Sardou's Cleopatra — page 236: what you’re looking at

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

PB SARDOU’S CLEOPATRA. 221 I, even I, accuse myself. I do not know what horrible demon took possession of me. I hoped so much from the glory of that day, and I had so much faith in our destiny. In vain did presenti- ments of evil besiege me. I braved even the counsel of the divine oracle. Iwas proud to con- fide my scepter to your fortunes. I had a noble part to play and I wished to fill it well. I was present at the combat and without a tremor. I adored a hero, the happy master of the universe; and by a chance, hitherto unexampled, I, a woman, was awitness of his warlike exploits. How proud I was then! I watched you at a dis- tance. Your voice even, roaring its commands, reached our ears. How handsome I thought you in your golden armor! Then, I had no thought of danger! You seemed to méa being from a heavenly shore, an invincible immortal! No! never was proud warrior or illustrious con- queror grander, more terrible in combat than you !”’ She paused, breathless with excitement. An- tony’s face was flushed. He had forgotten, for the moment, his shame, and remembered only the deeds of prowess he had performed. “You saw me in the fight ?” he said. =} Eomicbooks (ee)