William Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra

ACT III. 3. SCENE III. Alexandria. A Room in the Palace. (continued)

CHARMIAN.
Three in Egypt
Cannot make better note.

CLEOPATRA.
He's very knowing;
I do perceive't:--there's nothing in her yet:--
The fellow has good judgment.

CHARMIAN.
Excellent.

CLEOPATRA.
Guess at her years, I pr'ythee.

MESSENGER.
Madam,
She was a widow.

CLEOPATRA.
Widow!--Charmian, hark!

MESSENGER.
And I do think she's thirty.

CLEOPATRA.
Bear'st thou her face in mind? is't long or round?

MESSENGER.
Round even to faultiness.

CLEOPATRA.
For the most part, too, they are foolish that are so.--
Her hair, what colour?

MESSENGER.
Brown, madam: and her forehead
As low as she would wish it.

CLEOPATRA.
There's gold for thee.
Thou must not take my former sharpness ill:--
I will employ thee back again; I find thee
Most fit for business:--go make thee ready;
Our letters are prepar'd.

[Exit Messenger.]

CHARMIAN.
A proper man.

CLEOPATRA.
Indeed, he is so: I repent me much
That so I harried him. Why, methinks, by him,
This creature's no such thing.

CHARMIAN.
Nothing, madam.

CLEOPATRA.
The man hath seen some majesty, and should know.

CHARMIAN.
Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend,
And serving you so long!

CLEOPATRA.
I have one thing more to ask him yet, good Charmian:
But 'tis no matter; thou shalt bring him to me
Where I will write. All may be well enough.

CHARMIAN.
I warrant you, madam.

[Exeunt.]