[Exit.]
CHARMIAN.
Good madam, keep yourself within yourself.
The man is innocent.
CLEOPATRA.
Some innocents ’scape not the thunderbolt.
Melt Egypt into Nile, and kindly creatures
Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again.
Though I am mad, I will not bite him. Call!
CHARMIAN.
He is afeard to come.
CLEOPATRA.
I will not hurt him.
[Exit Charmian.]
These hands do lack nobility that they strike
A meaner than myself, since I myself
Have given myself the cause.
Enter the Messenger again with Charmian.
Come hither, sir.
Though it be honest, it is never good
To bring bad news. Give to a gracious message
An host of tongues, but let ill tidings tell
Themselves when they be felt.
MESSENGER.
I have done my duty.