Giulio Cesare in Egitto (1724)

An opera seria in three acts, George Frideric Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto was composed in 1724 for the Royal Academy of Music and first performed on 20 February at the King’s Theatre in Haymarket.  Supported by sensational singing by the castrato Senesino in the title role and the soprano Francesca Cuzzoni as Cleopatra, Handel’s opera was an instant success and was frequently revived throughout the century.  It remains one of Handel’s most frequently performed Italian operas.  Handel was born in Halle in the Duchy of Magdeburg and after early successes in both Germany and Florence, he moved permanently to London where he quickly found a patron in the future George I.  As court composer for George I and George II, Handel was responsible for an astonishing amount of church music and music for public occasions, but his reputation was sealed by his mastery of Italian opera and his numerous English oratorios.   Giulio Cesare is an example of Handel at the height of his operatic powers.  The libretto was written by Nicholas Haym although the story of Caesar and Cleopatra would be well known to the audience.  Handel’s music brings out the intense dramatic potential nascent in Haym’s libretto.  It is difficult to overemphasize Handel’s achievement not only in this opera, but in opera and oratorio more generally.  For eighteenth-century theatre-goers able to afford the opera, Handel’s operas would rival Shakespearean theatre in aesthetic value.  Embraced as an English icon, the Commemoration of Handel 25 years after his death in 1784 was a major national event.

The document transcribed below is typical of what London audiences would have purchased sometime prior to attending the performance.  It is printed with Italian text on the right-hand page and an English translation on the left.  The playbook is preceded by a synopsis, here called “The Argument”, that appears first in English and then in Italian.  For the first three scenes of Act I, the transcription below intercuts English and Italian versions of the scenes.  After I.iii, the Italian has been removed. 
For the full Italian libretto see http://opera.stanford.edu/iu/libretti/giulioces.htm
For a full video of the Metropolitan Opera's presentation of a famous production first mounted at the Glyndebourne Festival see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIvWKkJaQcs

 

 

Giulio Cesare

In Egitto

Drama

Da Rappresentarsi

Nel Regio Teatro

Di Hay-Market,

Per

La Reale Accademia di Musica

 

In Londra:

Per Tomaso Wood nella Piccola Bretagna

MDCCXXIV.

 

The Argument

Julius Cæsar dictator, having subdued the Gauls, and not being able thro’ the interest of Curius a tribune to obtain the consulship, carried so far his resentment to the subversion of the Latine liberty, that he shew’d himself more like an enemy than a citizen of Rome. The senate being apprehensive of his growing power, in order to check it, sent the Great Pompey against him with a numerous army, which was defeated by Cæsar in the Pharsalian Fields. Pompey after this rout, remembering the good services he had done to the house of Ptolomey, thought it best to shelter himself there with Cornelia his wife, and his son Sestus; in the very time that Cleopatra and Ptolomey (the young ambitious and licentious king) forgetting their affinity of blood, were like inveterate foes, arm’d against each other in contention for the crown. Cicero was made prisoner, the good Cato kill’d himself in Utica, and Scipio with the poor remains of the Roman legions wandered fugitive in Arabia. Cæsar being sensible, that nothing but the entire destruction of Pompey could establish him Emperor of Rome, pursued him even into Egypt. Ptolomey naturally cruel and void of honour, in hopes to ingratiate himself with Cæsar, and procure his assistance against Cleopatra, presented him with the head of Pompey, whom he had murdered at the instigation of Achilla. Cæsar wept at the horrid sight, taxing Ptolomey of treachery and barbarity; who not long after, at the insinuation of the same wicked counsellor, infringing upon the sacred laws of hospitality, attempted privately to take away his life; which Cæsar narrowly escap’d by throwing himself from the palace into the water, where he saved himself by swimming; upon this, arm’d with fury and resentment, he turn’d his forces against the bloody tyrant, who was soon after kill’d in the heat of battle. Cæsar falling in love with Cleopatra, plac’d her upon the throne of Egypt, he being at that time master of the world, and first Emperor of Rome.

These facts are taken from the comment of Cæsar, lib. 3 & 4. Dion. lib. xiij. Plut. in the Life of Pompey andCæsar; which authors affirm, that Ptolomey was vanquish’d by Cæsar, and slain in battle; but how, was uncertain.

Whereupon it was thought necessary in the present drama to make Sestus the instrument of Ptolomey’s death in revenge for his father’s murder, varying from history only in circumstances of action.

 

Dramatis Personæ

Julius Cæsar, First Emperor of the Romans                            Signor Senesino

Curius, Tribune of Rome

Cornelia, Wife to Pompey                                                      Mrs. Robinson

Sestus, Son to Pompey and Cornelia                                      Signora Durastanti

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt                                                     Signora Cuzzoni

Ptolomey, King of Egypt and Brother to Cleopatra                Signor Berenstadt

Achilla, General and Counsellor to Ptolomey                         Signor Boschi

Nirenus, Friend to Ptolomey and Cleopatra                           Signor Bigonsi

 

I.i

A plain in Egypt, with an old bridge over a branch of the Nile. Cæsar and Curius passing over the bridge with attendants.

Chorus of Egyptians. Live Great Alcides, let Nile rejoice this happy day:
Each shore appears to smile,
Our troubles vanish,
And our joys return.

Cæsar. Let Egypt’s laurels wreath the conqueror’s brows.
Curius: Cæsar no sooner came, but saw and conquer’d: Pompey now subdu’d, in vain endeavours to support himself, by joining with the King of Egypt.

Curius. You timely interpos’d to cross his purpose; but who comes toward us?

 

I.i

Campagna d’ Egitto con antico ponte sopra un ramo del Nilo. Cesare e Curio, che passano il ponte con seguito.

Coro di Egizzi. Viva viva il nostro Alcide,
     Goda il Nilo in questo dì.
     Ogni spiaggia per lui ride,
     Ogni affanno già sparì.

Cesare. Presti omai l’Egizzia terra
     Le sue palme al vincitor.
     Curio Cesare venne, e vide, e vinse:
Già sconfitto Pompeo, invan ricorre
Per rinsorzar de’ suoi Guerrier lo stuolo
D’ Egitto al Re.

Curio. Tu quì signor giungesti
     A tempo appunto a prevenir le trame:
     Ma! Chi ver noi sen’ viene?

 

I.ii

Cornelia, Sestus, and the abovesaid.

Cæsar. Behold Cornelia—

Curius. Heavens! The wife of the Great Pompey our adversary? To her, Great Cæsar, once I sacrificed my liberty.

Cornelia. Dread Sir, Rome submits. The Gods have this day divided their dominion and empire with you, and ’tis their decree that Jupiter sway the Heavens, and you the Earth.

Cæsar. What wou’d Cornelia, th’illustrious Scipio’s daughter, ask of Cæsar?

Cornelia. I sue for peace.

Sestus. Set bounds to your victorious arms, and give peace to Rome.

Cæsar. ’Tis the prerogative of heroic virtue to pardon offences: let Pompey come, and I will embrace him with open arms; the rage of war shall cease, and the conqueror o’ercome by the vanquish’d.

 

I.ii

Cornelia, Sesto, e detti.

Cesare. Questa è Cornelia.

Curio. O Sorte!
     Del nemico Pompeo l’alta consorte?
     Cesare: a questo un tempo
     Sacrai la libertate.

Cornelia. Signor: Roma è già tua. Teco han gli dei
     Oggi diviso il regno; ed è lor legge
     Che del grand’ orbe al pondo
     Giove regoli il Ciel, Cesare il Mondo.

Cesare. Da Cesare che chiedi,
     Gran germe de’ Scipioni alta Cornelia?

Cornelia. Dà pace all’ armi.

Sesto. Dona.
     L’asta al tempio, ozio al fianco, ozio alla destra.

Cesare. Virtù de’ grandi è il perdonar l’ offese:
     Venga Pompeo, Cesare abbracci; e resti
     L’ardor di marte estinto:
     Sia vincitor del vincitor il vinto.

 

I.iii

Achilla with a train of Egyptians.

Achilla. Illustrious heroe, Ptolomey offers you his palace for your residence, and as a present, all that a tributary crown can give.

Cæsar. Cæsar gratefully accepts what royal Ptolomey offers.

Achilla. That Italy may learn to obey and revere you, as a pledge of inviolable friendship and fidelity, he presents you with the haughty head of the Great Pompey, and offers it at your feet, as the basis of your future empire.

[One of the Egyptians uncovers a salver, upon which is the head of Pompey.

Cæsar. What’s this I see?

Sestus. Gods! What do I behold!

Cornelia. Unhappy me! My husband! My treasure!

Curius. Intolerable boldness!

Cornelia. Ptolomey, thou cruel barbarous traitor! I faint, I dye— [Cornelia faints.

Cæsar. Help, Curius, Cornelia swoons.

Curius. Oh cruel stars! My love expiring!

Achilla. [Aside] Is this Cornelia? What Beauty! What Grace!

Sestus. Unhappy Pompey! Wretched Cornelia! Oh Gods!

Cæsar. Preserve with care the noble head, to give it a magnificent urn, worthy its illustrious ashes.

Achilla. Oh Gods.

Cæsar. Be gone, depart instantly, and tell your master, that the actions of kings, whether vertuous or vicious, are always examples to the latest posterity.

Sestus. He is no king, who is base and treacherous.

Achilla. Cæsar, moderate your anger—

Cæsar. Hence, before the sun is sett, I’ll be at the palace.
     There I’ll reproach the barbarous act,
     And bid him fly my sight:
     The prince, whose soul is void
     Of pity and compassion,
     Deserves not to hold the reins of
Empire.

 

I.iii

Achilla constuolo d’ Egizzi che portano aurie bacilli e detti.

Achilla. La Reggia, Tolomeo, t’ offre in albergo,
     Eccelso eroe, per tuo riposo; e in dono
     Quanto può dare un tributario trono.

Cesare. Ciò che di Tolomeo
     Offre l’alma regal Cesare aggrada.

Achilla. Acciò’ I’ Italia ad adorarti impari
     In pegno d’ amistade, e di tua fede
     Questa del gran Pompeo superba testa
     Di base al regal trono offre al tuo piede.

[Uno degl’ Egizzi suela il bacile, sopra il quale stà il capo tronco di Pompeo.

Cesare. Guilio che miri?

Sesto. Oh Dio! Che veggio?

Cornelia. Ahi lassa!
     Consorte! Mio tesoro!

Curio. Grand’ ardir!

Cornelia. Tolomeo
     Barbaro tradito! Io manco, io moro. [Si sviene.

Cesare. Curio: su porgi aita
     A Cornelia, che langue. [Cesare piange.

Curio. Che scorgo? O stelle! Il mio bel sole esangue?

Achilla. [Da sé] Questa è Cornelia? O che beltà! Che volto!

Sesto. Padre! Pompeo! Mia genitrice! Oh Dio!

Cesare. Per dar urna sublime
     Al suo cenere illustre,
     Serbato sia sì nobil teschio.

Achilla. Oh Dei!

Cesare. E tu involati, parti. Al tuo Signore
     Di, che l’ opre de’ regi,
     Sian di bene, o di mal, son sempre esempio.

Sesto. Che non è re, chiè re fellon, chi è un empio.

Achilla. Cesare: frena I’ ire—

Cesare. Vanne: verrò alla reggia.
     Pria che oggi il sole a tramontar si veggie.
     Empio, dirò, tu sei,
Togliti a gli occhi miei,
Sei tutto crudeltà.
Non è di Re quel core,
Che donasi al rigore,
Che in sen non hà pietà.
Empio, &c. [Parte.

 

I.iv

Curius, Sestus, and Cornelia.

Curius. She revives.

Sestus. Madam?

Curius. Cornelia?

Cornelia. Heavens! Do I yet survive? But see this sword shall put a period to my life.

[She endeavours to snatch from Sestus his sword, in order to kill herself, but is prevented by Curius.

Curius. Hold; in vain you attempt to wound that snowy breast; Curius who still adores you to excess, and wishes no other happiness than your regard, if you’ll vouchsafe to smile on his endeavours, will keep his sword unsheath’d, and never rest his arm, till he has reveng’d your quarrel.

Cornelia. Your wife?

Curius. Yes.

Cornelia. No more; be silent.

Sestus. Dare you, the enemy of Pompey, be so presumptuously bold?

Curius. But, cruel Cornelia, if your obdurate heart reject my suit, I’ll fly your sight, and to prevent all further uneasiness, will ever more forbear a declaration of my passion.

Sestus. Madam?

Cornelia. My son?

Sestus. What shall we do amidst the imperial squadrons, you without a husband, I without a parent?

Cornelia. In vain, alas! Depriv’d of comfort,
I hope relief from death,
     My heart, oppress’d with sorrow, pants with painful
     Weight, yet I am deny’d the quiet of the grave.
In vain, &c.                                                             [Exit.

Sestus. Complaints are vain, ’tis time now to revenge my father’s murder; let my injuries rouze my soul to vengeance.
     Arise, ye furies of an inur’d soul,
     And spur me on to take revenge
     Of a cruel traytor.
     My father’s shade hastes to defend me,
     And bids me exert my utmost vigour.
     Arise ye, &c.                                                                       [Exit.

 

I.v.

A cabinet. Cleopatra with attendants, Nirenus, and then Ptolomey with Guards.

Cleopatra. Let Cleopatra reign, and all the people of Syria and Arabia crowd to pay her homage. Let them who have zeal and courage to place me on the throne, swear eternal loyalty and allegiance.

[Enter Nirenus.

Nirenus. Forgive, Great Queen, my being the bearer of most tragical events.

Cleopatra. What are they? Why do you delay?

Nirenus. The cruel Ptolomey by his command has cut off the head—

Cleopatra. Ah me! Of whom?

Nirenus. Of the Great Pompey.

Cleopatra. Oh stars! What do I hear?

Nirenus. To secure himself the throne, among his other gifts he sent to Cæsar—

Cleopatra. What sent he?

Nirenus. The illustrious head.

Cleopatra. Haste away, my faithful companions, and do you remain: I am resolv’d to go to Cæsar’s tent, and thou, Nirenus, shall be my guard.

Nirenus. What will Ptolomey say?

Cleopatra. Fear not, with my looks I shall oblige Cæsar, more than he did with the head of Pompey. In vain he aspires to reign; he is my brother, and I the Queen.

[Enter Ptolomey.

Ptolomey. You haughty woman pretend to reign?

Cleopatra. I contend for what is mine, and justly claim the crown.

Ptolomey. Go, and concern yourself with such affairs as are proper to your sex.

Cleopatra. Do you rather, like a young effeminate lover, instead of aspiring to a kingdom, cultivate your amours.
     Do not despair; who knows,
     Though you are unfortunate in empire,
     You may succeed in love,
     And find enough in beauty, to cure
     All the ambition of your aspiring soul.
     Do not, &c.                                                                         [Exit.

 

I.vi

Ptolomey and Achilla.

Achilla. Sir.

Ptolomey. How did Cæsar receive the head of Pompey?

Achilla. He abhorr’d the action.

Ptolomey. What is it you tell me!

Achilla. He tax’d you with cruelty, and term’d it rashness.

Ptolomey. Dare a vile Roman presume so far?

Achilla. If I may venture, Sir, to give advice, Cæsar will shortly come to Court; there, as Pompey did, so let him fall a victim to your wrath.

Ptolomey. Your council I approve; but who shall execute the great design?

Achilla. I am the man shall bring him dead before your royal feet, if in return you’ll give me the wife of Pompey to my arms.

Ptolomey. Is she so fair?

Achilla. Her beauty long has captivated my heart.

Ptolomey. My faithful friend shall be my guide; go, and contrive the way to prosper, then return. Cæsar shall dye, and his proud head [Exit Achilla] support my feet. Rome freed from his oppression shall revive, and I by his destruction more securely reign.
     While he’s alive, he’ll still attempt
     To rob me of my kingdom
     And disturb my peace:
     But rather let him perish by the sword,
     Then I depriv’d of rest
     By his ambition.

 

I.vii

Cæsar’s camp, with an urn in the middle, wherein the ashes of Pompey’s head are inclos’d upon an eminent pile of trophies,

Cæsar. Great soul of Pompey, who with solemn pace,
     Invisibly stalk’t round thy peaceful ashes.
     Thy glittering trophies, and all thy pomp of greatness
     Were but vain shadows, like what thou art at present.
     Here ends the vanity of humane greatness;
     He who but yesterday
     Stretch’d o’er the world his victorious arms,
     Now turn’d to dust,
     The narrow limits of an urn contains;
     We all, alas! derive our source from Earth,
     To which we soon return. Unhappy life!
     How frail is thy condition!
     A breath gives being to thy feeble state;
     Which soon or late a blast destroys.

[Enter Curius.

Curius. A noble lady desires admittance to the illustrious Cæsar.

Cæsar. Let her enter.

[Enter Cleopatra with attendants.

Cleopatra. Great Sir, I am one of those who wait on Cleopatra; my name is Lydia; to one of Egypt’s noblest stems I owe my birth; but cruel Ptolomey usurps my fortune.

Cæsar. [Aside] What beauty enters in her lovely face! [To her] Can Ptolomey be so unjust a tyrant?

Curious. [Aside] Since the perverse Cornelia slights my passion, I’ll drive her from my heart, and place my love on Lydia.

Cleopatra. [Kneels before Cæsar, and weeps.] Before the Gods, triumphant Rome, and Cæsar, with tears the afflicted Lydia sues for justice.

Cæsar. [Aside] Gods! How she charms me! [Raises Cleopatra.] Unhappy maid: e’er long I’ll be at Court, and there I’ll use my utmost power to restore your fortune, [aside] what majesty and grace!

Curius. [Aside] How divinely fair!

Cleopatra. Great Sir, your favours captivate my soul.

Cæsar. Your beauty equally enslaves the heart.
     In all the bloom of spring,
     No flower can boast the beauty you possess;
     Each has indeed its own peculiar charm,
     But all the graces join to make you perfect.
     In all &c.                                                                             [Exit.

Nirenus. Great Queen, you’ve conquer’d, already you possess the heart of Cæsar, whose will in blind subjection bends to yours.

Cleopatra. Let Ptolomey by all his wicked arts attempt to gain the crown, love shall by sure means restore me to my right.
     Beauty can whate’er it please obtain,
     With amorous words, and tender looks,
     Each stroke enslaves the unwary heart,
     When given by one,       
     That knows the art to please.

[Cleopatra going to withdraw, is hinder’d by Nirenus.

Nirenus. Stay Cleopatra, observe who ’tis, that thus with swoln eyes, and melancholy steps, approaches.

Cleopatra. Her air and mein bespeak her nobly born. Aside we’ll learn the subject of her grief.

[They retire.

 

I.viii

Cornelia, and then Sestus.

Cornelia. Within thy bosom, friendly urn, my treasure lies conceal’d—But what! Shall the great Pompey’s wife lie tamely still, and be despis’d?

Cleopatra. [Aside] Is this the fam’d Cornelia, Pompey’s wife?

Cornelia. Ah no! Among these arms I’ll chuse the sharpest sword,
And rush with fury on the bloody traitor, against his court I’ll—

[Cornelia snatches a sword from the trophy, upon which Sestus enters.

Sestus. Hold, Madam; what are you going to do?

Cornelia. Off! Let go my sword, I’ll satisfy my vengeance on the bloody tyrant that robs me of my husband.

Sestus. Sestus alone must execute that vengeance [takes the sword from Cornelia.

Cornelia. O charming sound! Has Sestus then, as yet unripe in years, so great a heart?

Sestus. I should debase the blood from whence I sprang, were I not heir to Pompey’s noble soul.

Cornelia. Courage, my son, I’ll boldy follow in so just a cause.

Sestus. But [aside] oh ye Gods! [To Cornelia] who will conduct us to the perfidious traytor?

[Cleopatra enters unexpectedly.

Cleopatra. Cleopatra.

Nirenus. Hold, Madam, discover not yourself so soon.

Cleopatra. Lydia shall be your shield, and lead the way to kill the tyrant.

Cornelia. What wrongs can urge you, to offer your assistance.

Cleopatra. Justice, and the oppression of a wicked king; my name is Lydia, and I serve Cleopatra. If she by your assistance, mount the throne, you’ll then be happy, and know me better.

Cornelia. Who shall be our guide?

Cleopatra. [Pointing to Nirenus] This man who is a faithful servant to the Queen, will carefully conduct you in the great design.

Sestus. He that wou’d not revenge a father’s murder deserves not to be call’d a son! Haste, give me arms, and let me pierce the Egyptian tyrant to the Earth.
Dearest hope, you now begin
To sooth my troubled breast.
And heaven at length propitious seems
The injured to retrieve.
Dearest, &c.                                                                                   [Exit.

 

[Exeunt Cornelia, Sestus, and Nirenus.

Cleopatra. In vain my brother thinks himself secure,
Already I’ve fomented Cæsar’s wrath,
And stirr’d the just complaints of Sestus and Cornelia.
If he attempts to sway the Egyptian sceptre,
Most certain ruin must attend him.
     A pleasing hope shall urge me on,
And crown my wishes with success.
My constant heart undaunted shall remain,
And mighty love its power make known.
A pleasing, &c.                                                                         [Exit.

 

I.ix

A court in Ptolomey’s palace. Cæsar follow’d by Romans, Ptolomey and Achilla by Egyptians.

Ptolomey. Fortune, Great Cæsar, throws beneath your feet, the sceptre of the Earth, and bids you rule.

Cæsar. How shall I thank the mighty Ptolomey for such favour? The rising sun appears not with more lustre in Heavens, than Ptolomey on Earth. But remember! The least unworthy act, obscures the greatest glory.

Achilla. [To Ptolomey] Mark! Even in your royal presence he upbraids you.

Ptolomey. [Aside] Audacious Roman!

Cæsar. [Aside] I see he understands me.

Ptolomey. Those who attend, will straight conduct you to the royal apartments prepared for your reception. [Aside] He little dreams how near he is to ruin.

Cæsar. [Aside] I read dissembled treachery in his face.
     As crafty huntsmen, in pursuit of prey,
     Unseen, and hush’d in silence, stalk along:
     So those whom malice prompts to base designs,
     Conceal from every eye, their dark intent.
     As, &c.

 

I.x

Cornelia, Sestus, Ptolomey and Achilla.

Achilla. Cornelia, Sir, approaches with her son.

Ptolomey. [Aside] Oh mighty love! How charming she appears!

Cornelia. Ungrateful wretch, thus in the face of Rome, to shed Great Pompey’s blood, who fix’d the diadem on your father’s head?

Sestus. Perfidious regicide, I dare you to a single fight, and with my sword will show the world, how you debase the sacred name of king.

Ptolomey. Guards there, secure these sawcy Romans.

Achilla. Forgive, Great Sir, their blind mistaken rage.

Ptolomey. [To the guards] Let it suffice, this hot imperious youth, be close confined within my palace. But she who haughtily denied the due respect to majesty, for her reward shall cultivate the plants, within the garden of our seraglio. [To Achilla] For you I thus secure the idol of your soul.

Achilla. My gratitude can never be expressed.

Ptolomey. [Aside] How easily he swallows the deceit. [Exit.

 

I.xi

Cornelia, Sestus, and Achilla.

Achilla. Divine Cornelia,
Your eyes have made a conquest of my heart;
If you’ll admit my love, and be my bride,
You and your son shall instantly be freed.

Cornelia. Provoking thought! Shall a brave Roman wed a mean Egyptian?

Sestus. Tortures and death shall rather be preferred.

Achilla. By Ptolomey’s command let the imperious youth, be strait convey’d a prisoner to the palace.

Cornelia. I’ll follow thee, my dearest son, where-e’er thou goest.

Achilla. No, Madam, do you continue here, and expect on fond compliance to your wishes, unless your stubborn heart relent.
     It’s you alone can ease my troubled breast,
     And put a happy period to my grief:
     Cease then your cold distain, I ask no more,
     And make me happy by a kind return.
     It’s you, &c.

Sestus. Unhappy Mother!

Cornelia. My life! My dearest Sestus!

Sestus. Adieu.

[The guards leading away Sestus, Cornelia stops him.

Cornelia. Where, where, ye cruel men, wou’d ye convey the darling of my soul? At least permit us to take our last farewell. Ah! Killing thought!

Cornelia and Sestus. Inured to grief, I’ll never cease
To mourn my wretched fate:
     Since Heaven no pity will afford,
     ’Tis vain to expect a happy day.
     Inured, &c.

 

II.i

A garden of cedars, with prospect of Mount Parnassus, on which is seated the Palace of Virtue. Cleopatra and Nirenus.

Cleopatra. Have you perform’d, Nirenus, what I ordered?

Nirenus. I have exactly follow’d your commands.

Cleopatra. Is Cæsar come to Court?

Nirenus. He is, Madam, and now is moving towards us.

Cleopatra. But tell me, is all in readiness for our design?

Nirenus. The lofty palace towers amidst the clouds. But what is your intent?

Cleopatra. Love has suggested a most extravagant thought; I have determined (in disguise) to captivate his heart, who already has possession of my own.

Nirenus. Will you then discover yourself to him?

Cleopatra. ’Tis not yet proper.

Nirenus. And what am I to do?

Cleopatra. Here at a distance wait till Cæsar come; then conduct him to this palace, next to my own apartment; tell him that Lydia expects him before the sun is set, to reveal a secret of importance, as yet unknown to him, relating to the King. [Exit.

 

II.ii

Nirenus, and afterwards Cæsar.

Nirenus. Let all th’assiduous followers of love, from Cleopatra learn deceit and fraud.

Cæsar. Tell me, Nirenus, where’s the charming Lydia?

Nirenus. Great Sir, she’ll instantly be here.

Cæsar. Hark!

[A symphony of various instruments.

Nirenus. What can this mean?

Cæsar. Heavens! What delightful sounds enchant my ears.

Nirenus. Such harmony has power to move a statue.

[Parnassus opens, Virtue appears setting on a throne, attended by the Nine Muses.

Cæsar. Gods! What do I behold? When did the deities descend on Earth, with such transcendent glory?

Cleopatra. Your charming eyes my ravish’d soul adores,
The thrilling pain my heart with pleasure bears;
     When you with pity look, my sorrows cease;
     For you alone can heal the wounds you gave.

Cæsar. Such melody as this the mighty Jove himself, enjoys not in all his circle of delight.

Cleopatra. Your charming, &c.

Cæsar. Swift let me fly to embrace the sweet enchantment. [While Cæsar runs towards Cleopatra, Parnassus shuts, and the scene is as before.] Ha! Do the envious Gods debar my happiness.

Nirenus. Did you observe? What think you now of Lydia?

Cæsar. Has Lydia then such art sue? Too sure, alas, I find her voice enchants my soul, her eyes inslave my heart.

Nirenus. If love has inflamed you, despair not of success: Lydia with courtesy expects you in her apartment.

Cæsar. Does Lydia desire to see me?

Nirenus. She waits your coming, and will introduce you to Cleopatra.

Cæsar. Lead me quickly to my charmer and ease my pain.
     As in a shady grove the nightingale conceal’d
     Her rural song the more delight affords;
     So when fair Lydia’s warbling notes are heard,
     Her charms prevail, and every heart submits.

II.iii

A garden belonging to the seraglio, to which corresponds that of the wild beasts. Cornelia, and then Achilla.

Cornelia. Weep on, my mournful eyes, for hope is fled.

Achilla. Refrain those tears, my fair, for soon your destiny will change its cruel aspect.

Cornelia. Such as are born to wretchedness, must ever grieve.

Achilla. If with a kind return, you’ll crown my love, Achilla instantly shall set you free.

Cornelia. Take heed, and never dare again to mention your detested love.

Achilla. Oh Gods! Yet hear me, where do you go?

Cornelia. I fly for ever to avoid your sight.

 

II.iv

[As Cornelia goes away, Ptolomey meets her, and takes her by the hand.

Ptolomey. Lovely Cornelia, let your anger cease.

Cornelia. Unhand me, impious King.

Achilla. Hither I came, Great Sir, led by vain hope, to mollify the cruel fair, for whom I burn.

Ptolomey. Did she shew ought for pity for thy sufferings?

Achilla. Nothing but slight, and yet my constant heart, unmov’d remains, and burns with greater ardour.

Ptolomey. [Aside] Thank Heaven, my hopes revive. [To them] No longer, fair Cornelia, prove unkind, let your resentment now be laid aside. [He draws Achilla aside] A word my friend.

Achilla. This day, Great Sir, you shall behold the mighty Cæsar, dead at your feet, yourself reveng’d, and soveraign king without a partner.

Ptolomey. Go, and perform your promise, in reward the fair Cornelia then shall be your own. [Aside] How soon, he’ll find his hopes deceiv’d.

Achilla. [To Cornelia] If you desist your cruel scorn,
     You’ll find me ever true;
     But if no pity touch your breast,
     With rigour I’ll pursue.
     If you, &c.                                                                                       [Exit.

Ptolomey. Can fair Cornelia still reject an humble suppliant?

Cornelia. A traitor never can deserve my love.

Ptolomey. Why so much rigour? What if a king should court you?

Cornelia. I should become a fury to torment him.

Ptolomey. Is’t possible a face wherein such sweetness dwells can have a heart so void of pity? That such a breast—

[He reaches his hand to Cornelia’s bosom, upon which she retires with disdain.

Cornelia. Curb your unruly passion, and remember still, that I’m Cornelia, and a Roman. [Exit.

Ptolomey. So stubborn and unmov’d, when ’tis a king that sues? Ungrateful woman! Since no intreaties can prevail, by force I’ll take what you deny me.
     Hatred shall take possession of my breast,
     And soon you’ll feel the effects of
     Slighted love.
     Hatred, &c.

 

II.v

Cornelia and Sestus.

Cornelia. Why shou’d I demur, now the lewd monster’s gone,
     But let a generous resolution save my honour?
     I’ll cast myself from this high wall to the wild beasts,
     Where I shall soon be freed from all my cares.
     A soul like mine prepar’d, despises fear;
     Great Rome, farewel; Sestus adieu.
     From thee, O welcome death, I hope relief.

Sestus. Hold, Madam, what are you about to do?

Cornelia. Who dares attempt to hinder me?

Sestus. Oh Gods! My mother?

Cornelia. Who is’t I see? My son, my life! What brought you here?

Sestus. I came in private, by Nirenus led, to free you from the base lascivious King.

Cornelia. I grieve to see, (my dearest Sestus,) the threatning dangers to which you are expos’d.

Sestus. Whoe’er with justice seeks revenge, despises life, and ’tis resolv’d, that Sestus or the tyrant fall.

 

II.vi

Nirenus and the abovesaid.

Nirenus. Cornelia, I bring you unhappy news. The impious King has order’d me forthwith to see you strait convey’d to the seraglio.

Cornelia. Oh Heavens!

Sestus. Ye Gods, what do I hear?

Nirenus. Be not surpriz’d, Ptolomey ne’er suspects my fidelity; let both of you attend the wicked tyrant, and when you see him gorg’d with luxury and pleasure, then Sestus hiddenly may glut his revenge; the King unarm’d and single, can’t resist.

Sestus. My worthy friend, how can I make return?

Cornelia. May Heaven assist, and be propitious to so just a cause.
     Sigh now no more, the Gods appeas’d
     With justice, will revenge our wrongs;
     The steady pilot in a storm,
     Still hopes, and gains the wish’d-for coast.

Sestus. He that can see his father unreveng’d, must have a base, degenerate soul: rouse up my heart, and with heroic courage, before you fall, give death to your accursed foe.
     The poisonous serpent when annoy’d,
     Never forgets the injurious wrong;
     Till with his venom he infects
     The blood of him that gave the hurt;
     So my great soul with virtue fir’d,
     Abhors the thought of idle rest;
     Till in revenge his impious heart
     Is torn with fury from his breast.
     The, &c.

 

II.vii

A garden. Cleopatra, and after Cæsar.

Cleopatra. E’er long my Cæsar will be here, he well foreknows with what impatience his Lydia, who adores him, waits his coming: I’ll feign myself asleep, the better to discover if he loves me, and Cupid, who is blind, in that disguise, will lend his assistance. [She sits down.]
     Venus, fair Goddess, lend thy aid,
     And with it all thy powerful charms:
     For well thou knowest a royal heart,
     Must fall a victim to my eyes.
     Venus, &c.                                                                                      [She feigns to sleep.

Cæsar. Ye Gods! What do I behold! My glorious sun asleep!
     Ah, charming Lydia! Did but the least spark of love enflame your heart, that rages in my breast, then it might be your fate shortly to be my bride.

Cleopatra. Yours? [Rising] I shall adore you while I live.

Cæsar. How?

Cleopatra. Why are you disturb’d?

Cæsar. Is Cleopatra’s servant so presumptuous?

Cleopatra. Cæsar, forbear your anger; since when I awake I lose your love, I’ll sleep again, in order to retrieve it. [She goes to her place.

 

II.viii

Curius with sword in hand, and the abovesaid.

Curius. Cæsar, you are betray’d?

Cæsar. Is’t possible? Can Cæsar be betray’d? [Draws his sword.

Curius. As I was waiting you, Great Sir, near your apartment, I heard a tumultuous noise of people, with clashing of swords, when one among the rest, cry’d out, let Cæsar dye. On which in haste, I ran to bring you notice.

Cæsar. Has treason then got foot in Egypt? Do you, fair Lydia, here remain, this climate proves unfortunate to me.

Cleopatra. Oh stay, for if you go, I dye.

Cæsar. Lydia, detain me not.

Cleopatra. No longer Lydia ’tis, but Cleopatra, who thus in your defence, with joy would plunge into the deep abyss. [Aside] Ah! What have I said?

Cæsar. Cleopatra!

Cleopatra. Yes, Cleopatra.

Cæsar. Where is she?

Cleopatra. Turn hither those majestick charming eyes, and behold me now no longer Lydia, but Cleopatra.

Cæsar. Are you Cleopatra then! The Egyptian Queen!

Cleopatra. Put up your sword; I will myself go forth, and with my royal presence quell the tumult. [Exit.

Cæsar. Curius; so many strange events appear, as strike my astonish’d soul with wonder, and leave me senseless like a marble statue.

Curius. I am no less supriz’d.

Cæsar. Is’t possible, oh Gods! Is Lydia then the Cleopatra I disdain’d?

[Cleopatra returns in haste.

Cleopatra. Fly, Cæsar, fly; the base conspirators have left the palace, and hither furiously pursue their steps.

Cæsar. How! Was Cleopatra’s presence insufficient, to curb the rage of the rebellious crew.

Cleopatra. Not even sacred majesty itself, can fence against their furious madness.

Cæsar. Then let them come; Cæsar distains a thought of fear.

Cleopatra. Oh Heavens! My heart will burst with grief: fly, Cæsar, fly, and save your precious life.

Cæsar. This conquering sword shall do me right,
     And glut my just revenge;
     Nor shall the fair, that gave me strength,
     My martial rage abate.
     This, &c.                                                                                         [Exit.

Voices from within. Let Cæsar die.

Cleopatra. Oh, ye great Gods! What dreadful sounds are these
     That strike my ear? If mighty Cæsar fall,
     Unhappy Cleopatra too must die.
     But what does my distracted soul suggest?
     Be gone, vain fear, let me pursue revenge,
     And tho’ a woman, equal Mars in valour.
     In the mean time, just Heaven, protect my hero,
     For all my future joy depends on him.
     Ye Gods, some pity lend,
And save a wretched queen;
Relieve my tortured soul,
Or death must be my doom.
Ye Gods, &c.

 

II.ix

A room in the seraglio. Ptolomey amidst his favourites, and Cornelia among them, then enters Sestus.

Ptolomey. Here in the seat of rest, I’ll lay aside
     My arms, and part the pleasing joys of love. [Lays his sword on the table.

Cornelia. Heavens! What horror seizes me!

Ptolomey. Receive Cornelia, [throws a handkerchief] this pledge of love, which as our custom makes it, is the signal to her, whom I appoint the honour of my bed.

[Cornelia flings away the handkerchief with distain. Sestus enters.

Sestus. Now, now’s the time, that the same slaughtering sword, which robb’d unhappy Pompey of his life, should strike the treacherous villain to the heart.

[As Sestus goes to catch Ptolomey’s sword, enters Achilla in haste, and takes it from him.

 

II.x

Achilla and the abovesaid.

Achilla. To you, Great Sir, I will restore it.

Ptolomey. What means all this?

Sestus. Oh cruel fate!

Achilla. Take to your arms, no time can now be spared for wanton pleasures; quit, the enticing snares of Beauty, and pursue the rout of war.

Ptolomey. Oh, adverse fortune!

Achilla. While with the closest art,
     I strove to work the ambitious Cæsar’s ruin,
     He rush’d upon us; but being o’erpower’d by number,
He fled with Curius, who to avoid the sword,
From a balcony plunged into the river;
There with these eyes I saw him perish:
The undaunted Cæsar followed his example.

Cornelia. Is Cæsar then no more?

Sestus. Oh, ye powers!

Achilla. On this Cleopatra instantly repair’d to join the Roman camp, and now approaches, with numerous troops attended, to revenge the death of Cæsar.

Ptolomey. A woman’s rage alarms not me.

Achilla. Now in return for all my pains and service, I only beg Cornelia for my bride.

Ptolomey. Dare you presume to raise your thought so high,
     When you’ve been guilty of such treachery!

Achilla. Sir—

Ptolomey. Be gone, and fear not, you shall be rewarded, as such conspirators deserve.

Achilla. This is the return for my fidelity?

Ptolomey. Hence; let me hear no more.

Achilla. When kings so easily can break their faith, they forfeit the allegiance of their subjects. [Exit.

Ptolomey. Retire to your apartments, where shortly I shall come with victory crown’d.

 

II.xi

Sestus and Cornelia.

Sestus. Since now the glorious prospect of revenge is vanish’d, this sword at once shall end my life and sorrow. [Endeavours to stab himself.

Cornelia. Oh hold, my son; forbear the rash attempt, tho’ unrelenting fate has cross’d our hopes, yet let us not despair.

Sestus. Now generous Cæsar’s gone, what friend remains?

Cornelia. Let not your courage fail, Nirenus still
     Will with his friendly aid espouse our cause.
     Go to the camp, and face the bloody tyrant;
     There let him see with what undaunted courage
     The son of Pompey can encounter death.

Sestus. ’Tis then resolv’d, and Sestus ne’er will rest till by the sacrilegious villain’s fall, my father’s blood’s reveng’d.
     The inhumane wretch that thirsts for blood,
Should not enjoy the air he breaths;
My soul detests the barbarous act,
And ne’er can rest, till he’s destroy’d.
The inhumane, &c.

 

III.i

The port of Alexandria. Achilla with a train of soldiers.

Achilla. Is all my faithful service come to this?
     This the reward for loyalty and truth?
     Ungrateful king,
     E’er long you shall repent the injurious wrong:
     March on, my friends, and let us with our hearts
     To Cleopatra dedicate our banners.
     The sacrilegious wretch shall fall
     By this avenging sword;
     My steady zeal that sav’d his crown,
     Deserves not such returns.                                                             [Exits.

 

III.ii

To the sound of a warlike symphony, follows a battle between the soldiers of Cleopatra, and those of Ptolomey, who gain the victory: the symphony ended, enters Ptolomey with Cleopatra made prisoner.

Ptolomey. At last you’re vanquish’d by the force of arms.

Cleopatra. Your conquest I disown,
     ’Twas only fickle fortune, that protests
     A tyrant void of honour, thus betray’d me.

Ptolomey. What, are you so insolent before my face?
     Let her be put in chains

[One of the guards puts Cleopatra in chains.

Cleopatra. Unworthy wretch! The Gods will take my part.

Ptolomey. Away, and let the sister I distain, be strait conducted to my palace.
     There notwithstanding all her haughty pride,
     I’ll make her humbly bow before my throne, and do me homage.
     Soon shall I curb th’aspiring soul,
That would disturb my peace;
Like Icarus, you’d scale the stars,
But I shall clip your wings.
Soon, &c.[Exit.

 

III.iii

Cleopatra with guards.

Cleopatra. Can then one single day, oh cruel fate!
     Rob me of all my pomp, and promis’d greatness.
     Cæsar, whom I adore, perhaps is dead,
     And Sestus and Cornelia both unarm’d,
     Can lend me no assistance. Oh ye Gods!
     All hope is fled, and never can return.
     ’Till death, I’ll never cease to mourn my fate,
And then my ghost shall haunt the impious wretch.
’Till death, &c.

 

III.iv

Julius Cæsar on one side, then Sestus with Nirenus on the other. Achilla wounded lying on a bank of the harbour.

Cæsar. [Alone] Propitious fate, with tender pity mov’d,
     Thro’ boisterous waves, has brought me safe on shore;
     Nor is it pleas’d as yet to cut my thread of life.
     But wither shall I run to seek assistance?
     Where are my shatter’d troops and legions fled,
     That with resistless force were wont to conquer!
     Alas, the monarch of the world is now constrained,
     To wander in these desert plains alone.
     Sweet breezes with your gentle gales,
     In pity cool my troubled breast;
     And tell me quickly where to find
     The lovely idol of my heart.
But much I fear this melancholy sight,
     Of bodies slain, portends a bad event.
     Sweet, &c.

[Enter Sestus and Nirenus.

Sestus. In vain, I attempt to find the wicked traytor. The partial fates still shroud him from my vengeance.

Achilla. [Wounded on the bank of the harbour.] Fortune, at last thou’st conquer’d.

Sestus. What interrupted accents strike my ears?

Achilla. Malicious fate, thou’st done thy worst.

Sestus. They seem like warriours, at a distance I’ll observe,
     And by their words discover who they are. [He retires.

Nirenus. [To Sestus] He that is wounded in his breast, should be Achilla.

Cæsar. Is Achilla then so near the point of death?

Nirenus. My friend.

Achilla. Whoe’er thou art, most courteous stranger,
     That didst pronounce my name; if ever chance
     Conduct thy steps to Rome and fair Cornelia,
     Tell her, Achilla who advis’d the death of Pompey—

Sestus. Ah, most inhuman villain!

Cæsar. Perfidious wretch!

Achilla. He that to gain her for a wife,
     Contriv’d the barbarous murder—

Sestus. Ah! Thou bloody!

Cæsar. Unheard of cruelty.

Achilla. Being in close pursuit of treacherous Ptolomey:
     Fell in the heat of battle; from me accept this seal.
     A hundred chosen warriours close conceal’d,
     In an adjacent cavern wait,
     Ready to obey the joyful summons;
     Thence by a subterraneous passage led,
     You may securely reach the palace;
     Relieve the injur’d fair Cornelia,
     And, by the tyrant’s fall, revenge my—death. [Gives the seal to Sestus, and dies.

Nirenus. The villain has expir’d his last.

Sestus. Commit the unworthy carcass to the waves.

Cæsar. Give me the seal. [Takes the seal from Sestus.

Sestus. Heavens!

Cæsar. Can what I see be real?

Sestus. Great Sir.

Cæsar. Are you then Sestus?

Sestus. Does Cæsar live?
     By what miraculous power did you escape the peril?

Cæsar. Struggling against the rapid stream, I reached the shore.
     Dismiss your fears, this seal shall be the means
     To give me ready entrance in the palace:
     Do you and bold Nirenus follow. E’er long,
     Cornelia and Cleopatra both
     Shall be deliver’d from their threatning fate.
     Or death shall be my lot.
     As torrents tumbling from a rock
     With fury drive whate’er they meet;
     So every one that dare resist,
     Shall perish my slaughtering sword,
     As torrents, &c.

 

III.v

Sestus and Nirenus.

Sestus. Since Cæsar lives, we still may hope.

Nirenus. No longer waste your time, but follow him.

Sestus. By base Achilla’s death, heaven seems to smile,
     And let its kind assistance in our cause.
     My joyful heart foretells me sure success.
     Justice at length has stretch’d her bow,
     And levels at the traytor’s heart;
     Tho’ time retards the fatal stroke,
     It falls at last with greater force.

 

III.vi

Cleopatra’s apartment. Cleopatra (with guards) among her women that weep, then Cæsar with soldiers.

Cleopatra. My dear companions, who have always shewn,
     The strongest proofs of your fidelity,
     Suspend these fruitless tears, for now no more
     Must you attend your most unhappy Queen;
     My cruel brother who usurps my crown
     Deprives me your society,
     And very shortly too will take my life. [A clashing of arms within.]
     But Heavens! What dreadful noise is this?
     My trembling heart assures me, I must leave you,
     And that you’ll instantly behold the wretched Cleopatra dye.

[Cæsar with his sword drawn at the head of his soldiers.

Cæsar. To save my charmer from impending fate,
     I’ve rush’d thro’ all that dar’d oppose my passage.

Cleopatra. Gods! Is it Cæsar’s self I see,
     Or is’t a phantome that deludes my eyes?
    
Cæsar. Avaunt, ye instruments of a tryrant’s rage,
     Be gone, and dare not to oppose my will. [Drives the guards of Ptolomey.

Cleopatra. Now, my dear Cæsar, all my doubts are fled,
     And your undaunted valour makes you know. [Runs to embrace him.

Cæsar. With raptures I embrace you in my arms;
     Indulgent fortune now’s become our friend.

Cleopatra. But tell me by what power were you preserv’d?

Cæsar. E’er long I shall unfold the secret means
     By which I ’scap’d destruction;
     Now you’re at liberty, my Queen, retire,
     And let your scatter’d troops forthwith be rally’d:
     Shortly I’ll meet you at the harbour,
     Intrepid Mars with courage fires my breast,
     And gives me certain hopes of conquest.
     Not only Egypt, but the world itself
     Shall feel the force of my victorious arm.

Cleopatra. When tho’ by tempests toss’d at length,
The shatter’d vessel gains the port,
     Their utmost wishes then are crown’d:
     So my sad heart with grief oppress’d,
     By glimmering hope at last reliev’d,
     No longer mourns, but strait revives.

 

III.vii

A hall. Cornelia, Ptolomey.

Ptolomey. ’Tis time, Cornelia, now to chase resentment,
     And ease the sufferings of a monarch’s heart.

Cornelia. In vain you hope; can’st thou, perfidious monster,
     E’er think I can forget my murther’d lord?

Ptolomey. Sure you’ll relent when it’s a king that sues;
     Forbear your frowns, and let me clasp you close
     Within my longing arms.

Cornelia. Stand off, unworthy wretch, and know your distance,
     Remember I’m Cornelia, and a Roman.
    
Ptolomey. Now Cæsar’s dead, and Cleopatra humbled,
     I need no longer fear, or cross my will,
     But give a loose to pleasure and delight. [Attempts again to approach her.

Cornelia. If nothing else can make you fear, this poniard shall. [Draws a dagger.
     For I alone must render justice to my husband’s blood.

 

III.viii

As Cornelia runs toward Ptolomey, enters Sestus with his naked sword.

Sestus. Madam, forbear.
     Now, tyrant—

Ptolomey. Am I then betray’d? Oh Gods! [Draws his sword.

Sestus. Know, impious wretch, that for your punishment
     The gods have by amazing power preserv’d
     The mighty Cæsar from your treacherous snares,
     And Cleopatra too by him is freed:
     E’en now he moves this way. But first
     Paternal duty bids me thus revenge
     The unhappy Pompey’s murder.

Ptolomey. My arm shall soon chastise your rash presumption.

[They fight, Ptolomey is wounded, and drops dead.

Cornelia. This glorious act proclaims your noble birth.
     Thus let me with open arms embrace
     My godlike Sestus.

Sestus. There lies the tyrant slain: Great Pompey now
     Even dead has conquer’d— [Exit.

Cornelia. My troubled soul is now at rest,
And dreads no future ills;
     My fainting heart again revives
     And hopes a happy change.
     My sufferings past will soon be turn’d
     To joy and sweet repose,
     And my complaints for ever cease
     Since Heaven at last is kind.
     My, &c.

 

III.ix

The Port of Alexandria. Cæsar and Cleopatra, with a train of Egyptians, with trumpets and tymbals; after the symphony, enter Curius, Nirenus, and then Stestus and Cornelia. A page bearing the crown and scepter of Ptolomey.

Nirenus. Behold, dread Sir, the conquering Curius;
     All Egypt now by force of arms submits,
     And mighty Cæsar over all this coast,
     With shouts of universal joy’s proclaim’d
     Lord of the world, and Emperor of Rome.

Cæsar. Thou for thy loyal service, brave Nirenus, shalt meet a just reward. The worthy Curius too—But what?—Cornelia here too?

[Cornelia and Sestus kneeling.

Sestus. Behold, Great Cæsar, prostrate at your feet,
     Cornelia and her most unhappy son,
     Whose sword in vengeance for a father’s blood
     Deprived the accursed Ptolomey of life.

Cæsar. Is Ptolomey then dead?

Cornelia. To Sestus’s timely aid I owe
     The preservation of my life and honour.

Cæsar. ’Twas bravely done. A son should never fail
     To render justice to a father’s wrongs.
     Rise, Sestus, I receive you as a friend.
     The strictest gratitude and loyalty
     Shall ever bind me to your interest.

Cornelia. To you I offer up the royal spoils
     Of a perfidious tyrant. [Gives to Cæsar the crown and scepter of Ptolomey.

Cæsar. To you, my charming Cleopatra
     The diadem you see, belongs.
     Accept from me th’Egyptian crown,
     And to your subjects, laws dispense.

Cleopatra. The generous gift I gratefully receive,
     And own myself a tributary queen
     To Rome’s great Emperor.

Cæsar. [Aside] Oh mighty love, how matchless are her charms!

Cæsar and Cleopatra. The world {my fair / my dear} can never boast
A person so compleat;
     My constant love shall ever last,
     And center all its joys in you.

Cæsar. Let Egypt now enjoy a lasting peace,
     And liberty restored no more be lost.
     The the whole universe, let fame declare
     The glory of the Roman name.

Chorus. Lasing joy of peace return,
     With pleasure to our hearts.
     No more will sigh for sorrows past
     But all as one rejoice.

Cæsar and Cleopatra. My anxious soul shall rest content,
     If you but faithful prove:
     I’ll banish grief, and nought retain
     But constancy and love.
     Lasting, &c.

 

FINIS.