Which is my heaven to have. Come, thou mortal wretch,
[To the asp, which she applies to her breast.]
With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
Of life at once untie; poor venomous fool,
Be angry, and dispatch. O! couldst thou speak, 308
That I might hear thee call great Cæsar ass
Unpolicied.
Char. O eastern star!
Cleo. Peace, peace!
Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,
That sucks the nurse asleep?
Char. O, break! O, break! 312
Cleo. As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle,—
O Antony!—Nay, I will take thee too.
[Applying another asp to her arm.]
What should I stay— Dies.
Char. In this vile world? So, fare thee well. 316
Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies
A lass unparallel'd. Downy windows, close;
And golden Phœbus never be beheld
Of eyes again so royal! Your crown's awry; 320
I'll mend it, and then play.
Enter the Guard, rushing in.
First Guard. Where is the queen?
Char. Speak softly, wake her not.
First Guard. Cæsar hath sent—
Char. Too slow a messenger.
[Applies an asp.]
O! come apace, dispatch; I partly feel thee. 324
First Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well; Cæsar's beguil'd.
306 intrinsicate: intricate
