_Vent._ Young, I think him young, And handsome too; and so do others think him. But what of that? He went by your command, Indeed 'tis probable, with some kind message; For she received it graciously; she smiled; And then he grew familiar with her hand, Squeezed it, and worried it with ravenous kisses; She blushed, and sighed, and smiled, and blushed again; At last she took occasion to talk softly, And brought her cheek up close, and leaned on his; At which, he whispered kisses back on hers; And then she cried aloud,--That constancy Should be rewarded. _Octav._ This I saw and heard. _Ant._ What woman was it, whom you heard and saw So playful with my friend! Not Cleopatra? _Vent._ Even she, my lord. _Ant._ My Cleopatra? _Vent._ Your Cleopatra; Dolabella's Cleopatra; Every man's Cleopatra[3]. _Ant._ Thou liest. _Vent._ I do not lie, my lord. Is this so strange? Should mistresses be left, And not provide against a time of change? You know she's not much used to lonely nights. _Ant._ I'll think no more on't. I know 'tis false, and see the plot betwixt you.-- You needed not have gone this way, Octavia. What harms it you that Cleopatra's just? She's mine no more. I see, and I forgive: Urge it no farther, love. _Octav._ Are you concerned, That she's found false? _Ant._ I should be, were it so; For, though 'tis past, I would not that the world Should tax my former choice, that I loved one Of so light note; but I forgive you both. _Vent._ What has my age deserved, that you should think I would abuse your ears with perjury? If heaven be true, she's false. _Ant._ Though heaven and earth Should witness it, I'll not believe her tainted. _Vent._ I'll bring you, then, a witness From hell, to prove her so.--Nay, go not back; [_Seeing_ ALEXAS _just entering, and starting back._ For stay you must and shall. _Alex._ What means my lord? _Vent._ To make you do what most you hate,--speak truth. You are of Cleopatra's private counsel, Of her bed-counsel, her lascivious hours; Are conscious of each nightly change she makes, And watch her, as Chaldaeans do the moon, Can tell what signs she passes through, what day. _Alex._ My noble lord! _Vent._ My most illustrious pandar, No fine set speech, no cadence, no turned periods, But a plain home-spun truth, is what I ask: I did, myself, o'erhear your queen make love To Dolabella. Speak; for I will know, By your confession, what more past betwixt them; How near the business draws to your employment; And when the happy hour. _Ant._ Speak truth, Alexas; whether it offend Or please Ventidius, care not: Justify Thy injured queen from malice: Dare his worst. _Octav._ [_Aside._] See, how he gives him courage! how he fears To find her false! and shuts his eyes to truth, Willing to be misled!