Specimen Passage and Commentary

Abstract

Alarum. Enter ANTONY again, in a march; SCARUS, with others

ANTONY We have beat him to his camp. Run one before And let the Queen know of our gests. Tomorrow, Before the sun shall see’s, we’ll spill the blood That has today escaped. I thank you all, For doughty-handed are you and have fought Not as you served the cause, but as ’t had been Each man’s like mine; you have shown all Hectors. Enter the city, clip your wives, your friends, Tell them your feats, whilst they with joyful tears Wash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss The honoured gashes whole.

Enter CLEOPATRA

[To SCARUS] Give me thy hand. To this great fairy I’ll commend thy acts, Make her thanks bless thee. — 0 thou day o’ the world, Chain mine armed neck; leap thou, attire and all, Through proof of harness to my heart, and there Ride on the pants triumphing! Lord of lords!