Sardou's Cleopatra — page 258: what you’re looking at

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

SARDOU’S CLEOPATRA. 243 already growing dim, looked up at him with a devotion that not even Death could conquer. “Thus,” he gasped, “do I escape the grief of killing Mark Antony.” His head fell back. ‘The brave, loyal spirit had fled. Very gently did Antony release his hold. “Farewell, old friend,’ he murmured. “That is the first time you have failed to keep your word. Oh, Brutus, your conqueror, unworthy of that name, is forced to envy you. Straton, Cleo- patra, Ventidius, I follow your example. Rome, pardon me! I might have saved you!” Then he drew the sword from Ventidius’ bosom, plunged it in his own, and fell, with a groan, to the floor. Scarcely had he done so when the door was burst open and Kephren, followed by two burly — slaves, rushed into the room. “Quick! Quick, my lord!” cried Kephren. Then, as he saw the two bodies lying upon the ground, he started back with an exclamation of affright. But Antony moved and raised himself on one elbow. Eomicbooks (E(@)