who, to seem a good servant, came
straight to Caesar to disprove {9} Cleopatra, that she had not set in
all, but kept many things back of purpose. Cleopatra was in such a
rage with him, that she flew upon him, and took him by the hair of the
head, and boxed him well-favouredly. Caesar fell a-laughing, and
parted the fray. "Alas," said she, "O Caesar, is not this a great
shame and reproach, that thou having vouchsafed to take the pains to
come unto me, and hast done me this honour, poor wretch, and caitiff
creature, brought into this pitiful and miserable estate: and that mine
own servants should come now to accuse me, though it may be I have
reserved some jewels and trifles meet for women, but not for me (poor
soul) to set out myself withal, but meaning to give some pretty
presents and gifts unto Octavia and Livia, that they making means and
intercession for me to thee, thou mightest yet extend thy favour and
mercy upon me?" Caesar was glad to hear her say so, persuading himself
thereby that she had yet a desire to save her life. So he made her
answer, that he did not only give her that to dispose of at her
pleasure, which she had kept back, but further promised to use her more
honourably and bountifully than she would think for: and so he took his
leave of her, supposing he had deceived her, but indeed he was deceived
himself.

There was a young gentleman Cornelius Dolabella, that was one of
Caesar's very great familiars, and besides did bear no evil will unto
Cleopatra. He sent her word secretly as she had requested him, that
Caesar determined to take his journey through Syria, and that within
three days he would send her away before with her children. When this
was told Cleopatra, she requested Caesar that {10} it would please him
to suffer her to offer the last oblations of the dead, unto the soul of
Antonius. This being granted her, she was carried to the place where
his tomb was, and there falling down on her knees, embracing the tomb
with her women, the tears running down her cheeks, she began to speak
in this sort: "O my dear Lord Antonius, not long sithence I buried thee
here, being a free woman: and now I offer unto thee the funeral
sprinklings and oblations, being a captive and prisoner; and yet I am
forbidden and kept from tearing and murdering this captive body of mine
with blows, which they carefully guard and keep, only to triumph of
thee: look therefore henceforth for no other honours, offerings