Messenger:

Cleopatra, the Great Pompey was murdered, and Julius Caesar has landed in Egypt.

 

Cleopatra:

What is the fate of my brother?

 

Messenger:

Caesar has Ptolemy in custody. Also, Caesar commands you to come to the palace so the disagreements can be resolved.  

 

Cleopatra:

I know how my brother would resolve this. He would have me killed.
Send Apollodorus to me. He’s the only one I can trust. [Paces waiting for Apollodorus]

 

Apollodorus:

I’ve heard the news, Great Queen.

Cleopatra:

Apollodorus, my faithful servant and friend, what should I do?  

 

Apollodorus:

You are not going to go, are you?  You know your brother will kill you.

 

Cleopatra:

Caesar commanded me to go.  

 

Apollodorus:

If you go, you can’t let anyone see you. Ptolemy has spies everywhere. If he discovers you, he will make sure you don’t enter the palace.

 

Cleopatra:

If I don’t enter the palace, I will never rule again.

 

Apollodorus:

Ptolemy will, and he will ruin Egypt.  

 

Cleopatra:

No, he won’t--his advisers will. They will ruin Egypt.

 

Apollodorus:

We must get you into see Caesar, but how?

 

Cleopatra:

[As Cleopatra paces, she notices the beautiful carpet at her feet. She laughs aloud] I have an idea. This carpet is the path to Caesar.