_Ant._ Farewell! Ever my leader, even in death! My queen and thou have got the start of me, And I'm the lag of honour.--Gone so soon? Is death no more? he used him carelessly, With a familiar kindness: ere he knocked, Ran to the door, and took him in his arms, As who should say--You're welcome at all hours, A friend need give no warning. Books had spoiled him; For all the learned are cowards by profession. 'Tis not worth My farther thought; for death, for aught I know, Is but to think no more. Here's to be satisfied. [_Falls on his sword._ I've mist my heart. O unperforming hand! Thou never could'st have erred in a worse time. My fortune jades me to the last; and death, Like a great man, takes state, and makes me wait For my admittance.-- [_Trampling within._ Some, perhaps, from Caesar: If he should find me living, and suspect That I played booty with my life! I'll mend My work, ere they can reach me. [_Rises upon his knees._ _Enter_ CLEOPATRA, CHARMION, _and_ IRAS. _Cleo._ Where is my lord? where is he? _Char._ There he lies, And dead Ventidius by him. _Cleo._ My fears were prophets; I am come too late. O that accursed Alexas! [_Runs to him._ _Ant._ Art thou living? Or am I dead before I knew, and thou The first kind ghost that meets me? _Cleo._ Help me seat him. Send quickly, send for help! [_They place him in a chair._ _Ant._ I am answered. We live both. Sit thee down, my Cleopatra: I'll make the most I can of life, to stay A moment more with thee. _Cleo._ How is it with you? _Ant._ 'Tis as with a man Removing in a hurry; all packed up, But one dear jewel that his haste forgot; And he, for that, returns upon the spur: So I come back for thee. _Cleo._ Too long, ye heavens, you have been cruel to me: Now show your mended faith, and give me back His fleeting life! _Ant._ It will not be, my love; I keep my soul by force. Say but, thou art not false. _Cleo._ 'Tis now too late To say I'm true: I'll prove it, and die with you. Unknown to me, Alexas feigned my death: Which, when I knew, I hasted to prevent This fatal consequence. My fleet betrayed Both you and me. _Ant._ And Dolabella-- _Cleo._ Scarce esteemed before he loved; but hated now. _Ant._ Enough: my life's not long enough for more. Thou say'st, thou wilt come after: I believe thee; For I can now believe whate'er thou sayest, That we may part more kindly. _Cleo._ I will come: Doubt not, my life, I'll come, and quickly too: Caesar shall triumph o'er no part of thee.