This intelligence was the source of new excitement and agitation.

Antony implored the by-standers to carry him to Cleopatra, that he might see her once more before he died.
They shrank from the attempt; but, after some hesitation and delay, they concluded to undertake to remove him.

So, taking him in their arms, they bore him along, faint and dying, and marking their track with his blood, toward the tomb.
Cleopatra would not open the gates to let the party in.

The city was all in uproar and confusion through the terror of the assault which Octavius was making upon it, and she did not know what treachery might be intended.

She therefore went up to a window above, and letting down ropes and chains, she directed those below to fasten the dying body to them, that she and the two women with her might draw it up.