JOHN DRYDEN

ALL FOR LOVE, Act iii

Antony: To clear her self,

For sending him no Aid, she came from Egypt.

Her Gally down the Silver Cydnos rowd,

The tackling Silk, the Streamers wavd with Gold,

The genlt Winds were lodgd in Purple Sails:

Her Nymphs, like Nereid, round her Couch, were placd;

Where she, another Sea-born Venus, lay.

Dollabella: No more: I would not hear it.

Antony: O, you must!

She lay, and leant her Cheek upon her Hand,

And cast a Look so languishingly sweet,

As if, secure of all Beholders Hearts,

Neglecting she could take em: Boys, like Cupids,

Stood fanning, with their painted Wings, the Winds

That plaid about her Face: But if she smild,

A darting Glory seemd to blaze abroad:

That Mens desiring Eyes were never wearyd

But hung upon the Object: to soft Flutes

The Silver Oars kept Time; and while they plaid,

The Hearing gave new Pleasure to the Sight;

And both to Thought: twas Heavn or somewhat more;

For she so charmd all Hearts, that gazing Crowds

Stood panting on the shore, and wanted Breath

To give their welcome Voice.

II.

Antony: Oh, Dollabella, which way shall I turn?

I find a secret yielding in my Soul;

But Cleopatra, who would die with me,

 Must she be left? Pity pleads for Octavia

But does it not plead more for Cleopatra?

[Here the Children go to him, etc.]

Ventidius: Was ever sight so moving! Emperor!

Dollabella: Friend!

Octavia: Husband!

Both Children: Father!

Antony: I am vanquished: take me,

Octavia; take me, Children; share me all.

[Embracing them.]