University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

NARBAL, FLAMINIUS.
Narbal.
The Queen will see you, Sir; a just regard
To Cæsar's friendship is so sacred here,
That though on this high jubilee the court
Suspends all state-affairs, the Queen vouchsafes
T' admit your message to her royal ear.

Fla.
Th' ambassadors of Rome never demand
Admission more than once; your King defers
His entry 'till the Queen shall execute
What Cæsar's will requires.

Nar.
That cause alone
Wou'd urge our prompt compliance; for the King
Makes Love th' impatient register of time:
In his account each moment seems an age,
That keeps him from his Mariamne's arms;
Who well deserves such passion.

Fla.
Distant fame
Hath pictur'd all her graces on my mind:
Perhaps you've heard of Dellius.

Nar.
What! the friend
Of Anthony?

Fla.
His qualities disgrace
The name of friend; but in his softer hours
He lik'd him for his elegance of taste
In luxury and love. I heard him tell,
How once when Anthony in amorous pomp,
With Cleopatra sail'd along the Nile,
To grieve the proud Egyptian, he produc'd
A miniature of Mariamne's face.

Nar.
And what said Anthony?

Fla.
With vast surprize
He view'd each lineament, but yet forbore
To praise or blame it, which he knew the Queen
Wou'd soon interpret love; but softly sigh'd,
And slipt it in his bosom. Strait her cheeks
Glow'd with an angry blush, which faded soon,
And left them lilly-pale: breathless and faint
She then reclin'd her head, and from his breast
Snatch'd what she fear'd might lie too near his heart.
With amorous reluctance whilst he strove
To gain the ravish'd prize, she let it fall
(More by design than chance) into the Nile:
He springing up to catch it, half o'er-set
The gilded barge; and with a sterner brow,
And haughtier tone, than e'er she knew before,
He cry'd, your river is too well repaid,
For all the wealth you ow'd.—

[A Messenger enters to Narbal.
Mess.
Pheroras, Sir,
Desires to see the Roman General.

Nar.
Sir, I'll conduct you.

[Exeunt.