to him, Britannus: you may save your breath
to cool your porridge. But mark this, Caesar. Clemency is very well for
you; but what is it for your soldiers, who have to fight tomorrow the
men you spared yesterday? You may give what orders you please; but
I tell you that your next victory will be a massacre, thanks to your
clemency. I, for one, will take no prisoners. I will kill my enemies
in the field; and then you can preach as much clemency as you please: I
shall never have to fight them again. And now, with your leave, I will
see these gentry off the premises. (He turns to go.)

CAESAR (turning also and seeing Ptolemy). What! Have they left the boy
alone! Oh shame, shame!

RUFIO (taking Ptolemy's hand and making him rise). Come, your majesty!

PTOLEMY (to Caesar, drawing away his hand from Rufio). Is he turning me
out of my palace?

RUFIO (grimly). You are welcome to stay if you wish.

CAESAR (kindly). Go, my boy. I will not harm you; but you will be safer
away, among your friends. Here you are in the lion's mouth.

PTOLEMY (turning to go). It is not the lion I fear, but (looking at
Rufio) the jackal. (He goes out through the loggia.)

CAESAR (laughing approvingly). Brave boy!

CLEOPATRA (jealous of Caesar's approbation, calling after Ptolemy).
Little silly. You think that very clever.

CAESAR. Britannus: Attend the King. Give him in charge to that Pothinus
fellow. (Britannus goes out after Ptolemy.)

RUFIO (pointing to Cleopatra). And this piece of goods? What is to be
done with HER? However, I suppose I may leave that to you. (He goes out
through the loggia.)

CLEOPATRA (flushing suddenly and turning on Caesar). Did you mean me to
go with the rest?

CAESAR (a little preoccupied, goes with a sigh to Ptolemy's chair,
whilst she waits for his answer with red cheeks and clenched fists). You
are free to do just as you please, Cleopatra.

CLEOPATRA. Then you do not care whether I stay or not?

CAESAR (smiling). Of course I had rather you stayed.

CLEOPATRA. Much, MUCH rather?

CAESAR (nodding). Much, much rather.

CLEOPATRA. Then I consent to stay, because I am asked. But I do not want
to, mind.

CAESAR. That is quite understood. (Calling) Totateeta.

Ftatateeta, still seated, turns her eyes on him with a sinister
expression, but does not move.

CLEOPATRA (with a splutter of laughter). Her name is not Totateeta: it
is Ftatateeta. (Calling) Ftatateeta. (Ftatateeta instantly rises and
comes to Cle