SCENE II.
Changes to
Alexandria.
Cleopatra enters attended.
Cleo.
Most gallantly did he go forth—O, that
he and Cæsar might end it hand to hand.—Then,
Antony, ay, then!—but now—Well, girls,—
no worser than the worst, can come—and there's
the end of all—and all, in time, will have an
ending!
Alexas enters.
Alexas.
News, madam, news!—our glorious
master, Antony, has beat them to their trenches!
Cleo.
O, the gods!—
Is't possible?—Now is our fatal hour!—
Now is our infinite at stake—the world,
Or nothing!—Our good stars, that empty left
Their former spheres, must now shine forth again,
Or else be dark for ever!
Mardian enters.
Mard.
News, news, my royal mistress!
From Alexandria, to the camp of Cæsar,
Our fields wax fat with hostile carcasses;
And Antony, now captain of the world,
Returns triumphant!
Cleo.
Great is thy godhead, Isis!
Iras! quick, quick, my tires!—
Haste, give the word throughout! prepare the banquet!
Call up the music!—We will forth to meet him.
