Sardou's Cleopatra — page 195: what you’re looking at

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

130 ) SARDOU’S CLEOPATRA. a man whose services I cannot forget, that I should hear you, say your say. But no fine-set speeches; plain, homespun truth is what I want. Justify this injured queen, your queen, if you can. But, beware of calumny, or your wretched life shall pay the penalty !” _ “My lord, I grieve to say that noble Ventidius has spoken the truth.” And then, fearfully, he proceeded to tell the story of Pharon in all its details. Antony lis- tened, with great difficulty controlling himself. As Diomedes finished, Ventidius asked: “Are you satisfied, my lord ?” “Satisfied!” cried Antony. “Satisfied! ‘Ten thousand times, no! And even if all this traitor says be true, what matters it? It was before I knew her. Before Tarsus, her life was her own to do with as she chose. Since, then, alone, have I claims upon her constancy.” ‘And if, since then, I prove her false ?” ‘Beware, Ventidius, my patience is well-nigh exhausted, and I may forget even your gray hairs.” | “Tt is the duty that I owe to you, my lord, that bids me speak, and even your anger cannot stay me. Diomedes, speak further of what you know. comicbooks co