But do it mildly: in a noble lady, Softness of spirit, and a sober nature, That moves like summer winds, cool, and blows sweetness, Shows blessed, like herself. CLEOPATRA. And that great blessedness. You first reap'd of me; till you taught my nature, Like a rude storm, to talk aloud and thunder, Sleep was not gentler than my soul, and stiller. You had the spring of my affections, And my fair fruits I gave you leave to taste of; You must expect the winter of mine anger. You flung me off--before the court disgraced me-- When in the pride I appear'd of all my beauty-- Appear'd your mistress; took unto your eyes The common strumpet, love of hated lucre,-- Courted with covetous heart the slave of nature,-- Gave all your thoughts to gold, that men of glory, And minds adorned with noble love, would kick at! Soldiers of royal mark scorn such base purchase; Beauty and honor are the marks they shoot at. I spake to you then, I courted you, and woo'd you, Called you dear Caesar, hung about you tenderly, Was proud to appear your friend-- CAESAR. You have mistaken me. CLEOPATRA. But neither eye, nor favor, not a smile Was I blessed back withal, but shook off rudely, And as you had been sold to sordid infamy, You fell before the images of treasure, And in your soul you worship'd. I stood slighted; Forgotten, and contemned; my soft embraces, And those sweet kisses which you called Elysium As letters writ in sand, no more remember'd; The name and glory of your Cleopatra Laugh'd at, and made a story to your captains! Shall I endure? CAESAR. You are deceived in all this; Upon my life you are; 'tis your much tenderness. CLEOPATRA. No, no; I love not that way; you are cozen'd; I love with as much ambition as a conqueror, And where I love will triumph! CAESAR. So you shall: My heart shall be the chariot that shall bear you: All I have won shall wait upon you. By the gods, The bravery of this woman's mind has fir'd me! Dear mistress, shall I but this once---- CLEOPATRA. How! Caesar! Have I let slip a second vanity That gives thee hope? CAESAR. You shall be absolute, And reign alone as queen; you shall be any thing. CLEOPATRA. * * * * Farewell, unthankful! CAESAR. Stay! CLEOPATRA. I will not.