ANTONY Yes, my lord, yes; he at Philippi kept His sword e’en like a dancer, while I struck The lean and wrinkled Cassius; and ’twas I That the mad Brutus ended ... yet now—No matter.

[He sinks down again.]

CLEOPATRA [Rising, to her Attendants.] Ah, stand by ... sustain me! O!

EROS Most noble sir, arise; the queen approaches. Her head’s declin’d, and death will seize her, but Your comfort makes the rescue.

ANTONY [Drawing still away, despairfully.] I have offended reputation, A most unnoble swerving.

EROS Sir, the queen!

[Cleopatra and Antony face each other—gazing into each other’s eyes.]

ANTONY [Suddenly crying out.]

O, whither hast thou led me, Egypt? See, How I convey my shame out of thine eyes By looking back what I have left behind ’Stroy’d in dishonor.

CLEOPATRA O my lord, my lord, Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought You would have follow’d.