Page 8
Scene the Third.
Ptolomey, Cleopatra, Photinus.
Cleop.
Pompey's arriv'd, Sir, shall he come alone?
Ptolom.
Achillas and Septimius both are gone
To wait upon him hither.
Cleop.
Are they two
Enough for him?
Ptolom.
Why, Sister, you may go.
Cleop.
Were it too much, had you in Person gone?
Ptolom.
Yes, I must keep the honour of the Throne?
Cleop.
Remember, Sir, who plac'd you there, and bow
To that Great man to whom you so much owe.
Ptolom.
Yes, your Great man's deserted and o'rethrown,
Cleop.
Still he is Pompey and gave you the Crown.
Ptolom.
'Tis Pompey's Ghost which has oblig'd the Ghost
Of our Dead father, let him go and boast
Those merits past upon his Monument,
Thither perhaps e're long he may be sent.
Cleop.
Pompey a Ghost! and sent unto a Grave!
Is this the welcome he deserves to have?
Ptolom.
'Tis what the Gods inspired us to do,
And what the Kingdoms good compell'd us to.
Cleop.
Photin, and such mean Counsellours I fear
Have with base Counsel poysoned your Ear.
Photin.
The counsel, Madam, we must all avow,
Cleop.
Peace, till I stoop to mingle words with you.
Ptolom.
She is my Sister, let her humour sway,
For your known Innocence there needs no plea.
Cleop.
Sir, Let that horrid Sentence be recall'd
If not too late, nor longer be enthrall'd
To these low Slaves, but such advice imbrace
As Heav'n suggests to those of our high Race.
Ptolom.
Swell'd with the hopes of Pompey's friendship, you
Speak like a Queen, and think to make us bow