GUARDSMAN.
This is the man.
CLEOPATRA.
Avoid, and leave him.
[Exit Guardsman.]
Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there
That kills and pains not?
CLOWN.
Truly, I have him, but I would not be the party that should desire you to touch him, for his biting is immortal. Those that do die of it do seldom or never recover.
CLEOPATRA.
Remember’st thou any that have died on’t?
CLOWN.
Very many, men and women too. I heard of one of them no longer than yesterday—a very honest woman, but something given to lie; as a woman should not do but in the way of honesty—how she died of the biting of it, what pain she felt. Truly she makes a very good report o’ th’ worm; but he that will believe all that they say shall never be saved by half that they do. But this is most falliable, the worm’s an odd worm.
CLEOPATRA.
Get thee hence. Farewell.
CLOWN.
I wish you all joy of the worm.
[Sets down the basket.]