Sardou's Cleopatra — page 224: what you’re looking at

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

SARDOU’S CLEUPATRA. . 209 _ from his project of revenge upon Cleopatra, but Antony continued obdurate and would not listen. “So be it, then,” said Ventidius, with a sigh. “At all events, your chain is at last broken, and your past errors will soon be effaced. You fight for liberty, both your own and that of your coun- trymen. May the gods of Rome aid you, and banish forever the reign of tyrants!” As they were about to return to the camp, An- tony laid his hand on his old friend’s arm, and said, with exceeding seriousness : “Ventidius, one word before you go. No man was ever more stanch and loyal to another than you have been to me. But I have still one request to make.” _ “Speak,” said Ventidius, earnestly. ‘My dear lord, I hear but to obey.” “T believe,” said Antony, hesitating a little, “that in the approaching conflict we shall conquer, but my hopes may mislead my judgment. If we are defeated, I look to you to see that I do not fall into the hands of the enemy. You—you remem- ber how Straton delivered Brutus. I have his courage, at least, if I have not his virtues. Swear to me that, in the event of the worst, you will plunge your sword into this heart. Swear it!” EComicbooks em)