I cannot love a master, only fear him.

Why, because I was born a woman, must I give up all my royal aspirations to rise to a great place among princes, to build up a great empire in the East, to make Alexandria a capital with the power of Rome, the culture of Athens, the splendour of Babylon, all in one?
It is because I have these hopes stirring in me that I may love no man, can love no man! Nothing shall stand in my way; nothing shall oppose me.

Whoever thwarts my ambitions, the worse for him; let him die--all things must die, but not I, until I have won my power and glory!" For once, at least, the queen's emotions had run away with her; she spoke hotly, passionately, as though tearing her words from the recesses of her throbbing heart.

Her wonderful voice was keyed in half-bitter defiance.

For the moment Cornelia was mistress, and not the queen.
"O queen," broke in the young Roman, "would you know how I feel toward you ?" Cleopatra looked at her with dilated eyes.
"I feel for you a very great sorrow.