Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes
Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head: 64
She hales him up and down.
Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,
Smarting in lingering pickle.
Mess. Gracious madam,
I that do bring the news made not the match.
Cleo. Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee, 68
And make thy fortunes proud; the blow thou hadst
Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage,
And I will boot thee with what gift beside
Thy modesty can beg.
Mess. He's married, madam. 72
Cleo. Rogue! thou hast liv'd too long.
Draws a knife.
Mess. Nay, then I'll run.
What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.
Exit.
Char. Good madam, keep yourself within yourself;
The man is innocent. 76
Cleo. Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt.
Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures
Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again:
Though I am mad, I will not bite him. Call. 80
Char. He is afeard to come.
Cleo. I will not hurt him.
[Exit Charmian.]
These hands do lack nobility, that they strike
A meaner than myself; since I myself
Have given myself the cause.
Enter [Charmian, and] the Messenger again.
Come hither, sir. 84
71 boot: enrich by addition
