
Whom  every  thing  becomes,  to  chide,  to  laugh, 
To  weep  ;  whose  every  paffion  fully  ftrives 
To  make  itfelf,  in  thee,  fair  and  admir'd ! 
No  meflenger,   but  thine  ;  And  all  alone, 
To-night,  we'll  wander  through  the  ftreets,  and  note 
The  qualities  of  people.     Come,  my  queen; 
Lalt  night  you  did  desire  it  :  Speak  not  to  us. 

\_Exeunt  ANTONY,  CLEOPATRA,  andl'rain. 

DEM.  Is  Ctfjar  with  Antonius  priz'd  fo  flight? 

PHI.    Sir,  fometimes,  when  he  is  not  Antony, 
He  comes  too  fhort  of  that  great  property 
Which  ftill  mould  go  with  Antony. 

DEM.  I  am  full  forfy, 
That  he  approves  the  common  lyar,   who 
Thus  fpeaks  of  him  at  Rome  :  But  I  will  hope 
Of  better  deeds  to  -morrow.  Reft  you  happy  1    [Exeunt. 

SCENE  II.   The  fame.   Another  Room. 

Enter  ALEXAS,  IRAS,  CHARMIAN, 

Soothfayer,   and  Others. 

CHA. Alex  as,  fweet  Alexas, 

Moft  any  thing  Alexas,  nag,  almoft 

Moft  abfolute  Alexas,  where's  the  foothfayer 

That  you  praii'd  fo  to  the  queen  .? 

3  and  her  foft 


6  Antony  and  Cleopatra, 

O,  that  I  knew  this  husband,  which,  you  fay,- 
Muft  charge  his  horns  with  garlands  ! 

ALE.  Soothfayer,— 

See.     Your  will  ? 

CHA.  Is  this  the  man  ?_Is't  yourfir,  that  know  things  ? 

Soo.     In  nature's  infinite  book  of  fecrecy 
A  little  I  can  read. 

ALE.  Shew  him  your  hand. 

Enter  EKOBARBUS. 

EKO.  Bring  in  the  banquet  quickly;  wine  enough, 
Cleopatra's  health  to  drink.  \tofome  within. 

CHA,  Good  fir,  give  me  good  fortune. 

Soo.     I  make  not,   but  forefee. 

CHA.  Pray  then,  forefee  me  one. 

Soo.     You  (hall  be  yet  far  fairer  than  you  are. 

CHA.  He  means,  in  flefh. 

IRA.  No,  you  fhall  paint  when  you  are  old. 

CHA.  Wrinkles  forbid  ! 

Ait..  Vex  not  his  prefcience,  be  attentive. 

CHA.  Hufti  I  [to  Iras. 

Soo.     You  ftiall  be  more  beloving,  than  belov'd. 

CHA.  I  had  rather  heat  my  liver  with  drinking. 

ALE.  Nay,  hear  him. 

CHA.  Good  now,  fome  excellent  fortune  :  Let  me  be 
marry'd  to  three  kings  in  a  forenoon,  and  widow  them 
all :  let  me  have  a  child  at  fifty,  to  whom  Herod  of 
Jewry  may  do  homage  :  find  me  to  marry  with  Qdaviut 
Casar,  and  companion  me  with  my  miitrefs. 

Soo.    You  (hall  outlive  the  lady  whom  you  ferve. 

CHA.  O  excellent !  I  love  long  life  better  than  figs. 

Soo.  You  hax'e  feen  and  prov'd  a  fairer  former  fortune 
Than  that  which  is  to  approach. 

4  change 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  7 

C&A.  Then,  belike,  my  children  mall  have  no 
names :  Pr'ythee,  how  many  boys  and  wenches  muft 
I  have  ? 

Soo.     If  every  of  your  wifhes  had  a  womb, 
And  fertil  every  wifh,  a  million. 

CHA.  Out,  fool !  I  forgive  thee  for  a  witch. 

ALE.  You  think,  none  but  your  meets  are  privy  to 
your  wifhes. 

CHA.  Nay,  come,  tell  Irat  hers. 

ALE.  We'll  know  all  our  fortunes. 

ENO.  Mine,  and  moft  of  our  fortunes,  to-night,  mall 
be  — drunk  to  bed. 

IRA.  There's  a  palm  prefages  chaftity,  if  nothing 
dfe. 

CHA.  E'en  as  the  o'er-flowing  Nilus  prefageth  famine. 

IRA.    Go,  you  wild  bed-fellow,  you  cannot  foothfay. 

CHA.  Nay,  if  an  oily  palm  be  not  a  fruitful  prog- 
noftication,  I  cannot  fcratch  mine  ear,  —Pr'ythee,  tell 
her  but  a  worky-day  fortune. 

Soo.      Your  fortunes  are  alike, 

IRA.   But  how,  but  how?  give  me  particulars. 

Soo.      I  have  faid. 

IRA.    Am  I  not  an  inch  of  fortune  better  than  me  ? 

CHA.  Well,  if  you  were  but  an  inch  of  fortune  better 
than  I,  where  would  you  choose  it  ? 

IRA.    Not  in  my  husband's  nose. 

CHA.  Our  worfer  thoughts  heavens  mend!  —  Alexas  — 
come,  his  fortune,  hie  fortune.  _  O,  let  him  marry  a 
woman  that  cannot  go,  fweet  I/ts,  I  befeech  thee  ! 
And  let  her  dye  too,  and  give  him  a  worfe  !  and  let 
\\orfe  follow  worfe,  'till  the  worft  of  all  follow  him 
laughing  to  hie  grave,  fifty-fold  a  cuckold  !  Good  IJist 

5  and  fore -tell  every 


8  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

hear  me  this  prayer,  though  thou  deny  me  a  matter  of 
more  weight ;  good  I/is,  I  befeech  thee  ! 

2 Rut.  Amen.  Dear  goddefs,  hear  that  prayer  of  the 
people!  for,  as  it  is  a  heart-breaking  to  fee  ahandfomc 
man  loofe-wiv'd,  fo  it  is  a  deadly  forrovv  to  behold  a 
foul  knave  uncuckolded  ;  Therefore,  dear  I/is,  keep 
decorum,  and  fortune  him  accordingly  ! 

CHA.  Amen. 

ALE.  Lo,  now !  if  it  lay  in  their  hands  to  make  me 
a  cuckold,  they  would  make  themfelves  whores,  but 
they'd  do't. 

EKO.   Hum  !  here  comes  Antony. 

CHA.  Not  he,  the  queen. 

Enter  Cleopatra,  attended. 

CL  E  .  Saw  you  my  lord  ? 

ENO.  No,  lady. 

CLE.  Was  he  not  here  ? 

CHA.  No,  madam. 

CLE.  He  was  difpos'd  to  mirth;  but  on  the  fudden 
A  Roman  thought  hath  ftrook  him.—Enobarbus,— 

EKO.  Madam.  [Alex as  ? 

CLE.  Seek  him,  and  bring  him  hither.  _  Where's 

ALE.  Here,  latlp,  at  your  fervice. — My  lord  approaches. 
Enter  ANTONY,  with  a  Meflenger  ; 
Attendants  following. 

CLE.  We  will  not  look  upon  him ;  Go  with  us. 

[£.*•£«»/ CLEOPATR  A,  ENOB  A  R  BUS,  ALEX  AS, 
IRAS,   CHARMIAN,  Soothfayer,  and  the  reft. 

Me/.    Fulvia  thy  wife  firft  came  into  the  field. 

ANT.  Againft  my  brother  Lucius? 

Mef.    Ay  :  but  foon 
That  war  had  end,  and  the  time's  ftate  made  friends 


A  ntony  and  Cleopatra.  ^ 

Of  them,  jointing  their  forces  againft  Casar  ', 
Whose  better  iffue  in  the  war  from  Jtafy, 
Upon  the  firft  encounter,   drave  them. 

ANT.  Well, 
What  worft  ? 

Me/.    The  nature  of  bad  news  infeds  the  teller. 
•  Ax?,  When  it  concerns  the  fool,  or  coward.    On  : 
Things,  that  are  pad,  are  done,  with  me :  'Tis  thus ; 
Who  tells  me  true,  though  in  his  tale  lye  death, 
I  hear  him  as  he  flatter'd. 

Me/.     Labienus 
(This  is  ftiff  news) 

Hath  with  his  Parthian  force,  t^rougfc  extended  Afia, 
From  Euphrates  his  conquering  banner  Ihook, 
From  Syria,  to  Lydia,  and  Ionia ; 
Whilft- 

ANT,  Antony,  thou  would'ft  fay, — 

Me/.    O  my  lord! 

ANT .  Speak  to  me  home,  mince  not  thegeneral  tongue ; 
Name  Cleopatra  as  (he's  call'd  in  Rome : 
Rail  thou  in  Fufoias  phrase  ;  and  taunt  my  faults 
With  fuch  full  licence,  as  both  truth  and  malice 
Have  power  to  utter.    O,  then  we  bring  forth  weeds, 
When  our  quick  winds  lye  (till;  and  our  ills  told  us, 
Is  as  our  earing.    Fare  thee  well  a  while. 

Me/    At  your  noble  pleasure.  [Exit, 

ANT.  From  Sicyoa  how  the  news  ?  Speak  there. 

l .  A.  The  man  from  Sicyon,  —  Is  there  fuch  a  one  ? 

7.  A.  He  ftays  upon  your  will. 

AKT.  Let  him  appear 

These  ftrong  Egyptian  fetters  I  muft  break, 
Enter  another  Meflenger. 

1  force  'gainft      *s  And  to  Ionia 


j  o  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Or  lose  myfelf  in  dotage. —What  are  you? 

Mef.    Fufoia  thy  wife  is  dead. 

ANT.  Where  dy'd  fhe  ? 

Mef.    In  Sicyon  : 

Her  length  of  ficknefs,  with  what  elfe  more  ferious 
Importeth  thee  to  know,  this  ^  bears. 

ANT.  Forbear  me.  [Exit MefTenger. 

There's  a  great  fpirit  gone :  Thus  did  I  desire  it : 
What  our  contempts  do  often  hurl  from  us, 
We  wifh  it  ours  again  ;  the  present  pleasure, 
By  revolution  lowering,  does  become 
The  opposite  of  itfelf :  fhe's  good,  being  gone  ; 
The  hand  could  pluck  her  back,  that  fhov'd  her  on. 
I  muft  from  this  enchanting  queen  break  off; 
Ten  thousand  harms,  more  than  the  ills  I  know, 

My  idlenefs  doth  hatch Ho  !  Enobarbiu  ! 

Enter  ENOBARBUS. 

ENO.  What's  your  pleasure,  fir. 

ANT.  I  muft  with  hafte  from  hence. 

ENO.  Why,  then  we  kill  all  our  women  :  We  fee  how 
mortal  an  unkindnefs  is  to  them;  if  they  fuffer  our  de- 
parture, death's  the  word. 

ANT.  I  muft  be  gone. 

ENO.  Under  a  compelling  occasion,  let  women  dye  : 
It  were  pity  to  caft  them  away  for  nothing;  though, 
between  them  and  a  great  cause,  they  mould  be  efteem'd 
nothing.  Cleopatra,  catching  but  the  lead  noise  of  this, 
dyes  inftantly  ;  I  have  feen  her  dye  twenty  times  upon 
far  poorer  moment :  I  do  think,  there  is  mettle  in  death, 
which  commits  fome  loving  a£l  upon  her,  flie  hath  fuch 
a  celerity  in  dying. 

At-'T.  She  is  cunning  paft  man's  thought. 

16  hatch,  How  now  Ent- 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  1 1 

ENO.  Alack,  fir,  no ;  her  paffions  are  made  of  nothing 
but  the  fineft  part  of  pure  love :  We  cannot  call  her 
winds  and  waters,  fighs  and  tears ;  they  are  greater 
florms  and  tempefts  than  almanacks  can  report :  this 
cannot  be  cunning  in  her;  if  it  be,  fhe  makes  a  fhovver 
of  rain  as  well  as  Jove. 

AKT.  Would  I  had  never  feen  her ! 

ENO.  O,  fir,  you  had  then  left  unfeen  a  wonderful 
piece  of  work ;  which  not  to  have  been  blelt  withal, 
would  have  difcredited  your  travel. 

ANT.  Fuliiia  is  dead. 

ENO.  Sir? 

ANT.  Ful<via  is  dead. 

ENO  .  Fulvia  ? 

AKT.  Dead. 

ENO.  Why,  fir,  give  the  gods  a  thankful  facrifice. 
When  it  pleaseth  their  deities  to  take  the  wife  of  a 
man  from  him,  it  fhews  to  man  the  tailors  of  the  earth ; 
comforting  therein,  that,  when  old  robes  are  worn  out, 
there  are  members  to  make  new.  If  there  were  no 
more  women  but  Ful-via,  then  had  you  indeed  a  cut, 
and  the  cafe  to  be  lamented:  this  grief  is  crown'd  with 
confolation ;  your  old  fmock  brings  forth  a  new  petticoat : 
and,  indeed,  the  tears  live  in  an  onion,  that  mould  water 
this  forrow. 

ANT.  The  businefs  fhe  hath  broached  in  the  ftate 
Cannot  endure  my  abfence. 

ENO.  And  the  businefs  you  have  broach'd  here  cannot 
be  without  you ;  efpecially  that  of  Cleopatra's,  which 
wholly  depends  on  your  abode. 

Am.  No  more  light  anfwers.   'Let  our  officers 
Have  notice  what  we  purpose :  I  fnall  break 


iz  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

The  cause  of  our  expedience  to  the  queen, 

And  get  her  love  to  part.    For  not  alone 

The  death  of  Fu!<via,  with  more  urgent  touches, 

Do  ftrongly  fpeak  to  us  ;  but  the  letters  too 

Of  many  our  contriving  friends  in  Rome 

Petition  us  at  home  :  Sextus  Pcmpeius 

Hath  given  the  dare  to  Ctesar,  and  commands 

The  empire  of  the  fea  :  our  flippery  people 

(Whose  love  is  never  link'd  to  the  deservtr, 

'Till  his  deserts  are  paft)  begin  to  throw 

Pompey  the  great,  and  all  his  dignities, 

Upon  his  fon ;  who,  high  in  name  and  power, 

Higher  than  both  in  blood  and  life,  ftands  up 

For  the  main  foldier ;  whose  quality,  going  on, 

The  fides  o' the  world  may  danger:  Much  is  breeding, 

Which,  like  the  courfer's  hair,  hath  yet  but  life, 

And  not  a  fefpent's  poison.    Say,  our  pleasure, 

To  fuch  whose  place  is  under  us,  requires 

Our  quick  remove  from  hence. 

ENO.  I  mail  do't.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  III.    The  fame.  Another  Room. 
Enter  CLEOPATRA,  CHARMIAN,  Iras,  aWAlexas. 
CLE.  Where  is  he? 
CHA.  I  did  not  fee  him  fince. 

Ci  £ .  See  where  he  is,  who's  with  him,  what  he  does ;— 
I  did  not  fend  you ;  —  If  you  find  him  fad, 
Say,  lam  dancing;  if  in  mirth,  report 
That  I  am  fudden  fick :  Quick,  and  return. 

[Exit  Alexas. 

CHA.  Madam,  methinks,  if  you  did  love  him 
You  do  not  hold  the  method  to  enforce 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  J  3 

The  like  from  him. 

CLE.  What  mould  I  do,  I  do  not? 

CHA.  Ineachthinggivehimway,crofshimin  nothing. 

CLE.  Thou  teacheft  like  a  fool :  the  way  to  lose  him. 

CHA.-  Tempt  him  not  fo  too  far:  I  vvifli,  forbear; 
In  time  we  iate  that  which  we  often  fear. 

Enter  ANTONY. 
But  here  comes  Antony. 

CLE.  I  am  ftck,  and  fullen. 

S!NT.  I  am  forry  to  give  breathing  to  my  purpose,— 

CLE.  Help  me  away,  dear  Cbarmian,  I  mall  fall; 
It  cannot  be  thus  long,  the  fides  of  nature 
Will  not  fuftain  it. 

^NT.  Now,  my  dearefl.  queen, — 

CLE.  Pray  you,  fland  farther  from  me. 

AKT .  What's  the  matter  ? 

CLE.  I  know,  by  that  fame  eye,  there's  fome  good  news: 
What  fays  the  marry'd  woman  ?  You  may  go  ; 
Would,  fhe  had  never  given  you  leave  to  come  ! 
Let  her  not  fay,  'tis  I  that  keep  you  here, 
I  have  no  power  upon  you  ;  hers  you  are. 

AVT.  The  gods  beft  know,  — 

CLE.  O,  never  was  there  queen 
So  mightily  betray'd  1  Yet,  at  the  firft, 
J  faw  the  treasons  planted. 

jlnr.  Cleopatra,— 

CLE.  Why  mould  I  think,  you  can  be  mine,  and  true, 
Though  you  in  fwearing  make  the  throned  gods, 
Who  have  been  falfe  to  Ful-uia?  Riotous  madnefs, 
To  be  entangl'd  with  those  mouth-made  vows, 
Which  break  themfelves  in  fwearing  ! 

JUT.  Moil  fweet queen,— 


14  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

CZE.  Nay,  pray  you,  feek  no  colour  for  your  going, 
But  bid  farewel,  and  go  :  when  you  fu'd  flaying, 
Then  was  the  time  for  words :  No  going  then ; 
Eternity  was  in  our  lips,  and  eyes ; 
Blifs  in  our  brows'  bent ;  none  our  parts  fo  poor, 
But  was  a  race  of  heaven  :  They  are  fo  ftilj, 
Or  thou,  the  greateft  foldier  of  the  world, 
Art  turn'd  the  greateft  lyar. 

A 'NT.  How  now,  lady  ! 

CZE .  I  would,  I  had  thy  inches  j  thou  Ihould'ft  know, 
There  were  a  heart  in  Egypt. 

Avf.  Hear  me,  queen  : 
The  ftrong  neceffity  of  time  commands 
Our  fervices  a  while  ;  but  my  full  heart 
Remains  in  ufe  with  you.    Our  Italy 
Shines  o'er  with  civil  fwords  :  Sextus  Pompeius 
Makes  his  approaches  to  the  port  of  Rome  : 
Equality  of  two  domeftic  powers 
Breeds  fcrupulous  faftion  :  The  hated,  grown  to  ftrength, 
Are  newly  grown  to  love :  the  condemn'd  Pompey, 
Rich  in  his  father's  honour,  creeps  apace 
Into  the  hearts  of  fuch  as  have  not  thrived 
Upon  the  present  ftate,  whose  numbers  threaten; 
And  quietnefs,  grown  fick  of  reft,  would  purge 
By  any  defperate  change  :  My  more  particular, 
And  that  which  moil  with  you  mould  fafe  my  going. 
Is  Fulvia's  death.  [freedom, 

CIE.  Though  age  from  folly  could  not  give  me 
It  does  from  childifhnefs ;  Can  Ful'via  dye  ? 

JJNT.  She's  dead,  my  queen  : 
Look  here  =f=,  and,  at  thy  fovereign  leisure,  read 
The  garboils  {he  awak'd ;  at  the  laft,  beft : 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  15 

See,  when,  and  where  fhe  dy'd. 

CLE.  O  moft  falfe  love ! 
Where  be  the  facred  vials  thou  fhould'fl:  fill 
With  forrowful  water  ?  Now  I  fee,  I  fee, 
In  Fufoia's  death,  how  mine  lhall  be  receiv'd. 

ANT,  Quarrel  no  more,  but  be  prepar'd  to  know 
The  purposes  I  bear;  which  are,  or  ceafe, 
As  you  mall  give  the  advices  :  By  the  fire 
That  quickens  Ni/us'  flime,  I  go  from  hence 
Thy  foldier,  fervant ;  making  peace,  or  war, 
As  thou  affecYft. 

ClE.  Cut  my  lace,  Charmian,  come;  — 
But  let  it  be ;  I  am  quickly  ill,  and  well, 
So  Antony  loves. 

ANT.  My  precious  queen,  forbear; 
And  give  true  evidence  to  his  love,  which  Hands 
An  honourable  trial. 

CLE.  So  Fulvia  told  me. 
I  pr'ythee,  turn  afide,  and  weep  for  her ; 
Then  bid  adieu  to  me,  and  fay,  the  tears 
Belong  to  Egypt :  Good  now,  play  one  fcene 
Of  excellent  difiembling;  and  let  it  look 
Like  perfect  honour. 

Avf.  You'll  heat  my  blood ;  no  more. 

CLE.  You  can  do  better  yet ;  but  this  is  meetly. 

ANT.  Now,  by  my  fword, — 

CLE.  And  target,  — Still  he  mends ; 
But  this  is  not  the  beft:_Look,  pr'ythee,  Charmian, 
How  this  Herculean  Roman  does  become 
The  carriage  of  his  chafe. 

Atuf.  I'll  leave  you,  lady. 

CXJK.  Courteous  lord,  one  word. 

*  advice, 


)6  Antony  and  Cleopatra, 

Sir,  you  and  I  muft  part,  —  but  that's  not  it : 
Sir,  you  and  I  have  lov'd,  —  but  there's  not  it ; 
That  you  know  well :  Something  it  is  I  would,— 
O,  my  oblivion  is  a  very  Antonj, 
And  I  am  all-forgotten. 

AKT.  But  that  your  royalty 
Holds  idlenefs  your  fubject,  1  mould  take  you 
For  idlenefs  itfelf. 

CLE.  'Tis  fweating  labour, 
To  bear  fuch  idlenefs  fo  near  the  heart 
As  Cleopatra  this.    But,  fir,  forgive  me  ; 
Since  my  becomings  kill  me,  when  they  do  not 
Eye  well  to  you :  Your  honour  calls  you  hence  ; 
Therefore  be  deaf  to  my  unpity'd  folly, 
And  all  the  gods  go  with  you !  Upon  your  fword 
Sit  laurel'd  vidlory  !  and  fmooth  fuccefs 
Be  ftrevv'd  before  your  feet ! 

AN?.  Let  us  go.    Come ; 
Our  feperation  fo  abides,  and  flies, 
That  thou,  residing  here,  go'ft  yet  with  me, 
And  I,  hence  fleeting,  here  remain  with  thee. 
Away.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  IV.    Rome.    A  Room  in  Csesar's  Houfe. 
Enter  Odlavius  C./ESAR,  LEPIDUS,  and  their  Trains. 
CMS.  You  may  fee,  Lepidus,  and  henceforth  know, 
[giving  him  a  Letter  to  read. 
It  is  not  Ctssafi  natural  vice  to  hate 
One  great  competitor  :  From  Alexandria 
This  is  the  news,  He  fifties,  drinks,  and  vvaftes 
The  lamps  of  night  in  revel :  is  not  more  manlike 
Than  Cleopatra ;  nor  the  queen  of  Ptolemy 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  1 7 

More  womanly  than  he  :  hardly  gave  audience,  or 
Vouchfaf 'd  to  think  he  had  partners :  You  lhall  find  there 
A  man,  who  is  the  abftraft  of  all  faults 
That  all  men  follow. 

LEP.  I  muft  not  think,  there  are 
Evils  enough  to  darken  all  his  goodnefs  : 
His  faults,  in  him,  feem  as  the  fpots  of  heaven, 
More  fiery  by  night's  blacknefs  ;  hereditary, 
Rather  than  purchas'd ;  what  he  cannot  change, 
Than  what  he  chooses. 

CJES.  You  are  too  indulgent :  Let  us  grant,  it  is  not 
Amifs  to  tumble  on  the  bed  of  Ptolemy  ; 
To  give  a  kingdom  for  a  mirth  ;  to  fit 
And  keep  the  turn  of  tipling  with  a  flave  j 
To  reel  the  ftreets  at  noon,  and  Hand  the  buffet 
With  knaves  that  fmell  of  fweat :  fay,  this  becomes  him, 
(As  his  composure  mult  be  rare  indeed, 
j   Whom  these  things  cannot  blemim)  yet  muft  Antony 
••   No  way  excuse  his  foils,  when  we  do  bear 
So  great  weight  in  his  lightnefs  :  If  he  fill'd 
His  vacancy  with  his  voluptuoufners, 
Full  furfei:?,  and  the  drynefs  of  his  bones, 
Call  on  him  for't :  but,  to  confound  fuch  time, — 
That  drums  him  from  his  fport,  and  fpeaks  as  loud 
i   As  his  own  ftate,  and  ours,  —  'tis  to  be  chid 
,   As  we  rate  boys ;  who,  being  mature  in  knowledge, 
Pawn  their  experience  to  their  present  pleasure, 
And  fo  rebel  to  judgment. 

E nier  a  MefTenger. 
Z.EP.    Here's  more  news. 

Mtf.    Thy  biddings  have  been  done ;  and  every  hour, 
Molt  noble  &?<ar,  lhalt  thou  have  report 

*  vouthftfe 


1 8  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

How  'tis  abroad.     Pompey  is  ftrong  at  fea  ; 
And  it  appears,  he  is  belov'd  of  those 
That  only  have  fear'd  C<£sar :  to  the  ports 
The  difcontents  repair,  and  mens'  reports 
Give  him  much  wrong'd. 

C&s.  I  mould  have  known  no  lefs: 

It  hath  been  taught  us  from  the  primal  ftate, 
That  he,  which  is,  was  wifh'd,  until  he  were; 
And  the  ebb'd  man,  ne'er  lov'd,  'till  ne'er  worth  love, 
Comes  dear'd,  by  being  lack'd.  This  common  body, 
Like  to  a  vagabond  flag  upon  the  ftream, 
Goes  to,  and  back,  lackying  the  varying  tide, 
To  rot  itfelf  with  motion. 

©ntcr  another  £$cu1mger» 

Jdef.    Ciesar,  I  bring  thee  word, 
Menecrates  and  Mentis,  famous  pirates, 
Make  the  fea  ferve  them  ;  which  they  ear  and  wound 
With  keels  of  every  kind  :  Many  hot  inroads 
They  make  in  Italy ;  the  borders  maritime 
Lack  blood  to  think  on't,  and  flufh  youth  revolt : 
No  vefTel  can  peep  forth,  but  'tis  as  foon 
Taken  as  feen ;  for  Pompey's  name  ftrikes  more? 
Than  could  his  war  resitted. 

CMS.  Antony, 

Leave  thy  lafcivious  wafTails :  When  thou  once 
Wert  beaten  from  Modena,  where  thou  flew'ft 
Hirtius  and  Parr/a,  confuls,  at  thy  heel 
Did  famine  follow  ;  whom  thou  fought'ft  againft, 
Though  daintily  brought  up,  with  patience  more 
Thanfavages  could  fuffer:  thou  did'ft  drink 
The  ftale  of  horfes,  and  the  gilded  puddle 
Which  beafts  would  cough  at :  thy  palate  then  did  deign 

10  Comes  fear'd  Blacking  '  7  Makes  >«  Vaflailei 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  19 

The  rougheft  berry  on  the  rudeft  hedge ; 
Yea,  like  the  ftag,  when  fnow  the  pafture  meets, 
The  barks  of  trees  thou  browsed'ft  :  on  the  Alps, 
It  is  reported,  thou  didft  eat  ftrange  flefh, 
Which  fome  did  dye  to  look  on  :  And  all  this 
(It  wounds  thine  honour,  that  I  fpeak  it  now) 
Was  born  fo  like  a  foldier,  that  thy  cheek 
So  much  as  lank'd  not. 

LEP.  'Tis  pity  of  him. 

CJES.  Let  his  ihames  quickly 
Drive  him  to  Rome:  Time  is  it,  tljat  we  twain 
Did  fhew  ourfelves  i'  the  field  ;  and,  to  that  end, 
Aflemble  we  immediate  council :  Pompey 
Thrives  in  our  idlenefs. 

LEP.   To-morrow,  C<?sar, 
I  mall  be  furnifh'd  to  inform  you  rightly 
Both  what  by  fea  and  land  I  can  be  able, 
To  'front  this  present  time. 

C^ES.  'Till  which  encounter, 
It  is  my  businefs  too.     Farewel.  [time 

LEP.  Farewel,  my  lord :  What  you  (hall  know  mean 
Of  ftirs  abroad,  I  mall  befeech  you,  fir, 
To  let  me  be  partaker. 

CMS.  Doubt  not,  fir; 
I  knew  it  for  my  bond.^  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  V.    Alexandria.  A  Room  in  the  Palace. 
Enter  CLEOPATRA,  fupporting  berfelf  on  Iras  ; 

CHARMIAN,  ^WMARDiAN,  folloiving. 
CL  E .   Charmian,  — 
CHA.  Madam. 
CLE.  Ha,  ha,  — Give  me  to  drink  mandragora. 

11  'tis  time 
VOL.  VIII.  H 


20  Antony  ana  Cleopatra. 

CHA.  Why,  madam  ? 

CLE.  That  I  might  fleep  out  this  great  gap  of  time, 
My  Antony  is  away. 

CHA.  You  think  of  him 
Too  much. 

CLE.  Q!— Treason  ! 

CHA.  Madam,  I  truft,  not  fo. 

CLE.  Thou,  eunuch,  Mardian, — 

MAR.  What's  your  highnefs'  pleasure  ? 

CLE.  Not  now  to  hear  thee  fing;  I  take  no  pleasure 
In  ought  an  eunuch  has :  'Tis  well  for  thee, 
That,  being  unfeminar'd,  thy  freer  thoughts 
May  not  fly  forth  of  Egypt.   Haft  thon  affections  • 

MAR.  Yes,  gracious  madam. 

CLE.    Indeed? 

MAR.  Not  in  deed,  madam  ;  for  I  can  do  nothing 
But  what  indeed  is  honeft  to  be  done  : 
Yet  have  I  fierce  affections,  and  think 
What  Venus  did  with  Mars. 

CLE.  O  Cbarmian, 
Where  think'ft  thou  he  is  now  ?  Stands  he,  or  fits  he  ? 

Or  does  he  walk  ?  Or  is  he  on  his  horfe  ? 

O  happy  horfe,  to  bear  the  weight  of  Antony  ! 

Do  bravely,  horfe ;  For  wot'fl  thou  whom  thou  mov'ft  ? 

The  demy  Atlas  of  this  earth,  the  arm 

And  burgonet  of  man.  _  He's  fpeaking  now, 

Or  murmuring,  Where's  my  ferpent  of  old  Nile  ? 

For  fo  he  calls  me ;  —  Now  I  feed  myfelf 

With  molt  delicious  poison  : Think  on  me, 

That  am  with  Phoebus1  amorous  pinches  black, 
And  wrinkl'd  deep  in  time  ?  Broad-fronted  Casar, 
When  thou  waft  here  above  the  ground,  I  was 

6  O  'tisTreafon 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  *i 

A  moHel  for  a  monarch  :  and  great  Pompey 
Would  Hand,  and  make  his  eyes  grow  in  my  brow; 
There  would  he  anchor  his  afpecl,  and  dye 
With  looking  on  his  life. 

Enter  At  EX  AS. 

ALE.  Sovereign  of  Egypt,  hail! 

CLE.   How  much  unlike  art  thou  Mark  Antony  f 
Yet,  coming  from  him,  that  great  med'cine  hath 
With  his  tinft  gilded  thee.  _ 
How  goes  it  with  my  brave  Mark  Antony  ? 

ALE.  Laft  thing  he  did,  dear  queen, 
He  kifPd,  the  laft  of  many  doubl'd  kifies, 
This  orient  pearl  ^  ;  His  fpeech  fticks  in  my  heart. 

CLE.  Mine  ear  mufl  pluck  it  thence. 

ALE.  Good  friend,   quoth  he, 
Say,  The  firm  Roman  to  great  Egypt  fends 
This  treasure  of  an  oifter  :  at  whose  foot, 
To  mend  the  petty  present,  I  will  piece 
Her  opulent  throne  with  kingdoms  ;  All  the  eaft, 
Say  thou,  mail  call  her  miftrefs.     So  he  nodded, 
And  foberly  did  mount  an  arm-gaunt  fteed  ; 
Who  neigh'd  fo  high,  that  what  I  would  have  fpoke 
Was  beaftly  dumb'd  by  him. 

CLE.  What,  was  he  fad,   or  merry? 

AL  E  .  Like  to  the  time  o'the  year  between  the  extreams 
Of  hot  and  cold  ;  he  was  nor  fad,  nor  merry. 

CLE.  O  well  -  divided  difpositi  on! Note  him, 

Note  him,  good  Charmian,  'tis  the  man,  but  note  him  : 
He  was  not  fad ;  for  he  would  mine  on  those 
That  make  their  looks  by  his :  he  was  not  merry  ; 
Which  feem'd  to  tell  them,  his  remembrance  lay 
In  Egypt  with  his  joy  :  but  between  both  : 

«  dumbc 

H    2 


22  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

O  heavenly  mingle !  _  Be'ft  thou  fad,  or  merry, 

The  violence  of  either  thee  becomes  ; 

So  does  it  no  man  elfe Mef'ft  thou  my  ports  ? 

ALE.  Ay,  madam,  twenty  feveral  meflengers  : 
Why  do  you  fend  fo  thick  ? 

CLE.  Who's  born  that  day 
When  I  forget  to  fend  to  Antony, 
Shall  dye  a  beggar.  _  Ink  and  paper,  Charmian.  — 
Welcome,  my  good  Alexas.—. Did  I,  Charmian, 
Ever  love  Ctfsar  fo  ? 

CHA.  O  that  brave  C<esar  ! 

CLE.  Be  choak'd  with  fuch  another  emphafis  ! 
Say,  the  brave  Antony. 

CHA.  The  valiant  C<esar  ! 

CLE.  By  I/is,  I  \vill  give  thee  bloody  teeth, 
If  thou  with  Ceesar  paragon  again 
My  man  of  men. 

CHA.  By  your  moft  gracious  pardon, 
J  fmg  but  after  you. 

CLE.  My  fallad  days  ; 

When  I  was  green  in  judgment,  cold  in  blood  ; 
To  fay,  as  I  faid  then  '.  —  But,  come,   away  ; 
Get  me  ink  and  paper :  he  mall  have  every  day 
A  (everal  greeting,  or  Pit  unpeople  Egypt.        [Exeunt. 


ii. 

SCENE  I.    Meffina.    A  Room  in  Pompey'j Houfe. 
Enter  POMPE  Y,  MENECRATES,  and  MENAS. 

POM.  If  the  great  gods  be  juft,  they  (hall  affift 
The  deeds  of  jufteft  men. 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  2$ 

MEN'-  Know,  worthy  Pompey, 
That  what  they  do  delay,  they  not  deny. 

POM.     Whiles  we  are  fuitors  to  their  throne,  delay's 
The  thing  we  fue  for. 

MzNe.  We,  ignorant  of  ourfelves, 
Beg  often  our  own  harms,  which  the  wise  powers 
Deny  us  for  our  good  :  fo  find  we  profit, 
By  losing  of  our  prayers. 

POM.    I  (hall  do  well : 
The  people  love  me,  and  the  fea  is  mine ; 
My  power's  a  crefcent,  and  my  auguring  hope 
Says,  it  will  come  to  the  full.     Mark  Antony 
In  Egypt  fits  at  dinner,  and  will  make 
No  wars  without  doors :   C&sar  gets  money,  where 
He  loses  hearts :  Lepidiu  flatters  both, 
Of  both  is  flatter'd ;  but  he  neither  loves, 
Nor  either  cares  for  him. 

MEN?.  Cessar  and  Leptdus 
Are  in  the  field  ;  a  mighty  ftrength  they  carry. 

POM.    Where  had  you  this  ?  'tis  falfe. 

MEN?.  From  Sifoius,  fir. 

POM .    He  dreams ;  I  know,  they  are  in  Rome  together, 
Looking  for  Antony :  But  all  the  charms  of  lov^, 
Salt  Cleopatra,  foften  thy  wan  lip  ; 
Let  witch-craft  join  with  beauty,  luft  with  both  ! 
Tye  up  the  libertine  in  a  field  of  feafts, 
Keep  his  brain  fuming ;  Epicurean  cooks, 
Sharpen  with  cloylefs  fauce  his  appetite ; 
That  deep  and  feeding  may  prorogue  his  honour, 

Enter  VARRIUS. 
Even  'till  a  lethe'd  dulnefs_Ho\v  now,  Varrius? 

FAR.    This  is  moft  certain  that  I  mall  deliver; 

3  decayes     ' '  powers  are  Creflent 


24  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Mark  Antony  is  every  hour  in  Rome 
Expe&ed  ;  fmce  he  went  from  Egypt,  'tis 
A  fpace  for  farther  travel. 

POM.  I  could  have  given  lefs  matter 
A  better  ear.  —  Menas,  I  did  not  think, 
This  amorous  furfeiter  would  have  don'd  his  helm 
For  fuch  a  petty  war  :  his  foldierfhip 
Is  twice  the  other  twain  :   But  let  us  rear 
The  higher  our  opinion,   that  our  ftirring 
Can  from  the  lap  of  Egypt's  widow  pluck 
The  ne'er  luft-weary'd  Antony. 

MEN.  I  cannot  hope, 
C<fsar  and  Antony  (hall  well  greet  together : 
His  wife,  that's  dead,  did  trefpafTes  to  Carsar ; 
His  brother  war'd  upon  him ;  although,  I  think, 
Not  mov'd  by  Antony. 

POM.   I  know  not,  Menus t 
How  lefTer  enmities  may  give  way  to  greater. 
Were't  not  that  we  ftand  up  againft  them  all, 
'Twere  pregnant  they  fhould  fquare  between  themfelves ; 
For  they  have  entertained  cause  enough 
To  draw  their  fwords :  but  how  the  fear  of  us 
May  cement  their  divisions,  and  bind  up 
The  petty  difference,  we  yet  not  know  : 
Be  it  as  our  gods  will  have  it !  It  only  ftands 
Our  lives  upon,  to  use  our  flrongeft  hands. 
Come,  Menas.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  II.    Rome.  A  Room  in  Lepidus'  Hcuft. 

Enter  ENOBARBUS,  *W LEPIDUS. 
LIP.  Good  Enobarbus,  'tis  a  worthy  deed, 
And  fhall  become  you  well,  to  intreat  your  captain 


Antony  and  Cleopatra,  25 

To  foft  and  gentle  fpeech. 

ENO.  I  fhall  intreat  him 
To  anfwer  like  himfelf :  if  Cifsar  move  him, 
Let  Antony  look  over  Cesar's  head, 
And  fpeak  as  loud  as  Mars.     By  Jupiter, 
Were  I  the  wearer  of  Antonio's  beard, 
I  would  not  fhave't  to-day. 

LEP.  'Tisnot  a  time 
For  private  ftomaching. 

ENO,  Every  time 
Serves  for  the  matter  that  is  then  born  in't. 

LEP.  But  fmall  to  greater  matters  mult  give  way. 

ENO.  Not  if  the  fmall  come  firft. 

LEP.  Your  fpeech  is  paffion  : 
Bat,  pray  you,  ftir  no  embers  up.     Here  comes 
The  noble  Antony. 

Enter  ANTONY,  <zW  Ventidius. 

ENO.  And  yonder  C<e$ar. 

Enter  CTESAR,  MEC^ENAS,  and  AGRIPPA. 

ANT.  If  we  compose  well  here,  to  Parthia  : 
Hark  you,   Pentidius, — 

Cy£s.  I  do  not  know, 
Mecttnas  ;  afk  Agrippa. 

LEP.  Noble  friends, 

That  which  combin'd  us  was  moft  great,  and  let  not 
A  leaner  aftion  rend  us.    What's  amifs, 
May  it  be  gently  heard  :  When  we  debate 
Our  trivial  difference  loud,  we  do  commit 
Murther  in  healing  wounds:  Then,  noble  partners, 
(The  rather,  for  I  earneftly  befeech) 
Touch  you  the  foureft  points  with  fweeteft  terms, 
Nor  curftnefs  grow  to  the  matter. 


26  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 


'Tis  fpoken  well  : 
Were  we  before  our  armies,  and  to  fight, 
1  fliould  do  thus. 

CMS.  Welcome  to  Rome. 

Ant.  Thank  you. 

CMS.  Sit. 

Ant.  Sit,  fir. 

CMS.  Nay,  then. 

Anr.  I  learn,  you  take  things  ill,  which  are  not  fo  ; 
Or,  being,  concern  you  not. 

CMS.  I  muft  be  laugh'd  at, 
If,  or  for  nothing,  or  a  little,  I 
Should  fay  myfelf  offended  ;   and  with  you 
Chiefly  i'the  world  :  more  laugh'd  at,  that  I  mould 
Once  nane  you  derogately,  when  to  found  your  name 
It  not  concern'd  me. 

ANT.  My  being  in  Egypt,  Casar, 
What  was't  to  you  ? 

CMS.  No  more  than  my  residing  here  at  Rome 
Might  be  to  you  in  Egypt  :  Yet,  if  you  there 
Did  praftife  on  my  ftate,  your  being  in  Egypt 
Might  be  my  quefHon. 

Axf.  How  intend  you,  praftif'd  ? 

CMS.  You  may  be  pleas'd  to  catch  at  mine  intent, 
By  what  did  here  befall  me  :  Your  wife,  and  brother, 
Made  wars  upon  me  ;  and  their  conteftation 
Was  them'd  for  you,  you  were  the  word-of  war. 

AN  T.  You  do  miftake  your  businefs  ;  my  brother  never 
Did  urge  me  in  his  adl  :  I  did  inquire  it  ; 
And  have  my  learning  from  fome  true  reports, 
That  drew  their  fwords  with  you.    Did  he  not  rather 
Difcredit  my  authority  with  yours  ; 

"  Theamefor 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  27 

And  make  the  wars  alike  againft  my  ftomach, 
Having  alike  your  cause?  Of  this,  my  letters 
Before  did  fatiffy  you.    If  you'll  patch  a  quarrel, 
(As  matter  whole  you  have  not  to  make  it  with) 
It  muft  not  be  with  this. 

.  You  praise  yourfelf, 


By  laying  to  me  defeds  of  judgment :  but 

up  your  excufes. 
.  Not  fo,  not  fo  : 


You  patch'd  up  your  excufes. 


I  know  you  could  not  lack,  I  am  certain  on't, 

Very  neceffity  of  this  thought,  That  I, 

Your  partner  in  the  cause  'gainft  which  he  fought, 

Could  not  with  grateful  eyes  attend  those  wars 

Which  'fronted  mine  own  peace.    As  for  my  wife, 

I  would  you  had  her  fpirit  in  fuch  another : 

The  third  o' the  world  is  yours  ;  which  with  a  fnafHe 

You  may  pace  easy,  but  not  fuch  a  wife. 

ENO.  'Would  we  had  all  fuch  wives,  that  the  men 
might  go  to  wars  with  the  women. 

Ant '.  So  much  uncurbable,  her  garboils,  C&sar, 
Made  out  of  her  impatience,  (which  not  wanted 
Shrewdnefs  of  policy  too)  I  grieving  grant, 
Did  you  too  much  difquiet :  for  that,  you  muft 
But  fay,  I  could  not  help  it. 

CMS.  I  wrote  to  you, 
When,  rioting  in  Alexandria,  you 
Did  pocket  up  my  letters ;  and  with  taunts 
Did  gibe  my  mifliye  out  of  audience. 

ANT.  Sir, 

He  fell  upon  me,  ere  admitted ;  then 
Three  kings  I  had  newly  feafted,  and  did  want 
Of  what  I  was  i'the  morning:  but,  next  day, 

7  defefts  of  judgment  to  me      '3  graceful! 


28  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

I  told  him  of  myfelf;  which  was  as  much 
As  to  have  afk'd  him  pardon :  Let  this  fellow 
Be  nothing  of  our  ftrife;  if  we  contend, 
Out  of  our  queftion  wipe  him. 

CJE.S.  You  have  broken 

The  article  of  your  oath;  which  you  mall  never 
Have  tongue  to  charge  me  with. 

LEP.  Soft,  Casar. 

Avr.  No, 

Lepidus,  let  him  fpeak  ; 
The  honour  is  facred  which  he  talks  on  now, 

Supposing  that  I  lack'd  it: but  on,  Casar ; 

The  article  of  my  oath,  — 

Csf.s.  Tolend  me  arms,  and  aid,  when  I  requir'd  them  \ 
The  which  you  both  deny'd. 

AvT.  Neglefted,  rather ; 

And  then,  when  poison'd  hours  had  bound  me  up 
From  mine  own  knowledge.    As  nearly  as  I  may, 
I'll  play  the  penitent  to  you  :  but  mine  honefty 
Shall  not  make  poor  my  greatnefs,  nor  my  power 
Work  without  it :  Truth  is,  that  Fulvia, 
To  have  me  out  of  Egypt,  made  wars  here  ; 
For  which  myfelf,  the  ignorant  motive,  do 
So  far  afk  pardon,  as  befits  mine  honour 
To  ftoop  in  fuch  a  cafe. 

LEP.   'Tis  nobly  fpokcn. 

MEC.  If  it  might  please  you,  to  enforce  no  further 
The  griefs  between  ye :  to  forget  them  quite, 
Were  to  remember  that  the  present  need 
Speak  to  atone  you. 

LEP.    Worthily  fpoken,  Mec<exas. 

ENO.    Or,  if  you  borrow  one  another's  love  for  the 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  29 

inftant,  you  may,  when  you  hear  no  more  words  of 
Pompey,  return  it  again  :  you  fhall  have  time  to  wrangle 
in,  when  you  have  nothing  elfe  to  do. 

Awr.  Thou  art  a  foldier  only;  fpeak  no  more. 

EKO.  That   truth   mould   be   iilent,    I   had   almoil 
forgot.  [more. 

ANT.  You  wrong  this  presence,  therefore  fpeak  no 

ENO.  Go  to  then;  your  confiderate  ftone. 

CMS.  I  do  not  much  diilike  the  manner,  but 
The  matter  of  his  fpeech  :  for't  cannot  be, 
We  (hall  remain  in  friendship,  our  conditions 
So  differing  in  their  acts.    Yet,  if  I  knew 
What  hoop  mould  hold  us  {launch,  from  edge  to  edge 
O'the  world  I  would  purfueit. 

AGR.  Give  me  leave,  C<?jar, — 

C^s.  Speak,  Agrippa. 

AGR.  Thou  haft  a  fifter  by  the  mother's  fide, 
Admir'd  Qcta<via  :  great  Mark  Antony 
Is  now  a  widower : 

CXES.  Say  not  fo,  dgrippa. ; 
\iCleopatra  heard  you,  your  reproof 
Were  well  deserv'd  of  ralhnefs. 

ANT.  I  am  not  marry'd,  Ca?sar :  let  me  hear 
Agrippa  further  fpeak. 

ACR.  To  hold  you  in  perpetual  amity, 
To  make  you  brothers,  and  to  knit  your  hearts 
With  an  unflipping  knot,  take  Antony 
Qclatvia  to  his  wife  :  whose  beauty  claims 
No  worfe  a  husband  than  the  beft  of  men  ; 
Whose  virtue,  and  whose  general  graces,  fpeak 
That  which  none  elfe  can  utter.    By  this  marriage, 
All  little  jealoufies,  which  now  feem  great, 

9  the  matter,  but  |  The  manner    *°  not,  fay  Agr-     al  your  proofe 


go  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

And  all  great  fears,  which  now  import  their  dangers, 
Would  then  be  nothing  :  truths  would  ti>en  be  tales, 
Where  now  half  tales  be  truths  :  her  love  to  both 
Would,  each  to  other,  and  all  loves  to  both, 
Draw  after  her.    Pardon  what  I  have  fpoke  ; 
For  'tis  a  fludy'd,  not  a  present  thought, 
By  duty  ruminated. 

AST.  Will  C*sar  fpeak  ? 

C^ES.  Not  'till  he  hears  how  Antony  is  touch'd 
With  what  is  fpoke  already. 

AKT.  What  power  is  in  Agrippa, 
If  I  would  fay,  Agrippa,  be  it  Jo, 
To  make  this  good  ? 

C^s.  The  power  of  Ceesar,  and 
His  power  unto  Oflavia. 

Atif.  May  I  never 
To  this  good  purpose,  that  fo  fairly  (hews, 

Dream  of  impediment ! Let  me  have  thy  hand : 

Further  this  a£l  of  grace ;  And,  from  this  hour, 
The  heart  of  brothers  govern  in  our  loves, 
And  fway  our  great  defigns  ! 

C/5ES.  There  is  my  hand. 
A  fitter  I  bequeath  you,  whom  no  brother 
Did  ever  love  fo  dearly  :  Let  her  live 
To  join  our  kingdoms,  and  our  hearts ;  and  never 
Fly  off  our  loves  again ! 

LEP.   Happily!  Amen. 

ANT .  I  did  not  think  to  draw  my  fword  'gainft  Pompej 
For  he  hath  lay'd  ftrange  courteiies,  and  great, 
Of  late  upon  me:  I  muft  thank  him  only, 
Left  my  remembrance  fuffer  ill  report ; 
At  heel  of  that,  defy  him. 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  31 

LEP.   Time  calls  upon  us : 
Of  us  muft  Pompey  presently  be  fought, 
Or  elfe  he  feeks  out  us. 

Aur.  Where  lies  he,  €^ac0ar  f 

C^s.  About  the  mount  Mifenum. 

AKT.  What's  his  ftrength 
By  land  ? 

C^ES.  Great,  and  increasing:  but  by  fea 
He  is  an  abfolute  mailer. 

AKT.  So  is  the  fame. 

Would  we  had  fpoke  together!  Hade  we  for  it: 
Yet,  ere  we  put  ourfelves  in  arms,  difpatch  we 
The  businefs  we  have  talk'd  of. 

C&s.  With  moil  gladnefs ; 
And  do  invite  you  to  my  filler's  view, 
Whither  ftraight  I'll  lead  you. 
-     ANT.  Let  us,  Lepidui, 
Not  lack  your  company. 

LEP.    Noble  Antony, 
Not  ficknefs  ihould  detain  me. 

[Exeunt  C^SAR,  ANTONY,  <WLEPiDus. 

MEC.  Welcome  from  Egypt,  fir. 

EKO.  Half  the  heart  of  C&tar,  worthy  Mec#nas  ! 

my  honourable  friend,  Agrippa! 

Ac  R.  Good  Enobarbm ! 

MEC.  We  have  cause  to  be  glad,  that  matters  are 
fo  well  digeiled.    You  flay'd  well  by  it  in  Egypt. 

ENO.  Ay,  fir;  we  did  ileep  day  out  of  countenance, 
and  made  the  night  light  with  drinking. 

MEC.  Eight  wild  boars  roafted  whole  at  a  breakfail, 
and  but  twelve  perfons  there;  Is  this  true? 

EKO.  This  was  but  as  a  fly  by  an  eagle :  we  had  much 

5  Mount-Mefena, 


32  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

more  monftrous  matter  of  feaft,  which  worthily  deserved 
noting. 

MEC.  She's  a  moft  triumphant  lady,  if  report  be  fquare 
to  her. 

ENO.  When  fhe  firft  met  Mark  Antony ,  me  purf'd  up 
his  heart,  upon  the  river  of  Cydnus. 

AGR.  There  fhe  appear'd  indeed ;  or  my  reporter 
Devis'd  well  for  her. 

ENO.  I  will  tell  you,  fir: 
The  barge  (he  fat  in,  like  a  burnim'd  throne, 
Burnt  on  the  water :  the  poop  was  beaten  gold  ; 
Purple  the  fails,  and  fo  perfumed,  that 
The  winds  were  love-fick  with  them :  the  oars  were  filver ; 
Which  to  the  tune  of  flutes  kept  ftroke,  and  made 
The  water,  which  they  beat,  to  follow  fafter, 
As  amorous  of  their  flrokes.    For  her  own  perfon, 
It  beggar'd  all  defcription  :  fhe  did  lye 
In  her  pavilion,  (cloth  of  gold,  of  tiflue) 
O'er-picluring  that  Venus,  where  we  fee 
The  fancy  out-work  nature ;  on  each  fide  her 
Stood  pretty  dimpl'd  boys,  like  fmiling  Cupids, 
With  diverfe-colour'd  fans,  whose  wind  did  feem 
To  glow  the  delicate  cheeks  which  they  did  cool, 
And  what  they  undid,  did. 

AGR.  O,  rare  for  Antony! 

ENO.  Her  gentlewomen,  like  the  Nereids, 
So  many  mermaids,  tended  her  i'the  eyes, 
And  made  their  bends  adornings:  at  the  helm 
A  feeming  mermaid  fleers ;  the  filken  tackle 
Swell  with  the  touches  of  those  flower-foft  hands, 
That  yarely  frame  the  office.    From  the  barge, 
A  ftrange  invisible  perfume  hits  the  fenfe 

*>  To  lore  tke 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  3 $ 

Of  the  adjacent  wharfs.    The  city  caft 
Her  people  out  upon  her  :   and  Antony, 
Enthron'd  i'the  market-place,  did  fit  alone, 
Whittling  to  the  air;  which,  but  for  vacancy, 
Had  gone  to  gaze  on  Cleopatra  too, 
And  made  a  gap  in  nature. 

AGR.  Rare  Egyptian! 

ENO.  Upon  her  landing,  Antony  fent  to  her, 
Invited  her  to  fupper :  me  reply'd, 
It  mould  be  better,  he  became  her  gueft  ; 
Which  me  intreated:  Our  courteous  Antony, 
Whom  ne'er  the  word  of  no  woman  heard  fpeak, 
Being  barber'd  ten  times  o'er,  goes  to  the  feaft ; 
And,  for  his  ordinary,  pays  his  heart, 
For  what  his  eyes  eat  only. 

AGR.  Royal  wench! 

She  made  great  C<esar  lay  his  fword  to  bed  ; 
He  plough'd  her,  and  (he  cropt. 

ENO.  Ifawheronce 

Hop  forty  paces  through  the  publick  ftreet : 
And  having  loft  her  breath,  me  fpoke,  and  panted ; 
That  me  did  make  defeft,  perfection, 
And,  breathlefs,  power  breath  forth. 

M.EC.  Now  Antony 
Mult  leave  her  utterly. 

ENO.  Never;  he  will  not: 
Age  cannot  wither  her,  nor  cuftom  ftale 
Her  infinite  variety :  Other  women  cloy 
The  appetites  they  feed;  but  me  makes  hungry, 
Where  moft  (he  fatifhes.    For  vileft  things 
Become  themfelves  in  her;  that  the  holy  priefb 
Blefs  her,  when  (he  is  riggiih. 


34  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

MEC.  If  beauty,  wisdom,  modefty,  can  fettle 
The  heart  of  Antony,  Oflavia  is 
A  bleft  allottery  to  him. 

AGK.  Let  us  go  — 

Good  Enobarbus,  make  yourfelf  my  gueft, 
Whilft  you  abide  here. 

EKO.  Humbly,  fir,  I  thank  you.  [Exeunt. 


SCENE   111.    7'  he  fame.  A  Room  in 

£»/«•  C;ESAR,  ANTONY,  OCTAVIA  between  them; 
Attendants  behind,  and  Sooth  fayer. 

ANT.  The  world,  and  my  great  office,  will  fometimes 
Divide  me  from  your  bosom. 

Oct.  All  which  time, 

Before  the  gods  my  knee  fhall  bow  in  prayers 
To  them  for  you. 

A  'NT.  Good  night,  fir.  _  My  Ofiavia, 
Read  not  my  blemifhes  in  the  world's  report  : 
I  have  not  kept  my  fquare  ;  but  that  to  come 
Shall  all  be  done  by  the  rule.    Good  night,  dear  lady. 

OCT.  Good  night,  fir. 

CMS.  Good  night. 

[Exeunt  CAESAR,  OCTAVIA,  and  Attendants. 

ANT.  Now,  firrah!  you  do  wifh  yourfelf  in  Egypt  ? 

Soo.     'Would  I  had  never  come  from  thence,  nor  you 
Thither! 

ANT.  If  you  can,  your  reason  ? 

Soo.     I  fee  it  in 

My  motion,  have  it  not  in  my  tongue  :  But  yet 
Hye  you  again  to  Egypt. 

ANT.  Say  to  me, 
Whose  fortunes  fhall  rise  higher,  Casar's,  or  mine  ? 

3  blcfled  Lottery    *  5.  bpwe  my  prayers     so  to  Egypt  againe 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  35 

Son.     Ctesar's. 

Therefore,  o  Antony r,  flay  not  by  his  fide : 
Thy  dxmon,  that's  thy  fpirit  which  keeps  thee,  is 
Noble,  courageous,  high,  unmatchable, 
Where  Cesar's  is  not ;  but,  near  him,  thy  angel 
Becomes  a  fear,  as  being  o'er-power'd ;  and  therefore 
Make  fpace  enough  between  you. 

ANT.  Speak  this  no  more. 

Soo.     To  none  but  thee ;  no  more,  but  when  to  thee. 
If  thou  doft  play  with  him  at  any  game, 
Thou  are  fure  to  lose ;  and,  of  that  natural  luck, 
He  beats  thee  'gainft  the  odds :  thy  luftre  thickens, 
When  he  fhines  by :  I  fay  again,  thy  fpirit 
Is  all  afraid  to  govern  thee  near  him ; 
But,  he  away,  'tis  noble. 

dNT.  Get  thee  gone : 

Say  to  Ventidius,  I  would  fpeak  with  him  : 

{Exit  Soothfayer. 

He  fhall  to  Parthla.   Be  it  art,  or  hap, 
He  hath  fpoken  true :  The  very  dice  obey  him ; 
And,  in  our  fports,  my  better  cunning  faints 
Under  his  chance  :  if  we  draw  lots,  he  fpeeds : 
His  cocks  do  win  the  battle  ftill  of  mine, 
When  it  is  all  to  nought ;  and  his  quails  ever 
Eeat  mine,  in  whoop'd-at  odds.    I  will  \aEgypt: 
And  though  I  make  this  marriage  for  my  peace, 
I'  the  eaft  my  pleasure  lies — O,  come,  Feniiciius, 

Enter  Ventidius. 

You  muft  to  Parthia;  your  commiffion's  ready  : 
Follow  me,  and  receive 't.  \Exeunt. 

SCENE  IV.   rbejtme.   A  Street, 
*5  aKvay       *5   fin  hoopt)  at  odd'a 

VOL.  VIII.  I 


3&  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Enter  LEPIDUS,  attended',  MEC^INAS,  and  AGRIPPA. 

LEP  .  Trouble  yourfelves  no  farther :  pray  you,  hallen 
Your  generals  after. 

AG  R .  Sir,  Mark  Antony 
Will  e'en  but  kifs  Ofiavia,  and  we'll  follow.     . 

LEP.  'Till  I  fhall  fee  you  in  your  foldier's  clrefs, 
Which  will  become  you  both,  farewel. 

MEC.  We  fhall, 

As  I  conceive  the  journey,  be  at  the  mount 
Before  you,  Lepidus. 

LEP.  Your  way  is  fhorter, 
My  purposes  do  draw  me  much  about; 
You'll  win  two  days  upon  me. 

MEC.  AGR.  Sir,  good  fuccefs ! 

LEP.   Farewel.  [Exeunt  fever  ally. 

SCENE  V.   Alexandria.  A Room  in  the  Palace. 

Enter  CLEOPATRA,  CHARMIAN,  Iras,  «WAlexas. 

CLE.    Give  me  fome  musick;  musick,  moody  food 
Of  us  that  trade  in  love. 

Att.     The  musick,  ho ! 

Enter  MARDIAN. 

CLE.    Let  it  alone;  let  us  to  billiards  :_come, 
Cbarmian, 

CHA.    My  arm  is  fore,  beft  play  with  Mardian. 

CLE.    As  well  a  woman  with  an  eunuch  play'd, 
As  with  a  woman: —Come,  you'll  play  with  me,  fir  ? 

MJR.  As  well  as  I  can,  madam.  [too  fhort, 

CLE.    And  when  good  will  is  fliew'd,  though  't  corae 
The  adlor  may  plead  pardon.    I'll  none  now  :  — 

Give  me  mine  angle, We'll  to  the  river:  there, 

My  musick  playing  far  off,  I  will  betray 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  37 

Tawny-fin'd  fifties :  my  bended  hook  mall  pierce 
Their  flimy  jaws ;  and,  as  I  draw  them  up, 
I'll  think  them  every  one  an  Antony, 
And  fay,  Ah,  ha !  you're  caught. 

CHA.  'Twas  merry,  when 
You  wager'd  on  your  angling ;  when  your  diver 
Did  hang  a  falt-fifh  on  his  hook,  which  he 
With  fervency  drew  up. 

CL  E  .  That  time  !  _  o  times !_ 
I  laugh'd  him  out  of  patience ;  and  that  night 
I  laugh'd  him  into  patience  :  and  next  morn, 
Ere  the  ninth  hour,  I  drunk  him  to  his  bed ; 
Then  put  my  tires  and  mantles  on  him,  whilfl 

I  wore  his  fword  Philippan.    O,  from  Italy ; 

Enter  a  Meflenger. 

Rain  thou  thy  fruitful  tidings  in  mine  ears. 
That  long  time  have  been  barren. 

Me/.    Madam,  madam, — 

CLE.  Antony's  dead  : If  thou  fay  fo, 

Villain,  thou  kill'ft  thy  miftrefs  :  but  well,  and  free, 
If  thou  fo  yield  him,  there  is  =f  gold,  and  here  ~f~ 
My  blueft  veins  to  kifs ;  a  hand,  that  kings 
Have  lip'd,  and  trembl'd  kiffing. 

Me/.    Firft,  madam,  he  is  well.  [We  use 

CLE.  Why,  there's  more  ^  gold.    But,  firrah,  mark; 
To  fay,  the  dead  are  well :  bring  it  to  that, 
The  gold,  I  give  thee,  will  I  melt,  and  ponr 
Down  thy  ill -uttering  throat. 

Me/.    Good  madam,  hear  me. 

CLE.  Well,  goto,   I  will ; 
But  there's  no  goodnefs  in  thy  face:  If  Antcvy 
Be  free,  and  healthful,  toJ)2  f°  tart a  favour 

'  fine  fifkes       1<s  Ramme  thou 


38  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

To  trumpet  fuch  good  tidings  ?  If  not  well, 

Thou  Ihould'ft  come  like  a  fury  crown'd  with  fnakes, 

Not  like  a  formal  man. 

Mef.    Will't  please  you  hear  me  ? 

CLE.  I  have  a  mind  to  ftrike  thee,  ere  thou  fpeak'ft: 
Yet  if  thou  fay,  Antony  lives,  is  well, 
Or  friends  with  Conor,  or  not  captive  to  him, 
I'll  fet  thee  in  a  mower  of  gold,  and  hail 
Rich  pearls  upon  thee. 

Mef.    Madam,  he's  well. 

CLE.  Wellfaid. 

Mef.    And  friends  with  Casar. 

CLE.  Thon'rt  an  honeft  man. 

Mef.    Casar  and  he  are  greater  friends  than  ever. 

CLE.  Mark  thee  a  fortune  from  me. 

Mef.    But  yet,  madam, — 

CLE.  I  do  not  like  but  yet,  it  does  allay 
The  good  precedence;  fie  upon  tut  jet: 
But  yet  is  as  a  jailer  to  bring  forth 
Some  monftrous  malefaftor.    Pr'ythee,  friend, 
Pour  out  thy  pack  of  matter  to  mine  ear, 
The  good  and  bad  together :  He's  friends  with  C<r:ar  ; 
In  ftate  of  health,  thoufay'ft;  and,  thou  fay'ft,  free. 

Mef.    Free,  madam  !  no  ;  I  made  no  fuch  report : 
He's  bound  unto  Ottawa. 

CL  z .  For  what  good  turn  ? 

Mef.    For  the  beft  turn  i'  the  bed. 

CLE.  I  am  pale,  Charmian. 

Mef.    Madam,  he's  marry'd  to  OJlavla. 

CLE.  The  mod  infectious  peftilence  upon  thee  ! 

\Jlnkts  him  d»wn. 

Mef.    Good  madam,  patience. 

•  *ti»well       *'  thepacke 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  39 

CLE  .  What  lay  you  ?  [Jir  iking  him  again.~\  Hence, 
Horrible  villain!  or  I'll  fpurn  thine  eyes 
Like  balls  before  me ;  I'll  unhair  thy  head  : 

[bales  him  up  and  do-iun. 

Thou  (halt  be  whipt  with  wire,  and  ftew'd  in  brine, 
Smarting  in  ling'ring  pickle. 

Mef.    Gracious  madam, 
I,  that  do  bring  the  news,  made  not  the  match. 

CLE.  Say,  'tis  not  fo,  a  province  I  will  give  thee, 
And  make  thy  fortunes  proud  :  the  blow  thou  had'll 
Shall  make  thy  peace,  for  moving  me  to  rage; 
And  I  will  boot  thee  with  what  gift  beflde 
Thy  modefty  can  beg. 

Mef.    He's  marry'd,  madam. 

CLE.  Rogue,  thou  haft  liy'd  too  long.  \dra*wsaD  agger. 

Mef.    Nay,  then  I'll  run  :  _ 
What  mean  you,  madam  ?  I  have  made  no  fault. 

[Exit  MefTenger. 

CKA.  Good  madam,  keep  yourfelf  within  yourfelf; 
The  man  is  innocent. 

CLE.  Some  innocents  'fcape  not  the  thunder-bolt.  _ 
Melt  Egypt  into  Nile/  and  kindly  creatures 
Turn  all  to  ferpents!_Call  the  flave  again  ; 
Though  I  am  mad,  I  will  not  bite  him;  call, 

CSA.  He  is  afeard  to  come. 

CLE.  1  will  not  hurt  him:_ 
These  hands  do  lack  nobility,  that  they  ftrike 
A  meaner  than  myfelf ;  fince  I  myfelf 
Have  given  myfelf  the  cause.  _  Come  hither,  fir  : 

Re-enter  Mefienger. 
Though  it  be  honeft,  it  is  never  good 
To  bring  bad  news :  Give  to  a  gracious  meflage 

J  3 


40  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Anhoft  of  tongues;  but  let  ill  tidings  tell 
Themfelves,  when  they  be  felt. 

Me/.    I  have  but  done  my  duty. 

CLE.  Is  he  marry 'd  ? 
J  cannot  hate  thee  worfer  than  I  do, 
If  thou  again  fay,  yes. 

Me/.    He's  marry'd,  madam.  [flill  ? 

CLE.  The  gods  confound  thee !  doft  thou  hold  there 

Me/.    Should  I  lye,  madam  r 

CLE.  O,  I  would,  thou  didft; 
So  half  my  Egypt  were  fubmerg'd,  and  made 
A  ciftern  for  fcal'd  fnakes  !  Go,  get  thee  hence  ; 
Had'ft  thou  Narcijfiii  in  thy  face,  to  me 
Thou  would'ft  appear  moft  ugly.    He  is  marry'd  ? 

Me/.    I  crave  your  highnefs'  pardon. 

CLE.  He  is  marry'd  ? 

Me/.    Take  no  offence,  that  I  would  not  offend  you  : 
To  punifh  me  for  what  you  make  me  do, 
Seems  much  unequal :  He's  marry'd  to  QSia'via. 

CLE.  O,  that  his  fault  mould  make  a  knave  of  thee, 
That  fay'ft  but  what  thou  art  fure  of!  Get  thee  hence  : 
The  merchandize,  which  thou  haft  brought  from  Rcme, 
Are  all  too  dear  for  me  ;  Lye  they  upon  thy  hand, 
And  be  undone  by  'em  !  [Exit  MefTenger. 

CHA.  Good  your  highnefs,  patience. 

CLE.  In  praising  dittany,  I  have  difprais'd 

CHA.  Many  times,  madam. 

CLE.  lam  pay'd  for't  now. 
Lead  me  from  hence, 

I  faint ;  O  Iras,  Cbarmian,—trYis  no  matter :  _ 
Go  to  the  fellow,  good  Alexas  ;  bid  him 
Report  the  feature  of  Otfa-via,  her  years, 

if  That  art  cot  what 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  4! 

Her  inclination,  let  him  not  leave  out 

The  colour  of  her  hair :  bring  me  word  quickly. 

\Exit  Alexas. 

Let  him  for  ever  go  :  —  Let  him  not,  Cbarmian  j 
Though  he  be  painted  one  way  like  a  Gorgon, 

The  other  way's  a  Mars  : Bid  you  Alexas  \to  Mardian. 

Bring  me  word,  how  tall  me  is. Pity  me,  Charmian, 

But  do  not  fpeak  to  me.    Lead  me  to  my  chamber. 

SCENE  VI.   Country  near  Mifenum. 

Fkurijh.  Enter,  from  opposite  Sides,  POMPEY, 

MENAS,  and  Others;  CJESAR,  ANTONY,  LEPIDUS, 

ENOBARBUS,  and  Others. 

POM.  Your  hoftages  I  have,  fo  have  you  mine ; 
And  we  mall  talk  before  we  fight. 

CMS.  Moil  meet, 

That  firft  we  come  to  words;  and  therefore  have  we 
Our  written  purposes  before  us  fent: 
Which  if  thou  haft  confider'd,  let  us  know 
Jf  'twill  tye  up  thy  difcontented  fword  ; 
And  carry  back  to  Sicily  much  tall  youth, 
That  elfe  muft  perifh  here. 

POM .  To  you  all  three, 
The  fenators  alone  of  this  great  world, 
Chief  faftors  for  the  gods, — I  do  not  know, 
Wherefore  my  father  mould  revengers  want, 
Having  afon,  and  friends;  fince  Julius  Caesar, 
Who  at  Philippi  the  good  Brutus  ghofted, 
There  faw  you  labouring  for  him.    What  was't 
That  mov'd  pale  Cajfius  to  confpire  ?  And  what 
Made  the  all-honour'd,  honeft,  Roman  Brutus, 
With  the  arm'd  re3,  courtiers  of  beauteous  freedom, 

14 


4*  Antony  and  Cleopatra, 

To  drench  the  capitol ;  but  that  they  would 
Have  one  man  but  a  man  ?  And  that  is  it, 
Hath  made  me  rig  my  navy ;  at  whose  burthen 
The  anger'd  ocean  foams ;  with  which  I  meant 
To  fcourge  the  ingratitude  that  defpightful  Rome 
Caft  on  my  noble  father. 

CAS.  Take  your  rime. 

JUT.  Thou  can'ft  not  fear  us,  Pcmfey,  with  thy  faiU 
We'll  fpeak  with  thee  at  fea :  at  land,  thou  know'ii 
How  much  we  do  o'er-count  thee. 

POM.  At  land,  indeed, 

Thou  doft  o'er-count  me  of  my  father's  houfe : 
But,  fince  the  cuckoo  builds  not  for  himfelf, 
Remain  in't,  as  thou  may'lh 

LEP.  Be  pleas'd  to  tell  us, 
(For  this  is  from  the  present)  how  you  take 
The  offers  we  have  fent  you. 

C<&s.  There's  the  point. 

A  tit.  Which  do  not  be  intreated  to,  but  weigh 
What  it  is  worth  embrac'd  : 

C&s.  And  what  may  follow, 
To  try  a  larger  fortune. 

POM.  You  have  made  me  offer 
Of  Sicily,  Sardinia  ;  and  I  muft 
Rid  all  the  fea  of  pirates  :  then,  to  fend 
Measures  of  wheat  to  Rome :  This  'greed  upon, 
To  part  with  nnback'd  edges,  and  bear  back 
Our  targe  undinted. 

CMS.  Awr.  LSP.  That's  our  offer. 

POM.  Know  then, 

I  came  before  you  here,  a  man  prepar'd 
To  take  this  offer:  Bat  Mark  Antony 

"Targe, 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  43 

Put  me  to  feme  impatience :_ Though  I  lose 
The  praise  of  it  by  telling,  You  muft  know, 
When  Cifsar  and  your  brother  were  at  blows, 
Your  mother  came  to  Sicily  t  and  did  find 
Her  welcome  friendly. 

A 'xr.  I  have  heard  it,  Pompey; 
And  am  well  ftudy'd  for  a  liberal  thanks, 
Which  I  do  owe  you. 

POM.  Let  me  have  your  hand  : 
I  did  not  think,  fir,  to  have  met  you  here. 

AKT  .  The  beds  i'the  eaft  are  foft :  and  thanks  to  you, 
ThatcalPd  me,  timelier  than  my  purpose,  hither; 
For  I  have  gain'd  by't. 

CxEs.  Since  I  faw  you  laft, 
There  is  a  change  upon  you. 

POM.  Well,  I  know  not, 
What  counts  harfh  fortune  cafts  upon  my  face; 
But  in  my  bosom  fhall  me  never  come, 
To  make  my  heart  her  vaflal. 

LEP.   Well  met  here. 

POM.  I  hope  fo,  Lepidus,  —Thus  we  are  agreed: 
I  crave,  our  composition  may  be  written, 
And  feal'd  between  us. 

(7/Es.  That's  the  next  to  do. 

POM.  We'll  feafl  each  other,  ere  we  part;  and  let  us 
Draw  lots,  who  fhall  begin. 

AKT.  That  will  I,  Pompey. 

POM.  No,  noble  Antony,  take  the  lot :  but,  firft, 
Or  laft,  your  fine  Egyptian  cookery 
Shall  have  the  fame.    I  have  heard,  that^W""  C<fsar 
Grew  fat  with  feafting  there. 

ANT.  You  have  heard  much. 


44  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

POM.  I  have  fair  meaning,  fir. 

An-T.  And  fair  words  to  them. 

POM.  Then  fo  much  have  I  heard.  And  I  have  heard, 
jApolladoru,!  carry'd  ~ 

ENO.  No  more  of  that:  —  He  did  fo. 

POM.  What,  I  pray  you  ? 

ENO.  A  certain  queen  to  C/esar  in  a  matrefs. 

POM .  I  know  thee  now  ;  How  far'ft  thou,  foldier  ? 

£NO.  Well; 

And  well  am  like  to  do ;  for,  I  perceive, 
Four  feafls  are  toward. 

POM.  Let  me  {hake  thy  hand ; 
I  never  hated  thee :  I  have  feen  thee  fight, 
When  I  have  envyM  thy  behaviour. 

ENO.  Sir, 

I  never  lov'd  you  much  ;  but  I  have  prais'd  you, 
When  you  have  well  deserv'd  ten  times  as  much 
As  1  have  faid  you  did. 

POM.  Enjoy  thy  plainnefs, 
It  nothing  ill  becomes  thee.— 
Aboard  my  galley  I  invite  you  all : 
Will  you  lead,  lords  ? 

CMS.  Ant.  LZP.  Shew  us  the  way,  fir. 

POM.  Come.    [ExeuntPoMfEY, C/ESAR, ANTONY, 
L  E  P  T  D  u  s ,  and  Attendants. 

MEN.  Thy  father,  Pompey,  would  ne'er  have  made 
this  treaty.  —You  and  I  have  known,  fir. 

EKO.    At  fea,  I  think. 

MEN.  We  have,  fir. 

ENO.  You  have  done  well  by  water. 

MEN.  And  you  by  land. 

ENO.   I  will  praise  any  man  that  will  praise  me :  though 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  45 

it  cannot  be  deny'd,  what  I  have  done  by  land. 

MEN.  Nor  what  I  have  done  by  water. 

Exo .  Yes,  fomething  you  can  deny  for  your  own 
fafety  :  you  have  been  a  great  thief  by  fea. 

MEN.  And  you  by  land. 

£NO.  There  I  deny  my  land  fervice.  But  give  me  your 
hand,  Menas ;  If  our  eyes  had  authority,  here  they  might 
take  two  thieves  luffing. 

MEN.  All  men's  faces  are  true,  whatfoe'er  their  hands 
are. 

EKO  .    But  there  is  never  a  fair  woman  has  a  true  face. 

MEN.  No  flander;  they  fteal  hearts. 

ENO.    We  came  hither  to  fight  with  you. 

MEN.  For  my  part,  I  am  forry  it  is  turn'd  to  a  drink- 
Ing.  Pompey  doth  this  day  laugh  away  his  fortune. 

ENO.    If  he  do,  fure,  he  cannot  weep  it  back  again. 

MEN.  You  have  faid,  fir.  We  look'd  not  for  Mark 
Antony  here;  Pray  you,  is  hemarry'd  to  Cleopatra? 

EKQ.    C&sar's  filler  is  call'd  Ocla-via. 

MEN.  True,  fir;  {he  was  the  wife  of  Caius  Marcellus* 

ENO  .    But  now  ftie  is  the  wife  of  Marcus  Antonius. 

MEN.  Pray  you,  fir,— 

ENO.    'Tis  true. 

MEN.  Then  is  Ctfsar,  and  he,  for  ever  knit  together. 

£A*O  .  If  I  were  bound  to  divine  of  this  unity,  I  would 
not  prophefy  fo. 

MEN.  I  think,  the  policy  of  that  purpose  made  more 
in  the  marriage,  than  the  love  of  the  parties. 

ENO.  I  think  fo  too.  But  you  (hall  find,  the  band, 
that  feems  to  tye  their  friendfhip  together,  will  be  the 
very  ftranglerof  their  amity  :  Otfavia  is  of  a  holy,  cold, 
and  ftill  converfation. 


46  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Mftt.  Who  would  not  have  his  wife  fo  ? 

Etfo.  Not  he,  that  himfelf  is  not  fo ;  which  is  Mark 
Antony.  He  will  to  his  Egyptian  difh  again  :  then  lhall 
the  fighs  of  O<3a<via  blow  the  fire  up  in  Csrsar ;  and,  as  I 
faid  before,  that  which  is  the  ftrength  of  their  amity,  mall 
prove  the  immediate  author  of  their  variance.  Antony  will 
use  his  affeclion  where  it  is ;  he  marry'd  but  his  occasion 
here. 

MEN.  And  thus  it  may  be.  Come,  fir,  will  you  aboard? 
I  have  a  health  for  you. 

ENO.  I  (hall  take  it,  fir :  we  have  us'd  our  throats  in 
Egypt. 

MEN.  Come;  let's  away.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  VII.  ^an/Pompey'sGa 

Under  a  Pavilion  upon  Deck,  a  Banquet  Jet  out  : 
Mustek  :  Servants  attending. 

1.  S.  Here  they'll  be,  man :  Some  o'  their  plants  are 
ill  rooted  already,  the  leaft  wind  i'  the  world  will  blow 
them  down. 

2.  S.  Lepidus  is  high-colour'd. 

1 .  S.  They  have  made  him  drink  alms-drink. 

2.  S.  As  they  pinch  one  another  by  the  difposition,  he 
cries  out,  no  more ;  reconciles  them  to  his  entreaty,  and 
lumfelf  to  the  drink. 

1 .  5.  But  it  raises  the  greater  war  between  him  and  his 
difcretion. 

2.  S.  Why,  this  it  is  to  have  a  name  in  great  men's 
fellowfhip  :  I  had  as  lief  have  a  reed  that  will  do  me  no 
iervice,  as  a  partizan  I  could  not  heave. 

I.  S.  To  be  call'd  into  a  huge  fphere,  and  not  to  be 
(ben  to  move  in't,  are  the  holes  where  eyes  Ihould  be, 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  j^j 

which  pitifully  disafter  the  cheeks. 

Muiick  plays.    Enter  C^SAR,  ANTONY,  LEPIDUS, 
POMPEY,  MENAS,  EMOBARBUS,  andOthers. 

An*.  Thus  do  they,  fir,  [to  Caes.]  They  take  the  flow 
By  certain  fcales  i'the  pyramid ;  they  know,     [o'the  Nile, 
By  the  height,  the  lownefs,  or  the  mean,  if  dearth, 
Or  foizon,  follow :  The  higher  Nilus  fwells, 
The  more  it  promises :  as  it  ebbs,  the  feedsman 
Upon  the  flime  and  ooze  fcatters  his  grain, 
And  fhortly  comes  to  harveft. 

LE P.  You've  ftrange  ferpents  there. 

ANT.  Ay,  Lepidus. 

LEP.  Your  ferpent  of  Egypt  is  bred  now  of  your  mud 
by  the  operation  of  the  fun  :  fo  is  your  crocodile. 

AST.  They  are  fo. 

POM.  Sit, —and  fome  wine — A  health  to  LepUus. 

LEP.  I  am  not  fo  well  as  I  mould  be,  but  I'll  ne'er 
out. 

£t?o.  "  Not  'till  you  have  flept ;  I  fear  me,  you'll  be 
"in  'till  then." 

LEP.  Nay,  certainly,  I  have  heard,  the  Ptolemies'  py- 
ramifes  are  very  goodly  things;  without  contradiction,  I 
have  heard  that. 

MEN.  "  Pompey,  a  word. " 

POM.  "Say  in  mine  ear;  Whatis't?" 

MEN.  "  Forfake  thy  feat,  I  do  befeech  thee,  captain, " 
"  And  hear  me  fpeak  a  word. "  [pidus. 

POM.  "Forbear  me  'till  anon."  —  This  wine  for  Le- 

LEP.  What  manner  o'thing  is  your  crocodile? 

AXT.  It  is  ihap'd,  fir,  like  itfelf ;  and  it  is  as  broad  a*. 
:t  hath  breadth  :  it  is  jufl  fo  high  as  itis,  and  moves  with 
n'»  o\vn  organs :  it  livei  by  that  which  nourilheth  it ;  and, 


48  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

the  elements  once  out  of  it,  it  transmigrates. 

LE P.  What  colour  is  it  of? 

ANT.  Of  it's  own  colour  too. 

Lfp.  'Tis  a  ftrange  ferpent. 

Awr.  'Tis  fo,  And  the  tears  of  it  are  wet. 

C-ES.  "  Will  this  defcription  fatiffy  him  ?  " 

Ant.  "  With  the  health  thztPompey  gives  him,  elfehe 
"is  a  very  epicure."  [Away : 

POM.  Go,  hang,  fir,  hang :  [to  Men.]  Tell  me  of  that ! 
Do  as  I  bid  you. —Where's  this  cup  I  call'd  for? 

MEN.  "  If  for  the  fake  of  merit  thou  wilt  hear  me," 
"  Rise  from  thy  ftool. "  ["  The  matter  ? " 

POM.    I  think  thou'rtmad.  [rising,  andfteppingafide.~\ 

MEN.  "  I  have  ever  held  my  cap  off  to  thy  fortunes." 

POM.    "  Thou  haft  ferv'd  me  with  much  faith :  What's 
Be  jolly,  lords.  [elfe  to  fay  ? "__ 

Axr.  These  quickfands,  Lepidut, 
Keep  off  them,  for  you  fink. 

MEN.  "Wilt  thou  be  lord  of  all  the  world  r" 

POM.  "  What  fay'ft  thou  ? "  [twice." 

ME  N.  "  Wilt  tho'u  be  lord  of  the  whole  world  ?  That's 

POM.    "  How  mould  that  be  ? " 

MEN.  "But  entertain  it," 

"And,  though  thou  think  me  poor,  I  am  the  man" 
"Will  give  thee  all  the  world." 

POM.    "Thou  haft  drunk  well." 

MEN.  "No,  Pompcy,  I  have  kept  me  from  the  cup." 
"  Thou  art,  if  thou  dar'ft  be,  the  earthly  Jove :" 
"  Whate'er  the  ocean  pales,  or  fky  inclips, " 
"  Is  thine,  if  thou  wilt  ha't.  " 

POM.  "Shew  me  which  way." 

Mt  K.  "  These  three  world-fharers,the«e  competitors," 

*«  Haft  thou 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  49 

"  Are  in  thy  veflel :  Let  me  cut  the  cable ; " 

"  And,  when  we  are  put  off,  fall  to  their  throats :" 

"  All  then  is  thine." 

POM.  "Ah,  this  thou  fhould'ft  have  done, " 
"  And  not  have  fpoke  of  it !  In  me,  'tis  villany ;" 
"  In  thee,  't  had  been  good  fervice.    Thou  muft  know," 
"  'Tis  not  my  profit  that  does  lead  mine  honour;" 
"  Mine  honour,  it.    Repent,  that  e'er  thy  tongue" 
"Hath  fo  betray'd  thine  aft  :  Being  done  unknown," 
"  I  mould  have  found  it  afterwards  well  done ;" 
"  But  muft  condemn  it  now.    Desift,  and  drink." 

MEN.   "  For  this,"  [looking  contemptibly  after  him. 
"  I'll  never  follow  thy  pall'd  fortunes  more — " 
"  Whofeeks,  and  will  not  take,  when  once  'tis  offer'd," 
"  Shall  never  find  it  more. "  [Joins  the  Company. 

POM.  This  health  to  Lepidus. 

Av*T.  Bear  him  afhore.—  [to  an  Attendant. 

I'll  pledge  it  for  him,  Pompey. 

ENO.   Here's  to  thee,  Menas. 

ME  A*.  Enubarbus,  welcome. 

POM.  Fill,  'till  the  cup  be  hid. 

[LEPIDUS  born  of. 

ENO.    There's  a  ftrong  fellow,  Menas. 

MEN.  Why  ? 

ENO.    He  bears 
The  third  part  of  the  world,  man  ;  Seefl  not  ?          [all, 

MEN.  The  third  part  then  is  drunk  :  'Would  it  were 
That  it  might  go  on  wheels. 

ENO.   Drink  thou,  encreafe  the  reels. 

MEN.  Come. 

POM.  This  is  not  yet  an  Alexandrian  feail. 

ANT,  It  ripens  towards  it — Strike  theveflels,  ho! 

3  there  i*    *?  then  he  Is 


50  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Here  is  to  C<rsar. 

CMS.  I  could  well  forbear't. 
It's  monftrous  labour,  when  I  wafh  my  brain, 
And  it  grows  fouler. 

JJNT.  Be  a  child  o'the  time. 

CMS.  Possefs  it,  I'll  make  anfwer:  but  I  had  rather 
Faft  from  all  four  days,  than  drink  fo  much  in  one. 

Ejio.   Ha,  my  brave  emperor !  [to  Ant.]  {hall  we  dance 
The  Egyptian  bacchanals,  and  celebrate  our  drink?  [now 
Po:.t.  Let's  ha't,  good  foldier.  [they  rise, 

dwr.  Come,  let's  all  take  hands ; 
Till  that  the  conquering  wine  hath  fteep'd  our  fenfe 
In  foft  and  delicate  lethe. 

£NO.    All  take  hands — 

Make  battery  to  our  ears  with  the  loud  musick  :-_ 
The  while,  I'll  place  you :  Then  the  boy  fhall  fing ; 
The  holding  every  man  fhall  bear,  as  loud 
As  his  flrong  fides  can  volly. 
[Mustek  plays.  Enobarbus//s«j  them  band  in  hand. 

SONG. 

Come,  thou  monarch  cf  the  vine, 
plumpy  Bacchus,  with  pink  eyne  : 
in  thy  vats  our  cares  be  eirc^vn'd; 
with  thy  grapes  our  hairs  be  crown*  J ; 
cup  us,  'till  the  world  go  round, 
cup  us,  'till  the  world  go  round. 

[_  Good  brother, 

CMS.  What  would  you  more  ^-.Pompey,  goodnight. 
Let  me  requeft  you,  off:  our  graver  businefs 

Frowns  at  this  levity Gentle  lords,  let's  part; 

You  fee,  we  have  burnt  our  cheeks  :  ftrong  Enobarbt 
Is  weaker  than  the  wine ;  and  mine  own  tongue 

'7  beate  at 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  5  1 

Splits  what  it  fpeaks  :  the  wild  difguise  hath  almoft 
Antickt  us  all.  What  needs  more  words  ?  Good  night.  _ 
Good  Antony,  your  hand. 

POM.  I'll  try  you  on  the  more. 

ANT.  And  fhall,  fir  :  give's  your  hand. 

POM.   O  Antony, 

You  have  my  father's  houfe,  —  But  what  :  we  are  friends  ; 
Come,  down  into  the  boat. 

ENO.   Take  heed  you  fall  not.— 

[Ereunt  POM.  CJES.  ANT.  and  Attendants. 
Mcnas,   I'll  not  on  more. 

£$en.  No,  to  my  cabin.  _  [hear, 

These  drums,  these  trumpets,  flutes,  what  —  let  Neptune 
We  bid  aloud  farewel  to  these  great  fellows  : 
Sound,  and  be  hang'd,  found  out. 

\FlouriJh  cf  loud  Musick. 

ENO.    Ho,  fays'  a  '.  —  There's  my  cap. 

A?£AT.  Ho,  noble  captain  !  Come.  [Exeunt. 

ACT    III. 

SCENE  I.    A  Plain  in  Syria. 

Enter,  as  from  Conquejl,  VENTIDIUS, 

with  Si  Li  us,  and  other  Romans,  Of.cen  and  Salt-  lets, 

the  dead  Body  of  Pacorus  born  before  him. 

PEN.  Now,  darting  Partbia,  art  thou  ftruck;  and  now 
Pleas'd  fortune  does  of  Marcus  Grafts'  death 
Make  me  revenger  —  Bear  the  king's  fon's  body 
Before  our  army  :  —  Thy  Paccrus,  OroJes, 
Pays  this  for  Marcus  Cra/fus. 

SJL.    Noble  Ventidius, 


VOL.  VIII. 


5  2  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Whilft  yet  with  Parthian  blood  thy  fword  is  warm, 

The  fugitive  Parthiatts  follow ;  fpur  through  Media, 

Mefopotamia,  and  the  flickers  whither 

The  routed  fly  :  fo  thy  grand  captain  Antony 

Shall  fet  thee  on  triumphant  chariots,  and 

Put  garlands  on  thy  head. 

Vn  N.  O  Si /i us,  Si 'Ii 'us, 

I  have  done  enough :  A  lower  place,  note  well, 
May  make  too  great  an  aft  :  For  learn  this,  Silius ; 
Better  to  leave  undone,  than  by  our  deed 
Acquire  too  high  a  fame,  when  he  we  ferve's  away. 
C<esar,  and  Antony,  have  ever  won 
More  in  their  officer,  than  perfon  :  SoJ/ius, 
One  of  my  place  in  Syria,  his  lieutenant, 
For  quick  accumulation  of  renown, 
Which  he  atchiev'd  by  the  minute,  loft  his  favour. 
Who  does  i'the  wars  more  than  his  captain  can, 
Becomes  his  captain's  captain  :  and  ambition, 
The  foldier's  virtue,  rather  makes  choife  of  lofs, 
Than  gain,  which  darkens  him. 
I  could  do  more  to  do  Antonius  good, 
But  'twould  offend  him  ;  and  in  his  offence 
Should  my  performance  perifh. 

5/x .    Thou  haft,  Ventidius,  that, 
Without  the  which  a  foldier,  and  his  fword, 
Grants  fcarce  diftinclion.    Thou  wilt  write  to  Antony  r 

PEN.  I'll  humbly  fignify  what  in  his  name, 
That  magical  word  of  war,  we  have  effefted  ; 
How,  with  his  banners,  and  his  well-pay'd  ranks, 
The  ne'er-yet-beaten  horfe  of  Partbia 
We  have  jaded  out  o'  the  field. 

Su .    Where  is  he  now  ? 

1  *  when  him  we 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  53 

VZN.  He  purposeth  to  Athens  :  where,  with  what  hafte 
The  weight  we  muft  convey  with  us  will  permit, 
We  lhall  appear  before  him. —On,  there;  pafs  along. 

SCENE  IT.    Rome.    An  Anti-room  in  Cxszr's  Houfe. 
Enter  AGRIPPA,  aWENOBARBUs,  meeting. 

AGR.  What,  are  the  brothers  parted? 

ENO  .  They  have  difpatch'd  with  Pompey,  he  is  gone ; 
The  other  three  are  fealing.    Ofiavia  weeps 
To  part  from  Rome :  C&sar  is  fad  ;  and  Lepidus, 
Since  Pompey's  feaft,  as  Menas  fays,  is  troubl'd 
With  the  green  ficknefs. 

AGR.  'Tis  a  noble  Lepidus. 

ENO.  A  very  fine  one :  O,  how  he  loves  C&sarf 

AGR.  Nay,  but  how  dearly  he  adores  Mark  Antony  ! 

ENO.  Ctesar?  Why,  he's  the  Jupiter  of  men. 

AGR.  What's  Antony?  The  god  oijupitir. 

ENO.  Spake  you  of  C<esar  ?  O,  the  non-pareil ! 

AGR.  O  Antony  !  O  thou  Arabian  bird  !          [farther. 

ENO.  Would  you  praise  C<eiar,  fay,— C<esar;— go  no 

AGR.  Indeed,  he  ply'd  them  both  with  excellentpraises. 

ENO.  But  he  loves  Caesar  beft ; — Yet  he  loves  Antony  : 
Ho !  hearts,  tongues,  figures,  fcribes,  bards,  poets,  cannot 
Think,  fpeak,  caft,  write,  fmg,  number,  ho,  his  love 
To  Antony.    But  as  for  Cessar,  fmccf, 
Kneel  down,  kneel  down,  and  wonder. 

AGR  .  Both  he  loves.  [pet  nvitbin]  So, 

ENO.  They  are  his  mards,  and  he  their  beetle:  [Trum- 
This  is  to  horfe:  — Adieu,  noble  Agrippa. 

AGR.  Good  fortune,  worthy  foldier;  and  farewel ! 

Enter  C/ESAR,  ANTONY,  LEPIDUS,  aWOcTAViA. 
ANT.  No  farther,  fir.  [to  Cssar. 

1  whither  with     '7  ^r.  What's     *3  Figure, 

K   2 


54  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

CMS.  You  take  from  me  a  great  part  of  myfelf; 
Use  me  well  in't  —  Sifter,  prove  fuch  a  wife 
As  my  thoughts  make  thee,  and  as  my  fartheft  bond 
Shall  pafs  on  thy  approof.  _  Moft  noble  Antony, 
Let  not  the  piece  of  virtue,  which  is  fet 
Betwixt  us,  as  the  cement  of  our  love, 
To  keep  it  builded,  be  the  ram,  to  batter 
The  fortrefs  of  it  :  for  far  better  might  we 
Have  lov'd  without  this  mean,  if  on  both  parts 
This  be  not  cherifh'd. 

ANT.  Make  me  not  offended 
In  your  diftruft. 

CMS.  I  have  faid. 

ANT.  You  mail  not  find, 
Though  you  be  therein  curious,  the  leaft  cause 
For  what  you  feem  to  fear  :  So,  the  gods  keep  you, 
And  make  the  hearts  of  Romans  ferve  your  ends  ! 
We  will  here  part* 

CMS.  Farewel,  my  deareft  fifter,  fare  thee  well; 
The  elements  be  kind  to  thee,  and  make 
Thy  {pirits  all  of  comfort  !  fare  thee  well. 

OCT.  My  noble  brother,— 

ANT.  The  Apri?*  in  her  eyes;  Tt  is  love's  fpring, 
And  these  the  fhowers  to  bring  it  on  :__Be  chearful. 

OCT.  Sir,  look  well  to  my  hufband's  houfe  ;  and 

CMS.  What, 


OCT.  I'll  tell  you  in  your  ear.          [taking  him  a/tJe. 

ANT.  Her  tongue  will  not  obey  her  heart,  nor  can 
Her  heart  inform  her  tongue  :  the  fwan's  down  feather, 
That  ftands  upon  the  fwell  at  full  of  tide, 
And  neither  way  inclines. 


3   Band 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  55 

ENO  .  "  Will  C*sar  weep  ?  " 

AGR.  "He  has  a  cloud  in's  face." 

Eno .  "  He  were  the  worfe  for  that,  were  he  a  horfe ; " 
"So  is  he,  being  a  man." 

AGR.  "Why,  Enobarbus?" 
"  When  Antony  found  Julius  C<esar  dead," 
"  He  cry'd  almoft  to  roaring  :  and  he  wept,  " 
"  When  at  Philippi  he  found  Brutus  flain."     [rheum  ;" 

ENO.  "That  year,  indeed,   he  was  troubl'd  with  a 
"  What  willingly  he  did  confound,  he  wail'd  :" 
"  Believ't,  'till  I  weep  too." 

C^s.  No,  fweet  Qctavla,  [coming  forivard. 

You  {hall  hear  from  me  ftill ;  the  time  lhall  not 
Out-go  my  thinking  on  you. 

AKT.  Come,  fir,  come  ; 
I'll  wreftle  with  you  in  my  ftrength  of  love: 
Look,  here  I  have  you  ~j~  ;  thus  I  let  you  go, 
And  give  you  to  the  gods. 

Cs£s.  Adieu;  be  happy! 

LEP.    Let  all  the  number  of  the  ftars  give  light 
To  thy  fair  way  ! 

C^s.  Farewel.  —  Farewel.  [ki^s  Oftavia. 

Avf.  Farewel.  \FlouriJh.   Exeunt. 

SCENE  III.    Alexandria.   A  Room  in  the  Palace. 
Enter  CLEOPATRA,  CHARMIAN,  Iras,  a 
CLE.  Where  is  the  fellow  ? 
ALE.  Half  afeard  to  come. 

CLE.  Go  to,  go  to  : Come  hither,  fir. 

Enter  MefTenger. 
ALL  Good  majefty, 
fiercd  of  Jewry  dare  not  look  upon  you. 


56  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

But  when  you  are  well  pleas'd. 

CLE.  That  Herod's  head 
I'll  have  :  But  how  ?  when  Antony  is  gone, 
Through  whom  I  might  command  it. —Come  thounear. 

Me/.    Moft  gracious  majefty,  — 

CLE  .  Did'ft  thou  behold 
Ottawa  ? 

Mef.    Ay,  dread  queen. 

CLE.  Where? 

Mef.    Madam,  in  Rome 
I  look'd  her  in  the  face  ;  and  faw  her  led 
Between  her  brother  and  Mark  Antony. 

CLE.  Is  me  as  tall  as  me ? 

Mef.    She  is  not,  madam.  [low  ? 

CLE .  Did'ft  hear  her  fpeak  ?  Is  me  fhrill-tongu'd,  or 

Mef.    Madam,  I  heard  her  fpeak  ;  fhe  is  low-voic'd. 

CLE.  That's  not  fo  good: he  cannot  like  her  long. 

CHA.  Like  her  ?  Q  IJit  !  'tis  impoflible.    [dwarfifh!_ 

CLE.  I  think  fo,  Cbarmian:  Dull  of  tongue,  and 
What  majefty  is  in  her  gate  ?  Remember  ; 
If  e'er  thou  lookd'ft  on  majefty. 

Mef.    She  creeps ; 

Her  motion  and  her  ftation  are  as  one  : 
She  mews  a  body,  rather  than  a  life  ; 
A  ftatue,  than  a  breather. 

CLE.  Is  this  certain? 

Mef.    Or  I  have  no  observance. 

CHA.  Three  in  Egypt 
Cannot  make  better  note. 

CLE.  He's  very  knowing, 
I  do  perceive't :  — There's  nothing  in  her  yet  :—• 
The  fellow  has  good  judgment. 

21  Uok'ft 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  57 

CHA.  Excellent. 

CLE.  Guefs  at  her  years,  I  pr'ythee. 

Me/,    ^er  pears,  madam  ? 
She  was  a  widow  : 

CLE.  Widow?  —  Cbarmian,  hark. 

Me/.    And  I  do  think,  fhe's  thirty. 

CLE.  Bear'ft  thou  her  face 
In  mind  ?  is't  long,  or  round  ? 

Me/.    Round,  even  to  faultinefs.  fo._ 

CLE.  For  the  mod  part  too,  they  are  foolifh  that  arc 
Her  hair,  what  colour  ? 

Me/.    Brown,  madam  :  And  her  forehead 
As  low  as  me  would  wifti  it. 

CLE.  There's  gold  =f  for  thee. 
Thou  muft  not  take  my  former  fharpnefs  ill : 
J  will  employ  thee  back  again ;  I  find  thee 
Moft  fit  for  businefs :  Go,  make  thee  ready,  tofrife 
Our  letters  are  prepar'd.  [Exit  MefTenger. 

CHA.  A  proper  man. 

CLE.  Indeed,  he  is  fo  :  I  repent  me  much 
That  fo  I  harry'd  him.   Why,  methinks,  by  him, 
This  creature's  no  fuch  thing. 

CHA.  3D,  nothing,  madam.  [know. 

CLE.  The  man  hath  feen  fome  majefty,  and  mould 

CHA.  Hath  he  feen  majefty:  7/frelfe  defend, 
And  ferving  you  fo  long  1  \Cbarmian :  — 

CLE.  I  have  one  thing  more  to  aflc  him  yet,  good 
But  'tis  no  matter;  thou  malt  bring  him  to  me 
Where  I  will  write :  All  may  be  well  enough. 

CHA.  I  warrant  you,  madam.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  IV.    Athens.   A  Room  in  Antony's  Houfe. 

K4 


Antony  and  Cleopatra. 


Enter  ANTONY, 

Atit.  Nay,  nay,  Oflavia,  not  only  that,  — 
That  were  excusable,  that,  and  thousands  more 
Of  femblable  import,  —  but  he  hath  wag'd 
New  wars  'gainft  Pompey  ;  made  his  will,  and  read  it 
To  publick  ear  : 

Spoke  fcant'ly  of  me:  when  perforce  he  could  not 
But  pay  me  terms  of  honour,  cold  and  fickly 
He  vented  them  ;  moft  narrow  measure  lent  me  : 
When  the  beft  hint  was  given  him,  he  not  took't, 
Or  did  it  from  his  teeth. 

OCT.  O  my  good  lord, 
Believe  not  all;  or,  if  you  muft  believe, 
Stomach  not  all.    A  more  unhappy  lady, 
If  this  division  chance,  ne'er  ftood  between, 
Praying  for  both  parts  :  The  good  gods  will  mock  me, 
When  I  mail  pray,  O,  ile^s  my  hujband!  presently 
Undo  that  prayer,  by  crying  out  as  loud 
O,  blefs  my  brother  !  Husband  win,  win  brother, 
Prays,  and  deftroys  the  prayer  ;  no  midway 
'Twixt  these  extreams  at  all. 

Avr.  Gentle  Oflavia, 

Let  your  beft  love  draw  to  that  point,  which  feek$ 
Beft  to  preserve  it  :   If  I  lose  mine  honour, 
I  lose  my  felf  :  better  I  were  not  yours, 
Than  yours  fo  branchlefs.    But,  as  you  requefted, 
Yourfelf  mail  go  between  us  :  The  mean  time,  lady, 
I'll  raise  the  preparation  of  a  war 
Shall  ftrain  your  brother  :  Make  your  fooneft  hafte  ; 
So  your  desires  are  yours. 

OCT.  Thanks  to  my  lord. 
The  Jo<ve  of  power  make  me  moft  weak,  moft  weak, 

9  then  moft     »°  notlpok't     J7  v.  Note,     *»  ft^inc 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  59 

Your  reconciler  !  Wars  'twixt  you  twain  would  be 
As  if  the  world  fhould  cleave,  and  that  flain  men 
Should  folder  up  the  rift. 

AKT.  When  it  appears  to  you  where  this  begins, 
Turn  your  difpleasure  that  way ;  for  our  faults 
Can  never  be  fo  equal,  that  your  love 
Can  equally  move  with  them.    Provide  your  going; 
Choose  your  own  company,  and  command  what  coft 
Your  heart  has  mind  to.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE   V.    The  fame.    Another  Room  in  the  fame. 
Enter  EROS,  and  ENOBARBUS,  meeting. 

ENO.  How  now,  friend  Eros  ? 

Eko.  There's  ftrange  news  come,  fir. 

ENO.  What,  man  ? 

ER  o .    desar  and  Lepidus  have  made  wars  upon  Pompey. 

ENO  .  This  is  old  ;  What  is  the  fuccefs  ? 

EE  o .  Ctesar,  having  made  ufe  of  him  in  the  wars  'gainft 
Potnpey,  presently  deny'd  him  rivalry ;  would  not  let  him 
partake  in  the  glory  of  the  adlion  :  and  not  refting  here, 
accuses  him  of  letters  he  had  formerly  wrote  to  Pompey ; 
upon  his  appeal,  feizes  him  :  So  the  poor  third  is  up,  'till 
death  enlarge  his  confine. 

ENO.  Then,  world,  thou  haft  a  pair  of  chaps,  no  more; 
And  throw  between  them  all  the  food  thou  haft, 
They'll  grind  tf)C  one  the  other.  —  Where  is  Antony? 

EAO.  He's  walking  in  the  garden  ~f~  thus  ;  and  fpurns 
The  rufh  that  lies  before  him  :  cries,  /WLepidus ! 
And  threats  the  throat  of  that  his  officer, 
That  murder'd  Pcmpey. 

ENO.  Our  great  navy's  rig'd. 

Exo.  For  Italy,  and  Cefsar.    More,  Dcmitius  ; 

?*  his  owne  appeale     ?*  Then  would  thou  hadft 


60  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

My  lord  desires  you  presently  :  my  news 
I  might  have  told  hereafter. 

EKO  .  'twill  be  naught : 
But  let  it  be —  Bring  me  to  Antony. 

ES.O.  Come,  fir.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  VI.    Rome.  A  Room  in  CzsarV  Heu/e. 
Eater  CJESAR,  MEC^ENAS,  and  AGRIPPA. 

CMS.  Contemning  Rome,  he  has  done  all  this  :  And 
In  Alexandria,  —  here's  =f  the  manner  of  it,  —     [more ; 
I'the  market-place,  on  a  tribunal  filver'd, 
Cleopatra  and  himfelf  in  chairs  of  gold 
Were  publickly  enthron'd :  at  the  feet,  fat 
Ctesarion,  whom  they  call  my  father's  fon  ; 
And  all  the  unlawful  iflue,  that  their  luft 
Since  then  hath  made  between  them.    Unto  her 
He  gave  the  'itablimment  of  Egypt ;  made  her 
Of  lower  Syria,  Cyprus,  Lydia, 
Abfolute  queen. 

MEC.  This  in  the  publick  eye? 

CJES.  I'the  common  fhew -place,  where  they  exercise. 
His  fons  he  there  proclaim'd,  The  kings  of  kings : 
Great  Media,  Parthia,  and  Armenia, 
He  gave  to  Alexander  ;  to  Ptolemy  he  affign'd 
Syria,  Cilicia,  and  Phoenicia  :  She 
In  the  habiliments  of  the  goddefs  I/is 
That  day  appear'd ;  and  oft  before  gave  audience, 
As  'tis  reported,  fo. 

MEC.  Let  Rome  be  thus 
Inform'd. 

ACR.  Who,  queasy  with  hisinfolence 
Already,  will  their  good  thoughts  call  from  him. 

**  Sonnes  hither  pro- 


Antony  and  Cleopatra..  61 

C^s.  The  people  know  it;  and  have  now  receiv'd 
His  accusations. 

AGR.  Whom  does  he  accuse  ? 

C^s.  C&iar :  and  that,  having  in  Sicily 
Sextus  Pompeius  fpoil'd,  we  had  not  rated  him 
His  part  o'the  ifle  :  then  does  he  fay,  he  lent  me 
Some  (hipping  unreftor'd  :  laftly,  he  frets, 
That  Lepidus  of  the  triumvirate 
Should  be  depos'd ;  and,  being,  that  we  detain 
All  his  revenue. 

AGR.  Sir,  this  mould  be  anfwer'd. 

C^.s.  'Tis  done  already,  and  the  meflenger  gone. 
I  have  told  him,  Lepidus  was  grown  too  cruel; 
That  he  his  high  authority  abus'd, 
And  did  deserve  his  change  :  for  what  I  have  conquer'd, 
I  grant  him  part ;  but  then,  in  his  Armenia, 
And  other  of  his  conquer'd  kingdoms,  I 
Demand  the  like. 

MEC.  He'll  never  yield  to  that. 

C&s.  Nor  muft  not  then  be  yielded  to  in  this. 
Enter  OCTAVIA. 

OCT.  Hail,  C<esar,  and  my  lord !  hail,  moft  dear  C<esar! 

C&s.  That  ever  I  mould  call  thee,  caft-away. 

OCT.  You  have  not  call'd  me  fo,  nor  have  you  cause. 

CJES.  Why  haft  thou  ftoln  upon  us  thus  ?  You  come  not 
Like  Cesar's  fitter  :  The  wife  of  Antony 
Should  have  an  army  for  an  ufher,  and 
The  neighs  of  horfe  to  tell  of  her  approach, 
Long  ere  flie  did  appear  :  the  trees  by  the  way 
Should  have  born  men  ;  and  expectation  fainted, 
Longing  for  what  it  had  not :  nay,  the  dull 
Should  have  afcended  to  the  roof  of  heaven, 

'  knowes 


6z  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Rais'dby  your  populous  troops:  But  you  are  come 
A  market-maid  to  Rome ;  and  have  prevented 
The  oftent  of  our  love,  which,  left  unmewn, 
Is  often  left  unlov'd  :  we  mould  have  met  you 
By  fea,  and  land  ;  fupplying  every  ftage 
With  an  augmented  greeting. 

OCT.  Good  my  lord, 

To  come  thus  was  I  not  conftrain'd,  but  did  it 
On  my  free  will.    My  lord  Mark  Antony, 
Hearing  that  you  prepar'd  for  war,  acquainted 
My  grieving  ear  withal ;  whereon,  I  beg'd 
His  pardon  for  return. 

C/ES.  Which  foon  he  granted, 
Being  an  obftruft 'tween  his  luft  and  him. 

Ocr.  Do  not  fay  fo,  my  lord. 

C/CJ.  I  have  eyes  upon  him, 
And  his  affairs  come  to  me  on  the  wind  : 
Where,  fag  pou,  he  is  now  ? 

OCT.  My  lord,  in  Athens. 

C/ES.  No,  my  moft  wronged  fifter  ;  Cleopatra 
Hath  nodded  him  to  her.    He  hath  given  his  empire 
Up  to  a  whore ;  who  now  are  levying 
The  kings  o'the  earth  for  war  :  He  hath  aflembl'd 
Bocchus,  the  king  of  Libya ;  Archelaus, 
Of  Cappadocia ;  Pbiladelpbos,  king 
Of  Paphlagonia  ;  the  Thradan  king,  Adallas  : 
King  Malchus  of  Arabia  ;  king  of  Medei ; 
Herod  of  Jewry  ;  Mithridates,  king 
Of  Comagene ;  Polemon  and  Amintast 
The  kings  of  Pont  and  Lycaonia ; 
With  a  larger  lift  of  fcepters. 

OCT.  Ah  me  moft  wretched  ! 

3  oftentationof    '*  abftraft     '«  is  he     »?  King  of  Pont, 
?«    of  Mede,  and     3 '  a  more  larger 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  63 

That  have  my  heart  parted  betwixt  two  friends, 
That  do  afflift  each  other. 

CALS.  Welcome  hither : 

Your  letters  did  withhold  our  breaking  forth  ; 
'Till  we  perceived,  both  how  you  were  wrong'd, 
And  we  in  negligent  danger.    Cheer  your  heart: 
Be  you  not  troubl'd  with  the  time,  which  drives 
O'er  your  content  these  ftrong  neceffities; 
But  let  determin'd  things  to  defliny 
Hold  unbewail'd  their  way.   Welcome  to  Rome  : 
Nothing  more  dear  to  me.    You  are  abus'd 
Beyond  the  mark  of  thought :  and  the  high  gods, 
To  do  you  juflice,  make  them  miniflers 
Of  us,  and  those  that  love  you.    Be  of  comfort ; 
And  ever  welcome  to  us. 

AGR,  Welcome,  lady. 

MEC.  Welcome^  dear  madam. 
Each  heart  in  Rome  does  love  and  pity  you : 
Only  the  adulterous  Antony,  moft  large 
In  his  abominations,  turns  you  oft; 
And  gives  his  potent  regiment  to  a  trull, 
That  noises  it  againft  us. 

Oct.  Is  it  fo,  fir? 

CES.  Moft  certain.    Sifter,  welcome:  Pray  you,  note 
Be  ever  known  to  patience :  My  ctear'ft  fifter ! 

SCENE  Vll.    M«rAftium.   Antony'/  Camf . 

Enter  CLEOPATRA,  flWEis'OBARBus. 
CLE.  I  will  be  even  with  thee,  doubt  it  not. 
EKO.  But  why,  why,  why? 

CLE.  Thou  haft  forefpoke  my  being  in  these  wars ; 
And  fay'ft,  it  is  not  fit. 

'  wrong  led,     «3  cuke  his  Min-     *+  Erfi  of 


64  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

ENO.  Well,  is  it,  is  it? 

CL E  .  Is't  not  denounc'd  'gainft  us  ?  Why  mould  not  we 
Be  there  in  perfon  ? 

ENO.  Well,  I  could  reply:  — 
If  we  (hould  ferve  with  horfe  and  mares  together, 
The  horfe  were  meerly  loft ;  the  mares  would  bear 
A  foldier,  and  his  horfe. 

CLE.  What  is't  you  fay? 

ENO.  Your  presence  needs  muft  puzzle  Antony, 
Take  from  his  heart,  take  from  his  brain,  from  his  time, 
What  mould  not  then  be  fpar'd.    He  is  already 
Traduc'd  for  levity  ;  and  'tis  faid  in  Rome, 
That  Photinui  an  eunuch,  and  your  maids, 
Manage  this  war. 

CLE.  Sink  Rome;  and  their  tongues  rot, 
That  fpeak  againft  us  !  A  charge  we  bear  i'the  war, 
And,  as  the  president  of  my  kingdom,  will 
Appear  there  for  a  man.    Speak  not  againft  it ; 
I  will  not  ftay  behind. 

ENO.  Nay,  I  have  done, 
Here  comes  the  emperor. 

Enter  ANTONY,  #»*/ CANIDIUS. 

Av?.  Is't  not  ftrange,  Canidius, 
That  from  Tarentum,  and  Brundufium, 
He  could  fo  quickly  cut  the  Ionian  fea, 
And  take  in  Toryne? You  have  heard  on't,  fweet  ? 

CLE.  Celerity  is  never  more  admir'd, 
Than  by  the  negligent. 

Ayr.  A  good  rebuke, 

Which  might  have  well  becom'd  the  beft  of  men,   " 
To  taunt  at  flacknefs._  Q9p  Canidius,  we 
Will  fight  with  him  by  fea. 

*  If  not, 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  65 

CLE.  By  fea!  Whatelfe? 

CAN.  Why  will  my  lord  do  fo  ? 

ANT.  For  that  he  dares  us  to't. 

£NO.  So  hath  my  lord  dar'd  him  to  fingle  fight. 

CAN.  Ay,  and  to  wage  this  battle  at  Pharfalia, 
Where  C<esar  fought  with  Pompey  :  But  these  offers, 
Which  ferve  not  for  his  vantage,  he  (hakes  off; 
And  fo  fhould  you. 

ENO  .  Your  mips  are  not  well  man'd : 
Your  mariners  are  muliteers,  reapers,  people 
Ingroft  by  fwiftimprefs ;  in  Cesar's  fleet 
Are  those,  that  often  have  'gainft  Pompey  fought : 
Their  mips  are  yare  ;  yours,  heavy :  No  difgrace 
Can  fall  you  for  refusing  him  at  fea, 
Being  prepar'd  for  land. 

AN?.  By  fea.  by  fea. 

ENO.  Moft  worthy  fir,  you  therein  throw  away 
The  abfolute  foldierfhip  you  have  by  land ; 
Diftradl  your  army,  which  doth  moft  confift 
Of  war-mark'd  footmen  ;  leave  unexecuted 
Your  own  renowned  knowledge  ;  quite  forego 
The  way  which  promises  afTurance ;  and 
Give  up  yourfelf  meerly  to  chance  and  hazard, 
From  firm  fecurity. 

ANT.  I'll  fight  at  fea. 

CLE.  I  have  fixty  fails,  Ceesar  none  better. 

A nr.  Come; 

Our  over-plus  of  fhipping  will  we  burn  ; 
And,  with  the  reft  full-man'd,  from  the  head  of  Aftium 
Beat  the  approaching  C<zsar.   But  if  we  fail, 

Enter  a  MefTenger. 
We  then  can  do't  at  land.  „,  Thy. businefs? 


66  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Me/.     The  news  is  true,  my  lord  ;  he  is  defcry'd ; 
Ceesar  has  taken  Toryne. 

Awr.  Can  he  be  there  in  perfon  ?  'tis  impoffible  ; 

Strange*  that  his  power  fliould  be, Canidius, 

Our  nineteen  legions  thou  fhalt  hold  by  land, 

And  our  twelve  thousand  horie  :  _  we'll  to  our  {hip  ; 

Enter  a  Soldier. 
Away,  my  Thetis.  _  How  now,  worthy  foldier  ? 

Sol.    O  noble  emperor,  do  not  fight  by  fea  ; 
Truft  not  to  rotten  planks :  Do  you  mifdoubt 
This  fword,  and  these  my  wounds  ?  Let  the  Egy pliant, 
And  the  Phoenicians,  go  a  ducking ;  we 
Have  us'd  to  conquer,  Handing  on  the  earth, 
And  fighting  foot  to  foot. 

y/i\-r.  Well,  well,  away. 
[Exeunt  ANTONY,  CLEOPATRA,  <Z»</ENOBARBI;S. 

Sol.     By  Hercules,  I  think  I  am  i'the  right. 

CAN.  Soldier,  thou  art :  but  this  whole  afHon  grows 
Not  in  the  power  on't :  So  our  leader's  led, 
And  we  are  women's  men. 

Sol.     You  keep  by  land 
The  legions  and  the  horfe  whole,  do  you  not  ? 

CAN.  Marcus  Ofla-vius,  Marcus  "Jujieius, 
Publicola,  and  Cexlius,  are  for  fea : 
But  we  keep  whole  by  land.   This  fpeed  of  C&sar't 
Carries  beyond  belief. 

Sol.     While  he  was  yet  in  Rome, 
His  power  went  out  in  fuch  diftraftions,  as 
Beguil'd  all  fpies. 

CAN.  Who's  his  lieutenant,  hear  you  ? 

Sol.      They  fay,  one  Taurus. 

CAN.  Well  I  know  the  man. 

18  but  his  whole 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  67 

Enter  a  MefTenger. 

Me/.    The  emperor  calls  Canidius.  [forth, 

CAN.  With  news  the  time's  with  labour;  and  throws 

Each  minute,  fome.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  VIII.    r he  fame.    Plain  between  both  Camps. 

Enter  CAESAR,  TAURUS,  Officers,  and  Others. 
C^.s.   Taurus, — 

TA  u.   My  lord.  [battle, 

CMS.  Stiike  not  by  land;  keep  whole:  provoke  not 
'Till  we  have  done  at  fea.    Do  not  exceed 
The  prefcript  of  this  =f=  fcrowl :  Our  fortune  lies 
Upon  this  jump.  [Exeunt. 

Enter  ANTONY,  Enobarbus,  and  Others. 
ANT.  Set  we  our  fquadrons  on  yon'  fide  o'the  hill, 
In  eye  of  Cesar's  battle  ;  from  which  place 
We  may  the  number  of  the  mips  behold, 
And  fo  proceed  accordingly.  [Exeunt. 

Enter  Canidius,  marching  with  his  land  Army,  one 
Way  ;  and  Taurus,  the  Lieutenant  of  Caesar,  i»ith 
his,  the  other  Way.  After  their  going  in,  is  heard  the 
Noise  of  a  Sea-fight. 

Alarums.   Enter  ENOBARBUS.        [longer: 
EKO.  Naught,  naught,  all  naught!  I  can  behold  no 
The  Antoniad,  the  Egyptian  admiral, 
With  all  their  fixty,  fly,  and  turn  the  rudder ; 
To  fee't,  mine  eyes  are  blafted. 

Enter  S  c  A  R  u  s . 
SCA.  Gods,  and  goddefles, 
All  the  whole  fynod  of  them  ! 
EKO.  What's  thy  paffion  ? 
SCA.  The  greater  cantle  of  the  world  is  loft 

VOL.  VIII.  L 


68  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

With  very  ignorance ;  we  have  kifFd  away 
Kingdoms  and  provinces. 

ENO.  How  appears  the  fight  ? 
Scj.   On  our  fide  like  the  token'd  peftilence, 
Where  death  is  fure.    Yon'  ribald  nag  of  Egypt, 
(Whom  leprofy  o'er-take  !)  i'the  mid'ft  o'the  fight,— 
When  vantage  like  a  pair  of  twins  appear'd, 
Both  as  the  fame,  or  rather  oars  the  elder,  — 
The  breeze  upon  her,  like  a  cow  in  June, 
Hoifts  fails,  and  flies. 

Euo.  That  I  beheld  :  mine  eyes 
Did  ficken  at  the  fight  of  it,  and  could  not 
Endure  a  further  view. 

Scj.  She  once  being  looft, 
The  noble  ruin  of  her  magick,  Antony, 
Claps  on  hi?  fea-wing,  and,  like  a  doating  mallard. 
Leaving  the  fight  in  heighth,  flies  after  her  : 
I  never  faw  an  aftion  of  fuch  fhame ; 
Experience,  manhood,  honour,  ne'er  before 
Did  violate  fo  itfelf. 
ENO.  Alack,  alack! 

Enter  C  A  N I D I  u  s . 

CJN.  Our  fortune  on  the  fea  is  out  of  breath, 
And  finks  moft  lamentably.    Had  our  general 
Been  what  he  knew  himfelf,  it  had  gone  well : 
O,  he  has  given  example  for  our  flight, 
Moft  grofly,  by  his  own.  [n'ght 

ENO.  "  Ay,  are  you  thereabouts?  Why  then,  goo< 
"  Indeed." 

CJN.  Toward  Peloponnefus  are  they  fled. 
SCA.    'Tis  easy  to't :  and  there  I  will  attend 
What  further  comes.  [Exi 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  69 

CAV.  To  Ceeiar  will  I  render 
My  legions,  and  my  horfe ;  fix  kings  already 
Shew  me  the  way  of  yielding.  [Exit. 

Eifo.  I'll  yet  follow 

The  wounded  chance  of  Antony,  though  my  reason 
Sits  in  the  wind  againft  me.  [Exit 

SCENE  IX.   Alexandria.  A  Room  in  the  Palace. 
Enter  ANTONY,  with  Attendants. 

ANT.  Hark,  the  land  bids  me  tread  no  more  upon't, 
It  is  alriam'd  to  bear  me.  —  Friends,  come  hither; 
I  am  fo  lated  in  the  world,  that  I 
Have  loft  my  way  forever  :  I  have  a  fhip 
Laden  with  gold;  take  that,  divide  it;  fly, 
And  make  your  peace  with  C&sar. 

Att.     Fly  !  not  we. 

ANT.  I  have  fledmyfelf;  and  have  inftru&ed  coward* 
To  run,  and  fhew  their  moulders.  Friends,  be  gone  : 
I  have  myfelf  resolv'd  upon  a  courfe 
Which  has  no  need  of  you  ;  be  gone,  6c  gone  : 
My  treasure's  in  the  harbour,  take  it.  _O, 
I  follow'd  that,  I  bluih  to  look  upon  : 
My  very  hairs  do  mutiny ;  for  the  white 
Reprove  the  brown  for  raflinefs,  and  they  them 
For  fear  and  doating — Friends,  begone;  you  mall 
Have  letters  from  me  to  fome  friends,  that  will 
Sweep  your  way  for  you.    Pray  you,  look  not  fad, 
Nor  make  replies  of  lothnefs  :  take  the  hint 
Which  my  defpair  proclaims;  let  that  be  left 
Which  leaves  itfelf :  to  the  fea-fide  ftraight  away  j 
1  will  possefs  you  of  that  (hip  and  treasure. 
Leave  me,  I  pray,  a  little  :  pray  you  now  : 

*9  Let  them  be 


*o  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Nay,  do  fo;  for,  indeed,  I  have  loft  command, 
Therefore  I  pray  you  :  I'll  fee  you  by  and  by. 

\Exeunt  Attendants.  Tbro-ws  himfelfon  a  Ccucb. 
Enter  EROS,  with  CLEOPATRA,  led  by 
IRAS  and  C  H  A  R  M  i  A  N  . 

ERO.  Nay,  gentle  madam,  to  him,  comfort  him 

IRA.  Do,  moft  dear  queen. 

CHA.  Do  !  Why,  what  elfe  ? 

CLE .  Let  me  fit  ~f  down.    O  Juno  .' 

ANT.  No,  no,  no,  no,  no. 

ERO.  See  you  here,  fir  ? 

Avr.  O  fie,  fie,  fie. 

CHA.  Madam,  •*" 

IRA.  Madam,  good  emprefs,  — 

ERO.  Sir,  fir, — 

A n<r .  Yes,  my  lord,  yes  ;  _  He,  at  Phillppi,  kept 
His  fword  even  like  a  dancer ;  while  I  ftrook 
The  lean  and  wrinkl'd  Cajfius ;  and  'twas  I, 
That  the  mad  Brutus  ended  :  he  alone 
Dealt  on  lieutenantry,  and  no  practice  had 
In  the  brave  fquares  of  war :  Yet  now  -  No  matter. 

CLE.  Ah  me '.  —  Stand  by.  [r's'»g- 

ERO.  The  queen,  my  lord,  the  queen.  [lity'd 

IRA.   Go  to  him,  madam,  fpeak  to  him  ;  he  is  unqua- 
With  very  fhame. 

CLE.  Well  then,  —  Suftain  me:  —  O! 

ERO.  Mcft  noble  fir,  arise;  the  queen  approaches  : 
Her  head's  declin'd,  and  death  will  feize  her ;  but 
Your  comfort  makes  the  refcue. 

^  ANT.  I  have  offended  reputation  ; 
A  moft  unnoble  fwerving: 

ERO.  Sir,  the  queen. 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  7 1 

4vf-  O,  whither  haft  thou  led  me,  Egypt  ?  \_jtarting  up] 
How  I  convey  my  fhameout  of  thine  eyes,  [See 

By  looking  back  on  what  I  have  left  behind 
'Stroy'd  in  dimonour. 

CLE.  O  my  lord,  my  lord  ! 
Forgive  my  fearful  fails ;  I  little  thought, 
You  would  have  follow'd. 

Ant.  Egypt)  thou  knew'ft  too  well, 
My  heart  was  to  thy  rudder  ty'd  by  the  firings, 
And  thou  fhould'ft  tow  me  after :  O'er  my  fpirit 
Thy  full  fupremacy  thou  knew'ft ;  and  that 
Thy  beck  might  from  the  bidding  of  the  gods 
Command  me. 

CLE.  O,  my  pardon. 

4NT.  Now  I  muft 

To  the  young  man  fend  humble  'treaties,  dodge 
And  palter  in  the  mifts  of  lownefs  ;  who 
With  half  the  bulk  o'the  world  play'd  as  I  pleas'd, 
Making,  and  marring,  fortunes.    You  did  know, 
How  much  you  were  my  conqueror ;  and  that 
My  fword,  made  weak  by  my  affe&ion,  would 
Obey  it  on  all  causes. 

CLE.  Pardon,  pardon. 

dxr.  Fall  not  a  tear,  I  fay  ;  one  of  them  rates 
All  that  is  won  and  loft :  Give  me  a  kifs ; 
Even  this~f~  repays  me.  _  We  fent  our  fchool-mafter, 

Is  he  come  back  ? Love,  I  am  full  of  lead  :  — 

Some  wine,  there,  and  our  viands : Fortune  knows, 

We  fcorn  her  moft,  when  moftlhc  offers  blows. 

SCEfrE   X.    A  Camp  in  Egypt.  Caesar'j  Tent. 
Enter  CAESAR,  THYREUS,  DOLABELLA,  and  Others. 

10  flowe  me     •  •  The  full     «  caufe.     »»  Wine  |  Within  there 


7*  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

C/EJ.  Let  him  appear  that's  come  from  Antony.-. 
Know  you  him  ? 

D  OL  .  C<fjar,  'tis  his  fchool-mafter : 
An  argument  that  he  is  pluck'd,  when  hither 
He  fends  fo  poor  a  pinion  of  his  wing, 
Which  had  Superfluous  kings  for  meflengers, 
Not  many  moons  gone  by. 

Enter  EUPHRONIUS. 

C^s.  Approach,  and  fpeak. 

Evp.   Such  as  I  am,  I  come  from  Antony: 
I  was  of  late  as  petty  to  his  ends, 
As  is  the  morn  dew  on  the  myrtle  leaf 
To  his  grand  fea. 

C/EJ.  Be  it  fo;  Declare  thine  office. 

EUP.  Lord  of  his  fortunes  he  falutes  thee,  and 
Requires  to  live  in  Egypt :  which  not  granted, 
He  leflens  his  requefts ;  and  to  thee  fues 
To  let  him  breath  between  the  heavens  and  earth, 
A  private  man  in  Athens  :  This  for  him. 
Next,  Cleopatra  does  confefs  thy  greatnefs ; 
Submits  her  to  thy  might ;  and  of  thee  craves 
The  circle  of  the  Ptolemies  for  her  heirs, 
Now  hazarded  to  thy  grace. 

CyES.  For  Antony, 

I  have  no  ears  to  his  requeft.    The  queen 
Of  audience,  nor  desire,  (hall  fail ;  fo  me 
From  Egypt  drive  her  all-difgraced  friend, 
Or  take  his  life  there  :  This  if  (he  perform, 
She  mail  not  fue  unheard.   So  to  them  both. 

EUP  .  Fortune  purfue  thee ! 

C^s.  Bring  him  through  the  bands. 

[Exit  EUPHRONIUS,  attended. 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  73 

To  try  thy  eloquence,  now  'tis  time :  Difpatch ; 

From  Antony  win  Cleopatra :  promise, 

And  in  our  name,  what  (he  requires ;  add  more, 

From  thine  invention  offers  :  Women  are  not, 

In  their  belt  fortunes,  ftrong;  but  want  will  perjure 

The  ne'er-touch'd  veftal :  Try  thy  cunning,  Thyreju ; 

Make  thine  own  edidl  for  thy  pains,  which  we 

Will  an  Aver  as  a  law. 

Tur.  Ceesar,  I  go. 

Cy£s.  Observe  how  Antony  becomes  his  flaw  ; 
And  what  thou  think'ft  his  very  aftion  fpeaks 
In  every  power  that  moves. 

Tnr.  Ceesar,  I  mall.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  XI.    Alexandria.  A  Room  in  the  Palace. 
Enter  CLEOPATRA,  ENOBARBUS,  Charmian,  aWIras. 

CLE.  What  mail  we  do,  Enobarbus ? 

ENO.   Drink,  and  dye. 

CLE.  Is  Antony,  or  we,  in  fault  for  this  ? 

ENO.  Antony  only,  that  would  make  his  will 
Lord  of  his  reason.  What  though  you  fled 
From  that  great  face  of  war,  whose  feveral  ranges 
Frighted  each  other?  why  mould  he  follow  pou  ? 
The  itch  of  his  affeftion  mould  not  then 
Have  nick'd  his  captainmip  ;  at  fuch  a  point, 
When  half  to  half  the  world  oppos'd,  he  being 
The  meered  queftion  :  'Twas  a  fhame  no  lefs 
Than  was  his  lofs,  to  courfe  your  flying  flags, 
And  leave  his  navy  gazing. 

CLE.  Pr'ythee,  peace. 

Enter  ANTONY,  'with  EUPHRONIUS. 

-.^A'r.  Is  that  his  anfwer? 

»«  Thinke,  and 

L4 


74  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

EVP.  Ay,  my  lord. 
Avr.  The  queen 

Shall  then  have  courtefy,  fo  (he  will  yield          * 
Us  up. 

EUP.  $$v  lorti,  he  fays  fo. 

Ayr.  Let  her  know't 

To  the  boy  Ceesar  fend  this  grizl'd  head, 
And  he  will  fill  thy  wiihes  to  the  brim 
With  principalities. 

CLE.  That  head,  my  lord  ? 

Avr.  To  him  again;  Tell  him,  he  wears  the  rose 
Of  youth  upon  him;  from  which,  the  world  mould  note 
Something  particular :  his  coin,  mips,  legions, 
May  be  a  coward's ;  whose  miniftries  would  prevail 
Under  the  fervice  of  a  child,  as  foon 
As  i'the  command  of  Caesar:  I  dare  him  therefore 
To  lay  his  gay  comparifons  apart, 
And  anfwer  me  declin'd,  fword  againft  fword, 
Ourfelves  alone :  I'll  write  it;  follow  me. 

[Exeunt  ANTONY,  /zWEupHRONius. 
ENO.  "  Yes,  like  enough  ;  high-battl'd  Catsar  will" 
'Unftate  his  happinefs,  and  be  ftag'd  to  the  mew" 
'  Againft  a  fworder  I  fee,  men's  judgments  are" 
'  A  parcel  of  their  fortunes;  and  things  outward" 
'Do  draw  the  inward  quality  after  them," 
'To  fufrer  all  alike.   That  he  mould  dream, " 
'Knowing  all  measures,  the  full  C^sar  will" 
'Anfwer  his  emptinefs  !  Casar,  thou  haft  fubdu'd" 
'His  judgment  too." 

Enter  an  Attendant. 
Alt.     A  meffenger  from  C<fsar. 
CLE.  What,  no  more  ceremony  ?_ See,  my  women, 

»+  Minifters 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  75 

Againft  the  blown  rose  may  they  flop  their  nose, 

That  kneel'd  unto  the  buds. Admit  him,  fir. 

[Exit  Attendant. 

Effo.  "Mine  honefty,  and  I,  begin  to  fquare." 
"The  loyalty,  well  held  to  fools,  does  make" 
"Our  faith  meer  folly:  —  Yet,  he,  that  can  endure" 
"To  follow  with  allegiance  a  fall'n  lord," 
"Does  conquer  him  that  did  his  mafter  conquer," 
"And  earns  a  place  i'the  ftory.  " 

Inter  THYREUS. 

CLE.   C&sar's  will? 

Tnr.  Hear  it  apart. 

CLE.  None  but  friends  ;  fay  on  boldly. 

THY.  So,  haply,  are  they  friends  to  Antony. 

ENO.  He  needs  as  many,  fir,  as  C&sar  has  ; 
Or  needs  not  us.    If  Casar  please,  our  mafter 
Will  leap  to  be  his  friend  :  Or,  as  you  know, 
Whose  he  is,  we  are ;  and  that  is,  Cesar's. 

T'ar.  So — 

Thus  then,  thou  moft  renown'd  ;  Ctesar  entreats, 
Not  to  confider  in  what  cafe  thou  ftand'ft 
Further  than  he  is  C.<esav. 

CLE.  Go  on  :  Right  royal. 

T'HY.  He  knows,  that  you  embrace  not  Antony 
As  you  did  love,  but  as  you  fear'd  him. 

CLE.  O! 

THY.  The  fears  upon  your  honour,  therefore,  he 
Does  pity,  as  conftrained  blemifhes, 
Not  as  deserv'd. 

CLE.  He  is  a  god,  and  knows 
What  is  moft  right :  Mine  honour  was  not  yielded, 
But  conquer'd  meerly. 

«7  For  ES 


7 6  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

EKO.  "Tobefure  of  that," 
"I  will  zftaAntcny.   Sir,  fir,  thou  art  fo  leaky," 
"That  we  mini  leave  thee  to  thy  finking,  for" 
"Thy  deareft  quit  thee.  "  [Exit  ENOBARBUS. 

Tar.  Shall  I  fay  to  Carsar 
What  you  require  of  him  ?  for  he  partly  begs 
To  be  desir'd  to  give.    It  much  would  please  him, 
That  of  his  fortunes  you  fhould  make  a  ftaff 
To  lean  upon:  but  it  would  warm  his  fpirits, 
To  hear  from  me  you  had  left  Antony, 
And  put  yourfelf  under  his  mrowd,  r£e  great, 
The  univerfal  landlord. 

CLE.  What's  your  name  ? 

Tar.  My  name  is  Thyreut. 

CLE.  Moft  kind  merfenger, 
Say  to  great  C<esar  this,  In  deputation 
I  kifs  his  conquering  hand  :  tell  him,  I  am  prompt 
To  lay  my  crown  at  his  feet,  and  there  to  kneel : 
Tell  him,  from  his  all-obeying  breath  I  hear 
The  doom  of  Egypt. 

THY.  'Tis  your  nobleft  courfe. 
Wisdom  and  fortune  combatting  together, 
If  that  the  former  dare  but  what  it  can, 
No  chance  may  make  it.    Give  me  grace  to  lay 
My  duty  on  your  hand. 

CLE.  Your  C&sar's  father  oft,          [giving  her  Hand, 
When  he  hath  mus'd  of  taking  kingdoms  in, 
Beftow'd  his  lips  on  that  unworthy  place, 
As  it  rain'd  kifles. 

Re-enter  ENOBARBUS,  luitb  ANTONY. 

An?.  Favours,  by  Jove  that  thunders!-. 
What  art  thou,  fellow  ? 

16  difputation 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  77 

Tar.  One,  that  but  performs 
The  bidding  of  the  fulleft  man,  and  worthieft 
To  have  command  obey'd. 

ENO.  "  You  will  be  whipt.  "  [and  devils ! 

ART.  Approach,  there;_Ah,you  kite !__ Now, gods 
Authority  melts  from  me  of  late :  when  I  cry'd,  bo  ! 
Like  boys  unto  a  mufs,  kings  would  ftart  forth, 
And  cry,  Ycur  will?  —  Have  you  no  ears?  lam 

Enter  Attendants. 
Antony  yet.  Take  hence  this  Jack,  and  whip  him. 

ENO.  "Tis  better  playing  with  a  lion's  whelp," 
"  Than  with  an  old  one  dying.  " 

ANT.  Moon  and  ftars  !  _ 

Whip  him  :_Wer't  twenty  of  the  greateft  tributaries 
That  do  acknowledge  Conor,  mould  I  find  them 
So  faucy  with  the  hand  of  me  ~|~  here,  (What's  her  name, 
Since  me  was  Cleopatra?)  —Whip  him,  fellows, 
'Till,  like  a  boy,  you  fee  him  cringe  his  face, 
And  whine  aloud  for  mercy  :  Take  him  hence. 

THY.  Mark  Antony,  — 

ANT.  Tug  him  away  :  being  whipt, 
Bring  him  again  :  —This  Jack  of  Caesar's  mall 
Bear  us  an  errand  to  him.  _ 

[Exeunt  Attendants,  ivitb  THY  RE  vs. 
You  were  half  blafted  ere  I  knew  you  :  _  Ha ! 
Have  I  my  pillow  left  unpreft  in  Rome, 
Forborn  the  getting  of  a  lawful  race, 
And  by  a  jem  of  women,  to  be  abus'd 
By  one  that  looks  on  feeders  ? 

CLE.  Good  my  lord,— 

ANT.  You  have  been  a  bogler  ever:__ 
But  when  we  in  our  vicioufnefs  grow  hard, 

»*  the  Jacke 


78  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

(O  misery  on't !)  the  wise  gods  feel  our  eyes 

In  our  own  filth;  drop  our  clear  judgments;  make  us 

Adore  our  errors ;  laugh  at  us,  while  we  ftrut 

To  our  confusion. 

CLE.  O,  is't  come  to  this  ? 

Axr.  I  found  you  as  a  morfel,  cold  upon 
Dead  Cesar's  trencher :  nay,  you  were  a  fragment 
Of  Cneius  Pcmpey's ;  befides  what  hotter  hours, 
Unregifter'd  in  vulgar  fame,  you  have 
Luxurioufly  pick'd  out :  For,  I  am  fure, 
Though  you  can  guefs  what  temperance  mould  be, 
You  know  not  what  it  is. 

CLE.  Wherefore  is  this  ? 

Axr.  To  let  a  fellow  that  will  take  rewards, 
And  fay,  God  quit  you  I  be  familiar  with 
My  play-fellow,  your  hand ;  this  kingly  feal, 

And  plighter  of  high  hearts! O,  that  I  were 

Upon  the  hill  of  Bofan,  to  out-roar 

The  horned  herd  I  for  I  have  favage  cause ; 

And  to  proclaim  it  civilly,  were  like 

A  halter'd  neck,  which  does  the  hangman  thank 

For  being  yare  about  him.  _Is  he  whip'd  ? 

Re-enter  Attendants,  iuitb  Thyreus. 

i.  4.  Soundly,  my  lord. 

y/A7T.  Cry'd  he?  and  beg'd  he  pardon? 

i .  A.  He  did  aflt  favour. 

Awr.  If  that  thy  father  live,  let  him  repent 
Thou  waft  not  made  his  daughter ;  and  be  thou  forry 
To  follow  C<esar  in  his  triumph,  fince 
Thou  haft  been  whip'd  for  following  him :  henceforth, 
The  white  hand  of  a  lady  fever  thee, 
Shake  thou  to  look  on't.    Get  thee  back  to  C<?sar, 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  79 

Tell  him  thy  entertainment:  Look,  thou  lay, 

He  makes  me  angry  with  him  :  for  he  feems 

Proud  and  difdainful;  harping  on  what  I  am, 

Not  what  he  knew  I  was :  He  makes  me  angry  ; 

And  at  this  time  moft  easy  'tis  to  do't; 

When  my  good  ftars,  that  were  my  former  guides, 

Have  empty  left  their  orbs,  and  mot  their  fires 

Into  the  abism  of  hell.    If  he  miflike 

My  fpeech,  and  what  is  done  ;  tell  him,  he  has 

Hipparcbus,  my  enfranchis'd  bondman,  whom 

He  may  at  pleasure  whip,  or  hang,  or  torture, 

As  he  mall  like,  to  quit  me  :  Urge  it  thou ; 

Hence  with  thy  (tripes,  be  gone.  [Exit  Thyreus, 

CLE.  Have  you  done  yet  ? 

AKT.  Alack,  our  terrene  moon 
Is  now  eclipPd ;  and  it  portends  alone 
The  fall  of  Antony  ! 

CLE.   I  muft  ftay  his  time.  [to  her  Women. 

AKT.  To  flatter  C<esar,  would  you  mingle  eyes 
With  one  that  tyes  his  points  ? 

CLE.  Not  know  me  yet  ? 

AKT.  Cold-hearted  toward  me? 

CLE.  Ah,  dear,  if  I  be  fo, 
From  my  cold  heart  let  heaven  engender  hail, 
And  poison  it  in  the  fource ;  and  the  firft  (lone 
Drop  in  my  neck :  as  it  determines,  fo 
Dissolve  my  life  !  The  next  Cessation  fmite ! 
'Till,  by  degrees,  the  memory  of  my  womb, 
Together  with  my  brave  Egyptians  all, 
By  the  difcandying  of  this  pelleted  ftorm, 
Lye  gravelefs ;  'till  the  flies  and  gnats  of  Nile 
Have  bury'd  them  for  prey  ! 

**  enfranched     2?  fmile     3°  difcandering 


8o  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

AKT.  I  am  fattiffy'd. 
C&sar  fets  down  in  Alexandria ;  where 
I  will  oppose  his  fate.    Our  force  by  land 
Hath  nobly  held ;  our  fever'd  navy  too 
Have  knit  again,  and  fleet,  threat'ning  moft  fea-like.— 
Where  haft  thou  been,  my  heart  ?_Doft  thou  hear,  lady  ? 
If  from  the  field  I  mall  return  once  more 
To  kifs  these  lips,  I  will  appear  in  blood; 
I  and  my  fword  will  earn  our  chronicle  ; 
There  is  hope  in  it  yet. 

CLE.  That's  my  brave  lord  ! 

A NT.  I  will  be  treble-finew'd,  hearted,  breath'd, 
And  fight  malicioufly  :  for  when  mine  hours 
Were  nice  and  lucky,  men  did  ranfom  lives 
Of  me  for  jefts ;  but  now,  I'll  fet  my  teeth, 
And  fend  to  darknefs  all  that  flop  me.    Come, 
Let's  have  one  other  gaudy  night :  call  to  me 
All  my  fad  captains,  fill  our  bowls  ;  once  more 
Let's  mock  the  midnight  bell. 

CiE.  It  is  my  birth-day  : 

I  had  thought,  to  have  held  it  poor ;  but,  fince  my  lord 
Is  Antony  again,  I  will  be  Cleopatra. 

AUT.  We'll  yet  do  well. 

CLE.  Call  all  his  noble  captains  to  my  lord. 

AKT.  Dofo,  we'll  fpeak  to  them ;  and  to-nightl'll  force 
The  wine  peep  through  their  fears — Come  on,  my  queen, 
There's  fap  in't  yet.   The  next  time  I  do  fight, 
I'll  make  death  love  me;  for  I  will  contend 
Even  with  his  peftilent  fey  the. 

[Exeunt  ANT.  CLE.  Cha.  Ira.  and  Alt. 

Etfo.  Now  he'll  out-flare  the  lightning.  Tobefuiious, 
Is,  to  frighted  out  of  fear:  in  that  mood, 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  81 

The  dove  will  peck  the  eftridge  ;  and  I  fee  Hill, 

A  diminution  in  our  captain's  brain 

Reftores  his  heart  :  When  valour  preys  on  reason 

It  eats  the  fword  it  fights  with.    I  will  feek 

Some  way  to  leave  him.  \Exit. 


iv. 

SCENE  I.    Camp  before  Alexandria. 

Enter  C^SAR,  with  a  Letter  in  bis  Hand  ;  MEGAN  AS, 

Officers,  and  Others,  attending, 


.  He  calls  me  boy  ;  and  chides,  as  he  had  power 
To  beat  me  out  of  Egypt  :  my  mefTenger 
He  hath  whip'd  with  rods  ;  dares  me  to  perfonal  combat, 
Ctfsar  to  Antony  :  Let  the  old  ruffian  know, 
He  hath  many  other  ways  to  dye;  mean  time, 
3f  laugh  at  his  challenge. 

.  M£C.  Cffsar  muft  think, 
When  one  fo  great  begins  to  rage,  he's  hunted 
Even  to  falling.    Give  him  no  breath,  but  now 
Make  boot  of  his  diftraftion  :  Never  anger 
Made  good  guard  for  itfelf. 

CXES.  Let  our  beft  heads 

Know,  that  to-morrow  the  laft  of  many  battles 
We  mean  to  fight  :  Within  our  files  there  are, 
Of  those  that  ferv'd  Mark  Antony  but  late, 
Enough  to  fetch  him  in.    See  it  be  done  ; 
And  feaft  the  army  :  we  have  ftore  to  do't, 
And  they  have  earn'd  the  wafte.    Poor  Antony  !    Exeunt. 


SCENE  II.    Alexandria.   A  Room  in  the  Palace. 
3  prayes  in  res»on     '?  I  have  many 


82  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Enter  ANTONY,  /W^/CLEOPATRA  ;  EN  OB  AR  BUS, 
Jras,  Charmian,  and  Others. 

AKT.  He  will  not  fight  with  me,  Domitius. 

EKO.  No. 

ANT.  Why  mould  he  not  ? 

£^o.  He  thinks,  being  twenty  times  of  better  fortune, 
He  is  twenty  men  to  one. 

AKT.  To-morrow,  foldier, 
By  fea  and  land  I'll  fight :  or  I  will  live, 
Or  bath  my  dying  honour  in  the  blood 
Shall  make  it  live  again.   Wou't  thoa  fight  well  ? 

EKO.  I'll  ftrike  ;  and  cry,  Take  all. 

Avf.  Well  faid;  come  on._ 
Call  forth  my  houftiold  fervants;  let's  to-night 

Enter  fame  Dome/ticks. 

Be  bounteous  at  our  meal. —  Give  me  thy  hand, 
Thou  haft  been  rightly  honeft;_fo  haft  thou,  _     [well, 

SlnUthou, and  thou, and  thou:_you  have  ferv'd  me 

And  kings  have  been  your  fellows. 

CLE.  "  What  means  this  r"  [fhoots" 

Etio.  *«'Tis  one  of  those  odd  tricks,  which  forrow 
"  Out  of  the  mind. " 

ANT,  And  thou  art  honeft  too. 
I  wifh,  I  could  be  made  fo  many  men ; 
And  all  of  you  clapt  up  together  in 
An  Antony  ;  that  I  might  do  you  fervice, 
So  good  as  you  have  done. 

Don.   The  gods  forbid  ! 

AKT.  Well,  my  good  fellows,  wait  on  me  to-night: 
Scant  not  my  cups  ;  and  make  as  much  of  me, 
As  when  mine  empire  was  your  fellow  too, 
And  fuffer'd  my  command. 

3  Dtmitian  ? 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  8  3 

CLE.  "  What  does  he  mean  ?  " 

END.  "To  make  his  followers  weep." 

duT.  Tend  me  to-night ; 
May  be,  it  is  the  period  of  your  duty: 
Haply,  you  (hall  not  fee  me  more  ;  or  if, 
A  mangl'd  fhadow :  perchance,  to-morrow 
You'll  ferve  another  mafter.   I  look  on  you, 
As  one  that  takes  his  leave.    Mine  honeft  friends, 
I  turn  you  not  away ;  but,  like  a  mafter 
Marry'd  to  your  good  fervice,  ftay  'till  death  : 
Tend  me  to-night  two  hours,  I  afk  no  more, 
And  the  gods  yield  you  for't ! 

ENO.  What  mean  you,  fir, 

To  give  them  this  difcomfort  ?  Look,  they  weep ; 
And,  I,  an  afs,  am  onion-ey'd  :  for  fhame, 
Tranfform  us  not  to  women. 

A 'Nr.  Ho,  ho,  ho! 

Now  the  witch  take  me,  if  I  meant  it  thus ! 
Grace  grow  where  those  drops  fall !  My  hearty  friend;. 
You  take  me  in  too  dolorous  afenfe: 
I  fpake  to  you  for  your  comfort ;  did  desire  you 
To  burn  this  night  with  torches :  Know,  my  hearts, 
I  hope  well  of  to-morrow ;  and  will  lead  you, 
Where  rather  I'll  expect  victorious  life, 
Than  death  and  honour.   Let's  to  fupper,  come, 
And  drown  confideration.  \Exeunt. 

SCENE  III.   The  fame.  Before  the  Palace. 

Enter  two  Soldiers,  to  their  Guard. 
i.  S.  Brother,  good  night:  to-morrow  is  the  day. 
2.5.  It  will  determine  one  way  :  fare  you  well. 
Heard  you  of  nothing  flrange  about  the  ftreets  ? 

••'•  For  I  fpake 

VOL.  VIIT.  M 


§4  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

1.  S.  Nothing:  What  news  ? 

2.  S.  Belike,  'tis  but  a  rumour:  Good  night  to  you. 

1 .  S.  Well,  fir,  good  night. 

Enter  two  other  Soldiers. 

2.  S.  Soldiers,  have  careful  watch. 

3.  S.  And  you:  Goodnight,  good  night. 

[the  two  fir  ft  go  to  their  Pofti. 

4.  5.  Here  we:  [going  to  theirs']  and  if  to-morrow 
Our  navy  thrive,  I  have  an  abfolute  hope 

Our  landmen  will  ftand  up. 

3.  S.  'Tis  a  brave  army, 
And  full  of  purpose. 

[Music&  of  Hautboys,  as  undirneatb. 

4.  S.  Peace,  What  noise  ? 
i.5.  Lift,  lift! 

2.  5.   Hark!  [advancing from  their  Pcfts. 
1 .  5.  Musick  i'the  air. 

3.  S.  Under  the  earth. 

4.  S.  It  figns  well,  does  it  not  ? 
3.  5.  No. 

1 .  S.  Peace,  I  fay. 
What  mould  this  mean  ? 

2.  S.  'Tis  the  god  Hercules,  whom  Antony  lov'd, 
Now  leaves  him. 

i.  S.  Walk;  let's  fee  if  other  watchmen 
Do  hear  what  we  do.  [  going. 

Enter  other  Soldiers,  meeting  them, 

i.  2.  3.  4.  How  now,  mafters  ? 

Sol.     How  now  ? 
How  now  ?  Do  you  hear  this  ? 

i.  S.  Ay;  Is't  not  ft;ange? 

3.5.  Do  you  hear,  mafters ;  do  you  hear  ? 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  85 

!  .  S.  Follow  the  noise  fo  far  as  we  have  quarter  ; 
Let's  fee  how  'twill  give  off. 

all.    Content  :  'Tis  Orange.  [Exeunt. 

S  CENE  IV.    7  'he  fame.  A  Room  in  the  Palace. 

Enter  ANTONY,  and  CLEOPATRA  ;  CHARMIAN, 
Iras,  and  Others,  attending. 

AKT,  Eros!  mine  armour,  Eros! 

CLI.  Sleep  a  little. 

ANT.  No,  my  chuck.  _  Ems,  come  ;  mine  armour,  Eros  / 

Enter  EROS,  with  Armour, 
Come,  mp  good  fellow,  put  thine  iron  on  :  _ 
If  fortune  be  not  ours  to-day,  it  is 
Because  we  brave  her  —  Come.  [Eros  arms  him. 

CLE.  Nay,  I'll  help  too. 

ANT.  What's  this  for?  Ah,  let  be,  let  be  !  thou  art 
The  armourer  of  my  heart  :  Falfe,  falfe  ;  this,  this. 

Cle,    Sooth,  la,  I'll  help  :  Thus  it  muil  be. 

AKT.  Well,  well  ; 

We  mall  thrive  now.  _  Seeft  thou,  my  good  fellow  r 
Go,  put  en  thy  defences. 

ERO.  Briefly,  fir. 

CLE.  Is  not  this  buckl'd  well  ? 

ANT.  £DT  rarely,  rarely  : 
He  that  unbuckles  this,  'till  we  do  please 
To  doff't  for  our  repose,  fhall  hear  a  ftorm  — 
Thou  fumbl'ft,  Eros;  and  my  queen's  a  fquire 
More  tight  at  this,  than  thou  :  Difpatch.  _  O  love, 
That  thou  could'ft  fee  my  wars  to-day,  and  knew'ft 
The  royal  occupation  !  thou  fhould'fl  fee    . 

Enter  an  Officer,  arnid. 
A  workman  in't.  _  Good-morrow  to  thee  ;  welcome  ; 


M   2 


86  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Thou  look'ft  like  him  that  knows  a  warlike  charge  : 
To  businefs  that  we  love  we  rise  betime, 
And  go  to't  with  delight. 

1.  O.  A  thousand,  fir, 

Early  though  't  be,  have  on  their  rivetted  trim, 
And  at  the  port  expeft  you.      [Shout  'within.  Trumpets. 
Enter  other  Officers,  Soldiers,  13 c. 

2.  O.  The  morn  is  fair Good-morrow,  general. 

all.      Good-morrow,  general. 

ANT.  'Tis  well  blown,  lads. 
This  morning,  like  the  fpirit  of  a  youth 

That  means  to  be  of  note,  begins  betimes. 

So,  fo  ;  come,  give  me  that :  this  way ;  well  faid 

Fare  thee  well,  dame,  whate'er  becomes  of  me  : 
This  is  a  foldier's  "j~  kifs  :  rebukeable, 
And  worthy  fliameful  check  it  were,  to  Hand 
On  more  mechanick  compliment ;  I'll  leave  thee 
Now,  like  a  man  of  fteel._  You  that  will  fight, 
Follow  me  clofe;  I'll  bring  you  to't — Adieu. 

[ Exeunt  E R o s ,  ANTONY,  Officers,  and  Soldiers. 

CffA.  Please  you,  retire  to  your  chamber. 

CLE.  Lead  me. 

He  goes  forth  gallantly.    That  he  and  C<esar  might 
Determine  this  great  war  in  fingle  fight ! 
Then,  Antony,—  But  now,—  Well,  on.  [Exeunt. 


SCENE  V.   Under  tbeWalls  of  Alexandria.  Antony'; 
Camp .    Trumpets.  Enter  ANTONY,  and  EROS; 

a  Soldier  meeting  them. 

Sol.     The  gods  make  this  a  happy  day  to  Antony! 
Ayr.  'Would  thou  and  those  thy  fears  had  once  prevail'd 
To  make  me  fight  at  land  ! 

3«>  Era.  The 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  87 

Sol.      Had'ft  thou  done  fo, 
The  kings  that  have  revolted,  and  the  foldier 
That  has  this  morning  left  thee,  would  have  flill 
Follow'd  thy  heels. 

j4Nf.  Who's  gone  this  morning  ? 

So/.      Who  ? 

One  ever  near  thee  :  Call  for  Enobarbus, 
He  (hall  not  hear  thee  ;  or  from  C&sar's  camp 
Say,  /  am  none  of  thine, 

AH*.  What  fay'ft  thou? 

Sol.      Sir, 
He  is  with  Ctesar. 

ERO.  §ir,  his  cherts  and  treasure 
He  has  not  with  him. 

AN?.  Is  he  gone  ? 

Sol.      Moil  certain. 

Awr.  Go,  Eros,  fend  his  treasure  after ;  do  it, 
Detain  no  jot  of  it,  I  charge  thee  :  write  to  him 
(I  will  fubfcribe)  gentle  adieus,  and  greetings  : 
Say,  that  I  wifh  he  never  find  more  cause 
To  change  a  matter — O,  my  fortunes  have 
Corrupted  honeft  men Difpatch — <%>  Enobarbus ! 

SCENE   VI.   Before  Alexandria.  Cxsar's  Camp. 
Flourijh.  Enter  CJESAR,  W///&AGRIPPA,  ENOBARBUS, 

and  Others. 

C/ES.  Go  forth,  Agrippa,  and  begin  the  fight : 
Our  will  is,  Antony  be  took  alive ; 
Make  it  fo  known. 

ACR,  Caesar,  I  mall.  [Exit  AGRIPPA. 

Cycs.  The  time  of  univerfal  peace  is  near  : 
Prove  this  a  profperous  day,  the  three-nook'd  world 

1   Erot.  Had'ft     «  E-os.  Who 

M  3 


88  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Shall  bear  the  olive  freely. 

Enter  a  Meflenger. 

Mef.   Antony 
Is  come  into  the  field. 

CMS.  Go,  charge  Jgrippa 
Plant  those  that  have  revolted  in  the  van ; 
That  Antony  may  feem  to  fpend  his  fury 
Upon  himfelf.  [Exeunt  C.-ESAR,  and  Train. 

EKO.  Alexas  did  revolt :  he  went  to  Jewry,  on 
Affairs  of  Antony,  there  did  perfuade 
Great  Herod  to  incline  himfelf  to  C<esar, 
And  leave  his  mafter  Antony  :  for  this  pains, 
C<esar  hath  hang'd  him.    Cania'iut,  and  the  reft 
That  fell  away,  have  entertainment,  but 
No  honourable  truft.    I  have  done  ill ; 
Of  which  I  do  accuse  myfelf  fo  forely, 
That  I  will  joy  no  more. 

Enter  a  Soldier. 

Sol.      Enobarbus,  Antony 
Hath  after  thee  fent  all  thy  treasure,  with 
His  bounty  over-plus  :  The  meffenger 
Came  on  my  guard  ;  and  at  thy  tent  is  now, 
Unloading  of  his  mules. 

ENO.  Igive  it  you. 

Sol.      31  mock  not,  Encbarbus, 
I  tell  you  true  :  Beft  you  fee  fafe  the  bringer 
Out  of  the  hoft  ;  I  muft  attend  mine  office, 
Or  would  have  done't  myfelf.    Your  emperor 
Continues  ftill  a  Jove.  [Exit  Soldier. 

ENO.  I  am  alone  the  villain  of  the  earth, 
And  feel  I  am  fo  moft.    O  Antony, 
Thou  mine  of  bounty,  how  would'ft  thou  have  pay'd 

9  revolt,  and  went     I0  diffVade     *6  faft 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  89 

My  better  fervice,  when  my  turpitude 

Thou  doft  fo  crown  with  gold  !  This  bows  my  heart : 

If  fwift  thought  break  it  not,  a  fwifter  mean 

Shall  out-ftrike  thought ;  but  thought  will  do't,  I  feel. 

I  fight  againft  thee  !  no  :  I  will  go  feek 

Some  ditch,  wherein  to  dye ;  the  foul'ft  beft  fits 

My  latter  part  of  life.  [Exit. 

SCENE  VII.   Between  the  Camps.  Field  of  Battle. 

Alarums.    Enter  AGRIPPA,  and  his  Forces. 

AGR.  Retire,  we  have  engag'd  ourfelves  too  far : 

Ctesar  himfelfhas  work,  and  ouroppreflion 

Exceeds  what  we  expected.  [Retreat.  Exeunt. 

Alarums.   Enter  ANTONY,  and  Forces  ;  with 

SCAR  us,  wounded. 

SCA.  O  my  brave  emperor,  this  is  fought  indeed  ! 
Had  we  done  fo  at  firft,  we  had  driven  them  home 
With  clouts  about  their  heads. 
ANT.  Thou  bleed'ft  apace. 
Scj.  I  had  a  wound  here  that  was  like  a  T, 
But  now  'tis  made  an  H.  \Relreat  afar  of. 

ANT.  They  do  retire. 

SCA.  We'll  beat  'em  into  bench-holes  ;  I  have  yet 
Room  for  fix  fcotches  more. 

Enter  EROS. 

Eno.  They  are  beaten,  fir  ;  and  our  advantage  ferves 
For  a  fair  victory. 

Scj.  Let  us  (core  their  backs, 
And  fnatch  'em  up,  as  we  take  hares,  behind } 
'Tis  fport  to  maul  a  runner. 
ANT.  I  will  reward  thee 
Once  for  thy  fprightly  comfort,  and  ten-fold 

*  blowes  my 


9»  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

For  thy  good  valour.    Come  thee  on. 

Scj.  I'll  halt  after.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  VIII.   Gates  of  Alexandria. 
Enter  ANTONY,  marching ;  Scar  us,  and  Forces. 

AST.  We  have  beat  him  to  his  camp ; Run  one  before, 

And  let  the  queen  know  of  our  gefts : To-morrcw, 

Before  the  fun  mall  fee  us,  we'll  fpill  the  blood 
That  has  to-day  efcap'd.    I  thank  you  all ; 
For  doughty-handed  are  you  ;  and  have  fought, 
Not  as  you  ferv'd  the  cause,  but  as  't  had  been 
Each  man's  like  mine  ;  you  have  all  (hewn  jou  Ve&crs. 
Enter  the  city,  clip  your  wives,  your  friends, 
Tell  them  your  feats ;  whilft  they  with  joyful  tears 
Wafh  the  congealment  from  your  wounds,  and  kifs 

The  honour'd  gafhes  whole Give  me  thy  hand ;  [/oSca. 

Enter  CLEOPATRA,  attended. 
To  this  great  fairy  I'll  commend  thy  afts, 
Make  her  thanks  blefs  thee._O  thou  day  o'  the  world, 
Chain  mine  arm'd  neck  ;  leap  thoa,  attire  and  all, 
Through  proof  of  harnefs  to  my  heart,  and  there 
Ride  on  the  pants  triumphing. 

CIE.  Lord  of  lords, 

O  infinite  virtue,  com'ft  thou  fmiling  from 
The  world's  great  fnare  uncaught  ? 

dm.  My  nightingale, 

We  have  beat  them  to  their  beds.  What,  girl  ?  though  grey 
Do  fomething  mingle  with  our  brown  ;  yet  have  we 
A  brain  that  nourifhes  our  nerves,  and  can 
Get  goal  for  goal  of  youth.    Behold  this  man, 

Commend  unto  his  lips  thy  favouring  hand  ; 

Kifs  it,  my  warrior  :_  he  hath  fought  to-day, 

7  guefts    *8  cur  younger  brown     3 1  favouring 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  91 

As  if  a  god,  in  hate  of  mankind,  had 
Deftroy'd  in  fuch  a  fhape. 

CLE,  I'll  give  thee,  friend, 
An  armour  all  of  gold  ;  it  was  a  king's. 

AKT,  He  has  deserv'd  it,  were  it  carbunclM 
Like  holy  Phtzlus'  car. _ Give  me  thy  hand;  — 
Through  Alexandria  make  a  jolly  march; 
Bear  our  hackt  targets  like  the  men  that  owe  them : 
Had  our  great  palace  the  capacity 
To  camp  this  hoft,  we  all  would  (up  together ; 
And  drink  carouses  to  the  next  day's  fate, 
Which  promises  royal  peril. —Trumpeters, 
With  bra/en  din  blaft  you  the  city's  ear ; 
Make  mingle  with  our  rattling  tabourines ; 
That  heaven  and  earth  may  ftrike  their  founds  together, 
Applauding  our  approach.  \Flourijh.   Exeunt. 

SCENE  IX.   Qut-Jkirts  o/Czsar'j  Camp. 
Sentinels  upon  their  Pofts.    Enter  ENOBARBUS. 
3.  S.  If  we  be  not  reliev'd  within  this  hour, 
We  muft  return  to  the  court  of  guard  :  The  night 
Is  fhiny  ;  and,  they  fay,  we  fhall  embattle 
By  the  fecond  hour  i'the  morn. 

1 .  S.  This  laft  day  was 
A  fhrevvd  one  to  us. 

ENO.  O,  bear  me  witnefs,  night,— 

2.  S.    "  What  man  is  this  ? " 

i.5.    "  Stand  clofe,  and  lift  him.  " 
EKO,  Be  witnefs  to  me,  o  thou  blefTed  moon, 
When  men  revolted  fhall  upon  record 
Bear  hateful  memory,  poor  Enobarbus  did 
Before  thy  face  repent. 


9Z  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

3.  S.   "Enobarbus!" 

2.  S.  "Peace  ;  hark  further.  " 

ENO.  O  fovereign  miftrefs  of  true  melancholy, 
The  poisonous  damp  of  night  difpunge  upon  me  ; 
That  life,  a  very  rebel  to  my  will, 
May  hang  no  longer  on  me  :  Throw  my  heart 
Againlt  the  flint  and  hardnefs  of  my  fault; 
Which,  being  dry'd  with  grief, , will  break  to  powder, 
And  finifh  all  foul  thoughts.     O  Antony, 
Nobler  than  my  revolt  is  infamous, 
Forgive  me  in  thine  own  particular ; 
But  let  the  world  rank  me  in  regifter 
A  mailer-leaver,  and  a  fugitive  : 
O  Antony  !  o  Antony  !  [dies, 

1.5.   "  Let's  fpeak  to  him.  " 

3.  S.  "  Let's  hear  him  further,  for  the  things  he  fpeaks" 
"  May  concern  Ctssar. " 

2.  S.  "Let's  do  fo.   But  he  fleeps." 

3.  5.  "Swoons  rather;  for  fo  bad  a  prayer  as  his" 
"  Was  never  yet  for  fleep. " 

1 .  5.  Go  we  to  him. 

2.  S.  Awake,  fir,  [to  Eno. 
Awake  ;  fpeak  to  us. 

1.  S.  Hear  you,  fir?  [/baking  him. 

3.  S.  The  hand 

Of  death  hath  raught  him.  [Drum  afar  of. 

Hark,  how  the  drums  demurely  wake  the  fleepers  : 
Let's  bear  him  to  the  court  of  guard ;  he  is 
Of  note  :  our  hour  is  fully  out. 

2.  S.  Come  on  then; 

He  may  recover  yet.  [Exeunt  with  the  Body. 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  93 

SCENE  X.   Hills  without  tbe  City. 
Entir  ANTONY,  and  S  c  A  R  u  s ,  with  Forces,  marching. 

ANT.  Their  preparation  is  to-day  for  fea ; 
We  please  them  not  by  land. 

SCA.  For  both,  my  lord. 

ANT.  I  would,  they'd  fight  i'the  fire,  or  i'the  air ; 
We'd  fight  there  too.    But  this  it  is,  Our  foot, 
Upon  the  hills  adjoining  to  the  city, 
Shall  ftay  with  us  :  order  for  fea  is  given  ; 
They  have  put  forth  the  haven  :  ftie  toe  on, 
Where  their  appointment  we  may  beft  difcover, 
And  look  on  their  endeavour.  [Exeunt, 

Enter  CJESAK.,  and  his  Forces,  marching. 

CMS.  But  being  charg'd,  we  will  be  ftill  by  land, 
Which,  as  I  take 't,  we  fhall ;  for  his  beft  force 
Is  forth  to  man  his  gallies.   To  the  vales, 
And  hold  our  beft  advantage.  [Exeunt. 

Re-enter  ANTONY,  <z»</ScARUs.         [ftand, 

ANT.  Yet  they're  not  join'd:  Where  yonder  pine  does 
I  fhall  difcover  all :  I'll  bring  thee  word 
Straight,  how  'tis  like  to  go.  [Exit  ANTONY. 

SCA.  Swallows  have  built 
In  Ckapatra's  fails  their  nefts  :  the  augurers 
Say,  they  know  not,  they  cannot  tell ;  look  grimly, 
And  dare  not  fpeak  their  knowledge.    Antony 
Is  valiant,  and  deje&ed ;  and,  by  ftarts, 
His  fretted  fortunes  give  him  hope,  and  fear, 
Of  what  he  has,  and  has  not.  [Shouts  afar  ojf. 

Re-enter  ANTONY,  haftily. 

ANT.  All  is  loft  ; 

This  foul  Egyptian  hath  betrayed  me  : 
My  fleet  hath  yielded  to  the  foe ;  and  yonder 

3  day  by  Sea     >9  yo.id  Pine     *3  Auguries 


94  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

They  caft  their  caps  up,  and  carouse  together 

Like  friends  long  loft — Triple-turn'd  whore!  'tis  thou 

Haft  fold  me  to  this  novice  ;  and  my  heart 

Makes  only  wars  on  thee Bid  them  all  fly; 

For  when  I  am  reveng'd  upon  my  charm, 
I  have  done  all ;  Bid  them  all  fly,  be  gone. 

{Exit  SCAR  us. 

O  fun,  thy  up-rise  mail  I  fee  no  more : 
Fortune  and  Antony  part  here  ;  even  here 
Do  we  (hake  hands.    All  come  to  this  ?  The  hearts 
That  fpaniel'd  me  at  heels,  to  whom  I  gave 
Their  wifhes,  do  difcandy,  melt  their  fweets 
On  bloflbming  C/rsar  ;  and  this  pine  is  bark'd, 
That  over-top'd  them  all.    Betray'd  I  am : 
(O  this  falfe  foil. of  Egypt! )  This  grave  charm,  — 
Whose  eye  beck'd  forth  my  wars,  and  call'd  them  home; 
Whose  bosom  was  my  crownet,  my  chief  end, — 
Like  a  right  gipfy,  hath,  at  faft  and  loofe, 

Beguil'd  me  to  the  very  heart  of  lofs. 

What,  Eros,  Eros!  — 

Enter  CLEOPATRA. 
Ah,  thou  fpell !  Avant. 

CLE.  Why  is  my  lord  enrag'd  againft  his  love  ? 

ANT.  Vanifh ;  or  I  fhall  give  thee  thy  deserving, 
And  blemifh  Gear's  triumph.   Let  him  take  thee, 
And  hoift  thee  up  to  the  fhouting  Plebeians: 
Follow  his  chariot,  like  the  greateft  fpot 
Of  all  thy  fex;  moft  monfter-like,  be  fhewn 
For  poor'ft  diminutives,  for  doits  ;  and  let 
Patient  Otiaijia  plough  thy  visage  up  [g°n^, — 

With  her  prepared  nails.   [Exit  CLE.]  'Tis  well  thou'rt 
If  it  be  well  to  live  :  But  better  'twere, 

"  pannelled     «5  Soule     *9  Dolts 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  95 

Thou  fell'fl.  into  my  fury  ;  for  one  death 

Might  have  prevented  many.  — .Era,  ho  !  _ 

The  mirt  of  Neffus  is  upon  me  :  Teach  me, 

Abides,  thou  mine  anceftor,  thy  rage : 

Let  me  lodge  Lichas  on  the  horns  o'the  moon  ; 

And  with  those  hands  that  grafp'd  theheavieft  club 

Subdue  my  worthiert  felf.    The  witch  fhall  dye  ; 

To  the  Roman  boy  me  hath  fold  me,  and  I  fall 

Under  this  plot:  medics  for't — Eros,  ho!  [Exit. 

SCENE  XI.    Alexandria.    A  Room  in  the  Palace. 
Enter  CLEOPATRA,  CHARMIAN,  Iras,  and  Mardian. 

CLE.  Help  me,  my  women :  O,  he  is  more  mad 
Than  Telamcn  for  his  fhield;  the  boar  ofTheffaly 
Was  never  fo  imboft. 

CHA.  To  the  monument; 

There  lock  yourfelf,  and  fend  him  word  you  are  dead. 
The  foul  and  body  rive  not  more  in  parting, 
Than  greatnefs  going  off. 

CI.E.  To  the  monument:  — 
Mardian,  go  tell  him  I  have  flain  myfelf ; 
Say,  that  the  laft  I  fpoke  was,  Anton}-, 
And  word  it,  pr'ydiee,  piteoufly  :  Hence,  Mardian  ; 
And  bring  mehow  he  takes  my  death. To  the  monument. 

SCENE  XII.    The  fame.    Another  Room. 

Enter  ANTONY,  <z»t/EROS. 
ANT. ' .  Eros,  thou  yet  behold'fl  me  ? 
ERO.  Ay.  noble  lord. 

ANT.  Sometime,  we  fee  a  cloud  that's  dfagonifii ; 
A  vapour,  fometime,  like  a  bear,  or  lion, 
A  tower'd  citadel,  a  pendant  rock, 

8  the  young  Roman 


96  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

A  forked  mountain,  or  blue  promontory 

With  trees  upon't,  that  nod  unto  the  wind, 

And  mock  our  eyes  with  air:  Thou  haft  feen  these  figns; 

They  are  black  vefper's  pageants  ? 

E RO.  Ay,  my  lord. 

ANT.  That,  which  is  now  a  horfe,  even  with  a  thought 
The  rack  diflimns  ;  and  makes  it  indiftincl, 
As  water  is  in  water. 

ERO.  It  does,  my  lord. 

Ayf.  My  good  knave,  Eros,  now  thy  captain  is 
Even  fuch  a  body :  here  [  am  Antony, 
Yet  cannot  hold  this  visible  lhape,  my  knave. 
I  made  these  wars  for  Egypt:  and  the  queen,  — 
Whose  heart,  I  thought,  I  had,  for  fhe  had  mine  ; 
Which,  whilft  it  was  mine,  had  annext  unto't 
A  million  more,  now  loft, -1-  (he,  Eros,  has 
Pack'd  cards  with  C<esar,  and  falfe-play'd  my  glory 
Unto  an  enemy's  triumph. 
Nay,  weep  not,  gentle  Eros ;  there  is  left  us 
Ourfelves  to  end  ourfe!ves._O,  thy  vile  lady! 

Enter  M  A  R  o  i  A  N . 
She  has  rob'd  me  of  my  fword. 

MAR .  No,  Antony  ; 

My  miftrefs  lov'd  thee,  and  her  fortunes  mingl'd 
With  thine  entirely. 

Ant.  Hence,  faucy  eunucli ;  peace  ; 
She  hath  betray'd  me,  and  fhall  dye  the  death. 

MAR.  Death  of  one  perfon  can  be  pay'd  but  once  ; 
And  that  (he  hath  difcharg'd  :  What  thou  would'ft  do 
Is  done  unto  thy  hand  ;  the  laft  fhe  fpake 
Was,  Antony  !  moft  noble  Antony  ! 
Then  in  the  midft  a  tearing  groan  did  break 

*  the  world, 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  97 

The  name  of  Antony ;  it  was  divided 
Between  her  heart  and  lips  :  ihe  render'd  life, 
Thy  name  fo  bury'd  in  her. 

ANT.  Dead  then  ? 

MJK.  Dead. 

Ayr.  Unarm  me,  Eros ;  the  long  day's  tafk  is  done, 
And  we  muft  fleep:  _  That  thou  depart'ft  hence  fafe, 
Does  pay  thy  labour  richly ;  Go.  [Exit  MA  R  .]  Pluckoff;— 
The  ievenfold  fhield  of  Ajax  cannot  keep 
The  battery  from  my  heart.    O,  cleave,  my  fides ! 
Heart,  once  be  ftronger  than  thy  continent, 
Crack  thy  frail  cafe  !  _  Apace,  Eros,  apace.  _ 
No  more  a  foldier  :  Bruised  pieces,  go  ; 
You  have  been  nobly  born.—  From  me  a  while. 

[£.*•;/ EROS. 

I  will  o'er-take  thee,  Cleopatra,  and 
Weep  for  my  pardon.    So  it  mufl  be,  for  now 
All  length  is  torture  ;  fmce  the  torch  is  out, 
Lye  down,  and  ftray  no  farther  :  Now  all  labour 
Marrs  what  it  does;  yea,  very  force  entangles 
Itfelf  with  ftrength:  Seal  then,  and  all  is  done.— 

Eros ! I  come,  my  queen  :  _  Eros!  —  Stay  for  me  : 

Where  fouls  do  couch  on  flowers,  we'll  hand  in  hand ; 
And  with  our  fprightly  port  make  the  ghofts  gaze  : 
Didc  and  her  JEneas  (hall  want  troops, 
And  all  the  haunt  be  ours.  _  Come,  Eros,  Erts. 
i  P.e-enttr  EROS. 

ERO.  What  would  my  lord  ? 

AST.  Since  Cleopatra  dy'd, 
I  have  liv'd  in  fuch  diftionour,  that  the  gods 
Deteft  my  bafenefs.    I,  that  with  my  fword 
Qnarter'd  the  world,  and  o'er  green  Neptune's  back 

8   Go.  |  Off,  plucke 


98  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

With  mips  made  cities,  condemn  myfelf,  to  lack 
The  courage  of  a  woman  ;  lefs  noble-mindeU 
Than  me,  which,  by  her  death,  our  Caesar  tells, 
J  am  conqueror  of  'myfelf.    Thou  art  fvvorn,  Eros., 
That,  when  the  exigent  mould  come,  (which  now 
Is  come,  indeed)  when  I  mould  fee  behind  me 
The  inevitable  profecution  of 
Difgrace  and  horror,  that,  on  my  command, 
Thou  then  would'ft  kill  me  :  do't,  the  time  is  come : 
Thou  ftrik'ft  not  me,  'tis  C<fsar  thou  defeat'ft. 
Put  colour  in  thy  cheek. 

ERO.  The  gods  withhold  me! 
Shall  I  do  that,  which  all  the  Parthian  darts, 
Though  enemy,  loft  aim,  and  could  not  ? 

A m.  Eros, 

Would'ft  thou  be  window'd  in  great  Rome,  and  fee 
Thy  mafter  thus  ~j~  with  pleach'd  arms,  bending  down 
His  corrigible  neck,  his  face  fubdu'd 
To  penetrative  fhame  ;  whil'il  the  wheel'd  feat 
Of  fortunate  Ctesar,  drawn  before  him,  branded 
His  bafenefs  that  enfu'd  ? 

ERO.  I  would  not  fee't. 

ANT.  Come  then  ;  for  with  a  wound  I  muft  be  cur'd. 
Draw  that  thy  honeft  fword,  which  thou  haft  worn 
Moft  ufeful  for  thy  country. 

ERO.  O,  fir,  pardon  me. 

Ant.  When  I  did  make  thee  free,  fwor'ft  thou  not  then 
To  do  this  when  I  bad  thee  ?  Do  it  at  once  ; 
Or  thy  precedent  fervices  are  all 
But  accidents  unpurpos'd.    Draw,  and  come. 

ERO.  Turn  from  me  then  that  noble  countenance, 
Wherein  the  worfhip  of  the  whole  world  lyes. 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  99 

Am".  Lo  thee.  [turning  away  bis  Face. 

ERO.  My  fword  is  drawn. 

Anf.  Then  let  it  do  at  once 
The  thing  why  thou  haft  drawn  it. 

ERO.  My  dear  mafter, 
My  captain,  and  my  emperor,  let  me  fay, 
Before  I  ftrike  this  bloody  ftroke,  farewel. 

ANT.  'Tis  faid,  man  ;  and  farewel. 

ERO.  Farewel,  great  chief.    Shall  I  ftrike  now  ? 

ANT.  Now,  Eros.  [do  efcape  the  forrow 

ER  o ,  Why,  there  then  :  {.falling  on  his  Sword.]  Thus  I 
Of  Antony's,  death. 

ANT.  Thrice  nobler  than  myfelf ! 
Thou  teacheft  me,  o  valiant  Eros,  what 
I  mould,  and  thou  could'ft  not.    My  queen  and  Ercs 
Have,  by  their  brave  inftrudtion,  got  upon  me 
A  noblenefs  in  record :  But  I  will  be 
A  bride-groom  in.  my  death,  and  run  into't      [and,  Eros* 
As  to  a  lover's  bed.     Come  then  ;  [taking  Eros'  Sword] 

'hy  mafter  dies  thy  fcholar ;  to  do  thus   [running  on  it. 

learnt  of  thee.  How  !  not  pet  dead  ?  not  dead ; 
Enter  Guard,  aWDERCETAs. 

'he  guard  ?  how  !  —  O,  difpatch  me. 

1 .  G.  What's  the  noise  ?  [end 
ANT.  I  have  done  my  work  ill,  friends ;  O,  make  an 

)f  what  I  have  begun. 

2.  G.  The  ftar  is  fallen. 

i.  G.  And  time  is  at  his  period. 

all.      Alas,  and  woe  ! 

Ayr.  Let  him,  that  loves  me,  ftrike  me  dead. 

1.  G.  Not  I. 

2.  G.  Nor  I. 

**  Danta; 

VOL.  VIIT.  N 


loo  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

3.  G.  Nor  any  one.  [Exeunt  Guard. 

DER.  Thy  death  and  fortunes  bid  thy  followers  fly. 
Thisfword  ~f  but  {hewn  to  Ceesar,  with  this  tidings, 
Shall  enter  me  with  him. 

Enter  DlOMEDE. 

Dio.  Where's  Antony  ? 

DER,  There,  Diomede,  there. 

Dio.   Lives  he  ?  Wilt  thou  not  anfwer,  man  ? 

[Exit  DERCETAS,  tvitb  the  S^jucrd. 

Ayr.  Art  thon  there,  Diomede?  Draw  thy  fword,  and 
Sufficing  ftrokes  for  death.  [give  me 

Dio.  Mod  abfolute  lord, 
My  miftrefs  Cleopatra  fent  me  to  thee. 

AWT.  When  did  me  fend  thee  ? 

Dio.  Now,  my  lord. 

Ayr.  Where  is  me  ?  [tying  fear 

Dio.  Lock'd  in  her  monument.    She  had  a  prophe- 
Of  what  hath  come  to  pafs  :  for  when  me  faw 
(Which  never  (hall  be  found)  you  did  fufpeft 
She  had  difpos'd  with  Ceesar,  and  that  your  rage 
Would  not  be  purg'd,  {he  fent  you  word  me  was  dead; 
But,  fearing  fince  how  it  might  work,  hath  fent 
Me  to  proclaim  the  truth ;  and  I  am  come, 
I  dread,  too  late.  [thee. 

Ayr.  Too  late,  good  Diomede :  Call  my  guard,  I  pr'y-? 

Dio.  What  ho,  the  emperor's  guard !  The  guard,  \v hat 
Enter  fame  of  the  Guard.  [ho  ! 

Come,  your  lord  calls. 

ANT.  Bear  me,  good  friends,  where  Cleopatra  bides ; 
'Tis  the  laft  fervice  that  I  mail  command  you. 

i .  G.  Woe  are  we,  fir,  you  may  not  live  to  wear 
All  your  true  followers  out. 

3*  Woe,  woe  are 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  101 

all.      Moft  heavy  day,' 

ANT.  Nay,  good  my  fellows,  do  not  please  fharp  fate 
To  grace  it  with  your  forrows  :  bid  that  welcome 
Which  comes  to  punifh  us,  and  we  punifh  it 
Seeming  to  bear  it  lightly.    Take  me  up  : 
I  have  led  you  oft  ;  carry  me  now,  good  friends, 
And  have  my  thanks  for  all  .        [Exeunt,  bearing  Antony. 

SCENE  XIII.    rhejame.    A  Monument. 
Enter,  at  a  Window  <,  above,  CLEOPATRA, 

CHARMIAN,  <Z»</IRAS. 

CLE.  O  Cbarmian,  I  will  never  go  from  hence. 
CHA.  Be  comforted,  dear  madam. 
CLE.  No,  I  will  not  : 

All  flrange  and  terrible  events  are  welcome, 
But  comforts  we  defpise  ;  our  fize  of  forrow, 
Proportion'd  to  our  cause,  muft  be  as  great 

Enter  DIOMEDE. 

As  that  which  makes  it.  —  How  now  ?  is  he  dead  ? 
I     Dio.  His  death's  upon  him,  but  not  dead.   Lookout 
JO'  the  other  fide  your  monument,  —  3Bur  fee, 
iHis  guard  have  brought  him  hither. 

Enter  ANTONY,   born  by  the  Guard. 
\    CLE.  O  fun,  fun, 

Burn  the  great  fphere  thou  mov'ft  in  !  darkling  ftand 
The  van-ing  more  o'the  world  !  _O  Antony, 
4ntony,  Antony!  —  Ckarmian,  help;  help,  Iras  ; 
rlelp,  friends  below  ;  let's  draw  him  hither. 

ANT.  Peace  : 

Xot  Cesar's  valour  hath  o'er-  thrown  Antony, 
Jut  Antony's  hath  triumph'd  on  itfelf. 
CLE.  So  it  mould  be,  that  none  but  Antony 


Helpe  C£«r«^«,  hejpe  £«  helpe  :  hel?S  Friends 

N    2 


1O2  Antony  and  Cleopatra,         , 

Should  conquer  Antony  ;  but  woe  'tis  fo ! 

ANT.  I  am  dying,  Egypt,  dying  ;  only  £Ct 
I  here  importune  death  a  while,  until 
Of  many  thousand  kilTes  the  poor  laft 
I  lay  upon  thy  lips  :  Come  fcohm, 

CLE.  I  dare  not, 

(Dear,  dear  my  lord,  pour  pardon  tbat  I  dare  not) 
Left  I  be  taken  :  not  the  imperious  mew 
Of  the  full-fortun'd  Caesar  ever  mall 
Be  brooch'd  with  me ;  if  knives,  drugs,  ferpents,  have 
Edge,  fting,  or  operation,  I  am  fafe : 
Your  wife  Ofla<via,  with  her  modeft  eyes, 
And  ftill  conclusion,  mall  acquire  no  honour 
Demuring  upon  me.  _  But  come,  come,  Antony,— 
Help  me,  my  women,  _we  muft  draw  thee  up  ;_ 
Affift,  good  friends.  [Cleopatra,  and  her  Women* 

ibronv  out  certain  ^Tackle,  into  ivbicb  the  People 
below  put  Antony,  and  he  is  drawn  up. 

As?.  O,  quick,  or  I  am  gone. 

CLE.  Here'sfport,indeed!Howheavyweighsmylord? 
Our  ftrength  is  all  gone  into  heavinefs, 
That  makes  the  weight :  Had  I  great  Juno's  power, 
The  ftrong-wing'd  Mercury  mould  fetch  thee  up, 
And  fet  thee  by  Jc<ve's  fide.    Yet  come  a  little, — 
Wifhers  were  ever  fools ;  —  o,  come,  come,  come; 
And  welcome,  welcome !  dye,  where  thou  haft  liv'd  :     ' 
Quicken  with  kiffing  ;  had  my  lips  that  power, 
Thus  would  I  "j~  wear  them  out. 

all.     A  heavy  fight! 

AKT.  I  am  dying,  Egypt,  dying  : 
Give  me  feme  wine,  and  let  me  fpeak  a  little. 

CLE.  No,  let  me  fpeak  ;  and  let  me  fail  fo  high, 

10  Knife,     a6  when  thou 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  103 

That  the  falfe  huswife  fortune  break  her  wheel, 
Provok'd  by  my  offence. 

AKT.  One  word,  fweet  queen  : 
GfC&sar  feek  your  honour,  with  your  fafety.     O  ! 

CLE.  They  do  not  go  together. 

Ax? .  Gentle,  hear  me: 
None  about  C<esar  truft,  but  Proculeius. 

CLE.  My  resolution,  and  my  hands,  I'll  truft, 
None  about  Ceesar. 

Axf.  The  miserable  change  now  at  my  end 
Lament  nor  forrow  at :  but  please  your  thoughts, 
In  feeding  them  with  those  my  former  fortunes 
Wherein  I  liv'd  ;  the  greateft  prince  o'the  world, 
The  nobleft  :  and  do  now  not  bafely  dye, 
Not  cowardly  put  off  my  helmet ;  to 
My  countryman,  a  Roman  by  a  Roman 
Valiantly  vanquifh'd.    Now  my  fpirit  is  going, 
I  can  no  more.  [finks. 

CLE.  Nobleft  of  men,  wou't  dye  ? 
Haft  thou  no  care  of  me  ?  fhall  I  abide 
In  this  dull  world,  which  in  thy  abfenceis 

No  better  than  a  fty  ? O,  fee,  my  women,    [Ant.  dies. 

The  crown  o'the  earth  doth  melt: My  lord! 

O,  wither'd  is  the  garland  of  the  war, 

The  foldier's  pole  is  fall'n;  young  boys,  and  girls, 

Are  level  now  with  men  :  the  odds  is  gone, 

And  there  is  nothing  left  remarkable 

Beneath  the  visiting  moon. 

CHA.  O,  quietnefs,  lady.  [Cleopatra  fvjoons, 

IRA.    She  is  dead  too,  our  fovereign. 

CHA.  Lady,- 

IRA.   Madam, — 

'5  v.  Note. 

N3 


104  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

CHA.  O  madam,  madam,  madam  ! 

IRA.    Royal  Egypt  ! 
Emperefs  .' 

CHA.  Peace,  peace,  Iras.  [feeing  her  recovery 

CLE.  No  more  but  e'en  a  woman  ;  and  commanded 
By  fuch  poor  paffion,  as  the  maid  that  milks, 
And  does  the  meaneft  chares.    It  were  for  me, 
To  throw  my  fcepter  at  the  injurious  gods  ; 
To  tell  them,  that  this  world  did  equal  theirs, 
'Till  they  had  ftol'n  our  jewel.  All's  but  naught  ; 
Patience  is  fottifh  ;  and  impatience  does 
Become  a  dog  that's  mad  :  Then  is  it  fin, 
To  rufli  into  the  fecret  houfe  of  death, 
Ere  death  dare  come  to  us  ?_How  do  you,  women  ? 
What,  what  ?  good  cheer  !  Why,  how  now,  Charmian  ? 
My  noble  girls  !  —  Ah,  women,  women  !  look, 
Our  lamp  is  fpent,  it's  out  :  _  Good  firs,  take  heart  :  _ 
We'll  bury  him  :  and  then,  what's  brave,  what's  noble,. 
Let's  do  it  after  the  high  Roman  fafhion, 
And  make  death  proud  to  take  us.    Come,  away  : 
This  cafe  of  that  huge  fpirit  now  is  cold. 
Ah,  women,  women  !  come  ;  we  have  no  friend 
But  resolution,  and  the  briefeft  end. 

[Exeunt  ;  those  above  tearing  off  the  Body. 


v. 

SCENE  I.    Camp  ^/or*  Alexandria.    [NAS, 
Enter  CAESAR,  W//£DOLABELLA,  AGRJPPA,  MECJE- 
Gallus,  PROCULEIUS,  and  Others. 

C/cs.  Go  to  him,  Dolabella,  bid  him  yield  ; 

5  but  in  a 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  105 

Being  fo  fruftratefc,  tell  him,  he  mocks 
The  pauses  that  he  makes. 

D OL .  C&sar,  I  mail.  [Exit  DOLABELLA. 

Enter  DERCETAS,  with  Antony'j  Sword. 

C^ES.  Wherefore  is  that?  and  what  art  thou,that  dar'ft 
Appear  thus  to  us  ? 

DER.  I  am  call'd  Dercetas; 
Mark  Antony  I  ferv'd,  who  beft  was  worthy 
Beft  to  be  ferv'd  :  whilft  he  flood  up,  and  fpoke, 
He  was  my  matter ;  and  I  wore  my  life, 
To  fpend  upon  his  haters :  If  thou  please 
To  take  me  to  thee,  as  I  was  to  him 
111  be  to  Ctesar ;  if  thou  pleaseft  not, 
I  yield  thee  up  my  life. 

C^-s.  What  is't  thou  fay'ft  ? 

DER.  I  fay,  o  C&sar,  Antony  is  dead. 

C&s.  The  breaking  of  fo  great  a  thing  mould  make 
A  greater  crack  in  nature  :  the  round  world 
Should  have  (hook  lions  into  civil  ftreets, 
And  citizens  to  their  dens  :  The  death  of  Antony 
Is  not  a  iingle  doom  ;  in  that  name  lay 
A  moiety  of  the  world. 

DER.  He  is  dead,  C<esar; 
Not  by  a  publick  miniiler  of  juftice, 
Nor  by  a  hired  knife ;  but  that  felf  hand, 
Which  writ  his  honour  in  the  acts  it  did, 
Hath,  with  the  courage  which  the  heart  did  lend  it, 
Splitted  the  heart  itfelf.   This  "f  is  his  fword, 
I  rob'd  his  wound  of  it;  behold  it  ftain'd 
With  his  moft  noble  blood. 

C&s.  Look  you  fad,  friends  ? 
The  gods  rebuke  me,  but  it  is  a  tidings 

* x  in  the  name 

N4 


106  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

To  warn  the  eyes  of  kings. 

AGR.  And  ftrange  it  is, 
That  nature  muft  compell  us  to  lament 
Our  moft  persilled  deeds. 

MEC.  His  taints  and  honours 
Weigh'd  equal  with  him. 

AGR.  A  rarer  fpirit  never 

Did  fteer  humanity :  but  you,  gods,  will  give  us 
Some  faults  to  mark  us  men.    C&saris  touch'd. 

MEC.  When  fuch  afpacious  mirror's  fet  before  him, 
He  needs  muft  fee  himfelf. 


CMS.  O  Ant 


cnv .' 


I  have  follow'd  thee  to  this  ;  —  But  we  do  launch 

Diseases  in  our  bodies.    I  muft  perforce 

Have  fhewn  to  thee  fuch  a  declining  day, 

Or  look  on  thine ;  we  could  not  ftall  together 

In  the  whole  world:  But  yet  let  me  lament, 

With  tears  as  fovereign  as  the  blood  of  hearts, 

That  thou,  my  brother,  my  competitor 

In  top  of  all  defign,  my  mate  in  empire, 

Friend  and  companion  in  the  front  of  war, 

The  arm  of  mine  own  body,  and  the  heart 

Where  mine  his  thoughts  did  kindle,  —  that  our  ftars, 

Unreconciliable,  mould  divide 

Ourequalnefs  to  this Hear  me,  good  friends, — 

Enter  a  Meflenger. 

But  I  will  tell  you  at  fome  meeter  feason ; 
The  businefs  of  this  man  looks  out  of  him, 

We'll  hear  him  what  he  fays Whence  are  you,  fir  ? 

Mef.     A  poor  Egyptian :  The  queen  my  miftrefs, 
Confin'd  in  all  fhe  has,  her  monument, 
Of  thy  intents  desires  inftruclion  ; 

a  Del.  And    6  wag'd  equal    ^  Dob.  A     9  to  make  us     3°  jet}  the 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  107 

That  me  preparedly  may  frame  herfdf 
To  the  way  ihe's  forc'd  to. 

C.'ES.  Bid  her  have  good  heart; 
She  foon  (hall  know  of  us,  by  fome  of  ours, 
How  honourably  and  how  kindly  we 
Determin'd  fjatoe  for  her  :  for  Ctesar  cannot 
Leave  to  be  gentle. 

Mef.    So  the  gods  preserve  thee !      [Exit  Meflenger. 

C^ES.  Come  hither,  Proculeius  ;  Go,  and  fay 
We  purpose  her  no  fhame  :  give  her  what  comforts 
The  quality  of  her  paffion  (hall  require  ; 
Left,  in  her  greatnefs,  by  fome  mortal  ftroke 
She  do  defeat  us :  for  her  life  in  Rome 
Would  be  eternaling  our  triumph  :  Go, 
And,  with  your  fpeedieft,  bring  us  what  fhe  fays, 
And  how  you  find  of  her. 

PRO.    C<zsar,  I  fhall.  [Exit  PROCULEIUS. 

C/ES.  Callus,  go  you  along.  [Exit Gall.]  Where's  Do- 
To  fecond  Proculeius?  [labella, 

all.      Dolabella! 

CMS.  Let  him  alone,  for  I  remember  now 
How  he's  employ'd  ;  he  fhall  in  time  be  ready. 
Go  with  me  to  my  tent :  where  you  fhall  fee, 
How  hardly  I  was  drawn  into  this  war ; 
How  calm  and  gentle  I  proceeded  ftill 
In  all  my  writings :  Go  with  me,  and  fee 
What  I  can  fhew  in  this.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  II.    Alexandria.   A  Room  in  the  Monument. 

Enter  CLEOPATRA,  CHARMIAN,  aWlRAS. 
CLE.  My  defolation  does  begin  to  make 
A  better  life  :  'Tis  paltry  to  be  C<esar  ; 

5  honourable,     $  Determine     ?  le  ung"ntle     '•*•  eternallin 


io8  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Not  being  fortune,  he's  but  fortune's  knave, 
A  minifter  of  her  will;  And  it  is  great 
To  do  that  thing  that  ends  all  other  deeds  ; 
Which  fhackles  accidents,  and  bolts  up  change ; 
Which  fleeps,  and  never  palates  more  the  dung, 
The  beggar's  nurfe  and  Cesar's. 

Enter  PROCULEIUS,  and  Callus,  with  Soldiers, 
to  the  Door  of  the  Monument,  ^without. 

PRO.   Ceesar  fends  greeting  to  the  queen  of  Egypt ; 
And  bids  thee  ftudy  on  what  fair  demands 
Thou  mean'ft  to  have  him  grant  thee. 

CLE.  What's  thy  name? 

Pxo.   My  name  is  Proculeius. 

CLE.  Antony 

Did  tell  me  of  you,  bad  me  truft  you  ;  but 
I  do  not  greatly  care  to  be  deceiv'd, 
That  have  no  ufe  for  trailing.    If  your  mafter 
Would  have  a  queen  his  beggar,  you  muft  tell  him, 
That  majefty,  to  keep  decorum,  muft 
No  lefs  beg  than  a  kingdom :  if  he  please 
To  give  me  conquer'd  Egypt  for  my  fon, 
He  gives  me  fo  much  of  mine  own,  as  I 
Will  kneel  to  him  with  thanks. 

PRO.  Be  of  good  cheer; 

You  are  fall'n  into  a  princely  hand,  fear  nothing: 
Make  your  full  reference  freely  to  my  lord, 
Who  is  fo  full  of  grace,  that  it  flows  over 
On  all  that  need  :  Let  me  report  to  him 
Your  fweet  dependancy  ;  and  you  (hall  find 
A  conqueror,  that  will  pray  in  aid  for  kindnefs, 
Where  he  for  grace  is  kneel'd  to. 

CLE.  Pray  you,  tell  him 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  109 

I  am  his  fortune's  vaflal,  and  I  fend  him 
The  greatnefs  he  has  got.     I  hourly  learn 
A  doftrine  of  obedience  ;  and  would  gladly 
Look  him  i'the  face. 

PRO.  This  I'll  report,  dear  lady. 
Have  comfort ;  for,  I  know,  your  plight  is  pity'd 
Of  him  that  caus'd  it.    jfare  pou  toell.— "  C)ar&,  fiallus ! " 
"  You  fee,  how  easily  me  may  be  furpriz'd ; " 
"  Guard  her  'till  Casar  come."      [£XZ>PROCULEIUS. 
Gallus  maintains  Cwverfe  ivitb  Cleopatra. 
Re-enter,  into  the  Monument,  from  behind, 
PROCULEIUS,  and  Soldiers,  baftily . 

IRA.    2D  royal  queen ! 

CHA.  O  Cleopatra!  thou  art  taken,  queen  ! 

CLE.  Quick,  quick,  good  hands,  [drawing  a  Dagger. 

PRO.   Hold,  worthy  lady,  hold  :  [flaying  her. 

Do  not  yourfelf  fuch  wrong  ;  who  are  in  this 
Reliev'd,  but  not  betray'd. 

CLE.  What,  of  death  too, 
That  rids  our  dogs  of  languim  ? 

PRO.  Cleopatra, 

Do  not  abuse  my  matter's  bounty,  by 
The  undoing  of  yourfelf :  let  the  world  fee 
His  noblenefs  well  adled,  which  your  death 
Will  never  let  come  forth. 

Cz  £ .  Where  art  thou,  death  ? 
Come  hither,  come !  come,  come,  and  take  a  queen 
Worth  many  babes  and  beggars ! 

PRO.   O,  temperance,  lady. 

CLE.  Sir,  I  will  eat  no  meat,  I'll  not  drink,  fir; 
If  idle  talk  will  once  be  neceffary, 
I'll  not  fpeak  neither:  this  mortal  houfe  I'll  ruin, 

3*  not  fleepe  neither 


i  io  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Do  Ctfiar  what  he  can.    Know,  fir,  that  I 
Will  not  wait  pinion'd  at  your  mailer's  court ; 
Nor  once  be  chaftis'd  with  the  fober  eye 
Of  dull  Oflavia.    Shall  they  hoifl  me  up, 
And  fhew  me  to  the  fhouting  varletry 
Of  cenfuring  Rome?  Rather  a  ditch  in  Egypt 
Be  gentle  grave  unto  me  ;  rather  on  Nilus1  mud 
Lay  me  ftark  naked,  and  let  the  water-flies 
Blow  me  into  abhorring  ;  rather  make 
My  country's  high  pyramides  my  gibbet, 
And  hang  me  up  in  chains. 

PRO.  You  do  extend 

These  thoughts  of  horror  farther  than  you  fhall 
Find  cause  for  it  in  C&sar. 

Enter  DOLABELLA. 

Dot.  Proculeius, 

What  thou  haft  done  thy  mafter  C/fsar  knows, 
And  he  hath  fent  for  thee  :  as  for  the  queen, 
I'll  take  her  to  my  guard. 

PRO.  So,  Dolabella, 

It  fhall  content  me  beft  :  be  gentle  to  her.__ 
To  Cxsar  I  will  fpeak  what  you  mail  please, 
If  you'll  employ  me  to  him. 

CiE.  Say,  I  would  dye. 

[Exeunt  PROCULEIUS,  and  So/aierj, 

Dot.  Moft  noble  emprefs,  you  have  heard  of  me  ? 

CLE.  I  cannot  tell. 

DOL  .  Afluredly,  you  know  me. 

CLE.  No  matter,  fir,  what  I  have  heard,  or  known. 
You  laugh,  when  boys,  or  women,  tell  their  dreams ; 
Is't  not  your  trick  ? 

DOL.  1  under ftand  not,  madam. 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  1 1 1 

CLE.  I  dreamt  there  was  an  emperor  Antony  ;_ 
O,  fuch  another  fleep !  that  I  might  fee 
But  fuch  another  man. 

DOL.  If  it  might  please  you, — 

CLE.  His  face  was  as  the  heavens  ;  and  therein  ftucfc 
A  fun,  and  moon ;  which  kept  their  courfe,  and  lighted 
The  little  o  o'the  earth. 

DOL,  Moft  fovereign  creature, — 

CLE.  His  legs  beftrid  the  ocean  ;  his  rear'd  arm 
Crefted  the  world:  his  voice  was  property'd 
As  all  the  tuned  fpheres,  when  that  to  friends  ; 
But  when  he  meant  to  quail  and  (hake  the  orb, 
He  was  as  rattling  thunder,    ror  his  bounty, 
There  was  no  winter  in't ;  an  autumn  'twas, 
That  grew  the  more  by  reaping :  His  delights 
Were  dolphin-like  ;  they  mew'd  his  back  above 
The  element  they  liv'd  in  :  In  his  livery 
Walk'd  crowns,  and  crownets;  realms  and  islands  were 
As  plates  dropt  from  his  pocket. 

DOL.  Cleopatra, — 

CLE.  Think  you,  there  was,  or  might  be,  fuch  a  man 
As  this  I  dreamt  of? 

DOL.  Gentle  madam,  no. 

CLE.  You  lye,  up  to  the  hearing  of  the  gods. 
But,  if  there  be,  or  ever  were,  one  fuch, 
It's  paft  the  fize  of  dreaming  :  Nature  wants  fluff 
To  vye  ftrange  forms  with  fancy ;  yet,  to  imagine 
An  Antony,  were  nature's  piece  'gainft  fancy, 
Condemning  (hadows  quite. 

DOL.  Hear  me,  good  madam: 
Your  lofs  is  as  yourfelf,  great ;  and  you  bear  it 
As  anfwering  to  the  weight :  'Would  I  might  never 

If  Sphere?.,  and  that     '*  An  /IntL-cry  it  was, 


1 1 2  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

O'er-take  purfu'd  fuccefs,  but  I  do  feel, 
By  the  rebound  of  yours,  a  grief  that  fmites 
My  very  heart  at  root. 

CLE.  I  thank  you,  fir. 
Know  you,  what  Catsar  means  to  do  with  me  ? 

DOL.  I  am  loth  to  tell  you  what  I  would  you  knew. 

CLE.  Nay,  pray  you,  fir: 

DOL.  Though  he  be  honourable, — 

CLE.  He'll  lead  me  in  triumph  : 

DOL.  Madam,  he  will ;  I  know  it. 

within.  Make  way  there,  —  C<esar. 

Enter  CJESAR,  and  Train  of  Romans, 
and  SELEUCUS. 

CMS.  Which  is  the  queen  of  Egypt  ? 

DOL.   It  is  the  emperor,  madam. 

CMS.  Arise,  you  (hall  not  kneel :    {to  Cle.  raising  her. 
I  pray  you,  rise ;  rise,  Egypt. 

CL  E  .  Sir,  the  gods 

Will  have  it  thus  ;  my  matter  and  my  lord 
I  muft  obey. 

CMS.  Take  to  you  no  hard  thoughts  : 
The  record  of  what  injuries  you  did  us, 
Though  written  in  our  flefli,  we  mall  remember 
As  things  but  done  by  chance. 

CL£.  Sole  fir  o'the  world, 
I  cannot  project  mine  own  cause  fo  well 
To  make  it  clear  ;  but  do  confefs,  I  have 
Been  laden  with  like  frailties,  which  before 
Have  often  fham'd  our  fex. 

CMS.  Cleopatra,  know, 
We  will  extenuate  rather  than  enforce  : 
If  you  apply  yourfelf  to  our  intents, 

*  fuites     s  me  then  in 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  115 

(Which  towards  you  are  moft  gentle)  you  fhall  find 

A  benefit  in  this  change  :  but  if  you  feek 

To  lay  on  me  a  cruelty,  by  taking 

Antonys  courfe,  you  fhall  bereave  yourfelf 

Of  my  good  purposes,  and  put  your  children 

To  that  deftru&ion  which  I'll  guard  them  from, 

If  thereon  you  rely.    I'll  take  my  leave.  [we, 

CL  E  .  And  may,  through  all  the  world :  'tis  yours ;  and 
Your  'fcutcheons,  and  your  figns  of conqueft,  fhall 
Hang  in  what  place  you  please.  Here,  =j=  my  good  lord. 

C/EJ.  You  fhall  advise  me  in  all  for  Cleopatra, 

CLE.   This  is  the  brief  of  money,  plate,  and  jewels, 
I  am  posseft  of:  'tis  exaftly  valu'd  ; 
Not  petty  things  omitted. —Where's  Seleucus? 

SEL.    Here,  madam. 

CLE.  This  is  my  treasurer;  let  him  fpeak,  my  lord, 
Upon  his  peril,  that  I  have  reserv'd 
To  myfelf  nothing. Speak  the  truth,  Seleucus. 

SEL.    Madam, 

I  had  rather  feal  my  lips,  than,  to  my  peril, 
Speak  that  which  is  not. 
'    CLE.   What  have  I  kept  back  ? 

SE  L  .    Enough  to  purchafe  what  you  have  made  known. 

C&s.  Nay,  blufh  not,  Cleopatra;  I  approve 
Your  wisdom  in  the  deed. 

CLE.  See,  C&sar .'  o,  behold, 
How  pomp  is  follow'd  !  mine  will  now  be  yours ; 
And,  fhculd  we  fliift  eftates,  yours  would  be  mine. 
The  ingratitude  of  this  Seleucus  does 
Even  make  me  wild:_O  flave,  of  no  more  truft 
Than  love  that's  hir'd!  What,  go'ft  thou  back  ?  thou  fhalt 
Go  back,  I  warrant  thee ;  but  I'll  catch  thine  eyes, 

'•*•  admitted 


1 14  Antony  ana  Cleopatra. 

Though  they  had  wings  :  Slave,  foul-lefs  villain,  dog ! 
O  rarely  bafe !  [Jfy*ag  at  him. 

CSE.S.  Good  queen,  let  us  intreat  you.       \nterpeiing* 

CLE.  O  Cefsar,  what  a  wounding  (hame  is  this; 
That  thou  vouchfafing  here  to  visit  me, 
Doing  the  honour  of  thy  lordlinefs 
To  one  fo  mean,  that  mine  own  fervant  mould 
Parcel  the  fum  of  my  difgraces  by 
Addition  of  his  envy  !  Say,  good  Casar, 
That  I  fome  lady  trifles  have  reserv'd, 
Immoment  toys,  things  of  fuch  dignity 
As  we  greet  modern  friends  withal  ;  and  fay, 
Some  nobler  token  I  have  kept  apart 
For  Livia,  and  Oiiavia,  to  induce 
Their  mediation  ;  muft  I  be  unfolded 
Of  one  that  I  have  bred  ?  The  gods  !  It  fmites  me 

Beneath  the  fall  I  have Pr'ythee,  go  hence  ; 

Or  I  mall  mew  the  cinders  of  my  fpirits 

Through  the  aflies  of  my  chance  : Wert  thou  a  man, 

Thou  would'ft  have  mercy  on  me. 

C^E y .  Forbear,  Seleucus.  [ Exit  SELEUCUS. 

CLE.  Beitknown,thatwe,thegreateft,aremifthought 
For  things  that  others  do  ;  and,  when  we  fall, 
We  anfwer  others'  merits  :  in  cur  name 
Are  therefore  to  be  pity'd. 

CMS.  Cleopatra, 

Not  what  you  have  reserv'd,  nor  what  acknowledg'd, 
Put  we  i'theroll  of  conqueft  :  {till  be  it  yours, 
Beftow  it  at  your  pleasure ;  and  believe, 
Casals  no  merchant,  to  make  prize  with  you 
Of  things  that  merchants  fold.   Therefore  becheer'd  ; 
Make  not  your  thoughts  your  prisons  :  no,  dear  queen ; 

7  fomceke,     l6  With  one 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  1 1 5 

For  we  intend  fo  to  difpose  you,  as 
Yourfelf  fhall  give  us  counfel.    Feed,  and  fleep  : 
Our  care  and  pity  is  fo  much  upon  you, 
That  we  remain  your  friend;  And  fo,  adieu. 

CLE.  My  matter,  and  my  lord, — 

CSES.  Not  fo  :  Adieu. 

[Exeunt  CJESAR,  DOLABELLA,  and  Train. 

CLE.  Hewordsme,  girls, hewordsme,thatlmouldnot 
Be  noble  to  myfelf :  But  hark  thee,  Charmian. 

IRA.  Finim,  good  lady;  the  bright  day  is  done, 
And  we  are  for  the  dark. 

CLE.  Hye  thee  again  : 
I  have  fpoke  already,  and  it  is  provided  ; 
Go,  put  it  to  the  hafte. 

CHA.  Madam,  I  will.  \&°ing* 

Re-enter  DOLABELLA. 

DOL.  Where  is  the  queen? 

CHA.  Behold,  fir.  [Exit  CHARMIAN. 

CLE.  Dolabella? 

DOL.  Madam,  as  thereto  fworn  by  your  command, 
Which  my  love  makes  religion  to  obey, 
I  tell  you  this  :  C<esar  through  Syria 
Intends  his  journey  ;  and,  within  three  days, 
You  with  your  children  will  he  fend  before  : 
Make  your  befl  ufe  of  this  :  I  have  perform'd 
Your  pleasure,  and  my  promise. 

CLE.  Dolabella, 
I  fhall  remain  your  debtor. 

DOL.  I  your  fervant. 
Adieu,  good  queen  ;  I  mufl  attend  on  Casar. 

CLE.  Farewel,  and  thanks.          [Exit  DOLABELLA. 
Now,  Iras,  what  think'ft  thou  ? 

VOL.  VIII.  O 


T 1 6  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Thou,  an  Egyptian  puppet,  (halt  be  fhewn 
In  Rome,  as  well  as  I :  mechanic!?  flaves, 
With  greasy  aprons,  rules,  and  hammers,  fhalt 
Uplift  us  to  the  view ;  in  their  thick  breaths, 
Rank  of  grofs  diet,  fhall  we  be  enclouded, 
And  forc'd  to  drink  their  vapour. 

IHA.   The  gods  forbid  ! 

Cx£.  Nay,  'tis  moft  certain,  Iras :  Saucy  li&ors 
Will  catch  at  us,  like  ftrumpets ;  and  fcald  rimers 
Ballad  us  out  o'tune  :  the  quick  comedians 
Extemporally  will  ftage  us,  and  present 
Our  Alexandrian  revels  ;  Antcny 
Shall  be  brought  drunken  forth,  and  I  {hall  fee 
Some  fqueaking  Cleopatra  boy  my  greatnefs 
I'the  potlure  of  a  whore. 

IRA.   O  the  good  gods  ! 

CLE.  Nay,  that's  certain. 

IRA.   I'll  never  fee't ;  for,  I  am  fure,  my  naih 
Are  flronger  than  mine  eyes. 

CLE.  Why,  that's  the  way 
To  fool  their  preparation,  and  to  conquer 
Their  moft  affur'd  intents — Now,  Charmian?  —, 

Re-enter  CHARMIAN. 

Shew  me,  my  women,  like  a  queen  ;_ Go  fetch 
My  belt  attires  ;  _  I  am  again  for  CyJnus, 
To  meet  Mark  Antony  :  —  Sirrah,  Iras,  go.  — 
Now,  noble  Cbarmian,  we'll  difpatch  indeed  : 
And,  when  thou  haft  done  this  chare,  I'll  give  thee  leave 
To  play  'till  dooms-day. —  Bring  cur  crown  and  all. 

[Exit  IRAS.  Charmian  falls  to  adjujl- 

ing  Cleopatra's  Drefs.  Noise  <within, 
Wherefore's  this  noise  ? 

**  abfurd 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  1 1 7 

Enter  one  of  the  Guard. 
Qua.   Here  is  a  rural  fellow, 
That  will  not  be  deny'd  your  highnefs'  presence  ; 
He  brings  you  figs.  [inftrument 

CLE.  Let  him  come  in.  [Exit  Guard,]  How  poor  an 
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-conftant :  now  the  fleeting  moon 
No  planet  is  of  mine. 

Re-enter  Guard,  nvitb  a  Clown. 
Gua.    This  is  the  man. 

CLE.  Avoid,  and  leave  him.  [Exit  Guard. 

Haft  thou  the  pretty  worm  of  Nilus  there, 
That  kills  and  pains  not? 

do.  Truly,  I  have  him  :  but  1  would  not  be  the 
party  that' ihculd  desire  you  to  touch  him,  for  his  biting 
is  immortal ;  those,  that  do  dye  of  it,  do  feldom  or  never 
recover. 

CLE.  Remember'ft  thou  any  that  have  dy'd  on't? 
Clo.  Very  many,  men  and  women  too.  I  heard  of 
one  of  them  no  longer  than  yefterday :  a  very  honeft 
woman ;  but  fomething  given  to  lye ;  as  a  woman  mould 
not  do,  but  in  the  way  of  honefty  :  how  (he  dy'd  of  the 
biting  of  it,  what  pain  (he  felt, — Truly,  fhe  makes  a 
very  good  report  o'  the  worm  :  But  he  that  will  be- 
lieve all  that  they  fay,  fhall  never  be  faved  by  half  that 
they  do:  But  this  is  moft  fallible,  the  worm's  an  odd 
worm. 

CLE.  Get  thee  hence;  farewel.  [Baftet. 

Clo .     T  wifli  you  all  joy  cf  the  worm,  [fettrngc/otvnbit 
CL  £ .   Farewel, 

O    2 


1 1 8.  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

do.  You  muft  think  this,  look  you,  that  the  worm 
will  do  his  kind. 

Ciz.  Ay,  ay;  farewel. 

Clo.  Look  you,  the  worm  is  not  to  be  trufted,  but 
in  the  keeping  of  wise  people  ;  for,  indeed,  there  is  no 
goodnefs  in  the  worm. 

CLE.  Take  thou  no  care ;  it  fhall  be  heeded. 

Clo.  Very  good  :  give  it  nothing,  I  pray  you,  for  it 
is  not  worth  the  feeding. 

CLE.  Will  it  eat  me? 

Clo.  You  muft  not  think  I  am  fo  fimple,  but  I  know 
the  devil  himfelf  will  not  eat  a  woman  :  I  know,  that 
a  woman  is  a  difh  for  the  gods,  if  the  devil  diefs  her 
not.  But,  truly,  these  fame  whorefon  devils  do  the  gods 
great  harm  in  their  women ;  for  in  every  ten  that  they 
make,  the  devils  mar  five. 

CIE.  Well,  get  thee  gone;  farewel. 

Clo.     Yes,  forfooth  :  I  wilh  you  joy  of  the  worm.  [Exit, 
Re-enter  IRAS,  with  Robe,  Sec. 

CIE.  Give  me  my  robe,  put  on  my  crown  ;  I  have 
Immortal  longings  in  me :  Now  no  more 
The  juice  of  Egypt's  grape  (hall  moift  this  lip  :_ 
Yare,  yare,  good  Iras;  quick — Methinks,  I  hear 
dittany  call  ;  I  fee  him  rouse  himfelf 
To  praise  my  noble  aft  ;  I  hear  him  mock 
The  luck  of  Cursor,  which  the  gods  give  men 
To  excuse  their  after  wrath  :  Husband,  I  come : 

[Goes  to  a  Bed,  or  Sopha,  which  jhe  aj'cends ;  her 
Women  compose  her  on  it :  Irzsjets  the  Bajket,  which 
Jhe  has  been  holding  upon  her  own  Arm,  fy  her. 
Now  to  that  name  my  courage  prove  my  title  ! 
I  am  fire,  and  air;  my  other  elements 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  1 19 

I  give  to  bafer  life.  _  So,  have  you  done  ? 
Come  then,  and  take  the  laft  warmth  of  my  lips. 
Farewel,  kind  Cbarmian',-.Iras,  long  farewel. 

\kijfing  them. 

Have  I  the  afpick  in  my  lips  ?  Doft  fall  ? 
If  thou  and  nature  can  fo  gently  part, 
The  ftroke  of  death  is  as  a  lover's  pinch, 
Which  hurts,  and  is  desir'd.    Doft  thou  lye  ftill? 
If  thus  thou  vanifticft,  thou  tell'ft  the  world 
It  is  not  worth  leave-taking. 

CHA.  Dissolve,  thick  cloud,  and  rain;  that  I  may  fay, 
The  gods  themfelves  do  weep  ! 

CLE.  This  proves  me  bafe  : 
If  fhe  firft  meet  the  curled  Antony, 
He'll  make  demand  of  her  ;  and  fpend  that  kifs, 
Which  is  my  heaven  to  have —  Come,  mortal  wretch, 
\to  the  Aj'p ;  applying  it  to  her  Breaft* 
With  thy  iharp  teeth  this  knot  intrinficate 
Of  life  at  once  untye  :  poor  venomous  fool,     [Jiirring  it, 
Be  angry,  and  difpatch.    O,  could'ft  thou  fpeak! 
That  I  might  hear  thee  call  great  Caesar,  ais, 
Unpolicy'd! 

CHA.  Q  eaftern  ftaH 

CLE.  Peace,  peace  : 
Doft  thou  not  fee  my  baby  at  my  breaft, 
That  fucks  the  nurfe  afleep  ? 

CHA.  O,  break  !  o,  break  ! 

CLE.  As  fweet  as  balm,  as  foft  as  air,  as  gentle  — 
O  Antony  !  _  Nay,  I  will  take  thee  too  :  _ 

\_applying  another  Afp  to  her  Arm. 
Whit  (hould  I  ftay—  [dies. 

CHA.  In  this  vile  world  ?  _  So,  fare  thee  well.— 

16  Cpme  thou  mortal     3*  this  wilde  World 


1 20  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

Now  boaft  thee,  death  ;  in  thy  posseflion  lyes 
A  lafs  unparallePd._ Downy  windows,  close; 
And  golden  Phcebut  never  be  beheld 
Of  eyes  again  fo  royal !  Your  crown's  awry  ; 
I'll  mend  it,  and  then  play. 

Enter  Jome  of  the  Guard. 

i .  G.  Where  is  the  queen  ? 

CHA.  Speak  foftly,  wake  her  not. 

I .  G.  Ctzsar  hath  fent  — 

CHA.  Too  flow  a  meflenger —         [applying  the  Afp. 
O,  come,  apace,  difpatch  ;  I  partly  feel  thee. 

1.  G.  Approach,  ho!  All's  not  well :  Cesar's  beguil'd. 

2.  G.  There's  Dolabella,  fent  from  C<xsar;  call  him. 
c.  G.  What  workis  here  l—Cbarmian,  is  this  well  done? 
CHA.  It  is  well  done,  and  fitting  for  a  princefs 

Defcended  of  fo  many  royal  kings. 
Ah,  foldier!    '  \dies. 

Enter  DOLABELLA. 

Dot,  How  goes  it  here  ? 

2.  G.  All  dead. 

Dot.  Cfgsar,  thy  thoughts 
Touch  their  effe&s  in  this :  Thyfelf  art  coming 
To  fee  perform'd  the  dreaded  a&,  which  thou 
So  fought'ft  to  hinder. 

within.  A  way  there,  way  for  Ceesar  ! 
Enter  C  ft.  s  A  R ,  and  Train. 

DOL.  O,  fir,  you  are  too  fure  an  augurer; 
That  you  did  fear,  is  done. 

CMS.  Brav'ft  at  the  laft  : 
She  level'd  at  our  purposes,  and,  being  royal, 

Took  her  own  way The  manner  of  their  deaths  ? 

I  do  not  fee  them  bleed. 

*  Crowncs  awSy,     **  there,  a  way 


Antony  and  Cleopatra.  121 

Dot.  Who  was  laft  with  them  ? 

i.  G.  A  fimple  countryman,  that  brought  her  figs; 
This  "|~  was  his  baflcet. 

C^s.  Poison'd  then. 

1.  G.   OC<esar, 

This  Charmian  liv'd  but  now  ;  fhe  flood,  and  fpake  : 
I  found  her  trimming  up  the  diadem 
.On  her  dead  miftrefs ;  tremblingly  fhe  ftood, 
And  on  the  fudden  drop'd. 

C^s.  O  noble  weaknefs !_ 
If  they  had  fwallow'd  poison,  'twould  appear 
By  external  fwelling  :  but  me  looks  like  fleep, 
As  fhe  would  catch  another  Antony 
In  her  ftrong  toil  of  grace. 

DOL.  Here,  on  her  breaft, 

There  is  a  vent  of  blood,  and  fomething  blown  : 
The  like  is  on  her  arm. 

i .  G.  This  is  an  afpick's  trail ;   [pointing  to  the  Floor. 
And  these  fig-leaves  have  flime  upon  them,  fuch 
As  the  afpick  leaves  upon  the  caves  of  Nile. 

CJES.  Moft  probable, 

That  fo  fhe  dy'd  :  for  her  physician  tells  me, 
She  hath  purfu'd  conclusions  infinite 
Of  easy  ways  to  dye —  Take  up  her  bed  ; 

And  bear  her  women  from  the  monument : 

She  {hall  be  bury'd  by  her  Antony  : 
No  grave  upon  the  earth  fhall  clip  in  it 
A  pair  fo  famous.    High  events  as  these 
Strike  those  that  make  them  :  and  their  ftory  is 
No  lefs  in  pity,  than  his  glory,  which 
Brought  them  to  be  lamented.    Our  army  fhall, 
In  folemn  fhew,  attend  this  funeral ; 


i  zz  Antony  and  Cleopatra. 

And  then  to  Rome.  — Come,  Dolabella,  fee 

High  order  in  this  great  folemnity.  [Exeunt. 


T  I  M  O  N 


ATHENS. 


Per/otts  represented. 

Timon,  a  noble  Athenian  : 
Ventidius,  one  of  bis  falfe  Friends. 
Lucullus,  Lucius,  Sempronius,  and  four 
Others  ;  Lords,  and  Flatterers  of  Timon. 
Alcibiades,  an  Athenian  General. 
Apemantus,  a  cburlijh  Philofophsr. 
Flavius,  Steward  to  Timon  : 
Lucilius,  Flaminius,  Servilius,  and 
four  Others,  Servants  of  the  fame. 
Caphis,  Varro,  Ifidore,  ?  5    - 

fecond  Varro,  Titus,  Hortenfius,  >  rp-        ,    ~     ,.. 
T      •  /ni-'i  i  Timon  s  Lr editors* 

Lucius,  «WPhilotus,  j 

Senators,  eight ;  ftr anger  Gentlemen,  three ;  Thieves,  three. 
Poet,  Painter,  Je<vueUcr,  Merchant, 
Fool,  Page,  MeJ/inger,  and  Soldier. 
Servant  to  Ventidius.  Servant  to  Lucullus. 
an  old  Athenian.  Per/on  presenting  Cupid. 


Divers  other  Senators,  Lords,  Officers,  Soldiers, 
and  Ladies  in  the  Mafque, 

Scene,  Athens,  and  Woods  adjoining. 


TIMON  ^/ATHENS. 


i. 

SCENE  L  Athens.    A  Hall  in  Timon'j  Houfe. 

Enter,  at  federal  Doors,  Poet,  Painter,  Jeweller, 

Merchant,  and  divers  Others. 

Poe.    Good  day,  COOtl  tiap,  fir. 

Pai.    I  am  glad  you  are  well. 

Pee.    I  have  not  feen  you  long ;  How  goes  the  world  ? 

Pai.    It  wears,  fir,  as  it  grows. 

Poe.    Ay,  that's  well  known  : 
But  what  particular  rarity  ?  what  flrange, 
Which  manifold  record  not  matches  ?  See  ! 
Magick  of  bounty,  all  these  fpirits  thy  power 
Hath  conjur'd  to  attend.    I  know  the  merchant. 

Pai.   I  know  them  both  ;  th'  other's  a  jeweller. 

Mer.  O,  'tis  a  worthy  lord. 

Jew.  Nay,  that's  moft  fixt. 

Mer.  A  moft  incomparable ;  breath'd,  as  it  were, 
To  an  untirable  and  continuate  goodnefs  : 
He  paffes. 

Jew.  I  have  a  jewel  ~J"  here  : 

*3  incomparable  man,  breath'd 


4  Timon  of  Athens. 

Mer.    O,  pray,  let's  fee't:  For  the  lord  Timon,  fir? 

Jew.  If  he  will  touch  the  eltimate  ;  But,  for  that,  ~~ 

Poe.     When  ivefor  recompence  have  praifd  the  vile, 
It  ftains  the  glory  in  that  happy  <ver_,'e 
Which  aptly  fings  the  good.  [repeating  to  himfelf. 

Mer.    'Tis  a  good  form.  [looking  on  the  Jewel. 

Jew.  And  rich:  here  is  a  water,  look  you. 

Pai.    You  are  rapt,  fir,  in  fome  work,  fome  dedication 
To  the  great  lord. 

Poe.     A  thing  flipt  idly  from  me. 
Our  poefy  is  as  a  gum,  which  iffues 
From  whence  'tis  nourifhed:  The  fire  i'the  flint 
Shews  not,  'till  it  be  ftrook  ;  our  gentle  flame 
Provokes  itfelf,  and,  like  the  current,  flies 
Each  bound  it  chafes.    What  have  you  ~j~  there  ? 

Pai.    A  pidlure,  fir. 
SnU  when  comes  your  book  forth  ? 

Poe.    Upon  the  heels 
Of  my  presentment,  fir.    Let's  fee  your  piece. 

Pai.    'Tis  a  good  piece. 

Poe.     So  'tis :  this  comes  off  well  and  excellent. 

Pai.    Indifferent. 

Poe.    Admirable :  How  this  grace 
Speaks  his  own  ftanding  ?  what  a  mental  power 
This  eye  fhoots  forth  ?  how  big  imagination 
Moves  in  this  lip  ?  to  the  dumbnefs  of  the  geilure 
One  might  interpret. 

Pai.    It  is  a  pretty  mocking  of  the  life. 
Here  is  a  touch  ;  Is't  good  ? 

Poe.     I  will  fay  of  it, 
It  tutors  nature  :  artificial  ftrife 
Lives  in  these  touches,  livelier  than  life. 

1 »  a  Gowne,  which  ufes     '  s  chafes 


Timon  of  Athens.  j 

Enter  certain  Senators,  and  pafs  over. 

Pal.  How  this  lord  is  follow'd ! 

Poe.    The  fenators  of  Athens  ;  —  Happy  man  ! 

Pat.   Look,  more. 

Poe.   You  fee  this  confluence,  thisgreatfloodofvisitors. 
I  have,  in  this  ~j~  rough  work,  lhap'd  out  a  man, 
Whom  this  beneath  world  doth  embrace  and  hug 
With  ampleil  entertainment :  My  free  drift 
Halts  not  particularly,  but  moves  itfelf 
In  a  wide  fea  of  wax :  no  level'd  malice 
Infeds  one  comma  in  the  courfe  I  hold ; 
But  flies  an  eagle  flight,  bold,  and  forth  on, 
Leaving  no  trad  behind. 

Pai.  How  fhall  I  underfland  you  ? 

Poe.   I'll  unbolt  to  you. 
You  fee,  how  all  conditions,  how  all  minds, 
(As  well  of  glib  and  flippery  creatures,  as 
Of  grave  and  auftere  quality)  tender  down 
Their  fervices  to  lord  Timon  :  his  large  fortune, 
Upon  his  good  and  gracious  nature  hanging, 
Subdues  and  properties  to  his  love  and  tendance 
All  forts  of  hearts;  yea,  from  the  glafs-fac'd  flatterer 
To  dpemantus,  that  few  things  loves  better 
Than  to  abhor  himfelf ;  even  he  drops  down 
The  knee  before  him,  and  returns  in  peace 
Mo  ft  rich  in  Timon 's  nod. 

Pai.  I  faw  them  fpeak  together. 

Poe.   Sir,  I  have  upon  a  high  and  pleasant  hill 
Feign'd  fortune  to  be  thron'd  :  The  bafe  o'the  mount 
Is  rank'd  with  all  deserts,  all  kind  of  natures, 
That  labour  on  the  bosom  of  this  fphere 
To  propagate  their  Hates :  amongft  them  all, 


6  Timoncf  Athens. 

Whose  eyes  are  on  this  fovereign  lady  fixt, 
One  do  I  perfonate  of  lord  Timon's  frame, 
Whom  fortune  with  her  ivory  hand  wafts  to  her  ; 
Whose  present  grace  to  present  (laves  and  fervants 
Tranflates  his  rivals. 

Pat.   'Tis  conceiv'd  to  fcope. 
This  throne,  this  fortune,  and  this  hill,  methinks, 
With  one  man  beckon'd  from  the  reft  below, 
Bowing  his  head  againft  the  fteepy  mount 
To  climb  his  happinefs,  would  be  well  expreft 
In  our  condition. 

Poe.    Nay,  fir,  but  hear  me  on  : 
All  those  which  were  his  fellows  but  of  late, 
'(Some  better  than  his  value)  on  the  moment 
Follow  his  ftrides,  his  lobbies  fill  with  tendance, 
Rain  facrificial  whifperings  in  his  ear, 
Make  facred  even  his  ftirrop,  and  through  him 
Drink  the  free  air. 

Pat.   Ay,  marry,  what  of  these  ? 

Poe.    When  fortune,  in  her  fhift  and  change  of  mood, 
Spurns  down  her  late  belov'd,  all  his  dependants, 
Which  labour'd  after  him  to  the  mountain's  top, 
Even  on  their  knees  and  hands,  let  him  flip  down, 
Not  one  accompanying  his  declining  foot. 

Pai.   'Tis  common : 
A  thousand  moral  paintings  I  can  (hew, 
That  lhall  demonftrate  these  quick  blows  of  fortune 
More  pregnantly  than  words.     Yet  you  do  well, 
To  ftiew  lord  Timon,  that  mean  eyes  have  feen 
The  foot  above  the  head. 

Fkurljb.  Enter  TIMON,  attended;  Servant  of 
Ventidius  talking  <witb  him. 

*3  fit  dcwne 


Timon  c^  Athens.  7 

TIM .  Imprison'd  is  he,  fay  you  ? 

Ser.    Ay,  my  good  lord  :  five  talents  is  his  debt; 
His  means  moft  fhort,  his  creditors  moft  ftrait : 
Your  honourable  letter  he  desires 
To  those  have  (hut  him  up ;  which  failing  him, 
Periods  his  comfort. 

TIM.  Noble  Ventidius  !  Well ; 
1  am  not  of  that  feather,  to  fhake  off 
My  friend  when  he  muft  need  me.    I  do  know  him 
A  gentleman,  that  well  deserves  a  help, 
Which  he  mall  have  :  _  I'll  pay  the  debt,  and  free  him. 

Ser.    Your  lordfhip  ever  binds  him. 

TIM.  Commend  me  to  him  :  I  will  fend  his  ranfom  ; 

And,  being  enfranchiz'd,  bid  him  come  to  me  : 

'Tis  not  enough  to  help  the  feeble  up, 
But  to  fupport  him  after Fare  you  well. 

Ser.    All  happinefs  to  your  honour  !  [Exit. 

Enter  an  old  Athenian. 

o.  A.  Lord  Timon,  hear  me  fpeak. 

TIM.  Freely,  good  father. 

o.  A.  Thou  hail  a  fervant  nam'd  Lucilius. 

TIM.  I  have  fo  :  What  of  him  ? 

o.  A.  Moft  noble  Timon,  call  the  man  before  tliee. 

TIM.  Attends  he  here,  or  no  ?  _  Lucilius  ! 
Enter  LUCILIUS. 

Luc.  Here,  at  your  lordfhip's  fervice. 

o.  A.  This  fellow  here,  lord  Timon,  this  thy  creature, 
By  night  frequents  my  houfe.    I  am  a  man 
That  from  my  firft  have  been  inclin'd  to  thrift; 
And  my  eftate  deserves  an  heir  more  rais'd, 
Than  one  which  holds  a  trencher. 

TIM.  Well ;  what  further  ? 

*  failing  to  him 


8  Timon  of  Athens. 

o.  A.  One  only  daughter  have  I,  no  kin  elfe, 
On  whom  I  may  confer  what  I  have  got : 
The  maid  is  fair,  o'the  youngeft  for  a  bride, 
And  1  have  bred  her  at  my  deareft  coft 
In  qualities  of  the  beft.   This  man  of  thine 
Attempts  her  love  :  I  pr'ythee,  noble  lord, 
Join  with  me  to  forbid  him  her  resort ; 
Myfelf  have  fpoke  in  vain. 

TIM .  The  man  is  honeft. 

o.  A.  Therefore  he  will  be,  Timon  : 
His  honefty  rewards  him  in  itfelf, 
It  muft  not  bear  my  daughter. 

TIM.  Does  (he  love  him  ? 

o.  A.  She  is  young,  and  apt : 
Our  own  precedent  paffions  do  inftru£l  us 
What  levity's  in  youth. 

TIM.  Love  you  the  maid  ? 

Luc.  Ay,  my  good  lord,  and  me  accepts  of  it. 

o.  A.  If  in  her  marriage  my  confent  be  miffing, 
I  call  the  gods  to  witnefs,  I  will  choose 
Mine  heir  from  forth  the  beggars  of  the  world, 
And  difpossefs  her  all. 

TIM.  How  mall  flie  be  endow'd, 
If  me  be  mated  with  an  equal  husband? 

o.  A.  Three  talents,  on  the  present ;  in  future,  all. 

TIM.  This  gentleman  of  mine  hath  ferv'd  me  long; 
To  build  his  fortune,  I  will  ftrain  a  little, 
For  'tis  a  bond  in  men.    Give  him  thy  daughter : 
What  you  beftow,  in  him  I'll  counterpoise, 
And  make  him  weigh  with  her. 

o.  A.  Moft  noble  lord, 
Pawn  me  to  this  your  honour,  fhe  is  his. 


Timon  of  Athens.  9 

Tt:.i.  Myhand~f  tothee;  mine  honour  on  my  promise. 

Luc.  Humbly  I  thank  your  lordfhip  :  Never  may 
That  Hate  or  fortune  fall  into  my  keeping, 
Which  is  not  ow'd  to  you. 

[Exeunt  LUCILIUS,  and  old  Athenian. 

Toe.   Vouchfafe  my  =p  labour,  and  long  live  your  lord- 
fhip. [  presenting  his  Poem. 

TIM.  I  thank  you  ;  you  fhall  hear  from  me  anon  : 
Go  not  away.  _  What  have  you  there,  my  friend  ? 

Pai.    A  piece  of  painting  ;  which  I  do  befeech 
Your  lordfhip  to  accept.  [presenting  it. 

TIM.  Painting  is  welcome. 
The  painting  is  almoft  the  natural  man  ; 
For  fince  difhonour  trafh'cks  with  man's  nature, 
He  is  but  outfide :  these  pencil'd  figures  are 
Even  fuch  as  they  give  out.    I  like  your  work  j 
And  you  fhall  find,  I  like  it :  wait  attendance 
'Till  you  hear  further  from  me. 

Pai.    The  gods  preserve  you  ! 

TIM.  Well  fare  you,  gentleman  :  give  me  your  hand; 

[to  the  Merchant. 

We  muft  needs  dine  together.  _  Sir,  your  jewel 
Hath  fuffer'd  under  praise. 

Jew.  What,  my  lord  ?  difpraise  ? 

TIM.  A  meer  fatiety  of  commendations. 
If  I  mould  pay  you  for't  as  'tis  extol'd, 
It  would  uncle w  me  quite. 

Jew.  My  lord,  'tis  rated 

As  those,  which  fell,  would  give :  But  you  well  know, 
Things  of  like  value,  differing  in  the  owners, 
Are  prized  by  their  matters  :  believe't,  dear  lord, 
You  mend  the  jewel  by  the  wearing  it. 

v    VOL.  VIII.  P 


io  Timon  of  Athens. 

TIM.  Well  mock'd. 

Mer.  No,  my  good  lord ;  hefpeaks  the  common  tongue, 
Which  all  men  {peak  with  him. 

Eater  APEMANTUS. 

TIM.  Look,  who  comes  here  : 
Will  you  be  chid  ? 

Jew.  We'll  bear  it  with  your  lordfhip. 

Mer.    He'll  fpare  none. 

TIM.  Good  morrow  to  thee,  gentle  Apemantus. 

APE.  'Till  I  be  gentle,  flay  thou  for  thy  good  morrow. 

££er,  CSlfjcntotH  tj;at  be?  [honeft. 

3pe,    When  thou  art  Timers  dog,  and  these  knaves 

TIM.  Why  doft  thou  call  them  knaves  ?  thou  know'ft 

APE.  Are  they  not  Athenians?  [them  not. 

TIM.  Yes. 

APE.  Then  I  repent  not. 

Jew.  You  know  me,  Apemantus. 

APE.  Thou  know'ft,  I  do  ;  I  call'd  thee  by  thy  name. 

TIM.  Thou  art  proud,  Apemantus. 

APE.  Of  nothing  fo  much,  as  that  lam  not  like  Timon. 

TIM.  Whither  art  going  ? 

APE.  To  knock  out  an  honeft  Athenian 's  brains. 

TIM.  That's  a  deed  thou'lt  dye  for. 

APE.  Right,  if  doing  nothing  be  death  by  the  law. 

TIM.  How  lik'ft  thou  this  ~|~  pifture,  Apemantus? 

>APE.  The  beft,  for  the  innocence. 

TIM.  Wrought  he  not  well,  that  painted  it  ? 

APE.  He  wrought  better,  that  made  the  painter;  and 
yet  he's  but  a  filthy  piece  of  work. 

Pai.    You're  a  dog. 

APE.  Thy  mother's  of  my  generation  ;  What's  me,  if 
I  be  a  dog  ? 


Timon  of  Athens.  II 

TIM.  Wilt  dine  with  me,  Apemantus? 

APE,  No;  I  eat  not  lords. 

TIM.  An  thou  fhould'ft,  thou'dft  anger  ladies. 

APE  .  O,  they  eat  lords ;  fo  they  come  by  great  bellies. 

TIM .  That's  a  lafcivious  apprehenfion. 

APE.  So  thou  apprehend'ft  it ;  take  it  for  thy  labour. 

TIM.  How  doft  thou  like  this  ~f~  jewel,  Apemantus  ? 

APE.  Notfo  well  as  plain-dealing,  which  will  not  coft 
a  man  a  doit. 

TIM.  What  doft  thou  think  'tis  wcrth  ? 

APE.  Not  worth  my  thinking.  — How  now,  Poet? 

Foe.     How  now,  philofopher? 

APE.  Thouly'ft. 

Foe.     Art  not  one  ? 

APE.  Yes. 

Foe.    Then  I  lye  not. 

APE.  Art  not  a  poet? 

Foe.    Yes. 

APE.  Then  thou  ly'ft :  look  in  thy  laft  work,  where 
thou  haft  feign'd  him  a  worthy  fellow. 

Foe.     That's  not  feign'd,  he  is  fo. 

AfE-.  Yes,  he  is  worthy  of  thee,  and  to  pay  thee  for 
thy  labour:  He,  that  loves  to  be  flatter'd,  is  worthy  o'the 
flatterer.  Heavens,  that  I  were  a  lord ! 

TIM .  What  would'ft  do  then,  Apemantus  ? 

APE.  E'en  as  Apemantus  does  now,  hate  a  lord  with 
my  heart. 

TIM.  What,  thyfelf  ? 

APE.  Ay. 

TIM.  Wherefore? 

APE.  That  I  had  fo  hungry  a  wit,  to  be  a  lord. —  Art 
not  thou  a  merchant? 

*  caft     3 «  had  no  angry  wit 


12  Timon  o/'' Athens. 

Mer.    Ay,  Apemantus. 

APE.  Traffick  confound  thee,  if  the  gods  will  not  f 

Mer.    If  traffick  do  it,  the  gods  do  it. 

APE.  Traffick's  thy  god,  and  thy  god  confound  thee  ! 
Trumpet.  Enter  a  Servant. 

TIM.  What  trumpet's  that  ? 

Ser.     'Tis  Alcibiades,  and  fome  twenty  horfe, 
All  of  companionfhip. 

TIM.  Pray,  entertain  them ;  give  them  guide  to  us._ 
[  Exeunt  fome  Attendants. 

You  muft  needs  dine  with  me  :  _Go  not  you  hence, 
'Till  I  have  thank'd  you  ;  and,  when  dinner's  done, 

Shew  me  this  piece I  am  joyful  of  your  fights. — 

Enter  ALCIBIADES,  and  hit  Company. 
Moil  welcome,  fir.  [they  falute. 

APE.  So,  fo;  there  !_ 

Aches  contraft  and  ftarve  your  fupple  joints !  _ 
That  there  mould  be  fmalllove'mongft  these  fweet  knaves, 
And  all  this  courtefy !  The  ftrain  of  man's  bred  out 
Into  baboon  and  monkey. 

ALC.  Sir,  you  have  fav'd  my  longing,  and  I  feed 
Moft  hungerly  on  your  fight. 

TIM.  Right  welcome,  fir  : 
Ere  we  depart,  we'll  (hare  a  bounteous  time 
In  different  pleasures.  Pray  you,  let  us  in. 

[Exeunt  All  but  Apemantus. 
Enter  t<wo  Lords. 

I .  L.  What  time  of  day  is't,  dpemantui  ? 

APE.  Time  to  be  honeft. 

1.  L.  That  time  ferves  ftill. 

APE.  The  moft  accurfed  thou,  that  ftill  omit'ft  it. 

2.  L.  Thou  art  going  to  lord  ffmttit  feaft  ? 

16  So,  fo;  their  Aches     I8  amongeft 


Timon  of  Athens.  13 

.  Ay;  to  fee  meat  fill  knaves,  and  wine  heat  fools. 
2.  L.  Fare  thee  well,  fare  thee  well. 
APE.  Thou  art  a  fool,  to  bid  me  farewel  twice. 
2.  L.   Why,  Apemantus  ? 

APE.  Should'ft  have  kept  one  to  thyfelf,  for  I  mean 
to  give  thee  none. 

1 .  L.  Hang  thyfelf. 

APE.  No,  I  will  do  nothing  at  thy  bidding:  make  thy 
requefts  to  thy  friend. 

2.  L.  Away,  unpeaceable  dog,  or  I'll  fpurn  thee  hence. 
APE.  I  will  fly,  like  a  dog,  the  heels  o'the  afs. 

[Exit  APEMANTUS, 

1.  L.  He's  opposite  to  humanity.  Come,  fhall  we  in, 
And  tafte  lord  Timon's  bounty  ?  he  out-goes 

The  very  heart  of  kindnefs. 

2.  L.  He  pours  it  out;  Plutus,  the  god  of  gold, 
Is  but  his  fteward  :  no  meed,  but  he  repays 
Sevenfold  above  itfelf ;  no  gift  to  him, 

But  breeds  the  giver  a  return  exceeding 
All  ufe  of  quittance. 

\.  L.  The  nobleft  mind  he  carries, 
That  ever  goyern'd  man. 

2.  L.  Long  may  he  live 
In  fortunes !  Shall  we  in  ? 

I.  L»  I'll  keep  you  company.  \Exeuni. 

SCENE   II.    The  fame.    A  State- Room  in  the  fame. 

Mustek.   A  great  "Banquet  fer^d  in  ;  Flavius,  and  other 

Dwnefticks, "waiting.  Flourijh,  andEnterTiMOX,  attended; 

ALCIBIADES,  VENTIDIUS,  Senators,  Lords,  &c: 

then   comes    dropping  in  after  all, 

APEMANTUS  discontentedly. 


14  Timon  of  Athens. 

Vzn.  Moft  honour'd  Timon, 
'T  hath  pleas'd  the  gods  in  &iitl)ncf0  to  remember 
My  father's  age,  and  call  him  to  long  peace. 
He  is  gone  happy,  and  has  left  me  rich  : 
Then,  as  in  grateful  virtue  I  am  hound 
To  your  free  heart,  I  do  return  those  ~|~  talents, 
Doubl'd,  with  thanks,  and  fervice,  from  whose  help 
I  deriv'd  liberty. 

TIM.  O,  by  no  means, 
Honeft  Pentia'ius  :  you  miflake  my  love  ; 
I  gave  it  freely  ever ;  and  there's  none 
Can  truly  fay,  he  gives,  if  he  receives  : 
If  our  betters  play  at  that  game,  we  muft  not  dare 
To  imitate  them  ;  Faults,  that  are  rich,  are  fair. 

VEK,  A  noble  fpirit. 

TJM.   Nay,  my  lords,  ceremony 

[inviting  them  to  Jit  to  Table. 
Was  but  devis'd  at  firft 

To  fet  a  glofs  on  faint  deeds,  hollow  welcomes, 
Recanting  goodnefs,  forry  ere  'tis  fhown ; 
But  where  there  is  true  friendfhip,  there  needs  none. 
Pray,  fit ;  more  welcome  are  ye  to  my  fortunes, 
Than  they  to  me.  [they  Jit. 

I.  L.  My  lord,  we  always  have  confeft  it. 

JPE.  Ho,  ho,  confeft  it?  hang'd  it,  have  you  not? 

TIM.  O,  dpemantus!  —  you  are  welcome. 

j4pz.  No  ; 

You  mall  not  make  me  welcome  : 
I  come  to  have  thee  thruft  me  out  of  doors. 

TIM.  Fie,  thou'rtachurl;  you  have  gotahumourthere 

Does  not  become  a  man,  'tis  much  to  blame: 

They  fay,  my  lords,  t£at  ira  furor  lrc<vis  eft, 

*3  Then  my  Fortunes  to 


Timon  ^Athens.  15 

But  yondtr  man  is  ever  angry.  _ 

Go,  let  him  have  a  table  by  himfelf ;  [to  Alt. 

For  he  does  neither  affeft  company, 

Nor  is  he  fit  for  it,  indeed. 

APE.  Do,  let  me  ftay  at  thine  own  peril,  Timon  ; 
I  come  to  observe,  I  give  thee  warning  on't. 

T'IM.  I  take  no  heed  of  thee  ;  thou'rt  an  Athenian, 
9riD  therefore  welcome :  I  myfelf  would  have 
No  power,  but,  pr'ythee,  let  my  meat  make  thee  filent. 

APE .  I  fcorn  thy  meat;  'twould  choak  me,  for  I  fhould 

Ne'er  flatter  thee O  you  gods,  what  a  number 

Of  men  eat  Timon,  and  he  fees  'em  not ! 

T  grieves  me,  to  fee  fo  many  dip  their  meat 

In  one  man's  blood ;  and  all  the  madnefs  is, 

He  cheers  them  up  too. 

I  vv.or.der,  men  dare  truft  themfelves  with  men  : 

Methinks,  they  fhould  invite  them  without  knives ; 

Good  for  their  meat,  and  fafer  for  their  lives. 

There's  much  example  for't ;  the  fellow,  that 

Sits  next  him  now,  parts  bread  with  him,  antJ  pledges 

The  breath  of  him  in  a  divided  draught, 

Is  die  readieft  man  to  kill  him  :  't  has  been  prov'd. 

If  I  were  a  huge  man  noto,  I  fhould  fear 

To  drink  at  meals  ; 

Left  they  mould  fpy  my  wind-pipe's  dangerous  notes  : 

Great  men  fhould  drink  with  harnefs  on  their  throats. 

TIM.  My  lord,  in  heart;  and  let  the  health  go  round. 
[to  a  Lord,  who  drinks  to  him. 

2.  L.  Let  it  flow  this  way,  my  good  lord. 

APE.  Flow  this  way! 

A  moil  brave  fellow!  he  keeps  his  tides  well.  Timon, 
Those  healths  will  make  thee,  and  thy  ftate,  look  ill. 

s  thine  apperill     '  *  eats     '  *  there  meate 


16  Timon  of  Athens. 

Here's  ~j~  that,  which  is  too  weak  to  be  a  fmner, 
Honeft  water,  which  ne'er  left  man  i'the  mire  : 
This,  and  my  food,  are  equals  ;  there's  no  odds. 
Feafts  are  too  proud  to  give  thanks  to  the  gods. 

Immortal  gods,  I  crave  no  pelf;  [Grace. 

I  pray  for  no  man  but  myfelf : 

Grant  I  may  never  prove  fo  fond, 

To  truft  man  on  his  oath,  or  bond  ; 

Or  a  harlot,  for  her  weeping  ; 

Or  a  dog,  that  feems  afleeping  ; 

Or  a  keeper  with  my  freedom  ; 

Or  my  friends,  if  I  ihould  need  'em. 

Amen.    So  fall  to't : 
Rich  men  fin,  and  I  eat  root. 
Much  good  dich  thy  good  heart,  Apemantut. 

[fa!h  to  bis  Dinner  apart. 

TIM.  Captain  Alcibiades,  your  heart's  in  the  field  now. 
Ate.  My  heart  is  ever  at  your  fervice,  my  lord. 
7>Af .  You  had  rather  be  at  a  breakfaft  of  enemies,  than 
a  dinner  of  friends. 

ALC.  So  they  were  bleeding  new,  my  lord,  there's 
no  meat  like  'em ;  I  could  wifti  my  beft  friend  at  fuch  a 
feaft. 

APE.  'Would  all  those  flatterers  were  thine  enemies 
then;  that  thou  might'ft  kill  'em,  and  bid  me  to  'em. 

i .  L.  Might  we  but  have  that  happinefs,  my  lord,  that 
you  would  once  use  our  hearts,  whereby  we  might  exprefs 
fome  part  of  our  zeals,  we  ihould  think  ourfelves  for  ever 
perfea. 

TIM.  O,  no  doubt,  my  good  friends,  but  the  gods 
themfelves  have  provided  that  I  mall  have  much  help 
from  you :  How  had  you  been  my  friends  elfe  ?  why 

*J  that  then  thou 


Timon  of  Athens.  17 

have  you  that  charitable  title  from  thousands,  did  not 
you  chiefly  belong  to  my  heart  ?  I  have  told  more  of 
you  to  myfelf,  than  you  can  with  modefty  fpeak  in  your 
own  behalf;  and  thus  far  I  confirm  you.  O  you  gods, 
think  I,  what  need  we  have  any  friends,  if  we  mould 
ne'er  have  need  of  them  ?  they  were  the  moft  needlefs 
creatures  living,  mould  we  ne'er  have  ufe  for  them:  and 
would  moft  resemble  fweet  inftruments  hung  up  in  cafes, 
that  keep  their  founds  to  themfelves.  Why,  I  have  often 
wifh'd  myfelf  poorer,  that  I  might  come  nearer  to  you. 
We  are  born  to  do  benefits  :  And  what  better  or  pro- 
perercan  we  call  our  own,  than  the  riches  of  our  friends? 
O,  what  a  pretious  comfort  'tis,  to  have  fo  many,  like 
brothers,  commanding  one  another's  fortunes !  o  joy, 
e'en  made  away  ere 't  can  be  born !  Mine  eyes  cannot 
hold  out  water,  me  thinks :  to  forget  their  faults,  I  drink 
"j~  to  you. 

APE,  Thou  weep'ft  to  make  them  drink,  Timon. 

2.  L.  Joy  had  the  like  conception  in  our  eyes, 
And,  at  that  inftant,  like  a  babe  fprung  up. 

S/PE.  Ho,  ho  !  I  laugh  to  think  that  babe  a  baftard. 

3.  Z,.  1  promise  you,  my  lord,  you  mov'd  me  much. 
APE.  Much!  [Trumpet  within. 
TIM.  What  means  that  trump  ?__How  now  ? 

Enter  a  Servant. 

Ber.     Please  you,  my  lord,  there  are  certain  ladies  moft 
desirous  of  admittance. 

TIM.  Ladies?  what  are  their  wills  ? 
Ser.     There  comes  with  them  a  fore-runner,  my  lord, 
which  bears  that  office,  to  fignify  their  pleasures. 
TIM.  I  pray,  let  them  be  admitted. 
Enter  CUPID. 


icyes, 


1 8  Timon  of  Athens. 

CUT.  Hail  to  thee,  worthy  Timon; —  and  to  all 
That  of  his  bounties  tafte  !  _The  five  beft  fenfes 
Acknowledge  thee  their  patron;  and  are  come 
Freely  to  gratulate  thy  plenteous  bosom : 
The  ear,  tafte,  touch,  fmell,  pleas'd  from  thy  table  rise ; 
These  only  now  come  but  to  feaft  thine  eyes. 

TIM.  They're  welcome  all ;  let  them  have  kind  ad- 
mittance :  — 
Musick,  make  fcnoton  their  welcome.         [Exit  CUPID. 

i.  L.  You  fee,  my  lord,  how  ample  you're  belov'd. 
Mustek.  Re-enter  CUPID  'with  Mafque  of  Ladies,  dreft 
like  Amazons,  with  Lutes  in  their  Hands, 

dancing,  and  playing. 

APZ.  Hey-day  !  toljp,  what  a  fweep  of  vanity 
Comes  this  way !  9rttJ  they  dance!  they  are  madwomen, 
Likemadnefs  is  the  glory  of  this  life, 
As  this  pomp  mews  to  a  little  oil,  and  root. 
We  make  ourfelvcs  fools,  to  difport  ourfelves ; 
And  fpend  our  flatteries,  to  drink  those  men, 
Upon  whose  age  we  void  it  up  again, 
With  poisonous  fpite,  and  envy.  Who  lives,  that's  not 
Depraved,  or  depraves  ?  who  dies,  that  bears 
Not  one  fpurn  to  their  graves  of  their  friends'  gift  ? 
J  mould  fear,  those,  that  dance  before  me  now, 
Would  one  day  ftamp  upon  me  :  'T  has  been  done ; 
Men  fhut  their  doors  againft  a  fetting  fun. 

The  Lords  rise  from  Table,  with  much  adoring 
e/"Timon  ;  and,  tojke-u;  their  Loves,  each  Jingles  out 
an  Amazon,  and  all  dance,  Men  with  Women,  a 

lofty  Strain  or  t<wo  to  the  Hautboys,  and  ceafe. 
TIM.  You  have  done  our  pleasures  a  much  grace,  fair 
Set  a  fair  fafhion  on  our  entertainment,  [ladies, 

5  There  tafte,  touch  all,     6  They  onely     1O  Luc.  You  fee 


Timon  of  Athens.  19 

Which  was  not  half  fo  beautiful  and  kind; 
You  have  added  grace  unto't,  and  lively  luftre, 
And  entertain'd  me  with  mine  own  device ; 
I  am  to  thank  you  for't. 

i.  L.  My  lord,  you  take  us  even  at  the  beft. 
APE.  'Faith,  for  theworft  is  filthy;  and  would  not  hold 
Taking,  I  doubt  me. 

TIM.  Ladies,  there  is  tottlrin  an  idle  banquet 
Attends  you  ;  Please  you  to  difpose  yourfelves  ? 
Lad.    Moft  thankfully,  my  lord. 

[Exeunt  CUPID,  and  Ladies. 
TIM.  Flavius, — 
Sfe.     My  lord . 

TIM.  The  little  caflcet  bring  me  hither. 
Ste.     Yes,  my  lord — 

'  More  jewels !  There's  no  eroding  him  in  his  humour ; " 
'Elfe  1  ihould  tell  him,  — Well,  — i' faith,  I  mould,  " 
'When  all's  fpent,  he'd  be  croft  then,  an  he  could." 
*'Tis  pity,  bounty  had  not  eyes  behind;" 
'That  man  might  ne'er  be  wrenched  for  his  mind. " 

[Exit,  and  returns  <witb  the  Cajket. 

1.  L.  Where  be  our  men,  fjo? 
Ser.     Here,  my  lord,  in  readinefs. 

2.  L.  Our  horfes. 

TIM.  O  my  friends,  I  have  one  word 
To  fay  to  you :  _Look  you,  my  good  lord,  I  muft 
Jntreat  you,  honour  me  fo  much,  as  to 
Advance  this  ^  jewel ;  accept,  and  wear  it,  kind  my  lord. 

i.  L.  I  am  fo  far  already  in  your  gifts, — 

Lor.     So  are  we  all. 

Enter  a  Servant. 

Ser.     My  lord,  there  are  certain  nobles  of  the  fenate 

16  Jewels  yet? 


2O  Timon  ^"Athens. 

Newly  alighted,  and  come  to  visit  you. 
FIM.  They  are  fairly  welcome. 
Ste.      I  beleech  your  honour, 
Youchfafe  me  a  word  ;  it  does  concern  you  near. 

TIM .  $®t  near  ?  why,  then  another  time  I'll  hear  thee : 
I  pr'ythee,  let  us  be  provided  note 
To  mew  them  entertainment. 
Ste.     "  I  fcarce  know  how.  " 

Enter  a  Servant. 

Ser.     May  it  please  your  honour,  tlje  lord  Lucius, 
Out  of  his  free  love,  hath  presented  to  you 
Four  milk-white  horfes,  trapt  in  filver. 

I'IM.  I  mall  accept  them  fairly  :  let  the  presents 

Enter  another  Servant. 
Be  worthily  entertain'd — How  now?  what  news? 

Ser.     Please  you,  my  lord,  that  honourable  gentleman 
UTf)C  lord  Lucullus,  entreats  your  company 
To-morrow,  to  hunt  with  him  ;  and  has  fent  you 
Two  brace  of  grey-hounds. 

TIM .  I'll  hunt  with  him  ;  And  let  them  be  receiv'd, 
Not  without  fair  reward. 

Ste.     "  What  will  this  come  to  ?  " 
'He  f>ere  commands  us  to  provide,  and  give" 
'  Great  gifts,  and  all  out  of  an  empty  coffer :  " 
'  Nor  will  he  know  his  purfe ;  or  yield  me  this,  " 
'To  fhew  him  what  a  beggar  his  heart  is,  " 
'  Being  of  no  power  to  make  his  wifties  good  :  " 
'  His  promises  fly  fo  beyond  his  Hate, " 
'That  what  he  fpeaks  is  all  in  debt,  he  owes" 
'  For  every  word  ;  he  is  fo  kind,  that  he  now" 
'  Pays  intereft  for't ;  his  land's  put  to  their  books.  " 
*«  Well,  would  I  were  gently  put  out  of  ojfice, " 

1  *  fent  your  honour 


Timon  of  Athens.  21 

"  Before  I  were  forc'd  out !  " 

"  Happier  is  he  that  has  no  friends  to  feed, " 

"Than  fuch  that  do  e'en  enemies  exceed. " 

"  I  Bo  bleed  inwardly  for  my  lord."  {Exit. 

TIM.  You  doyourfelves  much  wrong,  you  bate  too  much 
Of  your  own  merits :_  My  lord,  a  trifle  =f=  of  our  love. 

z.  L.  With  more  than  common  thanks  I  will  receive  it. 

3.  Z,.  O,  he's  the  very  foul  of  bounty  ! 

TIM.  And  now 

I  lio  remember  m?,  my  lord,  you  gave 
Good  words  the  other  day  of  a  bay  courfer 
I  rode  on :  it  is  yours,  because  you  lik'd  it. 

i.  L.  O,  I  befeech  you,  pardon  me,  my  lord, 
In  that. 

TIM.  You  may  take  my  word,  my  lord  ;  I  know, 
No  man  can  juftly  praise,  but  what  he  does  affeft  :       j 
I  weigh  my  friend's  affeftion  with  mine  own ; 
I  tell  you  true.   I'll  call  on  yon. 

Lor.    O,  none  fo  welcome. 

TIM.  I  take  all  and  your  feveral  visitations 
So  kind  to  heart,  'tis  not  enough  to  give ; 
Methinks,  I  could  deal  kingdoms  to  my  friends, 

And  ne'er  be  weary .Alcibiades^ 

Thou  art  a  foldier,  therefore  feldom  rich, 
It  comes  in  charity  to  thee  :  for  all  thy  living 
Is  'mongft  the  dead  ;  and  all  the  lands  thou  haft 
Lye  in  a  pitcht  field. 

ALC.  I  defy  land,  my  lord. 

1 .  L.  We  are  fo  virtuoufly  bound,  •— 
TIM.  And  fo 

Am  I  to  you. 

2.  L.  So  infinite  endear'd, — 

6  merits.  Hsere  my     J8  Tie  tell — call  to  you 


22  Timbn  of  Athens. 

TIM.  All  to  you Lights,  more  lights. 

i.  L.  The  belt  of  happinefs, 
Honour,  and  fortunes,  keep  with  you,  lordTimonf 

TIM.  Ready  for  his  friends. 

{Exeunt  ALCIBIADES,  Lords,  Sec. 

APE  .  What  a  coil's  here ! 
Serring  of  becks,  and  jutting  out  of  bums ! 
I  doubt,  whether  their  legs  be  worth  the  fums 
That  are  given  for  'em.  Friendfhip's  full  of  dregs  : 
Methinks,  falfe  hearts  fhould  never  have  found  legs. 
Thus  honeft  fools  lay  out  their  wealth  on  court'fies. 

TIM .  Now,  Apemantust  if  thou  wert  not  fullen, 
I  would  be  good  to  thee. 

APE.  No,  I'll  nothing:  for, 
If  I  fhould  be  brib'd  too,  -there'd  be  none  left 
To  rail  upon  thee  ;  and  then  thou  would'fl  fin  the  falter. 
Thou  giv'ft  fo  long,  Timon,  I  fear  me,  thou 
Wilt  give  away  thyfelf  in  proper  fhortly  : 
What  need  these  feaits,  pomps,  and  vain-glories  ? 

TIM,  Nay, 

An  you  begin  to  rail  once  on  fociety, 
I  am  fvvorn,  not  to  give  regard  to  you. 
Farewel ;  and  come  with  better  musick.  [Exit. 

AP  £ . So ; 

Thou  wilt  not  hear  me  now,  —  thou  malt  not  then, 
I'll  lock  thy  heaven  from  thee.  O,  that  men's  ears  mould  be 
To  counfel  deaf,  but  not  to  flattery  !  [Exit. 

ACT    II. 

SCENE  I.    The  fame.    A  Room  in  a  Senator's  Houfe. 
Enter  Senator,  with  Papers  in  his  Hand, 

7  ferving     * !  paper    a  l  on  Societie  once 


Timori  of  Athens.  23 


Sea.      And  late,   five  thousand  ;  —  To  Farro,  and  to 
He  owes  nine  thousand  ;  —  befides  my  former  fum, 
Which  makes  it  five  and  twenty.  Still  in  motion 
Of  raging  wafte  ?  It  cannot  hold  ;  it  will  not. 
If  I  want  gold,  fteal  but  a  beggar's  dog, 
And  give  it  Timo?i,  why,  the  dog  coins  gold  : 
If  I  would  fell  my  horfe,  and  buy  ten  more 
Better  than  he,  why,  give  my  horfe  to  Timon, 
Aflc  nothing,  give  it  him,  it  foals  me  ftraight 
Ten  able  horfes  :  No  porter  at  his  gate  ; 
But  rather  one  that  fmiles,  and  ftill  invites 
All  that  pafs  by.  It  cannot  hold  ;  no  reason 
Can  found  his  ftate  on  fafety  —  Capbis,  ho  ! 
Caphis,  I  fay  ! 

Enter  CAPHIS. 

CAP.  Here,  fir;  What  is  your  pleasure  ? 

Sen.     Get  On  your  cloak,  and  hafle  you  to  lord  Timon  ; 
Importune  him  for  my  monies  :  be  not  ceaf  'd 
With  flight  denial  ;  nor  then  filenc'd,  when  — 
Commend  me  to  your  majler  —  and  the  cap 
Plays  in  the  right  hand,  ~\  thus:  but  tell  him,  firrah, 
My  ufes  cry  to  me,  I  mufl  ferve  my  turn 
Out  of  mine  own  ;  his  days  and  times  are  paft, 
And  my  reliances  on  his  fradted  dates 
Have  fmit  my  credit  :  I  love,  and  honour  him  ; 
But  muft  not  break  my  back,  to  heal  his  finger  : 
Immediate  are  my  needs  ;  and  my  relief 
Muft  not  be  toft  and  turn'd  to  me  in  words, 
But  find  fupply  immediate.  Get  you  gone  : 
Put  on  a  moil  importunate  afpecl, 
A  visage  of  demand  ;  for,  I  do  fear, 

*  buy  twenty  more     *  *  And  able     '  *  flate  in  faf- 


24  Timon  of  Athens. 

When  every  feather  fticks  in  his  own  wing, 
Lord  Timon  will  be  left  a  naked  gull, 
Which  flatties  now  a  phoenix.  Get  you  gone. 

CAP.  I  go,  fir. 

Sen.     I  go,  fir  ?  take  the  bonds  ^  along  with  you  ; 
And  have  the  dates  in  compt. 

CAP.  I  will,  fir. 

Sen.     Go.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  II.   The  fame.    A  Hall  in  Timon's  Houfe. 
Enter  Steward,  with  many  Bills  in  his  Hand. 

Ste.     No  care,  no  flop  !  fo  fenfelefs  of  expence, 
That  he  will  neither  know  how  to  maintain  it, 
Nor  ceafe  his  flow  of  riot :  Takes  no  account 
How  things  go  from  him  ;  nor  resumes  no  care 
Of  what  is  to  continue  ;  Never  mind 
Was  to  be  fo  unwise,  to  be  fo  kind. 
What  fhall  be  done  ?  he  will  not  hear,  'till  feel : 
I  muft  be  round  with  him,  now  he  comes  from  hunting. 
Fie,  fie,  fie,  fie! 

Enter  CAPHIS,  ISIDORE,  and  VARRO. 

CAP.  Good  even,  Varro :  What, 
You  come  for  money  ? 

VAR.  Is't  not  your  businefs  too? 

CAP.  It  is;_And  yours  too,  Ifedore? 

1st.     It  is  fo. 

CAP.  'Would  we  were  all  difcharg'd. 

FAR.  I  fear't. 

CAP.  Here  comes  the  lord. 

Enter  TIMOU,  <witb  Alcibiades,  Lords,  &c. 

TIM.  So  foon  as  dinner's  done,  we'll  forth  again, 
My  Alcibiades .  —  With  me  ?  What  is  your  will  ? 

*  dates  in,  Ccme.     l  *  refume 


Timon  ^Athens.  25 

CAP.  My  lord,  here  =f  is  a  note  of  certain  dues. 
TIM.  Dues?  Whence  are  you? 
CAP.  Of  Athens  here,  my  lord, 
y/jtf.  Go  to  my  fteward. 

CAP.  Please  it  your  lordfhip,  he  hath  put  me  off 
To  the  fucceffion  of  new  days  this  month  : 
My  mafter  is  awak'd  by  great  occasion, 
To  call  upon  his  own ;  and  humbly  prays  you, 
That  with  your  other  noble  parts  you'll  fuit, 
In  giving  him  his  right. 

TIM.  Mine  honeft  friend, 
I  pr'ythee,  but  repair  to  me  next  morning. 
CAP.  Nay,  good  my  lord, — 
TIM.  Contain  thyfelf,  good  friend. 
FAR.  One  VamPs  ^  iervant,  my  good  lord, — 
Is  i.     From  =j=  Ifedore ; 
He  humbly  prays  your  fpeedy  payment,  — 

CAP.  If  you 
Did  know,  my  lord,  my  mailer's  wants, — 

VAR  .  'Twas  due 
On  forfeiture,  my  lord,  fix  weeks.,  and  pall. 

Isi.     Your  fteward  puts  me  off,  my  lord ;  and  1 
Am  fent  exprefsly  to  your  lordfhip. 

TIM.  Give  me  breath  : 

I  do  befeech  you,  good  my  lords,  keep  on ; 

[Exeunt  Alcibiades,  Lords,  &c. 
I'll  wait  upon  you  inftantly.  _  Come  hither;  Pray  you, 

[to  the  Steward. 

How  goes  the  world,  that  I  am  thus  encounter'd 
With  clamorous  demands  of  broken  bonds, 
And  the  detention  of  long-fmce-due  debts, 
Againft  my  honour  ? 

3°  of  debt,  broken 
VOL.  VIII.  O 


z6  Timon  of  Athens. 

Ste.     Please  you,  gentlemen, 
The  time  is  unagreeable  to  this  busin'efs  : 
Your  importunacy  ceafe,  'till  after  dinner  ; 
That  I  may  make  his  lordfhip  underftand 
Wherefore  you  are  not  pay'd. 

TIM.  Do  fo,  my  friends :  _ 
See  them  well  entertain'd.  [£;«'/ TIM  ON.. 

Ste.     Pray  gou,  draw  near.  [.fix// Steward. 

Enter  APEMANTUS,  and  a  Fool. 

CAP.  Stay,  flay,  here  comes  the  fool  with  Apemantiu ; 
let's  have  ,fome  fport  with  'em. 

FAR.  Hang  him,  he'll  abuse  us. 

Is i,     A  plague  upon  him,  dog  ! 

FAR.  Howdoft,  fool? 

APE.  Doft  dialogue  with  thy  ftiadow? 

VAR  .  I  fpeak  not  to  thee. 

APE.  No,  'tis  to  thyfelf.  _  Come  away. 

Is  i.     There's  the  fool  hangs  on  your  back  already. 

APE.  No,  thouftand'ftfmgle,  thouart  not  on  him  yet. 

CAP.  Where's  the  fool  now  ? 

APE.  He  laft  afk'd  the  queflion.    Poor  rogues,  and 
usurer's  men  ;  bawds  between  gold  and  want ! 

Ser.     What  are  we,  Apemantus? 

APE.  Affes. 

Ser.      Why  ? 

APE.  That  you  aflc  me,  what  you  are,  and  do  not  know 
yourfelves — Speak  to  'em,  fool. 

Foo.     How  do  you,  gentlemen  ? 

Ser.     Gramercies,  good  fool :  How  does  your  miftrefs  ? 

Foo.     She's  e'en  fetting  on  water,  to  fcald  fuch  chick- 
ens as  you  are.  'Would  we  could  fee  you  at  Corinth  ! 

APE,  Good  !  gramercy. 


Timon  of  Athens.  27 

Enter  a  Page. 

Foo.     Look  you,  here  comes  my  matter's  page. 

Pag.  Why,  how  now,  captain  ?  what  do  you  in  this 
wise  company  ?  —  How  doft  thou,  Apemantus  ? 

APE.  'Would  I  had  a  rod  in  my  mouth,  that  I  might 
anfwer  thee  profitably. 

Pag.  Pr'ythee,  Apemantus,  read  me  the  fuperfcription 
of  these  ~j~  letters ;  I  know  not  which  is  which. 

APE.  Can'ft  not  read  ? 

Pag.    No. 

APE.  There  will  little  learning  dye  then,  that  day 
thou  art  hang'd.  This  ~f~  is  to  lord  T'imon',  this  ~|~  to 
Akibiades.  Go ;  thou  wait  born  a  bailard,  and  thou'lt 
dye  a  bawd. 

Pag.  Thou  waft  whelp'd  a  dog;  and  thou  Ihaltfamifh, 
a  dog's  death.  Anfwer  not,  I  am  gone.  [Exit  Page. 

APE  .  Even  fo  thou  out-run'ft  grace.  —  Fool,  I  will  go 
with  you  to  lord  Timon's. 

Foo.     Will  you  leave  me  there  ? 

APE.  If  Timon  ftay  at  home — You  three  ferve  three 


usurers  ? 

&r.      Ay;  'would  they  ferv'd  us! 

APE.  So  would  I;  as  good  a  trick  as  ever  hangman 
ferv'd  thief. 

Foo.     Are  you  three  usurers'  men  ? 

Ser.      Ay,  fool. 

Foo.  I  think,  no  usurer  but  has  a  fool  to  his  fervant : 
My  miftrefs  is  one,  and  I  am  her  fool.  When  men  come 
to  borrow  of  your  mafters,  they  approach  fadly,  and  go 
away  merry  ;  but  they  enter  my  matter's  houfe  merrily, 
and  go  away  fadly  :  The  reason  of  this  ? 

VAR  .  I  could  render  one. 


28  Timon  of  Athens. 

APE.  Do  it  then,  that  we  may  account  thee  a  whore- 
mafter,  and  a  knave;  which  notwithstanding,  thou  fhalt 
be  no  lefs  efteemed. 

VAR.  What  is  a  whore-mafter,  fool  ? 

Foo.  A  fool  in  good  cloaths,  and  fomething  like  thee. 
'Tis  a  fpirit :  fometime,  't  appears  like  a  lord;  fome- 
time,  like  a  lawyer ;  fometime,  like  a  philofopher,  with 
two  ftones  more  than's  artificial  one :  He  is  very  often 
like  a  knight ;  and,  generally,  in  all  ftiapes,  that  man  goes 
up  and  down  in,  from  fourfcore  to  thirteen,  this  fpirit 
walks  in. 

VAR>  Thou  art  not  altogether  a  fool. 

Foo.  Nor  thou  altogether  a  wise  man :  as  m  uch  foolery 
as  I  have,  fo  much  wit  thou  lack'fl. 

APE.  That  anfwer  might  have  become  Apemantus. 

Ser.      Afide,  afide  ;  here  comes  lord  Timon. 
Re-enter  TIMON,  and  Steward. 

APE.  Come  with  me,  fool,  come. 

Foo.  I  do  not  always  follow  lover,  elder  brother,  and 
woman  ;  fometime,  the  philofopher. 

[  Exeunt  Fool,  and  APEMANTUS. 

Ste.     Pray  you,  walk  near;  I'll  fpeak  with  you  anon. 
[Exeunt  Servants. 

TIM.  You  make  me  marvel :  Wherefore,  ere  this  time, 
Had  you  not  fully  lay'd  my  ftate  before  me ; 
That  I  might  fo  have  rated  my  expence, 
As  I  had  leave  of  means  ? 

Ste.     You  would  not  hear  me, 
At  many  leisures  I  propos'd. 

TIM.  Go  to  : 

Perchance,  fome  fingle  vantages  you  took, 
When  my  indifposition  put  you  back  ; 


Timon  of  Athens.  29 

And  that  unaptnefs  made  you  minifler, 
Thus  to  excuse  yourfelf. 

Ste.     O  my  good  lord, 
At  many  times  I  brought  in  my  accounts, 
Lay'd  them  before  you  ;  you  would  throw  them  off, 
And  fay>  you  found  them  in  mine  honefty. 
When,  for  fome  trifling  present,  you  have  bid  me 
Return  fo  much,  I  have  ihook  my  head,  and  wept; 
Yea,  'gainrt  the  authority  of  manners,  pray'd  you 
To  hold  your  hand  more  clofe  :  I  did  endure 
Not  feldom,  nor  no  flight  checks ;  when  I  have 
Prompted  you,  in  the  ebb  of  your  eftate, 
And  your  great  flow  of  debts.    My  dear-lov'd  lord, 
Though  you  hear  now,  yet  now's  too  late  a  time  ; 
The  greateft  of  your  having  lacks  a  half 
To  pay  your  present  debts. 

TIM.  'Let  all  my  land  be  fold. 

Ste.      'Tis  all  engag'd,  fome  forfeited  and  gone ; 
And  what  remains  will  hardly  Hop  the  mouth 
Of  present  dues :  the  future  comes  apace  : 
What  (hall  defend  the  interim  ?  and  at  length 
How  goes  our  reck'ning  ? 

TIM.  To  Lacedamon  did  my  land  extend. 

Ste .      O  my  good  lord,  the  world  is  but  a  word  ; 
Were  it  all  yours,  to  give  it  in  a  breath, 
How  quickly  were  it  gone  ? 

TIM.  You  tell  me  true. 

Ste.     If  you  fufpefl  my  husbandry,  or  falfhood, 
Call  me  before  the  exafteft  auditors, 
And  fet  me  on  the  proof.    So  the  gods  blefs  me, 
When  all  our  offices  have  been  oppreft 
With  riotous  feeders ;  when  our  vaults  have  \vept 

1  +  (top  late)  yet  rowes 


30  Timon  of  Athens. 

With  drunken  fpilth  of  wine ;  when  every  room 
Hath  blaz'd  with  lights,  and  bray'd  with  minftrelfy ; 
I  have  retir'd  me  to  a  wailful  cock, 
And  fet  mine  eyes  at  flow. 

TIM.  Pr'ythee,  no  more. 

Ste.     Heavens,  have  I  faid,  the  bounty  of  this  lord  ! 
How  many  prodigal  bits  have  flaves,  and  peasants, 
This  night  englutted  !  Who  note  is  not  Fimcn's  ? 
What  heart,  head,  fword,  force,  means,  butis  lord'Timoii&l 
Great  Timon '0,  noble,  worthy,  royal  T'jrxon's  ? 
Ah,  when  the  means  are  gone,  that  buy  this  praise, 
The  breath  is  gone  whereof  this  praise  is  made  : 
Feaft-won,  faft-lofl ;  one  cloud  of  winter  mowers, 
These  flies  are  coucht. 

TIM .  Come,  fermon  me  no  further  : 
No  villanous  bounty  yet  hath  paft  my  heart ; 
Unwisely,  not  ignobly,  have  I  given. 
Why  doft  thou  weep  ?  Canft  thou  the  confcience  lack, 
To  think  I  (hall  lack  friends  ?  Secure  thy  heart ; 
If  I  would  broach  the  veflels  of  my  love, 
And  try  the  argument  of  hearts  by  borrowing, 
Men,  and  men's  fortunes,  could  I  frankly  use, 
As  I  can  bid  thee  fpeak. 

Ste.      Affurance  blefs  your  thoughts  ! 

TIM.  And,  in  fome  fort,  these  wants  of  mine  are 

crown'd, 

That  I  account  them  bleflings ;  for  by  these 
Shall  I  try  friends :  You  (hall  perceive,  how  you 
Miftake  my  fortunes ;  J  am  wealthy  in  my  friends.—. 
Within  there,  f>0  !  Flaminius  !  Servi/ius  ! 

Enter  Flaminius,  Servilius,  and  other  Servants. 

Ser.     My  lord,  my  lord,  — 


Timon  </"  Athens.  31 

TIM.  I  will  difpatch  you  feverally. You,  to  lord 

Lucius, 

To  lord  Lacullus,  you  ;  I  hunted  with  his 

Honour  to-day,  _  you,  to  Sempronius, 

Commend  me  to  their  loves  ;  and,  I  am  proud,  fay, 
That  my  occasions  have  found  time  to  use  them 
Toward  a  fupply  of  money  :  let  the  requeft 
Be  fifty  talents. 

FLA.  As  you  have  faid,  my  lord. 

Ste.      "  Lord  Lucius,  and  Lucullus  ?  hum  !  " 

Ti:,i.  Go  you,  fir,  to  the  fenators, 
(Of  whom,  even  to  theftate's  beft  health,  I  have 
Deserv'd  this  hearing;)  bid  'em  fend  o'the  inftant 
A  thousand  talents  to  me. 

Ste.      I  have  been  bold, 
(For  that  I  knew  it  the  moft  general  way) 
To  them  to  use  your  fignet,  and  your  name ; 
But  they  do  make  their  heads,  and  I  am  here 
No  richer  in  return. 

TIM .  Is't  true  ?  can't  be  ? 

Ste.     They  anfwer,  in  a  joint  and  corporate  voice, 
That  now  they  are  at  fall,  want  treasure,  cannot 
Do  what  they  would  ;  are  forry — you  are  honourable, 
But  yet  they  could  have  wifh'd  —  they  know  not,  6ut 
Something  hath  been  amifs  —  a  noble  nature 
May  catch  a  wrench  —  would  all  were  well — 'tis  pity~~" 
And  fq,  intending  other  ferious  matters, 
After  diftafteful  looks,  and  these  hard  fractions, 
With  certain  half-caps,  and  cold-moving  node, 
They  froze  me  into  filence. 

TIM.  You  gods  reward  them  !  _ 
J.  pr'ythee,  man,  look  cheerly :  These  old  fellows 


32  Timon  of  Athens. 

Have  their  ingratitude  in  them  hereditary : 
Their  blood  is  cak'd,  'tis  cold,  it  feldom  flows ; 
'Tis  lack  of  kindly  warmth,  they  are  not  kind; 
And  nature,  as  it  grows  again  toward  earth, 

Is  faftiion'd  for  the  journey,  dull,  and  heavy 

Go  to  Ventidtui,  —  Pr'ythee,  be  not  fad, 
Thou  art  true,  and  honeft;  ingenuoufly  I  fpeak, 
No  blame  belongs  to  thee  :  _  Ventidius  lately 
Bury'd  his  father ;  by  whose  death,  he  is  ftept 
Into  a  great  eftate :  when  he  was  poor, 
Imprison'd,  and  in  fcarcity  of  friends, 
I  clear'd  him  with  five  talents  :  Greet  him  from  me  ; 
Bid  him  fuppose,  fome  good  neceflity 
Touches  his  friend,  which  craves  to  be  remember'd 
With  those  five  talents  :  _  that  had,  give 't  these  fellows, 
To  whom  'tis  inftant  due.  Ne'er  fpeak,  or  think, 
That  7'imon's  fortunes  'mong  his  friends  can  fink. 
Ste.     I  would,  I  could  not  think  it;  That  thought  is 

bounty's  foe ; 
Being  free  itfelf,  it  thinks  all  others  fo.  [Exeunt. 

ACT:  m. 

SCENE  I.   The  fame.  ARoom  in  LucullusV  Houfe. 
FLAMINIUS  'waiting ;  Enter  a  Servant  to  bimt 

Ser.     I  have  told  my  lord  of  you,  he's  coming  down 
to  you. 

FLA.  I  thank  you,  fir. 

Enter  LUCULLUS. 
Ser.     Here's  my  lord. 
Lvc.   "  One  of  lord  Ti/noa's  men  ?  a  gift,  I  warrant." 


Timon  of  Athens.  33 

"Why,  this  hits  right ;  I  dreamt  of  a  filvcr  bafon  and" 

*'ewre  to-night." Flaminius,  honeit  Flaminius;  you  are 

very  refpeclively  welcome,  fir — Fill  me  fome  wine — 
[Exit  Servant.]  And  how  does  that  honourable,  compleat, 
free-hearted  gentleman  of  Athens,  thy  very  bountiful  good 
lord  and  mafter  ? 

FLA,  His  health  is  well,  fir. 

Luc.  I  am  right  glad,  that  his  health  is  well,  fir  : 
And  what  haft  thou  there  under  thy  cloak,  pretty  F/a- 
tninius  ? 

FLA.  Faith,  nothing  but  an  empty  box,  fir;  which, 
in  my  lord's  behalf,  I  come  to  entreat  your  honour  to 
fupply :  who,  having  great  and  inftant  occasion  to  use 
fifty  talents,  hath  fent  to  your  lordlhip  to  furnim  him; 
nothing  doubting  your  present  affiflance  therein. 

Luc.  La,  la,  la,  la, —nothing  doubting,  fays  he? 
Alas,  good  lord  !  a  noble  gentleman  'tis,  if  he  would 
not  keep  fo  good  a  houfe.  Many  a  time  and  often  I 
ha'  din'd  with  him,  and  told  him  on't ;  and  come  again 
to  fupper  to  him,  of  purpose  to  have  him  fpend  lefs  : 
and  yet  he  would  embrace  no  counfel,  take  no  warn- 
ing by  my  coming.  Every  man  has  his  fault,  and  ho- 
nefty  is  his  ;  I  ha'  told  him  on't,  but  I  could  ne'er  get 
him  from't. 

Re-enter  Servant,  ijjitb  Wine. 

Ser.     Please  your  lordfhip,  here  is  the  wine. 

Luc .  Flaminius,  I  have  noted  thee  always  wise.  Here's 
to  thee.  [drinking,  and  giving  Wine  to  him, 

FLA.  Your  lordfhip  fpeaks  your  pleasure. 

Luc.  I  have  observ'd  thee  always  for  a  towardly 
prompt  fpirit,  —  give  thee  thy  due,  —  and  one  that  knows 
what  belongs  to  reason ;  and  canil  use  the  time  well,  if 


34  Timon  of  Athens. 

the  time  use  thee  well :  good  parts  in  thee.  _  Get  you 
gone,  lirrah.  _  [ Exit  Servant.]  Draw  nearer,  honeft  Fla- 
minius.  Thy  lord's  a  bountiful  gentleman  :  but  thou  art 
wise ;  and  thou  know'ft  well  enough,  although  thou 
com'ft  to  me,  that  this  is  no  time  to  lend  money ;  ef- 
pecially  upon  bare  friendfhip,  without  fecurity.  Here's 
three  *f  folidares  for  thee  ;  good  boy,  wink  at  me,  and 
fay,  thou  faw'ft  me  not.  Fare  thee  well. 

FLA.  Is't  poflible,  the  world  mould  fo  much  differ; 
And  we  alive,  that  liv'd  ?  Fly,  damned  bafenefs, 

\_thro--wing  back  the  Money. 
To  him  that  wormips  thee. 

Luc.  Ha  !  Now  I  fee,  thou  art  a  fool,  and  fit  for  thy 

mailer.  [Exit  L u  c  u  t  L  u  s . 

FLA.  May  these  add  to  the  number  that  may  fcald 

thee! 

Let  molten  coin  be  thy  damnation, 
Thou  disease  of  a  friend,  and  not  himfelf ! 
Has  friendftiip  fuch  a  faint  and  milky  heart, 
It  turns  in  lefs  than  two  nights  ?  O  you  gods, 
I  feel  my  matter's  paflion  !  This  flave 
Unto  this  hour  has  my  lord's  meat  in  him: 
Why  mould  it  thrive,  and  turn  to  nutriment, 
When  he  is  turn'd  to  poison  ? 

O,  may  diseases  only  work  upon't !  [ture, 

And,  when  he's  fick  to  death,  let  not  that  part  of  na- 
Which  my  lord  pay'd  for,  be  of  any  power 
To  e*pel  ficknefs,  but  prolong  his  hour  !  [Exit. 

SCENE  II.   The  fame.  A  pMick  Place. 

Enter  Lucius,  with  three  Strangers. 
Luc.  Who,  the  lord  Timon?  he  is  my  very  good  friend, 

«  unto  his  Honor 


Timon  of  Athens.  35 

and  an  honourable  gentleman. 

1 .  S.  We  know  him  for  no  lefs,  though  we  are  but 
ftrangers  to  him.  But  I  can  tell  you  one  thing,  my  lord, 
and  which  I  hear  from  common  rumours,  now  lord  Ti- 
mer? s  happy  hours  are  done  and  pail,  and  his  eftate  fhrinks 
from  him. 

Luc.  Fie,  no,  do  not  believe  it;  he  cannot  want  for 
money. 

2.  S.  But  believe  you  this,  my  lord,  that,  not  long 
ago,  one  of  his  men  was  with  the  lord  Lucullus,  to  bor- 
row fifty  talents  ;  nay,  urg'd  extreamly  for't,  and  ftiew'd 
what  neceffity  belong'd  to't,  and  yet  was  deny'd. 

Luc.  How  ? 

2.  S.  I  tell  you,  deny'd,  my  lord. 

Luc.  What  a  ftrange  cafe  was  that  ?  now,  before  the 
gods,  Jam  afham'd  on't.  Deny'd  that  honourable  man  ? 
there  was  very  little  honour  fhew'd  in't.  For  my  own 
part,  I  muft  needs  confefs,  I  have  receiv'd  fome  fmall 
kindneffes  from  him,  as  money,  plate,  jewels,  and  fuch 
like  trifles,  nothing  comparing  to  his;  yet,  had  he  mif- 
took  him,  and  fent  to  me,  I  mould  ne'er  have  deny'd  his 
occasion  fo  many  talents. 

Enter  SERVILIUS. 

SE  x .  See,  by  good  hap,  yonder's  my  lord ;  I  have  fweat 
to  fee  his  honour —  My  honour'd  lord,  — 

Luc.  Servilitis!  you  are  kindly  met,  fir.  Fare  thee 
weii ;  Commend  me  to  thy  honourable,  virtuous  lord, 
my  very  exquisite  friend. 

SER.  May  it  please  your  honour,  my  lord  hath  fent — 

Luc.  Ha !  what  has  he  fent?  T  am  fo  much  endear'd 
to  that  lord ;  he's  ever  fending;  How  mall  I  thank  him, 
tfeink'ft  thou  :  And  what  has  he  fent  now  ? 

10  borrow  fo  many  Talents 


36  Timon  of  Athens. 

SEK.  H'as  only  fent  his  present  occasion  now,  my 
lord  ;  requefting  your  lordfhip  to  fupply  his  inftant  ufe 
with  fifty  talents. 

Luc.  I  know,  his  lordfhip  is  but  merry  with  me ; 
He  cannot  want  fifty-five  hundred  talents. 

SE  R.  But  in  the  mean  time  he  wants  lefs,  my  lord. 
If  his  occasion  were  not  virtuous, 
I  fhould  not  urge  it  half  fo  faithfully. 

Luc.  Doft  thou  fpeak  ferioufly,  Scrviliut  ? 

SER.  Upon  my  foul,  'tis  true,  fir. 

Luc.  What  a  wicked  beaft  was  I,  to  diffurnifh  myfelf 
againft  fuch  a  good  time,  when  I  might  have  fhewn  my- 
felf honourable  ?  how  unluckily  it  happen'd,  that  I  mould 
purchafe  the  day  before  for  a  little  dirt,  and  undo  a  great 
deal  of  honour?  —  Seritilius,  now,  before  the  gods,  lam 
not  able  to  do't;  the  more  beaft,  I  fay  :  I  was  lending  to 
use  lord  Timon  myfelf,  these  gentlemen  can  witnefs  ;  but 
I  would  not,  for  the  wealth  of  Athens,  I  had  done'tnow. 
Commend  me  bountifully  to  his  good  lordfhip  ;  and,  I 
hope,  his  honour  will  conceive  the  faireft  of  me,  because 
J  have  no  power  to  be  kind:  And  tell  him  this  from  me; 
I  count  it  one  of  my  greateft  afflictions,  fay,  that  T  can- 
not pleasure  fuch  an  honourable  gentleman.  Good  Ser- 
•vilius,  will  you  befriend  me  fo  far,  as  to  use  mine  own 
words  to  him  ? 

SER.  Yes,  fir,  I  fhall. 

Luc.  I'll  look  you  out  a  good  turn,  Ser--vilius — 

[Exit  SER  vi  LI  us. 

True,  as  you  faid,  Timcn  is  fhrunk,  indeed  ; 
And  he,  that's  once  deny'd,  will  hardly  fpeed. 

[Exit  Lucius. 
I .  S.  Do  you  observe  this,  Ho/filius  ? 

*  with  fo  many  Talents      *  +  little  part,  and 


Timon  ^Athens.  37 

2.  S.  Ay,  too  welL 

i.  S.  Why  this  is  the  world's  foul ;  And  juft  of  the 

fame  piece 

Is  every  flatterer's  fpirit.  Who  can  call  him 
His  friend,  that  dips  in  the  fame  difh  ?  for,  in 
My  knowing,  Timon  has  been  this  lord's  father, 
And  kept  his  credit  with  his  purfe  ; 
Supported  his  eftate  ;  nay,  Timon' s  money 
Has  paid  his  men  their  wages  :  He  ne'er  drinks, 
But  Timon  s  filver  treads  upon  his  lip  ; 
And  yet,  (o,  fee  the  monftroufnefs  of  man, 
When  he  looks  out  in  an  ungrateful  fhape  !  ) 
He  does  deny  him,  in  refpeft  of  his, 
What  charitable  men  afford  to  beggars. 

3.  S.  Religion  groans  at  it. 
I .  S.  For  mine  own  part, 

I  never  tafted  Timon  in  my  life, 

Nor  e'fr  came  any  of  his  bounties  over  me, 

To  mark  me  for  his  friend  ;  yet,  I  proteft, 

For  his  right-noble  mind,  illuftrious  virtue, 

And  honourable  carriage, 

Had  his  neceiTuy  made  ufe  of  me, 

I  would  have  pat  my  wealth  into  donation, 

And  the  beit  half  fnould  have  return'd  to  him, 

So  much  I  love  his  heart :  But,  I  perceive, 

Men  muft  learn  now  with  pity  to  difpenfe ; 

For  policy  fits  above  confcience.  {Exeunt. 

S  C  E  N E  III.   The  fame.  A  Room  in  Sempronius'  Houfe. 

Enter  SEMPRONIUS,  and  Servant  of  Timon' s. 
SEM.  Muft  he  needs  trouble  me  in't,  'bove  all  others  ? 
He  might  have  try'd  lord  Lucius,  or  Lucullus ; 

*  fport 


38  Timon  of  Athens. 

And  now  Ventidius  is  wealthy  too, 

Whom  he  redeem'd  from  prison  :  All  these  tljree 

Owe  their  eftates  unto  him. 

Ser.     2)  my  lord, 

They  have  all  been  touch'd,  and  found  bafe  metal ;  for 
They  have  all  deny'd  him  ? 

SEM.  How  !  have  they  deny'd  him  ? 
Has  HucilW,  atrtl  Ventidius,  and  LucuIIus, 
Deny'd  him,  fag  gour'  and  does  he  fend  to  me  ? 
Three  ?  hum  ! 

It  (hews  but  little  love,  or  judgment,  in  him. 
Muft  I  be  his  laft  refuge  tbcn  f  His  friends, 
Like  thriv'd physicians,  give  him  over;  Muft 
I  take  the  cure  upon  me  ?  • 

H'as  much  difgrac'd  me  in't;  I  am  angry  at  him, 
That  might  have  known  my  place :  I  fee  no  fenfe  for't, 
But  his  occasions  might  have  woo'd  me  firft; 
For,  in  my  confcience,  I  was  the  firft  man, 
That  e'er  receiv'd  gift  from  him  : 
And  does  he  think  fo  backwardly  of  me  now, 
That  I'll  requite  it  laft  ?  No :  fo  it  may  prove 
An  argument  of  laughter  to  the  reft, 
And  among'ft  lords  I  (ball  be  thought  a  fool. 
J  had  rather  than  the  worth  of  thrice  the  fum, 
H'  ad  fent  to  me  firft,  but  for  my  mind's  fake ; 
I  had  fuch  a  courage  to  have  done  him  good. 
But  now  return, 

And  with  their  faint  reply  this  anfwerjoin; 
Who  bates  mine  honour,  (hall  not  know  my  coin. 

[Exit  SEMPRONIUS. 
Ser.     Excellent !  Your  lordfhip's 
A  goodly  villain.  The  devil  knew  not  what 

'3  (like  Phyfitians)  Thrive,    *«  to  do  him 


Timon  of  Athens.  39 

He  did,  when  he  made  man  fo  politick  ; 

He  crofPd  himfelf  by't :  and  I  cannot  think, 

But,  in  the  end,  the  villanies  of  man 

Will  fet  him  clear.  How  fairly  this  lord  ftrives 

To  appear  foul  ?  takes  virtuous  copies  to 

Be  wicked  6g ;  like  those,  that,  under  hot 

8nU  ardent  zeal,  would  fet  whole  realms  on  fire  : 

Of  fuch  a  nature  is  his  politick  love. 

This  was  my  lord's  beft  hope  ;  now  all  are  fled, 

Save  the  gods  only :  Now  his  friends  are  dead, 

Doors,  that  were  ne'er  acquainted  with  their  wards 

Many  a  bounteous  year,  muft:  be  employ'd 

Now  to  guard  fure  their  mafter. 

And  this  is  all  a  liberal  courfe  allows ; 

Who  cannot  keep  his  wealth,  muft  keep  his  honfe.  [Exif. 

SCENE  IV.    The  fame.  Hall  in  Timon'/  Houfe. 

Enter  two  Servants  of  Varro'/,  meeting  TITUS,  Lucius, 

HORTENSIUS,  and  Others,  Servants  to  Timon'/ 

Creditors,  waiting  bis  coming  out, 
I.  V.  Well  met;  good  morrow,  Titus,  and Hortenfius. 
Tit.   The  like  to  you,  kind  Varro. 
HOR.    Lucius, 

What,  do  we  meet  together  ? 
|     Luc.  Ay,  and,  I  think, 
iOne  businefs  does  command  us  all ;  for  mine 
'Is  money. 

TIT.  Sois~f  theirs,  and  ours. 

Enter  PKILOTUS. 
Luc.  And  fir 
'bilotus  too ! 
Pai.  Good  day  at  once. 

10  onely  the  Gods 


4<3  Timon  cf  Athens. 

Luc.  Welcome,  good  brother. 
What  do  you  think  the  hour? 

PHI.  Labouring  for  nine. 

Luc.  So  much  : 

PHI.  Is  not  my  lord  feen  yet  ? 

Luc.  Not  yet. 

PHI.  I  wonder  on't ;  he  was  won't  to  fliine  at  feven. 

Luc.  Ay,  but  the  days  are  waxt  fhorter  with  him  : 
You  muft  confider,  that  a  prodigal's  courfe 
Is  like  the  fun's ;  but  not,  like  his,  recoverable. 
I  fear, 

'Tis  deepeft  winter  in  lord  Timon's  purfe  ; 
That  is,  one  may  reach  deep  enough,  and  yet 
Find  little. 

PHI.  I  am  of  your  fear  for  that. 

TIT.  I'll  mew  you  how  to  observe  a  ftrange  event. 
Your  lord  fends  now  for  money  : 

HOR.  Moft  true,  he  does. 

'•Tif.  And  he  wears  jewels  now  of  Tz man's  gift, 
For  which  I  wait  for  money. 

H«R.  It  is  againft  my  heart. 

Luc.  Mark  pou,  how  ftrange  it  mows, 
Fimcn  in  this  mould  pay  more  than  he  owes  : 
And  e'en  as  if  your  lord  mould  wear  rich  jewels, 
And  fend  for  money  for  'em. 

HOR.  I  am  weary  of  this  charge,  the  gods  can  witnefs: 
I  know,  my  lord  hath  fpent  of  Timen's  wealth, 
And  now  ingratitude  makes  it  worfe  than  ftealth. 

i.  V.  Yes,  mine's  three  thousand  crowns:  What's  yours? 

Luc.  Five  thousand  mine. 

i .  V.  'Tis  much  deep  :  and  it  mould  feem  by  the  fum, 
Your  matter's  confidence  was  above  mine  ; 


Timon  of  Athens.  41 

Elfe,  furely,  his  had  equal'd. 

Enter  FLAMINIUS. 

Tit.  One  of  lord  Timon 's  men. 

Luc.  F/aminius ? _Sir,  a  word;  Pray,  is  my  lord 
Ready  to  come  forth  ? 

FLA.  No,  indeed,  he  is  not. 

Tit.  We  attend  his  lordmip  ;  pray,  fignify  fo  much. 

FLA.  I  need  not  tell  him  that ;  he  knows,  you  are  too 
Enter  Steward  in  a  Cloke,  muffled,     [diligent. 

Luc.  Ha!  is  not  that  his  fteward  maffl'd  fo  ? 
He  goes  away  in  a  cloud  :  call  him,  call  him. 

Ti  r .  Do  you  hear,  fir  ?  {Exit  FLAMINIUS. 

2.  V.  By  your  leave,  fir,— 

Ste.     What  do  you  afk  of  me,  my  friend  ? 

7'iT.  We  wait  for  certain  money  here,  fir. 

Ste.     Ay, 

If  money  were  as  certain  as  your  waiting, 
'Twere  fare  enough.  Why  then  prefer'd  you  not 
Your  fums,  and  bills,  when  your  falfe  makers  eat 
Of  my  lord's  meat?  Then  they  would  fmile,  and  fawn 
Upon  his  debts,  and  take  down  th'  intereft 
Ir  to  their  gluttonous  maws.  You  do  yourfelves  but  wrong. 
To  ftir  me  up  ;  let  me  pafs  quietly  : 
Believe't,  my  lord  and  I  have  made  an  end ; 
I  have  no  more  to  reckon,  he  to  fpend. 

Luc.  Ay,  but  this  anfwer  will  not  ferve. 

Ste.     If  'twill  not  ferve,  'tis  not  fo  bafe  as  you  ; 
Fcr  you  ferve  knaves.  [Etcit  Steward. 

1 .  /7.  How'g  tf?st  :  iofjat  Ca£0  Ije  r  what  does 
His  cafiiier'd  worfhip  mutter  ? 

2.  V.  No  matter  what;  he's  poor, 

And  that's  revenge  enough.  Who  can  fpeak  broader. 

VOL.  VIII.  R 


42  Timori  of  Athens. 

Than  he  that  has  no  houfe  to  put  his  head  in  ? 
Such  may  fyatit  leatoe  to  rail  againit  great  buildings. 
Enter  SERVILIUS. 

TiT.  O,  here's  Seri>i/tuj ;  now  \ve  fhall  know 
Some  anfwer. 

SZR.  If  I  might  befeech  you,  gentlemen, 
2But  to  repair  fdme  other  hour,  I  fhould 
Derive  much  from't :  for,  take  it  o'my  foul, 
My  lord  leans  wondroufly  to  difcontent : 
His  comfortable  temper  has  forfook  him ; 
Heis  much  out  of  health,  and  keeps  his  chamber. 

Luc.  Many  do  keep  their  chambers,  are  not  fick  : 
And,  if  it  be  fo  far  beyond  his  health, 
Methinks,  he  mould  the  fooner  pay  his  debts, 
And  make  a  clear  way  to  the  gods. 

SER.  Good  gods! 

TiT.  We  can't  take  this  for  anfwer,  fir. 

FLA.  \fMttkin.~\  Servi/ius,  help!  my  lord,  my  lord, — 
Enter  TIMON,  Flaminiusyi//c<u;/»g-. 

7/Af .  What,  are  my  doors  oppos'd  againft  my  paflage  ? 
Have  I  been  ever  free,  and  muft  my  houfe 
Be  my  retentive  enemy,  my  jail  ? 
The  place,  which  I  have  feaited,  does  it  now, 
Like  all  mankind,  (hew  me  an  iron  heart  r 

Luc.    Put  in  now,  Titus. 

TIT:.  My  lords  here  is  my  ~|~  bill. 

Luc.   Here's  "J~  mine. 

HoJt.  And "|"  mine,  my  lord. 

FAR*.  And "f" ours,  my  lord.- 

PHI.    All  our  ~f  bills. 

TIM.  Knock  me  down  with  'em, 
Cleave  me  to  the  girdle. 


Timon  ^Athens.  43 

Luc.  Alas,  my  lord, — 

TIM.  Cut  out 
My  heart  in  fums. 

TiT.  Mine,  fifty  talents. 

TIM.  Tell  our 
My  blood. 

Luc.  Five  thousand  crowns,  my  lord, 

TIM .  Five  thousand  drops 
Pays  that :  .   What  yours  ?  _  and  yours  ? 

1.  F.  My  lord-' 

2.  V.  My  lord,  —  [}'°u  '• 
TIM.  E^ere  tear  me>  take  me,  and  the  gods  fall  upon 

[Exit  TIMON. 

HOR.  Faith,  I  perceive,  our  matters  may  throw  their 
caps  at  their  money ;  these  debts  may  well  be  call'd  def-_ 
perate  ones,  fora  madman  owes  'em. 

{Exeunt  Creditors'  Servants. 
Re-enter  TIMON,  Stewardyc//cw/«j-. 

TIM.  They  have  e'en  putmy  breath  from  me,theflaves: 
Creditors !  devils. 

Ste.      My  dear  lord,  — 

TIM.  What  if  it  mould  be  fo  ? 

Ste.      My  lord,  — 

TIM.  I'll  have  it  fo  :  _My  fteward  ?  — 

Ste.     Here,  my  lord. 

TIM .  So  fitly  ?  _  Go,  bid  all  my  friends  again, 
Lucius,  Luculliis,  and  Semprvnius,  all ; 
I'll  once  more  feair.  the  rafcals. 

Ste.     O  my  lord, 

You  only  fpeak  from  your  diftra&ed  foul ; 
There  is  not  fo  much  left,  to  furnifh  out 
A  moderate  table. 


44-  Tinuon  of  Athens. 

7/A/.  Be  it  not  in  thy  care  ;  go, 
I  charge  thee,  invite  them  all  :  let  in  the  tide 
Of  knaves  once  more ;  my  cook  and  I'll  provide. 

SCENE   V.    rbefame.   The  Senate-Houje. 
Senate  fitting.   Enter  ALCIBIADES,  attended. 

1.  S.  My  lord,  you  have  my  voice  to't;  the  fault's 
'Tis  neceffary,  he  mould  dye  :  [bloody ; 
Nothing  emboldens  fin  fo  much  as  mercy. 

2.  S.  Moft  true;  the  law  mail  bruise 'em. 

ALC.  Honour,  health,  and  compaffion  to  the  fenate  ! 

i .  S.  Now,  captain  ? 

ALC.  I  am  an  humble  fuitir  to  your  virtues ; 
For  pity  is  the  virtue  of  the  law, 
And  none  but  tyrants  use  it  cruelly. 
It  pleases  time,  and  fortune,  to  lye  heavy 
Upon  a  friend  of  mine,  who,  in  hot  blood, 
Hath  ftept  into  the  law,  which  is  paft  depth 
To  those  that,  without  heed,  do  plunge  into't. 
He  is  a  man,  fetting  his  fault  afide, 
Of  comely  virtues  : 

Nor  did  he  foil  the  faft  with  cowardife; 
(And  honour  in  him,  which  buys  out  his  fault) 
But,  with  a  noble  fury,  and  fair  fpirit, 
Seeing  his  reputation  touch'd  to  death, 


He  did  oppose  his  foe  : 
And  with  fuch 


fuch  fober  and  unnoted  paflion 
He  did  behave  his  anger,  ere  'twas  fpent, 
As  if  he  had  but  prov'd  an  argument. 

i .  S.  You  undergo  too  Uriel  a  paradox, 
Striving  to  make  an  ugly  deed  look  fair: 
Your  words  have  took  fuch  pains,  as  if  they  labour's! 


*°  his  Fate     *8  behoove 


Timon  of  Athens.  45 

To  bring  man-flaughter  into  form,  fet  quarrelling 

Upon  the  head  of  valour  ;  which,  indeed, 

Is  valour  miibegot,  and  came  into  the  world 

When  fefts  and  fa&ions  were  newly  born  : 

He's  truly  valiant,  that  can  wisely  fuffer 

The  \vorll  that  man  can  breath  ;  and  make  his  wrongs 

His  outfides,  wear  them,  like  hisrayment,  carelefly; 

And  ne'er  prefer  his  injuries  to  his  heart, 

To  bring  it  into  danger. 

If  wrongs  be  evils,  and  enforce  us  kill, 

What  folly  'tis,  to  hazard  life  for  ill  ? 

ALC,  My  lord,— 

i..  S.  You  cannot  make  grofs  fins  look  clear; 
To  revenge  is  no  valour,  but  to  bear. 

ALC.  My  lords,  then,  under  favour,  pardon  me, 
If  I  fpeak  like  a  captain. — 
Why  do  fond  men  expose  themfelves  to  battle, 
And  not  endure  all  threats  ?  nap,  fleep  upon't, 
And  let  the  foes  quietly  cut  their  throats, 
Without  repugnancy  ?  ffi>r,  if  there  be 
Such  valour  in  the  bearing,  what  make  we 
Abroad  ?  why  then,  Cure,  women  are  more  valiant, 
That  ftay  at  home,  if  bearing  carry  it ; 
The  afs,  more  than  the  lion  ;  and  the  fellow 
Loaden  with  irons,  wiser  than  the  judge, 
If  wisdom  be  in  fuffering.  O  my  lords, 
As  you  are  great,  be  pitifully  good  : 
Who  cannot  condemn  ramnefs  in  cold  blood  ? 
To  kill,  I  grant,  is  fin's  extreameft  guft  ; 
But,  in  defence,  by  mercy,  'tis  moft  juft. 
To  be  in  anger,  is  impiety  : 
But  who  is  man,  that  is  not  angry  ? 

1  forme,  and  fee     ~  Out-fides,  |  To  weare      **  v.  Note. 

R  3 


46  Timon  cf  Athens. 

Weigh  but  the  crime  with  this. 

2.  S.    You  breath  in  vain. 

Aic,  In  vain  ?  his  fervice  done 
At  Lacetftemon,  and  Byzantium, 
Were  a  fufficient  briber  for  his  life. 

1.  S.    What's  that? 

Aic.  Why,  I  fay,  my  lords,  he  has  done  fair  fervice, 
And  flain  in  fight  many  of  our  enemies  : 
How  full  of  valour  did  he  bear  himfelf 
In  the  laft  conflict,  and  made  plenteous  wounds  ? 

2.  S.  He  has  made  too  much  plenty  with  'em  ;  he 
Is  a  fworn  rioter  :  he  has  a  fin 

That  often  drowns  him,  takes  his  valour  prisoner; 

9rrtJ,  if  there  were  no  foes,  that  were  enough 

To  overcome  him  :  in  that  beaftly  fury 

He  has  been  known  to  commit  outrages, 

And  cherifh  factions :  'Tis  infer'd  to  us, 

His  days  are  foul,  and  his  drink  dangerous. 

I.  S.   He  dies. 

ALC.  Hard  fate  !  he  might  have  dy'd  in  war. 
My  lords,  if  not  for  any  parts  in  him, 
(Though  his  right  arm  might  purchafe  his  own  time, 
And  be  in  debt  to-none)  yet,  more  to  more  you, 
Take  my  deserts  to  his,  and  join  'em  both  : 
And,  for  I  know  your  reverend  ages  love 
Security,  I'll  pawn  my  victories,  all 
My  honours  to  you,  upon  his  good  returns. 
If  by  this  crime  he  owes  the  law  his  life, 
Why,  let  the  war  receive't  in  valiant  gore  ; 
For  law  is  drift,  and  war  is  nothing  more. 

i .  5    We  are  for  law,  he  dies  ;  urge  it  no  more, 
On  height  of  our  difpleasure  :  Friend,  or  brother, 

'3  him,  and  takes 


Timon  of  Athens.  47 

He  forfeits  his  own  blood,  that  fpills  another. 

ALC.  Muft  it  be  fo  ?  it  muft  not  be.  My  lords, 
J  do  befeech  you,  know  me. 

2.  S.   How? 
ALC.  Call  me 

To  your  remembrance. 

3.  S.  What? 

ALC.  I  cannot  think,  but  your  age  has  forgot  me; 
It  could  not  elfe  be,  I  mould  prove  fo  bale, 
To  fue,  and  be  deny'd  fuch  common  grace  : 
My  wounds  ake  at  you. 

i .  S.  Do  you  dare  our  anger  ? 
'Tis  in  few  words,  but  fpacious  in  effect ; 
We  banifli  thee  for  ever. 

ALC.  Banifh  me? 
Banifh  your  dotage  ;  banifh  usury, 
That  makes  the  fenate  ugly. 

i.  S.  If  after  two  days' fhine  Athens  contain  thee, 
Attend  our  weightier  judgment.  And,  not  tofwell  your 
He  (hall  be  executed  presently.  [fpirit, 

[Exeunt  Senate. 

ALC.  Now  the  gods  keep  you  old  ;  that  you  may  live 
Only  in  bone,  that  none  may  look  on  you ! 
I  am  worfe  than  mad :  I  have  kept  back  their  foes, 
While  they  have  told  their  money,  and  let  out 
Their  coin  upon  large  intereft  ;  I  my  felf 
Rich  only  in  large  hurts;  All  those,  for  this  ? 
Is  this  the  balfam,  that  the  usuring  fenate 
Pours  into  captains'  wounds  ?  ha!  baniftiment  ? 
It  comes  not  ill  ;  I  hate  not  to  be  banifh'd, 
It  is  a  cause  worthy  my  fpleen  and  fury, 
That  I  may  ftrike  at  Athens.  I'll  cheer  up 

6  remembrances.    '  9  fvyeil  our  Spirit    ;  a  old  enough,  ]  That 

R4 


48  Timon  of  Athens. 

My  drfcontented  troops,  and  lay  for  hearts. 
'Tis  honour,  with  moil  lands  to  be  at  odds : 
Soldiers  fhould  brook  as  little  wrongs,  as  gods.  [Exit. 

SCENE  VI.   The  fame.  State-RccmixTimon'sHou/e. 

Mustek.  Tables  cover' d.  Domt 'flicks  attending. 

Enter  divert  Senators,  Lords,  &c. 

1.  L.  The  good  time  of  day  to  you,  fir. 

2.  L.  I  alfo  wifti  it  to  you.  I  think,  this  honourable 
lord  did  but  try  us  this  other  day. 

1.  L.  Upon  that  were  my  thoughts  tiring,  when  we 
encounter' d  :  I  hope,  it  is  not  fo  low  with  him,  as  he 
made  it  feem  in  the  trial  of  his  feveral  friends. 

2.  L.  It  fhould  not  be,  by  the  perfuasion  of  his  new 
feafting. 

1 .  L.  I  mould  think  fo  :  He  hath  fent  me  an  earned 
inviting,  which  many  my  near  occasions  did  urge  me  to 
put  off ;  but  he  hath  conjur'd  me  beyond  them,  and  I 
muft  needs  appear. 

2.  L.  In  like  manner  was  I  in  debt  to  my  importu- 
nate businefs,  but  he  would  not  hear  my  excufe.    I  am 
forry,  when  he  fent  to  borrow  of  me,  that  my  provision 
was  out. 

I.Z.I  am  fick  of  that  grief  too,  as  I  underftand  how 
all  things  go. 

2.  Z.  Every  man  here's  fo.  What  would  he  have  bor- 
row'd  of  you  ? 

1.  Z.  A  thousand  pieces. 

2.  Z.  A  thousand  pieces  ! 
i.I.  What  of  you? 

?.  Z.  He  fent  to  me,  fir,  —  Here  he  comes. 
Fhurijh.  Enter  TIMON,  attended* 

*6  hcarcs  fo 


Timon  of  Athens.  49 

TIM.  With  all  my  heart,  gentlemen  both  ;  And  how 
fare  you? 

1.  L.  Ever  at  the  beft,  hearing  well  of  your  lordfhip. 

2.  L.  Thefwallow  follows  not  fummer  more  willing, 
than  we  your  lordfhip. 

TIM.  "Nor  more  willingly  leaves  winter;  fuch  " 
"fummer  birds  are  men.  "  Gentlemen,  our  dinner  will 
not  recompence  this  long  flay  :  feaft  your  ears  with  the 
musick  a  while;  if  they  will  fare  fo  harfhly,  &0  o'the 
trumpet's  found  :  we  mail  to't  presently. 

1.  L.  I  hope,  it  remains  not  unkindly  with  your  lord- 
/hip,  that  I  return'd  you  an  empty  meffenger. 

TIM.  O,  fir,  let  it  not  trouble  you. 

z.  L.  My  noble  lord, — 

TIM.  Ah,  my  good  friend  !  what  cheer  ? 

[Banquet  brought  in. 

2.  L.  My  moil  honourable  lord,  lame'enfickoffhame, 
that,  when  your  lordfhip  this  other  day  fent  to  me,  I  was 
fo  unfortunate  a  beggar. 

TIM.  Think  not  on't,  fir. 
2.  L.  If  you  had  fent  but  two  hours  before,  — 
TIM.  Let  it  not  cumber  your  better  remembrance — 
[  goes  toiuard  the  Table. 
Ccme,  bring  in  all  together. 

2.  L.  All  cover'd  dimes  ! 

i.  L.  Royal  chear,  I  warrant  you. 

3.  L.  Doubt  not  that,  if  money,  and  the  feason  can 
yield  it. 

i.  L.  How  do  you  ?  What's  the  news  ? 
3.  L.  Alcibiade!  is  banifh'd :  Hear  you  of  it? 
1.2.   Aldbiades  banifh'd ! 
3.  L.  'Tis  fo,  be  fure  of  it. 


50  Timcn  of  Athens. 

1.  /..  How?  how? 

2.  L.  T  pray  you,  upon  what  ? 

TJM.   My  \vorthy  friends,  will  you  draw  near  ? 

3.  L.  I'll  tell  you  more  anon.    Here's  a  noble  feaft 
toward. 

2.  L.  This  is  the  old  man  ftill. 
5.  L.  Wilt  hold?  wilt  hold? 

2.  L.  It  does  :  but  time  will  —  and  fo. 

3.  L.    I  do  conceive.  [they  approach  the  Table. 
TIM.  Each  man  to  his  ftool,  with  that  fpur  as  he 

would  to  the  lip  of  his  miftrefs:  your  diet  mall  be  in  all 
places  alike.  Make  not  a  city  feaft  of  it,  to  let  the  meat 
cool,  ere  we  can  agree  upon  the  firft  place  :  fit,  fit.  The 
gods  require  our  thanks. 

You  great  benefaftcrs,  fprinkle  our  fociety  with 
thnnkfulnefs.  For  your  own  gifts,  make  yourfelves 
prais'd:  but  reserve  ftill  to  give,  left  your  deities  be 
delpised.  Lend  to  each  man  enough,  that  one  need 
r.otler.d  to  another:  for,  were  your  godheads  to  bor- 
row of  men,  men  would  forfake  the  gods.  Let  the 
meat  be  beloved,  more  than  the  man  that  gives  it. 
Let  no  aflembly  of  twenty  be  without  a  fcore  of  vil- 
lains :  If  there  fit  twelve  women  at  a  table,  let  a  dozen 
of  them  be  as  they  are.  The  reft  of  your  fees,  o  gods, 

—  the  fenators  of  Athens,  together  with  the  common 
lag  of  people,  —  what  is  amifs  in  them,  you  gods,  make 
fuitable  for  deftru&ion.  For  these  my  present  friends, 

—  as  they  are  to  me  nothing,  foin  nothing  bids  them% 
and  to  nothing  are  they  welcome. 

Uncover,  dogs,  and  lap. 

Somefpeak.  What  does  his  lordftip  mean  ? 
Some  other.  I  know  not. 

*c  common  legge  of 


Timon  of  Athens.  51 

I'I.M.  May  you  a  better  feaft  never  behold, 

\Dif3ts  difcowcr' d,  fill*  d  only  <witb  ivann  Water. 
You  knotof  mouth-friends !  fmoke,  and  luke-warm  water, 
Is  your  perfection.  This  is  Timon's  laft ; 
Who,  ftuck  and  fpangl'd  with  your  flatteries, 
Wafhes  it  off,  and  fprinkles  in  your  faces 
Your  reeking  villany.  Live  loath'd,  and  long, 
Moft  fmiling,  fmooth,  detefted  parafites, 
Courteous  deftroyers,  affable  wolves,  meek  bears, 
You  fools  of  fortune,  trencher-friends,  time's  flies, 
Cap  and  knee  flaves,  vapours,  and  minute -jacks  ! 
Of  man,  and  beaft,  the  infinite  malady 
Cruft  you  quite  o'er  !  —-What,  doft  thou  go  ? 
Soft,  take  thy  physick  firft,  _thou  too,  _  and  thou  ;  _ 
Stay,  I  will  lend  thee  money,  borrow  none — 

[throws  the  Dijhes  at  them,  and  a'ri-ves  them  out. 
What,  all  in  motion  ?  Henceforth  be  no  feaft, 
Whereat  a  villain's  not  a  welcome  gueft. 
Burn,  houfe  ;  fink,  Athens!  henceforth  hated  be 
Of  Timen,  man,  and  all  humanity.  [Exit  TIMON. 

Re-enter  Lords,  &c. 

1.  L.  How  now,  my  lords? 

2.  L.  Know  you  the  quality  of  lord  Timon 's  fury  ? 

3.  L.  Pi  ill  \  did  you  fee  my  cap  ? 

4.  L,  I  have  loft  my  gown. 

1 .  L.  He's  but  a  mad  lord,  and  nought  but  humours 
fways  him.    He  gave  me  a  jewel  the  other  day,  and 

now  he  has  beat  it  out  of  my  hat  : Did  you  fee  my 

jewel  ? 

«•  3.  L.  Did  you  fee  my  cap  ? 

2.  L.  Here  "f  'tis. 

4.  L.  Here  lies  my  ~f  gown. 

Syouvith     *4-  Pufli,     so  2i  Did     3 -3.  Here 


i  Timon  o/"Ath«ns.      » 

1.  L.  Let's  make  no  ftay. 

2.  L.  Lord  Timon 's  mad. 

3.  /,.  I  feel't  upon  my  bones. 

4.  L.  One  day  he  gives  us  diamonds,  next  day  ftones. 


ACT    IV. 

SCENE  I.    The  fame.  Fields  without  the  Wall. 
Enter  TIMON,  meanly  habited. 

TIM.  Let  me  look  back  upon  thee,  o  thou  wall, 
That  girdl'ft  in  those  wolves ;  Dive  in  the  earth, 
And  fence  not  Athens!  Matrons,  turn  incontinent; 
Obedience  fail  in  children  !  flaves,  and  fools, 
Pluck  the  grave  wrinkl'd  fenatefrom  the  bench. 
And  miniirer  in  their  fteads  !  to  general  filths 
Convert  o'the  inftant,  green  virginity, 
Do't  in  your  parents'  eyes!  bankrupts,  hold  faft  ; 
Rather  than  render  back,  out  with  your  knives, 
And  cut  your  trufters'  throats !  bound  fervants,  fteal ; 
Large-handed  robbers  your  grave  matters  are, 
And  pill  by  law  !  maid,  to  thy  matter's  bed, 
Thy  miftrefs  is  o'the  brothel!  fon  of  fixteen, 
Pluck  the  Hn'd  crutch  from  thy  old  limping  fire, 
With  it  beat  out  his  brains !  piety,  and  fear, 
Religion  to  the  gods,  peace,  juftice,  truth, 
Domeftick  awe,  night-reft,  and  neighbourhood, 
Inftruftion,  manners,  myfteries,  and  trades, 
Degrees,  observances,  cuftoms,  and  laws, 
Decline  to  your  confounding  contraries, 
And  let  confusion  live !  Plagues,  incident  to  men^ 
Your  potent  and  infectious  fevers  heap 

1 2  girdles     * l   And  yet  Con- 


Timon  ^Athens.  53 

On  Athens^  ripe  for  ftroke !  thou  cold  fciatica, 

Cripple  our  fenators,  that  their  limbs  may  halt 

As  lamely  as  their  manners  !  luft  and  liberty 

Creep  in  the  minds  and  marrows  of  our  youth  ; 

That  'gainft  the  ftream  of  virtue  they  may  ftrive, 

And  drown  themfelves  in  riot !  itches,  blains, 

Sow  all  the  Athenian  bosoms  ;  and  their  crop 

Be  general  leprofy  !  breath  infeft  breath  ; 

That  their  fociety,  as  their  friendfhip,  may 

Be  meerly  poison !  Nothing  I'll  bear  from  thee 

But  nakednefs,  thou  deteftable  town  : 

Take  thou  that  too,  with  multiplying  bans ! 

Timon  will  to  the  woods ;  where  he  fhall  find 

The  unkindeft  beaft  more  kinder  than  mankind. 

The  gods  confound  (hear  me,  you  good  gods  all) 

The  Athenians  both  within  and  out  that  wall ! 

And  grant,  as  Timon  grows,  his  hate  may  grow 

To  the  whole  race  of  mankind,  high,  and  low! 

Amen.  [Exit. 

SCENE  II.    The  fame.  Room  in  Timon's  Houfe. 

Enter  Steward,  and  certain  Servants.         [ter? 

l.  S.  Hear  you,  gocU  mafter  fteward ;  where's  our  maf- 
Are  we  undone?  call  off:  nothing  remaining  ? 

Ste.    Alack,  my  fellows,  what  (uould  I  fay  to  you  ? 
Let  be  recorded  by  the  righteous  gods, 
I  am  as  poor  as  you. 

i.  S.-  Such  a  houfe  broke  ! 
So  noble  a  matter  fall'n  !  All  gone ;  and  not 
One  friend,  to  take  his  fortune  by  the  arm, 
And  go  along  with  him  ! 

z.  S.  As  we  do  turn  our  backs 

26  Let  me  te 


54  Timon  of  Athens. 

From  our  companion,  thrown  into  his  gr-ve; 
So  his  familiars  from  his  bury'd  fortunes 
Slink  all  away  ;  leave  their  falfe  vows  with  him, 
Like  empty  purfes  pick'd  :  and  his  poor  felf, 
A  dedicated  beggar  to  the  air, 
With  his  disease  of  all-fhun'd  poverty, 
Walks,  like  contempt,  alone.  More  of  our  follows* 
Enter  other  Servants. 

Ste.     All  broken  implements  of  a  ruin'd  houfe. 

3.  S.  Yet  do  our  hearts  wear  Timon 's  livery, 
That  fee  I  by  our  faces  ;  we  are  fellows  ftill, 
Serving  alike  in  forrow :  Leak'd  is  our  bark ; 
And  we,  poor  mates,  ftand  on  the  dying  deck, 
Hearing  the  furges  threat :  we  mull  all  part 
Into  thisfea  of  air. 

Ste.     Good  fellows  all, 

Thelateft  of  my  wealth  I'll  (hare  among'ft  you. 
Wherever  we  (hall  meet,  for  Timon' s  fake, 
Let's  yet  be  fellows ;  let's  (hake  our  heads,  and  fay, 
As  'twere  a  knell  unto  our  matter's  fortunes, 
We  bavefeen  better  days.  Let  each  take  fome  ; 

[giving  them  Money. 

Nay,,put  out  all  your  hands.    Not  one  word  more  : 
Thus  part  we  rich  in  forrow,  parting  poor. 

[embrace,  and  Exeunt  Servants. 
O,  the  fierce  wretchednefs  that  glory  brings  us ! 
Who  would  not  wi(h  to  be  from  wealth  exempt, 
Since  riches  point  to  misery,  and  contempt  ? 
Who'd  be  fo  mock'd  with  glory  ?  or  to  live 
But  in  a  dream  of  friendfhip  ? 
To  have  his  pomp,  and  all  what  flate  compounds, 
But  only  painted,  like  his  varnifh'd  friends? 

*  Familiars  to  his 


Timon  cf  Athens.  55 

Poor  honeft  lord,  brought  low  by  his  own  heart; 

Undone  by  goodnefs !  —  Strange,  unusual  blood, 

When  man;s  worfl  fin  is,  he  does  too  much  good ! 

Who  then  dares  to  be  half  Co  kind  again  ? 

For-  bounty,  that  makes  gods,  does  ftill  mar  men. 

My  deareft  lord,  — bleft,  to  be  moft  accurft; 

Rich,  only  to  be  wretched  ;  —  thy  great  fortunes 

Are  made  thy  chief  afflictions.  Alas,  kind  lord  ! 

He's  flung  in  rage  from  this  ingrateful  feat 

Of  monftrous  friends :  nor  has  he  with  him  to 

Supply  his  life,  or  that  which  can  command  it. 

I'll  follow,  and  inquire  him  out : 

I'll  ever  ferve  his  mind  with  my  beft  will ; 

Whilft  I  have  gold,  I'll  be  his'fteward  ftill.  [Exit. 

SCENE  IU.    Woods--,  a  Cave  in  View. 

Enter  TIM  ON-,  ivitb  a  Spade. 
TIM.  O  bleffed  breeding  fun,  draw  from  the  earth 
Rotten  humidity ;  below  thy  fitter's  orb 
Infe£l  the  air  !  Twin'd  brothers  of  one  womb,  ~~ 
Whose  procreation,  residence,  and  birth, 
Scarce  is  dividant,  —  touch  them  with  feveral  fortunes, 
The  greater  fcorns  the  lefTer  :  Not  ins  nature, 
To  whom  all  fores  lay  fiege,  can  bear  great  fortune, 
But  by  contempt  of  nature. 
Raise  me  this  beggar,  and  denude  that  lord  ; 
The  fenator  fhall  bear  contempt  hereditary. 
The  beggar  native  honour  : 
It  is  the  pafture  lards  the  weather's  fides, 
The  want  that  makes  him  lean.  Who  dares,  who  dares, 
In  purity  of  manhood  {land  upright, 
And  fay,  This  man's  a  fatterer?  if  one  be, 

Jdoeflill     *6  deny 't  that     ^  Senators     *»  the  Brothers 


«j6  Timon  of  Athens. 

So  are  they  all;  for  every  grize  of  fortune 
Is  fmooth'd  by  that  below :  the  learned  pate 
Ducks  to  the  golden  fool :  All  is  oblique  ; 
There's  nothing  level  in  our  curfed  natures, 
But  direct  villany.  Therefore,  be  abhor'd 
All  feafls,  focieties,  and  throngs  of  men ! 
His  femblable,  yea,  himfelf,  Timon  difdains  : 
Deftru&ion  phang  mankind  !_  Earth,  yield  me  roots  : 

[digging. 

Who  feeks  for  better  of  thee,  fauce  his  palate 
With  thy  moft  operant  poison !  What  is  here  ? 
Gold  ?  yellow,  glittering,  precious  gold  ?  No,  gods, 
I  am  no  idle  votarift;  Roots,  you  clear  heavens! 
Thus  "{"much  of  this  will  make  black,  white;  foul,  fair; 
Wrong,  right ;  bafe,  noble ;  old,  young ;  coward,  valiant, 
Ha,  you  gods  !  why  this  ?  why  this,  you  gods  ?  Why,  this 
Will  lug  your  priefts  and  fervants  from  your  fides  ; 
Pluck  flout  men's  pillows  from  below  their  heads  : 
This  yellow  flave 

Will  knit  and  break  religions,  blefs  the  accurft  ; 
Make  the  hoar  leprofy  ador'd  ;  place  thieves, 
And  give  them  title,  knee,  and  approbation, 
With  fenators  on  the  bench  :  this  t^ifl  is  it, 
That  makes  the  wappen'd  widow  wed  again  ; 
She,  whom  the  fpital-houfe  and  ulcerous  fores 
Would  caft  the  gorge  at,  this  embalms  and  fpices 
To  the  ^n'7-day  again.  Come,  damned  earth, 
Thou  common  whore  of  mankind,  that  put'ft  odds 
Among  the  rout  of  nations,  I  will  make  thee 
Do  thy  right  nature.  {Drum.'}  Ha!  adrum?Thou'rtquick, 
But  yet  I'll  bury 'f  thee  :  Thou'lt  go,  ftrong  thief. 
When  gouty  keepers  of  thee  cannot  ftand  : 

16  what  this,  you     *8  puttei 


Timon  of  Athens.  57 

Nay,  flay  thou  ~J~  out  for  earneft. 

Enter  ALCIBIADES,  with  PHRYNIA  /zWTvMANDRA  ; 
Soldiers,  at  a  Dijlance,  marching. 

ALC.  What  art  thou  there  ?  fpeak. 

TIM.   A  beaft,  as  thou  art :  The  cankergnaw  thy  heart, 
For  ihewing  me  again  the  eyes  of  man  ! 

ALC.  What  is  thy  name  ?  Is  man  fo  hateful  to  thee, 
That  art  thyfelf  a  man  ? 

TIM.    I  am  mifantbropos,  and  hate  mankind. 
For  thy  part,  I  do  vvifn  thou  wert  a  dog, 
That  I  might  love  thee  fomething. 

ALC.  I  know  thee  well ; 
But  in  thy  fortunes  am  unlearn'd  and  flrange. 

TIM.   1  know  thee  too;  and  more,  than  that  I  know  thee, 
I  net  desire  to  know.   Follow  thy  drum; 
With  man's  blood  paint  the  ground,  gules,  total  gules: 
Religious  canons,  civil  laws  are  cruel ; 
Then  what  fhouldwar  be?  This  fell  ~f~  whore  of  thine 
Hath  in  her  more  deitru&ion  than  thy  fword, 
For  all  her  cherubin  look. 

PHR.  Thy  lips  rot  off ! 

TIM.   I  will  not  kifs  thee  ;  then  the  rot  returns 
To  thine  own  lips  again. 

ALC.  How  came  the  noble  Timon  to  this  change  ? 

TIM.   As  the  moon  does,  by  wanting  light  to  give : 
But  then  renew  I  could  not,  like  the  moon  ; 
There  were  no  funs  to  borrow  of. 

ALC.  Noble  Timsn, 
What  friendftiip  may  I  do  thee  ; 

TIM.  None  but  tpis, 
To  maintain  my  opinion. 

ALC.  What  is  it,  Timon  ? 

VOL.  VIII.  S 


5'8  Timor  of  Athens. 

TIM.  Promise  mefriendmip,  but  perform  none  :  If 
Thou  wilt  not  promise,  the  gods  plague  thee,  for 
Thou  art  a  man  !  if  thou  doft  promise,  &rit) 
Perform,  confound  thee,  for  thou  art  a  man  ! 

Ate.  I  have  heard  in  fome  fort  of  thy  miseries. 

TIM .   Thou  faw'ft  them  when  I  had  profperity. 

ALC.  I  fee  them  now  ;  then  was  a  bleffed  time. 

TIM.   As  thine  is  now,  held  with  a  brace  of  harlots. 

TTM.  Is  this  the  Athenian  minion,  whom  the  world 
Voic'd  fo  regardfully  ? 

TIM.    Art  thou  Tymandra  ? 

Tru.  Yes. 

TIM.  Be  a  whore  ftill!  they  love  thee  not,  that  use  thee; 
Give  them  diseases,  leaving  with  thee  their  luft. 
Make  ufe  of  thy  fait  hours :  feason  the  ilaves 
For  tubs,  and  baths  ;  bring  down  tije  rose-cheek'd  youth 
To  the  tub-faft,  and  the  diet. 

TTM.  Hang  thee,  monfter  ! 

ALC.  Pardon  him,  fweet  Tymandra  ;  for  his  wits 
Are  drown'd  and  loft  in  his  calamities — 
J  have  but  little  gold  of  late,  brave  Timon, 
The  want  whereof  doth  daily  make  revolt 
In  my  penurious  band  :  I  have  heard,  and  griev'd, 
How  curfed  Athens,  mindlefs  of  thy  worth, 
Forgetting  thy  great  deeds,  when  neighbour  ftates, 
But  for  thy  fword  and  fortune,  trod  upon  them,— 

TIM .  I  pr'ythee,  beat  thy  drum,  and  get  thee  gone. 

ALC.  I  am  thy  friend,  and  pity  thee,  dear  Timon. 

TIM.  How  doft  thou  pity  him  whom  thou  doft  trouble  ? 
I  had  rather  be  alone. 

ALC.  Why,  fare  thee  well  : 
Here  is  fome  "{"gold  for  thee. 

'7  Fubfaft 


Timon  of  Athens.  59 

TIM .   Keep  it,  I  cannot  eat  it. 

ALC.   When  I  have  lay'd  proud  Athens  on  a  heap,  — 

TIM.    War'ft  thou  'gainft  Athens  ? 

ALC.   Ay,  Timon,  and  have  cause. 

TIM.  The  gods  confound  them  in  thy  conqueft;  and 
Thee  after,  when  thou  haitconquer'd! 

ALC.  Why  me,  Timon? 

TIM.  That,  by  killing  of  villains,  thou  waft  bora 
To  conquer  thy  own  countrey. 
Put  up  thy  gold  :  Go  on,  —  here's  ~f"  gold,  —  go  on  ; 
Ee  as  a  planetary  plague,  when  Jove 
Will  o'er  fome  high-vic'd  city  hang  his  poison 
In  the  fick  air  :  Let  not  thy  fword  (kip  one  : 
Pity  not  honour'd  age  for  his  white  beard, 
He  is  an  usurer  :  Strike  me  the  counterfeit  matron 
It  is  her  habit  only  that  is  honeft, 
Herfelf 's  a  bawd :  Let  not  the  virgin's  cheek 
Make  foft  thy  trenchant  fword  ;  for  those  milk-paps, 
That  through  the  window -lawn  bore  at  men's  eyes, 
Are  not  within  the  leaf  of  pity  writ, 
Set  them  down  horrible  traitors:  Spare  not  the  babe, 
Whose  dimpl'd  fmiles  from  fools  exhaull  their  mercy ; 
Think  it  a  baftard,  whom  the  oracle 
Hath  doubtfully  pronounc'd  thy  throat  (hall  cut, 
And  mince  it  fans  remorfe  :  Swear  againft  objedls, 
Put  armour  on  thine  ears,  and  on  thine  eyes  ; 
Whose  proof,  nor  yells  of  mothers,  maids,  nor  babes, 
Nor  fight  of  priefts  in  holy  veftments  bleeding, 
Shall  pierce  a  jot.  There's  ^  gold  to  pay  thy  foldiers  : 
Make  large  confusion  ;  and,  thy  fury  fpent, 
Confounded  be  thyfelf !  Speak  not,  be  gone.          [me, 

ALC.  Haft  thou  gold  yet  ?  I'll  take  the  gold  chou.giv'ft 

5  them  all  in     5>  conquer  my  Country 
10  \\iniowBarne     *'Butfst     2+  the  throat 

S    2 


6o  Timon  of  Athens. 

Not  all  thy  counfel.  [thee ! 

TIM .  Doft  thou,  or  doft  thou  hot,  heaven's  curfe  upon 

Worn.  Give  us  fome gold,  good 77w5»;  Hafl  thou  more? 

TIM.  Enough  to  make  a  whore  forfwear  her  trade, 
And  to  make  whore  a  bawd.  Hold  up,  you  fluts, 
Your  aprons  mountant :  You  are  not  oathable, — 
Although,  1  know,  you'll  fwear,  terribly  fwear, 
Into  ftrong  fhudders,  and  to  heavenly  agues, 
The  immortal  gods  that  hear  you,  —  fpare  your  oaths, 
I'll  truft  to  your  conditions  :  Be  whores  ftill ; 
And  he  whose  pious  breath  feeks  to  convert  you, 
Be  ftrong  in  whore,  allure  him,  burn  him  up ; 
Let  your  clofe  fire  predominate  his  fmoke, 
And  be  no  turn-coats  :  Yet  may  your  pains,  fix  months, 
Be  quite  contrary  :  thatch  your  poor  thin  roofs 
With  burthens  of  the  dead; —  fome  that  were  hang'd, 
No  matter ;  —  wear  them,  betray  with  them  :  whore  ftiil ; 
Paint  'till  a  horfe  may  mire  upon  your  face, 
A  pox  of  wrinkles  ! 

Worn.  Well,  more  gold;  — What  then?  — 
Believe't,  that  we'll  do  any  thing  for  gold. 

TIM.  Confumptions  fow 

In  hollow  bones  of  man  ;  ftrike  their  fharp  fhrns, 
And  mar  men's  fparring.  Crack  the  lawyer's  voice, 
That  he  may  never  more  falfe  title  plead, 
Nor  found  his  quillets  fhrilly  :  hoar  the  flamen, 
That  fcolds  againft  the  quality  of  flefh, 
And  not  believes  himfelf :   down  with  the  nose, 
Down  with  it  flat ;  take  the  bridge  quite  away 
Of  him,  that  his  particular  not  forefees, 
Smels for the  general weal :  makecurl'd-paterufKans bald; 
And  let  the  unfcar'd  braggarts  of  the  war 

S  Whores     '  *  contrary,  And  Thatch     **  fpurring 
*?  fcold'ft      3«  particular  to  forcfee  |  Smch  from  the 


Titnon  of  Athens.  61 

Derive  fome  pain  from  you  :  Plague  all ; 

That  your  activity  may  defeat  and  quell 

The  fource  of  all  eredtion.  There's  more  =j=  gold  : 

Do  you  damn  others,  and  let  this  damn  you, 

And  ditches  grave  you  all !  [man. 

Worn.  More  counfel,  with  more  money,  bounteous  7V- 

TIM.  More  whore,  more  mifchief  firft ;  I  have  given 
you  earnefl.  [Ti/non ; 

ALC.  Strike  up  the  drum  towards  Athens.    Farewel, 
If  I  thrive  well,  I'll  visit  thee  again. 

TIM.   If  I  hope  well,  I'll  never  fee  thee  more. 

ALC.  I  never  did  thee  harm. 

TIM.  Yes,  thou  fpok'ft  well  of  me. 

ALC.  Call'ft  thou  that  harm? 

TIM.   Men  daily  find  it.   C^nce  ; 
Get  thee  away,  and  take  thy  beagles  with  thee. 

ALC.  We  but ofFend  him. —  Strike.  [March, 

[Exeunt  ALCIBIADES,  &c.    PHR.  and T 'Y M . 

TIM.  That  nature,  being  fick  of  man's  unkindnefs, 

Should  yet  be  hungry  : Common  mother,  thou 

Whose  womb  unmeasurable,  and  infinite  breaft, 

Teems,  and  feeds  all ;  o  tftou,  whose  felf-fame  mettle, 

Whereof  thy  proud  child,  arrogant  man,  is  puft, 

Engenders  the  black  toad,  and  adder  blue, 

The  gilded  newt,  and  eyelefs  venom'd  worm, 

With  all  the  abhorred  births  below  crifp  heaven 

Whereon  Hyperion's  quick'ning  fire  doth  (hine; 

Yield  him,  who  all  thy  human  fons  doth  hate, 

From  forth  thy  plenteous  bosom,  one  poor  root!    [digs. 

Enfear  thy  fertile  and  conceptious  womb, 

Let  it  no  more  bring  out  ingrateful  man  ! 

.Go  great  with  tygers,  dragons,  wolves,  and  bears  ; 


18  the  humane  Sonnet  .do 


6  2  Timon  of  Athens. 

Teem  with  new  monfters,  whom  thy  upward  face 
Hath  to  the  marble  manfion  all  above 

Never  presented ! O,  a~"|~  root, Dear  thanks ! 

Dry  up  thy  marrows,  vines,  and  plough-torn  leas ; 
Whereof  ingrateful  man,  with  licoriiri  draughts, 
And  morfels  un&ious,  greases  his  pure  mind, 
That  from  it  all  confideration  flips  !_ 
Enter  APEMANTUS. 
More  man  ?  Plague,  plague  ! 

4PE,   I  was  direfted  hither  :  Men  report, 
Thou  doft  affeft  my  manners,  and  doft  use  them. 

TIM.  'Tis  then,  because  thou  doft  not  keep  a  dog 
Whom  I  would  imitate:  Confumption  catch  thee  ! 

4PE.  This  is  in  thee  a  nature  but  affefted  ; 
A  poor  unmanly  melancholy,  fprung 
From  change  of  fortune.    Why  this  fpade  ?  this  place? 
This  flave-like  habit  ?  and  these  looks  of  care  ? 
Thy  flatterers  yet  wearfilk,  drink  wi;.e,  lyefoft; 
Hug  their  diseas'd  perfumes,  and  have  forgot 
That  ever  Timon  was.    Shame  not  these  weeds, 
By  putting  on  the  cunning  of  a  carper. 
Be  thou  a  flatterer  now,  and  feek  to  thrive 
By  that  which  has  undone  thee:  hindge  thy  knee, 
And  let  his  very  breath,  whom  thou'lt  obferve, 
Blow  off  thy  cap  ;  praise  his  moil  vicious  ftrain, 
And  call  it  excellent :  Thou  waft  told  thus ; 
Thou  gav'ft  thine  ears,  like  tapfters,  that  bid  welcome, 
To  knaves,  and  all  approaches  :  'Tis  moft  juft, 
That  thou  turn  rafcal;  had'ft  thou  wealth  again, 
Rafcals  fhould  hav't.  Do  not  affume  my  likenefs, 

TIM.  Were  I  like  thee,  I'd  throw  away  myfelf. 

JPE.  Thou  haft  caft  away  thyfelf,  being  like  thyfelfj 

*  Marbled     '4  infefled     l6  of  future.     *°  Woods 


Ticion  cf  Athens.  63 

A  madman  fo  long,  now  a  fool :  What,  think'ft 

That  the  bleak  air,  thy  boift'rous  chamberlain, 

Will  put  thy  fhirt  on  warm  ?  will  these  moift  trees, 

That  have  .outliv'd  the  eagle,  page  thy  heels, 

And  fkip  when  thou  point'ft  out  ?  will  the  cold  brook, 

Candy'd  with  ice,  caudle  thy  morning  tafte, 

To  cure  thy  o'er-night's  furfeit?  Call  the  creatures,  T 

Whose  naked  natures  live  in  all  the  fpite 

Of  wrcakful  heaven  ;  whose  bare  unhoused  trunks, 

To  the  conflicting  elements  expos'd, 

Anfwer  meer  nature,  —  bid  them  flatter  thee ; 

O,  thou  (halt  find  — 

TIM.  A  fool  of  thee :  Depart. 

APE.  I  love  thee  better  now  than  ere  I  did. 

TIM.  I  hate  thee  worfe. 

APE.  Why? 

TIM.  Thou  flatter'ft  misery. 

APE.  I  flatter  not;  but  fay,  thou  art  a  caitiff. 

TIM.  Why  doft  thou  feek  me  out? 

APE.  To  vex  thee. 

TIM.  Always  a  villain's  office,  or  a  fool's. 
Doft  please  thyfelf  in't  ? 

JPE.  Ay. 

TIM.  What  a  knave  thou  ! 

APE.  If  thou  did'ft  put  this  four  cold  habit  on 
To  caftigate  thy  pride,  'twere  well :  but  thou 
Doft  it  enforcedly  ;  thou'dft  courtier  be  again, 
Wert  thou  not  beggar.  Willing  misery 
Out-vies  uncertain  pomp,  is  crown'd  before : 
The  one  is  filling  Hill,  never  compleat ; 
The  other,  at  high  wifh  :  Beft  ftate,  contentlefs, 
Jiath  a  diftrafted  and  moft  wretched  being, 

*+    l£nave  too  ?     23  Out-livej 

S4 


64  Timon  of  Athens. 

Wo;fe  than  the  worft,  content. 

Thou  fhould'ft  desire  to  dye,  being  miserable. 

TIM.  Not  by  his  breath,  that  is  more  miserable. 
Thou  art  a  {lave,  whom  fortune's  tender  arm 
With  favour  never  clafp'd  ;  but  bred  a  dog. 
Had'ft  thou,  like  us,  from  our  firft  fwath,  proceeded 
Through  fweet  degrees  that  this  brief  world  affords 
To  fuch  as  may  the  paflive  drugs  of  it 
Freely  command,  thou  would'ft  haveplung'd  thyfelf 
In  general  riot ;  melted  down  thy  youth 
Tn  different  beds  of  luft;  and  never  learn'd 
The  icy  precepts  of  refpecl:,  but  follow'd 
The  fugar'd  game  before  thee.    But  myfelf, 
Who  had  the  world  as  my  confectionary ; 
The  mouths,  the  tongues,  the  eyes,  and  hearts  of  men 
At  duty,  more  than  I  could  frame  employment : 
That  numberlefs  upon  me  ftuck,  as  leaves 
Do  on  the  oak  ;  and  with  one  winter's  brufh 
Fell  from  their  boughs,  and  left  me  open,  bare 
For  every  ftorm  that  blows  :  I  to  bear  this, 
That  never  knew  but  better,  is  fome  burthen : 
Thy  nature  did  commence  in  fufferance,  time 
Hath  made  thee  hard  in't.  Why  fhould'ft  thou  hate  men  ? 
They  never  flatter'd  thee :  What  hail  thou  given  ? 
If  thou  wilt' curfe,  thy  father,  that  poor  rag, 
Muft  be  thy  fubjeft;  who  in  fpite  put  fluff 
To  fome  me  beggar,  and  compounded  thee 
Poor  rogue  hereditary.    Hence  ;  be  gone ! 
If  thou  had'fl  not  been  born  the  worit  of  men, 
Thou  hadfl  been  a  knave,  and  flatterer. 

Art.  Art  thou  proud  yet  ? 

TIM.  Ay,  that  I  am  not  thee. 

7  The  fweet    »  command'**  :     ' 8  Oakc,  have  with 


Timon  of  Athens.         ,  65 

APE.  I,  that  I  was 
No  prodigal. 

TIM.  I,  that  I  am  one  now  : 
Were  all  the  wealth  I  have  fhutup  in  thee, 
I'd  give  thee  leave  to  hang  it.  Get  thee  gone. 
That  the  whole  life  of  Athens  were  in  ~\  this  ! 
Thus  would  I  eat  it.  [gnawing  a  Root. 

APE.  Here,  ~f~  I  will  mend  thy  feaft. 

\tbr  owing  him  a  Cruft, 

TIM.  Firft  mend  my  company,  take  away  thyfelf. 

APE.  Sol  fhall  mend  mine  own,  by  the  lack  of  thine. 

TIM.  'Tis  not  well  mended  fo,  it  is  but  botch'd; 
If  not,  I  would  it  were. 

APE.  What  would'ft  thou  have  to  Athens? 

TIM.  Thee  thither  in  a  whirlwind.    If  thou  wilt, 
Tell  them  there,  I  have  gold  ;  look,  ~}~fo  I  have. 

APE.  Here  is  no  ufe  for  gold. 

TIM.  The  beft,  and  trueft : 
For  here  it  fleeps,  and  does  no  hired  harm. 

APE.  Where  ly'ft  o'nights,  Timon? 

TIM.  Under  that's  above  me.  Where  feed'ft  thou  o' 
days,  Apemanlus? 

APE.  Where  my  ftomach  finds  meat ;  or,  rather,  where 
I  eat  it. 

TIM.  'Would  poison  were  obedient,  and  knew  my 
mind. 

APE.  Where  would'ft  thou  fend  it  ? 

TIM.  To  fauce  thy  dimes. 

APE.  The  middle  of  humanity  thou  never  kneweft, 
but  the  extremity  of  both  ends :  When  thou  waft  in  thy 
gilt,  and  thy  perfume,  they  mocked  thee  for  too  much 
courtefy  ;  in  thy  rags  thou  knoweft  none,  but  art  defpis'd 

10  mend  thy  company     32-  Curiofitie 


66  Timon  of  Athens. 

for  the  contrary.  There's  a  "j~  medlar  for  thee,  eat  it. 

TIM.  On  what  I  hate  I  feed  not. 

AP  E  .  Doft  hate  a  medlar  ? 

TIM.  Ay,  though  it  look  like  thee. 

JJPE.  An  thou  hadft  hated  mediers  fooner,  thou 
fhould'ft  have  lov'd  thyfelf  better  now.  What  man 
did'ft  thou  ever  know  un thrift,  that  was  belov'd  after 
his  means  ? 

TIM.  Who,  without  those  means  thou  talk'ft  of,  did'ft 
thou  ever  know  belov'd  ? 

Jre.  Myfelf. 

T/jf .  1  underftand  thee ;  thou  hadft  fome  means  to  keep 
a  dog. 

APE.  What  things  in  the  world  canft  thou  neareft 
compare  to  thy  flatterers  ? 

TIM.  Women  neareft ;  but  men,  men  are  the  things 
themfelves.  What  would'ft  thou  do  with  the  world, 
Apemantus,  if  it  lay  in  thy  power? 

API. .  Give  it  the  beafh,  to  be  rid  of  the  men. 

TIM.  Would'ft  thou  have  thyfelf  fall  in  the  confusion 
of jnen,  and  remain  a  beaft  with  the  beafts  ? 

Apt..  Ay,  Timon. 

TIM.  A  beaftly  ambition,  which  the  gods  grant  thee 
to  attain  to  !  If  thou  wert  the  lion,  the  fox  would  be- 
guile thee :  if  thou  wert  the  lamb,  the  fox  would  eat 
thee:  if  thou  wert  the  fox,  the  lion  would  fufpeft  thee, 
when,  peradventure,  thou  wert  accus'd  by  the  afs  :  if 
thou  wert  the  afs,  thy  dulnefs  would  torment  thee,  and 
ftill  thou  liv'dil  but  as  a  breakfaft  to  the  wolf:  if  thou 
wert  the  wolf,  thy  greedinefs  would  afflift  thee,  and  oft 
thou  fhould'ft  hazard  thy  life  for  thy  dinner:  wert  thou 
the  unicorn,  pride  and  wrath  would  confound  thee,  and 


Timon  of  Athens.  67 

make  thine  o\vn  felf  the  conqueft  of  thy  fury  :  wert 
thou  a  bear,  thou  would'ft  be  kill'd  by  the  horfe ;  wert 
them  a  horfe,  thou  would'ft  be  feiz'd  by  the  leopard ; 
\vert  thou  a  leopard,  thou  wert  germane  to  the  lion, 
and  the  fpots  of  thy  kindred  were  jurors  on  thy  life  : 
all  thy  fafety  were  remotion  ;  and  thy  defence,  abfence. 
What  beaft  could'ft  thou  be,  that  were  not  fubjeft  to  a 
beaft  ?  and  what  a  beaft  art  thou  already,  that  feeft  not 
thy  lofs  in  tranfformation  ? 

APE.  If  thou  could'ft  please  me  with  fpeaking  tome, 
thou  might'ft  have  hit  upon  it  here  :  The  common-wealth 
of  Athens  is  become  a  foreft  of  beafts. 

TIM.  How  has  the  afs  broke  the  wall,  that  thou  art 
out  of  the  city  r 

APE.  Yonder  comes  a  poet,  and  a  painter:  The 
plague  of  company  light  upon  thee  !  I  will  fear  to  catch 
it,  and  give  way  :  When  I  know  not  what  elfe  to  do, 
I'll  fee  thee  again. 

TIM.  When  there  is  nothing  living  but  thee,  thou 
{halt  be  welcome.  I  had  rather  be  a  beggar's  dog,  than 
Apemantus. 

APE.  Thou  art  the  cap  of  all  the  fools  alive. 

TIM.  'Would  thou  wert  clean  enough  to  fpit  upon. 

APE.  A  plague  on  thee,  thou  art  too  bad  to  curfe. 

TIM.  All  villains,  that  do  ftand  by  thee,  are  pure. 

APE.  There  is  no  leprofy,  but  what  thou  fpeak'ft. 

TIM.  If  I  name  thee,— 
I'd  beat  thee,  but  I  fhould  infeftmy  hands. 

APE.  I  would  my  tongue  could  rot  them  off. 

VIM.  Away,  thou  ifiue  of  a  mangy  dog  ! 
Choler  does  kill  me,  that  thou  art  alive ; 
J  Avoon  to  fee  thee. 

*»  Ilebeate 


68  Timono/  Athens. 

APZ  .  'Would  thou  would'ft  burft. 

TIM.  Away, 

Thou  tedious  rogue  !  I  am  forry,  I  fhall  lose 
A  ftone  by  thee.  [throwing  at  him. 

JPE.  Beaft! 

TIM.  Slave! 


TIM.  Rogue,  rogue,  rogue  \ 

[Apemantus  retreats  backward,  as  going. 
I  am  fick  of  this  falfe  world  ;  and  will  love  nought, 
But  e'en  the  meer  neceffities  upon  it. 
Then,  Timon,  presently  prepare  thy  grave  ; 
Lye  where  the  light  foam  of  the  fea  may  beat 
Thy  grave-ftone  daily  :  make  thine  epitaph, 
That  death  in  me  at  others'  lives  may  laugh. 
O  thou  fweet  king-killer,  and  dear  divorce 

[looking  on  the  Go  Id. 

Twixt  natural  fon  and  fire  !  thou  bright  defiler 
Of  Hymen's  pureft  bed  !  thou  valiant  Mars  ! 
Thou  ever  young,  frefh,  lov'd,  and  delicate  wooer, 
Whose  jblulh  doth  thaw  the  confecrated  fnow 
That  lies  on  Dion's  lap  !  thou  visible  god, 
That  folder'ft  clofe  impoffibilities, 
And  mak'ft  them  kifs  ;  that  fpeak'ft  with  every  tongue, 
To  every  purpose  !  o  thou  touch  of  hearts, 
Think,  thy  flave  man  rebels;  and  by  thy  virtue 
Set  them  into  confounding  odds,  that  beafb 
May  have  the  world  in  empire  ! 

Atf..  'Would  'twere  fo  ;  —  [advancing, 

But  not  'till  I  am  dead.  _  I'll  fay  thou  haft  gold  : 
Thou  wilt  be  throng'd  to  fhortly. 

TIM.  Throng'd  to  ? 

18  Sumie  and  fire 


Timon  of  Athens.  69 

Afz.  Ay. 

TIM.  Thy  back,  I  pr'ythee. 

APE.  Live,  and  love  thy  misery  ! 

TIM .  Long  live  fo,  and  fo  dye  !  _  €Jo,  I  am  quit. 

[  Exit  APEMANTUS. 

More  things  like  men  r  Eat,  Timon,  and  abhor  them. 
Enter  certain  Thieves. 

1 .  T.  Where  Ihould  he  have  this  gold  ?  It  is  fbme 
poor  fragment,  feme  flender  ort  of  his  remainder  :  The 
meer  want  of  gold,  and  the  falling-from  of  his  friends, 
drove  him  into  this  melancholy. 

2.  T.  It  is  nois'd,  he  hath  a  mafs  of  treasure. 

3.  T.  Let  us  make  the  aflay  upon  him  ;  if  he  care  not 
for't,  he  will  fupply  us  easily ;  If  he  covetoufly  reserve 
it,  how  (hall's  get  it  ? 

2.  T.  True;  for  he  bears  it  not  about  him,  'tis  hid. 

i.T.  Is  not  this  he  ? 

The.  Where? 

2.  T.  'Tis  his  defcription. 

3.  T.  He;  I  know  him. 
The.  Save  thee,  Timon. 
TIM.  Now,  thieves  ? 

'  The.    Soldiers,  not  thieves. 
'    TIM.  Both,  both ;  and  women's  fons. 

The .    We  are  not  thieves,  but  men  that  much  do  want. 
TIM.  Your  greateft  want  is,  you  want  much  of  men. 
Why  mould  you  want  ?  Behold,  the  earth  hath  roots  ; 
\  Within  this  mile  break  forth  a  hundred  fprings  : 
T"he  oaks  bearmaft,  the  briars  fcarlet  hips  ; 
The  bounteous  huswife,  nature,  on  each  bum 
Lays  her  full  mefs  before  you.  Want  ?  why  want  ? 
i .  T.  We  cannot  live  on  grafs,  on  berries,  water, 

6  abhorrethen.  \,Note.     a+  Both  too,  and    *6  of  meat 


JO  Timdn  of  Athens. 

As  beads,  and  birds,  and  fifties.  [fifties  j 

T'IM.  Nor  on  the  beafts  themfelves,  the  birds,  and 
You  muft  eat  men.   Yet  thanks  I  muft  you  con, 
That  you  are  thieves  profeft;  that  you  work  not 
In  holier  fhapes  :  for  there  is  boundlefs  theft 
In  limited  profefiions.    Rafcal  thieves, 
Here's  ^  gold  :  Go,  fuck  the  fubtle  blood  o'the  grape, 
'Till  the  high  fever  feeth  your  blood  to  froth, 
And  fo  'fcape  hanging  :  trufl  not  the  physician  ; 
His  antidotes  are  poison,  and  he  flays 
More  than  you  rob  :  take  wealth  and  lives  together  j 
Do  villany,  do,  fince  you  proteft  to  do't, 
Like  workmen.  I'll  example  you  with  thievery  : 
The  fun's  a  thief,  and  with  his  great  attraction 
Robs  the  vaft  fea  ;  the  moon's  an  arrant  thief, 
And  her  pale  fire  fhe  fnatches  from  the  fun  ; 
The  fea's  a  thief,  whose  liquid  furge  resolves 
The  earth  into  fait  tears  ;  the  earth's  a  thief, 
That  feeds  and  breeds  by  a  compoftuie  ftoln 
From  general  excrement :  each  thing's  a  thief; 
The  laws,  your  curb  and  whip,  in  their  rough  power 
Have  uncheck'd  theft.  Love  not  yourfelves  ;  away  ; 
Rob  one  another.    There's  more  "f  gold  :  Cut  throats ; 
All  that  you  meet  are  thieves  :  To  Athens,  go, 
Break  open  ftiops  ;  for  nothing  can  you  ileal, 
But  thieves  do  lose  it :  Steal  not  lefs,  for  this 
I  give  you  ;  and  gold  confound  you  howfoe'er  ! 
Amen.  [retiring  towards  bis  Cave. 

3.  T.  H'as  almoft  charm'd  me  from  my  profeffion,  bjr 
perfuading  me  to  it. 

I.  T.  'Tis  in  the  malice  of  mankind,  that  he  thus 
advises  us,  not  to  have  us  thrive  in  our  miftery. 

»s  The  Moone  into     Z1  H'as  uncheck'd 


Tim'on  of  Athens.  71 


2.  7".  I'll  believe  him  as  an  enemy,  and  give  over 
my  trade. 

1 .  T.  Let  us  firft  fee  peace  in  Athens. 

2.  3T.  There  is  no  time  fo  miserable,  but  a  man  may 
be  true.  [Exeunt  Thieves. 

Enter  Steward. 

Ste.     O  you  gods  ! 

Is  yon  defpis'd  and  ruinous  man  my  lord  ? 
Full  of  decay  and  failing  ?  O  monument 
And  wonder  of  good  deeds  evilly  beftow'd  I 
S£U>2,  what  an  alteration  of  honour 
Has  defperate  want  made  ! 
What  viler  thing  upon  the  earth,  than  friends, 
Who  can  bring  nobleft  minds  to  bafelr.  ends  ! 
How  rarely  does  it  meet  with  this  time's  guise, 
When  man  was  wifh'd  to  love  his  enemies : 
Grant,  I  may  ever  love,  and  rather  woo 
Those  that  would  mifchief  me,  than  those  that  do. 
H'as  caught  me  in  his  eye  :  I  will  present 
My  honeft  grief  unto  him  ;  and,  as  my  lord, 
Still  ferve  him  with  my  life — My  deareft  mafter ! 

TIM.  Away  !  what  art  thou  ? 

Ste.     Have  you  forgot  me,  fir  ? 

TIM.  Why  doft  afic  that  ?  I  have  forgot  all  men  ; 
Then,  if  thou  grant'ft  thou'rt  a  man,  I've  forgot  thee. 

Ste.     An  honefl  poor  fervant  of  yours. 

TIM.  /3ap,  then 

I  know  thee  not :  I  ne'er  had  honeft  man 
About  me,  I ;  all  t£at  I  kept  were  knaves, 
To  ferve  in  meat  to  villains. 

Ste.     The  gods  are  witnefs, 
Ne'er  did  poor  fteward  wear  a  truer  grief 


"f  2  Timon  of  Athens. 

For  his  undone  lord,  than  mine  eyes  for  you.  [Hove  thee, 

TIM.  What,  doft  thou  weep  ?  —  Come  nearer :  —  then 
Because  thou  art  a  woman,  and  difclaim'ft 
Flinty  mankind  ;  whose  eyes  do  never  give, 
But  thorough  luft,  and  laughter.    Pity's  fleeping  : 
Strange  times,  that  weep  with  laughing,  not  with  weeping. 

Ste.     I  beg  of  you  to  know  me,  my  good  lord, 
-To  accept  my  grief,  and,  whilft  this  poor  ~j~  wealth  lafts, 
To  entertain  me  as  your  fteward  ftill. 

TIJA.  Had  I  a  fteward  tlxrn,  fo  true,  fo  juft, 
And  now  fo  comfortable  ?  It  almoft  turns 
My  dangerous  nature  wild.    Let  me  behold 
Thy  face:  Surely,  this  man  was  born  of  woman.— 
Forgive  my  general  and  exceptlefs  rafhnefs, 
Perpetual-fober  gods  !  I  do  proclaim 
One  honeft  man,  —  miftake  me  not,  but  one  ; 

No  more,  I  pray  pou, —  and  he  is  a  fteward 

How  fain  would  I  have  hated  all  mankind, 

And  thou  redeem'ft  thyfelf :  But  all,  fave  thee, 

I  fell  with  curies. 

Methinks,  thou  art  more  honeft  now,  than  wise  ; 

For,  by  opprefiing  and  betraying  me, 

Thou  might'ft  have  fooner  got  another  fervice  : 

For  many  fo  arrive  at  fecond  matters, 

Upon  their  firft  lord's  neck.    But  tell  me  true, 

(For  I  muft  ever  doubt,  though  ne'er  fo  fure) 

Is  not  thy  kindnefs  fubtle,  covetous, 

Is't  not  a  usuring  kindnefs  ;  and  as  rich  men  deal  gifts, 

Expecling  in  return  twenty  for  one  ? 

Ste.     No,  my  moft  worthy  matter,  —  in  w  hose  breaft 
Doubt  and  fufpeft,  alas,  are  plac'd  too  late  : 
You  mould  have  fear'd  falfe  times,  when  you  did  feaft; 

's  You  per-     *s  If  not 


Timon  of  Athens.  73 

Sufpeft  ftill  comes  where  an  eftate  is  leaft.  — 

That  which  I  Ihew,  heaven  knows,  is  meerly  love, 

Duty  and  zeal  to  your  unmatched  mind, 

Care  of  your  food  and  living: 

And,  o,  believe  it,  my  moft  honour'd  lord, 

For  any  benefit  that  points  to  me, 

Either  in  hope,  or  present,  I'd  exchanged 

For  this  one  wifh,  That  you  had  power  and  wealth 

To  requite  me,  by  making  rich  yourfelf. 

TIM.  Look  ye,  'tis  fo  !_Thou  fmgly  honeft  man, 
Here,  =f  take ;  the  gods  out  of  my  misery 
Have  fent  thee  treasure.  Go,  live  rich,  and  happy  : 
But  thus  condition'd ;  Thou  malt  build  from  men  ; 
Hate  all,  curfe  all:  mew  charity  to  none  ; 
But  let  thefamifh'd  flefh  flide  from  the  bone, 
Ere  thou  relieve  the  beggar  :  give  to  dogs 
What  thou  deny'ft  to  men  ;  let  prisons  fwallow  'em, 
Debts  wither  'em  to  nothing :  Be  men  like  blafted  woods, 
And  may  diseases  lick  up  their  falie  bloods ! 
And  fo,  farewel,  and  thrive. 

Ste.     O,  let  me  flay, 
And  comfort  you,  my  matter. 

TIM.  If  thou  hat'it  curfes, 
Stay  not;  but  fly,  whilll  thou  art  bleft  and  free  : 
Ne'er  fee  thou  man,  and  let  me  ne'er  fee  thee. 


ACT    V. 

SCENE  1.    The  fame.  Pefore  Timon 's  Cave. 
Enter  Poet,  and  Painter  ;  TIMON  behind,  unfeen. 

Pai.  As  I  took  note  of  the  place,  it  cannot  be  far 

loLookethee,     «*Ha'sfent 
VOL.  VIII.  T 


74  Timon  ^Athens. 

where  he  abides. 

Poe.  What's  to  be  thought  of  him  r  Does  the  rumour 
hold  for  true,  that  he's  fo  full  of  gold? 

Pat.  Certain:  Alcibiades  reports  it  ;  PhrjniaandTy 
mandra  had  gold  of  him :  he  likewise  enrich'd  poor  ftrag- 
lingfoldiers  with  great  quantity :  'Tis  faid,  he  gave  unto 
his  fteward  a  mighty  fum. 

Poe.  Then  this  breaking  of  his  has  been  but  a  try 
for  his  friends.. 

Pai.  Nothing  elfe:  you  mall  fee  him  a  palm  in 
Athens  again,  and  flourifh  with  the  higheft.  Therefore, 
'tis  not  amifs,  we  tender  our  loves  to  him,  in  this  fup- 
pos'd  diltrefs  of  his  :  it  will  mew  honellly  in  us  ;  and 
is  very  likely  to  load  our  purposes  with  what  they  travel 
for,  if  it  be  a  juit  and  true  report  that  goes  of  his 
having. 

Pie.     What  have  you  now  to  present  unto  him  ? 

Pai.  Nothing  at  this  time  but  my  visitation :  only  I 
will  promise  him  an  excellent  piece. 

Poe.  I  muft  ferve  him  fo  too  ;  tell  him  of  an  intent 
that's  coming  toward  him. 

Pai.  Good  as  the  belt;  Promising  is  the  very  air 
o'the  time  ;  it  opens  the  eyes  of  expectation  :  per- 
formance is  ever  the  duller  for  his  aft  ;  and,  but  in  the 
plainer  and  fimpler  kind  of  people,  the  deed  of  faying 
is  quite  out  of  ufe.  To  promise  is  moft  courtly  and 
fafhionable :  performance  is  a  kind  of  will,  or  teftament; 
which  argues  a  great  ficknefs  in  his  judgment  that 
makes  it. 

TIM.  "  Excellent  workman !  Thou  canft  not  paint" 
"a  man  fo  bad  as  is  thyfelf. " 

Poe.     i  am  thinking,  what  I  (hall  fay  I  have  pro- 


Timon  of  Athens.  75 

vided  for  him:  It  muft  be  a  perforating  of  himfelf : 
a  fatyr  againft  the  foftnefs  of  profperity ;  with  a  dif- 
covery  of  the  infinite  flatteries,  that  follow  youth  and 
opulency. 

TIM.  "  Muft  thou  needs  ftand  for  a  villain  in  thine  " 
"  own  work  ?  wilt  thou  whip  thine  own  faults  in  other  " 
"men  ?  Do  fo,  I  have  gold  forthee." 

Pai.     Nay,  let's  feek  him  : 
Then  do  we  fin  againft  our  own  eftate, 
When  we  may  profit  meet,  and  come  too  late. 

Poe.     True ; 

When  the  day  ferves,  before  black-corner'd  night, 
Find  what  thou  want'ft  by  free!  and  orFer'd  light. 

[going  towards  the  Cave. 

TIM.  "I'll  meetyou  at  the  turn.  What  a  god's  gold,  " 
'  That  he  is  worfhip'd  in  a  bafer  temple,  " 
'  Than  where  fwine  feed !  " 

'  'Tis  thou  that  rig'ft  the  bark,  and  plow'ft  the  foam  ; " 
'  Setl'ft  admired  reverence  in  a  flave  :  " 
'  To  thee  be  worfhip  !  and  thy  faints  for  aye  " 
'  Be  crown'd  with  plagues,  that  thee  alone  obey  !" 
'  'Fit  I  Bo  meet  them.  "  [/«'J  bimfelf  in  their  Way. 

Poe.      Hail,  worthy  Timon: 
Pai.     Our  late  noble  mafter. 
TIM.  Have  I  once  liv'd  to  fee  two  honeft  men  ? 
Poe.     Sir, 

Having  often  of  your  open  bounty  tailed, 
Hearing  you  were  retir'd,  your  friends  fall'n  off, 
Whose  thanklefs  natures  —  O  abhorred  fpirits ! 
Not  all  the  whips  of  heaven  are  large  enough— 
What !  to  you ! 
Whose  ftarlike  noblenefs  gave  life  and  influence 

8  Put.  Nay     "  Painter.  True     *°  worfliipt 

T   2 


76  Timon  of  Athens. 

To  their  whole  being  !  I  am  rapt,  and  cannot  cover 
The  monftrous  bulk  of  this  ingratitude 
With  any  ftze  of  words. 

TIM.  Let  it  go  naked,  men  may  fee't  the  better  : 
You,  that  are  honeft,  by  being  what  you  are, 
Make  them  beft  feen,  and  known. 

Pat.    He,  and  myfelf, 

Have  travel'd  in  the  great  fhower  of  your  gifts, 
And  fweetly  felt  it. 

TIM.  Ay,  you  are  honeft  men. 

Pat.    We  are  hither  come  to  offer  you  our  fervice. 

TIM .  Moft  honeft  men !  Why,  how  fnall  I  requite  you  ? 
Can  yott  eat  roots,  and  drink  cold  water?  no. 

both.   What  we  can  do,  we'll  do,  to  do  you  fervice. 

TIM.  You're  honeft  men :  You'veheard  that  I  have  gold; 
I  am  fure,  you  have;  fpeak  truth  :  you're  honeft  men. 

Pat.    So  it  is  faid,  my  noble  lord  :  but  therefore 
Came  not  my  friend,  and  I. 

TIM.  Good  honeft  men  :  —Thou  draw'fta  counterfeil 
Beft  in  all  Athens:  thou'rt,  indeed,  the  beft; 
Thou  counterfeit'ft  moft  lively. 

Pat.    So,  fo,  my  lord. 

TIM.  Ev'n  fo,  fir,  as  I  fay  : And,  for  thy  fiftion, 

Why,  thy  verfe  fwells  with  fluff  fo  fine  and  fmooth, 
That  thou  art  even  natural  in  thine  art.  _ 
But,  for  all  this,  my  honeft-natur'd  friends, 
I  muft  needs  fay,  you  have  a  little  fault : 
Marry,  'tis  not  monftrous  in  you ;  neither  wifh  I, 
You  take  much  pains  to  mend. 

both.    Befeech  your  honour, 
To  make  it  known  to  us. 

TIM.  You'll  take  it  ill. 


Timon  of  Athens.  77 

both.   Moft  thankfully,  my  lord, 

T'IM.  Will  you,  indeed  ? 

both.   Doubt  it  not,  worthy  lord. 

7*/Af.  There's  ne'er  a  one  of  you  but  trufts  a  knave, 
That  mightily  deceives  you. 

both.   Do  we,  my  lord  ? 

TIM.  Ay,  and  you  hear  him  cog,  fee  him  diflemble, 
Know  his  grofs  patchery  ;  pet  love  him,  feed  him, 
Keep  in  your  bosom  :  yet  remain  aflur'd, 
That  he's  a  made-up  villain. 

Pai,    I  know  none  fach,  my  lord. 

Pat.    Nor  I. 

TIM.  Look  you,  I  love  you  well  ;  I'll  give  you  gold, 
Rid  me  these  villains  from  your  companies  : 
Hang  them,  or  flab  them,  drown  them  in  a  draught, 
Confound  them  by  fome  courfe,  and  come  to  me, 
I'll  give  you  gold  enough. 

both.   Name  them,  my  lord,  let's  know  them. 

TIM  .  You  ~f  that  way,  _  and  you  "f  this,  _  not  two  in, 
Each  man  apart,  all  fmgle  and  alone,  [company; 

Yet  an  arch-villain  keeps  him  company  — 
If,  where  thou  art,  two  villains  (hall  not  be, 
Come  not  near  ~{~  him  :  —  If  thou  would'ft  not  reside 
But  where  one  villain  is,  then  him~f~  abandon  — 
Hence!  pack!  there's  ~j~  gold,  you  came  for  gold,  ye  flaves; 
You  have  work  for  me,  there  is  ~}~  payment  :  Hence  !  _  ' 
You  are  an  alchymiit,  make  gold  of~j~  that:  _ 
Out,  rafcal  dogs  {  [Exit,  beating  them  out. 


SCENE   II 
Enter  Steward,  and  t-wo  Senators. 
Ste.    It  is  in  vain,  that  you  would  fpeak  with  Timon  ; 

*»  this  :  J  But  tw» 


78  Timon  of  Athens. 

For  he  is  fet  fo  only  to  himfelf, 

That  nothing,  but  himfelf,  which  looks  like  man, 

Is  friendly  with  him. 

1 .  S.  Bring  us  to  his  cave  : 

It  is  our  part,  and  promise  to  the  Athenians, 
To  fpeak  with  Timon. 

2.  S.  At  all  times  alike 

Men  are  not  ftill  the  fame  :  'Twas  time,  and  griefs, 
That  fram'd  him  thus  :  time,  with  his  fairer  hand, 
Offering  the  fortunes  of  his  former  days, 
The  former  man  may  make  him:  Bring  us  to  him, 
And  chance  it  as  it  may. 

Ste.    Here  ~j~  is  his  cave 

Peace  and  content  be  here  !  Lord  Timon,  Timon, 
Look  out,  and  fpeak  to  friends :  The  Athenians,       \ 
By  two  of  their  moft  reverend  fenate,  greet  thee; 
Speak  to  them,  noble  Timon. 

Enter  TIMON.  [behang'd: 

TIM.  Thou  fun,  that  com  fort' ft,  burn! Speak,  and 

For  each  true  word,  a  blifter  !  and  each  falfe 
T?e  cancerizing  to  the  root  o'  the  tongue, 
Confuming  it  with  fpeaking ! 

I.  S.  Worthy  Timon,— 

TIM.  Of  none  but  fuch  as  you,  and  you  of  Timon. 

i .  S.  The  fenators  of  Athens  greet  thee,  Timon  : 

TIM.  I  thank  them  ;  and  would  fend  them  back  the 
Could  I  but  catch  it  for  them.  [plague, 

i.  S.  O,  forget 

What  we  are  forry  for  ourfelves  in  thee  : 
The  fenators,  with  one  confent  of  love, 
Intreat  thee  back  to  Athens ;  who  have  thought 
On  fpecial  dignities,  which  vacant  lye 

'3  comforts     -^  Be  as  a  Cantherizing 


TJmon  of  Athens.  79 

For  thy  beft  ufe  and  wearing. 

2.  S.   They  confefs, 

Toward  thee,  forgetful nefs  too  general,  grofs : 
But  now  the  publick  body,  —  which  doth  feldom 
Play  the  recanter,  -  feeling  in  itfelf 
A  hckofTimon's  aid,  hath  fenfe  withal 
Of  it's  own  fail,  retraining  aid  to  Timon  ; 
And  fends  forth  us,  to  make  their  forrows'  tender, 
Together  with  a  recompence  more  fruitful 
Then  their  offence  can  weigh  down  by  the  dram  ; 
Ay,  even  fuch  heaps  and  fums  of  love  and  wealth, 
As  (hall  to  thee  blot  out  what  wrongs  were  theirs, 
And  write  in  thee  the  figures  of  their  love, 
Ever  to  read  them  thine. 

TIM .  You  witch  me  in  it ; 
Surprize  me  to  the  very  brink  of  tears : 
Lend  me  a  fool's  heart,  and  a  woman's  eyes, 
And  I'll  beweep  these  comforts,  worthy  fenators. 

1 .  5.  Therefore,  fo  please  thee  to  return  with  us, 
And  of  our  Athens  (thine,  and  ours)  to  take 

The  captainfhip,  thou  malt  be  met  with  thanks, 
Allow'd  with  abfolute  power,  and  thy  good  name 
Live  with  authority :  fo  foon  we  lhall  drive  back 
Of  Alctbiades  the  approaches  wild  ; 
Who,  like  a  boar  too  favage,  doth  root  up 
*  His  country's  peace  : 

2.  S.  And  (hakes  his  threat'ning  fword 
Againftthe  walls  of  Athens, 

\ .  S.  Therefore,  Timon,  — 

TIM.  Well,  fir,  I  will ;  therefore  I  will,  fir  ;  Thus,— 
If  Alcibiades  kill  my  countrymen, 
Let  Akibiades  know  this  of  Timon, 

4  Which  now    6  fince     ^  fall     8  forrowed  render 


8o  Timon  of  Athens. 

That  Timcn  cares  not.  But  if  he  fack  fair  Athens, 

And  take  our  goodly  aged  men  by  the  beards, 

Giving  our  holy  virgins  to  the  ftain 

Of  contumelious,  beaftly,  mad-brain'd  war; 

Then  let  him  know,  and,  tell  him,  Timon  fpeaks  it, 

In  pity  of  our  aged,  and  our  youth, 

I  cannot  choose  but  tell  him,  —  that  I  care  not, 

And  let  him  take't  at  worft  ;  for  their  knives  care  not, 

While  you  have  throats  to  anfwer  :  for  myfelf, 

There's  not  a  whittle  in  the  unruly  camp, 

But  I  do  prize  it  at  my  love,  before 

The  reverend'ft  throat  in  Athens.    So  I  leave  you 

To  the  protection  of  the  profperous  gods, 

As  thieves  to  keepers. 

Ste.     Stay  not,  all's  in  vain. 

TIM.  Why,  I  was  writing  of  my  epitaph, 
It  will  be  feen  to-morrow  ;  My  long  ficknefs 
Of  health,  and  living,  now  begins  to  mend, 
And  nothing  brings  me  all  things.  Go,  live  ftill; 
Be  dlcibiadei  your  plague,  you  his, 
And  laft  fo  long  enough  ! 

i.  S.  We  fpeak  in  vain. 

TIM .  But  y^et  I  love  my  country  ;  and  am  not 
One  that  rejoices  in  the  common  wreck, 
As  common  bruit  doth  put  it : 

i .  S.  That's  well  fpoke. 

TIM.  Commend metomylovingcountrymen,~[them. 

1.  S.  Thesewordsbecomeyourlipsastheypafsthrough 

2.  5.  And  enter  in  our  ears,  like  great  triumphers 
In  their  applauding  gates. 

TIM.  Commend  me  to  them  ; 
And  tell  them,  that,  to  ease  them  cf  their  griefs, 


Timon  of  Athens.  81 

Their  fears  of  hoftile  ftrokes,  their  aches,  lofles, 
Their  pangs  of  love,  with  other  incident  throes 
That  nature's  fragil  veflel  doth  fuftain 
In  life's  uncertain  voyage,  I  will  fome  kindnefs  do  them, 
I'll  teach  them  to  prevent  wild  Alcibiades*  wrath. 

i.  5.  I  like  this  well,  he  will  return  again. 

TIM  .  I  have  a  tree,  which  grows  here  in  my  clofe, 
That  mine  own  ufe  invites  me  to  cut  down, 
And  fhortly  mud  I  fell  it;  Tell  my  friends, 
Tell  Athens,  in  the  fequence  of  degree, 
From  high  to  low  throughout,  that  whofo'  please 
To  flop  affliction,  let  him  take  his  hafte, 
Come  hither,  ere  my  tree  hath  felt  the  axe, 
And  hang  himfelf  :  I  pray  you,  do  my  greeting,     [him. 

Ste.     Trouble  him  no  further,  thus  you  ftill  mail  find 

TIM.  Come  not  to  me  again  :  but  fay  to  Athens., 
Timon  hath  made  his  everlafling  manfion 
Upon  the  beached  verge  of  the  fait  flood, 
Which  once  a  day  with  his  embofied  froth 
The  turbulent  furge  mail  cover  ;  thither  come, 
And  let  my  grave-ftone  be  your  oracle  __ 
Lips,  let  four  words  go  by,  and  language  end  : 
What  is  amifs,  plague  and  infection  mend  ! 
Graves  only  be  men's  works;  and  death,  their  gain  ! 
Sun,  hide  thy  beams  !  7~i>»o»hath  done  his  reign. 


i  .  S.  His  difcontents  are  unremoveably 
Coupl'd  to  t)\8  nature. 

2.  S.  Our  hope  in  him  is  dead  :  let  us  return, 
And  llrain  what  other  means  is  left  unto  us 
In  our  dear  peril. 

I.  S.  It  requires  fwift  foot.  [Exeunt, 


Timon  of  Athens. 


SCENE  III.   Athens.  A  Council-Chamber. 
Enter  tivo  Senators,  and  a  Mefienger. 

1 .  S.  Thou  haft  painfully  difcover'd  ;  Are  his  files 
As  full  as  thy  report  ? 

Me/.  I  have  fpoke  the  leaft  : 
Belidej,  his  expedition  promises 
Present  approach. 

2.  S.  We  ftand  much  hazard,  if  they  bring  not  Timon. 
Mef.    1  met  a  courier,  one  mine  ancient  friend;  — 

And,  though  in  general  part  we  were  oppos'd, 

Yet  our  old  love  had  a  particular  force, 

And  made  us  fpeak  like  friends  :— this  man  was  riding 

From  Aldbiadei  to  Timon's  cave, 

With  letters  of  entreaty,  which  imported 

His  fellowfhip  i'the  cause  againft  your  city, 

In  part  for  his  fake  mov'd. 

i.  S.  Here  come  our  brothers. 

Enter  Senators,  from  Timon. 

i .  S.  No  talk  of  Timon,  nothing  of  him  expec"l ; 
The  enemies'  drum  is  heard,  and  fearful  fcouring 
Doth  choak  the  air  with  duft  :  In,  and  prepare; 
Ours  is  the  fall,  I  fear,  our  foes  the  fnare.  [Exeunt. 

SCENEiV.   The  Woods.  ArudeTombfeen. 

Enter  a  Soldier,  feeking  Timon. 

Sol.    By  all  defcription,  this  mould  be  the  place. 

Who's  here  ?  fpeak,  ho  !  No  anfwer  ?  —  What  is  this  ? 

[fpy ing  the  Tomb. 

Timon  is  dead,  he  hath  out-ftretch'd  his  fpan. 
Some  beaft  rear'd  this ;  here  does  not  live  a  man. 
Dead,  fure ;  and  this  his  grave.  What's  on  this  tomb  ? 

1 '  Whom  though     '*  love  made  a 

3  °  dead,  who  hath     s «  read  this ;  There 


Timon  cf  Athens.  83 

I  cannot  read  ;  the  character  I'll  take 

With  wax :  \.apptyn£  a  ™<*xen  Table. 

Our  captain  hath  in  every  figure  flull  ; 

An  ag'd  interpreter,  though  y.oung  in  days : 

Before  proud  Athens  he's  fet  down  by  this, 

Whose  fall  the  mark  of  his  ambition  is.  [Exit. 

SCENEV.  Before  the  Walls  ^Athens. 
Trumpets.   Enter  ALCIBIADES,  and  Forces. 
ALC.  Sound  to  this  coward  and  Lafcivious  town 
Our  terrible  approach.  [Parky  founded. 

Enter  Senators,  &c.  upon  the  Walls. 
'Till  now  you  have  gone  on,  and  fill'd  the  time 
With  all  licentious  measure,  making  your  wills 
The  fcopeof  juftice  ;  'till  now  myfelf,  and  fuch 
As  flept  within  the  madow  of  your  power, 
Have  wander'd  with  our  traverft  arms,  and  breath'd 
Our  fufferance  vainly  :  Now  the  time  is  flufh, 
When  crouching  marrow,  in  the  bearer  ftrong, 
Cries,  of  itfelf,  No  mere  :  now  breathlefs  wrong 
Shall  fit  and  pant  in  your  great  chairs  of  ease  ; 
And  purfy  infolence  fhall  break  his  wind, 
With  fear,  and  horrid  flight. 

1.  5.  Noble,  and  young, 

When  thy  firft  griefs  were  but  a  meer  conceit, 
Ere  thou  had'fl  power,  or  we  had  cause  of  fear, 
We  fent  to  thee  ;  to  give  thy  rages  balm, 
To  wipe  out  our  ingratitudes  with  loves 
Above  their  quantity. 

2.  5.  So  did  we  woo 
Tranfformed  Timon  to  our  city's  love, 

Sy  humble  meflage,  and  by  promis'd  'mends : 

*8  Ingratitude,     3*  promift  meanes 


$4  Timon  ef  Athens. 

We  were  not  all  unkind,  nor  all  deserve 
The  common  ftroke  of  war. 

1.  S.  These  walls  of  ours 

Were  not  eredled  by  their  hands,  from  whom 
You  have  receiv'd  your  griefs :  nor  are  they  fuch, 
That  these  great  towers,  trophies,  and  fchools  fliould  fall 
For  private  faults  in  them. 

2.  S.  Nor  are  they  living, 

Who  were  the  motives  that  you  firft  went  out ; 

Shame,  that  they  wanted  cunning,  in  excefs 

Hath  broke  their  hearts.  March,  noble  lord, 

Into  our  city  with  thy  banners  fpred  : 

By  decimation,  and  a  tythed  death, 

(If  thy  revenges  hunger  for  that  food, 

Which  nature  loaths)  take  thou  the  deftin'd  tenth  ; 

And  by  the  hazard  of  the  fpotted  dye, 

Let  dye  the  fpotted. 

1 .  8.  All  have  not  offended  ; 

For  those  that  were,  it  is  not  fquare,  to  take, 
On  those  that  are,  revenge  :  crimes,  like  to  lands, 
Are  not  inherited.  Then,  dear  countryman, 
Bring  in  thy  ranks,  but  leave  without  thy  rage  : 
Spare  thy  Athenian  cradle,  and  those  kin, 
Which,  in  the  blufter  of  thy  wrath,  mult  fall 
With  those  that  have  offended  ;  like  a  (hepherd 
Approach  the  fold,  and  cull  the  infecled  forth, 
But  kill  not  all  together. 

2.  S.  What  thou  wilt, 

Thou  rather  (halt  enforce  it  with  thy  fmile, 
Than  hew  to't  with  thy  fword. 

i .  S.  Set  but  thy  foot 
Againft  our  rampir'd  gates,  and  they  mail  ope ; 

$  greefe: 


Timon  of  Athens.  85 

So  thou  wilt  fend  thy  gentle  heart  before, 
To  fay,  thou'lt  enter  friendly. 

2.  S.  Throw  thy  glove, 
Or  any  token  of  thine  honour  elfe, 
That  thou  wilt  use  the  wars  as  thy  redrefs, 
And  not  as  our  confusion,  All  thy  powers 
Shall  make  their  harbour  in  our  town,  'till  we 
Have  feal'd  thy  full  desire. 

ALC.  Then,  there's  my  ~f~  glove; 
Defcend,  and  open  your  uncharged  ports : 
Those  enemies  of  Timon  s,  and  mine  own, 
Whom  you  yourfelves  (hall  fet  out  for  reproof, 
Fall,  and  no  more  :  and, — to  atone  your  fears 
With  my  more  noble  meaning,  —not  a  man 
Shall  pafs  his  quarter,  or  offend  theftream 
Of  regular  juftice  in  your  city's  bounds, 
But  (hall  be  remedy'd  by  your  publick  laws 
At  heavieft  anfwer. 

Sen.     'Tis  mod  nobly  fpoken. 

ALC.  Defcend,  and  keep  your  words. 

Senators  come  from  the  Walls,  and  deliver 
their  Keys  to  Alcibiades. 

Enter  Soldier. 

Sol.     My  noble  general,  Timon  is  dead  ; 
Intomb'd  upon  the  very  hem  o'the  fea  : 
And,  on  his  grave-ftone,  this  ^  infculpture  ;  which 
With  wax  I  brought  away,  whose  foft  imprefiion 
Interpreted  for  my  poor  ignorance. 

ALC.  [reads.]  Here  lies  a  'wretched  c orfe,  of  wretched 

foul  bereft  : 

Seek  not  my  name  :  A  plague  confume  you  wickt.i  caitiffs 
left! 

*»  Interpret* 


86  Timon  of  Athens?. 

Here  lie  1  Timon  ;    *whot  alive,  all  living  men   did 
hate: 

Pafs  by,  and  curfe  thy  Jill ;  but  pafs,  anJ  Jtay  not  here 

thy  gate. 

These  well  exprefs  in  thee  thy  latter  fpirits  : 
Though  thou  abhor'dft  in  us  our  human  griefs, 
Scorn'dft  our  brine's  flow,  and  those  our  droplets  which 
From  niggard  nature  fall,  yet  rich  conceit 
Taught  thee  to  make  vaft  Neptune  weep  for  aye 
On  thy  low  grave.  _  On :  faults  forgiven.  Dead 
Is  noble  Timon  ;  of  whose  memory 
Hereafter  more.    Bring  me  into  your  city, 
And  I  will  use  the  olive  with  my  fword  : 
Make  war  breed  peace ;  make  peace  flint  war ;  make  each 
Prefcribe  toother,  as  each  other's  leach.  _ 
Let  our  drums  ftrike.  [Exeunt, 


7  Brainej     «°  v.  Nott. 


TITUS 
ANDRONICUS. 


Ptrfons  represented. 

_          .  ,         7  Sons  of  a  deceafd  Emperor, 

Saturmnus,  and        I          J         ,    J        ,/  «•«*;« 

-rv   /Y-  n      /  f  flftu  {sontcnders  for  tvs  Empire 

Baffianus,  Brothers',  J  Saturninus ^/w/^  ;/> 

Titus  Andronicus,  a  »o^  Roman,  flW  Commander . 
Marcus,  his  Brother  : 
Lucius,          "J 

$5in.tus'      .l&wftl'ter: 

Martius,  «W  f 

Mutius,          J 

5ffy,  5o«  /o  Lucius  : 

Gentleman,  of  their  Houfe. 

./Emilius,  a  noble  Roman  ; 

two  other  noble  Romans  ; 

a  Captain,  Tribune,  Meffenger,  and  Clown,  Romans, 


Aaron,  a  Moor,  her  Paramour, 
three  noble  Goths. 

Tamora,  £>ueen  of  the  Goths. 
Lavinia,  Titus'  Daughter. 

a  Nurfe. 

Alarbus,  Son  to  Tamora :  a  black  Child. 

Gentlemen  of  Titus'  Houfe :  Senator},  &c.  Roman; 

Guards,  Officers,  Soldiers,  and  Attendants, 

Romans  and  Goths. 

Seene,  Row,  and  Parts  adjacent. 


TITUS    ANDRONICUS. 


ACT    I. 

SCENE}.   Rome.  Place  before  the  Capitol ; 

in  it,  the  Tomb  of  the  Andronici.  Senators,  Sec.  aloft ; 

a  great  Crowd  6elo<w  :  Enter  SATURNINUS,  and  his 

Followers,  on  one  Side ;  and  BASSIANUS,  and  his,  on 

the  other  ;    with  Drum  and  Coloun, 

SAT.  Noble  patricians,  patrons  of  my  right, 
Defend  the  juftice  of  my  cause  with  arms  ; 
And,  countrymen,  my  loving  followers, 
Plead  my  fucceffive  title  with  your  fwords  : 
I  am  his  firft-born  fon,  that  was  the  laft 
That  ware  the  imperial  diadem  of  Rome ; 
Then  let  my  father's  honours  live  in  me, 
Nor  wrong  mine  age  with  this  indignity.         [right,— 

BAS.  Romans,  —  friends,  followers,  favourers  of  my 
If  ever  BaJ/ianus,  Cesar's  fon, 
Were  gracious  in  the  eyes  of  royal  Rome, 
Keep  then  this  paflage  to  the  capitol ; 
And  fuffer  not  difhonour  to  approach 
The  imperial  feat,  to  virtue  confecrate, 
To  juftice,  continence,  and  nobility  : 
But  let  desert  in  pure  election  mine; 

VOL.  VIII.  U 


4  Titus  Andronicus.         t 

And,  Ramans,  fight  for  freedom  in  your  choice. 
Enter,  among  ike  Senators,  a/cft, 
MARCUS  ANDRONICUS. 

MA R  .  Princes,  —  that  ftrive  by  factions,  and  by  friends , 
Ambitioufly  for  rule  and  erapery,  — 
Know,  that  the  people  of  Rome,  for  whom  we  (land 
A  fpecial  party,  have,  by  common  voice, 
In  fair  election  for  the  empery, 
Chosen  Andronicia,  furnamed  Pius 
For  many  good  and  great  deserts  to  Rome; 
A  nobler  man,  a  braver  warrior, 
Lives  not  this  day  within  the  city  walls  .• 
He  by  the  fenate  is  accited  home, 
From  weary  wars  againft  the  barbarous  Goths ; 
That,  with  his  fons,  a  terror  to  our  foes, 
Hath  yoak'd  a  nation  ftrong,  train'd  up  in  arms. 
Ten  years  are  fpent,  fmce  firft  he  undertook 
This  cause  of  Rome,  and  chaflised  with  arms 
Our  enemies'  pride  :  Five  times  he  hath  return'd 
Bleeding  to  Rome,  bearing  his  valiant  fons 
Jn  coffins  from  the  field  ; 
And  now  at  laft,  laden  with  honour's  fpoils, 
Returns  the  good  Andronicus  to  Rome, 
Renowned  Titus,  flourilhing  in  arms. 
Let  us  intreat,  —  By  honour  of  his  name, 
Whom  worthily  you  would  have  now  fucceedefc  ; 
And  in  the  capitol  and  fenate's  right, 
Whom  you  pretend  to  honour  and  adore,  — 
That  you  withdraw  you,  and  abate  your  ftrength  ; 
Difmifs  your  followers,  and,  as  fuiters  mould, 
Plead  your  deserts  in  peace  and  humblenefs. 

SJT.  How  fair  the  tribune  fpeaks  to  calm  my  thoughts ! 

*  the  Romaine  Emperia 


t          Titus  Andronicus.  c 

BAS.  Marc:is  Andronicm,  fo  I  do  afFy 
In  thy  uprightnefs  and  integrity, 
And  fo  I  love  and  honour  thee,  and  thine, 
Thy  noble  brother  Thus,  and  his  fons, 
And  her,  to  whom  my  thoughts  are  humbl'd  all, 
Gracious  Lavinia,  Rome's  rich  ornament, 
That  I  will  here  difmifs  my  loving  friends ; 
And  to  my  fortunes,  and  the  people's  favour, 
Commit  my  cause  in  balance  to  be  weigh'd. 

[Exeunt  Followers  o/"Baffianus. 

SJT.  Friends,  that  have  been  thus  forward  in  my  right, 
I  thank  you  all,  and  here  difmifs  you  all ; 
And  to  the  love  and  favour  of  my  country 
Commit  myfelf,  my  perfbn,  and  the  cause. 

[Exeunt  Followers  c/'Saturninus, 
Rome,  be  as  juft  and  gracious  unto  me, 

As  I  am  confident  and  kind  to  thee 

Open  the  gates,  tribunes,  and  let  me  in. 

BAS.  Tribunes,  and  me,  a  poor  competitor. 

[SAT.  and  B  AS.  with  a  few,  ajcend  the  Capitol  \ 
an*!  Exeunt,  ivitb  Senators,  and  MARCUS. 

SCENE  II.   The  fame. 
Trumpet.   Enter  a  Captain,  and  Others. 
Cap.  Roman,  make  way  ;  The  good  Andronicits, 
Patron  of  virtue,  Rome 's  bell  champion, 
SuccefTful  in  the  battles  that  he  fights, 
With  honour  and  with  fortune  is  return'd, 
From  where  he  circumfcribed  with  his  fvvord, 
And  brought  to  yoak,  the  enemies  of  Rome. 

F/ouri/2'  r,f  Trumpets,  &C.  , 

Enter  certain  of  ihc  Troops  of  Titus,  marching 


6  Titus  Andronicns, 

Jlpwly\  then  MUTIUS,  and  MARTIUS,  a&reafl; 
after  them,  Perfom  bearing  a  Coffin,  covered  with 
black  ;  then  QUINTUS,  and  Lucius  ;  and  then 
TITUS  AND  RONICUS;  Officers  behind :  Afier  them, 
TAMORA,  <witb  Alarbus,  CHIRON,  *»</DEME- 
TRIUS,  her  Sons,  Aaron,  and  other  Goths,  Pri- 
soners ;  Soldiers,  and  People,  following.  Bearers  Jet 

down  the  Coffin,  and  Titus  advances. 
Tlf.  Hail,  Rome,  victorious  in  thy  mourning  weeds! 
Lo,  as  the  bark,  that  hath  difcharg'd  her  fraught, 
Returns  with  precious  lading  to  the  bay, 
From  whence  at  firft  ftie  weigh'd  her  anchorage, 
Cometh  Andronicus,  bound  with  laurel  boughs, 
Torefalute  his  country  with  his  tears, 
Tears  of  true  joy  for  his  return  to  Rome.— 
Thou  great  defender  of  this  capitol, 
Stand  gracious  to  the  rites  that  we  intend  !  _ 
Romans,  of  five  and  twenty  valiant  fons, 
Half  of  the  number  that  king  Priam  had, 
Behold  the  poor  remains,  alive,  and  dead: 
These,  that  furvive,  let  Rome  reward  with  love  j 
These,  that  I  bring  unto  their  lateft  home, 
With  burial  amongft  their  anceftors : 
Here  Goths  have  given  me  leave  to  fheath  my  fword. 
Titus,  unkind,  and  carelefs  of  thine  ownr 
Why  fuffer'ft  thou  thy  fons,  unbury'd  yety 
To  hover  on  the  dreadful  more  of  Styx  ?  — 

Make  way  to  lay  them  by  their  bretheren 

\Tomb  opened. 

There  greet  in  filence,  as  the  dead  are  wont, 
And  fleep  in  peace,  flain  in  your  country's  wars  I 
O  facred  receptacle  of  my  joys, 

»»  his  fraught 


Titus  Andronicus.  J 

Sweet  cell  of  virtue  and  nobility, 

How  many  fons  of  mine  haft  thou  in  {lore, 

That  .thou  wilt  never  render  to  me  more  ? 

Luc.  Give  us  the  proudeft  prisoner  of  the  Goths; 
That  we  may  hew  his  limbs,  and,  on  a  pile, 
Ad  manes  fratrttm  facrifice  his  flefh, 
Before  this  earthly  prison  of  their  bones  ; 
That  fo  the  madows  be  not  unappeas'd, 
Nor  we  difturb'd  with  prodigies  on  earth. 

TIT.  I  give  him  you  ;  the  nobleft  that  furvives, 
The  eldeft  fon  of  this  diftreffed  queen. 

[givittg  them  Alarbus. 

TAU.  Stay,  Roman  brethren  ;_  Gracious  conqueror, 
Victorious  Titus,  rue  the  tears  I  Ihed, 
A  mother's  tears  in  paffion  for  her  fon  : 
And,  if  thy  fons  were  ever  dear  to  thee, 
O  think  my  fon  to  be  as  dear  to  me. 
Sufficed!  not,  that  we  are  brought  to  Rome, 
To  beautify  thy  triumphs,  and  return, 
Captive  to  thee,  and  to  tfay  Roman  yoak ; 
But  muft  my  fons  be  flaughter'd  in  the  ftreets, 
For  valiant  doings  in  their  country's  cause  ? 
;O,  if  to  fight  for  king  and  common- weal 
Were  piety  in  thine,  it  is  in  these. 
Andronicus,  ftain  not  thy  tomb  with  blood  : 
Wilt  thou  draw  near  the  nature  of  the  gods  ? 
Draw  near  them  then  in  being  merciful : 
Sweet  mercy  is  nobility's  true  badge ; 
Thrice-noble  Titus,  fpare  my  firft-born  fon. 

TiT.  Patient  yourfelf,  madam,  and  pardon  me. 
These  are  their  brethren,  whom  you  Goths  beheld 
Alive,  and  dead;  and,  for  their  brethren  flain, 


S  Titus  Andronicus. 

Religioufly  they  afc  a  facrifice: 

To  this  your  fon  is  mark'd  ;  and  dye  he  mnft, 

To  appease  their  groaning  fhadows  that  are  gone. 

Luc.  Away  with  him  !  and  make  a  fire  ftraight ; 
And  with  our  fwords,  upon  a  pile  of  wood, 
Let's  hew  his  limbs,  'till  they  be  clean  confum'd. 

[Exeunt  Sons  iuitb  Alarbus. 

7"jM.  O  cruel  irreligious  piety  I 

CHI.  Was  ever  Scythia  half  fo  barbarous  ? 

DEM.  Oppose  not  Stytbia  to  ambitious  Rome. 
Alarbus  goes  to  reft  ;  and  we  furvive, 
To  tremble  under  Titus'  threatning  look  : 
Then,  madam,  Itand  resolv'd  ;  but  hope  withal, 
The  felf-fame  gods,  that  arm'd  the  queen  of  Troy 
With  opportunity  of  (harp  revenge 
Upon  the  Thracian  tyrant  in  his  tent, 
May  favour  Tamcra,  the  queen  of  Goths, 
(When  Goths  were  Goths,  and  Tamora  was  queen) 
To  quit  the  bloody  wrongs  upon  her  foes. 

Re-enter  Sons,  'with  their  Swords  bloody. 

Luc.  See,  lord  and  father,  how  we  have  perform'd 
Our  Roman  rites  :  Alarbus*  limbs  are  lopt, 
And  entrails  feed  the  facrificing  fire, 
Whose  fmoke,  like  incenfe,  doth  perfume  the  iky. 
Remaineth  nought,  but  to  interr  our  brethren, 
And  with  loud  'larums  welcome  them  to  Rome. 

Tit.  Let  it  be  fo  ;  and  let  Andronicus 
Make  this  his  lateft  farewei  to  their  fouls. 

[  Solemn  ana  warlike  Musitt. 
Coffin  lafd  into  the  Tomb. 
In  peace  and  honour  reft  you  here,  my  fons ; 
Romis  readieft  champions,  repose  you  here, 

5*  here  in  reft, 


Titus  Andronicus, 


Secure  from  worldly  chances  and  mifhaps ! 
Here  lurks  no  treason,  here  no  envy  fwells, 
Here  grow  no  damned  grudges ;  here  no  ftorms, 
No  noise,  but  filence  and  eternal  fleep: 
In  peace  and  honour  reft  you  here,  my  fons ! 
Eater  L  A  v  i  N  i  A  ,  attended. 

LAV,  In  peace  and  honour  live  lord  Titus  long; 
My  noble  lord  and  father,  live  in  fame  ! 
Lo,  at  this  tomb  my  tributary  tears 
I  render,  for  my  brethren's  obfequies ; 
And  at  thy  feet  I-kneel,  with  tears  of  joy 
Shed  on  the  earth  for  thy  return  to  Rome  : 
O,  blefs  me  here  with  thy  victorious  hand, 
Whose  fortunes  Rome's  belt  citizens  applaud. 

TIT.  Kind  Rome,  that  haft  thus  lovingly  reserv'd 

The  cordial  qf  mine  age  to  glad  my  heart! 

Lavinia,  live ;  out-live  thy  father's  days, 
In  fame's  eternal  date  for  virtue's  praise  ! 

Enter,  from  the  Capitol,  MARCUS  ANDRONICUS, 
SATURNIKUS,  BASSIANUS,  andQthers. 

MAR.  Long  live  lord  Titus,  my  beloved  brother, 
Gracious  triumpher  in  the  eyes  of  Rome  ! 

TIT.   Thanks,  gentle  tribune,  noble  brother  Marcus. 

MAR.  And  welcome,  nephews,  from  fucceffful  wars, 
You  that  furvive,  and  you  that  fleep  in  fame ! 
Fair  lords,  your  fortunes  are  alike  in  all, 
That  in  your  country's  fervice  drew  your  fwords  : 
But  fafer  triumph  is  this  funeral  pornp  \ 
That  hath  afpir'd  to  Solon's  happinefs, 
And  triumphs  oyer  chance  in  honour's  bed.  __, 
Titus  Andronicui,  the  people  of  Rome, 
Whose  friend  in  juftice  thou  haft  ever  been, 

1  *  And  Fame^     - 

U4 


id  Titus  Andronlcus. 

Send  thee  by  me,  their  tribune,  and  their  trufl, 
This  "|~  palliament  of  white  and  fpotlefs  hue ; 
And  name  thee  in  eleftion  for  the  empire, 
With  these  our  late-deceafed  emperor's  fons : 
Be  candidatus  then,  and  put  it  on, 
And  help  to  fet  a  head  on  headlefs  Rome. 

Tif.  A  better  head  her  glorious  body  fits, 
Than  his,  that  makes  for  age  and  feeblenefs : 
What  mould  I  don  this  robe,  and  trouble  you  ? 
Be  chose  with  proclamations  to  day; 
To-morrow  yield  up  rule,  resign  my  life, 
And  fet  abroad  new  businefs  for  you  all  ? 
Rome,  I  have  been  thy  foldier  forty  years, 
And  led  my  country's  ftrength  fucceflTully ; 
And  bury'd  one  and  twenty  valiant  fons, 
Knighted  in  field,  flain  manfully  in  arms, 
In  right  and  fervice  of  their  noble  country  : 
Give  me  a  ftaff  of  honour  for  mine  age, 
But  not  a  fcepter  to  controul  the  world  ; 
Upright  he  held  it,  lords,  that  held  it  laft. 

MJR.  Titus,  thou  fhalt  obtain  and  afk  the  empery. 

&*r.    Proud  and  ambitious  tribune,  canft  thou  tell  ? 

TiT.    Patience,  prince  Saturnine. 

Sjtf.   Romans,  do  me  right ;  — 
Patricians,  draw  your  fwords  ;  and  fheath  them  not, 
'Till  Saturninus  be  Rome's  emperor  :  _ 
Andronicui,  'would  thou  wert  fhipt  to  hell, 
Rather  than  rob  me  of  the  people's  hearts. 

Luc.    Proud  Saturnine!  interrupter  of  the  good 
That  noble-minded  'Titus  means  to  thee ! 

Tif.    Content  thee,  prince  ;  I  will  reftore  to  thee 
The  people's  hearts,  and  wean  them  from  themfelves. 

l°  choftn     23  Saturninut 


Titus  Andronicus.  II 

BJS  .   Andronicus,  I  do  not  flatter  thee, 
But  honour  thee,  and  will  do  'till  I  dye  : 
My  faftion  if  thou  ftrengthen  with  thy  friends, 
I  will  mod  thankful  be ;  and  thanks,  to  men 
Of  noble  minds,  is  honourable  meed. 

TIT.    People  of  Rome,  and  people's  tribunes  here, 
I  afk  your  voices  and  your  fuffrages ; 
Will  you  beftow  them  friendly  on  Andronicus? 

Tri.     To  gratify  the  good  Andronicus, 
And  gratulate  his  fafe  return  to  Rome, 
The  people  will  accept  whom  he  admits. 

TIT.    Tribunes,  I  thank  you  :  and  this  fuit  I  make, 
That  you  create  your  emperor's  eldeft  fon, 
Lord  Saturnine  ;  whose  virtues  will,  I  hope, 
Refledl  on  Rome,  as  Titan's  rays  on  earth, 
And  ripen  juftice  in  this  common-weal : 
Then,  if  you  will  eleft  by  my  advice, 
Crown  him ;  and  fay,  Long  live  our  emperor  / 

MAR.  With  voices  and  applause  of  every  fort, 
Patricians,  and  plebeians,  we  create 
Lord  Saturninus  Rome's  great  emperor, 
And  fay,  Long  live  our  emperor  Saturnine  ! 

\FlouriJh  ;  and  Shouts  of,  Long  live,  &c. 

S^rT.    Titus  AnJronicus,  for  thy  favours  done 
To  us  in  our  eleflion  this  day, 
I  give  thee  thanks  in  part  of  thy  deserts, 
And  will  with  deeds  requite  thy  gentlenefs  : 
And,  foranonfet,  Titus,  to  advance 
Thy  name,  and  honourable  family, 
La<vinia  will  I  make  my  emperefs, 
Rome's  royal  miftrefs,  miftrefs  of  my  heart, 
And  in  the  facred  Pantheon  her  efpouse  : 

3  friend, 


f  z  Titus  Andromcus. 

Tell  me,  Anaronicus.,  doth  this  motion  please  thee  r 

TIT.  It  doth,  my  worthy  lord  ;  and,  in  this  match, 
I  hold  me  highly  honour' d  of  your  grace. 
And  here,  in  fight  of  Ron.-,  to  Saturnine, — 
King  and  commander  of  our  common-weal, 
The  widp  world's  emperor,  — do  I  confecrate 
My  fword,  my  chariot,  and  my  prisoners ; 
Presents  well  worthy  Rome's  imperial  lord  : 
Receive  them  then,  the  tribute  that  I  owe, 
Mine  honour's  enfigns  humbl'd  at  thy  feet. 

Sjtr.  Thanks,  noble  Titus,  father  of  my  life! 
Ho\v  proud  J  am  of  thee,  and  of  thy  gifts, 
Rome  fhall  record ;  and,  when  I  do  forget 
The  leaft  of  these  unfpeakable  deserts, 
Romans,  forget  your  fealty  to  me. 

TiT.    Now,  madam,  are  you  prisoner  to  an  emperor , 

[to  Tamora. 

To  him  that,  for  your  honour  and  your  ftate, 
Will  use  you  nobly,  and  your  followers. 

SAT.  "A  goodly  lady,  truft  me;  of  the  hue" 
"  That  I  would  choose,  were  I  to  choose  anew.  "__ 
Clear  up,  fair  queen,  that  cloudy  countenance  ; 
Though  chance  of  war  hath  wrought  this  change  of  cheer, 
Thou  com'ft  not  to  be  made  a  fcorn  in  Rome  : 
Princely  (hall  be  thy  usage  every  way. 
Reft  on  my  word,  and  let  not  difcontent 
Daunt  all  your  hopes  :  Madam,  he  comforts  you, 
Can  make  you  greater  than  the  queen  of  Goths.  — 
Lavinia,  you  are  not  difpleas'd  with  this  ? 

LAV.  Not  J,  my  lord  ;  fith  true  nobility 
Warrants  these  words  in  princely  courtefy. 

£47*.  Thanks,  Tweet  Lavinia Romans,  let  us.go : 


Titus  Andronicus.  13 

'  Ranfomlefs  here  we  fet  our  prisoners  free  : 
Proclaim  our  honours,  lords,  with  trump  and  drum. 

\FlouriJh.  Saturninus  addrejfes  Tamora. 

BAS.  Lord  Titus,  by  your  leave,  this  maid  is  mine. 
[ffixing  Lavinia. 

TIT.  How,  fir !  Are  you  in  earneft  then,  my  lord  ? 

BAS.  Ay,  ncble  Titus  ;  and  resolv'd  withal, 
To  do  myfelf  this  reason  and  this  right. 

MAS.  Suumcuique,  is  our  Rowan  juftice: 
This  prince  in  juftice  feizeth  but  his  own. 

Luc.  And  that  he  will,  and  {hall,  if  Luciuslive. 

TIT.  Traitors,  avaunt !_  Where   is  the  emperor's 
Treason,  my  lord;  Lasvinia  is  furpriz'd.         {guard;  — 

SAT.  Surpriz'd  !  By  whom  i 

BAS.  By  him  that  juftly  rrray 
Bear  his  betroth'd  from  all  the  world  away. 

[Exit,  bearing  C^LAVINIA  ;  MARCUS,  and 
Titus'  Sons,  guarding  them ;  Mutius  lajl. 

MuT.  Brothers,  help  to  convey  her  hence  away, 
And  with  my  fword  I'll  keep  this  door  fafe. 

TIT.   Follow,  my  lord,  and  I'll  foon  bring  her  back. 

MUT.  My  lord,  you  pafs  not  here. 

TIT.    What,  villain  boy  1  \affallingkim. 

Bar'ft  me  my  way  in  Rome? 

MuT.  Help,  Lucius,  help  '.  [falls,  and  dies. 

Re-enter  Lucius. 

Luc.   My  lord,  you  are  unjuft  ;  and,  more  than  fb, 
In  wrongful  quarrel  you  have  flain  your  fon. 

TIT.   Nor  thou,  nor  he,  are  any  fons  of  mine; 
My  fons  would  never  fo  difhonour  me  : 
Traitor,  reflore  Lavinia  to  the  emperor. 

Lvc.  Dead,  if  you  will ;  but  not  to  be  his  wife, 


14  Titus  Andronicus. 

That  is  another's  lawful  promis'd  love.  [Exit. 

SjfT.  No,  "7 it us,  no;  the  emperor  needs  her  not, 
Nor  her,  nor  thee,  nor  any  of  thy  flock  : 
I'll  truft,  by  leisure,  him  that  mocks  me  once ; 
Thee  never,  nor  thy  traiterous  haughty  fons, 
Confederates  all  thus  to  dimonourme. 
Was  there  none  elfe  in  Rome  to  make  a  ftale  of, 
But  Saturnine.''  Full  well,  Andronicus, 
Agree  these  deeds,  with  that  proud  brag  of  thine, 
That  faid'fl,  I  beg'd  the  empire  at  thy  hands. 

Tir.  Omonftrous!  what  reproachful  words  are  these? 

SjT.  But  go  thy  ways,  go,  give  that  changing  piece 
To  him  that  lourim'd  for  her  with  his  fword  : 
A  valiant  fon-in-law  thou  malt  enjoy  ; 
One  fit  to  bandy  with  thy  lawlefs  fons, 
To  rufHe  in  the  common-wealth  of  Rome. 

TIT,  These  words  are  razors  to  my  wounded  heart. 

Sjif.    And  therefore,  lovely  Tamora,  queen  ofGotbsf 
That,  like  the  ftately  Ph<tle  'mongft  her  nymphs, 
Doft  over-mine  the  gallant'ft  dames  of  Rome,— 
If  thou  be  pleas'd  with  this  my  fudden  choice, 
Behold,  I  choose  thee,  Tamora,  for  my  bride, 
And  will  create  thee  emperefs  of  Rome. 
Speak,  queen  of  Goths,  doft  thou  applaud  my  choice  ? 
And  here  I  fwear  by  all  the  Roman  gods,  — 
Sith  prieft  and  holy  water  are  fo  near, 
And  tapers  burn  fo  bright,  and  every  thing 
In  readinefs  for  Hymemeus  {lands,  •— 
I  will  notrefalute  the  ftreets  of  Rome, 
Or  climb  my  palace,  'till  from  forth  this  place 
I  lead  efpous'd  my  bride  along  with  me. 

f.  And  here,  in  fight  of  heaven  to  Rome  I  fwear^ 

a*  ftand 


Titus  Andronicus.  15 

If  Saturnine  advance  the  queen  of  Goths* 

She  will  a  handmaid  be  to  his  desires, 

A  loving  nurfe,  a  mother  to  his  youth.  [pany 

SAT.  Afcend,  fair  queen,  Pantheon  : Lords,  accoin- 

Your  noble  emperor,  and  his  lovely  bride ; 
Sent  by  the  heavens  for  prince  Saturnine, 
Whose  wisdom  hath  her  fortune  conquered  : 
There  mall  we  confummate  our  fpousal  rites. 

£  Exeunt  SATURNINUS,  and  Followers, 

TAMORA,  ^rSons,  Aaron,  Goths,  &c. 
TiT.  I  am  not  bid  to  wait  upon  this  bride :  — 
Titus,  when  wert  thou  wont  to  walk  alone, 
Dilhonour'd  thus,  and  challenged  of  wrongs  ? 
Re-enter  MARCUS,  Lucius,  QUJNTUS, 


MAR.  O  Titus,  fee,  o,  fee  what  thou  haft  done  f 
In  a  bad  quarrel  flain  a  virtuous  fon. 

TIT.   No,  foolifh  tribune,  no;  no  fon  of  mine, 
Nor  thou,  nor  these,  confederates  in  the  deed 
That  hath  diftionour'd  all  our  family  ; 
Unworthy  brother,  and  unworthy  fons ! 

Luc.  But  let  us  give  him  burial,  as  becomes; 
Give  Mutius  burial  with  our  bretheren. 

7/7".  Traitors,  away ;  he  refts  not  in  this  tomb. 
This  monument  five  hundred  years  hath  itood, 
Which  I  have  fumptuoufly  re-edify'd : 
Here  none  but  foldiers,  and  Rome's  fervitors, 
Repose  in  fame  ;  none  bafely  flain  in  brawls : 
Bury  him  where  you  can,  he  comes  not  here. 

MAR.  My  lord,  this  is  impiety  in  you  : 
My  nephew  Mutius'  deeds  do  plead  for  him ; 
He  mult  be  bury'd  with  his  bretheren. 

*  Panthean 


16  Titus  Andronicus. 

Qvi.  MAR(.  And  mall,  or  him  we  will  accompany. 

TiT.    And  mall !  What  villain  was  it,  fpake  that  word  ? 

MAR'.  He  that  would  vouch 't  in  any  place  hut  here. 

Tir.    What,  would  you  bury  him  in  my  defpight  ? 

MAR.  No,  noble  Titus  ;  but  intreat  of  thee, 
To  pardon  Mutius,  and  to  bury  him. 

TiT,     Marcus,  even  thou  haft  ftrook  upon  my  creft, 
And,  with  these  boys,  mine  honour  thou  haft  wounded: 
My  foes  I  do  repute  you  every  one  ; 
So  trouble  me  no  more,  but  get  you  gone. 

^ur.    He  is  not  with  himlelf,  let  us  withdraw! 

MAR*.  Not  I,  'till  Mutius'  bones  be  buried. 

[Marcus  and  Titus'  Sons  kneel  to  him. 

MAR.  Brother,  for  in  that  name  doth  nature  plead,— 

MAR*.  Father,  and  in  that  name  doth  nature  fpeak,^ 

9Vr.     Speak  thou  no  more,  if  all  the  reft  will  fpeed. 

MAR.  Renowned  Titus,  more  than  half  my  foul, — 

Luc*     Dear  father,  foul  and  fubftance  of  us  all,— 

MAR.  Suffer  thy  brother  Marcus  to  interr 
His  noble  nephew  here  in  virtue's  neft, 
That  dy'd  in  honour  and  La'uinia's  cause. 
Thou  art  a  Roman,  be  not  barbarous. 
The  Greeks,  upon  advice,  did  bury  4jax 
That  flew  himfelf ;  and  wi.se  Laertes'  fon 
Did  gracioufly  plead  for  his  funerals  : 
Let  not  young  Mutius  then,  that  was  thy  joy, 
Be  bar'd  his  entrance  here. 

TiT.     Rise,  Marcus,  rise  :_ 
The  dismal'ft  day  is  this,  that  e'er  I  faw, 

To  be  difhonour'd  by  my  fons  in  Rome  ! 

Well,  bury  him,  and  bury  me  the  next. 

[Mutius  put  into  the  Tomb, 


Titus  Andronicus.  \j 

Luc.    There  lye  thy  bones,  fweet  Matins,  with  thy 
'Till  we  with  trophies  do  adorn  thy  tomb  !  _  [friends, 
No  man  fhed  tears  for  noble  Mutius ; 
He  lives  in  fame,  that  dy'd  in  virtue's  cause. 

nil.       Ndman,  tffr.  [Tomb  closed. 

MAR.  My  lord,  —  to  ftep  out  of  these  dreary  dumps,"* 
How  comes  it,  that  the  fubtle  queen  of  Goths 
Is  of  a  fudden  thus  advanc'd  in  Rome  ? 

TIT.    I  know  not,  Marcus  ;  but,  I  know,  it  is; 
Whether  by  device,  or  no,  the  heavens  can  tell : 
Is  fhe  not  then  beholding  to  the  man, 
That  brought  her  for  this  high  good  turn  fo  far  ? 
Yes,  and  will  nobly  him  remunerate. 

Flcurijh.  Enter,  On  one  Side, 

S  A  T  u  R  N  I  N  u  s ,  and  his  Train,  =v:ith  T  A  M  o  R  A  , 
Goths,  &c.  on  the  other,  BASSIANUS,  and  his , 
ivit/j  Lavinia. 

SAT.    So,  Bajfianus,  you  have  play'd  your  prize  ; 
God  give  you  joy,  fir,  of  your  gallant  bride. 

BAS.    And  you  of  yours,  my  lord  :  I  fay  no  more» 
Ncr  wifh  no  lefs ;  and  fo  I  take  my  leave. 

SAT.    Traitor,  if  Rome  have  law,  or  we  have  power, 
Thou  and  thy  faftion  fhall  repent  this  rape. 

BAS.   Rape,  call  you  it,  my  lord,  to  feize  my  own, 
My  true-betrothed  love,  and  now  my  wife  ? 
But  let  the  laws  of  Rome  determine  all ; 
Mean  while  I  am  pofleft  of  that  is  mine. 

S^T.    'Tis  good,  fir-  You  are  very  Ihort  with  us ; 
But,  if  we  live,  we'll  be  as  fliarp  with  you. 

BJS.    My  lord,  what  I  have  done,  as  beft  I  may, 
Anfwer  I  muft,  and  mall  do  with  my  life. 
Only  thus  much  I  give  your  grace  to  know: 


18  Titus  Andronicas. 

By  all  the  duties  that  I  owe  to  Rome, 

This  noble  gentleman,  lord  Titus  here, 

Is  in  opinion,  and  in  honour,  wrong'd  ; 

That,  in  the  refcue  of  Lavinia, 

With  his  own  hand  did  flay  his  youngeft  fon, 

In  zeal  to  you,  and  highly  mov'd  to  wrath 

To  be  controul'd  in  that  he  frankly  gave  : 

Receive  him  then  to  favour,  Saturnine, 

That  hath  expreff'd  himfelf,  in  all  his  deeds, 

A  father,  and  a  friend,  to  thee,  and  Rome. 

TIT.   Prince  BaJJianus,  leave  to  plead  my  deeds ; 
'Tis  thou,  and  ~f  those,  that  have  difhonour'd  me  : 
Rome  and  the  righteous  heavens  be  my  judge, 
How  I  have  lov'd  and  honour'd  Saturnine  ! 

T^iu.  My  worthy  lord,  if  ever  T amor  a 
Were  gracious  in  those  princely  eyes  of  thine, 
Then  hear  me  fpeak  indifferently  for  all, 
And  at  my  fuit,  fweet,  pardon  what  is  part. 

SAT,   What,  madam !  be  difhonour'd  openly, 
And  bafely  put  it  up  without  revenge  ? 

TAM .  Not  fo,  my  lord ;  The  gods  of  Rome  forefend, 
I  mould  be  author  to  difhonour  you  ! 
But  on  mine  honour  dare  I  undertake 
For  good  lord  Titui  innocence  in  all, 
Whose  fury,  not  diflembl'd,  fpeaks  his  griefs  : 
Then,  at  my  fuit,  look  gracioufly  on  him  ; 
Lose  not  fo  noble  a  friend  on  vain  fuppose, 
Nor  with  four  looks  afflift  his  gentle  heart. 
«'  My  lord,  be  rul'd  by  me,  be  won  at  laft, " 
"Diflemble  all  your  griefs,  and  difcontents :" 
"  You  are  but  newly  planted  in  your  throne  ; " 
•'Left  then  the  people,  and  patricians  too," 


Titus  Andronicus.  19 

Upon  ajuft  furvey,  take  Titus'  part," 
And  fo  fupplant  us  for  ingratitude*, " 
'  (Which  Rome  reputes  to  be  a  heinous  fin)  " 
[  Yield  at  intreats,  and  then  let  me  alone  : " 
'  I'll  find  a  day  to  mafTacre  them  all,  " 
'  And  rafe  their  faclion,  and  their  family,  " 
'  The  cruel  father,  and  his  trait'rous  fons,  " 
'To  whom  I  fued  for  my  dear  fon's  life  ; " 
'  And  make  them  know,  what  'tis  to  let  a  qneen" 
'  Kneel  in  the  ftreets,  and  beg  for  grace  in  vain." 

Come,  come,  fweet  emperor,  —come,  Andronicus, 

Take  up  this  <good  old  man,  and  chear  the  heart 
That  dies  in  tempeft  of  thy  angry  frown. 

SAT.    Rise,  Titus,  ~j~rise ;  my  emprefs  hath  prevail'd. 
TiT.    I  thank  your  majefty,  and  her,  my  lord  : 
These  words,  these  looks,  infuse  new  life  in  me. 

TAM.  Titus,  I  am  incorporate  in  Rome, 
A  Roman  now  adopted  happily, 
And  muft  advise  the  emperor  for  his  good. 
This  day  all  quarrels  dye,  Andronicus;  _ 
And  let  it  be  mine  honour,  good  my  lord, 
That  I  have  reconcil'd  your  friends  and  you.  _ 
For  you,  prince  BaJJianus,  I  have  pafTd 
My  word  and  promise  to  the  emperor, 
That  you  will  be  more  mild  and  traftable.  _ 

And  fear  not,  lords,  —  and  you,  Lavinia; 

By  my  advife,  all-humbl'd  on  your  knees, 
You  mail  aflc  pardon  of  his  majejty. 

Luc.  We  do  ;  and  vow  to  heaven,  and  to  his  highnefs, 
That,  what  we  did,  was  mildly,  as  v/e  might, 
Tend'ring  our  fifter's  honour,  and  our  own. 
MAR  .  That  on  mine  honour  here  I  do  proteH. 

VOL.  VIII.  X 


20  Titus  Andronicus. 

SJT.  Away,  and  talk  not ;  trouble  us  no  more. 

TA M.  Nay,  nay,  fweet  emperor,  we  muft  all  be  friends  : 
The  tribune  and  his  nephews  kneel  for  grace  ; 
I  will  not  be  deny'd,  fweet  heart,  look  back. 

SAT.  Marcus,  for  thy  fake,  and  thy  brother's  here. 
And  at  my  lovely  famora's  intreats, 
I  do  remit  these  young  men's  heinous  faults : 
Stand"f  up — 

Lavinia,  though  you  left  me  like  a  churl, 
I  found  a  friend ;  and  fure  as  death  I  fwore, 
I  would  not  part  a  batchelor  from  the  prieft. 
Come,  if  the  emperor's  court  can  feaft  fevo  bride?, 
You  are  my  gueft,  Lavinia,  and  your  friends  :  _ 
This  day  mall  be  a  love-day,  Tamora. 

7/r.  To-morrow  an  it  please  your  majefty 
To  hunt  the  panther  and  the  hart  with  me, 
With  hound  and  horn  we'll  give  your  grace  bonjour. 

SAT.  Be  it  fo,  Titus t  and  gramercy  too. 

{Flourijb.  Exeunt. 

ACT    II. 

SCENE  I.   The  fame.  Before  the  Palace. 
Ehter  AARON. 

AAR.  Now  climbeth  Tatnora  Olympus'  top, 
Safe  out  of  fortune's  (hot ;  and  fits  aloft, 
Secure  of  thunder's  crack,  or  lightning  flam  ; 
Advanc'd  above  pale  envy's  threat'ning  reach. 
As  when  the  golden  fun  falutes  the  morn, 
And,  having  gilt  the  ocean  with  his  beams, 
Gallops  the  zodiack  in  his  glifl'ring  coach, 


Titus  Andronicas.  31 

And  overlooks  the  higheft-peering  hills : 

So  T" amor  a  '  ~~ 

Upon  her  wit  doth  earthly  honour  wait, 

And  virtue  Hoops  and  trembles  at  her  frown. 

Then,  Aaron,  arm  thy  heart,  and  fit  thy  thoughts, 

To  mount  aloft  with  thy  imperial  miftrefs, 

And  mount  her  pitch  ;  whom  thou  in  triumph  long 

Haft  prisoner  held,  fetter'd  in  amorous  chains ; 

And  fafter  bound  to  Aaron 's  charming  eyes, 

Than  is  Prometheus  ty'd  to  Caucafus. 

Away  with  fiavifh  weeds,  and  idle  thoughts ! 

I  will  be  brigh^,  and  fliine  in  pearl  and  gold, 

To  wait  upon  this  new-made  emperefs. 

To  wait,  faid  I  ?  to  wanton  with  this  queen, 

This  goddefs,  this  Semiramis  ;  this  nymph, 

This  Syren,  that  will  charm  Rome's  Saturnine, 

And  fee  his  fhipwreck,  and  his  common-weal's. 

Hola !  what  ftorm  is  this  ? 

Enter  CHIRON,  and  DEMETRIUS,  braving, 

DEM.  Chiron,  thy  years  want  wit,  thy  wit  wants  edge, 
And  manners,  to  intrude  where  I  am  grac'd, 
And  may,  for  aught  thou  know'ft,  affected  be. 

CHI.  Demetrius,  thou  dolt  overween  in  all ; 
And  fo  in  this,  to  bear  me  down  with  braves. 
'Tis  not  the  difference  of  a  year,  or  two, 
Makes  me  lefs  gracious,  thee  more  fortunate  : 
I  am  as  able,  and  as  fit,  as  thou, 
To  ferve,  and  to  deserve  my  miftrefs'  grace  ; 
And  that  my  fword  upon  thee  fliall  approve, 
And  plead  my  paffions  for  Lavinia's  love. 

JAR.  Clubs !  clubs  Itheseloverswillnotkeepthe peace. 

DEM.  Why,  boy,  although  our  mother,  unadvis'd, 

J5  th's  Queene,  |  This  Syren,     l6  gracious,  or  thee 

X    2 


•4&  Titus  Andronicas. 

Gave  yon  a  dancing  rapier  by  your  fide, 
Are  you  fo  defperate  grown  to  thrtat  your  friends  ? 
Go  to  ;  have  ycur  lath  glew'd  within  your  fheath, 
'Till  you  know  better  how  to  handle  it. 

C MI.    Mean  while,  fir,  with  the  little  fkill  I  have, 
Full  well  (halt  thoo  perceive  how  much  I  dare,    [draws. 

DEM.  Ay,  boy,  grow  ye  fo  brave?.  [dr&wstoo. 

A  AX.  .  Why,  how  now,  lords  ?  {interposing. 

So  near  the  emperor's  palace  dare  you  draw, 
And  maintain  fuch  a  quarrel  openly  ? 
Full  well  I  wote  the  ground  of  all  this  grudge  ; 
I  would  not,  for  a  million  of  gold, 
The  cause  were  known  to  them  it  moft  concerns  : 
Nor  would  your  noble  mother,  for  much  more, 
Be  fo  diihonour'd  in  the  court  of  Rome . 
For  fhame,  put  up. 

DEM.  Not  I  ;  'till  I  have  meath'd 
My  rapier  in  his  bosom,  and,  withal, 
Thrufl  these  reproachful  fpeeches  down  his  throat, 
That  he  hath  breath'd  in  my  dimonour  here. 

CHI.   For  that  I  am  prepar'd  and  full  resolv'd. 
Foul-fpoken  coward  !  that  thunder'ft  with  thy  tongue, 
And  with  thy  weapon  nothing  dar'ft  perform. 

AAR  .  Away,  I  fay —         \beating  d&nvn  their  Swords, 
Now  by  the  gods  that  warlike  Goths  adore, 
This  petty  brabble  will  undo  us  all.  _ 
Why,  lords,  and  think  you  not  how  dangerous 
It  is,  to  jet  upon  a  prince's  right  ? 
What,  is  La--vinia  then  become  fo  loofe, 
Or  BaJJiar.us  fo  degenerate, 
That  for  her  love  fuch  quarrels  may  be  broach t. 
Without  controulment,  juftice,  or  revenge  : 


Titus  Andr&nicus.  23 

Yoang  lords,  beware !  an  fhould  the  emprefs  know 
This  difcord's  ground,  the  musick  would  not  please. 

CHI,    I  care  not,  I,  knew  me  and  all  the  world  ; 
I  love  Lavinia  more  than  all  the  world.  [choice; 

DEM.  Youngling,  learn  thou  to  make  fome  meaner 
Lavinia  is  thine  elder  brother's  hope. 

AAR  .  Why,  are  ye  mad  ?  or  know  ye  not,  in  Rome 
How  furious  and  impatient  they  be, 
And  cannot  brook  competitors  in  love? 
I  tell  you,  lords,  you  do  but  plot  your  deaths 
By  this  device. 

CBI.    Aarcn,  a  thousand  deaths 
Would  I  propose,  to  atcliieve  her  whom  I  love. 

AAR.  To  atchieve  her  !  How  r 

DEM.  Why  mak'ft  thou  it  fo  ftrange  ? 
She  is  a  woman,  therefore  may  be  woo'd  ; 
She  is  a  woman,  therefore  may  be  won; 
She  is  Lavinia,  therefore  muft  be  lov'd. 
What,  man  !  more  water  glideth  by  the  mill 
Than  wots  the  miller  of;  and  easy  it  is, 
Of  a  cut  loaf  to  fteal  a  ihive,  we  know: 
Though  Bajjtanus  be  the  emperor's  brother, 
Better  than  he  have  yet  worn  Vulcan's  badge. 

AAR.  "  Ay,  and  as  good  as  Saturtiinus  may."          [it 

DEM.  Then  why  mould  he  defpair,  that  knows  to  court 
With  words,  fair  looks,  and  liberality  r 
What,  haft  not  thou  full  often  {truck  a  doe, 
And  born  her  cleanly  by  the  keeper's  nose  ? 

AAR.  Why  then,  it  feems,  fome  certain  match  or  fo 
Would  ferve  your  turns. 

CHI.    Ay,  fo  the  turn  were  ferv'd. 

DEM.  Aaron,  thou  haft  hit  it. 

«J  I  do  lov; 


24  Titus  Andronicus. 

AAR  .  'Would  you  had  hit  it  too ; 
Then  mould  not  we  be  tir'd  with  this  ado. 
Why,  hark  ye,  hark  ye ;  And  are  you  fuch  fools, 
To  fquare  for  this  ?  Would  it  offend  you  then, 
That  both  mould  fpeed  ? 

CHI.   3Tfaith,  not  me. 

DEM.  Nor  me,  fo  I  were  one. 

A  AH.  For  fhame,  be  friends;  and  join  for  that  you  jar. 
'Tis  policy  and  ftratagem  muft  do 
That  you  affeft  ;  and  fo  muft  you  resolve  ; 
That,  what  you  cannot,  as  you  would,  atchieve, 
You  muft  perforce  accomplim  as  you  may. 
Take  this  of  me,  Lucrece  was  not  more  chaft 
Than  this  La<vinia,  Bajfianus'  love. 
A  fpeedier  courfe  than  ling'ring  languifhment 
Muft  we  purfue,  and  I  have  found  the  path. 
My  lords,  a  folemn  hunting  is  in  hand  ; 
There  will  the  lovely  Roman  ladies  troop  : 
The  foreft  walks  are  wide  and  fpacious ; 
And  many  unfrequented  plots  there  are, 
Fitted  by  kind  for  rape  and  villany  : 
Single  you  thither  then  this  dainty  doe, 
And  ftrike  her  home  by  force,  if  not  by  words : 
This  way,  or  not  at  all,  ftand  you  in  hope. 
Come,  come,  our  emprefs,  with  her  facred  wit, 
To  villany  and  vengeance  confecrate, 
Will  we  acquaint  with  all  that  we  intend  ; 
And  me  (hall  file  our  engines  with  advice, 
That  will  not  fuffer  you  to  fquare  yourfelves, 
But  to  your  willies'  height  advance  you  both. 
The  emperor's  court  is  like  the  houfe  of  fame, 
The  palace  full  of  tongues,  of  eyes,  of  ears : 

*5  coiirfe  this  ling- 


Titus  Andronicus.  25 

The  woods  are  ruthlefs,  dreadful,  deaf,  and.  dull ; 
There  fpeak,  andilrike,  brave  boys,  and  take  your  turns; 
There  ferve  your  luft,  fhadow'd  from  heaven's  eye, 
And  revel  inLa-vinia's  treasury. 

CHI.   Thy  counfel,  lad,  fmells  of  no  cowardife. 

DEM.  Sit  fas,  aut  nefas,  'till  I  find  the  ftream 
To  cool  this  heat,  a  charm  to  calm  these  fits, 
Per  Styga,  per  manes  <uebor.  [Exeunt. 

SCENE  II.   ACbacenearRome.  Court  before  a  Lodge. 
Horns,  and  Cry  of  Hounds,  heard.  EnterTirvs, 
and  Train  of  Hunters,  &c.  MARCUS,  Lucius, 

Quintus,  ami  Martius. 

TIT.  The  hunt  is  up,  the  morn  is  bright  and  grey, 
The  fields  are  fragrant,  and  the  woods  are  green  : 
Uncouple  here,  and  let  us  make  a  bay, 
And  wake  the  emperor,  and  his  lovely  bride, 
And  rouse  the  prince  ;  and  ring  a  hunter's  peal, 
That  all  the  court  may  echo  with  the  noise. 
Sons,  let  it  be  your  charge,  as  it  is  ours, 
To  attend  the  emperor's  perfon  carefully  : 
I  have  been  troubl'd  in  my  fleep  this  night, 
But  dawning  day  new  comfort  hath  infpir'd._ 

Hunters  'wind  a  Peal. 

Enter  SATURNINUS,  Tamora,  BASSIANUS,  LAVINIA, 
Chiron,  DEMETRIUS,  and  Train. 

Many  good  morrows  to  your  majefty  ; 

Madam,  to  you  as  many  and  as  good  ! 

I  promised  your  grace  a  hunter's  peal. 

SAT.  And  you  have  rung  it  luflily,  my  lords, 
Somewhat  too  early  for  new-marry'd  ladies. 
BAS.  Lavinia,  how  fay  you  ? 

7  their  fits     8  Stigt'a 


26  Thus  Andronicus. 

LAV.  I  fay,  no  ; 
I  have  been  broad  awake  two  hours  and  more. 

SAT.    Come  on  then,  horfe  and  chariots  let  us  have, 
And  to  our  fport :  _  Madam,  now  fhall  ye  fee 
Our  Roman  hunting. 

MAR.  I  have  dogs,  my  lord, 
Will  rouse  the  proudeft  panther  in  the  chafe, 
And  climb  the  higheft  promontory  top. 

Tif.    And  1  have  horfe  will  follow  where  the  game 
Makes  way,  and  run  like  fwallowso'er  the  plain. 

DEM.  "Chiron,  we  huntnot,we,with  horfe  nor  hound," 
"But  hope  to  pluck  a  dainty  doe  to  ground. "    [Exeunt. 

SCENE  III.  r be  fame:  A  desert  Part  of  it. 
Enter  AARON,  luitb  a  Bag  of  Gold,  'which  he  hides. 

A  AH.  He,  that  had  wit,  would  think,  that  I  had  none, 
To  bury  fo  much  gold  under  a  tree, 
And  never  after  to  inherit  it. 
Let  him,  that  thinks  of  me  fo  abjeftly, 
Know  that  this  gold  muft  coin  a  ftratagem ; 
Which,  cunningly  effe&ed,  will  beget 
A  very  excellent  piece  of  villany  : 
And  fo  repose,  fweet  gold,  for  their  unreft, 
That  have  their  alms  out  of  the  emprefs'  cheft. 
Enter  TAMORA. 

TAM.  My  lovely  Aaron,  wherefore  look'ft  thou  fad, 
When  every  thing  doth  make  a  gleeful  boaft  ? 
The  birds  chaunt  melody  on  every  bufh  ; 
The  fnake  lies  rowled  in  the  chearful  fun  ; 
The  green  leaves  quiver  with  the  cooling  \vind, 
And  make  a  chequer'd  fhadow  on  the  ground  : 
Under  their  fweet  made,  Aaron,  let  us  fit ; 


Titus  Andronicus.  27 

And,— whilft  the  bablingecho  mocks  the  hounds, 

Replying  fhrilly  to  the  well-tun'd  horns, 

As  if  a  double  hunt  were  heard  at  once, — 

Let  us  fit  down,  and  mark  their  yelling  noise : 

And,  —  after  conflict,  fuch  as  was  fuppos'd 

The  wandring  prince  and  Dido  once  enjoy'd, 

When  with  a  happy  ftorm  they  were  furpriz'd, 

And  curtain'd  with  a  counfel-keeping  cave,  ~~ 

We  may,  each  wreathed  in  the  other's  arms, 

Our  paftimesdone,  possefs  a  golden  flumber; 

While  hounds,  and  horns,  and  fweet  melodious  birds, 

Be  unto  us  as  is  a  nurfe's  fong 

Of  lullaby,  to  bring  her  babe  afleep. 

AJIR  .  Madam,  though  Venus  govern  your  desires, 
Saturn  is  dominator  over  mine  : 
What  fignifies  my  deadly-ftanding  eye, 
My  filence,  and  my  cloudy  melancholy  ? 
My  fleece  of  wooly  hair,  that  now  uncurls, 
Even  as  an  adder,  when  me  doth  unrowl 
To  do  fome  fatal  execution  ? 
No,  madam,  these  are  r.o  venereal  figns ; 
Vengeance  is  in  my  heart,  death  in  my  hand, 
Blood  and  revenge  are  hammering  in  my  head. 
Hark,  Tamora,  —  the  emprefs  of  my  foul, 
Which  never  hopes  more  heaven  than  refts  in  thee,  — ' 
This  is  the  day  of  doom  for  Bajpanus ; 
His  Philomel  muft  lose  her  tongue  to-day, 
Thy  fons  make  pillage  of  her  chaftitv,    ' 
And  warn  their  hands  in  Bajfianus'  blood. 
See'ft  thou  this  y  letter  ?  take  it  up,  I  pray  thee, 
And  give  the  king  this  fatal-plotted  fcrowl ;— • 
Now  (jueftion  me  no  more,  we  are  efpy'd ; 

+  yellowing 


28  Titus  Andromcus. 

Here  comes  a  parcel  of  our  hopeful  booty, 
Which  dreads  not  yet  their  lives'  deftruftion. 
Enter  BASSIANUS,  and  LAVIKI  A. 

TAM.  Ah,  my  fweet  Moor,  fweeter  to  me  than  life  ! 

AAR*  No  more,  great  emprefs ;  Bajfianus comes  : 
Be  crofs  with  him  ;  and  I'll  go  fetch  thy  fons, 
To  back  thy  quarrels,  whatfoe'er  they  be. 

[Exit  AARON, 

BAS.    Who  have  we  here  ?  Rome's  royal  emperefs, 
Unfurnim'd  of  her  well-befeeming  troop  ? 
Or  is  it  Dian,  habited  like  her  ; 
Who  hath  abandoned  her  holy  groves, 
To  fee  the  general  hunting  in  this  foreft? 

TAM.  Saucy  controuler  of  our  private  fteps  ! 
Had  I  the  power,  that,  fome  fay,  Dian  had, 
Thy  temples  mould  be  planted  presently 
With  horns,  as  were  Afieeon's  ;  and  the  hounds 
Should  drive  upon  thy  new-tranfformed  limbs, 
Unmannerly  intruder  as  thou  art ! 

LAV.  Under  your  patience,  gentle  emperefs, 
'Tis  thought,  you  have  a  goodly  gift  in  horning  ; 
And  to  be  doubted,  that  your  Moor  and  you 
Are  fingl'd  forth  to  try  experiments : 
Jove  (hield  your  husband  from  his  hounds  to-day! 
'Tis  pity,  they  mould  take  him  for  a  flag. 

BAS.  Believe  me,  queen,  your  fwarth  Cimmerian 
Doth  make  your  honour  of  his  body's  hue, 
Spotted,  detefted,  and  abhominable. 
Why  are  you  fequefter'd  from  all  your  train  ? 
Difmounted  from  your  fnow-white  goodly  Heed, 
And  wander'd  hither  to  an  obfcure  plot, 
Accompanied  with  a  barbarous  Moor, 

1  quarrell     '  °  of  our  well     *  <   as  w  as  At-     * 8  upon  his  new 


Tkus  Aodronicus.  tq 

If  foul  desire  bad  not  conduced  you  ? 

LAV .  And,  being  intercepted  in  your  fport, 
Great  reason  that  my  noble  lord  be  rated 
For  faucinefs*  _  I  pray  you,  let  us  hence, 
And  let  her  'joy  her  raven-colour'd  love; 
This  valley  fits  the  purpose  pafiing  well. 

BAS.  The  king  my  brother  (hall  have  note  of  this. 

LAV.  Ay,  for  these  flips  have  made  him  noted  long  : 
Good  king!  to  be  fo  mightily  abus'd  ! 

TAM.  Why  have  I  patience  to  endure  all  this  ? 

Enter  CHIRON,  and  DEMETRIUS.         [ther? 

DEM.  How  now,  dear  fovereign,  and  our  gracious  mo- 
Why  doth  your  highnefs  look  fo  pale  and  wan  ? 

TAM.  Have  I  not  reason,  think  you,  to  look  pale? 
These  two  have  'tic'd  me  hither  to  this  place ; 
A  bare  detefted  vale,  you  fee,  it  is : 
The  trees,  though  fummer,  yet  forlorn  and  lean, 
O'ercome  with  mofs,  and  baleful  miflelto  : 
Here  never  mines  the  fun  ;  here  nothing  breeds, 
Unlefs  the  nightly  owl,  or  fatal  raven. 
And,  when  they  fhow'd  me  this  abhorred  pit, 
They  told  me,  here,  at  dead  time  of  the  night, 
A  thousand  fiends,  a  thousand  hifling  fnakes, 
Ten  thousand  fvvelling  toads,  as  many  urchins, 
Would  make  fuch  fearful  and  confused  cries, 
As  any  mortal  body,  hearing  it, 
Should  ftraight  fall  mad,  or  elfe  dye  fuddenly. 
No  fooner  had  they  told  this  hellifh  tale, 
But  ftraight  they  told  me,  they  would  bind  me  here 
Unto  the  body  of  a  dismal  yew, 
And  leave  me  to  this  miserable  death. 
And  then  they  call'd  me,  foul  adulterefs, 

7  notice  of     1 6  A  barren,  de- 


3»  Titus  Andrbnicas. 

Lafcivioas  Goth,  and  all  the  bittereft  terms 
That  ever  ear  did  hear  to  fuch  effeft. 
And,  had  you  not  by  wondrous  fortune  come, 
This  vengeance  on  me  had  they  executed  : 
Revenge  it,  as  you  love  your  mother's  life, 
Or  be  not  henceforth  call'd  my  children. 

DEM.  This~f~isawitnefs,thatlamthy  fon.   [ftrength. 

CHI,    And  this  ~|~  for  me  ;  ftrook  home  to  (hew  my 
\_ftabingjud.ienly  Baffianus  ;  <wbo  falls. 

LAV.    I  come,  Semiratais,  —nay,  barbarous  Tamora ; 
For  no  name  fits  thy  nature  but  thy  own  ! 

TAM.  Give  methyponiard; you  (hall  know,  my  boys, 

Your  mother's  hand  mall  right  your  mother's  wrong. 

DEM .  Stay,  madam,  here  is  more  belongs  to  her  ; 
Firft  thrafh  the  corn,  then  after  burn  the  ftraw. 
This  minion  ftocd  upon  her  chaftity, 
Upon  her  nuptial  vow,  her  loyalty, 
And  with  that  paint  now  braves  your  mightinefs  : 
And  fhall  fhe  carry  this  unto  her  grave  ? 

CHI.    An  if  (he  do,  I  would  I  were  an  eunuch. 
rBrag  hence  her  husband  to  fome  fecret  hole, 
And  make  his  dead  trunk  pillow  to  our  luft. 

TAM.  But,  when  you  have  the  honey  you  desire, 
Let  not  this  wafp  out-live,  us  both  to  ding. 

CHI.   I  warrant  you,  madam;  we  will  make  that  fure._ 
Come,  miftrefs,  now  perforce  we  will  enjoy 
That  nice-preserved  honefty  of  yours. 

LAV.   O,  Tamora  !  thou  bear'ft  a  woman's  face,  ~ 

TAM.  I  will  not  hear  her  fpeak  ;  away  with  her. 

LAV.   Sweet  lords,  iutrcat  her  hear  me  but  a  word, 

DEM.  Liften,  fair  madam  :  let  it  be  your  glory, 
TO  fee  her  tears ;  but  be  your  heart  to  them, 

6  be  ye  not     l8  painted  hope,  braves 


Titus  Andronicus.  31 

.As  unrelenting  flint  to  drops  of  rain. 

LAV,  When  did  the  tiger's  young  ones  teach  the  dam  ? 
O,  do  not  learn  her  wrath  ;  me  taught  it  thee  : 
The  milk,  thou  fuck'dft  from  her,  did  turn  to  marble; 

E'en  at  thy  teat  thou  hadft  thy  tyranny 

Yet  every  mother  breeds  not  fons  alike  ; 

Do  thou  entreat  her  mew  a  woman  pity.  [baftard  ? 

CHI.    What,  would'ft  thou  have  me  prove  myfelf  a 

LAV.  'Tistrue;  the  raven  doth  not  hatch  a  lark: 
Yet  have  I  heard,  (o,  could  I  find  it  now  !) 
The  lion,  mov'd  with  pity,  did  endure 
To  have  his  princely  paws  par'd  all  away. 
Some  fay,  that  ravens  foikr  forlorn  children, 
The  whilft  their  own  birds  famifh  in  their  nefts : 
O,  be  to  me,  though  thy  hard  heart  fay  no, 
Nothing  fo  kiiid,  butfomething  pitiful  ! 

TAM.  I  know  not  what  it  means;  away  with  her. 

LAV.  O,  let  me  teach  thee  :  for  my  father's  fake,-" 
That  gave  thee  life,  when  well  he  might  have  flain  thee,  — 
Be  not  obdurate,  open  thy  deaf  ears. 

TAM.  Had'ft  thou  in  perfon  ne'er  offended  me, 

Even  for  his  fake  am  I  now  pitilefs  : 

Remember,  boys,  I  pour'd  forth  tears  in  vain, 
To  fave  your  brother  from  the  facrifice  ; 
But  fierce  Andronicus  would  not  relent: 
Therefore  away  with  her,  use  her  as  you  will ; 
The  worfe  to  her,  the  better  lov'd  of  me. 

LAV.  O  T'amora,  be  call'd  a  gentle  queen, 
And  with  thine  own  hands  kill  me  in  this  place  : 
For  'tis  not  life,  that  1  have  beg'd  fo  long ; 
Poor  I  was  flain,  when  Baffianm  dy'd. 

TAM.  What  beg'ft  thou  then  ?  fond  woman,  let  me  go. 

4  fuckft    *6  her,  and  ufe 


32  Titus  Andronicuj. 

LAV.   "Tis  present  death,  I  beg  ;  and  one  thing  more, 
That  womanhood  denies  my  tongue  to  tell : 
O,  keep  me  from  their  worfe-than-killing  luft} 
And  tumble  me  into  fome  loathfom  pit, 
"Where  never  man's  eye  may  behold  my  body : 
Do  this,  and  be  a  charitable  murderer. 

TjtM.  So  mould  I  rob  my  fweet  fons  of  their  fee  : 
No,  let  them  fatiffy  their  lull  on  thee. 

DEM.  Away ;  for  thou  hail  ilay'd  us  here  too  long. 

LAV.   No  grace?  no  womanhood?  Ah  beaftly  creature  f 
The  blot  and  enemy  to  our  general  name  ! 
Confusion  fall,  —  [her  husband  ; 

CHI.   Nay,  then  I'll  flop  your  mouth  :_  Bring  thou 
This  is  the  hole  where  Aaron  bid  us  hide  him. 

[DfiM.  throws  the  Body  ofEzf.  into  the  Pit : 
Exeunt  be  and  CHI.  dragging  off  LAV. 

TAM.  Farewel,  my  fons :  fee,  that  you  make  her  fure : 

Ne'er  let  my  heart  know  merry  chear  indeed, 

JTill  all  the  Andronici  be  made  away. 

Now  will  I  hence,  to  feek  my  lovely  Moor ; 

And  let  my  fpleenful  fons  this  trull  deflour.  [Exit. 

SCENE  IV.  The  fame 

Enter  AARON,  nuith  QUINTUS  and  MARTIUS. 
AAR  .  Come  on,  my  lords ;  the  better  foot  before  t 
Straight  will  I  bring  you  to  the  loathfom  pit, 
Where  lefpy'd  the  panther  faftafleep. 

Qyi.    My  fight  is  very  dull,  whate'er  it  bodes. 
MARI.  And  mine,  I  promise  you :  were  it  not  for  fhame, 
Well  could  I  leave  our  fport  to  fleep  a  while. 

[falls  into  the  Pit. 
Qui.  What,  art  thou  fall'n  ?  What  fubtle  hole  is  this, 


Titus  Andronicus.  33 

Whose  mouth  is  cover'd  with  rude-growing  briars  ; 
Upon  whose  leaves  are  drops  of  new-lhed  blood, 
As  frefh  as  morning's  dew  diftill'd  on  flowers  r 

A  very  fatal  place  it  feems  to  me  : 

Speak,  brother,  haft  thou  hurt  thee  with  the  fall  ? 

MAR*.  O,  brother,  with  the  dismaleft  object, 
That  ever  eye  with  fight  made  heart  lament. 

AAR.  "  Now  will  I  fetch  the  king,  to  find  them  here;'* 
"  That  he  thereby  may  have  a  likely  guefs,  " 
"How  these  were  they  that  made  away  his  brother." 

[Exit  AARON. 

MARt.  Why  doft  not  comfort  me,  and  help  me  out 
From  this  unhallow'd  and  blood-ftained  hole  ? 

Qvi.    I  am  furprized  with  an  uncouth  fear  : 
A  chilling  fweat  o'er-runs  my  trembling  joints  ; 
My  heart  fufpecls  more  than  mine  eye  can  fee. 

MAR'.  To  prove  thou  haft  a  true-divining  heart, 
Aaron  and  thou  look  down  into  this  den, 
And  fee  a  fearful  fight  of  blood  and  death. 

Qyi.   Aaron  is  gone  ;  and  my  compaflionate  heart 
Will  not  permit  mine  eyes  once  to  behold 
The  thing,  whereat  it  trembles  by  furmise  : 
O,  tell  me  how  it  is;  for  ne'er  'till  now 
Was  I  a  child,  to  fear  I  know  not  what. 

MAR*.  Lord  Bajfianus  lies  embrued  here, 
All  on  a  heap,  like  to  a  flaughter'd  lamb, 
In  this  detefted,  dark,  blood-drinking  pit. 

£>ui.    If  it  be  dark,  how  doft  thou  know  'tis  he  r 

MAR*.  Upon  his  bloody  finger  he  doth  wear 
A  precious  ring,  that  lightens  all  the  hole  ; 
Which,  like  a  taper  in  ibme  monument, 
Doth,  fhine  upon  the  dead  man's  earthy  cheeks, 

3~  earthly 


34  Titus  Andronicos. 

And  fliews  the  ragged  entrails  of  this  pit : 
So  pale  did  fliiiie  the  moon  on  Pyramus, 
When  he  by  night  lay  bath'd  in  maiden  blood  : 

0  brother,  help  me  with  thy  fainting  hand,  — 
If  fear  hath  made  thee  faint,  as  me  it  hath,  — 
Out  of  this  fell  devouring  receptacle, 

As  hateful  as  Cocytus1  mifty  mouth. 

Qyi.    Reach  me  thy  hand,  that  I  may  help  thee  out; 
Or,  wanting  ftrength  to  do  thee  fo  much  good, 

1  may  be  pluck'd  into  the  fwallowing  womb 
Of  this  deep  pit,  poor  BaJJianus1  grave. 

I  have  no  ftrength  to  pluck  thee  to  the  brink.    • 

MAR(.  Nor  1  no  ftrength  to  climb  without  thy  help. 

^ui.    Thy  hand  once  more ;  I  will  not  loofe  again, 
'Till  thou  art  here  aloft,  or  I  below : 
Thou  canft  not  come  to  me,  I  come  to  thee.     [falls  in. 
Enter  SATURNINUS,  and  AARON. 

SAT.    Along  with  me  :  I'll  fee  what  hole  is  here  ; 

And  what  he  is,  that  now  is  leapt  into  it 

Say,  who  art  thou,  that  lately  didft  defcend 
Into  this  gaping  hollow  of  the  earth  ? 

MAR*.  The  unhappy  fon  of  old  Andronicus  ; 
Brought  hither  in  a  moft  unlucky  hour, 
To  find  thy  brother  BaJJianus  dead. 

SAT.    My  brother  dead !  I  know,  thou  doft  but  jeft : 
He  and  his  lady  both  are  at  the  lodge, 
Upon  the  north-fide  of  this  pleasant  chafe; 
'Tis  not  an  hour  fince  J  left  him  there. 

MAR'.  We  know  not  where  you  left  him  all  alive, 
But,  out-alas !  here  have  we  found  him  dead. 

Enter  TAMORA,  attended;  TITUS,  and  Lucius. 
.  Where  is  my  lord  the  king  ? 


Titus  Andronicus.  35 

5^r.  Here,  Tamora;  though  griev'd  with  killing  grief. 

TJM.  Where  is  thy  brother  BaJJianus  ? 

SA  f.  Now  to  the  bottom  doft  thou  fearch  my  wound ; 
Poor  Baffianus  here  lies  murthered. 

TAM.  Then  all  too  late  I  bring  this  =f=  fatal  writ, 
The  complot  of  this  timelefs  tragedy  ; 
And  wonder  greatly,  that  man's  face  can  fold 
In  pleasing  finiles  fuch  murd'rous  tyranny. 

SAT.  [reads. ,]   An  if  we  ml  ft  to  meet  him  handfomly)~~ 

Siveet  huntsman,  Baffianus  'tis,  ive  mean, — 

Do  thou  jo  much  as  dig  the  grave  for  him  ; 

Thou  kno--ujft  our  meaning:  look  for  thy  reward 

Among  the  nettles  at  the  elder-tree, 

Which  eijerjhades  the  mouth  of  that  fame  pit, 

Where  <we  decreed  to  bury  Baffianus. 

Do  this,  and  purchafe  us  thy  lofting  friends. 

O,  Tamora,  was  ever  heard  the  like ! 

This  is  the  pit,  and  this  the  elder-tree  : 
Look,  firs,  if  you  can  find  the  huntsman  out, 
That  fhould  have  murther'd  BaJJianus  here. 

AAR.  My  gracious  lord,  here"]"  is  the  bag  of  gold. 

SAT.  Two  of  thy  whelps,  [to  Tit.]  fell  curs  ofbloody 

Have  here  bereft  my  brother  of  his  life  : [kind, 

Sirs,  drag  them  from  the  pit  unto  the  prison  ; 
There  let  them  bide,  until  we  have  devis'd 
Some  never-heard-of  torturing  pain  for  them. 

TAM.  What,  are  they  in  this  pit  ?  O  wondrous  thing ! 
How  easily  murder  is  difcovered ! 

'TiT.   High  emperor,  upon  my  feeble  knee 
I  beg  this  boon,  with  tears  not  lightly  med, 
That  this  fell  fault  of  my  accurfed  fons, 
(Accurfed,  if  the  fault  beprov'din  them)  — 

3*  faults 

VOL.  VIII.  Y 


36  Titus  Andronicus. 

£47.  If  it  be  prov'd  !  you  fee,  it  is  apparent.—. 
Who  found  this  letter  ?  Tamora,  was  it  you  ? 
TAM.  Andronicui  himfelf  did  take  it  up. 
TiT.    I  did,  my  lord  :  yet  let  me  be  their  bail : 
For  by  my  father's  reverend  tomb  I  vow, 
They  mall  be  ready,  at  your  highnefs'  will, 
To  anfwer  their  fufpicion  with  their  lives. 

SAT.  Thou  malt  not  bail them:  fee,  thou  follow  me:— 
Some  bring  the  murther'd  body,  fome  the  murtherers  : 
Let  them  not  fpeak  a  word,  the  guilt  is  plain  ; 
For,  by  my  foul,  were  there  worfe  end  than  death, 
That  end  upon  them  mould  be  executed. 

[  Attendants  draw  Quintus,  aWMartius,  out 
of  the  Pit,  and  the  Body  o/"Baffianus  j  and 
Exeunt,  bearing  them  off. 
TAM.  Andronicui,  I  will  entreat  the  king  ; 
Fear  not  thy  fons,  they  (hall  do  well  enough. 

[Exeunt  SAT.  TAM.  AAR.  and  Train. 

Tit.    Come,  Lucius,  come ;  ftay  not  to  talk  with  them. 

\Exeunt  TITUS,  and  Lucius. 

SCENEV.   The  fame. 

Enter  CHIRON,  and  DEMETRIUS, 

<witb  Lavinia,  ravijht ;  her  Hands  cut  off, 

and  her  Tongue  cut  cut. 

DEM.  So,  now  go  tell,  an  if  thy  tongue  can  fpeak, 
Who 'twas,  that  cut  thy  tongue,  and  ravim'd  thee. 

CHI.    Write  down  thy  mind,  bewray  thy  meaning  fo, 
An  if  thy  flumps  will  let  thee  play  the  fcribe. 

DEM.  See,  how  with  figns  and  tokens  fhe  can  fcowl. 
CHI.  Go  home,  call  for  fweet  water,  wafh  thy  hands. 
DEM.  She  hath  no  tongue  to  call,  nor  hands  to  warn  ; 


Titus  Andronicus.  37 

And  fo  let's  leave  her  to  her  filent  walks. 

CHI.    An  'twere  my  cause,  I  mould  go  hang  myfelf. 

DEM.  Ifthou  hadft  hands  to  help  thee  knit  the  cord. 
[Exeunt  CHIRON,  «WDEMETRius. 
Horns  within  :  La.\ima.Jtarts,  and  is  making 
from  them ;   Enter  MARCUS. 

MAR  .  Who's  this,-  my  niece  ?— that  flies  away  fo  fait  ? 
Cousin,  a  word;  Where  is  your  husband  ?_ 
Ifl  do  dream,  'would  all  my  wealth  would  wake  me ! 
If  I  do  wake,  fome  planet  ftrike  me  down, 
That  I  may  flumber  in  eternal  fleep  !  _ 
Speak,  gentle  niece,  what  ftern  ungentle  hand 
Hath  lop'd,  and  hew'd,  and  made  thy  body  bare 
Of  her  two  branches  ?  those  fweet  ornaments, 
Whose  circling  fhadows  kings  have  fought  to  fleep  in  ; 
And  might  not  gain  fo  great  a  happinefs, 
As  half  thy  love  ?  Why  doft  not  fpeak  to  me  ? 
Alas,  a  crimson  river  of  warm  blood, 
Like  to  a  bubbling  fountain  ftir'd  with  wind, 
Doth  rise  and  fall  between  thy  rosed  lips, 
Coming  and  going  with  thy  honey  breath. 
But,  fure,  fome  Tereus  hath  defldured  thee  ; 
And,  left  thou  mould'ft  deleft  him,  cut  thy  tongue. 
Ah,  now  thou  turn'ft  away  thy  face  for  fliame  ; 
And,  notwithstanding  all  this  lofs  of  blood, — 
As  from  a  conduit,  with  three  ifTuing  fpouts,— • 
Yet  do  thy  cheeks  look  red  as  Titans  face, 
Bluming  to  be  encounter'd  with  a  cloud. 
Shall  I  fpeak  for  thee  :  fhall  1  fay,  'tis  fo  ? 
O,  that  I  knew  thy  heart;  and  knew  the  beaft, 
That  1  might  rail  at  him  to  ease  my  mind  ! 
Sorrow  concealed,  like  an  oven  ftopt, 

"hands     *3  detcft  them,     *6  their  ifluing 

Y    2 


58  Titus  Andronicirs. 

Doth  born  the  heart  to  cinders  where  it  is. 

Fair  Philomela  fhe  but  loft  her  tongue, 

And  in  a  tedious  fampler  few'd  her  mind : 

But,  lovely  niece,  that  mean  is  cut  from  thee; 

A  craftier  Tereus  haft  thou  met  withal ; 

And  he  hath  cut  those  pretty  fingers  off, 

That  could  have  better  few'd  than  Philomel. 

O,  had  the  monfter  feen  those  lilly  hands 

Tremble,  like  afpen  leaves,  upon  a  lute, 

And  make  the  filken  firings  delight  to  kifs  them, 

He  would  not  then  have  touch'd  them  for  his  life. 

Or,  had  he  heard  the  heavenly  harmony, 

Which  that  fweet  tongue  hath  made ; 

He  would  have  dropt  his  knife,  and  fell  afleepi, 

As  Cerberus  at  the  Thracian  poet's  feet. 

Come,  let  us  go,  and  make  thy  father  blind ; 

For  fuch  a  fight  will  blind  a  father's  eye  : 

One  hour's  ftorm  will  drown  the  fragrant  meads ; 

What  will  whole  months  of  tears  thy  father's  eyes  ? 

Do  not  draw  back,  for  we  will  mourn  with  thee; 

O,  could  our  mourning  ease  thy  misery  ! 

[Exit,  'with  Lavinia. 


ACT    III. 

SCENE  I.    Rome.    A  Street. 
Enter  Senators,  Tribunes,  &c.  and  Officers  ofjuftiee, 
with  Quintus  and  Martius,  bound,  pajfing  to  Execu- 
tion; TITUS  before, pleading. 

<T/r.  Hear  me,  grave  fathers !  noble  tribunes,  (lay ! 
For  pity  of  mine  age,  whose  youth  was  fpent 


Titus  Andronicns.  $$ 

In  dangerous  wars,  whilft  you  fecurely  flept ; 
For  all  my  blood  in  Rome's  great  quarrel  fhed  ; 
For  all  the  frofty  nights  that  I  have  watch'd ; 
And  for  these  bitter  tears,  which  now  you  fee 
Filling  the  aged  wrinkles  in  my  cheeks  ; 
Be  pitiful  to  my  .condemned  fons, 
Whose  fouls  are  not  corrupted  as  'tis  thought ! 
For  two  and  twenty  fons  I  never  wept, 
Because  they  dy'd  in  honour's  lofty  bed  : 
Fox  these,  these,  tribunes,  in  the  duft  I  write 

[throwing  himfelf  on  the  Ground* 
My  heart's  deep  languor,  and  my  foul's  fad  tears. 
\_Tfitunest  &c.  pfijs  Titas,  and  Exeunt  nvith  the  Prisoners.* 
Let  my  tears  ftanch  the  earth's  dry  appetite  ; 
My  fons'  fweet  blood  will  make  it  fhame  and  blufh. 
O  earth,  t  will  befriend  thee  more  with  rain, 
That  (hall  diltil  from  these  two  ancient  urns, 
Than  youthful  April  (hall  with  all  his  mowers : 
In  Cummer's  drought,  I'll  drop  upon  thee  ftill; 
In  winter,  with  warm  tears  I'll  melt  the  mew, 
And  keep  eternal  fpring-time  on  thy  face, 
So  thou  refuse  to  drink  my  dear  fons'  blood. 

Enter  Lucius,  ivith  his  Sward  drawn. 
Q  reverend  tribunes \  gentle,  aged  men! 
Unbind  my  fons,  reverfe  the  doom  of  death  j 
And  let  me  fay,  that  never  wept  before, 
My  tears  are  now  prevailing  orators. 

Luc.  O  noble  father,  you  lament  in  vain  ; 
The  tribunes  hear  you  not,  no  man  is  by, 
And  you  recount  your  forrows  to  a  ftone. 

Tif.  Ah,  Lucius,  for  thy  brothers  let  me  plead ;  — 
Grave  tribunes,  once  more  I  entreat  of  you. 

17  ancient  ruines,     **  Tribunes,  oh  gen- 


40  Titus  Andronicus. 

Luc.  My  gracious  lord,  no  tribune  hears  you  fpeak. 

7/7*.  Why, 'tis  no  matter,  man:  [rises.]  if  they  did  hear, 
They  would  not  mark  me ;  or,  if  they  did  mark, 
All  bootlefs  unto  them,  they  would  not  pity  me. 
Therefore  I  tell  my  forrows  to  the  ftones ; 
Who,  though  they  cannot  anfvver  my  diflrefs, 
Yet  in  fome  fort  are  better  than  the  tribunes, 
For  that  they  will  not  intercept  my  tale  : 
When  I  do  weep,  they  humbly  at  my  feet 
Receive  my  tears,  and  feem  to  weep  with  me ; 
And,  were  they  but  attired  in  grave  weeds, 
Rome  could  afford  no  tribune  like  to  these. 
A  ftone  is  foft  as  wax,  tribunes  more  hard  than  ftones : 
A  ftone  is  filent,  and  offendeth  not ; 
And  tribunes  with  their  tongues  doom  men  to  death. 
But  wherefore  ftand'ft  thou  with  thy  weapon  drawn  ? 

Luc.  To  refcue  my  two  brothers  from  their  death  : 
For  which  attempt,  the  judges  have  pronounc'd 
My  everlafting  doom  of  banimment. 

TIT.  O  happy  man  !  they  have  befriended  thee. 
Why,  foolifti  Lucius,  doft  thou  not  perceive, 
That  Rome  is  but  a  wildernefs  of  tigers  ? 
Tigers  muft  prey  ;  and  Rome  affords  no  prey, 
But  me,  and  mine  :  How  happy  art  thou  then, 
From  these  devourers  to  be  baniftied? 
But  who  comes  with  our  brother  Marcus  here  ? 
Enter  MARCUS,  aW Lavinia. 

MJR  ,  Titus,  prepare  thy  noble  eyes  to  weep ; 
Or,  if  not  fo,  thy  noble  heart  to  break  ; 
I  bring  confuming  fcrrow  to  thine  age. 

TIT,  Will  it  confume  me?  let  me  fee  it  then. 

MJR.  This  ~f  was  thy  daughter. 

5  forrowcs  boodes  to     1  fort  they  are 


Titus  Andromcus.  41 

TIT.  Why,  Marcus,  fo  (he  is. 

Luc.  Ah  me  !  this  object  kills  me  ! 

TIT.  Faint-hearted  boy,  arise,  and  look  upon  her.-. 
Speak,  my  La--vinia,  what  accurfed  hand 
Hath  made  thee  handlefs  in  thy  father's  fight  ? 
What  fool  hath  added  water  to  the  fea  ? 
Or  brought  a  faggot  to  bright- burning  Trey? 
My  grief  was  at  the  height,  before  thou  cam'fl; 
And  now,  like  Nilus,  it  difdaineth  bounds.— 
Give  me  a  fword,  I'll  chop  off  my  hands  too  : 
For  they  have  fought  for  Rome ,  and  all  in  vain ; 
And  they  have  nurf'd  this  woe,  in  feeding  life; 
In  bootlefs  prayer  have  they  been  held  up, 
And  they  have  ferv'd  me  to  effeftlefs  ufe : 
Now,  all  the  fervice  I  require  of  them 
Is,  that  the  one  will  help  to  cut  the  other.  _ 
'Tis  well,  Lavinia,  that  thou  haft  no  hands ; 
For  hands,  to  do  Rome  fervice,  is  but  vain. 

Luc.    Speak,  gentle  fifter,  who  hath  martyr'd  thee  ? 

MAR.  O,  that  delightful  engine  of  her  thoughts, 
That  blab'd  them  with  fuch  pleasing  eloquence, 
Is  torn  from  forth  that  pretty  hollow  cage  ; 
Where,  like  a  fweet  melodious  bird,  it  fung 
Sweet-vary'd  notes,  enchanting  every  ear. 

Luc.    O,  fay  thou  for  her,  who  hath  done  this  deed? 

MAR.  O,  thus  I  found  her,  ftraying  in  the  park, 
Seeking  to  hide  herfelf ;  as  doth  the  deer, 
That  hath  receiv'd  -fome  unrecuring  wound. 

Tif.    It  was  my  deer ;  and  he,  that  wounded  her, 
Hath  hurt  me  more  than  had  he  kill'd  me  dead  : 
For  now  I  ftand  as  one  upon  a  rock, 
pnviron'd  with  a  wildernefs  of  fea ; 


42  Titus  Andronicus. 

Who  marks  the  waxing  tide  grow  wave  by  wave, 

Expecting  ever  when  fome  envious  furge 

Will  in  his  brinifti  bowels  fwallow  him. 

This  way  to  death  my  wretched  fons  are  gone ; 

Here  ftands  my  other  fon,  a  banifli'd  man ; 

And  here  my  brother,  weeping  at  my  woes : 

But  that,  which  gives  my  foul  the  greateit  fpurn, 

Is  dear  Lavinia,  dearer  than  my  foul.  _ 

Had  I  but  feen  thy  picture  in  this  plight, 

It  would  have  madded  me ;  What  mall  1  do, 

Now  I  behold  thy  lively  body  fo  ? 

Thou  haft  no  hands,  to  wipe  away  thy  tears ; 

Nor  tongue,  to  tell  me  who  hath  martyr'd  thee  : 

Thy  husband  he  is  dead  ;  and,  for  his  death, 

Thy  brothers  are  condemn'd,  and  dead  by  this  :  _- 

Look,  Marcus!  ah,  fon  Lucius,  look  on  her! 

When  I  did  name  her  brothers,  then  freih  tears 

Stood  on  her  cheeks  ;  as  doth  the  honty  dew 

Upon  a  gather'd  lilly  almoft  wither'd.  [husband  : 

MAR.  Perchance,  fhe  weeps  because  they  kill'd  her 
Perchance,  because  (he  knows  them  innocent. 

TIT.    If  they  did  kill  thy  husband,  then  be  joyful, 
Because  the  law  hath  ta'en  revenge  on  them.  _ 
No,  no,  they  would  not  do  fo  foul  a  deed ; 
Witnefs  the  forrow  that  their  fifter  makes — 
Gentle  Lavinia,  let  me  kifs  thy  lips  ; 
Or  make  fome  lign  how  I  may  do  thee  ease  : 
Shall  thy  good  uncle,  and  thy  brother  Lucius, 
And  thou,  and  I,  fit  round  about  fome  fountain  ; 
Looking  all  downwards,  to  behold  our  cheeks 
How  they  are  ftain'd;  like  meadows,  yet  not  dry 
With  miry  flime  left  on  them  by  a  flood  ? 

* '  knowcs  him  inn-     ' '  ftaind  in  mead- 


Titus  Andronicus.  43 

And  in  the  fountain  fhall  we  gaze  fo  long, 
'Till  the  frefh  tafte  be  taken  from  that  clearnefs, 
And  made  a  brine-pit  with  our  bitter  tears  ? 
Or  fhall  we  cut  away  our  hands,  like  thine  ? 
Or  fhall  we  bite  our  tongues,  and  in  dumb  mews 
Pafs  the  remainder  of  our  hateful  days  ? 
What  fhall  we  do  :  let  us,  that  have  our  tongues, 
Plot  fome  devife  of  further  misery, 
To  make  us  wonder'd  at  in  time  to  come. 

Luc.    Sweet  father,  ceafe  your  tears;  for,  at  your  grief, 
See,  how  my  wretched  filter  fobs  and  weeps.          [eyes. 

MAR.  Patience,  dear  niece ; good  'Titus,  dry  thine 

TIT.      Ah,  Marcus,  Marcus,  brother,  well  I  wote, 
Thy  napkin  cannot  drink  a  tear  of  mine, 
For  thou,  poor  man,  haft  drown'd  it  with  thine  own. 
Luc.    Ah,  my  La<vinia,  I  will  wipe  thy  cheeks. 
TIT.    Mark,  Marcus,  mark  !  I  underftand  her  figns : 
Had  fhe  a  tongue  to  fpeak,  now  would  me  fay 
That  to  her  brother  which  I  faid  to  thee ; 
His  napkin,  with  his  true  tear?  all  bewet, 
Can  do  no  fervice  on  her  forrowful  cheeks. 
O,  what  a  fympathy  of  woe  is  this  ! 
As  far  from  help  as  limbo  is  from  blifs. 

Enter  AARON. 

AAR.  Titus  AnJronicus,  my  lord  the  emperor 
Sends  thee  this  word,  —  That,  if  thou  love  thy  fons, 
LetMarcuj,  Lucius,  or  thyfelf,  old  Titut, 
Or  any  one  of  you,  chop  ofFyour  hand, 
And  fend  it  to  the  king  :  he,  for  the  fame, 
Will  fend  thee  hither  both  thy  fons  alive; 
And  that  fhall  be  the  ranfom  for  their  fault. 
TIT.   O  gracious  emperor  !  O  gentle  Aaron! 

*°  with  her  true 


44  Titus  Andronicus. 

Did  ever  raven  fing  fo  like  a  lark, 
That  gives  fweet  tidings  of  the  fun's  uprise  ? 
With  all  my  heart  I'll  fend  the  king  my  hand ; 
Good  Aaron,  wilt  thou  help  to  chop  it  off? 

Luc.   Stay,  father;  for  that  noble  hand  of  thine, 
That  hath  thrown  down  fo  many  enemies, 
Shall  not  be  fent :  my  hand  will  ferve  the  turn  : 
My  youth  can  better  fpare  my  blood  than  you  ; 
And  therefore  mine  fhall  fave  my  brothers'  lives. 

MAR.  Which  of  your  hands  hath  not  defended  Rome, 
And  rear'd  aloft  the  bloody  battle-axe, 
Writing  deftruftion  on  the  enemies'  cafque  ? 
O,  none  of  both  but  are  of  high  desert : 
My  hand  hath  been  but  idle  ;  let  it  ferve 
To  ranfom  my  two  nephews  from  their  death ; 
Then  have  I  kept  it  to  a  worthy  end. 

AAR.  Nay,  come,  agree  whose  hand  mall  go  along, 
For  fear  they  dye  before  their  pardon  come. 

MAR.  My  hand  fhall  go. 

Luc.   By  heaven,  it  fhall  not  go. 

Tif.    Sirs,  ftrive  no  more ;  fuch  wither'd  herbs  as  these 
Are  meet  for  plucking  up,  and  therefore  mine. 

Luc.    Sweet  father,  if  I  fhall  be  thought  thy  fon, 
Let  me  redeem  my  brothers  both  from  death. 

MAR.  And,  for  our  father's  fake,  and  mother's  care, 
Now  let  me  mow  a  brother's  love  to  thee. 

T'lf.    Agree  between  you,  I  will  fpare  my  hand. 

Luc.    Then  I'll  go  fetch  an  axe. 

MAR.  But  I  will  use  the  axe. 

[Exeunt  Lucius,  and  MARCUS. 

7/r.    Come  hither,  Aaron  ;  I'll  deceive  them  both  \ 
Lend  me  thy  hand,  and  I  will  give  thee  mine. 

3  the  Emperour  my     '*  Caftlc  ? 


Titus  Andronicus.  45 

AAR.  If  tW  be  call'd  deceit,  I  will  be  honeft, 
.And  never,  whilft  I  live,  deceive  men  fo  :__ 
"  But  I'll  deceive  you  in  another  fort;  " 
"  And  that  you'll  fay,  ere  half  an  hour  pafs." 

[cuts  0/Titus'  Hand. 
Re-enter  Lucius,  and  MARCUS. 

TIT.  Nowftayyourftrife:whatmallbe,isdifpatch'd — 
Good  darcn,  give  his  majefty  my  hand  : 
Tell  him,  it  was  a  hand  that  warded  him 
From  thousand  dangers ;  bid  him  bury  it; 
More  hath  it  merited,  that  let  it  have. 
As  for  my  fons,  fay,  I  account  of  them 
As  jewels  purchaf'd  at  an  easy  price  ; 
And  yet  dear  too,  because  I  bought  mine  own. 

AAR.  I  go,  Andronicus :  and,  for  thy  hand, 

Look  by  and  by  to  have  thy  fons  with  thee : 

"Their  heads,  I  mean.  O,  how  this  villany" 
"  Doth  fat  me  with  the  very  thought  of  it !  " 
"  Let  fools  do  good,  and  fair  men  call  for  grace ; " 
"  j4aren\vi\\  have  his  foul  black  like  his  face." 

[Exit,  nvitb  Titus'  Hand. 

TIT,    O,  here  T  lift  this  one  hand  up  to  heaven, 
And  bow  this  feeble  ruin  to  the  earth : 
If  any  power  pities  wretched  tears, 
To  that  I  call  ;_What,  wilt  thcu  kneel  with  me  ?  [to  Lav. 
Do  then,  dear  heart;  for  heaven  (hall  hear  our  prayers  ; 
Or  with  our  fighs  we'll  breath  the  welkin  dim, 
And  ftain  the  fun  with  fog,  as  fometime  clouds, 
When  they  do  hug  him  in  their  melting  bosoms. 

MAS.  .  O  brother,  fpeak  with  poffibilities, 
And  do  not  break  into  these  deep  extreams. 

TIT.    Is  not  my  forrow  deep,  having  no  bottom  ? 


46  Titos  Andronicus, 

Then  he  my  paflions  bottomlefs  with  them. 

MAR.  But  yet  let  reason  govern  thy  lament. 

TIT.    If  there  were  reason  for  these  miseries, 
Then  into  limits  could  I  bind  my  woes  : 
When  heaven  doth  weep,  doth  not  the  earth  o'erflow  r 
If  the  winds  rage,  doth  not  the  fea  wax  mad, 
Threatening  the  welkin  with  his  big-fwoln  face  ? 
And  wilt  thou  have  a  reason  for  this  coil  ? 
I  am  the  fea,  hark  how  her  fighs  do  blow  ; 
She  is  the  weeping  welkin,  I  the  earth  : 
Then  muft  my  fea  be  moved  with  her  fighs  ; 
Then  muft  my  earth  with  her  continual  tears 
Become  a  deluge,  overflow'd  and  drown'd : 
For  why  ?  my  bowels  cannot  hide  her  woes, 
But  like  a  drunkard  muft  I  vomit  them. 
Then  give  me  leave  ;  for  losers  will  have  leave 
To  ease  their  ftomacks  with  their  bitter  tongues. 
Enter  a  Meflenger,  ivith  two  Heads, 
and  a  Hand. 

Me/.    Worthy  Andronicus,  ill  art  thou  repay'd 
For  that  good  hand  thou  fent'ft  the  emperor. 
Here  are  the  =f=  heads  of  thy  two  noble  fons  ; 
And  here's  thy  =f  hand,  in  fcorn  to  thee  fent  back  ; 
Thy  griefs  their  fports,  thy  resolution  mock'd  : 
That  woe  is  me  to  think  upon"  thy  woes, 
More  than  remembrance  of  my  father's  death. 

[Exit  MefTengei. 

MAR.  Now  let  hot  jEtna  cool  in  Sicily, 
And  be  my  heart  an  ever- burning  hell! 
These  miseries  are  more  than  may  be  born  : 
To  weep  with  them  that  weep  doth  ease  fome  deal, 
But  forrow  flouted  at  is  double  death. 


Titus  Andronicus.  47 

Luc.    Ah,  that  this  fight  mould  make  fo  deep  a  wound, 
And  yet  detefted  life  not  fhrink  thereat ! 
That  ever  death  fhould  let  life  bear  his  name, 
Where  life  hath  no  more  interelt  but  to  breath  ! 

MAR.  Alas,  poor  heart,  that  kifs  is  comfortlefs, 
As  frozen  water  to  a  ftarved  fnake. 

Tif.    When  will  this  fearful  flumber  have  an  end  ? 

MAR.  Now,  farewel,  flattery! Dye,  Andronicm^ 

Thou  doft  not  flumber :  fee,  thy  two  fons'  heads ; 
Thy  warlike  hand;  thy  mangl'd  daughter  here; 
Thy  other  banim'd  fon,  with  this  dear  fight 
Struck  pale  and  bloodlefs  ;  and  thy  brother,  I, 
Even  like  a  ftony  image,  cold  and  numb. 
Ah,  now  no  more  will  I  controul  thy  griefs : 
Rent  off  thy  filver  hair,  thy  other  hand 
Gnaw  with  thy  teeth ;  and  be  this  dismal  fight 
The  closing  up  of  our  mofl  wretched  eyes  : 
Now  is  a  time  to  ftorm;  Why  art  thou  ftill  ? 

r/r.    Ha,  ha,  ha! 

MAR  .  Why  doft  thou  laugh  ?  it  fits  not  with  this  hour. 

TIT.    Why,  I  have  not  another  tear  to  Ihed  : 
Befides,  this  ibrrow  is  an  enemy, 
And  would  usurp  upon  my  watry  eyes, 
And  make  them  blind  with  tributary  tears  ; 
Then  which  way  fhall  I  find  revenge's  cave  ? 
For  these  two  heads  do  feem  to  fpeak  to  me; 
And  threat  me,  I  fhall  never  come  to  blifs, 
'Till  all  these  mifchiefs  be  return'd  again, 
Even  in  their  throats  that  have  committed  them. 
Come,  let  me  fee  what  tafk  I  have  to  do. 
You  heavy  people,  circle  me  about ; 
That  I  may  turn  me  to  each  one  of  you, 

1  *  oontrcrale  my  griefes     '  *  Gnawing  with 


48  Titus  Andronicus. 

And  fwear  unto  my  foul  to  right  your  wrongs. 
The  vow  is  made.  Come,  brother,  take  a  head; 
And  in  this  hand  the  other  will  I  bear  : 
Lavinia,  thou  (halt  be  employ'd  in  these  things, 
Bear  thou  my  hand,  fweet  wench,  between  thy  arms* 
As  for  thee,  boy,  go,  get  thee  from  my  fight ; 
Thou  art  an  exile,  and  thou  muft  not  ftay  : 
Hye  to  the  Gcths,  and  raise  an  army  there  : 
And,  if  you  love  me,  as  I  think  you  do, 
Let's  kifs,  and  part,  for  we  have  much  to  do. 

[Exeunt  TITUS,  MARCUS,  aWLavinia. 
Luc.  Farewel,  An.ironicus,  my  noble  father; 
The  woeful'ft  man  that  ever  liv'd  in  Rome  ! 
Farewel,  proud  Rome  !  'till  Lucius  come  again, 
He  leaves  his  pledges  dearer  than  his  life. 
Farewel,  Lavinia,  my  noble  fifter; 
O,  'would  thou  wert  as  thou  'tofore  haft  been  ! 
But  now  nor  Lucius,  nor  La-vinia,  lives, 
But  in  oblivion,  and  hateful  griefs. 
If  Lucius  live,  he  will  requite  your  wrongs ; 
And  make  proud  Saturninus  and  his  emprefs 
Beg  at  the  gates,  like  Tarquin  and  his  queen. 
Now  will  I  to  the  Goths,  and  raise  a  power, 
To  be  reveng'd  on  Rome  and  Saturnine.  [Exit. 

SCENE  II.   The  fame. 

Rocm  in  Titus'  Honfe  :  Banquet  fet  out. 

Enter  TITUS,  and  MARCUS,  iuith  Lavinia, 

and  a  young  Boy,  Son  to  Lucius. 
Tif.    So,  fo ;  now  fit:  and  look  you  eat  no  more, 
Than  will  preserve  juft  fo  much  ftrength  in  us 
As  will  revenge  these  bitter  woes  of  ours. 

5  v.  Ne!e.     » 5  He  loves  his 


Titus  Andronicus.  49 

Marcus,  unknit  that  forrow-wreathen  knot; 

Thy  niece  and  I,  poor  creatures,  want  our  hands, 

And  cannot  paffionate  our  ten-fold  grief 

With  folded  arms.  This  poor  right  hand  of  mine 

Is  left  to  tyrannize  upon  my  breaft  ; 

And  when  my  heart,  all  mad  with  misery, 

Beats  in  this  hollow  prison  of  my  flem, 

Then  thus  ~J~  I  thump  it  down.  _ 

Thou  map  of  woe,  that  thus  doft  talk  in  figns, 

When  thy  poor  heart  beats  with  outragious  beating, 

Thou  canft  not  ftrike  it  thus  to  make  it  ftill. 

Wound  it  with  fighing,  girl,  kill  it  with  groans : 

Or  get  fome  little  knife  between  thy  teeth, 

And  juft  againft  thy  heart  make  thcu  a  hole  ; 

That  all  the  tears,  that  thy  poor  eyes  let  fall, 

May  run  into  that  fink,  and,  foaking  in, 

Drown  the  lamenting  fool  in  fea-falt  tears. 

MAR.  Fye,  brother,  fye !  teach  her  not  thus  to  lay 
Such  violent  hands  upon  her  tender  life. 

TIT.    How  now  !  has  forrow  made  thee  doat  already  ? 
WThy,  Marcus,  no  man  mould  be  mad  but  I. 
What  violent  hands  can  me  lay  on  her  life  ? 
Ah,  wherefore  doft  thou  urge  the  name  of  hands ; 
To  bid  dSneas  tell  the  tale  twice  o'er, 
How  Troy  was  burnt,  and  he  made  miserable  ? 
O,  handle  not  the  theme,  to  talk  of  hands; 

Left  we  remember  ftill,  that  we  have  none 

Fye,  fye !  how  frantickly  I  fquare  my  talk ! 

As  if  we  mould  forget  we  had  no  hands, 

If  Marcus  did  not  name  the  word  of  hands  !  __ 

Come,  let's  fall  to  ;  and,  gentle  girl,  eat  ^  this  : 

Here  is  no  drink !  —Hark,  Marcus,  what  me  fays ;  — 

*  Who  when 


$o  Titus  Andronicus* 

I  can  interpret  all  her  martyr'd  figns; — 

She  fays,  (he  drinks  no  other  drink  but  tears, 

Brew'd  with  her  forrow,  mefh'd  upon  her  cheeks  t  — 

Speechlefs  complainer,  I  will  learn  thy  thought; 

In  thy  dumb  aftion  will  I  be  as  perfect, 

As  begging  hermits  in  their  holy  prayers  : 

Thou  fhalt  not  figh,  nor  hold  thy  ftumps  to  heaven, 

Nor  wink,  nor  nod,  nor  kneel,  nor  make  a  fign, 

But  I,  of  these,  will  wreft  an  alphabet, 

And,  by  Hill  practice,  learn  to  know  thy  meaning. 

Boy.     Goodgrandiire,  leave  these  bitterdeep  laments ; 
Make  my  aunt  merry  with  fome  pleasing  tale. 

MAR.  Alas,  the  tender  boy,  in  paffion  mov'd, 
Doth  weep  to  fee  hisgrandiire'sheavinefs. 

'T/f.    Peace,  tender  fapling ;  thou  art  made  of  tears, 
And  tears  will  quickly  melt  thy  life  away.  _ 
Whatdoft  thou  ftrike  at,  Marcus,  with  thy  knife  ? 

MAR.  At  that  that  I  have  kill'd,  my  lord  ;  a  fly. 

TIT.    Out  on  thee,  murderer !  thou  kill'ft  my  heart  ; 
Mine  eyes  are  cloy'd  with  view  of  tyranny  : 
A  deed  of  death,  done  on  the  innocent, 
Becomes  not  Titus'  brother :  Get  thee  gone  ; 
I  fee,  thou  art  not  for  my  company. 

MAR.  Alas,  my  lord,  I  have  but  kill'd  a  fly. 

TIT.    But !  How  if  that  fly  had  a  father,  fir  ? 
How  would  he  hang  his  {lender  gilded  wings, 
And  buz  lamenting  dolings  in  the  air? 
Poor  harmlefs  fly ! 

That,  with  his  pretty  buzzing  melody, 
Came  here  to  make  us  merry  ;  and  thou  haft  kill'd  him. 

MAR.  Pardon  me,  fir;  it  was  a  black  ill-favour'd  fly, 
Like  to  the  emprefs'  Moor  ;  therefore  I  kill'd  him. 

*  complaynet,  I     *5  v.  Nfte,     *7  doings 


Titus  Andronicus.  5  1 

7/r.   O,  o  !  Then  pardon  me  for  reprehending  thee, 
For  thou  haft  done  a  charitable  deed. 
Give  me  thy  knife,  I  will  infult  on  him  ; 
Flattering  myfelf,  as  if  it  were  the  Moor, 
Come  hither  purposely  to  poison  me  — 
There's  ~j~  for  thyfelf  ;  and  that's  ~[~  for  Tamora  : 
Ah,  firra  !  _ 

22KJ>2»  yet,  I  think,  we  are  not  brought  fo  low, 
But  that,  between  us,  we  can  kill  a  fly, 
That  comes  in  likenefs  of  a  coal-black  Moor. 

MAR.  Alas,  poor  man  !  grief  has  fo  wrought  on  him, 
He  takes  falfe  madows  for  true  fubftances. 

TiT.    Come,  take  away  —  Lavinia,  go  with  me  : 
I'll  to  thy  closet;  and  go  read  with  thee 
Sad  ftories,  chanced  in  the  times  of  old  __ 
Come,  boy,  and  go  with  me  ;  thy  fight  is  young, 
And  thou  fhalt  read  when  mine  begins  to  dazzle. 

AC?  IV. 

SCENE  1.   The  fame.  Before  Titus'  Houfe. 

Enter  TIT  vs,  and  MARCUS.  Then,  Enter  young 

Lucius,  running;  Lavinia  after  him. 


Boy.     Help,  grandfire,  help  ! 
Follows  me  every  where,  I  know  not  why  :  — 
Good  uncle  Marcus,  fee,  how  fwift  (he  comes  !  _ 
Alas,  fweet  aunt,  I  know  not  what  you  mean. 

MAR.  Stand  by  me,  Lucius  ;  do  not  fear  thine  aunt. 

Tit.    She  loves  thee,  boy,  too  well  to  do  thee  harm. 

Boy.     Ay,  when  my  father  was  in  Rome,  me  did. 

MAR.  What  means  my  niece  Lavinia  by  these  figns  ? 

*7  begin 
VOL.  VIII.  Z 


51  Titus  Andronicu*. 

Tif.    Fear  her  not,  Lucius :  _  Somewhat  doth  flic 
See,  Lucius,  fee,  how  much  fhe  makes  of  thee :    [mean  :__ 
Somewhither  would  fhe  have  thee  go  with  her. 
Ah,  boy,  Cornelia  never  with  more  care 
Read  to  her  ions,  than  fhe  hath  read  to  thee, 
Sweet  poetry,  and  Tullys  oratory.  [thus  ? 

£$sr»   Canft  thou  not  guefs  wherefore  fhe  plies  thee 

Boy.     My  lord,  I  know  not,  I,  nor  can  I  guefs, 
Unlefs  fome  fit  or  frenzy  do  possefs  her  : 
For  I  have  heard  my  grandfire  fay  full  oft, 
Extremity  of  griefs  would  make  men  mad; 
And  I  have  read,  that  Hecuba  of  Troy 
Ran  mad  through  forrow  :  That  made  me  to  fear: 
Although,  my  lord,  I  know,  my  noble  aunt 
Loves  me  as  dear  as  e'er  my  mother  did, 
And  would  not,  but  in  fury,  fright  my  youth : 
Which  made  me  down  to  throw  my  books,  and  fly ; 
Causelefs,  perhaps :  _  But  pardon  me,  fweet  aunt : 
And,  madam,  if  my  uncle  Marcus  go, 
I  will  moft  willingly  attend  your  ladyfhip. 

MAR.  Lucius,  I  will. 

Tir .   How  now,  Lavinia ?— Marcus,  what  means  this  ? 
[  feeing  her  turn  over  the  Books  Lucius  has  let  fall. 

Some  book  there  is,  that  fhe  desires  to  fee  : 

Which  is  it,  girl,  of  these  ? Open  them,  boy. 

But  thou  art  deeper  read,  and  better  fkill'd  j 
Come,  and  take  choice  of  all  my  library, 
And  fo  beguile  thy  forrow,  'till  the  heavens 
Reveal  the  damn'd  contriver  of  this  deed — 
Why  lifts  fhe  up  her  arms  in  fequcnce  thus  ? 

MAR.  I  think,  fhe  means,  that  there  was  more  than  one 
Confederate  in  the  fa&;  —  Ay,  more  there  was  :  — 

6  Oratour: 


Tit#s  Andronicus.  53 

Or  elfe  to  heaven  (be  heaves  them  for  revenge. 

TIT.  Lucius,  what  book  is  that  me  tofleth  fo  ? 

Boy.     Grandfire,  'tis  Ovid's  Metamorphcfis; 
My  mother  gave  it  me. 

MAR.  For  love  of  her  that's  gone, 
Perhaps  flie  cull'd  it  from  among  the  reft. 

TIT.   Soft,  foft;  f?oio  busily  me  turns,  the  leaves; 
Help  her  : 

What  would  (he  find? La<vinia,  fhall  I  read; 

This  is  the  tragic  tale  of  Philomel, 

And  treats  of  Teretts'  treason,  and  his  rape ; 

And  rape,  I  fear,  was  root  of  thine  annoy. 

MAR.  See,  brother,  fee;  note,  how  fhequotes.the  leaves! 

'TiT.   Lavinia,  wert  thou  thus  furpriz'd,  fweet  girl, 
Ravifh'd,  and  wrong'd,  as  Philomela  was, 
Forc'd  in  the  ruthlefs,  vaft,  and  gloomy  woods  ?_ 
See,  fee  !_ 

Ay,  fuch  a  place  there  is,  where  we  did  hunt, 
(O,  had  we  never,  never,  hunted  there  !) 
Pattern'd  by  that  the  poet  here  dcfcribes, 
By  nature  made  for  murthers,  and  for  rapes. 

MAR.  O,  why  mould  nature  build  fo  foul  a  den, 
Unlefs  the  gods  delight  in  tragedies !  [friends,— 

.TiT.    Give  figns,  fweet  girl,  — for  here  are  none  but 
What  Roman  lord  it  was,  durft  do  the  deed  : 
Or  flunk  not  Saturnine,  as  Tarquin  erft, 
That  left  the  camp  to  fin  in  Lucrece'bed  ?  [me. 

MAR.  Sit  down,  fweet  niece ;_  brother,  fit  down  by 
jipcllo,  Pallas,  'Jove,  or  Mercury, 
Infpire  me,  that  I  may  this  treason  find  !  _ 
My  lord,  look  here  ;  _  look  here,  Lavinia  : 
This  fandy  plot  is  plain ;  guide,  if  thou  can'ft, 

Z    2 


54  Titus  Andronicus. 

This  ~[~  after  me,  when  I  have  writ  my  name 

Without  the  help  of  any  hand  at  all. [his  Arms. 

[He  takes  his  Staff  in  his  Mouth,  and  writes,  guiding  it  'with 
Curft  be  that  heart  that  forc'd  us  to  this  (hift !  _ 
Write  thou,  good  niece  ;  and  here  difplay,  at  lair, 
What  god  will  have  difcover'd  for  revenge  : 
Heaven  guide  thy  pen  to  print  thy  forrows  plain, 
That  we  may  know  the  traitors,  and  the  truth ! 
Lavinia  takes  the  Staff",  and  writes, 
using  it  as  aboi;e. 

Tit.    O,  do  you  read,  my  lord,  what  me  hath  writ ! 
Stuprum Chiron Demetrius. 

MAR.  What,  what!  the  luftful  fons  of  Tamora 
Performers  of  this  heinous  bloody  deed  ? 

TiT. Magne  Nominator  poli, 

Tarn  lenius  audis  fcehra  ?  tarn  lentus  *vides  ? 

MAR.  O,  calm  thee,  gentle  lord  !  although  I  know, 
There  is  enough  written  upon  this  earth, 
To  flir  a  mutiny  in  the  mildeft  thoughts, 
And  arm  the  minds  of  infants  to  exclaims. 
My  lord,  kneel  down  with  me ;  La-vinia,  kneel  ; 
And  kneel,  fweet  boy,  the  Roman  Heflor's  hope  ; 

[all  Intel. 

And  fwear  with  me,— as  with  the  woeful  feer, 
And  father,  of  that  chait  difhonour'd  dame, 
Lord  Junius  Brutus  fware  for  Lucrece"1  rape,  — 
That  we  will  profecute,  by  good  advice, 
Mortal  revenge  upon  these  trait'rous  Goths, 
And  fee  their  blood,  or  dye  with  this  reproach. 

Tif.    'Tis  fure  enough,  an  you  knew  how. 

But  if  you  hunt  these  bear-whelps,  then  beware  : 
The  dam  will  wake  ;  and,  if  fhe  wind  you  once, 

'5  Magni     *6  fwcare 


Titus  Andronicus.  55 

She's  with  the  lion  deeply  ftill  in  league, 

And  lulls  him  whilft  me  playeth  on  her  back, 

And,  when  he  fleeps,  will  (he  do  what  (he  lift. 

You're  a  young  huntsman  Marcus  ;  let  it  alone. 

And,  come,  I  will  go  get  a  leaf  of  brafs, 

And  with  a  gad  of  fteel  will  write  these  words, 

And  lay  it  by  :  the  angry  northern  wind 

Will  blow  these  fands,  like  5%/'s  leaves,  abroad, 

And  where's  your  leflbn  then  ? Boy,  what  fay  you  ? 

Boy.     I  fay,  my  lord,  that,  if  I  were  a  man, 
Their  mother's  bed-chamber  fhould  not  be  fafe 
For  these  bad  bondmen  to  the  yoak  of  Rome. 

MAR.  Ay,  that's  my  boy  !  thy  father  hath  full  oft 
For  his  ungrateful  country  done  the  like. 

Boy.     And,  uncle,  fo  will  I,  an  if  I  live. 

Tif.    Come,  go  with  me  into  mine  armory  ; 
'Lucius,  I'll  fit  thee  :  and,  withal,  my  boy, 
Shalt  carry  for  me  to  the  emprefs'  fons 
Presents,  that  I  intend  to  fend  them  both  : 
Come,  come  ;  thou'lt  do  thy  meflage,  wilt  thou  not  ? 

Boy.     Ay,  with  my  dagger  in  their  bosoms,  grandfire. 

Ti  f.    No,  boy,  not  fo ;  I'll  teach  thee  another  courfe — 
Lavinia,  come  :  _  Marcus,  look  to  my  houfe  : 
Lucius  and  I'll  go  brave  it  at  the  court; 
Ay,  marry,  will  we,  fir ;  and  we'll  be  waited  on. 

[Exeunt  Boy,  TITUS,  and  Lavinia. 

MAR.  O  heavens,  can  you  hear  a  good  man  groan, 
And  not  relent,  or  not  companion  him  ? 
Marcus,  attend  him  in  his  extafy  ; 
That  hath  more  fears  of  forrow  ip  his  heart, 
Than  foe-men's  marks  upon  his  batter'd  fhield  : 
But  yetfo  juft,  that  he  will  not  revenge  : 

1  "  Shall  carry 

Z3 


56  Titos  Andronicus,  • 

Revenge  thee,  heaven,  for  old  Andrmictul  [Exit. 

S  CE  A  E   II.    ? be  fame.   A  Room  in  the  Palace. 

Enter  DEMETRIUS,  aWAA RON  ;  CH IRON  meeting  them; 

with  him,  young  Lucius,  and  an  Attendant, 

with  a  Bundle  of  Weapons,  and 

Verfes  'writ  upon  them. 

Csi.    Demetrius,  here's  the  fon  of  Lucius  ; 
He  hath  fome  meflage  to  deliver  us.  [father. 

AAR.  Ay,  fome  mad  meiTage  from  his  mad  grand- 

Boy.     My  lords,  with  all  the  humblenefs  I  may, 
I  greet  your  honours  from  Andronicus ;  _ 
"And  pray  the  Roman  go^,  confound  you  both." 

DEM .  Gramercy,  lovely  Lucius  :  What's  the  news  ? 

Boy.     « '  That  you  are  both  decipher'd ,  that's  the  news," 
"For  villains  mark'd  with  rape."  —  May  it  please  you, 
My  grandfire,  well  advis'd,  hath  fent  by  me         [loifcg, 
The  goodlieft  weapons  of  his  armory, 
To  gratify  your  honourable  youth, 
The  hope  of  Rome ;  for  fo  he  bad  me  fay, 
And  fo  I  do ;  and  with  his  gifts  =f=  present 
Your  lordfliips,  t!jat,  whenever  you  have  need, 
You  may  be  armed  and  appointed  well : 
And  fo  I  leave  you  both,  _  "  like  bloody  villains.  " 

[Exeunt  Boy,  and  Attendant. 

DEM.  What'shere?Afcrowl;andwrittenroundabout? 
Let's  fee  :  [reads. 

Integer  <vit<e,  fcelerhque  purus, 
Non  egct  Mauri  jaculis  nee  area. 

CHI.    O,  'tis  a  verfe  in  Horace  ;  I  know  it  well ; 
I  read  it  in  the  grammar  long  ago.  [it. " 

A*R.  "Ay,  juft;  — averfein//0nz«;— right, youhave 

1  Revcngf  the  heavens 


Titus  Andronicus.  57 

"  Now,  what  a  thing  it  is,  to  be  an  afs !  '* 

"  Here's  no  ibndjeft :  the  old  man  hath  found  then-guilt; " 

"  And  fends  the  weapons  wrapt  about  with  lines,  " 

"  That  wound,  beyond  their  feeling,  to  the  quick  :  " 

"  But,  were  our  witty  emprefs  well  a-foot,  " 

"  She  would  applaud  Andronicus*  conceit.  " 

"  Bat  let  her  reft  in  her  unreft  a  while.  " 

And  now,  young  lords,  was't  not  a  happy  itar 
Led  us  to  Rome,  ftrangers,  and,  more  than  fo, 
Captives,  to  be  advanced  to  this  height  ? 
It  did  me  good,  before  the  palace  gate 
To  brave  the  tribune  in  his  brother's  hearing. 

DEM.  But  me  more  good,  to  fee  fo  great  a  lord 
Bafely  infinuate,  and  fend  us  gifts. 

JAR.  Had  he  not  reason,  lord  Demetrius? 
Did  you  not  use  his  daughter  very  friendly  -? 

DEM.  I  would  we  had  a  thousand  Roman  dames 
At  fuch  a  bay,  by  turn  to  ferve  our  luft. 

CHI.    A  charitable  wifli,  and  full  of  love. 

AAR-  Here's  lack  but  of  your  mother,  to  fay  amen. 

CHI.    And  that  would  fhe  for  twenty  thousand  more. 

DEM.  Come,  let  us  go;  and  pray  to  all  the  gods 
For  our  beloved  mother  in  her  pains. 

AAR.  Pray  to  the  devils;  the  gods  have  given  us  over. 
[Trumpets  within* 

DEM.  Why  do  the  emperor's  trumpets  flourifli  thus  ? 

CHI.    Belike,  for  joy  the  emperor  hath  a  fon. 

DEM.  Soft ;  who  comes  here  ? 

Enter  a  Nurfe  haftily,  ivith  a  Child  in  her  Arms. 

Nur.    Good  morrow,  lords  : 
O,  tell  me,  did  you  fee  Aaron  the  Moor? 

AAR.  Well,  more,  or  lefs,  or  ne'er  a  whit  at  all, 

*  no  found  left     ao  v.  Note. 


58  Titus  Andronicus. 

Here  Aaron  is ;  And  what  with  Aaron  now  ? 

Nur.    O  gentle  Aaron,  we  are  all  undone  ! 
Now  help,  or  woe  betide  thee  evermore  ! 

A  AS..  Why,  what  a  caterwawling  doft  thou  keep  ? 
What  doft  thou  wrap  and  fumble  in  thine  arms  r 

Nur.    O,  that  which  I  would  hide  from  heaven's  eye, 

Our  emprefs'  (hame,  and  flately  Rome's  difgrace  ; 

She  is  deliver'd,  lords,  fhe  is  deliver'd  ! 

AAR  .  To  whom  ? 

Nur.    I  mean,  fhe  is  brought  a-bed. 

A  A*.  Well,  god 
Give  her  good  reft  !  What  hath  he  fent  her  ? 

Nur.    A  devil. 

AAR  .  Why,  then  (he  is  the  devil's  dam  ;  a  joyful  ifTue. 

Nur.    A  joylefs,  dismal,  black,  and  forrowful  iffue  : 
Here  is  the  babe,  as  loathfome  as  a  toad 
Amongft  the  faireft  breeders  of  our  clime  ; 
The  emprefs  fends  it  thee,  thy  {tamp,  thy  feal, 
And  bids  thee  chriften  it  with  thy  dagger's  point. 

AAR.  Out  on  you,  whore  !  is  black  fo  bafe  a  hue  !  _ 
Sweet  blowze,  you  are  a  beauteous  bloflbm,  fure. 

DEM.  Villain,  what  haft  thou  done  ? 

AAR  .  Bone !  that  which  thou 
Canft  not  undo. 

Cm.    Thou  haft  undone  our  mother. 

AAR.  Villain,  I  have  done  thy  mother. 

DEM.  And  therein,  hellilh  dog,  thou  haft  undone. 
Woe  to  her  chance !  and  damn'd  her  loathed  choice ! 
Accurf'd  the  ofFfpring  of  fo  foul  a  fiend  ! 

CHI.    It  (hall  not  live. 

AAR.  It  (hall  not  dye. 

Nur.    Aaron,  it  muft ;  the  mother  wills  it  fo. 


Titus  Andronicus.  59 

AAR  .  What,  muft  it,  nurfe  ?  then  let  no  man,  but  I, 
Do  execution  en  my  fle(h  and  blood. 

DEM.  I'll  broach  the  tadpole  on  my  rapier's  point :__ 
Nurfe,  give  it  me  ;  my  fvvord  (hall  foon  difpatch  it. 

AAR.  Sooner  this  fword  mail  plough  thy  bowels  up. 
[taking  the  Child  from  tht  Nurfe,  and  dranuing, 
Stay,  murtherous  villains!  will  you  kill  your  brother? 
Now,  by  the  burning  tapers  of  the  fky, 
That  fhone  fo  brightly  when  this  boy  was  got, 
He  dies  upon  my  fcymi tar's  (harp  point, 
That  touches  this  my  firft-born  fon  and  heir  ! 
I  tell  you,  younglings,  not  Enceladus, 
With  all  his  threat'ning  band  of  Typhorfs  brood, 
Nor  great  Abides,  nor  the  god  of  war, 
Shall  feize  this  prey  out  of  his  father's  hands. 
What,  what ;  ye  fanguine,  (hallow-hearted  boys  ! 
Ye  white-lim'd  walls  !  ye  alehoufe  painted  ligns  ! 
Coal-black  is  better  than  another  hue, 
In  that  it  fcorns  to  bear  another  hue : 
For  all  the  water  in  the  ocean 
Can  never  turn  the  fwan's  black  legs  to  white, 

Although  (he  lave  them  hourly  in  the  flood. 

Tell  the  emperefs  from  me,  I  am  of  age 
To  keep  mine  own;  excufe  it  how  (he  can. 

DEM.  Wilt  thou  betray  thy  noble  miflrefs  thus  ? 

AAR.  My  miftrefs  is  my  miftrefs ;  this,  my  felf; 
The  vigour,  and  the  piclure  of  my  youth : 
This,  before  all  the  world  do  I  prefer; 
This,  maugre  all  the  world,  will  I  keep  fafe, 
Or  fome  of  you  (hall  fmoke  for  it  in  Rome. 

DEM.  By  this  our  mother  is  for  ever  (ham'd. 

CHI.    Rome  will  defpise  her  for  this  foul  efcape. 

'7  white -lijnbde 


60  Titus  Andronicus. 

Nur.  The  emperor,  in  his  rage,  will  doom  her  death. 

CHI.  I  blufli,  to  think  upon  this  ignomy. 

AAR.  Why,  there's  the  priviledge  your  beauty  bears : 
Fye,  treacherous  hue !  that  will  betray  with  bluftiing 
The  clofe  enafts  and  counfels  of  the  heart. 
Here's  a  young  ~j~  lad  fram'd  of  another  leer : 
Look,  how  the  black  flave  fmiles  upon  the  father ; 
As  who  mould  fay,  Old  lad,  I  am  thine  own. 
He  is  your  brother,  lords  ;  fenfibly  fed 
Of  that  felf  blood  that  firft  gave  life  to  you; 
And,  from  that  womb,  where  you  imprison'd  were, 
He  is  enfranchised  and  come  to  light : 
Nay,  he's  your  brother  by  the  furer  fide, 
Although  my  feal  be  damped  in  his  face. 

Nur.    Aaron,  what  mall  I  fay  unto  the  emprefs  ? 

DEM.  Advise  thee,  Aaron,  what  is  to  be  done, 
And  we  will  all  fubfcribe  to  thy  advice  : 
Save  thou  the  child,  fo  we  may  all  be  fafe. 

AAR.  Then  fit  we  ~j~  down,  and  let  us  all  confult. 
My  fon  and  I  will  have  the  wind  of  you  :  — 
Keep ~\  there  :  —Now  talk  at  pleasure  of  your  fafety. 

DEM.  How  many  women  faw  this  child  of  his  ? 

AAR  .Why,  fo,  brave  lords ;  When  we  all  join  in  league. 
I  am  a  lamb  :  but  if  you  brave  the  Moor, 
The  chafed  boar,  the  mountain  lionefs, 
The  ocean  fwells  not  fo  as  Aaron  ftorms.  — 
But,  fay  again,  how  many  faw  the  child  : 

Nur.    Cornelia  the  midwife,  and  myfelf ; 
And  no  one  elfe,  but  the  deliver'd  emprefs. 

A  A*.  Theemperefs,  the  midwife,  and  yourfelf. 
Two  may  keep  counfel,  when  the  third's  away  : 
Go  to  the  emprefs ;  tell  her,  this  ~j~  I  faid  :  _    [kills  her. 


Titus  Andronicus.  61 

Weke,  weke!_fo  cries  a  pig,  prepar'd  to  the  fpit. 

DEM.  What mean'Q.thou,4aroi? Wherefore didftthou 

A  JR.  O  lord,  fir,  'tis  a  deed  of  policy  :  [this  ? 

Shall  fhe  live,  to  betray  this  guilt  of  ours, 
A  long-tongu'd  babling  goflip  ?  no,  lords,  no. 
And  now  be  it  known  to  you  my  full  intent. 
Not  far,  one  Mulitnu  libca,  my  countryman  : 
His  wife  but  yefternight  was  brought  to  bed ; 
His  child  is  like  to  her,  fair  as  you  are  : 
Go,  pack  with  him,  and  give  the  mother  gold, 
And  tell  them  both  the  circumftance  of  all ; 
And  how  by  this  their  child  fhall  be  advanc'd, 
And  be  received  for  the  emperor's  heir, 
And  fubftituted  in  the  place  of  mine, 
To  calm  this  tempeft  whirling  in  the  court ; 
And  let  the  emperor  dandle  him  for  his  own. 
28ut,  hark  ye,  lords  ;  Ye  fee,  I  have  given  her  physick, 
And  you  muft  needs  beftow  her  funeral; 
The  fields  are  near,  and  you  are  gallant  grooms  : 
This  done,  fee  that  you  take  no  longer  days, 
But  fend  the  midwife  presently  to  me. 
The  midwife,  and  the  nurfe,  well  made  away, 
Then  let  the  ladies  tattle  what  they  please. 

CHI.    Aaron,  I  fee,  thou  wilt  not  trail  the  air 
With  fecrets. 

DEM.  For  this  care  of  Tamora, 
Kerfelf,  and  hers,  are  highly  bound  to  thee. 

[Exeunt  CHI.  «»</DEM.  bearing  off  the  Nurfe. 

A  JR.  Now  to  the  Goths,  as  fwift  as  fvvallow  flies ; 
There  to  difpose  this  treasure  in  mine  arms, 
And  fecretly  to  greet  the  emprels'  friends.  _ 
Come  on,  you  thick-lip'd  flav'e,  Irll  bear  you  hence; 


6z  Titus  Andronicus. 

For  it  is  you  that  puts  us  to  our  fhifts : 

I'll  make  you  feed  on  berries  and  on  roots, 

And  feaft  on  curds  and  whey,  and  fuck  the  goat, 

And  cabin  in  a  cave  ;  and  bring  you  up, 

To  be  a  warrior,  and  command  a  camp.  [Exit. 

SCENE  III.   r he  fame.  A  publick  Place. 
Enter  TITUS,  carrying  Arrows,  'with  Letters 

on  the  Ends  of  them  ;  with  him,  certain 
Gentlemen  of  his  Kindred,  MARCUS,  and 

young  Lucius,  bearing  Bows. 

TjT.    Come,  Marcus,  come;  _  Kinsmen,  this  is  the 
Sir  boy,  now  let  me  fee  your  archery ;  [way  :_ 

Look,  ye  draw  home  enough,  and  'tis  there  ftraight. 

.  Terras  Aftreea  reliquit  : 

Be  you  remember'd,  Marcus;  fheYgone,  (he's  fled._ 
Sirs,  take  you  to  your  tools.  _  You,  cousins,  mail 
Go  found  the  ocean,  and  caft  your  nets  ; 
Hapily,  you  may  find  her  in  the  fea. 

,  Yet  there's  as  little  juflice  as  at  land  : 

No ;  Publius,  and  Sempronius,  you  muft  do  it : 
'Tis  you  muft  dig  with  mattock,  and  with  fpade, 
And  pierce  the  inmoft  centre  of  the  earth  : 
Then,  when  you  come  to  P/uto's  region, 
I  pray  you  to  deliver  him  this  petition : 
Tell  him,  it  is  for  juftice,  and  for  aid ; 
And  that  it  comes  from  old  Andronicus, 
Shaken  with  forrows  in  ungrateful  Rome.  — 
Ah,  Rome  !  —  Well,  well;  I  made  thee  miserable. 
What  time  I  threw  the  people's  fuffrages 

On  him  that  thus  doth  tyrannize  o'er  me 

Go,  get  you  gone  :  and,  pray,  be  careful  all, 

3  And  feede  on 


Titus  Andrcnicus.  63 

And  leave  you  not  a  man  of  war  unfearcht; 
This  wicked  emperor  may  have  fhip'd  her  hence, 
And,  kinsmen,  then  we  may  go  pipe  for  juftice. 

MAR.  O,  Publius,  is  not  this  a  heavy  cafe, 
To  fee  thy  noble  uncle  thus  diftraft. 

i .  G.  Therefore,  my  lord,  it  highly  us  concerns, 
By  day  and  night  to  attend  him  carefully ; 
And  feed  his  humour  kindly  as  we  may, 
'Till  time  beget  fome  careful  remedy. 

MAR.  Kinsmen,  his  forrovvs  are  pcft  remedy. 
Join  with  the  Garbs  ;  and,  with  revengeful  war, 
Take  wreak  on  Rome  for  this  ingratitude, 
And  vengeance  on  the  traitor  Saturnine. 

TIT.  Pub/ins,  how  now  ?  how  now,  my  mailers  ?  S2HcII; 
What,  have  you  met  with  her  ? 

i .  G.  No,  my  good  lord  :  but  Pluto  fends  you  word, 
If  you  will  have  revenge  from  hell,  you  lhall: 
Marry,  for  juftice,  (he  is  foemploy'd, 
He  thinks,  with  Jo<ve  in  heaven,  or  fomewhere  elfe, 
So  that  perforce  you  mud  needs  ftay  a  time. 

Tif.  He  doth  me  wrong,  to  feed  me  with  delays. 
I'll  dive  into  the  burning  lake  below, 

And  pull  her  out  of  Acheron  by  the  heels. 

Marcus,  we  are  but  ftirubs,  no  cedars  we  ; 

No  big-bon'd  men,  fram'd  of  the  Cyclops'  fize : 

But  metal,  Marcus,  fteel  to  the  very  back  ; 

Yet  wrung  with  wrongs,  more  than  our  backs  can  bear  :_- 

And.  fith  there  is  no  juftice  in  earth  nor  hell ; 

We  will  folicit  heaven  ;  and  move  the  gods, 

To  fend  down  juftice  for  to  wreak  our  wrongs  : 

Come,  to  this  gear.  _  You're  a  good  archer,  Marcus ; 

[pulling  out  his  Arrows, 


64  Titus  AndronicuS. 

Ad  Jovem,  that's  =f  for  you  :  _  Here,  =}=  ad  ApclUnem  : ,-, 

Ad  Martem,  —  2D,  that's  for  myfelf:_ 

Here,  ^  boy,  to  Pallas  :  —  Herei  ^  to  Mercury :  — 

To  Saturn,  ^  Caius  ;  not  to  Saturnine, 

You  were  as  good  to  {hoot  againft  the  wind — 

To  it,  mj?  boy0.  _  Marcus,  loofe  when  T  bid 

<&iro,  o'  my  word,  I  have  written  to  effect ; 
There's  not  a  god  left  unfollicited. 

MAR.  Kinsmen,  moot  all  your  fhafts  into  the  court ; 
We  will  afflift  the  emperor  in  his  pride.  [Lucius! 

TIT.  Now,  matters,  draw — [They  jhoot.~\  O,  well  faid, 
Good  boy,  in  Virgo's  lap,  fts'II  give  it  Pallas  f 

MAR  .  My  lord,  I  am  a  mile  beyond  the  moon  ; 
Your  letter  is  with  Jupiter  by  this. 

TiT.  Ha  !  Publius,  Publius,  what  haft  thou  done  ? 
See,  fee,  thou  haft  mot  off  one  of  Taurus'  horns. 

MAR  .  This  was  the  fport,  my  lord  :  when  Publius  mot, 
The  bull,  being  gall'd,  gave  dries  (uch  a  knock 
That  down  fell  both  the  ram's  horns  in  the  court ; 
And  who  mould  find  them,  but  the  emprefs'  villain  : 
Shelaugh'd,  and  told  the  Moor,  he  mould  not  choose 
But  give  them  to  his  mafter  for  a  present. 

y/7*.  Why,  there  it  goes  :  God  give  your  lord  {hip  joy ! 

Enter  Clown,  ivitb  a  Bajket  and  two  Pigeons. 
News,  news  from  heaven  !  Marcus,  the  poft  is  come — 
Sirrah,  what  tidings  r  have  you  any  letters? 
Shall  I  have  juftice  ?  what  fays  Jupiter  ? 

CIo.  Ho !  the  gibbet-maker  r  he  fays,  that  he  hath 
taken  them  down  again  ;  for  the  man  muft  not  behang'd 
'till  the  next  week. 

7/T.  But  what  fays  Jupiter,  I  afk  thee  ? 

Clo.    Alas,  fir,  1  know  not  Jupiter ;  I  never  drank 

1  Afolknem     +  Saturnine,  to  Caius     l  s  I  aime  a 


Titus  Andromcus.  65 

with  him  in  all  my  life. 

TIT.  Why,  villain,  art  not  thou  the  carrier  ? 

Clo.     Ay,  of  my  pigeons,  fir;  nothing  elfe. 

Tif.  Why,  did'ft  not  thou  come  from  heaven  ? 

Clo.  From  heaven  ?  alas,  fir,  I  never  came  there : 
God  forbid,  I  mould  be  fo  bold  to  prefs  to  heaven  in  my 
young  days.  Why,  I  am  going  with  my  pigeons  to  the 
tribunal  plebs,  to  take  up  a  matter  of  brawl  betwixt  my 
uncle  and  one  of  the  emperial's  men. 

MAR.  Why,  fir,  this  is  as  fit  as  can  be,  to  ferve  for 
your  oration  ;  and  let  him  deliver  the  pigeons  to  the  em- 
peror from  you. 

TIT.  Tell  me,  can  you  deliver  an  oration  to  the  em- 
peror with  a  grace  ? 

Clo.  Nay,  truly,  fir,  I  could  never  fay  grace  in  all 
my  life. 

7/7*.  Sirrah,  come  hither;  make  no  more  ado, 
But  give  your  pigeons  to  the  emperor : 
By  me  thou  lhalt  have  juftice  at  his  hands,  [charges.— 
Hold,    hold  ;  —  mean  while  here's  ^  money  for  thy 

Give  me  a  pen  and  ink 

Sirrah,  can  you  with  a  grace  deliver  a  fupplication  ? 

Clo.    Ay,  fir. 

TiT.  Then  here  ^  is  a  fupplication  for  'you.  And, 
when  you  come  to  him,  at  the  firft  approach,  you  muft 
kneel ;  then  kifs  his  foot ;  then  deliver  up  your  pigeons ; 
and  then  look  for  your  reward.  I'll  be  at  hand,  fir;  fee 
you  do  it  bravely. 

Clo.     I  warrant  you,  fir  ;  let  me  alone. 

TIT.  Sirrah,  haft  thou  a  knife?  Come,  let  me  fee  it. — 
Here,  Marcus,  fold  it  in  the  oration ; 
For  thou  haft  made  it  like  an  humble  fuppliant : —. 


66  Titus  Andronicus. 

And  when  thou  haft  given  it  the  emperor, 
Knock  at  my  door,  and  tell  me  what  he  fays. 

Clo.    God  be  with  you,  fir;  I  will. 

Tir.  Come,  Marcus,  let  us  go  -.—Publius,  follow  me. 

[  Exeunt. 

SCENE  IV.  The  fame.  Before  the  Palace. 

Enter  SATURNINE,  aWTAMORA,  attended; 

Saturnine  ivith  the  Arrows   in 

bis  Hand,  that  Titus  /hot. 

SAT.  Why,  lords,  what  wrongs  are  these  ?  was  ever 
An  emperor  in  Rome  thus  over-born,  [feen 

Troubl'd,  confronted  thus ;  and,  for  the  extent 
Of  egal  juftice,  us'd  in  fuch  contempt? 
My  lords,  you  know,  a0Bo  the  mightful  gods, 
(However  these  difturbers  of  our  peace 
Buz  in  the  people's  ears)  there  nought  hath  pafTcI, 
But  even  with  law,  againft  the  wilful  fons 
Of  old  Andronicus.  And  what  an  if 
His  forrows  have  fo  overwhelm'd  his  wits  ; 
Shall  we  be  thus  afflicted  in  his  freaks, 
His  fits,  his  frenzy,  and  his  bitternefs  ? 
And  now  he  writes  to  heaven  for  his  redrefs  : 
See,  here's  to  Jove  ;  and  this  to  Mercury ; 
This  to  Apollo  ;  this  to  the  god  of  war : 
Sweet  fcrowls,  to  fly  about  the  ftreets  of  Rome  ! 
What's  this,  but  libelling  againft  the  fenate, 
And  blazoning  our  injuftice  every  where? 
A  goodly  humour,  is  it  not,  my  lords  ? 
As  who  would  fay,  in  Rome  no  juftice  were. 
But,  if  I  live,  his  feigned  extafies 
Shall  be  no  melter  to  these  outrages : 

41  ^hiswreakcs, 


Titus  Andronicus.  67 

But  he  and  his  fhall  know,  that  juftice  lives 
In  Saturttirius'  health;  who,  if  he  fleep, 
He'll  fo  awake,  as  he  in  fury  fhall 
Cut  off  the  proud'ft  confpirator  that  lives. 

TAM.  My  gracious  lord,  my  lovely  Saturnine, 
Lord  of  my  life,  commander  of  my  thoughts, 
Calm  thee,  and  bear  the  faults  of  -ritus'  age, 
The  effefts  of  forrow  for  his  valiant  fons, 
Whose  lofs  hath  pierc'd  him  deep,  and  fcar'dhis  heart; 
And  rather  pity  his  diftrefTed  plight, 
Than  profecute  the  meaneft,  or  the  beft, 
For  these  contempts — "  Why,  thus  it  mail  become" 
"High-vvitted  Tamora  to  glore  with  all  :" 
"  But,  Titus,  I  have  touch'd  thee  to  the  quick,  " 
"  Thy  life-blood  out :  if  Aaron  now  be  wise,  " 

"Then  is  all  fafe,  the  anchor's  in  the  port. " 

Enter  Clown, 
How  now,  good  fellow  ?  would'ft  thou  fpeak  with  us  ? 

Clo.     Yea,  forfooth,  an  your  mifterfhip  be  emperial. 

TAM.  Emprefs  I  am,  but  yonder  fits  the  emperor. 

Clo.     'Tis  he God,  and  faint  Stephen,  give  you  good 

den  :  I  have  brought  you  a  letter,  and  a  couple  of  pi- 
geons here.  [Saturnine  reads  the  Letter. 

SAT.   Go,  take  him  away,  and  hang  him  presently. 

Clo.     How  much  money  muft  1  have  ? 

TAM.  Come,  firrah,  you  muft  be  hang'd. 

Clo.     Hang'd !  By'r-lady,  then  I  have  brought  up  a 
neck  to  a  frar  end.  [Exit,  guarded* 

SAT.  Defpightful  and  intolerable  wrongs ! 
Shall  I  endure  this  monftrous  villany  ? 
I  know  from  whence  this  fame  device  proceeds  ;— " 
May  this  be  born  ?  —  as  if  his  traitr'ous  fons, 

a  whome  if 
VOL.  VIII.  A  a 


68  Titus  Andronicus. 

That  dy'd  by  law  for  murther  of  our  brother, 

Have  by  my  means  been  butcher'd  wrongfully.—. 

Go,  drag  the  villain  hither  by  the  hair ; 

Nor  age,  nor  honour,  fhall  fhape  priviledge  :  — 

For  this  proud  mock  I'll  be  thy  flaughter-man, 

Sly  frantick  wretch  ;  that  holp'ft  to  make  me  great, 

In  hope  thyfelf  fhould  govern  Rome  and  me. 

Enter  -/E  M  i  L  i  u  s . 
What  news  with  thee,  dEmilius  ? 

J£MI.  Arm,  arm,  my  lords  j-Ro/w?  never  had  more  cause! 
The  Goths  have  gather'd  head  ;  and,  with  a  power 
Of  high-resolved  men,  bent  to  the  fpoil, 
They  hither  march  amain,  under  condudl 
Of  Lucius,  fon  to  old  Andronicus ; 
Who  threats,  in  courfe  of  this  revenge,  to  do 
As  much  as  ever  Coriolanus  did. 

S^r.    Is  warlike  Lucius  general  of  the  Goths? 
These  tidings  nip  me ;  and  I  hang  the  head, 
As  flowers  with  froft,  or  grafs  beat  down  with  ftorms. 
Ay,  now  begin  our  forrows  to  approach  : 
*Tis  he,  the  common  people  love  fo  much; 
Myfelf  hath  often  otier*heard  them  fay, 
(When  I  have  walked  like  a  private  man) 
T'hat  Lucius'  banimment  was  wrongfully, 
And  they  have  wim'd  that  Lucius  were  their  emperor. 

TAM.  Why  mould  you  fear  ?  is  not  your  city  ftrong  ? 

SuiT.    Ay,  but  the  citizens  favour  Lucius ; 
And  will  revolt  from  me,  to  fuccour  him. 

TAM.  King,  be  thy  thoughtsimperious,  like  thy  name. 
Is  the  fun  dim'd,  that  gnats  do  fly  in  it  ? 
The  eagle  fufFers  little  birds  to  fing, 
And  is  not  careful  what  they  mean  thereby ; 


Titus  Andronicus.  69 

K.nowing,  that,  with  the  fhadow  of  his  wings, 
He  can  at  pleasure  Hint  their  melody  : 
Even  fo  may'ft  thou  the  giddy  men  of  Rome. 
Then  chear  thy  fpirit :  for  know,  thou  emperor, 
I  will  enchant  the  old  Andronicus, 
With  words  more  fvveet,  and  yet  more  dangerous, 
Than  baits  to  fifh,  or  honey-ftalks  to  fheep; 
When  as  the  one  is  wounded  with  the  bait, 
The  other  rotted  with  delicious  feed. 

SAT.    But  he  will  not  entreat  his  fon  for  us. 

TAM.  If  Tamcra  entreat  him,  then  he  will : 
For  I  can  fmooth,  and  fill  his  aged  ear 
With  golden  promises ;  that  were  his  heart 
Almoft  impregnable,  his  old  ears  deaf, 

Yet  mould  both  ear  and  heart  obey  my  tongue. 

Go  thou  before,  [to  ^Emi.]  be  our  embaflador; 
Say,  that  the  emperor  requefts  a  parley 
Of  warlike  Lucius,  and  appoint  the  meeting. 

SAT.    ^Emilias,  do  this  meffage  honourably  : 
And  if  he  Hand  on  hoftage  for  his  fafety, 
Bid  him  demand  what  pledge  will  please  him  beft. 

^EMi.  Your  bidding  ihall  J  do  efredually.         [Exit. 

TAM.   Now  will  I  to  that  old  Andronicus  ; 
And  temper  him  with  all  the  art  I  have, 
To  pluck  proud  Lucius  from  the  warlike  Goths. 
And  now,  fweet  emperor,  be  blith  again, 
And  bury  all  thy  fear  in  my  devices. 

SAT.  Then  go  inceflantly,  and  plead  to  him.  [Exeunt. 

AC?    V. 

SCENE  I.    Plains  near  Rome. 
«*  before  to  b«      «°  ftand  in  hoftage     *8  fucceffantly 

i'  A  a  2 


70  Titus  Andronicus. 

Enter,  luitb  Drum  and  Colours,  Lucius,  and  Goths. 

Luc.    Approved  warriors,  and  my  faithful  friendsr 
I  have  received  letters  from  great  Rome, 
Which  fignify,  what  hate  they  bear  their  emperor, 
And  how  desirous  of  our  fight  they  are. 
Therefore,  great  lords,  be,  as  your  titles  witnefs, 
Imperious,  and  impatient  of  your  wrongs  ; 
And,  wherein  Rome  hath  done  you  any  fcathe, 
Let  him  make  treble  fatiffaftion. 

1.  G.  Brave  flip,  fprung  from  the  great  Andronicus, 
Whose  name  was  once  our  terror,  now  our  comfort ; 
Whose  high  exploits,  and  honourable  deeds, 
Ingrateful  Rome  requites  with  foul  contempt; 

Be  bold  in  us:  we'll  follow  where  thou  lead 'ft,— 
Like  Hinging  bees  in  hotteft  fummer's  day, 
Led  by  their  matter  to  the  flowred  fields,  — 
And  be  aveng'd  on  curfed  Tamora. 

GOT.  And,  as  he  faith,  fo  fay  we  all  with  him. 
Luc.   I  humbly  thank  him,  and  I  thank  you  all. 
But  who  comes  here,  led  by  a  lufty  Goth? 

Enter  a  Goth,  leading  AARON,  with 
bis  Child  in  his  Arms. 

2.  G.  Renowned  Lucius,  from  our  troops  I  ftray'd,. 
To  gaze  upon  a  ruinous  monaflery  ; 

And,  as  I  earneftly  did  fix  mine  eye 
Upon  the  wafted  building,  fuddenly 
I  heard  a  child  cry  underneath  a  wall : 
I  made  unto  the  noise  ;  when  foon  I  heard 
The  crying  babe  controul'd  with  this  difcourfe  : 
Peace,  tawny  Jia<ve  ;  half  me,  and  half  thy  dam  ! 
Did  not  thy  hue  bewray  'whose  brat  thou  art-, 

5  fignifies 


Titus  Andronicus.  71 

Had  nature  lent  tbee  but  thy  mother's  look, 

Villain,  thou  might1  ft  ha-ve  been  an  emperor  : 

But  where  the  bull  and  cow  are  both  milk-iubitet 

They  never  do  beget  a  coal-black  calf. 

Peace,  villain,  peace!  —  even  thus  he  rates  the  babe,  —• 

For  1  mujl  bear  thee  to  a  trujiy  Goth  ; 

Who,  when  he  knows  thou  art  the  emprefs*  bale, 

Will  hold  thee  dearly  for  thy  mother's  fake. 

With  this,  my  weapon  drawn,  I  rufh'd  upon  him, 

Surpriz'd  him  fuddenly ;  and  brought  him  hither, 

To  use  as  you  think  needful  of  the  man. 

Luc.  O  worthy  Goth!  this  is  the  incarnate  devil, 
That  rob'd  Andronicus  of  his  good  hand  : 
This  is  the  pearl  that  pleas'd  your  emprefs'  eye ; 

And  here's  the  bafe  fruit  of  his  burning  luft. 

Say,  wall-ey'd  flave,  whither  would'ft  thou  convey 

This  growing  image  of  thy  fiend-like  face  ? 

Why  doll  not  fpeak  ?  What,  deaf?  No;  not  a  word  ?_ 

A  halter,  foldiers ;  hang  him  on  this  tree, 

And  by  his  fide  his  fruit  of  baftardy. 

AAR.  Touch  not  the  boy,  he  is  of  royal  blood. 

Luc.   Too  like  the  fire  for  ever  being  good.  _ 
Firft,  hang  the  child,  that  he  may  fee  it  fprawl ; 
A  fight  to  vex  the  father's  foul  withal. 
Get  me  a  ladder.  \Ladder  brought :  Aaron  led  up  it. 

AAR.  Lucius,  fave  the  child  ; 
And  bear  it  from  me  to  the  emperefs. 
If  thou  do  this,  I'll  mew  thee  wondrous  things, 
That  highly  may  advantage  thee  to  hear  : 
If  thou  wilt  not,  befal  what  may  befal, 
I'll  fpeak  no  more  ;  But  vengeance  rot  you  all ! 

Luc .  Say,  on  j  and,  if  it  please  me  which  thou  fpeak'ft, 

as  v.  Note. 

Aa3 


7 «  Titos  Andronicus. 

Thy  child  fhall  live,  and  I  will  fee  it  nourifh'd. 

AAR.  An  if  it  please  thee?  why,  afTure  thee,  Lucius, 
'Twill  vex  thy  foul  to  hear  what  I  fhall  fpeak. 
For  I  muft  talk  of  murthers,  rapes,  and  mafTacres, 
Ads  of  black  night,  abominable  deeds, 
Complots  of  mifchief,  treason;  villanies 
Ruthful  to  hear,  yet  piteoufly  perform'd  : 
And  this  fhall  all  be  bury'd  by  my  death, 
Unlefs  thou  fwear  to  me,  my  child  fhall  live. 

Luc.  Tell  on  thy  mind ;  I  fay,  thy  child  fhall  live. 

AAR.  Swear  that  he  fhall,  and  then  I  will  begin. 

Luc.  Who  mould  I  fwear  by?  thou  believ'ft  no  god  j 
That  granted,  how  canft  thou  believe  an  oath  ? 

AAR.  What  if  I  do  not?  as,  indeed,  I  do  not : 
Yet,  —  for  I  know  thou  art  religious,  • 
And  haft  a  thing  within  thee,  called  confcience  ; 
With  twenty  popifh  tricks  and  ceremonies, 
Which  I  have  fcen  thee  careful  to  observe,  — 

Therefore  I  urge  thy  oath  : For  that,  I  know, 

An  ideot  holds  his  bauble  for  a  god  ; 

And  keeps  the  oath,  which  by  that  god  he  fwears  ; 

To  that  I'll  urge  him  :  —  Therefore  thou  fhalt  vow 

By  that  fame  god,  —  what  god  foe'er  it  be, 

That  thou  ador'fl  and  haft  in  reverence,  — 

To  fave  my  boy,  nourifh,  and  bring  him  up ; 

Or  elfe  I  will  difcover  nought  to  thee. 

Luc.  Even  by  my  god  I  fwear  to  thee,  I  will. 

AAR,  Firft,  know  thou,  I  begot  him  on  the  emprefs. 

Luc.  O  moft  infatiate  luxurious  woman  ! 

AAR.  Tut,  Lucius!  this  was  but  a  deed  of  charity, 
To  that  which  thou  fhalt  hear  of  me  anon. 
Twas  her  two  fons,  that  murther'd  Bajpanus : 

"*•*  boy,  to  nourifh 


Titus  Andronicus.  73 

They  cut  thy  Mer's  tongue,  and  ravifh'd  her, 
And  cut  her  hands  off;  trim'd  her  as  thou  faw'ft. 

Luc,  O  deteftable  villain  !  call'ft  thou  that  trimming  ? 

AAR.  Why,  fhe  was  wafti'd,  and  cut,  and  trim'd ;  and 
Trim  fport  for  them  that  had  the  doing  of  it.         ['twas 

Luc.  O  barbarous  beaftly  villains,  likethyfelf! 

AAR.  Indeed,  I  was  their  tutor  to  inftruft  them: 
That  codding  fpirit  had  they  from  their  mother, 
As  fure  a  card  as  ever  won  the  fet ; 
That  bloody  mind,  I  think,  they  learn'd  of  me, 
As  true  a  dog  as  ever  fought  at  head. 
Well,  let  my  deeds  be  witnefs  of  my  worth. 
I  train'd  thy  brethren  to  that  guileful  hole, 
Where  the  dead  corps  of  Bajfianus  lay  : 
I  wrote  the  letter  that  thy  father  found, 
And  hid  the  gold  within  the  letter  mention'd, 
Confederate  with  the  queen,  and  her  two  fons  t 
And  what  not  done,  that  thou  haft  cause  to  rue, 
Wherein  I  had  no  ftroke  of  mifchief  in  it? 
I  play'd  the  cheater  for  thy  father's  hand ; 
And,  when  I  had  it,  drew  myfelf  apart, 
And  almoft  broke  my  heart  with  extream  laughter : 
I  pry'd  me  through  the  crevice  of  a  wall, 
When,  for  his  hand,  he  had  his  two  fons'  heads  ; 
Beheld  his  tears,  and  laugh'd  fo  heartily, 
That  both  mine  eyes  were  rainy  like  to  his  ; 
And  when  I  told  the  emprefs  of  this  fport, 
She  fwooned  almoft  at  my  pleasing  tale, 
And,  for  my  tidings,  gave  me  twenty  kifles. 

i .  G.  What !  can'ft  thou  fay  all  this,  and  never  blufli  ? 

AAR.  Ay,  like  a  black  dog,  as  the  faying  is. 

Lye.  Art  thou  not  forry  for  these  heinous  deeds  ? 

*  off,  and  trim'd     *8  She  founded 

Aa4 


74  Titus  Andronicus. 

JAR.  Ay,  that  I  had  not  done  a  thousand  more, 
liven  now  I  curfe  the  day,  (and  yet,  I  think, 
Few  come  within  the  compafs  of  my  curfe) 
Wherein  I  did  not  fome  notorious  ill : 
As  kill  a  man,  or  elfe  devise  his  death  ; 
Ravifti  a  maid,  or  plot  the  way  to  doit ; 
Accuse  fome  innocent,  and  forfwear  myfelf : 
Set  deadly  enmity  between  two  friends ; 
Make  poor  men's  cattle  break  their  necks  ;  fet  fire 
On  barns  and  hay-flacks  in  the  night,  and  bid 
The  tome,. CD  owners  quench  them  with  their  tears: 
Oft  have  Idig'd  up  dead  men  from  their  graves, 
And  fet  them  upright  at  their  dear  friends'  doors, 
Even  when  their  forrow  almoft  was  forgot ; 
And  on  thtir  fkins,  as  on  the  bark  of  trees, 
Have  witli  my  knife  carved  in  Reman  letters, 
Let  net  your  jcrrcnu  eye,  though  I  am  dead. 
Tut,  I  have  done  a  thousand  dreadful  things, 
As  willingly  as  one  would  kill  a  fly ; 
And  nothing  grieves  me  heartily  indeed, 
But  that  1  cannot  do  ten  thousand  more. 

Luc.  Bring  down  the  devil ;  for  he  mufl  not  dye 
So  fweet  a  death,  as  hanging  presently. 

JA&.  If  there  be  devils,  'would  I  were  a  devil, 
To  live  and  burn  in  everlafling  fire  ; 
So  I  might  have  your  company  in  hell, 
But  to  torment  you  with  my  bitter  tongue  ! 

Luc.  Sirs,  flop  his  mouth,  and  let  him  (peak  no  more. 
Enter  a  Goth. 

3.  G.  My  lord,  there  is  a  mefTenger  from  Rome, 
Desires  to  be  admitted  to  your  presence. 

Luc.  Let  him  come  near.  [Exit  Goth. 


Titus  Andronicus. 


Welcome,  jEmitius  :  What's  the  news  from  Rome  ? 

jEMi.  Lord  Lucius,  and  you  princes  of  the  Gothst 
The  Roman  emperor  greets  you  all  by  me  : 
And  for  he  underftands  you  are  in  arms, 
He  craves  a  parley  at  your  father's  houfe  ; 
Willing  you  to  demand  your  hoftages, 
And  they  mail  be  immediately  deliver'd. 

I  .  G.  What  fays  our  general  ? 

Luc.   ^Emilias,  let  the  emperor  give  his  pledges 
Unto  my  father,  and  my  uncle  Marcus, 
And  we  will  come  —  Away.  [March.  Exeunt* 

SCENE  II.   Rome.  Court  of  Titus'  Houfe. 
Enter,  in  di/guifd  Attirements,  TAMORA, 

CHIRON,  andDzMETRivs. 
TAM,  Thus,  in  this  ftrange  and  fad  habiliment, 
I  will  encounter  with  Andronicus  ; 
And  fay,  I  am  revenge,  fent  from  below, 
To  join  with  him,  and  right  his  heinous  wrongs. 
Knock  at  his  ftudy,  where,  they  fay,  he  keeps, 
To  ruminate  ftrange  plots  of  dire  revenge; 
Tell  him,  revenge  is  come  to  join  with  him, 
And  work  confusion  on  his  enemies.  [They  knock. 

Enter  TITUS,  alo<ve. 

Tir.  Who  doth  moleft  my  contemplation  ? 
Is  it  your  trick,  to  make  me  ope  the  door  ; 
That  fo  my  fad  decrees  may  fly  away, 
And  all  my  ftudy  be  to  no  effect  ? 
You  are  deceiv'd  :  for  what  I  mean  to  do, 
See  ~|~  here,  in  bloody  lines  I  have  fet  down  ; 
And  what  is  written  mall  be  executed. 

1  *  march  away.     Exeant, 


76  Titus  Andronicus. 


.  tort!  Titus,  I  am  come  to  talk  with  thee. 

TIT.   No  ;  not  a  word  ;  How  can  I  grace  my  talk, 
Wanting  a  hand  to  give  it  that  accord  ? 
Thou  haft  the  odds  of  me,  therefore  no  more.         [me. 

TJM.  If  thou  did'ft  know  me,  thou  would'ft  talk  with 

Tif.   I  am  not  mad  ;  I  know  thee  well  enough  : 
Witnefs  this  wretched  ftump,  these  crimson  lines  ; 
Witnefs  these  trenches,  made  by  grief  and  care; 
Witnefs  the  tiring  day,  and  heavy  night  ; 
Witnefs  all  forrow,  that  I  know  thee  well 
For  our  proud  emprefs,  mighty  Tamora  : 
Is  not  thy  coming  for  my  other  hand  ? 

TJIM.  Know,  thou  fad  man,  I  am  not  Tamora  j 
She  is  thy  enemy,  and  I  thy  friend  : 
I  am  revenge  ;  fent  from  the  infernal  kingdom, 
To  ease  the  gnawing  vulture  of  thy  mind, 
By  working  wreakful  vengeance  on  thy  foes. 
Come  down,  and  welcome  me  to  this  world's  light  j 
Confer  with  me  of  murder  and  of  death  : 
There's  not  a  hollow  cave,  or  lurking  place, 
No  vaft  obfcurity,  or  mifty  vale, 
Where  bloody  murther,  or  detefted  rape, 
Can  couch  for  fear,  but  I  will  find  them  out  ; 
And  in  their  ears  tell  them  my  dreadful  name, 
Revenge,  which  makes  the  foul  offenders  quake. 

TIT.  Art  thou  revenge  ?  and  art  thou  fent  to  me, 
To  be  a  torment  to  mine  enemies  ? 

TAM.  I  am  ;  therefore  come  down,  and  welcome  me. 

TiT.  Do  me  fome  fervice,  ere  I  come  to  thee. 
Lo,  by  thy  fide  where  rape,  and  murder,  ftands  : 
Now  give  fome  'furance  that  thou  art  revenge, 
Stab  them,  or  tear  them  on  thy  chariot  wheels  ; 

'  ftump,  witnes  thefe 


Titus  Andronicus.  77 

And  then  I'll  come,  and  be  thy  waggoner, 
And  whirl  along  with  thee  about  the  globes. 
Provide  two  proper  palfries,  black  as  jet, 
To  hale  thy  vengeful  waggon  fwift  away, 
And  find  out  murderers  in  their  guilty  caves : 
And,  when  thy  car  is  loaden  with  their  heads, 
I  will  difmount,  and  by  the  waggon  wheel 
Trot,  like  a  fervile  footman,  all  day  long  ; 
Even  from  Hyperion's  rising  in  the  eaft, 
Until  his  very  downfal  in  the  fea. 
And  day  by  day  I'll  do  this  heavy  tafk, 
So  thou  deftroy  rapine  and  murder  there. 

TAM.  These  are  my  minifters,  and  come  with  me. 

Tir.  Are  they  thy  minifters?  what  are  they  call'd  ? 

TjtM.  Rapine,  and  murder:  therefore  called  fo, 
'Cause  they  take  vengeance  on  fuch  kind  of  men. 

TIT.    Good  lord,  how  like  the  emprefs'  fons  they  are ! 
And  you,  the  emprefs !  But  we  worldly  men 
Have  miserable,  mad,  miftaking  eyes. 

0  fweet  revenge,  now  do  I  come  to  thee : 

And,  if  one  arm's  embracement  will  content  thee, 

1  will  embrace  thee  in  it  by  and  by.     [Exit  from  above. 

TjtM.  This  closing  with  him  fits  his  lunacy  : 
Whate'er  I  forge,  to  feed  his  brain-fick  fits, 
Do  you  uphold  and  maintain  in  your  fpeeches. 
For  now  he  firmly  takes  me  for  revenge  : 
And,  being  credulous  in  this  mad  thought, 
I'll  make  him  fend  for  Lucius  his  fon  ; 
And,  whilft  I  at  a  banquet  hold  him  fure, 
I'll  find  fome  cunning  praclife  out  of  hand, 
To  fcatter  and  difperfe  the  giddy  Goths, 
Or,  at  the  leaft,  make  them  his  enemies. 

3  Provide  thee  two     5  murder  in 


78  Titus  Andronicas. 

See,  here  he  comes,  and  I  muft  ply  rev  theme. 
Enter  TITUS. 

Tit.  Long  have  I  been  forlorn,  and  all  for  thee  : 

Welcome,  dread  fury,  to  my  woeful  houfe  ; 

Rapine,  and  murther,  you  are  welcome  too  :  _-. 
How  like  the  emprefs  and  her  fons  you  are! 
Well  are  you  fitted,  had  you  but  a  Moor :  — 
Could  not  all  hell  a'fford  you  fuch  a  devil  ?  — 
For,  well  I  wote,  the  emprefs  never  wags, 
But  in  her  company  there  is  a  Moor; 
And,  would  you  represent  our  queen  aright, 
It  were  convenient  you  had  fuch  a  devil : 
But  welcome,  as  you  are.  What  (hall  we  do  ? 

TAM.  What  would'ft  thou  have  us  do,  Androntcus? 

DEM.  Shew  me  a  murtherer,  I'll  deal  with  him- 

CHT.    Shew  me  a  villain  that  hath  done  a  rape, 
And  I  am  fent  to  be  reveng'd  on  him. 

TAM .  Shew  me  a  thousand  that  have  done  thee  wrongj 
And  I  will  be  revenged  on  them  all. 

TIT.    Look  round  about  the  wicked  ftreets  of  Rome ; 
And,  when  then  find'ft  a  man  that's  like  thyfelf, 

Good  murther,  flab  him ;  he's  a  murtherer 

Go  thou  with  him ;  and,  when  it  is  thy  hap 
To  find  another  that  is  like  to  thee, 

Good  rapine,  ftab  him  ;  he  is  a  ravifher. 

Go  thott  with  them ;  and  in  the  emperor's  court 

There  is  a  queen,  attended  by  a  Moor  ; 

Well  may'ft  thou  know  her  by  thy  own  proportion, 

For  up  and  down  me  doth  resemble  thee  ; 

I  pray  thee,  do  on  them  fome  violent  death, 

They  have  been  violent  to  me  and  mine. 

i.  Well  haft  thou  leflbn'd  us;  this  mall  we  do. 


Titus  Andronicus.  79 

Bat  would  it  please  thee,  good  Andronicia, 

To  fend  for  Lucius  thy  thrice  valiant  fon, 

Who  leads  towards  Rome  a  band  of  warlike  Goths^ 

And  bid  him  come  and  banquet  at  thy  houfe ; 

When  he  is  here,  even  at  thy  folemn  feaft, 

I  will  bring  in  the  emprefs,  and  her  Ions, 

The  emperor  himfelf,  and  all  thy  foes ; 

And  at  thy  mercy  fhall  they  ftoop  and  kneel, 

And  on  them  malt  thou  ease  thy  angry  heart: 

What  fays  Andronicus  to  this  devife  ? 

TIT.  Marcus,  my  brother  !  'tis  fad  Titus  calls. 

Enter  MARCUS. 

Go,  gentle  Marcus,  to  thy  nephew  Lucius ; 
Thou  malt  enquire  him  out  among  the  Goths: 
Bid  him  repair  to  me,  and  bring  with  him 
Some  of  the  chiefeft  princes  of  the  Goths ; 
Bid  him  encamp  his  foldiers  where  they  are : 
Tell  him,  the  emperor  and  the  emprefs  too 
Feaft  at  my  houfe  ;  and  he  (hall  feaft  with  them. 
This  do  thou  for  my  love ;  and  fo  let  him, 
As  he  regards  his  aged  father's  life. 

MAR.  This  will  I  do,  and  foon  return  again. 

[Exit  MARCUS, 

TAM.  Now  will  I  hence  about  thy  businefs, 
And  take  my  minifters  along  with  me. 

TIT.    Nay,  nay,  let  rape'and  murder  ftay  with  me  ; 
Or  elfe  I'll  call  my  brother  back  again, 
And  cleave  to  no  revenge  but  Lucius. 

TAM.  "  What  fay  you,  boys  ?  will  you  abide  with  him," 
"  Whiles  I  go  tell  my  lord  the  emperor,  " 
"  How  I  have  govern'd  our  determin'd  jeft  ?  " 
"Yield  to  his  humour,  fmooth  and  fpeaic  him  fair," 


8o  Titus  Andronicus* 

"  And  tarry  with  him  'till  I  turn  again.  "  [mad  ;'* 

TIT.    "  I  know  them  all,  though  they  fuppose  me 

"  And  will  o'er-reach  them  in  their  own  devifes,  " 

"A  pair  of  curfed  hell-hounds,  and  their  dam." 
DEM.  "Madam,  depart  at  pleasure,  leave  us  here." 
TJM.  Farewel,  Andronicus  :  revenge  now  goes 

To  lay  a  complot  to  betray  thy  foes. 

TIT.   I  know,  thou  doft;  and,  fweet  revenge,  farewel. 


Cm.    Tell  us,  old  man,  how  (hall  we  be  employ  'd  r 

TiT.    Tut,  I  have  work  enough  for  you  to  do  __ 
Publius,  come  hither,  Caiu-,  and  Valentine  ! 

Enter  certain  Gentlemen,  and  Domejiicks* 

i.  G.  What  is  your  will  ? 

TiT.    Know  you  these  two  ? 

i  .  G.  The  emprefs'  fons, 
I  take  them,  Chiron,  anti  Demetrius* 

TIT.  ,Fie,  Publius,  fie  !  thou  art  too  much  deceiv'd  ; 
The  one  is  murder,  rape  is  the  other's  name  : 
And  therefore  bind  them,  gentle  Publius  ; 
Caius,  and  Valentine,  lay  hands  on  them  : 
Oft  have  you  heard  me  wifh  for  fuch  an  hour, 
And  now  I  find  it  :  therefore  bind  them  fure  ; 
And  flop  their  mouths,  if  they  begin  to  cry. 

[Gentlemen&c.c.  lay  Hands  on  them.  Exit  TITUS. 

CHI.  Villains,  forbear  ;  we  are  the  emprefs'  fons. 

i  .  G.  And  therefore  do  we  what  we  are  commanded  — 
Stop  clofe  their  mouths,  let  them  not  fpeak  a  word  : 
Js  he  fure  bound  ?  look,  that  you  bind  them  faft. 

Re-enter  TITUS,  with  Lavinia  ; 
Titus  bearing  a  Knife,  andjbe  a  Bafon. 

TiT.  Ccme,  come,  Laijinia;  look,  thy  foesare  bound:— 


Titus  Andronicus.  81 

Sirs,  flop  their  mouths,  let  them  not  Ipeak  to  me ; 

But  let  them  hear  what  fearful  words  I  utter.— 

O  villains,  Chiron  and  Demetrius, 

Here  ~|~ftands  the  fpringwhom  you  have  ftain'd  with  mod; 

This  goodly  fummer  with  your  winter  mix'd. 

You  kill'd  her  husband  ;  and,  for  that  vile  fault, 

Two  of  her  brothers  were  condemn'd  to  death  : 

My  hand  cut  off,  and  made  a  merry  jeft  : 

Both  her  fweet  hands,  her  tongue,  and  that,  more  dear 

Than  hands  or  tongue,  her  fpotlefs  chaftity, 

Inhuman  traitors,  you  conftrain'd  and  forc'd. 

What  would  you  fay,  if  I  fhould  let  you  fpeak  ? 

Villains,  for  fhame  you  could  not  beg  for  grace. 

Hark,  wretches,  how  I  mean  to  martyr  you. 

This  one  hand  yet  is  left  to  cut  your  throats ; 

Whilft  tiu&  Lavinia  'tween  her  flumps  doth  hold 

The  bafon,  that  receives  your  guilty  blood. 

You  know,  your  mother  means  to  feaft  with  me^ 

And  calls  he'rfelf  revenge,  and  thinks  me  mad,— 

Hark,  villains ;  I  will  grind  your  bones  to  duft, 

And  with  your  blood,  and  it,  I'll  make  a  palte  ; 

And  of  the  pafte  a  coffin  I  will  rear, 

And  make  two  parties  of  your  fhameful  heads  ; 

And  bid  that  ftrumpet,  your  unhallow'd  dam, 

Like  to  the  earth,  fwallow  her  own  encreafe. 

This  is  the  feaft  that  I  have  bid  her  to, 

And  this  the  banquet  (he  mail  furfeit  on  ; 

For  worfe  than  Philomel  you  us'd  my  daughter, 

And  worfe  than  Progne  I  will  be  reveng'd : 

And  now  prepare  your  throats.  —  La<vinia,  come, 

[cuts  their  Threats. 
Receive  the  blood  :  and,  when  that  they  are  dead, 


82  Titus  Andronicus* 

Let  me  go  grincTtheir  bones  to  powder  finall* 

And  with  this  hateful  liquor  temper  it ; 

And  in  that  pafte  let  their  vile  heads  be  bak'd. 

Come,  come,  be  every  one  officious 

To  make  this  banquet ;  which  I  wim  might  prove 

More  Hern  and  bloody  than  the  Centaur's  feail. 

So,  now  bring  in  ;  for  I  will  play  the  cook, 

And  fee  them  ready  'gainft  their  mother  comes. 

[Exeunt,  bearing  in  the  Eodie:. 

SCENE  III.  The  fame.  Gardens  of  the  fame. 

A  magnificent  Pavillion ;   tables  under  it ; 

Domefticki  attending .  Enter  Lucius,  and 

Goths,  MARCUS  'with  him;  and 

AARON,  Prisoner. 

Luc.  iMHjjp,  uncle  Marcut,  fince  'tis»my  father's  mind, 
That  I  repair  to  Rome,  I  am  content. 

i .  G^  And  ours  with  thine,  befall  what  fortune  will. 
Luc.  Good  uncle,  take  you  in  this  barbarous  Moor, 
This  ravenous  tiger,  this  accurfed  devil ; 
Let  him  receive  no  fuftenance,  fetter  him, 
'Till  he  be  brought  unto  the  emperor's  face, 
For  teflimony  of  her  foul  proceedings  : 
And  fee  the  ambufli  of  our  friends  be  ftrong; 
I  fear,  the  emperor  means  no  good  to  us. 

AAR  .  Some  devil  whifper  curfes  in  mine  ear ; 
And  prompt  me,  that  my  tongue  may  utter  forth 
The  venomous  malice  of  my  fwelling  heart ! 
Luc.  Away,  inhuman  dog,  unhallow'd  flave!— . 

Sirs,  help  our  uncle  to  convey  him  in. 

{Attendants  lead  in  AARON.  Trumpet  t  within. 
The  trumpets  mew  the  emperor  is  at  hand. 

'  bring  them  in,  for  He  play 


Titus  Andronicus.  8j 


flourijb.  Enter  SATURNINUS, 

luith  a  great  Train  of  Senator  i,  Tribunes,  and  others. 

SAT.   What,  hath  the  firmament  more  funs  than  one  ? 

Luc.    What  boots  it  thee,  to  call  thyfelf  a  fun  ? 

MAR.  Rome's  emperor,  and  nephew,  break  the  parle; 
These  quarrels  mull  be  quietly  debated. 
The  feaft  is  ready,  which  the  careful  Titus 
Hath  ordain'd  to  an  honourable  end, 
For  peace,  for  love,  for  league,  and  good  to  Rome: 
Please  you,  therefore,  draw  nigh,  and  take  your  places. 

SAT.    Marcus,  we  will.   [Company  Jit  to  Table.  Musick, 
Enter  TITUS,  and  Others,  aw/Lavinia  veiVd  : 
Titus,  habited  like  a  Cook,  places  the  Dijhes. 

TIT.   Welcome,  my  gracious  lord  ;  —welcome,  dread 
Welcome,  ye  warlike  Goths  ;  _  Lucius,  welcome  ;  _  [queen"; 
And  welcome,  all  :  although  the  cheer  be  poor, 
'Twill  fill  your  ftomacks  ;  please  you,  eat  of  it. 

SAT.    Why  art  thou  thus  attir'd,  Andronicus? 

TiT.    Because  I  would  be  fure  to  have  all  well, 
To  entertain  your  highnefs,  and  your  emprefs. 

TAM.  We  are  beholding  to  you,  good  Andronicus. 

TIT.   An  if  your  highnefs  knew  my  heart,  you  were— 
My  lord  the  emperor,  resolve  me  this  ; 
Was  it  well  done  of  rafh  Firginius, 
To  flay  his  daughter  with  his  own  right  hand, 
Because  me  was  enforc'd,  ftain'd,  and  deflour'd? 

SAT.  It  was,  Andronicus. 

TIT.  Your  reason,  mighty  lord  ? 

SAT.  Because  the  girl  mould  not  furvive  her  fhame, 
And  by  her  presence  ttill  renew  his  forrows. 

TIT.  A  mighty  reason,  ftrong,  and  effectual  ; 
A  pattern,  precedent,  and  lively  warrant, 

1  5  welcome  Luu'xs     3  1  reafon  mighty 
Vot.  VIII.  B  b 


84  Titus  Andronicus. 

For  me,  moft  wretched,  to  perform  the  like :  _J 
Dye,  dye,  Lavinia,  and  thy  ftiame  with  thee ; 

[kills  Lavinia. 
And,  with  thy  fhame,  thy  father's  forrow  dye ! 

SjiT.  What  haft  thou  done,  unnatural,  and  unkind  ? 
Tir.  KilPd  her,  for  whom  my  tears  have  made  me 
I  am  as  woeful  as  Firginius  was  :  [blind. 

And  have  a  thousand  times  more  cause  than  he, 
To  do  this  outrage ;  and  it  is  now  done. 

Sjtr.  What,  was  me  ravifli'd  ?  tell,  who  did  the  deed. 
Trr.  Wilt  please  you  eat?  wilt  please  your  highnefs 

feed  ? 

TAM .  Why  haft  thou  flain  thine  only  daughter  thus  ? 
7/r.  Not  I ;  'twas  Chiron,  and  Demetrius  : 
They  ravifh'd  her,  and  cut  away  her  tongue ; 
And  they  'twas,  they,  that  did  her  all  this  wrong. 
Sjif .    Go,  fetch  them  hither  to  us  presently. 
TiT.    Why,  there  they  are  both,  baked  in  that  pye  ; 
Whereof  their  mother  daintily  hath  fed, 
Eating  the  flefh  that  fhe  herfelf  hath  bred. 
'Tis  true,  'tis  true;  witnefs  my  knife's  (harp  point. 

[killing  Tamora. 
S^r.   Dye,  frantick  wretch,  for  this  accurfed  deed. 

[killing  Titus. 

Luc.    Can  the  fon's  eye  behold  his  father  bleed  ?_ 
There's  meed  for  meed,  death  for  a  deadly  deed. 

[killing  Saturnine* 

Company  in  Confusion.  A  great Tumult  : 
the  Andronici,  and  their  Friends,  gain  the 

Steps  of  Titus'  Houfe  :  Tumult  cea/es. 
MAR.  You  fad-fac'd  men,  people  and  fonsof  Rome, 
By  uproars  fever'd,  like  a  flight  of  fowl 


Titus  Andronicus.  85 

Scatter'dby  winds  and  high  tempefluous  gufts, 
O,  let  me  teach  you  how  to  knit  again  ^ 
This  fcatter'd  corn  into  one  mutual  fheaf, 
These  broken  limbs  again  into  one  body  : 
Left  Rome  herfelf  be  bane  unto  herfelf ; 
And  {he,  whom  mighty  kingdoms  court'fy  to, 
Like  a  forlorn  and  defperate  caft-away, 
Do  fhameful  execution  on  herfelf. 
But  if  my  frofty  figns  and  chaps  of  age, 
Grave  witnefles  of  true  experience, 

Cannot  induce  you  to  attend  my  words, 

Speak,  Rome's  dear  friend  ;  as  erft  our  anceftor, 
When  with  his  folemn  tongue  he  did  difcourfe, 
To  love-fick  Dido's  fad  attending  ear, 
The  ftory  of  that  baleful  burning  night, 
When  fubtle  Greeks  furpriz'd  king  Priam's  Troy  ; 
Tell  us,  what  Siuon  hath  bewitch'd  our  ears, 
Or  who  hath  brought  the  fatal  engine  in, 
That  gives  our  Trey,  our  Rome,  the  civil  wound.  _ 
My  heart  is  not  compact  of  flint,  nor  fteel  j 
Nor  can  I  utter  all  our  bitter  grief, 
But  floods  of  tears  will  drown  my  oratory, 
And  break  my  very  utterance;  even  i'the  time 
When  it  fhould  move  you  to  attend  me  moft, 
Lending  your  kind  commiseration  : 
Here  ~J~  is  a  captain,  let  him  tell  the  tale  ; 
Your  hearts  will  throb  and  weep  to  hear  him  fpeak. 
Luc.  Then,  noble  auditory,  be  it  known  to  you, 
That  curfed  Chiron  and  Demetrius 
Were  they  that  murdered  our  emperor's  brother  ; 
And  they  it  was,  that  ravifhed  our  filler : 
For  their  fell  faults  our  brothers  were  beheaded; 

5  v.  Nctt,     3 '   it  were  that 

Bb   2 


86  Titus  Andronicus. 

Our  father's  tears  defpis'd ;  and  bafely  cozen'd 
Of  that  true  hand,  that  fought  Rome's  quarrel  out, 
And  fent  her  enemies  unto  the  grave. 
Laftly,  myfelf  unkindly  banimed,— 
The  gates  (hut  on  me, —  and  turn'd  weeping  out, 
To  beg  relief  among  Rome's  enemies ; 
Who  drown'd  their  enmity  in  my  true  tears, 
And  op'd  their  arms  to  embrace  me  as  a  friend  : 
And  I  am  the  turn'd-forth,  be  it  known  to  you, 
That  have  preserv'd  her  welfare  in  my  blood  ; 
And  from  her  bosom  took  the  enemy's  point, 
Sheathing  the  fteel  in  my  advent'rous  body  : 
Alas,  you  know,  I  am  no  vaunter,  I ; 
My  fears  can  witnefs,  dumb  although  they  are, 
That  my  report  is  juft,  and  full  of  truth. 
But,  foft,  methinks,  I  do  digrefs  too  much, 
Citing  my  worthlefs  praise  :  O,  pardon  me  ; 
For,  when  no  friends  are  by,  men  praise  themfelves . 
MJR.  Now  is  my  turn  to  fpeak;  Behold  this  child, 

[Jbenving  it  in  the  Arms  of  an  Attendant. 
Of  this  was  Tamora  delivered  ; 
The  i  flue  of  an  irreligious  Moor, 
Chief  architect  and  plotter  of  these  woes  ; 
The  villain  is  alive  in  Titus'  houfe, 
Damn'd  as  he  is,  to  witnefs  this  is  true. 
Now  judge,  what  cause  had  Titus  to  revenge 
These  wrongs,  unfpeakable,  pafl  patience, 
Or  more  than  any  living  man  could  bear. 
Now  you  have  heard  the  truth,  what  fay  you,  Romans  ? 
Have  we  done  aught  amifs  ?  Shew  us  wherein, 
And,  from  the  place  where  you  behold  us  now, 
'The  poor  remainder  of  tlje  Andi-snlci 

*5  And  as    *6  what  couiie  fiad 


Titus  Andronicus.  87 

Will,  hand  in  hand,  all  headlong  caft  us  down, 
And  on  the  ragged  ftones  beat  forth  our  brains, 
And  make  a  mutual  closure  of  our  houfe. 
Speak,  Romans,  fpeak;  and,  if  you  fay,  we  fhall, 
Lo,  hand  in  hand,  Lucius  and  I  will  fall.  [Rome, 

i .  R.  Come  Doton,  come  Uotort,  thou  reverent  man  of 
And  bring  our  emperor  gently  in  thy  hand, 
Lucius  our  emperor  ;  for,  well  I  know, 
The  common  voice  doth  cry,  it  (hall  be  fo. 

dotru  Lucius,  all  hail ;  Rome's  royal  emperor  ! 

MAR.  Go,  go  into  old  Titus'  forrowful  houfe  ; 

\to  Attendants* 

And  hither  hale  that  mifbelieving  Moor, 
To  be  adjudg'd  fome  direful  flaughtering  death, 
As  punifhment  for  his  moft  wicked  life. 

Lucius,  and  the  reft,  come  down; 
<with  them, young  Lucius. 

Rom»  Lucius,  all  hail ;  Rome's  gracious  governor  !  _ 

Luc.    Thanks,  gentle  Romans  ;  May  I  govern  fo, 
To  heal  Rome's  harms,  and  wipe  away  her  woe !     • 
But,  gentle  people,  give  me  aim  awhile, — 
For  nature  puts  me  to  a  heavy  tafk  ;  — 
Stand  all  aloof;  —  but,  uncle,  draw  you  near, 

To  Ihed  obfequious  tears  upon  this~|~  trunk  : 

[kneels  over  Titus'  Body. 

O,  take  this  warm  kifs  on  thy  pale  cold  lips, 
These  forrowful  drops  upon  thy  blood-ilain'd  face, 
The  laft  true  duties  of  thy  noble  fon  ! 

MAR.  A  tear  for  tear,  and  loving  kifs  for  kifs, 

[kneeling  by  bim> 

Thy  brother  Marcus  tenders  on  thy  lips : 
O,  were  the  fum  of  these  that  I  mould  pay 

9  doe  cry     *7  bloud-fkir.e . 


88  Titus  Andronicus. 

Countlefe  and  infinite,  yet  would  I  pay  them  ! 

Luc.  Come  hither,  boy ;  come,  come,  and  learn  of  us 
To  melt  in  fhowers  :  Thy  grandfire  lov'd  thee  well : 
Many  a  time  he  danc'd  thee  on  his  knee, 
Sang  thee  afleep,  his  loving  breaft  thy  pillow ; 
Many  a  matter  hath  he  told  to  thee, 
Meet,  and  agreeing  with  thine  infancy  ; 
In  that  refpeft  then,  like  a  loving  child, 
Shed  yet  fome  fmall  drops  from  thy  tender  fpring, 
Because  kind  nature  doth  require  it  fo  : 
Friends  fhould  aflbciate  friends  in  grief  and  woe : 
Bid  him  farewel  ;  commit  him  to  the  grave, 
Do  him  that  kindnefs,  and  take  leave  of  him. 

Boy.    O  grandfire,  grandfire,  e'en  with  all  my  heart 
'Would  I  were  dead,  fo  you  did  live  again  ! 

0  lord,  I  cannot  fpeak  to  him  for  weeping  ; 
My  tears  will  choak  me,  if  I  ope  my  mouth. 

Enter  Attendants  ivitb  AARON.        s 
2.  R.  You  fad  Andrcniciy  have  done  with  woes ; 
Give  fentence  on  this  execrable  wretch, 
That  hath  been  breeder  of  these  dire  events. 

Luc.  Set  him  breaft-deep  in  earth,  and  famifh  him  j 
There  let  him  ftand,  and  rave  and  cry  for  food  : 
Jf  any  one  relieves  or  pities  hip, 
For  the  offence  he  dies.  This  is  our  doom  : 
Some  flay,  to  fee  him  faften'd  in  the  earth. 

Ajf. .  Ah,  why  fhould  wrath  be  mute,  and  fury  dumb  ? 

1  am  no  baby,  I,  that,  with  bafe  prayers, 
I  fhould  repent  the  evils  I  have  done ; 
Ten  thousand,  worfe  than  ever  yet  I  did, 
Would  I  perform,  if  I  might  have  my  will : 
Jf  one  good  d^ed  in  all  my  life  I  did, 


Titus  Andronicus.  8q 

1  do  repent  it  from  my  very  foul. 

Luc.  Some  loving  friends  convey  the  emperor  hence, 
And  give  him  burial  in  his  father's  grave  : 
My  father,  and  Lavinia,  (hall  forthwith 
Be  closed  in  our  houfhold's  monument. 
As  for  that  heinous  tiger,  Tamora, 
No  funeral  rite,  nor  man  in  mournful  weeds, 
No  mournful  bell  mail  ring  her  burial ; 
But  throw  her  forth  to  hearts,  and  birds  of  prey  : 
Her  life  was  beaft-like,  and  devoid  of  pity ; 
And,  being  fo,  mall  have  like  want  of  pity. 
See  juftice  done  on  Aaron ;  that  damn'd  Moor, 
By  whom  our  heavy  haps  had  their  beginning  : 
Then,  afterwards,  to  order  well  the  ftate ; 
That  like  events  may  ne'er  it  ruinate.  [Exeunt. 


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