Classic Poem

Cleopatra: Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there, that kills and
pains not?
Clown: Truly I have him; but I would not be the party that should
desire you to touch him, for his biting is immortal: those that do die of it
do seldom or never recover.
* * * * *
Asps in a basket for the Queen!
The pretty worm of Nile
Will charm her from what might have been,
And make Death smile.
So soft an end for one so fair,
Her Roman lying low —
The other Roman finds her there,
Beyond him so!