Elle eust preveu à mon present desir,
Veu que la mort n’eust point esté tant dure
Que l’eternelle et mordante pointure
Qui jà desjà jusques au fond me blesse
D’avoir blessé ma royne et ma maistresse.
The chorus oddly enough discovers in her maltreatment of the tale-bearer a proof of her indomitable spirit, and an indication that she will never let herself be led to Rome: (Act iii.). Cleopatra now explains that her submission was only feigned to secure the lives of her children, and that she herself has no thought of following the conqueror’s car. Eras and Charmium approve, and all three depart to Antony’s tomb to offer there a last sacrifice, which the chorus describes in full detail: (Act iv.). Proculeius in consternation announces the sequel:
“J’ay veu (ô rare et miserable chose!)
Ma Cleopatre en son royal habit
Et sa couronne, au long d’un riche lict
Peint et doré, blesme et morte couchée,