An aqueous slurry which comprises (a) a cement; (b) about 0.05 to 5.0 wt. % of a copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and a salt of styrenesulfonic acid based on the dry weight of said cement; (c) about 0.05 to 5.0 wt. % of a formaldehyde condensed naphthalene-sulfonic acid salt based on the dry weight of said cement; and (d) water, said cement, said copolymer and said dispersant being dispersed in said water to form said aqueous slurry.