University of Virginia Library

SCENE 3.

Ptolomy, Cleopatra.
Ptol.
Know you what happiness is Drawing near?

Cleop.
Yes, I have heard it, the great Cæsar's come:
And Photin shall no more pronounce my Doom:

Ptol.
That faithful Subject you could ne're endure.

Cleop.
No, but am from his Projects now secure.

Ptol.
Which of his Plots could you so much offend?

Cleop.
I've much endur'd, and more may apprehend:
For such a Politician is not Nice,
And you are always steer'd by his Advice.

Ptol.
If I believe him, I his prudence see.

Cleop.
And I who fear him, Know his cruelty.

Ptol.
For a Crown's safety all things just appear.

Cleop.
That kind of equity creates my fear,
My share of Power hath been by it lost,
And now it has the head of Pompey cost.

Ptol.
Never a game of State was more advis'd,
For else by Cæsar we had been surpris'd:
You see his speed, and we had been subdu'd,
Before we could in our defence have stood.
But now I to a Conquerour so great,
Your Heart may offer, and my Royal seat.

Cleop.
Make your own Presents, I'le dispose of mine,
Nor others Interests with Yours combine.

Ptol.
Our Blood's the same uniting me and you.

Cleop.
You might have said, our Rank unites us too.
We both are Sovereigns, yet 'twill be confest,
There is some Difference in our Interest.

Ptol.
Yes, Sister, for my Heart is well content
Only with Egypts narrow Continent.
But now your Beauty Cæsars Heart does wound,
Tagus and Ganges must your Empire bound.

Cleop.
I have Ambition, but it is confin'd,
It may surpize my Soul, but never blind.
T'upbraid me with those bounds there is no need,
I know my Reach, and shall not that exceed.

Ptol.
Your Fortune smiles and you th'advantage use.

Cleop.
You may revile me, if I that abuse.

Ptol.
I hope the best, Love no ill Fruit can bear.

Cleop.
You seem to hope what really you fear.
But though the Gods my just pretentions Crown,
You need not doubt I'le ask but what's my own.
You ne're shall Anger from your Sister find,
Though you'r a Cruel Brother, I'le be kind.

Ptol.
But yet, methinks, you do discover Pride.

Cleop.
Time is the Standard whereby things are try'd.

Ptol.
Your present carriage that doth plainly shew.

Cleop.
Cæsar is come, and you've a Master now.

Ptol.
I made him mine who the Worlds Master is.

Cleop.
Pay him your Homage, while I look for his.
In this Address you may your self be seen,
But Ile remember that I am a Queen.
Photin will help you to receive him now,
Advise with him, hee'l tell you what's to do.