Pray you be patient
The noble Caesar loves still.

CLEOPATRA.

What's his will?

APOLLODORUS.

He craves access unto your highness.

CLEOPATRA

No;--
Say no; I will have none to trouble me.

ARSINOE.

Good sister!--

CLEOPATRA.

None, I say. I will be private.
Would thou hadst flung me into Nilus, keeper,
When first thou gav'st consent to bring my body
To this unthankful Caesar!

APOLLODORUS.

'Twas your will, madam.
Nay more, your charge upon me, as I honor'd you.
You know what danger I endur'd.

CLEOPATRA.

Take this, [_giving a jewel_,
And carry it to that lordly Caesar sent thee;
There's a new love, a handsome one, a rich one,--
One that will hug his mind: bid him make love to it:
Tell the ambitious broker this will suffer--

_Enter_ CAESAR.

APOLLODORUS.

He enters.

CLEOPATRA.

How!

CAESAR.

I do not use to wait, lady
Where I am, all the doors are free and open.

CLEOPATRA.

I guess so by your rudeness.

CAESAR.

You're not angry?
Things of your tender mould should be most gentle.
Why should you frown? Good gods, what a set anger
Have you forc'd into your face! Come, I must temper you.
What a coy smile was there, and a disdainful!
How like an ominous flash it broke out from you!
Defend me, love! Sweet, who has anger'd you?

CLEOPATRA.

Show him a glass! That false face has betray'd me--
That base heart wrong'd me!

CAESAR.

Be more sweetly angry.
I wrong'd you, fair?

CLEOPATRA.

Away with your foul flatteries;
They are too gross! But that I dare be angry,
And with as great a god as Caesar is,
To show how poorly I respect his memory
I would not speak to you.

CAESAR.