_Cleopatra runs in through the loggia with Caesar's helmet and sword, snatched from Britannus, who follows her with a cuirass and greaves. They come down to Caesar, she to his left hand, Britannus to his right._ CLEOPATRA. I am going to dress you, Caesar. Sit down. (_He obeys._) These Roman helmets are so becoming! (_She takes off his wreath._) Oh! (_She bursts out laughing at him._) CAESAR. What are you laughing at? CLEOPATRA. You're bald (_beginning with a big B, and ending with a splutter_). CAESAR (_almost annoyed_). Cleopatra! (_He rises, for the convenience of Britannus, who puts the cuirass on him._) CLEOPATRA. So that is why you wear the wreath--to hide it. BRITANNUS. Peace, Egyptian: they are the bays of the conqueror. (_He buckles the cuirass._) CLEOPATRA. Peace, thou: islander! (_To Caesar_) You should rub your head with strong spirits of sugar, Caesar. That will make it grow. CAESAR (_with a wry face_). Cleopatra: do you like to be reminded that you are very young? CLEOPATRA (_pouting_). No. CAESAR (_sitting down again, and setting out his leg for Britannus, who kneels to put on his greaves_). Neither do I like to be reminded that I am--middle aged. Let me give you ten of my superfluous years. That will make you 26 and leave me only--no matter. Is it a bargain? CLEOPATRA. Agreed. 26, mind. (_She puts the helmet on him._) Oh! How nice! You look only about 50 in it! BRITANNUS (_Looking up severely at Cleopatra_). You must not speak in this manner to Caesar. CLEOPATRA. Is it true that when Caesar caught you on that island, you were painted all over blue? BRITANNUS. Blue is the color worn by all Britons of good standing. In war we stain our bodies blue; so that though our enemies may strip us of our clothes and our lives, they cannot strip us of our respectability. (_He rises._) CLEOPATRA (_with Caesar's sword_). Let me hang this on. Now you look splendid. Have they made any statues of you in Rome? CAESAR. Yes, many statues. CLEOPATRA. You must send for one and give it to me. RUFIO (_coming back into the loggia, more impatient than ever_). Now Caesar: have you done talking? The moment your foot is aboard there will be no holding our men back: the boats will race one another for the lighthouse. CAESAR (_drawing his sword and trying the edge_). Is this well set to-day, Britannicus? At Pharsalia it was as blunt as a barrel-hoop. BRITANNUS. It will split one of the Egyptian's hairs to-day, Caesar. I have set it myself. CLEOPATRA (_suddenly throwing her arms in terror round Caesar_). Oh, you are not really going into battle to be killed? CAESAR. No, Cleopatra. No man goes to battle to be killed. CLEOPATRA. But they _do_ get killed. My sister's husband was killed in battle. You must not go. Let _him_ go (_pointing to Rufio. They all laugh at her_). Oh please, _please_ don't go. What will happen to _me_ if you never come back? CAESAR (_gravely_). Are you afraid? CLEOPATRA (_shrinking_). No.