All for Love by John Dryden
page 31 of 155 (20%)
page 31 of 155 (20%)
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That gave the world a lord: 'tis Antony's.
Live, Antony; and Cleopatra live! Be this the general voice sent up to heaven, And every public place repeat this echo. VENTIDIUS. Fine pageantry! [Aside.] SERAPION. Set out before your doors The images of all your sleeping fathers, With laurels crowned; with laurels wreath your posts, And strew with flowers the pavement; let the priests Do present sacrifice; pour out the wine, And call the gods to join with you in gladness. VENTIDIUS. Curse on the tongue that bids this general joy! Can they be friends of Antony, who revel When Antony's in danger? Hide, for shame, You Romans, your great grandsires' images, For fear their souls should animate their marbles, To blush at their degenerate progeny. ALEXAS. A love, which knows no bounds, to Antony, Would mark the day with honours, when all heaven Laboured for him, when each propitious star Stood wakeful in his orb, to watch that hour And shed his better influence. Her own birthday Our queen neglected like a vulgar fate, That passed obscurely by. |
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