Sardou's Cleopatra — page 156: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

SARDOU’S CLEOPATRA. 141 messenger who has given his life for me should repose one day by my side. ‘The message,” she continued, with a rapid change of tone, “requests me to repair at once to Actium with ships of war. - He has, therefore, quitted Rome and is about to engage in battle. With Octavius, probably. Ah, that is what I must know, and without delay.” “Then,” said Charmian, quickly, “you will go with the fleet >” “No, my first plans shall be carried out. Kephren, Iras, and I will proceed to-night on the Antoniad, only for Actium, not for Rome. The fleet can follow after. Doas I have bidden you. Give out that I am ill, and let Egypt believe me still in Memphis. Kephren, sound the alarm— call together the sailors, and send a messenger to order the ships at Alexandria to proceed to Ac- tium.” “But,” said Charmian, imploringly, “may not this be a plot to bring you into the power of the Romans. At least, think of your life i With flashing eyes and cheeks crimsoned with excitement, the queen drew her superb figure up to its full height. Like some warrior goddess she looked as she stood there, the silver radiance of the moon lighting up her rare loveliness. =) ico Eboo ‘S (Ele)