Cleopatra.
Quick, quick! They’re coming. I hear them. I’m glad he’s so early. Only a quarter of an hour after his time. [Proudly] That shows how eager he is to see me! I feel that this is going to be another of my triumphs.
[Charmian puts the finishing touch to the Queen just as Cæsar enters. She then hastily conceals powder-puff, etc., behind her. Cleopatra has no time to return to the throne, and stands rather awkwardly with Charmian to receive her visitors. These prove to be Octavian, a pale, dyspeptic-looking young man of about thirty; Agrippa, a bluff, thickset, red-faced warrior past middle age, and a guard of Roman soldiers.
Octavian.
[Looking round the gorgeous apartment with much disgust, and speaking in a soft, weary voice.] Ugh! Bad taste, very bad taste all this.
Agrippa.
You know what these barbarians are. [To the two women.] Kindly inform the Queen Cæsar is here.
Cleopatra.
[Advancing.] I am the Queen. How do you do?
Agrippa.