_Cleopatra._ As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle— O Antony!—Nay, I will take thee too. (applying another asp to her arm) What should I stay— (dies). _Charmian._ In this vile world? So, fare thee well. Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies A lass unparallel’d. Downy windows, close; And golden Phœbus never be beheld Of eyes again so royal! Your crown’s awry; I’ll mend it, and then play. (enter the Guard, rushing in) _First Guard._ Where is the queen? _Charmian._ Speak softly, wake her not. _First Guard._ Caesar hath sent— _Charmian._ Too slow a messenger. (applies an asp) O! come apace, dispatch; I partly feel thee. _First Guard._ Approach, ho! All’s not well; Caesar’s beguil’d. _Second Guard._ There’s Dolabella sent from Caesar; call him. _First Guard._ What work is this? Charmian, is this well done? _Charmian._ It is well done and fitting for a princess Descended of so many royal kings. Ah! Soldier. (dies) (iii). DRYDEN. (All for Love, Act. V Scene I). _Charmian._ To what end These ensigns of your Pomp and Royalty? _Cleopatra._ Dull that thou art! why, ’tis to meet my Love; As when I saw him first, on Cydno’s bank, All sparkling, like a goddess; so adorned, I’ll find him, once again: my second spousals Shall match my first in glory. Haste, haste, both, And dress the bride of Antony. _Charmian._ ’Tis done. _Cleopatra._ Now set me by my lord. I claim this place: For I must conquer Caesar too, like him, And win my share o’ th’ world. Hail, you dear relics Of my immortal love! O let no impious hand remove you hence; But rest for ever here. Let Egypt give His death that peace, which it denied his life. Reach me the casket. _Iras._ Underneath the fruit The aspic lies. Welcome, thou kind deceiver! _Cleopatra._ (putting aside the leaves) Thou best of thieves; who, with an easy key, Dost open life, and, unperceived by us, Ev’n steal us from ourselves; discharging so Death’s dreadful office, better than himself, Touching our limbs so gently into slumber, That Death stands by, deceived by his own image, And thinks himself but sleep.