_Vent._ I could be grieved, But that I'll not out-live you: chuse your death; For, I have seen him in such various shapes, I care not which I take: I'm only troubled, The life I bear is worn to such a rag, 'Tis scarce worth giving. I could wish, indeed, We threw it from us with a better grace; That, like two lions taken in the toils, We might at last thrust out our paws, and wound The hunters that inclose us. _Ant._ I have thought on it. Ventidius, you must live. _Vent._ I must not, sir. _Ant._ Wilt thou not live, to speak some good of me? To stand by my fair fame, and guard the approaches From the ill tongues of men? _Vent._ Who shall guard mine, For living after you? _Ant._ Say, I command it. _Vent._ If we die well, our deaths will speak themselves, And need no living witness. _Ant._ Thou hast loved me, And fain I would reward thee. I must die; Kill me, and take the merit of my death, To make thee friends with Caesar. _Vent._ Thank your kindness. You said I loved you; and, in recompence, You bid me turn a traitor:--Did I think You would have used me thus? that I should die With a hard thought of you? _Ant._ Forgive me, Roman. Since I have heard of Cleopatra's death, My reason bears no rule upon my tongue, But lets my thoughts break all at random out. I've thought better; do not deny me twice. _Vent._ By heaven I will not. Let it not be to out-live you. _Ant._ Kill me first, And then die thou; for 'tis but just thou serve Thy friend, before thyself. _Vent._ Give me your hand. We soon shall meet again. Now, farewell, emperor!-- [_Embrace._ Methinks that word's too cold to be my last: Since death sweeps all distinctions, farewell, friend! That's all-- I will not make a business of a trifle: And yet I cannot look on you, and kill you; Pray turn your face. _Ant._ I do: strike home, be sure. _Vent._ Home, as my sword will reach. [_Kills himself._ _Ant._ O thou mistak'st; That wound was none of thine: give it me back: Thou robb'st me of my death. _Vent._ I do indeed; But think 'tis the first time I e'er deceived you, If that may plead my pardon.--And you, gods, Forgive me, if you will; for I die perjured, Rather than kill my friend. [_Dies._