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Original Text | Modern Text |
Enter CLEOPATRA , CHARMIAN , IRAS , and ALEXAS | CLEOPATRA , CHARMIAN , IRAS , and ALEXAS enter. |
CLEOPATRA Give me some music. Music, moody food Of us that trade in love. | CLEOPATRA Play me some music. Music feeds the melancholy moods of us lovers. |
ALL The music, ho! | ALL Musicians, come in! |
Enter MARDIAN the eunuch | MADRIAN enters. |
CLEOPATRA Let it alone. Lets to billiards. Come, Charmian. | CLEOPATRA Never mind. Lets play billiards. Play with me, Charmian. |
CHARMIAN My arm is sore. Best play with Mardian. | CHARMIAN My arm is sore. Youll have a better game with Mardian. |
CLEOPATRA 5 As well a woman with an eunuch played As with a woman.Come, youll play with me, sir? | CLEOPATRA Playing with a eunuch is the same as playing with a woman. Will you play with me, sir? |
MARDIAN As well as I can, madam. | MARDIAN Ill do my best, madam. |
CLEOPATRA And when good will is showed, though t come too short, The actor may plead pardon. Ill none now. 10 Give me mine angle. Well to th river. There, My music playing far off, I will betray Tawny-finned fishes. My bended hook shall pierce Their slimy jaws, and as I draw them up Ill think them every one an Antony 15 And say, Aha! Youre caught. | CLEOPATRA When a person tries in good faith, even if he fails he cannot be blamed. I dont want to play now. Give me my fishing rod. Well go to the river. With my music playing in the background, Ill lure fish. My hook will go through their slimy jaws and as I pull them up Ill imagine each one is Antony. Ill say, Aha! I caught you! |
CHARMIAN Twas merry when You wagered on your angling, when your diver Did hang a salt fish on his hook, which he With fervency drew up. | CHARMIAN It was funny when you and Antony bet on who could catch the first fish. You had a diver put a salted fish on his hook. He was so excited as he hurried to pull it in! |
CLEOPATRA That timeOh, times! I laughed him out of patience, and that night 20 I laughed him into patience. And next morn, Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed, Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst I wore his sword Philippan. | CLEOPATRA That time? Oh, there were so many fun times. I would play some trick on him and laugh until he lost his patience. Then, that night, I would laugh with him while we made love until he was patient again. Then by nine in the morning I would have him so drunk I could dress him in my clothes while I wore the sword he used at the famous battle of Philippi. |
Enter a MESSENGER | A MESSENGER enters. |
Oh, from Italy! Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears, 25 That long time have been barren. | Oh! News from Italy! Cram your good news into my ears. Its been so long since Ive heard from him. |
MESSENGER Madam, madam | MESSENGER Madam, madam |
CLEOPATRA Antonios dead! If thou say so, villain, Thou killst thy mistress. But well and free, If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here My bluest veins to kissa hand that kings 30 Have lipped, and trembled kissing. | CLEOPATRA Antonys dead! If you say that, you bastard, youll kill your Queen. If you say hes healthy and free, Ill give you money and you may kiss my hand. Kings have trembled to kiss this hand. |
MESSENGER First, madam, he is well. | MESSENGER Let me say first, madam, that he is well. |
CLEOPATRA Why, theres more gold. But, sirrah, mark, we use To say the dead are well. Bring it to that, The gold I give thee will I melt and pour 35 Down thy ill-uttering throat. | CLEOPATRA Well then, heres more money for you. But you know, sirrah, we customarily say that the dead are well. If thats what you mean, Ill melt this gold and pour it down your throat that speaks these hateful words. |
MESSENGER Good madam, hear me. | MESSENGER Good madam, let me speak. |
CLEOPATRA Well, go to, I will. But theres no goodness in thy faceif Antony Be free and healthful, so tart a favor 40 To trumpet such good tidings! If not well, Thou shouldst come like a Fury crowned with snakes, Not like a formal man. | CLEOPATRA All right, I will. But you dont look as if you bring good news. If Antony is free and healthy, you shouldnt wear such a sour face while bringing such good news. If hes not well, you should arrive like a FuryThe Furies were mythological figures who punished those who broke either natural or moral laws |
MESSENGER Will t please you hear me? | MESSENGER Do you want to hear my news? |
CLEOPATRA I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speakst. Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well, 45 Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him, Ill set thee in a shower of gold and hail Rich pearls upon thee. | CLEOPATRA I have half a mind to hit you before you speak again. But if Antony is alive, healthy, friendly with Caesar, and not Caesars prisoner, Ill shower you with gold and pearls. |
MESSENGER Madam, hes well. | MESSENGER Madam, hes well. |
CLEOPATRA Well said. | CLEOPATRA Thats well spoken. |
MESSENGER And friends with Caesar. | MESSENGER And hes friendly with Caesar. |
CLEOPATRA Th art an honest man. | CLEOPATRA You are an honest man. |
MESSENGER Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. | MESSENGER Caesar and he are better friends than ever. |
CLEOPATRA 50 Make thee a fortune from me. | CLEOPATRA Im going to make you a rich man. |
MESSENGER But yet, madam | MESSENGER But yet, madam |
CLEOPATRA I do not like But yet. It does allay The good precedence. Fie upon But yet. But yet is as a jailer to bring forth Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend, 55 Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear, The good and bad together. Hes friends with Caesar, In state of health, thou sayst, and, thou sayst, free. | CLEOPATRA I dont like the sound of but yet. It reverses all the good that came before it. Damn those words, but yet! But yet is like a jailer about to bring out some horrible criminal. Please, my friend, give me all the news, both good and bad, at the same time. You say hes friendly with Caesar, healthy, and free. |
MESSENGER Free, madam, no. I made no such report. Hes bound unto Octavia. | MESSENGER I didnt say free, madam. No, I didnt say that. Hes bound to Octavia. |
CLEOPATRA For what good turn? | CLEOPATRA For what favor? |
MESSENGER 60 For the best turn i th bed. | MESSENGER For the favor of sleeping in her bed. |
CLEOPATRA I am pale, Charmian. | CLEOPATRA Im sick, Charmian. |
MESSENGER Madam, hes married to Octavia. | MESSENGER Hes married to Octavia, madam. |
CLEOPATRA The most infectious pestilence upon thee! | CLEOPATRA May you die of the worst disease! |
Strikes him down | She knocks him down. |
MESSENGER Good madam, patience. | MESSENGER Good madam, be patient. |
CLEOPATRA What say you? | CLEOPATRA What did you say to me? |
Strikes him | She hits him again. |
Like balls before me! Ill unhair thy head! | Get out, you horrible bastard, or Ill gouge out your eyes. Ill scalp you. |
She hales him up and down | She drags him across the stage. |
Thou shalt be whipped with wire and stewed in brine, Smarting in lingring pickle! | Ill have you whipped with wire and soaked in brine like a pickle, making your pain linger. |
MESSENGER Gracious madam, I that do bring the news made not the match. | MESSENGER Gracious madam, I only brought the news. I didnt make the match. |
CLEOPATRA 70 Say tis not so, a province I will give thee And make thy fortunes proud. The blow thou hadst Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage, And I will boot thee with what gift beside Thy modesty can beg. | CLEOPATRA If you say it isnt true, Ill give you a province and make you rich. The blows I gave you already will make up for your upsetting me. And on top of that Ill give you whatever you ask for. |
MESSENGER Hes married, madam. | MESSENGER Hes married, madam. |
CLEOPATRA 75 Rogue, thou hast lived too long. | CLEOPATRA Rogue, youve lived too long! |
Draws a knife | She draws a knife. |
MESSENGER Nay then, Ill run. What mean you, madam? I have made no fault. | MESSENGER No way, then, Ill run. Whats the matter with you, madam? I havent done anything to you. |
Exit | The MESSENGER exits. |
CHARMIAN Good madam, keep yourself within yourself. The man is innocent. | CHARMIAN Good madam, restrain yourself. The man hasnt done anything wrong. |
CLEOPATRA Some innocents scape not the thunderbolt. 80 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! | CLEOPATRA Even innocents cannot always escape disaster. May Egypt drown in the Nile and all good creatures turn into poisonous snakes. Call that servant back. Even though Im mad, I wont bite him. Call him! |
CHARMIAN He is afeard to come. | CHARMIAN Hes afraid to come in. |
CLEOPATRA I will not hurt him. These hands do lack nobility that they strike 85 A meaner than myself, since I myself Have given myself the cause. | CLEOPATRA I wont hurt him. My hands are tainted if they hit an inferior, especially since I myself am the cause of my own distress. |
Enter the MESSENGER again | The MESSENGER returns. |
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 90 Themselves when they be felt. | Come here, sir. It may be honest, but its never wise to bring bad news. You can give good news in many ways, but let bad news interpret itself as you tell it. |
MESSENGER I have done my duty. | MESSENGER Ive only done my duty. |
CLEOPATRA Is he married? I cannot hate thee worser than I do If thou again say yes. | CLEOPATRA Is he married? I cant hate you any more than I already do if you repeat that he is. |
MESSENGER Hes married, madam. | MESSENGER Hes married, madam. |
CLEOPATRA | CLEOPATRA May the gods destroy you! Do you maintain the same story? |
MESSENGER Should I lie, madam? | MESSENGER Do you want me to lie, madam? |
CLEOPATRA Oh, I would thou didst, So half my Egypt were submerged and made A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence. Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me | CLEOPATRA Oh, I wish you had lied, even if it meant half my kingdom would be submerged and filled with snakes. Go, get out! Even if you were as handsome as Narcissusmythical boy who was so beautiful that he drowned himself while trying to embrace his own reflection |
MESSENGER I crave your highness pardon. | MESSENGER I beg your highness pardon. |
CLEOPATRA He is married? | CLEOPATRA Is he really married? |
MESSENGER Take no offense that I would not offend you. To punish me for what you make me do Seems much unequal. Hes married to Octavia. | MESSENGER Please dont be offended that I dont want to offend you any more. Its not fair to punish me for something you make me do. Hes married to Octavia. |
CLEOPATRA That art not what th art sure of! Get thee hence. The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome Are all too dear for me. Lie they upon thy hand And be undone by em! | CLEOPATRA Its too bad that Antonys fault should make you look like a jerk. You didnt have anything to do with it. Go away. The merchandise you bring from Rome is too expensive for me. Let it stay in your inventory until it bankrupts you. |
Exit MESSENGER | The MESSENGER exits. |
CHARMIAN Good your highness, patience. | CHARMIAN Be patient, your highness. |
CLEOPATRA 110 In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar. | CLEOPATRA When I have praised Antony, Ive disparaged Caesar. |
CHARMIAN Many times, madam. | CHARMIAN Many times, madam. |
CLEOPATRA I am paid for t now. Lead me from hence. I faint. O Iras, Charmian! Tis no matter. Go to the fellow, good Alexas. Bid him 115 Report the feature of Octavia: her years, Her inclination. Let him not leave out The color of her hair. Bring me word quickly. | CLEOPATRA Im being repaid for that now. Help me out of here. I feel faint. Oh, Iras, Charmian! It doesnt matter. Good Alexas, go ask that fellow to describe Octavia. How old is she? What kind of disposition does she have? Dont let him leave out the color of her hair. Bring me his answers quickly. |
Exit ALEXAS | ALEXAS exits. |
Let him forever go!Let him not, Charmian. Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon, Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian, But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber. | Let Antony be purged from my life foreverbut no, dont let him, Charmian. Even though half of him is like a GorgonThe Gorgons were mythical monsters whose gaze turned humans to stone |
Exeunt | They exit. |
Original Text | Modern Text |
Enter CLEOPATRA , CHARMIAN , IRAS , and ALEXAS | CLEOPATRA , CHARMIAN , IRAS , and ALEXAS enter. |
CLEOPATRA Give me some music. Music, moody food Of us that trade in love. | CLEOPATRA Play me some music. Music feeds the melancholy moods of us lovers. |
ALL The music, ho! | ALL Musicians, come in! |
Enter MARDIAN the eunuch | MADRIAN enters. |
CLEOPATRA Let it alone. Lets to billiards. Come, Charmian. | CLEOPATRA Never mind. Lets play billiards. Play with me, Charmian. |
CHARMIAN My arm is sore. Best play with Mardian. | CHARMIAN My arm is sore. Youll have a better game with Mardian. |
CLEOPATRA 5 As well a woman with an eunuch played As with a woman.Come, youll play with me, sir? | CLEOPATRA Playing with a eunuch is the same as playing with a woman. Will you play with me, sir? |
MARDIAN As well as I can, madam. | MARDIAN Ill do my best, madam. |
CLEOPATRA And when good will is showed, though t come too short, The actor may plead pardon. Ill none now. 10 Give me mine angle. Well to th river. There, My music playing far off, I will betray Tawny-finned fishes. My bended hook shall pierce Their slimy jaws, and as I draw them up Ill think them every one an Antony 15 And say, Aha! Youre caught. | CLEOPATRA When a person tries in good faith, even if he fails he cannot be blamed. I dont want to play now. Give me my fishing rod. Well go to the river. With my music playing in the background, Ill lure fish. My hook will go through their slimy jaws and as I pull them up Ill imagine each one is Antony. Ill say, Aha! I caught you! |
CHARMIAN Twas merry when You wagered on your angling, when your diver Did hang a salt fish on his hook, which he With fervency drew up. | CHARMIAN It was funny when you and Antony bet on who could catch the first fish. You had a diver put a salted fish on his hook. He was so excited as he hurried to pull it in! |
CLEOPATRA That timeOh, times! I laughed him out of patience, and that night 20 I laughed him into patience. And next morn, Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed, Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst I wore his sword Philippan. | CLEOPATRA That time? Oh, there were so many fun times. I would play some trick on him and laugh until he lost his patience. Then, that night, I would laugh with him while we made love until he was patient again. Then by nine in the morning I would have him so drunk I could dress him in my clothes while I wore the sword he used at the famous battle of Philippi. |
Enter a MESSENGER | A MESSENGER enters. |
Oh, from Italy! Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears, 25 That long time have been barren. | Oh! News from Italy! Cram your good news into my ears. Its been so long since Ive heard from him. |
MESSENGER Madam, madam | MESSENGER Madam, madam |
CLEOPATRA Antonios dead! If thou say so, villain, Thou killst thy mistress. But well and free, If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here My bluest veins to kissa hand that kings 30 Have lipped, and trembled kissing. | CLEOPATRA Antonys dead! If you say that, you bastard, youll kill your Queen. If you say hes healthy and free, Ill give you money and you may kiss my hand. Kings have trembled to kiss this hand. |
MESSENGER First, madam, he is well. | MESSENGER Let me say first, madam, that he is well. |
CLEOPATRA Why, theres more gold. But, sirrah, mark, we use To say the dead are well. Bring it to that, The gold I give thee will I melt and pour 35 Down thy ill-uttering throat. | CLEOPATRA Well then, heres more money for you. But you know, sirrah, we customarily say that the dead are well. If thats what you mean, Ill melt this gold and pour it down your throat that speaks these hateful words. |
MESSENGER Good madam, hear me. | MESSENGER Good madam, let me speak. |
CLEOPATRA Well, go to, I will. But theres no goodness in thy faceif Antony Be free and healthful, so tart a favor 40 To trumpet such good tidings! If not well, Thou shouldst come like a Fury crowned with snakes, Not like a formal man. | CLEOPATRA All right, I will. But you dont look as if you bring good news. If Antony is free and healthy, you shouldnt wear such a sour face while bringing such good news. If hes not well, you should arrive like a FuryThe Furies were mythological figures who punished those who broke either natural or moral laws |
MESSENGER Will t please you hear me? | MESSENGER Do you want to hear my news? |
CLEOPATRA I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speakst. Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well, 45 Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him, Ill set thee in a shower of gold and hail Rich pearls upon thee. | CLEOPATRA I have half a mind to hit you before you speak again. But if Antony is alive, healthy, friendly with Caesar, and not Caesars prisoner, Ill shower you with gold and pearls. |
MESSENGER Madam, hes well. | MESSENGER Madam, hes well. |
CLEOPATRA Well said. | CLEOPATRA Thats well spoken. |
MESSENGER And friends with Caesar. | MESSENGER And hes friendly with Caesar. |
CLEOPATRA Th art an honest man. | CLEOPATRA You are an honest man. |
MESSENGER Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. | MESSENGER Caesar and he are better friends than ever. |
CLEOPATRA 50 Make thee a fortune from me. | CLEOPATRA Im going to make you a rich man. |
MESSENGER But yet, madam | MESSENGER But yet, madam |
CLEOPATRA I do not like But yet. It does allay The good precedence. Fie upon But yet. But yet is as a jailer to bring forth Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend, 55 Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear, The good and bad together. Hes friends with Caesar, In state of health, thou sayst, and, thou sayst, free. | CLEOPATRA I dont like the sound of but yet. It reverses all the good that came before it. Damn those words, but yet! But yet is like a jailer about to bring out some horrible criminal. Please, my friend, give me all the news, both good and bad, at the same time. You say hes friendly with Caesar, healthy, and free. |
MESSENGER Free, madam, no. I made no such report. Hes bound unto Octavia. | MESSENGER I didnt say free, madam. No, I didnt say that. Hes bound to Octavia. |
CLEOPATRA For what good turn? | CLEOPATRA For what favor? |
MESSENGER 60 For the best turn i th bed. | MESSENGER For the favor of sleeping in her bed. |
CLEOPATRA I am pale, Charmian. | CLEOPATRA Im sick, Charmian. |
MESSENGER Madam, hes married to Octavia. | MESSENGER Hes married to Octavia, madam. |
CLEOPATRA The most infectious pestilence upon thee! | CLEOPATRA May you die of the worst disease! |
Strikes him down | She knocks him down. |
MESSENGER Good madam, patience. | MESSENGER Good madam, be patient. |
CLEOPATRA What say you? | CLEOPATRA What did you say to me? |
Strikes him | She hits him again. |
Like balls before me! Ill unhair thy head! | Get out, you horrible bastard, or Ill gouge out your eyes. Ill scalp you. |
She hales him up and down | She drags him across the stage. |
Thou shalt be whipped with wire and stewed in brine, Smarting in lingring pickle! | Ill have you whipped with wire and soaked in brine like a pickle, making your pain linger. |
MESSENGER Gracious madam, I that do bring the news made not the match. | MESSENGER Gracious madam, I only brought the news. I didnt make the match. |
CLEOPATRA 70 Say tis not so, a province I will give thee And make thy fortunes proud. The blow thou hadst Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage, And I will boot thee with what gift beside Thy modesty can beg. | CLEOPATRA If you say it isnt true, Ill give you a province and make you rich. The blows I gave you already will make up for your upsetting me. And on top of that Ill give you whatever you ask for. |
MESSENGER Hes married, madam. | MESSENGER Hes married, madam. |
CLEOPATRA 75 Rogue, thou hast lived too long. | CLEOPATRA Rogue, youve lived too long! |
Draws a knife | She draws a knife. |
MESSENGER Nay then, Ill run. What mean you, madam? I have made no fault. | MESSENGER No way, then, Ill run. Whats the matter with you, madam? I havent done anything to you. |
Exit | The MESSENGER exits. |
CHARMIAN Good madam, keep yourself within yourself. The man is innocent. | CHARMIAN Good madam, restrain yourself. The man hasnt done anything wrong. |
CLEOPATRA Some innocents scape not the thunderbolt. 80 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! | CLEOPATRA Even innocents cannot always escape disaster. May Egypt drown in the Nile and all good creatures turn into poisonous snakes. Call that servant back. Even though Im mad, I wont bite him. Call him! |
CHARMIAN He is afeard to come. | CHARMIAN Hes afraid to come in. |
CLEOPATRA I will not hurt him. These hands do lack nobility that they strike 85 A meaner than myself, since I myself Have given myself the cause. | CLEOPATRA I wont hurt him. My hands are tainted if they hit an inferior, especially since I myself am the cause of my own distress. |
Enter the MESSENGER again | The MESSENGER returns. |
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 90 Themselves when they be felt. | Come here, sir. It may be honest, but its never wise to bring bad news. You can give good news in many ways, but let bad news interpret itself as you tell it. |
MESSENGER I have done my duty. | MESSENGER Ive only done my duty. |
CLEOPATRA Is he married? I cannot hate thee worser than I do If thou again say yes. | CLEOPATRA Is he married? I cant hate you any more than I already do if you repeat that he is. |
MESSENGER Hes married, madam. | MESSENGER Hes married, madam. |
CLEOPATRA | CLEOPATRA May the gods destroy you! Do you maintain the same story? |
MESSENGER Should I lie, madam? | MESSENGER Do you want me to lie, madam? |
CLEOPATRA Oh, I would thou didst, So half my Egypt were submerged and made A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence. Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me | CLEOPATRA Oh, I wish you had lied, even if it meant half my kingdom would be submerged and filled with snakes. Go, get out! Even if you were as handsome as Narcissusmythical boy who was so beautiful that he drowned himself while trying to embrace his own reflection |
MESSENGER I crave your highness pardon. | MESSENGER I beg your highness pardon. |
CLEOPATRA He is married? | CLEOPATRA Is he really married? |
MESSENGER Take no offense that I would not offend you. To punish me for what you make me do Seems much unequal. Hes married to Octavia. | MESSENGER Please dont be offended that I dont want to offend you any more. Its not fair to punish me for something you make me do. Hes married to Octavia. |
CLEOPATRA That art not what th art sure of! Get thee hence. The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome Are all too dear for me. Lie they upon thy hand And be undone by em! | CLEOPATRA Its too bad that Antonys fault should make you look like a jerk. You didnt have anything to do with it. Go away. The merchandise you bring from Rome is too expensive for me. Let it stay in your inventory until it bankrupts you. |
Exit MESSENGER | The MESSENGER exits. |
CHARMIAN Good your highness, patience. | CHARMIAN Be patient, your highness. |
CLEOPATRA 110 In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar. | CLEOPATRA When I have praised Antony, Ive disparaged Caesar. |
CHARMIAN Many times, madam. | CHARMIAN Many times, madam. |
CLEOPATRA I am paid for t now. Lead me from hence. I faint. O Iras, Charmian! Tis no matter. Go to the fellow, good Alexas. Bid him 115 Report the feature of Octavia: her years, Her inclination. Let him not leave out The color of her hair. Bring me word quickly. | CLEOPATRA Im being repaid for that now. Help me out of here. I feel faint. Oh, Iras, Charmian! It doesnt matter. Good Alexas, go ask that fellow to describe Octavia. How old is she? What kind of disposition does she have? Dont let him leave out the color of her hair. Bring me his answers quickly. |
Exit ALEXAS | ALEXAS exits. |
Let him forever go!Let him not, Charmian. Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon, Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian, But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber. | Let Antony be purged from my life foreverbut no, dont let him, Charmian. Even though half of him is like a GorgonThe Gorgons were mythical monsters whose gaze turned humans to stone |
Exeunt | They exit. |
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