s an angry demonstration). Peace there.
Cleopatra. I must abide by my orders, and not by the subtleties of this
Sicilian. You must withdraw into the palace and examine your carpets
there.

CLEOPATRA (pouting). I will not: I am the Queen. Caesar does not speak
to me as you do. Have Caesar's centurions changed manners with his
scullions?

CENTURION (sulkily). I do my duty. That is enough for me.

APOLLODORUS. Majesty: when a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed
of, he always declares that it is his duty.

CENTURION (angry). Apollodorus--

APOLLODORUS (interrupting him with defiant elegance). I will make
amends for that insult with my sword at fitting time and place. Who says
artist, says duelist. (To Cleopatra) Hear my counsel, star of the
east. Until word comes to these soldiers from Caesar himself, you are a
prisoner. Let me go to him with a message from you, and a present; and
before the sun has stooped half way to the arms of the sea, I will bring
you back Caesar's order of release.

CENTURION (sneering at him), And you will sell the Queen the present, no
doubt.

APOLLODORUS. Centurion: the Queen shall have from me, without payment,
as the unforced tribute of Sicilian taste to Egyptian beauty, the
richest of these carpets for her present to Caesar.

CLEOPATRA (exultantly, to the Centurion). Now you see what an ignorant
common creature you are!

CENTURION (curtly). Well, a fool and his wares are soon parted (He turns
to his men). Two more men to this post here; and see that no one leaves
the palace but this man and his merchandize. If he draws his sword again
inside the lines, kill him. To your posts. March.

He goes out, leaving two auxiliary sentinels with the other.

APOLLODORUS (with polite goodfellowship). My friends: will you not enter
the palace and bury our quarrel in a bowl of wine? (He takes out his
purse, jingling the coins in it.) The Queen has presents for you all.

SENTINEL (very sulky). You heard our orders. Get about your business.

FIRST AUXILIARY. Yes: you ought to know better. Off with you.

SECOND AUXILIARY (looking longingly at the purse--this sentinel is a
hooknosed man, unlike his comrade, who is squab faced). Do not tantalize
a poor man.

APOLLODORUS (to Cleopatra). Pearl of Queens: the Centurion is at hand;
and the Roman soldier is incorruptible when his officer is looking. I
must carry your word to Caesar.

CLEOPATRA (who has been meditating among the carpets). Are t