Sardou's Cleopatra — page 214: what you’re looking at

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

SARDOWS CLEOPATRA, | 199 a great lump rose in his throat and choked his utterance. “Ventidius !”? exclaimed Antony, seizing both his hands. ‘Now, praised be the gods, who have answered my prayer! Whence do you come, old friend, and—and what news do you bring ?” ) “The worst, most noble Antony. Canidius “Well, what of him ?” “Weary of waiting, he has surrendered to Octavius.” “Tis my just deserts. Oh, Ventidius, where can I hide myself? My shame is devouring me. Yet, I am happy to see you again. Actium! Actium |” “General,” said Ventidius, deeply moved, “that was a day of misfortune. ‘To-morrow you will conquer, ii—you are no longer a slave to love. The gods sent women upon earth to arrest the impulse of souls too valiant, to prevent those of vast genius becoming too powerful, and to equalize men. ‘They do their duty; women have wings, and men leave their honor to run afterthem. So henceforth do as your soldiers do. We will take no more women to battle.” Antony made no reply. What reply could he> (Elo) comicbooks if =