initial commit of ebook 5482HEADmain

11 files changed, 46490 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/5482-0.txt b/5482-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..79b41fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/5482-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,14855 @@
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cleopatra, Complete, by Georg Ebers
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Cleopatra, Complete
+
+Author: Georg Ebers
+
+Release Date: October 16, 2006 [EBook #5482]
+Last Updated: June 7, 2017
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA, COMPLETE ***
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Translated from the German by
+Mary J. Safford
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+PREFACE.
+CLEOPATRA
+
+CHAPTER I.
+CHAPTER II.
+CHAPTER III.
+CHAPTER IV.
+CHAPTER V.
+CHAPTER VI.
+CHAPTER VII.
+CHAPTER VIII.
+CHAPTER IX.
+CHAPTER X.
+CHAPTER XI.
+CHAPTER XII.
+CHAPTER XIII.
+CHAPTER XIV.
+CHAPTER XV.
+CHAPTER XVI.
+CHAPTER XVII.
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+CHAPTER XIX.
+CHAPTER XX.
+CHAPTER XXI.
+CHAPTER XXII.
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+If the author should be told that the sentimental love of our day was
+unknown to the pagan world, he would not cite last the two lovers,
+Antony and Cleopatra, and the will of the powerful Roman general, in
+which he expressed the desire, wherever he might die, to be buried
+beside the woman whom he loved to his latest hour. His wish was
+fulfilled, and the love-life of these two distinguished mortals, which
+belongs to history, has more than once afforded to art and poesy a
+welcome subject.
+
+In regard to Cleopatra, especially, life was surrounded with an
+atmosphere of romance bordering on the fabulous. Even her bitterest foes
+admire her beauty and rare gifts of intellect. Her character, on the
+contrary, presents one of the most difficult problems of psychology. The
+servility of Roman poets and authors, who were unwilling frankly to
+acknowledge the light emanating so brilliantly from the foe of the state
+and the Imperator, solved it to her disadvantage. Everything that bore
+the name of Egyptian was hateful or suspicious to the Roman, and it was
+hard to forgive this woman, born on the banks of the Nile, for having
+seen Julius Cæsar at her feet and compelled Mark Antony to do her
+bidding. Other historians, Plutarch at their head, explained the enigma
+more justly, and in many respects in her favour.
+
+It was a delightful task to the author to scan more closely the
+personality of the hapless Queen, and from the wealth of existing
+information shape for himself a creature in whom he could believe. Years
+elapsed ere he succeeded; but now that he views the completed picture,
+he thinks that many persons might be disposed to object to the
+brightness of his colours. Yet it would not be difficult for the writer
+to justify every shade which he has used. If, during his creative work,
+he learned to love his heroine, it was because, the more distinctly he
+conjured before his mind the image of this wonderful woman, the more
+keenly he felt and the more distinctly he perceived how fully she
+merited not only sympathy and admiration, but, in spite of all her sins
+and weaknesses, the self-sacrificing affection which she inspired in so
+many hearts.
+
+It was an author of no less importance than Horace who called Cleopatra
+"_non humilis mulier_"--a woman capable of no baseness. But the phrase
+gains its greatest importance from the fact that it adorns the hymn
+which the poet dedicated to Octavianus and his victory over Antony and
+Cleopatra. It was a bold act, in such an ode, to praise the victor's
+foe. Yet he did it, and his words, which are equivalent to a deed, are
+among this greatly misjudged woman's fairest claims to renown.
+
+Unfortunately it proved less potent than the opinion of Dio, who often
+distorted what Plutarch related, but probably followed most closely the
+farce or the popular tales which, in Rome, did not venture to show the
+Egyptian in a favourable light.
+
+The Greek Plutarch, who lived much nearer the period of our heroine than
+Dio, estimated her more justly than most of the Roman historians. His
+grandfather had heard many tales of both Cleopatra and Antony from his
+countryman Philotas, who, during the brilliant days when they revelled
+in Alexandria, had lived there as a student. Of all the writers who
+describe the Queen, Plutarch is the most trustworthy, but even his
+narrative must be used with caution. We have closely followed the clear
+and comprehensive description given by Plutarch of the last days of our
+heroine. It bears the impress of truth, and to deviate widely from it
+would be arbitrary.
+
+Unluckily, Egyptian records contain nothing which could have much weight
+in estimating the character of Cleopatra, though we have likenesses
+representing the Queen alone, or with her son Cæsarion. Very recently
+(in 1892) the fragment of a colossal double statue was found in
+Alexandria, which can scarcely be intended for any persons except
+Cleopatra and Antony hand in hand. The upper part of the female figure
+is in a state of tolerable preservation, and shows a young and
+attractive face. The male figure was doubtless sacrificed to
+Octavianus's command to destroy Antony's statues. We are indebted to
+Herr Dr. Walther, in Alexandria, for an excellent photograph of this
+remarkable piece of sculpture. Comparatively few other works of plastic
+art, in which we here include coins, that could render us familiar with
+our heroine's appearance, have been preserved.
+
+Though the author must especially desire to render his creation a work
+of art, it is also requisite to strive for fidelity. As the heroine's
+portrait must reveal her true character, so the life represented here
+must correspond in every line with the civilization of the period
+described. For this purpose we placed Cleopatra in the centre of a
+larger group of people, whom she influences, and who enable her
+personality to be displayed in the various relations of life.
+
+Should the author succeed in making the picture of the remarkable woman,
+who was so differently judged, as "lifelike" and vivid as it stamped
+itself upon his own imagination, he might remember with pleasure the
+hours which he devoted to this book.
+
+
+Georg Ebers
+
+Tützing on the Starnberger See, _October 5, 1893_.
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Gorgias, the architect, had learned to bear the scorching sunbeams of
+the Egyptian noonday. Though not yet thirty, he had directed--first as
+his late father's assistant and afterwards as his successor--the
+construction of the huge buildings erected by Cleopatra in Alexandria.
+
+Now he was overwhelmed with commissions; yet he had come hither ere the
+hours of work were over, merely to oblige a youth who had barely passed
+the confines of boyhood.
+
+True, the person for whom he made this sacrifice was Cæsarion, the son
+whom Cleopatra had given to Julius Cæsar. Antony had honoured him with
+the proud title of "King of kings"; yet he was permitted neither to rule
+nor even to issue orders, for his mother kept him aloof from affairs of
+state, and he himself had no desire to hold the sceptre.
+
+Gorgias had granted his wish the more readily, because it was apparent
+that he wanted to speak to him in private, though he had not the least
+idea what Cæsarion desired to confide, and, under any circumstances, he
+could give him only a brief interview. The fleet, at whose head the
+Queen had set sail, with Mark Antony, for Greece, must have already met
+Octavianus's galleys, and doubtless a battle wherein the destiny of the
+world was decided had also been fought upon the land, Gorgias believed
+that the victory would fall to Antony and the Queen, and wished the
+noble pair success with his whole heart. He was even obliged to act as
+if the battle had been already determined in their favour, for the
+architectural preparations for the reception of the conquerors were
+entrusted to his charge, and that very day must witness the decision of
+the location of the colossal statues which represented Antony hand in
+hand with his royal love.
+
+The epitrop Mardion, a eunuch, who as Regent, represented Cleopatra; and
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, who rarely opposed him, wished to have the
+piece of sculpture erected in a different place from the one he
+favoured. The principal objection to the choice made by the powerful
+head of the government was that it had fallen on land owned by a private
+individual. This might lead to difficulties, and Gorgias opposed it. As
+an artist, too, he did not approve Mardion's plan; for though, on
+Didymus's land, the statues would have faced the sea, which the Regent
+and the Keeper of the Seal regarded as very important, no fitting
+background could have been obtained.
+
+At any rate, the architect could now avail himself of Cæsarion's
+invitation to overlook from the appointed place of meeting--the lofty
+steps of the Temple of Isis--the Bruchium, and seek the best site for
+the twin statues. He was anxious to select the most suitable one; the
+master who had created this work of art had been his friend, and had
+closed his eyes in death shortly after its completion.
+
+The sanctuary whence Gorgias commenced his survey was in one of the
+fairest portions of the Bruchium, the Alexandrian quarter, where stood
+the royal palace with its extensive annexes, the finest temples--except
+the Serapeum, situated in another part of the city--and the largest
+theatres; the Forum invited the council of Macedonian citizens to its
+assemblies, and the Museum afforded a resort for the scholars.
+
+The little square closed in the east by the Temple of Isis was called
+the "Corner of the Muses," on account of the two marble statues of women
+before the entrance of the house, which, with its large garden facing
+the square northward and extending along the sea, belonged to Didymus,
+an old and highly respected scholar and member of the Museum.
+
+The day had been hot, and the shade of the Temple of Isis was very
+welcome to the architect. This sanctuary rested upon a lofty foundation,
+and a long flight of steps led to the cella. The spot afforded Gorgias a
+wide prospect.
+
+Most of the buildings within his vision belonged to the time of
+Alexander and his successors in the house of the Ptolemies, but some,
+and by no means the least stately, were the work of Gorgias himself or
+of his father. The artist's heart swelled with enthusiastic delight at
+the sight of this portion of his native city.
+
+He had been in Rome, and visited many other places numbered among the
+world's fairest and most populous cities; but not one contained so many
+superb works of art crowded together in so small a space.
+
+"If one of the immortals themselves," he murmured, "should strive to
+erect for the inhabitants of Olympus a quarter meet for their grandeur
+and beauty, it could scarcely be much more superb or better fitted to
+satisfy the artistic needs which we possess as their gift, and it would
+surely be placed on the shore of such a sea."
+
+While speaking, he shaded his keen eyes with his hand. The architect,
+who usually devoted his whole attention to the single object that
+claimed his notice, now permitted himself the pleasure of enjoying the
+entire picture in whose finishing touches he had himself borne a part;
+and, as his practised eye perceived in every temple and colonnade the
+studied and finished harmony of form, and the admirable grouping of the
+various buildings and statues, he said to himself, with a sigh of
+satisfaction, that his own art was the noblest and building the highest
+of royal pleasures. No doubt this belief was shared by the princes who,
+three centuries before, had endeavoured to obtain an environment for
+their palaces which should correspond with their vast power and
+overflowing wealth, and at the same time give tangible expression to
+their reverence for the gods and their delight in art and beauty. No
+royal race in the universe could boast of a more magnificent abode.
+These thoughts passed through Gorgias's mind as the deep azure hue of
+sea and sky blended with the sunlight to bring into the strongest relief
+all that the skill and brains of man, aided by exhaustless resources,
+had here created.
+
+Waiting, usually a hard task for the busy architect, became a pleasure
+in this spot; for the rays streaming lavishly in all directions from the
+diadem of the sovereign sun flooded with dazzling radiance the thousands
+of white marble statues on the temples and colonnades, and were
+reflected from the surfaces of the polished granite of the obelisks and
+the equally smooth walls of the white, yellow, and green marble, the
+syenite, and the brown, speckled porphyry of sanctuaries and palaces.
+They seemed to be striving to melt the bright mosaic pictures which
+covered every foot of the ground, where no highway intersected and no
+tree shaded it, and flashed back again from the glimmering metal or the
+smooth glaze in the gay tiles on the roofs of the temples and houses.
+Here they glittered on the metal ornaments, yonder they seemed to be
+trying to rival the brilliancy of the gilded domes, to lend to the
+superb green of the tarnished bronze surfaces the sparkling lustre of
+the emerald, or to transform the blue and red lines of the white marble
+temples into lapis-lazuli and coral and their gilded decorations into
+topaz. The pictures in the mosaic pavement of the squares, and on the
+inner walls of the colonnades, were doubly effective against the light
+masses of marble surrounding them, which in their turn were indebted to
+the pictures for affording the eye an attractive variety instead of
+dazzling monotony.
+
+Here the light of the weltering sun enhanced the brilliancy of colour in
+the flags and streamers which fluttered beside the obelisks and Egyptian
+pylons, over the triumphal arches and the gates of the temples and
+palaces. Yet even the exquisite purplish blue of the banner waving above
+the palace on the peninsula of Lochias, now occupied by Cleopatra's
+children, was surpassed by the hue of the sea, whose deep azure near the
+shore merged far away into bands of lighter and darker blue, blending
+with dull or whitish green.
+
+Gorgias was accustomed to grasp fully whatever he permitted to influence
+him, and though still loyal to his custom of associating with his art
+every remarkable work of the gods or man, he had not forgotten in his
+enjoyment of the familiar scene the purpose of his presence in this
+spot.
+
+No, the garden of Didymus was _not_ the proper place for his friend's
+last work.
+
+While gazing at the lofty plane, sycamore, and mimosa trees which
+surrounded the old scholar's home, the quiet square below him suddenly
+became astir with noisy life, for all classes of the populace were
+gathering in front of the sequestered house, as if some unusual
+spectacle attracted them.
+
+What could they want of the secluded philosopher?
+
+Gorgias gazed earnestly at them, but soon turned away again; a gay voice
+from below called his name.
+
+A singular procession had approached the temple--a small body of armed
+men, led by a short, stout fellow, whose big head, covered with bushy
+curls, was crowned with a laurel wreath. He was talking eagerly to a
+younger man, but had paused with the others in front of the sanctuary to
+greet the architect. The latter shouted a few pleasant words in reply.
+The laurel-crowned figure made a movement as if he intended to join him,
+but his companion checked him, and, after a short parley, the older man
+gave the younger one his hand, flung his heavy head back, and strutted
+onward like a peacock, followed by his whole train.
+
+The other looked after him, shrugging his shoulders; then called to
+Gorgias, asking what boon he desired from the goddess.
+
+"Your presence," replied the architect blithely.
+
+"Then Isis will show herself gracious to you," was the answer, and the
+next instant the two young men cordially grasped each other's hands.
+
+Both were equally tall and well formed; the features bore witness to
+their Greek origin; nay, they might have been taken for brothers, had
+not the architect's whole appearance seemed sturdier and plainer than
+that of his companion, whom he called "Dion" and friend. As the latter
+heaped merry sarcasms upon the figure wearing the laurel wreath who had
+just left him, Anaxenor, the famous zither-player, on whom Antony had
+bestowed the revenues of four cities and permission to keep body-guard,
+and Gorgias's deeper voice sometime assented, sometimes opposed with
+sensible objections, the difference between these two men of the same
+age and race became clearly apparent.
+
+Both showed a degree of self-reliance unusual, at their age; but the
+architect's was the assurance which a man gains by toil and his own
+merit, Dion's that which is bestowed by large possession and a high
+position in society. Those who were ignorant that the weight of Dion's
+carefully prepared speech had more than once turned the scale in the
+city councils would probably have been disposed to take him for one of
+the careless worldlings who had no lack of representatives among the
+gilded youth of Alexandria; while the architect's whole exterior, from
+his keen eye to the stouter leather of his sandals, revealed earnest
+purpose and unassuming ability.
+
+Their friendship had commenced when Gorgias built a new palace for Dion.
+During long business association people become well acquainted, even
+though their conversations relate solely to direction and execution. But
+in this case, he who gave the orders had been only the inspirer and
+adviser, the architect the warm-hearted friend, eager to do his utmost
+to realize what hovered before the other's mind as the highest
+attainable excellence. So the two young men became first dear, and
+finally almost indispensable to each other. As the architect discovered
+in the wealthy man of the world many qualities whose existence he had
+not suspected, the latter was agreeably surprised to find in the artist,
+associated with his solidity of character, a jovial companion, who--this
+first made him really beloved by his friend--had no lack of weaknesses.
+
+When the palace was completed to Dion's satisfaction and became one of
+the most lauded ornaments of the city, the young men's friendship
+assumed a new form, and it would have been difficult to say which
+received the most benefit.
+
+Dion had just been stopped by the zither-player to ask for confirmation
+of the tidings that the united forces of Antony and Cleopatra had gained
+a great victory on sea and land.
+
+In the eating-house at Kanopus, where he had breakfasted, everyone was
+full of the joyful news, and rivers of wine had been drunk to the health
+of the victors and the destruction of the malicious foe.
+
+"In these days," cried Dion, "not only weak-brained fellows, like the
+zither-player, believe me omniscient, but many sensible men also. And
+why? Because, forsooth, I am the nephew of Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal,
+who is on the brink of despair because he himself knows nothing, not
+even the veriest trifle."
+
+"Yet he stands nearest to the Regent," observed Gorgias, "and must
+learn, if any one does, how the fleet fares."
+
+"You too!" sighed his friend. "Had I been standing so far above the
+ground as you, the architect--by the dog, I should not have failed to
+note the quarter whence the wind blew! It has been southerly a whole
+fortnight, and keeps back the galleys coming from the north. The Regent
+knows nothing, absolutely nothing, and my uncle, of course, no more. But
+if they do learn anything they will be shrewd enough not to enrich me
+with it."
+
+"True, there are other rumours afloat," said the architect thoughtfully.
+"If I were in Mardion's place----"
+
+"Thank the Olympians that you are not," laughed his companion. "He has
+as many cares as a fish has scales. And one, the greatest.--That pert
+young Antyllus was over-ready with his tongue yesterday at Barine's.
+Poor fellow! He'll have to answer for it to his tutor at home."
+
+"You mean the remark about the Queen's accompanying the fleet?"
+
+"St!" said Dion, putting his finger on his lips, for many men and women
+were now ascending the temple steps. Several carried flowers and cakes,
+and the features of most expressed joyful emotion. The news of the
+victory had reached their ears, and they wanted to offer sacrifices to
+the goddess whom Cleopatra, "the new Isis," preferred to all others.
+
+The first court-yard of the sanctuary was astir with life. They could
+hear the ringing of the sistrum bells and the murmuring chant of the
+priests. The quiet fore-court of the little temple of the goddess, which
+here, in the Greek quarter of palaces, had as few visitors as the great
+Temple of Isis in the Rhakotis was overcrowded, had now become the worst
+possible rendezvous for men who stood so near the rulers of the
+government. The remark made about the Queen the evening before by
+Antyllus, Antony's nineteen-year-old son, at the house of Barine, a
+beautiful young woman who attracted all the prominent men in Alexandria,
+was the more imprudent because it coincided with the opinion of all the
+wisest heads. The reckless youth enthusiastically reverenced his father,
+but Cleopatra, the object of Antony's love, and--in the Egyptians'
+eyes--his wife, was not Antyllus's mother. He was the son of Fulvia, his
+father's first wife, and feeling himself a Roman, would have preferred a
+thousand times to live on the banks of the Tiber. Besides, it was
+certain--Antony's stanchest friends made no attempt to conceal the
+fact--that the Queen's presence with the army exerted a disturbing
+influence, and could not fail to curb the daring courage of the brave
+general. Antyllus, with the reckless frankness inherited from his
+father, had expressed this view in the presence of all Barine's guests,
+and in a form which would be only too quickly spread throughout
+Alexandria, whose inhabitants relished such speeches.
+
+These remarks would be slow in reaching the plain people who were
+attracted to the temple by the news of the victory, yet many doubtless
+knew Cæsarion, whom the architect was awaiting here. It would be wiser
+to meet the prince at the foot of the steps. Both men, therefore, went
+down to the square, though the crowds seeking the temple and thronging
+the space before Didymus's house made it more and more difficult to pace
+to and fro.
+
+They were anxious to learn whether the rumour that Didymus's garden was
+to be taken for the twin statues had already spread abroad, and their
+first questions revealed that this was the case. It was even stated that
+the old sage's house was to be torn down, and within a few hours. This
+was vehemently contradicted; but a tall, scrawny man seemed to have
+undertaken to defend the ruler's violence.
+
+The friends knew him well. It was the Syrian Philostratus, a clever
+extempore speaker and agitator of the people, who placed his clever
+tongue at the disposal of the highest bidder.
+
+"The rascal is probably now in my uncle's employ," said Dion. "The
+idea of putting the piece of sculpture there originated with him, and
+it is difficult to turn him from such plans. There is some secret
+object to be gained here. That is why they have brought Philostratus.
+I wonder if the conspiracy is connected in any way with Barine, whose
+husband--unfortunately for her--he was before he cast her off."
+
+"Cast her off!" exclaimed Gorgias wrathfully. "How that sounds! True, he
+did it, but to persuade him the poor woman sacrificed half the fortune
+her father had earned by his brush. You know as well as I that life with
+that scoundrel would be unbearable."
+
+"Very true," replied Dion quietly. "But as all Alexandria melted into
+admiration after her singing of the _yalemos_ at the Adonis festival,
+she no longer needed her contemptible consort."
+
+"How can you take pleasure, whenever it is possible, in casting such
+slurs upon a woman, whom but yesterday you called blameless, charming,
+peerless?"
+
+"That the light she sheds may not dazzle your eyes. I know how sensitive
+they are."
+
+"Then spare, instead of irritating them. Besides, your suggestion gives
+food for thought Barine is the granddaughter of the man whose garden
+they want, and the advocate would probably be glad to injure both. But
+I'll spoil his game. It is _my_ business to choose the site for the
+statues."
+
+"Yours?" replied Dion. "Unless some one who is more powerful opposes
+you. I would try to win my uncle, but there are others superior to him.
+The Queen has gone, it is true; but Iras, whose commands do not die away
+in empty air, told me this morning that she had her own ideas about the
+erection of the statue."
+
+"Then you bring Philostratus here!" cried the architect.
+
+"I?" asked the other in amazement.
+
+"Ay, you," asserted Gorgias. "Did not you say that Iras, with whom you
+played when a boy is now becoming troublesome by watching your every
+step? And then--you visit Barine constantly and she so evidently prefers
+you, that the fact might easily reach the ears of Iras."
+
+"As Argus has a hundred, jealousy has a thousand eyes," interrupted
+Dion, "yet I seek nothing from Barine, save two pleasant hours when the
+day is drawing towards its close. No matter; Iras, I suppose, heard that
+I was favoured by this much-admired woman. Iras herself has some little
+regard for me, so she bought Philostratus. She is willing to pay
+something for the sake of injuring the woman who stands between us, or
+the old man who has the good or evil fortune of being her rival's
+grandfather. No, no; that would be too base! And believe me, if Iras
+desired to ruin Barine, she need not make so long a circuit. Besides,
+she is not really a wicked woman. Or is she? All I know is that where
+any advantage is to be gained for the Queen, she does not shrink even
+from doubtful means, and also that the hours speed swiftly for any one
+in her society. Yes, Iras, Iras--I like to utter the name. Yet I do not
+love her, and she--loves only herself, and--a thing few can say--another
+still more. What is the world, what am I to her, compared with the
+Queen, the idol of her heart? Since Cleopatra's departure, Iras seems
+like the forsaken Ariadne, or a young roe which has strayed from its
+mother. But stop; she may have a hand in the game: the Queen trusted her
+as if she were her sister, her daughter. No one knows what she and
+Charmian are to her. They are called waiting-women, but are their
+sovereign's dearest friends. When, on the departure of the fleet,
+Cleopatra was compelled to leave Iras here--she was ill with a
+fever--she gave her the charge of her children, even those whose beards
+were beginning to grow, the 'King of kings' Cæsarion, whose tutor
+punishes him for every act of disobedience; and the unruly lad Antyllus,
+who has forced his way the last few evenings into our friend's house."
+
+"Antony, his own father, introduced him to her."
+
+"Very true, and Antyllus took Cæsarion there. This vexed Iras, like
+everything which may disturb the Queen. Barine is troublesome on account
+of Cleopatra, whom she wishes to spare every annoyance, and perhaps she
+dislikes her a little for my sake. Now she wants to inflict on the old
+man, Barine's grandfather, whom she loves, some injury which the
+spoiled, imprudent woman will scarcely accept quietly, and which will
+rouse her to commit some folly that can be used against her. Iras will
+hardly seek her life, but she may have in mind exile or something of
+that kind. She knows people as well as I know her, my neighbour and
+playmate, whom many a time I was obliged to lift down from some tree
+into which the child had climbed as nimbly as a kitten."
+
+"I myself suggested this conjecture, yet I cannot credit her with such
+unworthy intrigues," cried Gorgias.
+
+"Credit her?" repeated Dion, shrugging his shoulders. "I only transport
+myself in imagination to the court and to the soul of the woman who
+helps make rain and sunshine there. You have columns rounded and beams
+hewed that they may afterwards support the roof to which in due time you
+wish to direct attention. She and all who have a voice in the management
+of court affairs look first at the roof and then seek anything to raise
+and support it, though it should be corpses, ruined lives, and broken
+hearts. The point is that the roof shall stand until the architect, the
+Queen, sees and approves it. As to the rest---- But there is the
+carriage---- It doubtless brings---- You were----"
+
+He paused, laid his hand on his friend's arm, and whispered hastily:
+"Iras is undoubtedly at the bottom of this, and it is not Antyllus, but
+yonder dreaming lad, for whom she is moving. When she spoke of the
+statues just now, she asked in the same breath where I had seen him on
+the evening of the day before yesterday, and that was the very time he
+called on Barine. The plot was made by her, and Iras is doing all the
+work. The mouse is not caught while the trap is closed, and she is just
+raising her little hand to open it."
+
+"If only she does not use some man's hand," replied the architect
+wrathfully, and then turned towards the carriage and the elderly man who
+had just left it, and was now approaching the two friends.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+When Cæsarion's companion reached Dion and Gorgias, the former modestly
+made a movement to retire. But Archibius was acquainted with both, and
+begged him to remain. There was an air of precision and clearness in the
+voice and quiet movements of this big, broad-shouldered man, with his
+robust frame and well-developed limbs. Though only a few years beyond
+forty, not merely his grey hair but the calm, impressive dignity of his
+whole manner indicated a more advanced age.
+
+"The young King yonder," he began in a deep, musical voice, motioning
+towards the equipage, "wished to speak to you here in person, Gorgias,
+but by my advice he refrained from mingling with the crowd. I have
+brought him hither in a closed carriage. If the plan suits you, enter it
+and talk with him while I keep watch here. Strange things seem to be
+occurring, and yonder--or am I mistaken? Has the monster dragged along
+there any connection with the twin statues of the Queen and her friend?
+Was it you who selected that place for them?"
+
+"No," replied the architect. "The order was issued over my head and
+against my will."
+
+"I thought so," replied the other. "This is the very matter of which
+Cæsarion wishes to speak. If you can prevent the erection of the
+statues on Didymus's land, so much the better. I will do everything in
+my power to aid you, but in the Queen's absence that is little."
+
+"Then what can be said of _my_ influence?" asked the architect. "Who, in
+these days, knows whether the sky will be blue or grey to-morrow? I can
+guarantee one thing only: I will do my best to prevent this injury of an
+estimable citizen, interference with the laws of our city, and violation
+of good taste."
+
+"Say so to the young King, but express yourself cautiously," replied
+Archibius as the architect turned towards the carriage.
+
+As soon as Dion and the older man were alone, the latter inquired the
+cause of the increasing uproar, and as, like every well-disposed
+Alexandrian, he esteemed Archibius, and knew that he was intimately
+acquainted with the owner of the imperilled garden, and therefore with
+his granddaughter Barine, he confided his anxiety to him without
+reserve.
+
+"Iras is your niece, it is true," he said in his open-hearted manner,
+"but I know that you understand her character. It suits her now to fling
+a golden apple into the path of a person whom she dislikes and believes
+incautious, that she may pick it up and thus afford her an opportunity
+to bring a charge of theft."
+
+Noting the inquiring glance Archibius fixed upon him as he made this
+comparison, he changed his tone and continued more earnestly: "Zeus is
+great, but destiny is superior even to him. Zeus can accomplish much,
+but when Iras and your sister Charmian, who unfortunately is now with
+the Queen, wish to effect anything, he, like the Regent Mardion, must
+give way. The more lovable Cleopatra is, the more surely every one
+prizes a position near her person above aught else, especially such
+trifles as law and justice."
+
+"These are harsh words," responded Archibius, "and seem the more bitter
+in proportion to the germ of truth which they contain. Our court shares
+the fate of every other in the East, and those to whom Rome formerly set
+the example of holding law and justice sacred----"
+
+"Can now go there," interrupted Dion, "to learn how rudely both are
+trampled under foot. The sovereigns here and there may smile at one
+another like the augurs. They are like brothers----"
+
+"But with the difference," Archibius broke in, "that the head of our
+public affairs is the very embodiment of affability and grace; while in
+Rome, on the contrary, harsh severity and bloody arrogance, or even
+repulsive servility, guide the reins."
+
+Here Archibius interrupted himself to point to the shouting throng
+advancing towards them. "You are right," Dion answered. "Let us defer
+this discussion till we can pursue it in the house of the charming
+Barine. But I rarely meet you there, though by blood you are so nearly
+allied to her father. I am her friend--at my age that might easily mean
+her lover. But in our case the comparison would not suit. Yet perhaps
+you will believe me, for you have the right to call yourself the friend
+of the most bewitching of women."
+
+A sorrowful smile flitted over the grave, set features of the older man,
+who, raising his hand as if in protest, answered carelessly: "I grew up
+with Cleopatra, but a private citizen loves a queen only as a divinity.
+I believe in your friendship for Barine, though I deem it dangerous."
+
+"If you mean that it might injure the lovely woman," replied Dion,
+raising his head more proudly as if to intimate that he required no
+warning, even from him, "perhaps you are right. Only I beg you not to
+misunderstand me. I am not vain enough to suppose that I could win her
+heart, but unfortunately there are many who cannot forgive the power of
+attraction which she exerts over me as well as upon all. So many men
+gladly visit Barine's house that there are an equal number of women who
+would rejoice to close it. Among them, of course, is Iras. She dislikes
+my friend; nay, I fear that what you witness yonder is the apple she
+flung in order, if not to ruin, at least to drive her from the city, ere
+the Queen--may the gods grant her victory!--ere Cleopatra returns. You
+know your niece Iras. Like your sister Charmian, she will shrink from
+nothing to remove an annoyance from her mistress's pathway, and it will
+hardly please Cleopatra when she learns that the two youths whose
+welfare lies nearest her heart--Antyllus and Cæsarion--seek Barine's
+house, no matter how stainless the latter's reputation may be."
+
+"I have just heard of it," replied Archibius, "and I, too, am anxious.
+Antony's son has inherited much of his father's insatiable love of
+pleasure. But Cæsarion! He has not yet ventured out of the dreamland
+which surrounds him into actual life. What others scarcely perceive
+deals him a serious blow. I fear Eros is sharpening arrows for him which
+will pierce deep into his heart. While talking with me he seemed
+strangely changed. His dreamy eyes glittered like a drunkard's when he
+spoke of Barine. I fear, I fear----"
+
+"Impossible!" cried Dion, in surprise, nay, almost terror. "If that is
+the case, Iras is not wholly wrong, and we must deal with the matter
+differently. But it is of the first importance to conceal the fact that
+Cæsarion has any interest in the affairs of the old house-owner. To
+seek to maintain the old man's right to his own property is a matter of
+course, and I will undertake to do this and try to get yonder orator
+home---- Just see how the braggart is swinging his arms in Iras's
+service! As for Barine, it will be well to induce her to leave of her
+own free will a city where it will be made unpleasant for her. Try to
+persuade her to pursue this course. If I went to her with such a
+suggestion, I, who yesterday---- No, no! Besides, she might hear that
+Iras and I---- She would imagine all sorts of absurdities. You know what
+jealousy means. To you, whom she esteems, she would surely listen, and
+she need not go far from the city. If the heart of this enthusiastic
+boy--who might some day desire to be 'King of kings' not only in
+name--should really be fired with love for Barine, what serious
+misfortune might follow! We must secure her from him. She could not go
+to my country house among the papyrus plantations at Sebennys. It would
+afford too much license for evil tongues. But you--your villa at Kanopus
+is too near--but, if I am not mistaken, you have----"
+
+"My estate in the lake region is remote enough, and will be at her
+disposal," interrupted the other. "The house is always kept ready for my
+reception. I will do my best to persuade her, for your advice is
+prudent. She must be withdrawn from the boy's eyes."
+
+"I shall learn the result of your mission tomorrow," cried Dion
+eagerly--"nay, this evening. If she consents, I will tell Iras, as if by
+accident, that Barine has gone to Upper Egypt to drink new milk, or
+something of that kind. Iras is a shrewd woman, and will be glad if she
+can keep aloof from such trifles during the time which will decide the
+fate of Cleopatra and of the world."
+
+"My thoughts, too, are always with the army," said Archibius. "How
+trivial everything else seems compared with the result which will be
+determined in the next few days! But life is made up of trifles. They
+are food, drink, maintenance. Should the Queen return triumphant, and
+find Cæsarion in wrong paths----"
+
+"We must close them against him," exclaimed Dion.
+
+"That the boy may not follow Barine?" asked Archibius, shaking his head.
+"I think we need feel no anxiety on that score. He will doubtless
+eagerly desire to do so, but with him there is a wide gulf between the
+wish and its fulfilment. Antyllus is differently constituted. He would
+be quite capable of ordering a horse to be saddled, or the sails of a
+boat to be spread in order to pursue her--beyond the Cataract if
+necessary. So we must maintain the utmost secrecy concerning the place
+to which Barine voluntarily exiles herself."
+
+"But she is not yet on her way," replied Dion with a faint sigh. "She is
+bound to this city by many ties."
+
+"I know it," answered Archibius, confirming his companion's fear. The
+latter, pointing to the equipage, said in a rapid, earnest tone:
+"Gorgias is beckoning. But, before we part, let me beseech you to do
+everything to persuade Barine to leave here. She is in serious danger.
+Conceal nothing from her, and say that her friends will not leave her
+too long in solitude."
+
+Archibius, with a significant glance, shook his finger at the young man
+in playful menace, and then went up to the carriage.
+
+Cæsarion's clear-cut but pallid face, whose every feature resembled
+that of his father, the great Cæsar, bent towards them from the opening
+above the door, as he greeted both with a formal bend of the head and a
+patronizing glance. His eyes had sparkled with boyish glee when he first
+caught sight of the friend from whom he had been separated several
+weeks, but to the stranger he wished to assume the bearing which
+beseemed a king. He desired to make him feel his superior position, for
+he was ill-disposed towards him. He had seen him favoured by the woman
+whom he imagined he loved, and whose possession he had been promised by
+the secret science of the Egyptians, whose power to unveil the mysteries
+of the future he firmly believed. Antyllus, Antony's son, had taken him
+to Barine, and she had received him with the consideration due his rank.
+Spite of her bright graciousness, boyish timidity had hitherto prevented
+any word of love to the young beauty whom he saw surrounded by so many
+distinguished men of mature years. Yet his beaming, expressive eyes must
+have revealed his feelings to her. Doubtless his glances had not been
+unobserved, for only a few hours before an Egyptian woman had stopped
+him at the temple of his father, Cæsar, to which, according to the
+fixed rules governing the routine of his life, he went daily at a
+certain hour to pray, to offer sacrifices, to anoint the stone of the
+altar, or to crown the statue of the departed emperor.
+
+Cæsarion had instantly recognized her as the female slave whom he had
+seen in Barine's atrium, and ordered his train to fall back.
+
+Fortunately his tutor, Rhodon, had not fulfilled his duty of
+accompanying him. So the youth had ventured to follow the slave woman,
+and in the shadow of the mimosas, in the little grove beside the temple,
+he found Barine's litter. His heart throbbed violently as, full of
+anxious expectation, he obeyed her signal to draw nearer. Still, she had
+granted him nothing save the favour of gratifying one of her wishes. But
+his heart had swelled almost to bursting when, resting her beautiful
+white arm on the door of her litter, she had told him that unjust men
+were striving to rob her grandfather Didymus of his garden, and she
+expected him, who bore the title of the "King of kings" to do his best
+to prevent such a crime.
+
+It had been difficult for him to grasp her meaning while she was
+speaking. There was a roaring sound in his ears as if, instead of being
+in the silent temple grove, he was standing on a stormy day upon the
+surf-beaten promontory of Lochias. He had not ventured to raise his eyes
+and look into her face. Not until she closed with the question whether
+she might hope for his assistance did her gaze constrain him to glance
+up. Ah, what had he not fancied he read in her imploring blue eyes! how
+unspeakably beautiful she had appeared!
+
+He had stood before her as if bereft of his senses. His sole knowledge
+was that he had promised, with his hand on his heart, to do everything
+in his power to prevent what threatened to cause her pain. Then her
+little hand, with its sparkling rings, was again stretched towards him,
+and he had resolved to kiss it; but while he glanced around at his
+train, she had already waved him a farewell, and the litter was borne
+away.
+
+He stood motionless, like the figure of a man on one of his mother's
+ancient vases, staring in bewilderment after the flying figure of
+Happiness, whom he might easily have caught by her floating locks. How
+he raged over the miserable indecision which had defrauded him of so
+much joy! Yet nothing was really lost. If he succeeded in fulfilling her
+wishes, she could not fail to be grateful; and then----
+
+He pondered over the person to whom he should apply--Mardion, the
+Regent, or the Keeper of the Seal? No, they had planned the erection of
+the group of sculpture in the philosopher's garden. To Iras, his
+mother's confidante? Nay, last of all to her. The cunning woman would
+have perceived his purpose and betrayed it to the Regent. Ah, if
+Charmian, his mother's other attendant, had been present! but she was
+with the fleet, which perhaps was even now engaged in battle with the
+enemy.
+
+At this recollection his eyes again sought the ground--he had not been
+permitted to take the place in the army to which his birth entitled him,
+while his mother and Charmian---- But he did not pursue this painful
+current of thought; for a serious reproach had forced itself upon him
+and sent the blood to his cheeks. He wished to be considered a man, and
+yet, in these fateful days, which would determine the destiny of his
+mother, his native city, Egypt, and that Rome which he, the only son of
+Cæsar, was taught to consider his heritage, he was visiting a beautiful
+woman, thinking of her, and of her alone. His days and half the nights
+were passed in forming plans for securing her love, forgetful of what
+should have occupied his whole heart.
+
+Only yesterday Iras had sharply admonished him that, in times like
+these, it was the duty of every friend of Cleopatra, and every foe of
+her foes, to be with the army at least in mind.
+
+He had remembered this, but, instead of heeding the warning, the thought
+of her had merely recalled her uncle, Archibius, who possessed great
+influence, not merely on account of his wealth but because every one
+also knew his high standing in the regard of the Queen. Besides, the
+clever, kindly man had always been friendly to him from childhood, and
+like a revelation came the idea of applying to him, and to the architect
+Gorgias, who had a voice in the matter, and by whom he had been strongly
+attracted during the period while he was rebuilding the wing assigned to
+the prince in the palace at Lochias.
+
+So one of the attendants was instantly despatched with the little tablet
+which invited Gorgias to the interview at the Temple of Isis.
+
+Then, in the afternoon, Cæsarion went secretly in a boat to the little
+palace of Archibius, situated on the seashore at Kanopus, and now as the
+latter, with his friend, stood beside the carriage door, he explained to
+them that he was going with the architect to old Didymus to assure him
+of his assistance.
+
+This was unadvisable in every respect, but it required all the weight of
+the older man's reasons to induce the prince to yield. The consequences
+which might ensue, should the populace discover that he was taking sides
+against the Regent, would be incalculable. But submission and withdrawal
+were especially difficult to the young "King of kings." He longed to
+pose as a man in Dion's presence, and as this could not be, he strove to
+maintain the semblance of independence by yielding his resolve only on
+the plea of not desiring to injure the aged scholar and his
+granddaughter. Finally, he again entreated the architect to secure
+Didymus in the possession of his property. When at last he drove away
+with Archibius, twilight was already gathering, torches were lighted in
+front of the temple and the little mausoleum adjoining the cella, and
+pitch-pans were blazing in the square.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+"The lad is in an evil plight," said Gorgias, shaking his head
+thoughtfully as the equipage rolled over the stone pavement of the
+Street of the King.
+
+"And over yonder," added Dion, "the prospect is equally unpleasing.
+Philostratus is setting the people crazy. But the hired mischief-maker
+will soon wish he had been less ready to seize Iras's gold coins."
+
+"And to think," cried the architect, "that Barine was this scoundrel's
+wife! How could it be----"
+
+"She was but a child when they married her," interrupted Dion. "Who
+consults a girl of fifteen in the choice of a husband? And
+Philostratus--he was my classmate at Rhodus--at that time had the
+fairest prospects. His brother Alexas, Antony's favourite, could easily
+advance him. Barine's father was dead, her mother was accustomed to
+follow Didymus's counsel, and the clever fellow had managed to strew
+dust in the old man's eyes. Long and lank as he is, he is not
+bad-looking even now. When he appeared as an orator he pleased his
+hearers. This turned his head, and a spendthrift's blood runs in his
+veins. To bring his fair young bride to a stately mansion, he undertook
+the bad cause of the thievish tax-collector Pyrrhus, and cleared him."
+
+"He bought a dozen false witnesses."
+
+"There were sixteen. Afterwards they became as numerous as the open
+mouths you see shouting yonder. It is time to silence them. Go to the
+old man's house and soothe him--Barine also, if she is there. If you
+find messengers from the Regent, raise objections to the unprecedented
+decree. You know the portions of the law which can be turned to
+Didymus's advantage."
+
+"Since the reign of Euergetes II, registered landed property has been
+unassailable, and his was recorded."
+
+"So much the better. Tell the officials also, confidentially, that you
+know of objections just discovered which may perhaps change the Regent's
+views."
+
+"And, above all, I shall insist upon my right to choose the place for
+the twin statues. The Queen herself directed the others to heed my
+opinion."
+
+"That will cast the heaviest weight into the scale. We shall meet later.
+You will prefer to keep away from Barine to-night. If you see her, tell
+her that Archibius said he would visit her later--for an object I will
+explain afterwards. I shall probably go to Iras to bring her to reason.
+It will be better not to mention Cæsarion's wish."
+
+"Certainly--and you will give nothing to yonder brawler."
+
+"On the contrary. I feel very generous. If Peitho will aid me, the
+insatiate fellow will get more than may be agreeable to him."
+
+Then grasping the architect's hand, Dion forced his way through the
+throng surrounding the high platform on wheels, upon which the closely
+covered piece of sculpture had been rolled up. The gate of the scholar's
+house stood open, for an officer in the Regent's service had really
+entered a short time before, but the Scythian guards sent by the
+exegetus Demetrius, one of Barine's friends, were keeping back the
+throng of curious spectators.
+
+Their commander knew Gorgias, and he was soon standing in the impluvium
+of the scholar's house, an oblong, roofless space, with a fountain in
+the centre, whose spray moistened the circular bed of flowers around it.
+The old slave had just lighted some three-branched lamps which burned on
+tall stands. The officers sent by the Regent to inform Didymus that his
+garden would be converted into a public square had just arrived.
+
+When Gorgias entered, these magistrates, their clerks, and the witnesses
+accompanying them--a group of twenty men, at whose head was Apollonius,
+a distinguished officer of the royal treasury--were in the house. The
+slave who admitted the architect informed him of it.
+
+In the atrium a young girl, doubtless a member of the household, stopped
+him. He was not mistaken in supposing that she was Helena, Didymus's
+younger granddaughter, of whom Barine had spoken. True, she resembled
+her sister neither in face nor figure, for while the young matron's hair
+was fair and waving, the young girl's thick black tresses were wound
+around her head in a smooth braid. Very unlike Barine's voice, too, were
+the deep, earnest tones trembling with emotion, in which she confronted
+him with the brief question, concealing a faint reproach, "Another
+demand?"
+
+After first ascertaining that he was really speaking to Helena, his
+friend's sister, he hastily told her his name, adding that, on the
+contrary, he had come to protect her grandfather from a serious
+misfortune.
+
+When his glance first rested upon her in the dimly lighted room, the
+impression she made upon him was by no means favourable. The pure brow,
+which seemed to him too high for a woman's face, wore an indignant
+frown; and though her mouth was beautiful in form, its outlines were
+often marred by a passionate tremor that lent the exquisitely chiselled
+features a harsh, nay, bitter expression. But she had scarcely heard the
+motive of his presence ere, pressing her hand upon her bosom with a sigh
+of relief, she eagerly exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, do what you can to avert this terrible deed! No one knows how the
+old man loves this house. And my grandmother! They will die if it is
+taken from them."
+
+Her large eyes rested upon him with a warm, imploring light; and the
+stern, almost repellent voice thrilled with love for her relatives. He
+must lend his aid here, and how gladly he would do so! He assured her of
+this; and Helena, who had heard him mentioned as a man of ability, saw
+in him a helper in need, and begged him, with touching fervour, to show
+her grandfather, when he came before the officers, that all was not
+lost.
+
+The astonished architect asked if Didymus did not know what was
+impending, and Helena hastily replied:
+
+"He is working in the summer-house by the sea. Apollonius is a
+kind-hearted man, and will wait until I have prepared my grandfather. I
+must go to him. He has already sent Philotas--his pupil, who finds and
+unrolls his books--a dozen times to inquire the cause of the tumult
+outside; but I replied that the crowds were flocking to the harbour on
+account of the Queen. There is often a mob shouting madly; but nothing
+disturbs my grandfather when he is absorbed in his work; and his
+pupil--a young student from Amphissa--loves him and does what I bid him.
+My grandmother, too, knows nothing yet. She is deaf, and the female
+slaves dare not tell her. After her recent attack of giddiness, the
+doctor said that any sudden shock might injure her. If only I can find
+the right words, that my grandfather may not be too sorely hurt!"
+
+"Shall I accompany you?" asked Gorgias kindly.
+
+"No," she answered hurriedly. "He needs time ere he will trust
+strangers. Only, if Apollonius discloses the terrible truth, and his
+grief threatens to overpower him, comfort him, and show him that we
+still have friends who are ready to protect us from such disaster."
+
+She waved her hand in token of gratitude, and hurried through the little
+side gate into the garden.
+
+Gorgias looked after her with sparkling eyes, and drew a long breath.
+How good this girl must be, how wisely she cared for her relatives! How
+energetically the young creature behaved! He had seen his new
+acquaintance only in the dim light, but she must be beautiful. Her eyes,
+lips, and hair certainly were. How his heart throbbed as he asked
+himself the question whether this young girl, who was endowed with every
+gift which constituted the true worth of womanhood, was not preferable
+to her more attractive sister Barine!--when the thought darted through
+his mind that he had cause to be grateful to the beard which covered his
+chin and cheeks, for he felt that he, a sedate, mature man, must have
+blushed. And he knew why. Only half an hour before he had felt and
+admitted to Dion that he considered Barine the most desirable of women,
+and now another's image cast a deep shadow over hers and filled his
+heart with new, perhaps stronger emotions.
+
+He had had similar experiences only too often, and his friends, Dion at
+their head, had perceived his weakness and spoiled many an hour for him
+by their biting jests. The series of tall and short, fair and dark
+beauties who had fired his fancy was indeed of considerable length, and
+every one on whom he had bestowed his quickly kindled affections had
+seemed to him the one woman he must make his own, if he would be a happy
+man. But ere he had reached the point of offering his hand, the question
+had arisen in his mind whether he might not love another still more
+ardently. So he had begun to persuade himself that his heart yearned for
+no individual, but the whole sex--at least the portion which was young
+and could feel love--and therefore he would scarcely be wise to bind
+himself to any one. True, he knew that he was capable of fidelity, for
+he clung to his friends with changeless loyalty, and was ready to make
+any sacrifice in their behalf. With women, however, he dealt
+differently. Was Helena's image, which now floated before him so
+bewitchingly, destined to fade as swiftly? The contrary would have been
+remarkable. Yet he firmly believed that this time Eros meant honestly by
+him. The laughing loves who twined their rose garlands around him and
+Helena's predecessors had nothing to do with this grave maiden.
+
+These reflections darted through his brain with the speed of lightning,
+and still stirred his heart when he was ushered into the impluvium,
+where the magistrates were impatiently awaiting the owner of the house.
+With the lucidity peculiar to him, he explained his reasons for hoping
+that their errand would be vain, and Apollonius replied that no one
+would rejoice more than he himself if the Regent should authorize him,
+on the morrow, to countermand his mission. He would gladly wait there
+longer to afford the old man's granddaughter an opportunity to soften
+the tidings of the impending misfortune.
+
+The kind-hearted man's patience, however, was not tested too long; for
+when Helena entered the summer-house Didymus had already been informed
+of the disaster which threatened him and his family. The philosopher
+Euphranor, an elderly member of the Museum, had reached him through the
+garden gate, and, spite of Philotas's warning sign, told him what was
+occurring. But Didymus knew the old philosopher, who, a recluse from the
+world like himself, was devoting the remainder of his life and strength
+to the pursuit of science. So he only shook his head incredulously,
+pushed back the thin locks of grey hair which hung down on his cheeks
+over the barest part of his skull, and exclaimed reproachfully, though
+as if the matter under discussion was of the most trivial importance:
+"What have you been hearing? We'll see about it!"
+
+He had risen as he spoke, and too abruptly surprised by the news to
+remember the sandals on the mat and the upper robe which lay on a chest
+of drawers at the end of the room, he was in the act of quitting it,
+when his friend, who had silently watched his movements, stopped him,
+and Helena entered.
+
+The grey-haired sage turned to her, and, vexed by his friend's doubts,
+begged her to convince her grandfather that even matters which do not
+please us may nevertheless be of some importance. She did so as
+considerately as possible, thinking meanwhile of the architect and his
+hopes.
+
+Didymus, with his eyes bent on the ground, shook his grey head again and
+again. Then, suddenly raising it, he rushed to the door, and without
+heeding the upper garment which Helena still held in her hand, tore it
+open, shouting, "But things must and shall be changed!"
+
+Euphranor and his granddaughter followed. Though his head was bowed, he
+crossed the little garden with a swift, firm tread, and, without
+noticing the questions and warnings of his companions, walked at once to
+the impluvium. The bright light dazzled his weakened eyes, and his habit
+of gazing into vacancy or on the ground compelled him to glance from
+side to side for some time, ere he could accustom himself to it.
+Apollonius approached, greeted him respectfully, and assured him that he
+deeply regretted having interrupted him in the work for which the whole
+world was waiting, but he had come on important business.
+
+"I know, I know," the old scholar answered with a smile of superiority.
+"What is all this ado about?"
+
+As he spoke he looked around the group of spectators, among whom he knew
+no one except Apollonius, who had charge of the museum accounts, and the
+architect, for whom he had composed the inscription on the Odeum, which
+he had recently built. But when his eyes met only unfamiliar faces, the
+confidence which hitherto had sustained him began to waver, though still
+convinced that a demand such as the philosopher suggested could not
+possibly be made upon him, he continued: "It is stated that there is a
+plan for turning my garden into a public square. And for what purpose?
+To erect a piece of sculpture. But there can be nothing serious in the
+rumour, for my property is recorded in the land register, and the
+law----"
+
+"Pardon me," Apollonius broke in, "if I interrupt you. We know the
+ordinance to which you refer, but this case is an exceptional one. The
+Regent desires to take nothing from you. On the contrary, he offers, in
+the name of the Queen, any compensation you yourself may fix for the
+piece of land which is to be honoured by the statues of the highest
+personages in the country--Cleopatra and Antony, hand in hand. The piece
+of sculpture has already been brought here. A work by the admirable
+artist Lysander, who passed too early to the nether world, certainly
+will not disfigure your house. The little summer-house by the sea must
+be removed to-morrow, it is true; you know that our gracious Queen may
+return any day--victorious if the immortals are just. This piece of
+sculpture, which is created in her honour, to afford her pleasure, must
+greet her on her arrival, so the Regent send me to-day to communicate
+his wish, which, as he represents the Queen----"
+
+"Yet," interrupted the architect, who had again warmly assured the old
+man's granddaughter of his aid--"yet your friends will endeavour to
+persuade the Regent to find another place for the statues."
+
+"They are at liberty to do so," said the officer. "What will happen
+later the future will show. My office merely requires me to induce the
+worthy owner of this house and garden to submit to-day to the Queen's
+command, which the Regent and my own heart bid me clothe in the form of
+a request."
+
+During this conversation the old man had at first listened silently to
+the magistrate's words, gazing intently into his face. So it was true.
+The demand to yield up his garden, and even the little house, for fifty
+years the scene of his study and creative work, for the sake of a
+statue, would be made. Since this had become a certainty, he had stood
+with his eyes fixed upon the ground. Grief had paralyzed his tongue, and
+Helena, who felt this, for the aged head seemed as if it were bending
+under a heavy burden, had drawn close to his side.
+
+The shouts and howls of the throng outside echoed through the open roof
+of the impluvium, but the old man did not seem to hear them, and did not
+even notice his granddaughter. Yet, no sooner did he feel her touch than
+he hurriedly shrank away, flung back his drooping head, and gazed around
+the circle of intruders.
+
+The dull, questioning eyes of the old commentator and writer of many
+books now blazed with the hot fire of youthful passion and, like a
+wrestler who seeks the right grip, he measured Apollonius and his
+companions with wrathful glances. The fragile recluse seemed transformed
+into a warrior ready for battle. His lips and the nostrils of his
+delicate nose quivered, and when Apollonius began to say that it would
+be wise to remove the contents of the summer-house that day, as it would
+be torn down early the next morning, Didymus raised his arms,
+exclaiming:
+
+"That will not be done. Not a single roll shall be removed! They will
+find me at work as usual early to-morrow morning, and if it is still
+your wish to rob me of my property you must use violence to attain your
+purpose."
+
+"Calm yourself," replied Apollonius. "Every one beneath the moon must
+submit to a higher power; the gods bow to destiny, we mortals to the
+sovereign. You are a sage; I, merely mindful of the behests of duty,
+administer my office. But I know life, and if I may offer my counsel,
+you will accept what cannot be averted, and I will wager ten to one that
+you will have the best of it; that the Queen will place in your hands
+means----"
+
+"Sufficient to build a palace on the site of the little house of which I
+was robbed," Didymus interrupted bitterly. Then rage burst forth afresh
+"What do I care for your money? I want my rights, my good, guaranteed
+rights. I insist upon them, and whoever assails the ground which my
+grandfather and father bequeathed to me----"
+
+He hesitated, for the throng outside had burst into a loud shout of joy;
+and when it died away, and the old man began once more defiantly to
+claim his rights, he was interrupted by a woman's clear tones,
+addressing him with the Greek greeting, "Rejoice!"--a voice so gay and
+musical that it seemed to dispel the depression which rested like a grey
+fog on the whole company.
+
+While Didymus was listening to the excited populace, and the new-comer
+was gazing at the old man whose rigid obstinacy could scarcely be
+conquered by kindness, the younger men were looking at the beautiful
+woman who joined them. Her haste had flushed her cheeks, and from
+beneath the turquoise-blue kerchief that covered her fair locks a
+bewitching face smiled at her sister, the architect, and her
+grandfather.
+
+Apollonius and many of his companions felt as if happiness in person had
+entered this imperilled house, and many an eye brightened when the
+infuriated old man exclaimed in an altered tone, "You here, Barine?" and
+she, without heeding the presence of the others, kissed his cheek with
+tender affection.
+
+Helena, Gorgias, and the old philosopher Euphranor, had approached her,
+and when the latter asked with loving reproach, "Why, Barine, how did
+you get through the howling mob?" she answered gaily: "That a learned
+member of the Museum may receive me with the query whether I am here,
+though from childhood a kind or--what do you think, grandfather?--a
+malign fate has preserved me from being overlooked, and some one else
+reprovingly asks how I passed through the shouting mob, as if it were a
+crime to wade into the water to hold out a helping hand to those we love
+best when it is up to their chins! But, oh! dear, this howling is too
+hideous!"
+
+While speaking, she pressed her little hands on the part of the kerchief
+which concealed her ears, and said no more until the noise subsided,
+although she declared that she was in a hurry, and had only come to
+learn how matters were. Meanwhile it seemed as if she was so full of
+quick, pulsing life, that it was impossible to leave even a moment
+unused, if it were merely to bestow or answer a friendly glance.
+
+The architect and her sister were obliged to return hurried answers to
+hasty questions; and as soon as she ascertained what had brought the
+strangers there she thanked Apollonius, and said that old friends would
+do their best to spare her grandfather such a sorrow.
+
+In reply to repeated inquiries from the two old men in regard to her
+arrival there, she answered: "Nobody will believe it, because in this
+hurry I could not keep my mouth shut; but I acted like a mute fish and
+reached the water." Then, drawing her grandfather aside, she whispered
+to him that, when she left her boat at the harbour, Archibius had seen
+her from his carriage, and instantly stopped it to inform her of his
+intended visit that evening. He was coming to discuss an important
+matter. Therefore she must receive the worthy man, whom she sincerely
+liked, so she could not stay. Then turning to the others--still with her
+kerchief on her head ready for departure--she asked what the people
+meant by their outcries. The architect replied that Philostratus had
+endeavoured to make the crowd believe that the only appropriate site for
+the statues of which she had heard was her grandfather's garden, and he
+thought he knew in whose behalf the fellow was acting.
+
+"Certainly not in the Regent's," said Apollonius, in a tone of sincere
+conviction; but Barine, over whose sunny brow a shadow had flitted when
+Gorgias uttered the orator's name, assented with a slight bend of the
+head, and then whispered hurriedly, yet earnestly, that she would answer
+for the old man's allowing himself to be persuaded, if he had only time
+to collect his thoughts.
+
+The next morning, when the market was crowded, the officer might
+commence his negotiations afresh, if the Regent insisted on his plan.
+Meanwhile she would do her best to persuade her grandfather to yield,
+though he was not exactly one of the class who are easily guided.
+Apollonius might remind the Regent that it would be advisable at this
+time to avoid a public scandal, to remember Didymus's age, and the
+validity of his claim.
+
+While Apollonius was talking with his companions, Barine beckoned to the
+architect, and hastily took leave of the others, protesting that she was
+in no danger, since she would slip away again like a fish, only this
+time she would use her tongue, and hoped by its means to win to the
+support of Didymus's just cause a man who would already have ended all
+the trouble had the Queen only been in Alexandria.
+
+Until now the eyes and ears of the whole company had been fixed upon
+Barine. No one had desired anything better than to gaze at and listen to
+her.
+
+Not until she had quitted the room with Gorgias did the officials
+discuss the matter together, and soon after Apollonius went away with
+his companions, to hold another conference with the Regent about this
+unpleasant business. This time the architect had followed the young
+beauty with very mingled feelings. Only an hour before he would have
+rejoiced to be permitted to accompany and protect Barine; now he would
+have gladly remained with her sister, who had returned his farewell
+greeting so gratefully and yet with such maidenly modesty. But even the
+most vacillating man cannot change one fancy for another as he would
+replace a black piece on the draughtboard with a white one, and he still
+found it delightful to be so near Barine. Only the thought that Helena
+might believe that he stood on very intimate terms with her sister had
+darted with a disquieting influence through his brain when the latter
+invited him to accompany her.
+
+In the garden Barine begged him, before they went to the landing-place
+where the boat was moored, to help her ascend the narrow flight of steps
+leading to the flat roof of the gatekeeper's little house.
+
+Here they could watch unseen the tumult in the square below, for it was
+surrounded by dense laurel bushes. Bright flames were blazing in the
+pitch-pans before the two temples at the side of the Corner of the
+Muses, and their light was increased by the torches held in the hands of
+Scythians. Yet no individuals could be distinguished in the throng. The
+marble walls of the temples shimmered, the statues at Didymus's gate,
+and the hermæ along the street of the King which passed the threatened
+house and connected the north of the Corner of the Muses with the
+sea-shore, loomed from the darkness in the brilliancy of the reflected
+light, but the smoke of the torches darkened the sky and dimmed the
+starlight.
+
+The only persons distinctly visible were Dion, who had stationed himself
+on the lofty framework of the platform on which the muffled statues had
+been drawn hither, and the attorney Philostratus, who stood on the
+pedestal of one of the dolphins which surrounded the fountain between
+the Temple of Isis and the street. The space, a dozen paces wide, which
+divided them, permitted the antagonists to understand each other, and
+the attention of the whole throng was fixed upon the wranglers.
+
+These verbal battles were one of the greatest pleasures of the
+Alexandrians, and they greeted every clever turn of speech with shouts
+of applause, every word which displeased them with groans, hisses, and
+cat-calls.
+
+Barine could see and hear what was passing below. She had pushed aside
+the foliage of the laurel bushes which concealed her, and, with her hand
+raised to her ear, stood listening to the two disputants. When the
+scoundrel whom she had called husband, and for whom her contempt had
+become too deep for hate, sneeringly assailed her family as having been
+fed from generation to generation from the corn-bin of the Museum, she
+bit her lips. But they soon curled, as if what she heard aroused her
+disgust, for the speaker now turned to Dion and accused him of
+preventing the kindly disposed Regent from increasing the renown of the
+great Queen and affording her noble heart a pleasure.
+
+"My tongue," he cried, "is the tool which supports me. Why am I using it
+here till it is weary and almost paralyzed? In honour of Cleopatra, our
+illustrious Queen, and her generous friend, to whom we all owe a debt of
+gratitude. Let all who love her and the divine Antony, the new Herakles
+and Dionysus--both will soon make their entry among us crowned with the
+laurels of victory--join the Regent and every well-disposed person in
+seizing yonder bit of land so meanly withheld by base avarice and a
+sentiment--a sentiment, do you hear?--which I do not name more plainly,
+simply because wickedness is repulsive to me, and I do not stand here as
+an accuser. Whoever upholds the word-monger who spouts forth books as
+the dolphin at my side does water, may do so. I shall not envy him. But
+first look at Didymus's ally and panegyrist. There he stands opposite to
+me. It would have been better for him had the dolphin at his feet taught
+him silence. Then he might have remained in the obscurity which befits
+him. But whether willing or not, I must drag him forth, and I will show
+you Dion, fellow-citizens, though I would far rather have you see things
+which arouse less ire. The dim light prevents your distinguishing the
+colour of his robe, but I know it, for I saw it in the glare of day. It
+is hyacinthine purple. You know what that costs. It would support the
+wives and children of many among you for ten long years. 'How heavy must
+be the purse which can expose such a treasure to sun and rain!' is the
+thought of every one who sees him strutting about as proudly as a
+peacock. And his purse _is_ loaded with many talents. Only it is a pity
+that, day after day, most of you must give your children a little less
+bread and deprive yourselves of many a draught of wine to deck him out
+so bravely. His father, Eumenes, was a tax-collector, and what the leech
+extorted from you and your children, the son now uses to drive, clad in
+hyacinthine purple, a four-horse chariot, which splashes the mire from
+the street into your faces as it rolls onward. By the dog! the gentleman
+does not weigh so very much, yet he needs four horses to drag him. And,
+fellow-citizens, do you know why? I'll tell you. He's afraid of sticking
+fast everywhere, even in his speech."
+
+Here Philostratus lowered his voice, for the phrase "sticking fast" had
+drawn a laugh from some of his hearers; but Dion, whose father had
+really amassed, in the high position of a receiver of taxes, the
+handsome fortune which his son possessed, did not delay his reply.
+
+"Yes, yes," he retorted scornfully, "yonder Syrian babbler hit the mark
+this time. He stands before me, and who does not easily stick fast when
+marsh and mire are so near? As for the hyacinthine purple cloak, I wear
+it because I like it. His crocus-yellow one is less to my taste, though
+he certainly looks fine enough in it in the sunlight. It shines like a
+buttercup in the grass. You know the plant. When it fades--and I ask
+whether you think Philostratus looks like a bud--when it fades, it
+leaves a hollow spiral ball which a child's breath could blow away.
+Suppose in future we should call the round buttercup seed-vessels
+'Philostratus heads'? You like the suggestion? I am glad,
+fellow-citizens, and I thank you. It proves your good taste. Then we
+will stick to the comparison. Every head contains a tongue, and
+Philostratus says that his is the tool which supports him."
+
+"Hear the money-bag, the despiser of the people!" interrupted
+Philostratus furiously. "The honest toil by which a citizen earns a
+livelihood is a disgrace in his eyes."
+
+"_Honest_ toil, my good friend," replied Dion, "is scarcely in question
+here. I spoke only of _your_ tongue.--You understand me,
+fellow-citizens. Or, if any of you are not yet acquainted with this
+worthy man, I will show him to you, for I know him well. He is my foe,
+yet I can sincerely recommend him to many of you. If any one has a very
+bad, shamefully corrupt cause to bring before the courts, I most
+earnestly counsel him to apply to the buttercup man perched on yonder
+fountain. He will thank me for it. Believe me, Didymus's cause is just,
+precisely because this advocate so eagerly assails it. I told you just
+now the matter under discussion. Which of you who owns a garden can say
+in future, 'It is mine,' if, during the absence of the Queen, it is
+allowable to take it away to be used for any other purpose? But this is
+what threatens Didymus. If this is to be the custom here, let every one
+beware of sowing a radish or planting a bush or a tree, for should the
+wife of some great noble desire to dry her linen there, he may be
+deprived of it ere the former can ripen or the latter give shade."
+
+Loud applause followed this sentence, but Philostratus shouted in a
+voice that echoed far and wide: "Hear me, fellow-citizens; do not allow
+your selves to be deceived! No one is to be robbed here. The project is
+to purchase, at a high price, the spot which the city needs for her
+adornment, and to honour and please the Queen. Are the Regent and the
+citizens to lose this opportunity of expressing the gratitude of years,
+and the rejoicing over the greatest of victories, of which we shall soon
+hear, because an evil-disposed person--the word must be uttered--a foe
+to his country, opposes it?"
+
+"Now the mire is coming too near me," Dion angrily responded, "and I
+might really stick fast, as I was warned; for I do not envy the ready
+presence of mind of any person whose tongue would not falter when the
+basest slander scattered its venom over him. You all know,
+fellow-citizens, through how many generations the Didymus family has
+lived to the honour of this city, doing praiseworthy work in yonder
+house. You know that the good old man who dwells there was one of the
+teachers of the royal children."
+
+"And yet," cried Philostratus, "only the day before yesterday he walked
+arm in arm in the Paneum garden with Arius, the tutor of Octavianus, our
+own and our Queen's most hated foe. In my presence, and before I know
+not how many others, Didymus distinguished this Arius as his most
+beloved pupil."
+
+"To give you that title," retorted Dion, "would certainly fill any
+teacher with shame and anger, no matter how far you had surpassed him in
+wisdom and knowledge. Nay, had you been committed to the care of the
+herring dealers, instead of the rhetoricians, every honest man among
+them would disown you, for they sell only good wares for good money,
+while you give the poorest in exchange for glittering gold. This time
+you trample under foot the fair name of an honourable man. But I will
+not suffer it; and you hear, fellow-citizens, I now challenge this
+Syrian to prove that Didymus ever betrayed his native land, or I will
+brand him in your presence a base slanderer, an infamous, venal
+destroyer of character!"
+
+"An insult from such lips is easily borne," replied Philostratus in a
+tone of scornful superiority; but there was a pause ere he again turned
+to the listening throng, and with all the warmth he could throw into his
+voice continued: "What do I desire, then, fellow-citizens? What is the
+sole object of my words? I stand here with clean hands, impelled solely
+by the impulse of my heart, to plead for the Queen. In order to secure
+the only suitable site for the statues to be erected to Cleopatra's
+honour and fame, I enter into judgment with her foes, expose myself to
+the insult with which boastful insolence is permitted to vent its wrath
+upon me. But I am not dismayed, though, in pursuing this course, I am
+acting against the law of Nature; for the infamous man against whom I
+raise my voice was my teacher, too, and ere he turned from the path of
+right and virtue--under influences which I will not mention here--he
+numbered me also, in the presence of many witnesses, among his best
+pupils. I was certainly one of the most grateful--I chose his
+granddaughter--the truth must be spoken--for my wife. The
+possession----"
+
+"Possession!" interrupted Dion in a loud, excited tone. "The corpse cast
+ashore by the waves might as well boast possession of the sea!"
+
+The dim torchlight was sufficient to reveal Philostratus's pallor to the
+bystanders. For a moment the orator seemed to lose his self-control, but
+he quickly recovered himself, and shouted: "Fellow-citizens, dear
+friends! I was about to make you witnesses of the misery which a woman,
+whose wickedness is even greater than her beauty, brought upon an
+inexperienced----"
+
+But he went no further; for his hearers--many of whom knew the
+brilliant, generous Dion, and Barine, the fair singer at the last Adonis
+festival--gave the orator tokens of their indignation, which were all
+the more pitiless because of the pleasure they felt in seeing an expert
+vanquished by an untrained foe. The wordy war would not have ended so
+quickly, however, had not restlessness and alarm taken possession of the
+crowd. The shout, "Back! disperse!" ran through the multitude, and
+directly after the trampling of hoofs and the commands of the leader of
+a troop of Libyan cavalry were heard. The matter at stake was not
+sufficiently important to induce the populace to offer an armed force
+resistance which might have entailed serious danger. Besides, the
+blustering war of tongues had reached a merry close, and loud laughter
+blended with the shouts of fear and warning; for the surging throng had
+swept with unexpected speed towards the fountain and plunged
+Philostratus into the basin. Whether this was due to the wrath of some
+enemy, or to mere accident, could not be learned; the vain efforts of
+the luckless man to crawl out of the water up the smooth marble were so
+comical, and his gestures, after helping hands had dragged him dripping
+upon the pavement of the square, were so irresistibly funny, that more
+laughing than angry voices were heard, especially when some one cried,
+"His hands were soiled by blackening Didymus, so the washing will do him
+good." "Some wise physicians flung him into the water," retorted an
+other; "he needed the cold application after the blows Dion dealt him."
+
+The Regent, who had sent the troop of horsemen to drive the crowd away
+from Didymus's house, might well be pleased that the violent measure
+encountered so little resistance.
+
+The throng quickly scattered, and was speedily attracted by something
+new at the Theatre of Dionysus--the zither-player Anaxenor had just
+announced from its steps that Cleopatra and Antony had won the most
+brilliant victory, and had sung to the accompaniment of his lute a hymn
+which had deeply stirred all hearts. He had composed it long before, and
+seized the first opportunity--the report had reached his ears while
+breakfasting in Kanopus--to try its effect.
+
+As soon as the square began to empty, Barine left her post of
+observation. It was long since her heart had throbbed so violently. Not
+one of the many suitors for her favour had been so dear to her as Dion;
+but she now felt that she loved him. What he had just done for her and
+her grandfather was worthy of the deepest gratitude; it proved that he
+did not come to her house, like most of her guests, merely to while away
+the evening hours.
+
+It had been no small matter for the young aristocrat, in the presence of
+the whole multitude, to enter into a debate with the infamous
+Philostratus, and how well he had succeeded in silencing the dreaded
+orator! Besides, Dion had even taken her part against his own powerful
+uncle, and perhaps by his deed drawn upon himself the hostility of his
+enemy's brother, Alexas, Antony's powerful favourite. Barine might
+assure herself that he, who was the peer of any Macedonian noble in the
+city, would have done this for no one else.
+
+She felt as if the act had ransomed her.
+
+When, after an unhappy marriage and many desolate days, she had regained
+her former bright cheerfulness and saw her house become the centre of
+the intellectual life of the city, she had striven until now to extend
+the same welcome to all her guests. She had perceived that she ought not
+to give any one the power over her which is possessed by the man who
+knows that he is beloved, and even to Dion she had granted little more
+than to the others. But now she saw plainly that she would resign the
+pleasure of being a universally admired woman, whose modest home
+attracted the most distinguished men in the city, for the far greater
+happiness which would be hers as Dion's beloved wife. With him,
+cherished by his love, she believed that she could find far greater joy
+in solitude than in the gay course of her present life.
+
+She knew now what she must do if Dion sought her, and the architect, for
+the first time, found her a silent companion. He had willingly
+accompanied her back to her grandfather's house, where he had again met
+her sister Helena, while she had quitted it disappointed, because her
+brave defender had not returned there.
+
+After the interruption of the debate Dion had been in a very cheerful
+mood. The pleasant sensation of having championed a good cause, and the
+delightful consciousness of success were not new to him, but he had
+rarely felt so uplifted as now. He most ardently longed for his next
+meeting with Barine, and imagined how he would describe what had
+happened and claim her gratitude for his friendly service. The scene had
+risen clearly before his mind, but scarcely had the radiant vision of
+the future faded when the unusually bright expression of his manly face
+was clouded by a grave and troubled one.
+
+The darkness of the night, illumined only by the flare of the
+pitch-pans, had surrounded him, yet it had seemed as if he were standing
+with Barine in the full light of noon in the blossoming garden of his
+own palace, and, after asking a reward for his sturdy championship, she
+had clung to him with deep emotion, and he had passionately kissed her
+tearful face.
+
+The face had quickly vanished, yet it had been as distinct as the most
+vivid picture in a dream.
+
+Was Barine more to him than he supposed? Had he not been drawn to her,
+during the past few months, by the mere charm of her pliant intellect
+and her bright beauty? Had a new, strong passion awakened within him?
+Was he in danger of seeing the will which urged him to preserve his
+freedom conquered? Had he cause to fear that some day, constrained by a
+mysterious, invincible power, in defiance of the opposition of calm
+reason, he might perhaps bind himself for life to this Barine, the woman
+who had once been the wife of a Philostratus, and who bestowed her
+smiles on all who found admittance to her house seeking a feast for the
+eye, a banquet for the ear, a pleasant entertainment?
+
+Though her honor was as stainless as the breast of a swan--and he had no
+reason to doubt it--she would still be classed with Aspasia and other
+women whose guests sought more than songs and agreeable conversations.
+The gifts with which the gods had so lavishly endowed her had already
+been shared with too many to permit him, the last scion of a noble
+Macedonian house, to think of leading her, as mistress, to the palace
+whose erection he had so carefully and successfully planned with
+Gorgias.
+
+Surely it lacked nothing save the gracious rule of a mistress.
+
+But if she should consent to become his without the blessing of Hymen?
+No.
+
+He could not thus dishonor the granddaughter of Didymus, the man who had
+been his father's revered teacher, a woman whom he had always rejoiced
+that, spite of the gay freedom with which she received so many admirers,
+he could still esteem. He would not do so, though his friends would have
+greeted such scruples with a smile of superiority. Who revered the
+sacredness of marriage in a city whose queen was openly living for the
+second time with the husband of another? Dion himself had formed many a
+brief connection, but for that very reason he could not place a woman
+like Barine on the same footing with those whose love he had perhaps
+owed solely to his wealth. He had never lacked courage and resolution,
+but he felt that this time he would have to resist a power with which he
+had never coped.
+
+That accursed face! Again and again it rose before his mental vision,
+smiling and beckoning so sweetly that the day must come when the
+yearning to realize the dream would conquer all opposition. If he
+remained near her he would inevitably do what he might afterwards
+regret, and therefore he would fain have offered a sacrifice to Peitho
+to induce her to enhance Archibius's powers of persuasion and induce
+Barine to leave Alexandria. It would be hard for him to part from her,
+yet much would be gained if she went into the country. Between the
+present and the distant period of a second meeting lay respite from
+peril, and perhaps the possibility of victory. Dion did not recognize
+himself. He seemed as unstable as a swaying reed, because he had
+conquered his wish to re-enter old Didymus's house and encourage him,
+and passed on to his own home. But he would probably have found Barine
+still with her grandfather, and he would not meet her, though every
+fibre of his being longed for her face, her voice, and a word of
+gratitude from her beloved lips. Instead of joy, he was filled with the
+sense of dissatisfaction which overpowers a man standing at a crossing
+in the roads, who sees before him three goals, yet can be fully content
+with neither.
+
+The Street of the King, along which he suffered himself to be carried by
+the excited throng, ran between the sea and the Theatre of Dionysus. The
+thought darted through his mind that his friend the architect desired to
+erect the luckless statues of the royal lovers in front of this stately
+building. He would divert his thoughts by examining the site which
+Gorgias had chosen.
+
+The zither-player finished his hymn just as Dion approached the theatre,
+and the crowd began to disperse. Every one was full of the joyful
+tidings of victory, and one shouted to another what Anaxenor, the
+favourite of the great Antony, who must surely know, had just recited in
+thrilling verse. Many a joyous Io and loud Evoë to Cleopatra, the new
+Isis, and Antony, the new Dionysus, resounded through the air, while
+bearded and smooth, delicate Greek and thick Egyptian lips joined in the
+shout, "To the Sebasteum!" This was the royal palace, which faced the
+government building containing the Regent's residence. The populace
+desired to have the delightful news confirmed, and to express, by a
+public demonstration, the grateful joy which filled every heart.
+
+Dion, too, was eager to obtain certainty, and, though usually averse to
+mingling with the populace during such noisy outbursts of feeling, he
+was preparing to follow the crowd thronging towards the Sebasteum, when
+the shouts of runners clearing a passage for a closed litter fell upon
+his ear.
+
+It was occupied by Iras, the Queen's trusted attendant. If any one could
+give accurate information, it was she; yet it would hardly be possible
+to gain an opportunity of conversing with her in this throng. But Iras
+must have had a different opinion; she had seen Dion, and now called him
+to her side. There were hoarse tones in her voice, usually so clear and
+musical, which betrayed the emotion raging in her breast as she assailed
+the young Macedonian noble with a flood of questions. Without giving him
+the usual greeting, she hastily desired to know what was exciting the
+people, who had brought the tidings of victory, and whither the
+multitude was flocking?
+
+Dion had found it difficult not to be forced from the litter while
+answering. Iris perceived this, and as they were just passing the
+Mæander, the labyrinth, which was closed after sunset, she ordered her
+bearers to carry the litter to the entrance, made herself known to the
+watchman, ordered the outer court to be opened, the litter to be placed
+there, and the bearers and runners to wait outside for her summons,
+which would soon be given.
+
+This unusual haste and excitement filled Dion with just solicitude. She
+refused his invitation to alight and walk up and down, declaring that
+life offered so many labyrinths that one need not seek them. He, too,
+seemed to be following paths which were scarcely straight ones. "Why,"
+she concluded, thrusting her head far out of the opening in the litter,
+"are you rendering it so difficult for the Regent and your own uncle to
+execute their plans, making common cause with the populace, like a paid
+agitator?"
+
+"Like Philostratus, you mean, on whom I bestowed a few blows in addition
+to the golden guerdon received from your hand?"
+
+"Ay, like him, for aught I care. Probably it was you, too, who had him
+flung into the water, after you had vented your wrath on him? You
+managed your cause well. What we do for love's sake is usually
+successful. No matter, if only his brother Alexas does not rouse Antony
+against you. For my part, I merely desire to know why and for whom all
+this was done."
+
+"For whom save the good old man who was my father's preceptor, and his
+just claim?" replied Dion frankly. "Moreover--for no site more
+unsuitable could be found than his garden--in behalf of good taste."
+
+Iras laughed a shrill, short laugh, and her narrow, regularly formed
+face, which might have been called beautiful, had not the bridge of the
+straight delicate nose been too long and the chin too small, darkened
+slightly, as she exclaimed, "That is frank at least."
+
+"You ought to be accustomed to that from me," replied Dion calmly. "In
+this case, however, the expert, Gorgias, fully shares my opinion."
+
+"I heard that too. You are both the most constant visitors of--what is
+the woman's name?--the bewitching Barine."
+
+"Barine?" repeated Dion, as if the mention of the name surprised him.
+"You take care, my friend, that our conversation does honour to its
+scene, the labyrinth. I speak of works of the sculptor's art, and you
+pretend that I am referring to what is most certainly a very successful
+living work from the creative hands of the gods. I was very far from
+thinking of the granddaughter of the old scholar for whom I interceded."
+
+"Ay," she scornfully retorted, "young gentlemen in your position, and
+with your habits of life, always think of their fathers estimable
+teachers rather than of the women who, ever since Pandora opened her
+box, have brought all sorts of misfortunes into the world. But," she
+added, pushing back her dark locks from her high forehead, "I don't
+understand myself, how, with the mountain of care that now burdens my
+soul, I can waste even a single word upon such trifles. I care as little
+for the aged scholar as I do for his legion of commentaries and books,
+though they are not wholly unfamiliar to me. For any concern of mine he
+might have as many grandchildren as there are evil tongues in
+Alexandria, were it not that just at this time it is of the utmost
+importance to remove everything which might cast a shadow on the Queen's
+pathway. I have just come from the palace of the royal children at
+Lochias, and what I learned there. But that--I will not, I cannot
+believe it. It fairly stifles me!"
+
+"Have you received bad news from the fleet?" questioned Dion, with
+sincere anxiety; but she only bent her head in assent, laying her fan of
+ostrich-plumes on her lips to enjoin silence, at the same time shivering
+so violently that he perceived it, even in the dusk. It was evident that
+speech was difficult, as she added in a muffled tone: "It must be kept
+secret--Rhodian sailors--thank the gods, it is still very doubtful--it
+cannot, must not be true--and yet--the prattle of that zither-player,
+which has filled the multitude with joyous anticipation, is
+abominable--the great ones of the earth are often most sorely injured by
+those who owe them the most gratitude. I know you can be silent, Dion.
+You could as a boy, if anything was to be hidden from our parents. Would
+you still be ready to plunge into the water for me, as in those days?
+Scarcely. Yet you may be trusted, and, even in this labyrinth, I will do
+so. My heart is heavy. But not one word to any person. I need no
+confidant and could maintain silence even towards you, but I am anxious
+that you should understand me, you who have just taken such a stand.
+Before I entered my litter at Lochias, the boy returned, and I talked
+with him."
+
+"Young Cæsarion loves Barine," replied Dion with grave earnestness.
+
+"Then this horrible folly is known?" asked Iras excitedly. "A passion
+far deeper than I should ever have expected this dreamer to feel has
+taken possession of him. And if the Queen should now return--perhaps
+less successful than we desire--if she looks to those from whom she
+still expects pleasure, satisfaction, lofty deeds, and learns what has
+befallen the boy--for what does not that sun-bright intellect learn and
+perceive? He is dear to her, dearer than any of you imagine. How it will
+increase her anxiety, perhaps her suffering! With what good reason she
+will be angered against those whom duty and love should have commanded
+to guard the boy!"
+
+"And therefore," added Dion, "the stone of offence must be removed. Your
+first step to secure this object was the attack on Didymus."
+
+He had judged correctly and perceived that, in her assault upon the old
+scholar, she had at first intended to play into the hands of the rulers,
+work against the old philosopher and his relatives, among whose number
+was Barine; for the Egyptian law permitted the relatives of those who
+were convicted of any crime against the sovereign or the government to
+be banished with the criminal. This attack upon an innocent person was
+disgraceful, yet every word Iras uttered made Dion feel, every feature
+of her face betrayed, that it was not merely base jealousy, but a nobler
+emotion, that caused her to assail the guiltless sage--love for her
+mistress, the desire which dominated her whole being to guard Cleopatra
+from grief and trouble in these trying times. He knew Iras's iron will
+and the want of consideration with which she had learned to pursue her
+purpose at the court. His first object was to protect Barine from the
+danger which threatened her; but he also wished to relieve the anxiety
+of Iras, the daughter of Krates, his father's neighbour, with whom he
+had played in boyhood and for whom he had never ceased to feel a tender
+interest.
+
+His remark surprised her. She saw that her plot was detected by the man
+whose esteem she most valued, and a loving woman is glad to recognize
+the superiority of her lover. Besides, from her earliest childhood--and
+she was only two years younger than Dion--she had belonged to circles
+where no quality was more highly prized than mental pliancy and
+keenness. Her dark eyes, which at first had glittered distrustfully and
+questioningly and afterwards glowed with a gloomy light, now gained a
+new expression. Her gaze sought her friend's with a tender, pleading
+look as, admitting his charge, she began: "Yes! Dion, the philosopher's
+granddaughter must not stay here. Or do you see any other way to protect
+the unhappy boy from incalculable misfortune? You know me well enough to
+be aware that, like you, I am reluctant to infringe another's rights,
+that except in case of necessity I am not cruel. I value your esteem. No
+one is more truthful, and yesterday you averred that Eros had no part in
+your visits to the much-admired young woman, that you joined her guests
+merely because the society you found at her house afforded a pleasant
+stimulus to the mind. I have ceased to believe in many things, but not
+in you and your words, and if hearing that you had taken sides with the
+grandfather, I fancied that you were secretly seeking the thanks and
+gratitude of the granddaughter, why--surely the atrocious maxim that
+Zeus does not hear the vows of lovers comes from you men--why, suspicion
+again reared its head. Now you seem to share my opinion----"
+
+"Like you," Dion interrupted, "I believe that Barine ought to be
+withdrawn from the boy's pursuit, which cannot be more unpleasant to you
+than to her. As Cæsarion neither can nor ought to leave Alexandria
+while affairs are so threatening, nothing is left except to remove the
+young woman--but, of course, in all kindness."
+
+"In a golden chariot, garlanded with roses, if you so desire," cried
+Iras eagerly.
+
+"That might attract attention," answered Dion, smiling and raising his
+hand as if to enjoin moderation. "Your mode of action does not please
+me, even now that I know its purpose, but I will gladly aid you to
+attain your object. Your crooked paths also lead to the goal, and
+perhaps one is less likely to stumble in them; but straight ways suit me
+better, and I think I have already found the right one. A friend will
+invite Barine to an estate far away from here, perhaps in the lake
+regions."
+
+"You?" cried Iras, her narrow eyebrows suddenly contracting.
+
+"Do you imagine that she would go with me?" he asked, in a faintly
+reproachful tone. "No. Fortunately, we have older friends, and at their
+head is one who happens to be your uncle and at the same time is wax in
+the hands of the Queen."
+
+"Archibius?" exclaimed Iras. "Ah! if he could persuade her to do so!"
+
+"He will try. He, too, is anxious about the lad. While we are talking
+here, he is inviting Barine to his estate. The country air will benefit
+her."
+
+"May she bloom there like a young shepherdess!"
+
+"You are right to wish her the best fortune; for if the Queen does not
+return victorious, the irritability of our Alexandrians will be doubled.
+When you laid hands on Didymus's garden, you were so busily engaged in
+building the triumphal arch that you forgot----"
+
+"Who would have doubted the successful issue of this war?" cried Iras.
+"And they will, they will conquer. The Rhodian said that the fleet was
+scattered. The disaster happened on the Acharnanian coast. How positive
+it sounded! But he had it only at second and third hand. And what are
+mere rumours? The source of the false tidings is discovered later.
+Besides, even if the naval battle were really lost, the powerful army,
+which is far superior to Octavianus's forces, still remains. Which of
+the enemy's generals could cope with Antony on the land? How he will
+fight when all is at stake--fame, honour, sovereignty, hate, and love!
+Away with this fear, based on mere rumour! After Dyrrachium Cæsar's
+cause was deemed lost, and how soon Pharsalus made him master of the
+world! Is it worthy of a sensible person to suffer courage to be
+depressed by a sailor's gossip? And yet--yet! It began while I was ill.
+And then the swallows on the Antonias, the admiral's ship. We have
+already spoken of it. Mardion and your uncle Zeno saw with their own
+eyes the strange swallows drive away those which had built their nest on
+the helm of the Antonias, and kill the young ones with their cruel
+beaks. An evil omen! I cannot forget it. And my dream, while I lay ill
+with fever far away from my mistress! But I have already lingered here
+too long. No, Dion, no. I am grateful for the rest here--I can now feel
+at ease about Cæsarion. Place the monument where you choose. The people
+shall see and hear that we respect their opposition, that we are just
+and friendly. Help me to turn this matter to the advantage of the Queen,
+and if Archibius succeeds in getting Barine away and keeping her in the
+country, then--if I had aught that seemed to you desirable it should be
+yours. But what does the petted Dion care for his fading playfellow?"
+
+"Fading?" he repeated in a tone of indignant reproach. "Say rather the
+fully developed flower has learned from her royal friend the secret of
+eternal youth."
+
+With a swift impulse of gratitude Iras bent her face towards him in the
+dusk, extending the slender white hand--next to Cleopatra's famed as the
+most beautiful at court--for him to kiss, but when he merely pressed his
+lips lightly on it with no shadow of tenderness, she hastily withdrew
+it, exclaiming as if overwhelmed by sudden repentance: "This idle,
+hollow dalliance at such a time, with such a burden of anxiety
+oppressing the heart! It is unworthy, shameful! If Barine goes with
+Archibius, her time will scarcely hang heavy on his estates. I think I
+know some one who will speedily follow to bear her company.--Here,
+Sasis! the bearers! To the Tower of Nilus, before the Gate of the Sun!"
+
+Dion gazed after her litter a short time, then passed his hand through
+his waving brown hair, walked swiftly to the shore and, without pausing
+long to choose, sprang into one of the boats which were rented for
+pleasure voyages. Ordering the sailors who were preparing to accompany
+him to remain on shore, he stretched the sail with a practised hand, and
+ran out towards the mouth of the harbour. He needed some strong
+excitement, and wished to go himself in search of news.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+The house facing the garden of the Paneum, where Barine lived, was the
+property of her mother, who had inherited it from her parents. The
+artist Leonax, the young beauty's father, son of the old philosopher
+Didymus, had died long before.
+
+After Barine's unhappy marriage with Philostratus was dissolved, she had
+returned to her mother, who managed the affairs of the household. She
+too, belonged to a family of scholars and had a brother who had won high
+repute as a philosopher, and had directed the studies of the young
+Octavianus. This had occurred long before the commencement of the
+hostility which separated the heirs of Cæsar and Mark Antony. But even
+after the latter had deserted Octavia, the sister of Octavianus, to
+return to Cleopatra, the object of his love, and there was an open
+breach between the two rivals for the sovereignty of the world, Antony
+had been friendly to Arius and borne him no grudge for his close
+relations to his rival. The generous Roman had even given his enemy's
+former tutor a fine house, to show him that he was glad to have him in
+Alexandria and near his person.
+
+The widow Berenike, Barine's mother, was warmly attached to her only
+brother, who often joined her daughter's guests. She was a quiet, modest
+woman whose happiest days had been passed in superintending the
+education of her children, Barine, the fiery Hippias, and the quiet
+Helena, who for several years had lived with her grandparents and, with
+faithful devotion, assumed the duty of caring for them. She had been
+more easily guided than the two older children; for the boy's aspiring
+spirit had often drawn him beyond his mother's control, and the
+beautiful, vivacious girl had early possessed charms so unusual that she
+could not remain unnoticed.
+
+Hippias had studied oratory, first in Alexandria and later in Athens and
+Rhodes. Three years before, his uncle Arius had sent him with excellent
+letters of introduction to Rome to become acquainted with the life of
+the capital and try whether, in spite of his origin, his brilliant gifts
+of eloquence would forward his fortunes there.
+
+Two miserable years with an infamous, unloved husband had changed the
+wild spirits of Barine's childhood into the sunny cheerfulness now one
+of her special charms. Her mother was conscious of having desired only
+her best good in uniting the girl of sixteen to Philostratus, whom the
+grandfather Didymus then considered a very promising young man, and
+whose advancement, in addition to his own talents, his brother Alexas,
+Antony's favourite, promised to aid. She had believed that this step
+would afford the gay, beautiful girl the best protection from the perils
+of the corrupt capital; but the worthless husband had caused both mother
+and daughter much care and sorrow, while his brother Alexas, who
+constantly pursued his young sister-in-law with insulting attentions,
+was the source of almost equal trouble. Berenike often gazed in silent
+astonishment at the child, who, spite of such sore grief and
+humiliation, had preserved the innocent light-heartedness which made her
+seem as if life had offered her only thornless roses.
+
+Her father, Leonax, had been one of the most distinguished artists of
+the day, and Barine had inherited from him the elastic artist
+temperament which speedily rebounds from the heaviest pressure. To him
+also she owed the rare gift of song, which had been carefully cultivated
+and had already secured her the first position in the woman's chorus at
+the festival of the great goddesses of the city. Every one was full of
+her praises, and after she had sung the Yalemos in the palace over the
+waxen image of the favourite of the gods, slain by the boar, her name
+was eagerly applauded. To have heard her was esteemed a privilege, for
+she sang only in her own house or at religious ceremonials "for the
+honour of the gods."
+
+The Queen, too, had heard her, and, after the Adonis festival, her uncle
+Arius had presented her to Antony, who expressed his admiration with all
+the fervour of his frank nature, and afterwards came to her house a
+second time, accompanied by his son Antyllus. Doubtless he would have
+called on her frequently and tested upon her heart his peculiar power
+over women, had he not been compelled to leave the city on the day after
+his last visit.
+
+Berenike had reproved her brother for bringing the Queen's lover to
+Barine, for her anxiety was increased by the repeated visits of Antony's
+son, and still more aroused by that of Cæsarion, who was presented by
+Antyllus.
+
+These youths were not numbered among the guests whose presence she
+welcomed and whose conversation afforded her pleasure. It was flattering
+that they should honour her simple home by their visits, but she knew
+that Cæsarion came without his tutor's knowledge, and perceived, by the
+expression of his eyes, what drew him to her daughter. Besides,
+Berenike, in rearing the two children, who had been the source of so
+much anxiety had lost the joyous confidence which had characterized her
+own youth. Whenever life presented any new phase, she saw the dark side
+first. If a burning candle stood before her, the shadow of the
+candlestick caught her eye before the light. Her whole mental existence
+became a chain of fears, but the kind-hearted woman loved her children
+too tenderly to permit them to see it. Only it was a relief to her heart
+when some of her evil forebodings were realized, to say that she had
+foreseen it all.
+
+No trace of this was legible in her face, a countenance still pretty and
+pleasing in its unruffled placidity. She talked very little, but what
+she did say was sensible, and proved how attentively she understood how
+to listen. So she was welcome among Barine's guests. Even the most
+distinguished received something from her, because he felt that the
+quiet woman understood him.
+
+Before Barine had returned that evening, something had occurred which
+made her mother doubly regret the accident to her brother Arius the day
+before. On his way home from his sister's he had been run over by a
+chariot darting recklessly along the Street of the King, and was
+carried, severely injured, to his home, where he now lay helpless and
+fevered. Nor did it lessen his sufferings to hear his two sons threaten
+to take vengeance on the reckless fellow who had wrought their father
+this mischief, for he had reason to believe Antyllus the perpetrator of
+the deed, and a collision between the youths and the son of Antony could
+only result in fresh disaster to him and his, especially as the young
+Roman seemed to have inherited little of his father's magnanimous
+generosity. Yet Arius could not be vexed with his sons for stigmatizing,
+in the harshest terms, the conduct of the man who had gone on without
+heeding the accident. He had cautioned his sister against the utterly
+unbridled youth whose father he had himself brought to her house. With
+what good reason he had raised his voice in warning was now evident. At
+sunset that very day several guests had arrived as usual, followed by
+Antyllus, a youth of nineteen. When the door-keeper refused to admit
+him, he had rudely demanded to see Barine, thrust aside the prudent old
+porter, who endeavoured to detain him, and, in spite of his
+protestations, forced his way into his dead master's work-room, where
+the ladies usually received their visitors. Not until he found it empty
+would he retire, and then he first fastened a bouquet of flowers he had
+brought to a statue of Eros in burnt clay, which stood there. Both the
+porter and Barine's waiting-maid declared that he was drunk; they saw it
+when he staggered away with the companions who had waited for him in the
+garden outside.
+
+This unseemly and insulting conduct filled Berenike with the deepest
+indignation. It must not remain unpunished, and, while waiting for her
+daughter, she imagined what evil consequences might ensue if Antyllus
+were forbidden the house and accused to his tutor, and how unbearable,
+on the other hand, he might become if they omitted to do so.
+
+She was full of sad presentiments, and as, with such good reason, she
+feared the worst, she cherished a faint hope that her daughter might
+perhaps bring home some pleasant tidings; for she had had the experience
+that events which had filled her with the utmost anxiety sometimes
+resulted in good fortune.
+
+At last Barine appeared, and it was indeed long since she had clasped
+her mother in her arms with such joyous cheerfulness.
+
+The widow's troubled heart grew lighter. Her daughter must have met with
+something unusually gratifying, she looked so happy, although she had
+surely heard what had happened here; for her cloak was laid aside and
+her hair newly arranged, so she must have been to her chamber, where she
+was dressed by her loquacious Cyprian slave, who certainly could not
+keep to herself anything that was worth mentioning. The nimble maid had
+shown her skill that day.
+
+"Any stranger would take her for nineteen," thought her mother. "How
+becoming the white robe and blue-bordered peplum are to her; how softly
+the azure bombyx ribbon is wound around the thick waves of her hair! Who
+would believe that no curling-irons had touched the little golden locks
+that rest so gracefully on her brow, that no paint-brush had any share
+in producing the rose and white hues on her cheek, or the alabaster
+glimmer of her arms? Such beauty easily becomes a Danae dower; but it is
+a magnificent gift of the gods! Yet why did she put on the bracelet
+which Antony gave her after his last visit? Scarcely on my account. She
+can hardly expect Dion at so late an hour. Even while I am rejoicing in
+the sight of her beauty, some new misfortune may be impending."
+
+So ran the current of her thoughts while her daughter was gaily
+describing what she had witnessed at her grandfather's. Meanwhile she
+had nestled comfortably among the cushions of a lounge; and when she
+mentioned Antyllus's unseemly conduct, she spoke of it, with a
+carelessness that startled Berenike, as a vexatious piece of rudeness
+which must not occur again.
+
+"But who is to prevent it?" asked the mother anxiously.
+
+"Who, save ourselves?" replied Barine.
+
+"He will not be admitted."
+
+"And if he forced his way in?"
+
+Barine's big blue eyes flashed angrily, and there was no lack of
+decision in her voice as she exclaimed, "Let him try it!"
+
+"But what power have we to restrain the son of Antony?" asked Berenike.
+"I do not know."
+
+"I do," replied her daughter. "I will be brief, for a visitor is
+coming."
+
+"So late?" asked the mother anxiously.
+
+"Archibius wishes to discuss an important matter with us."
+
+The lines on the brow of the older woman smoothed, but it contracted
+again as she exclaimed inquiringly: "Important business at so unusual an
+hour! Ah, I have expected nothing good since early morning! On my way to
+my brother's a raven flew up before me and fluttered towards the left
+into the garden."
+
+"But I," replied Barine, after receiving, in reply to her inquiry, a
+favourable report concerning her uncle's health--"I met seven--there
+were neither more nor less; for seven is the best of numbers--seven
+snow-white doves, which all flew swiftly towards the right. The fairest
+of all came first, bearing in its beak a little basket which contained
+the power that will keep Antony's son away from us. Don't look at me in
+such amazement, you dear receptacle of every terror."
+
+"But, child, you said that Archibius was coming so late to discuss an
+important matter," rejoined the mother.
+
+"He must be here soon."
+
+"Then cease this talking in riddles; I do not guess them quickly."
+
+"You will solve this one," returned Barine; "but we really have no time
+to lose. So--my beautiful dove was a good, wise thought, and what it
+carried in its basket you shall hear presently. You see, mother, many
+will blame us, though here and there some one may pity; but this state
+of things must not continue. I feel it more and more plainly with each
+passing day; and several years must yet elapse ere this scruple becomes
+wholly needless. I am too young to welcome as a guest every one whom
+this or that man presents to me. True, our reception-hall was my
+father's work-room and you, my own estimable, blameless mother, are the
+hostess here; but though superior to me in every respect, you are so
+modest that you shield yourself behind your daughter until the guests
+think of you only when you are absent. So those who seek us both merely
+say, 'I am going to visit Barine'--and there are too many who say
+this--I can no longer choose, and this thought----"
+
+"Child! child!" interrupted her mother joyfully, "what god met you as
+you went out this morning?"
+
+"Surely you know," she answered gaily; "it was seven doves, and, when I
+took the little basket from the bill of the first and prettiest one, it
+told me a story. Do you want to hear it?"
+
+"Yes, yes; but be quick, or we shall be interrupted."
+
+Then Barine leaned farther back among the cushions, lowered her long
+lashes, and began: "Once upon a time there was a woman who had a garden
+in the most aristocratic quarter of the city--here near the Paneum, if
+you please. In the autumn, when the fruit was ripening, she left the
+gate open, though all her neighbours did the opposite. To keep away
+unbidden lovers of her nice figs and dates, she fastened on the gate a
+tablet bearing the inscription: 'All may enter and enjoy the sight of
+the garden; but the dogs will bite any one who breaks a flower, treads
+upon the grass, or steals the fruit.'
+
+"The woman had nothing but a lap-dog, and that did not always obey her.
+But the tablet fulfilled its purpose; for at first none came except her
+neighbours in the aristocratic quarter. They read the threat, and
+probably without it would have respected the property of the woman who
+so kindly opened the door to them. Thus matters went on for a time,
+until first a beggar came, and then a Phœnician sailor, and a thievish
+Egyptian from the Rhakotis--neither of whom could read. So the tablet
+told them nothing; and as, moreover, they distinguished less carefully
+between mine and thine, one trampled the turf and another snatched from
+the boughs a flower or fruit. More and more of the rabble came, and you
+can imagine what followed. No one punished them for the crime, for they
+did not fear the barking of the lap-dog, and this gave even those who
+could read, courage not to heed the warning. So the woman's pretty
+garden soon lost its peculiar charm; and the fruit, too, was stolen.
+When the rain at last washed the inscription from the tablet, and saucy
+boys scrawled on it, there was no harm done; for the garden no longer
+offered any attractions, and no one who looked into it cared to enter.
+Then the owner closed her gate like the neighbours, and the next year
+she again enjoyed the green grass and the bright hues of the flowers.
+She ate her fruit herself, and the lap-dog no longer disturbed her by
+its barking."
+
+"That is," said her mother, "if everybody was as courteous and as well
+bred as Gorgias, Lysias, and the others, we would gladly continue to
+receive them. But since there are rude fellows like Antyllus----"
+
+"You have understood the story correctly," Barine interrupted. "We are
+certainly at liberty to invite to our house those who have learned to
+read our inscription. To-morrow visitors will be informed that we can no
+longer receive them as before."
+
+"Antyllus's conduct affords an excellent pretext," her mother added.
+"Every fair-minded person must understand----"
+
+"Certainly," said Barine, "and if you, shrewdest of women, will do your
+part----"
+
+"Then for the first time we can act as we please in our own home.
+Believe me, child--if you only do not----"
+
+"No ifs!--not this time!" cried the young beauty, raising her hand
+beseechingly. "It gives me such delight to think of the new life, and if
+matters come to pass as I hope and wish--then--do not you also believe,
+mother, that the gods owe me reparation?"
+
+"For what?" asked the deep voice of Archibius, who had entered
+unannounced, and was now first noticed by the widow and her daughter.
+
+Barine hastily rose and held out both hands to her old friend,
+exclaiming, "Since they bring you to us, they are already beginning the
+payment."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+An artist, especially a great artist, finds it easy to give his house an
+attractive appearance. He desires comfort in it, and only the beautiful
+_is_ comfortable to him. Whatever would disturb harmony offends his eye,
+and to secure the noblest ornament of his house he need not invite any
+stranger to cross its threshold. The Muse, the best of assistants, joins
+him unbidden.
+
+Leonax, Barine's father, had been thus aided to transform the interior
+of his house into a very charming residence. He had painted on the walls
+of his own work-room incidents in the life of Alexander the Great, the
+founder of his native city, and on the frieze a procession of dancing
+Cupids.
+
+Here Barine now received her guests, and the renown of these paintings
+was not one of the smallest inducements which had led Antony to visit
+the young beauty and to take his son, in whom he wished to awaken at
+least a fleeting pleasure in art. He also knew how to prize her beauty
+and her singing, but the ardent passion which had taken possession of
+him in his mature years was for Cleopatra alone. He whose easily won
+heart and susceptible fancy had urged him from one commonplace love to
+another had been bound by the Queen with chains of indestructible and
+supernatural power. By her side a Barine seemed to him merely a work of
+art endowed with life and a voice that charmed the ear. Yet he owed her
+some pleasant hours, and he could not help bestowing gifts upon any one
+to whom he was indebted for anything pleasant. He liked to be considered
+the most generous spendthrift on earth, and the polished bracelet set
+with a gem, on which was carved Apollo playing on his lyre, surrounded
+by the listening Muses, looked very simple, but was really an ornament
+of priceless value, for the artist who made it was deemed the best
+stone-cutter in Alexandria in the time of Philadelphus, and each one of
+the tiny figures sculptured on the bit of onyx scarcely three fingers
+wide was a carefully executed masterpiece of the most exquisite beauty.
+Antony had chosen it because he deemed it a fitting gift for the woman
+whose song had pleased him. He had not thought of asking its value;
+indeed, only a connoisseur would have perceived it; and as the circlet
+was not showy and well became her beautiful arm, Barine liked to wear
+it.
+
+Had not the war taken him away, Antony's second visit would certainly
+not have been his last. Besides the singing which enthralled him, the
+conversation had been gay and brilliant, and in addition to Leonax's
+paintings, he had seen other beautiful works of art which the former had
+obtained by exchanging with many distinguished companions.
+
+Nor was there any lack of plastic creations in the spacious apartment,
+to which the flashing of the water poured by a powerful man from the
+goatskin bottle on his shoulder into a shell lent a special charm.
+
+The master who had carved this stooping Nubian had also created the
+much-discussed statues of the royal lovers. The clay Eros, who with bent
+knee was aiming at a victim visible to himself alone, was also his work.
+Antony, when paying his second visit, had laughingly laid the garland he
+wore before "the greatest of human conquerors," while a short time ago
+his son Antyllus had rudely thrust his bouquet of flowers into the
+opening of the curved right arm which was drawing the string. In doing
+so the statue had been injured. Now the flowers lay unheeded upon the
+little altar at the end of the large room, lighted only by a single
+lamp; for the ladies had left it with their guest. They were in Barine's
+favourite apartment, a small room, where there were several pictures by
+her dead father.
+
+Antyllus's bouquet, and the damage to the clay statue of Eros, had
+played a prominent part in the conversation between the three, and
+rendered Archibius's task easier.
+
+Berenike had greeted the guest with a complaint of the young Roman's
+recklessness and unseemly conduct, to which Barine added the declaration
+that they had now sacrificed enough to Zeus Xenios, the god of
+hospitality. She meant to devote her future life to the modest household
+gods and to Apollo, to whom she owed the gift of song.
+
+Archibius had listened silently in great surprise until she had finished
+her explanation and declared that henceforth she intended to live alone
+with her mother, instead of having her father's workshop filled with
+guests.
+
+The young beauty's vivid imagination transported her to this new and
+quieter life. But, spite of the clear and glowing hues in which she
+described her anticipations, her grey-haired listener could not have
+believed in them fully. A subtle smile sometimes flitted over his grave,
+somewhat melancholy face--that of a man who has ceased to wrestle in the
+arena of life, and after severe conflict now preferred to stand among
+the spectators and watch others win or lose the prize of victory.
+Doubtless the wounds which he had received still ached, yet his
+sorrowful experiences did not prevent his being an attentive observer.
+The expression of his clear eyes showed that he mentally shared whatever
+aroused his sympathy. Whoever understood how to listen thus, and,
+moreover--the prominence of the brow above the nose showed it--was also
+a trained thinker, could not fail to be a good counsellor, and as such
+he was regarded by many, and first of all by the Queen.
+
+The wise deliberation, which was one of his characteristic traits,
+showed itself on this occasion; for though he had come to persuade
+Barine try a country residence, he refrained from doing until she had
+exhausted the story of her own affairs and inquired the important cause
+of his visit.
+
+In the principal matter his request was granted ere he made it. So he
+could begin with the query whether the mother and daughter did not think
+that the transition to the new mode of life could be effected more
+easily if they were absent from the city a short time. It would awaken
+comment they should close their house against guests on the morrow, and
+as the true reason could not be given, many would be offended. If, on
+the contrary, they could resolve to quit the capital for a few weeks,
+many, it is true, would lament their decision, but what was alloted to
+all alike could be resented by no one.
+
+Berenike eagerly assented, but Barine grew thoughtful. Then Archibius
+begged her to speak frankly, and after she had asked where they could,
+he proposed his country estate.
+
+His keen grey eyes had perceived that something, bound her so firmly to
+the city that in the case of a true woman like Barine it must be an
+affair of the heart. He had evidently judged correctly, for, at his
+prediction that there would be no lack of visits from her dearest
+friends, she raised her head, her blue eyes sparkled brightly, and when
+Archibius paused she to her mother, exclaiming gaily:
+
+"We will go!"
+
+Again the vivid imagination daughter conjured the future before her in
+distinct outlines. She alone knew whom she meant when she spoke of the
+visitor she expected at Irenia, Archibius's estate. The name meant "The
+place of peace," and it pleased her.
+
+Archibius listened smilingly; but when she began to assign him also a
+part in driving the little Sardinian horses and pursuing the birds, he
+interrupted her with the statement that whether he could speedily allow
+himself a pleasure which he should so keenly enjoy--that of breathing
+the country air with such charming guests--would depend upon the fate of
+another. Thank the gods, he had been able to come here with a lighter
+heart, because, just before his departure, he had heard of a splendid
+victory gained by the Queen. The ladies would perhaps permit him to
+remain a little longer, as he was expecting confirmation of the news.
+
+It was evident that he awaited it in great suspense, and that his heart
+was by no means free from anxiety.
+
+Berenike shared it, and her pleasant face, which had hitherto reflected
+her delight at her daughter's sensible resolution, was now clouded with
+care as Archibius began: "The object of my presence here? You are making
+it very easy for me to attain it. If I deemed it honest, I could now
+conceal the fact that I had sought you to induce you to leave the city.
+I see no peril from the boyish insolence of the son of Antony. The point
+in question, child, is merely to put yourself out of the reach of
+Cæsarion."
+
+"If you could place me in the moon, it would please me best, as far as
+he is concerned," replied Barine eagerly. "That is just what induced me
+to change our mode of life, since my door cannot be closed against the
+boy who, though still under a tutor, uses his rank as a key to open it.
+And just think of being compelled to address that dreamer, with eyes
+pleading for help, by the title of 'king'!"
+
+"Yet what mighty impulse might not be slumbering in the breast of a son
+of Julius Cæsar and Cleopatra?" said Archibius. "And passion--I know,
+my child, that it is no fault of yours--has now awakened within him.
+Whatever the result may be, it must fill his mother's heart with
+anxiety. That is why it is needful to hasten your departure, and to keep
+your destination a secret. He will attempt no violence; but--he is the
+child of his parents--and some unexpected act may be anticipated from
+him."
+
+"You startle me!" cried Barine. "You transform the cooing dove which
+entered my house into a dangerous griffin."
+
+"As such you may regard him," said the other, warningly. "You will be a
+welcome guest, Barine, but I invited you, whom I have loved from your
+earliest childhood, the daughter of my dearest friend, not merely to do
+you a service at Irenia, but to save from grief or even annoyance the
+person to whom--who is not aware of it--I owe everything."
+
+The words conveyed to both ladies the knowledge that, though they were
+dear to Archibius, he would sacrifice them, and with them, perhaps, all
+the rest of the world, for the peace and happiness of the Queen.
+
+Barine had expected nothing else. She knew that Cleopatra had made the
+philosopher's son a wealthy man and the owner of extensive estates; but
+she also felt that the source of his loyal devotion to the Queen, over
+whom he watched like a tender father, was due to other causes. Cleopatra
+prized him also. Had he been ambitious, he could have stood at the helm
+of the ship of state, as Epitrop long ago, but--the whole city knew
+it--he had more than once refused to accept a permanent office, because
+he believed that he could serve his mistress better as an unassuming,
+unnoticed counsellor. Berenike had told Barine that the relations
+between Cleopatra and Archibius dated back to their childhood, but she
+had learned no particulars. Various rumours were afloat which, in the
+course of time, had been richly adorned and interwoven with anecdotes,
+and Barine naturally lent the most ready credence to those which
+asserted that the princess, in her earliest youth, had cherished a
+childish love for the philosopher's son. Now her friend's conduct led
+her to believe it.
+
+When Archibius paused, the young beauty assured him that she understood
+him; and as the alabaster hanging lamp and a three-branched light cast a
+brilliant glow upon the portrait which her father had painted of the
+nineteen-year-old Queen, and afterwards copied for his own household,
+she pointed to it, and, pursuing the current of her own thoughts, asked
+the question:
+
+"Was she not marvellously beautiful at that time?"
+
+"As your father's work represents her," was the reply. "Leonax painted
+the portrait of Octavia, on the opposite side, the same year, and
+perhaps the artist deemed the Roman the fairer woman." He pointed as he
+spoke to a likeness of Octavianus's sister, whom Barine's father had
+painted as the young wife of Marcellus, her first husband.
+
+"Oh, no!" said Berenike. "I still remember perfectly how Leonax returned
+in those days. What woman might not have been jealous of his enthusiasm
+for the Roman Hera? At that time I had not seen the portrait, and when I
+asked whether he thought Octavia more beautiful than the Queen, for whom
+Eros had inflamed his heart, as in the case of most of the beautiful
+women he painted, he exclaimed--you know his impetuous manner--'Octavia
+stands foremost in the ranks of those who are called "beautiful" or
+"less beautiful"; the other, Cleopatra, stands alone, and can be
+compared with no one.'"
+
+Archibius bent his head in assent, then said firmly, "But, as a child,
+when I first saw her, she would have been the fairest even in the dance
+of the young gods of love."
+
+"How old was she then?" asked Barine, eagerly.
+
+"Eight years," he answered. "How far in the past it is, yet I have not
+forgotten a single hour!"
+
+Barine now earnestly entreated him to tell them the story of those days,
+but Archibius gazed thoughtfully at the floor for some time ere he
+raised his head and answered: "Perhaps it will be well if you learn more
+of the woman for whose sake I ask a sacrifice at your hands. Arius is
+your brother and uncle. He stands near to Octavianus, for he was his
+intellectual guide, and I know that he reveres the Roman's sister,
+Octavia, as a goddess. Antony is now struggling with Octavianus for the
+sovereignty of the world. Octavia succumbed in the conflict against the
+woman of whom you desire to hear. It is not my place to judge her, but I
+may instruct and warn. Roman nations burn incense to Octavia, and, when
+Cleopatra's name is uttered, they veil their faces indignantly. Here in
+Alexandria many imitate them. Whoever upholds shining purity may hope to
+win a share of the radiance emanating from it. They call Octavia the
+lawful wife, and Cleopatra the criminal who robbed her of her husband's
+heart."
+
+"Not I!" exclaimed Barine eagerly. "How often I have heard my uncle say
+that Antony and Cleopatra were fired with the most ardent love for each
+other! Never did the arrows of Eros pierce two hearts more deeply. Then
+it became necessary to save the state from civil war and bloodshed.
+Antony consented to form an alliance with his rival, and, as security
+for the sincerity of the reconciliation, he gave his hand in marriage to
+Octavia, whose first husband, Marcellus, had just died--his hand, I say,
+only his hand, for his heart was captive to the Queen of Egypt. And if
+Antony was faithless to the wife to whom statecraft had bound him, he
+kept his pledge to the other, who had an earlier, better title. If
+Cleopatra did not give up the man to whom she had sworn fidelity
+forever, she was right--a thousand times right! In my eyes--no matter
+how often my mother rebukes me--Cleopatra, in the eyes of the immortals,
+is and always will be Antony's real wife; the other, though on her
+marriage day no custom, no word, no stroke of the stylus, no gesture was
+omitted, is the intruder in a bond of love which rejoices the gods,
+however it may anger mortals, and--forgive me, mother--virtuous
+matrons."
+
+Berenike had listened with blushing cheeks to her vivacious daughter;
+now with timid earnestness she interrupted: "I know that those are the
+views of the new times; that Antony in the eyes of the Egyptians, and
+probably also according to their customs, is the rightful husband of the
+Queen. I know, too, that you are both against me. Yet Cleopatra is in
+reality a Greek, and therefore--eternal gods!--I can sincerely pity her;
+but the marriage has been solemnized, and I cannot blame Octavia. She
+rears and cherishes, as if they were her own, the children of her
+faithless husband and Fulvia, his first wife, who have no claim upon
+her. It is more than human to take the stones from the path of the man
+who became her foe, as she does. No woman in Alexandria can pray more
+fervently than I that Cleopatra and her friend may conquer Octavianus.
+His cold nature, highly as my brother esteems him, is repellent to me.
+But when I gaze at Octavia's beautiful, chaste, queenly, noble
+countenance, the mirror of true womanly purity----"
+
+"You can rejoice," Archibius added, completing the sentence, and laying
+his right hand soothingly on the arm of the excited woman, "only it
+would be advisable at this time to put the portrait elsewhere, and rest
+satisfied with confiding your opinion of Octavia to your brother and a
+friend as reliable as myself. If we conquer, such things may pass; if
+not-- The messenger tarries long--"
+
+Here Barine again entreated him to use the time. She had only once had
+the happiness of being noticed by the Queen--just after her song at the
+Adonis festival. Then Cleopatra had advanced to thank her. She said only
+a few kind words, but in a voice which seemed to penetrate the inmost
+depths of her heart and bind her with invisible threads. Meanwhile
+Barine's eyes met those of her sovereign, and at first they roused an
+ardent desire to press her lips even on the hem of her robe, but
+afterwards she felt as if a venomous serpent had crawled out of the most
+beautiful flower.
+
+Here Archibius interrupted her with the remark that he remembered
+perfectly how, after the song, Antony had addressed her at the same time
+as the Queen, and Cleopatra lacked no feminine weakness.
+
+"Jealousy?" asked Barine, in astonishment. "I was not presumptuous
+enough to admit it. I secretly feared that Alexas, the brother of
+Philostratus, had prejudiced her. He is as ill-disposed towards me as
+the man who was my husband. But everything connected with those two is
+so base and shameful that I will not allow it to cloud this pleasant
+hour. Yet the fear that Alexas might have slandered me to the Queen is
+not groundless. He is as shrewd as his brother, and through Antony, into
+whose favour he ingratiated himself, is always in communication with
+Cleopatra. He went to the war with him."
+
+"I learned that too late, and am utterly powerless against Antony,"
+replied Archibius.
+
+"But was it not natural that I should fear he had prejudiced the Queen?"
+asked Barine. "At any rate, I imagined that I detected a hostile
+expression in her eyes, and it repelled me, though at first I had been
+so strongly attracted towards her."
+
+"And had not that other stepped between you, you could not have turned
+from her again!" said Archibius. "The first time I saw her I was but a
+mere boy, and she--as I have already said--a child eight years old."
+
+Barine nodded gratefully to Archibius, brought the distaff to her
+mother, poured water into the wine in the mixing vessel, and after at
+first leaning comfortably back among the cushions, she soon bent forward
+in a listening attitude, with her elbow propped on her knee, and her
+chin supported by her hand. Berenike drew the flax from the distaff, at
+first slowly, then faster and faster.
+
+"You know my country-house in the Kanopus," the guest began. "It was
+originally a small summer palace belonging to the royal family, and
+underwent little change after we moved into it. Even the garden is
+unaltered. It was full of shady old trees. Olympus, the leech, had
+chosen this place, that my father might complete within its walls the
+work of education entrusted to him. You shall hear the story. At that
+time Alexandria was in a state of turmoil, for Rome had not recognized
+the King, and ruled over us like Fate, though it had not acknowledged
+the will by which the miserable Alexander bequeathed Egypt to him like a
+field or a slave.
+
+"The King of Egypt, who called himself 'the new Dionysus,' was a weak
+man, whose birth did not give him the full right to the sovereignty. You
+know that the people called him the 'fluteplayer.' He really had no
+greater pleasure than to hear music and listen to his own performances.
+He played by no means badly on more than one instrument, and, moreover,
+as a reveller did honour to the other name. Whoever kept sober at the
+festival of Dionysus, whose incarnate second self he regarded himself,
+incurred his deepest displeasure.
+
+"The flute-player's wife, Queen Tryphœna, and her oldest daughter--she
+bore your name, Berenike--ruined his life. Compared with them, the King
+was worthy and virtuous. What had become of the heroes and the
+high-minded princes of the house of Ptolemy? Every passion and crime had
+found a home in their palaces!
+
+"The flute-player, Cleopatra's father, was by no means the worst. He was
+a slave to his own caprices; no one had taught him to bridle his
+passions. Where it served his purpose, even death was summoned to his
+aid; but this was a custom of the last sovereigns of his race. In one
+respect he was certainly superior to most of them--he still possessed a
+capacity to feel a loathing for the height of crime, to believe in
+virtue and loftiness of soul, and the possibility of implanting them in
+youthful hearts. When a boy, he had been under the influence of an
+excellent teacher, whose precepts had lingered in his memory and led him
+to determine to withdraw his favourite children--two girls--from their
+mother's sway, at least as far as possible.
+
+"I learned afterwards that it had been his desire to confide the
+princesses wholly to my parents' care. But an invincible power opposed
+this. Though Greeks might be permitted to instruct the royal children in
+knowledge, the Egyptians would not yield the right to their religious
+education. The leech Olympus--you know the good old man--had insisted
+that the delicate Cleopatra must spend the coldest winter months in
+Upper Egypt, where the sky was never clouded, and the summer near the
+sea in a shady garden. The little palace at Kanopus was devoted to this
+purpose.
+
+"When we moved there it was entirely unoccupied, but the princesses were
+soon to be brought to us. During the winter Olympus preferred the island
+of Philæ, on the Nubian frontier, because the famous Temple of Isis was
+there, and its priests willingly undertook to watch over the children.
+
+"The Queen would not listen to any of these plans. Leaving Alexandria
+and spending the winter on a lonely island in the tropics was an utterly
+incomprehensible idea. So she let the King have his way, and no doubt
+was glad to be relieved from the care of the children; for, even after
+her royal husband's exile from the city, she never visited her
+daughters. True, death allowed her only a short time to do so.
+
+"Her oldest daughter, Berenike, who became her successor, followed her
+example, and troubled herself very little about her sisters. I heard
+afterwards that she was very glad to know that they were in charge of
+persons who filled their minds with other thoughts than the desire to
+rule. Her brothers were reared at Lochias by our countryman Theodotus,
+under the eyes of their guardian, Pothinus.
+
+"Our family life was of course wholly transformed by the reception of
+the royal children. In the first place, we moved from our house in the
+Museum Square into the little palace at Kanopus, and the big, shady
+garden delighted us. I remember, as though it were but yesterday, the
+morning--I was then a boy of fifteen--when my father told us that two of
+the King's daughters would soon become members of the household. There
+were three of us children--Charmian, who went to the war with the Queen,
+because Iras, our niece, was ill; I myself; and Straton, who died long
+ago. We were urged to treat the princesses with the utmost courtesy and
+consideration, and we perceived that their reception really demanded
+respect; for the palace, which we had found empty and desolate, was
+refurnished from roof to foundation.
+
+"The day before they were expected horses, chariots, and litters came,
+while boats and a splendid state galley, fully manned, arrived by sea.
+Then a train of male and female slaves appeared, among them two fat
+eunuchs.
+
+"I can still see the angry look with which my father surveyed all these
+people. He drove at once to the city, and on his return his clear eyes
+were as untroubled as ever. A court official accompanied him, and only
+that portion of the useless amount of luggage and number of persons that
+my father desired remained.
+
+"The princesses were to come the next morning--it was at the end of
+February--flowers were blooming in the grass and on the bushes, while
+the foliage of the trees glittered with the fresh green which the rising
+sap gives to the young leaves. I was sitting on a strong bough of a
+sycamore-tree, which grew opposite to the house, watching for them.
+Their arrival was delayed and, as I gazed meanwhile over the garden, I
+thought it must surely please them, for not a palace in the city had one
+so beautiful.
+
+"At last the litters appeared; they had neither runners nor attendants,
+as my father had requested, and when the princesses alighted--both at
+the same moment--I knew not which way to turn my eyes first, for the
+creature that fluttered like a dragon-fly rather than stepped from the
+first litter, was not a girl like other mortals--she seemed like a wish,
+a hope. When the dainty, beautiful creature turned her head hither and
+thither, and at last gazed questioningly, as if beseeching help, into
+the faces of my father and mother, who stood at the gate to receive her,
+it seemed to me that such must have been the aspect of Psyche when she
+stood pleading for mercy at the throne of Zeus.
+
+"But it was worth while to look at the other also. Was that Cleopatra?
+She might have been the elder, for she was as tall as her sister, but
+how utterly unlike! From the waving hair to every movement of the hands
+and body the former--it _was_ Cleopatra--had seemed to me as if she were
+flying. Everything about the second figure, on the contrary, was solid,
+nay, even seemed to offer positive resistance. She sprang from the
+litter and alighted on the ground with both feet at once, clung firmly
+to the door, and haughtily flung back her head, crowned with a wealth of
+dark locks. Her complexion was pink and white, and her blue eyes
+sparkled brightly enough; but the expression with which she gazed at my
+parents was defiant rather than questioning, and as she glanced around
+her red lips curled scornfully as though she deemed her surroundings
+despicable and unworthy of her royal birth.
+
+"This irritated me against the seven-year-old child, yet I said to
+myself that, though it was very beautiful here--thanks to my father's
+care--perhaps it appeared plain and simple when compared with the
+marble, gold, and purple of the royal palace whence she came. Her
+features, too, were regular and beautiful, and she would have attracted
+attention by her loveliness among a multitude. When I soon heard her
+issue imperious commands and defiantly insist upon the fulfilment of
+every wish, I thought, in my boyish ignorance, that Arsinoë must be the
+elder; for she was better suited to wield a sceptre than her sister. I
+said so to my brother and Charmian; but we all soon saw which really
+possessed queenly majesty; for Arsinoë, if her will were crossed, wept,
+screamed, and raged like a lunatic, or, if that proved useless, begged
+and teased; while if Cleopatra wanted anything she obtained it in a
+different way. Even at that time she knew what weapons would give her
+victory and, while using them, she still remained the child of a king.
+
+"No artisan's daughter could have been further removed from airs of
+majestic pathos than this embodiment of the most charming childlike
+grace; but if anything for which her passionate nature ardently longed
+was positively refused, she understood how to attain it by the melody of
+her voice, the spell of her eyes, and in extreme cases by a silent tear.
+When to such tears were added uplifted hands and a few sweet words, such
+as, 'It would make me happy,' or, 'Don't you see how it hurts me?'
+resistance was impossible; and in after-years also her silent tears and
+the marvellous music of her voice won her a victory in the decisive
+questions of life.
+
+"We children were soon playmates and friends, for my parents did not
+wish the princesses to begin their studies until after they felt at home
+with us. This pleased Arsinoë, although she could already read and
+write; but Cleopatra more than once asked to hear something from my
+father's store of wisdom, of which she had been told.
+
+"The King and her former teacher had cherished the highest expectations
+from the brilliant intellect of this remarkable child, and Olympus once
+laid his hand on my curls and bade me take care that the princess did
+not outstrip the philosopher's son. I had always occupied one of the
+foremost places, and laughingly escaped, assuring him that there was no
+danger.
+
+"But I soon learned that this warning was not groundless. You will think
+that the old fool's heart has played him a trick, and in the magic
+garden of childish memories the gifted young girl was transformed into a
+goddess. That she certainly was not; for the immortals are free from the
+faults and weaknesses of humanity."
+
+"And what robbed Cleopatra of the renown of resembling the gods?" asked
+Barine eagerly.
+
+A subtle smile, not wholly free from reproach, accompanied Archibius's
+reply: "Had I spoken of her virtues, you would hardly have thought of
+asking further details. But why should I try to conceal what she has
+displayed to the world openly enough throughout her whole life?
+Falsehood and hypocrisy were as unfamiliar to her as fishing is to the
+sons of the desert. The fundamental principles which have dominated this
+rare creature's life and character to the present day are two ceaseless
+desires: first, to surpass every one, even in the most difficult
+achievements; and, secondly, to love and to be loved in return. From
+them emanated what raised her above all other women. Ambition and love
+will also sustain her like two mighty wings on the proud height to which
+they have borne her, so long as they dwell harmoniously in her fiery
+soul. Hitherto a rare favour of destiny has permitted this, and may the
+Olympians grant that thus it may ever be!"
+
+Here Archibius paused, wiped the perspiration from his brow, asked if
+the messenger had arrived, and ordered him to be admitted as soon as he
+appeared. Then he went on as calmly as before:
+
+"The princesses were members of our household, and in the course of time
+they seemed like sisters. During the first winter the King allowed them
+to spend only the most inclement months at Philæ, for he was unwilling
+to live without them. True, he saw them rarely enough; weeks often
+elapsed without a visit; but, on the other hand, he often came day after
+day to our garden, clad in plain garments, and borne in an unpretending
+litter, for these visits were kept secret from every one save the leech
+Olympus.
+
+"I often saw the tall, strong man, with red, bloated face, playing with
+his children like a mechanic who had just returned from work. But he
+usually remained only a short time, seeming to be satisfied with having
+seen them again. Perhaps he merely wished to assure himself that they
+were comfortable with us. At any rate, no one was permitted to go near
+the group of plane-trees where he talked with them.
+
+"But it is easy to hide amid the dense foliage of these trees, so my
+knowledge that he questioned them is not solely hearsay.
+
+"Cleopatra was happy with us from the beginning; Arsinoë needed a
+longer time; but the King valued only the opinion of his older child,
+his darling, on whom he feasted his eyes and ears like a lover. He often
+shook his heavy head at the sight of her, and when she gave him one of
+her apt replies, he laughed so loudly that the sound of his deep,
+resonant voice was heard as far as the house.
+
+"Once I saw tear after tear course down his flushed cheeks, and yet his
+visit was shorter than usual. The closed _harmamaxa_* in which he came
+bore him from our house directly to the vessel which was to convey him
+to Cyprus and Rome. The Alexandrians, headed by the Queen, had forced
+him to leave the city and the country.
+
+[* A closed Asiatic travelling-carriage with four wheels.]
+
+"He was indeed unworthy of the crown, but he loved his little daughter
+like a true father. Still, it was terrible, monstrous for him to invoke
+curses upon the mother and sister of the children, in their presence,
+and in the same breath command them to hate and execrate them, but to
+love and never forget him.
+
+"I was then seventeen and Cleopatra ten years old. I, who loved my
+parents better than my life, felt an icy chill run through my veins and
+then a touch upon my heart like balsam, as I heard little Arsinoë,
+after her father had gone, whisper to her sister, 'We will hate
+them--may the gods destroy them!' and when Cleopatra answered with
+tearful eyes, 'Let us rather be better than they, very good indeed,
+Arsinoë, that the immortals may love us and bring our father back.'
+
+"'Because then he will make you Queen,' replied Arsinoë sneeringly,
+still trembling with angry excitement.
+
+"Cleopatra gazed at her with a troubled look. Her tense features showed
+that she was weighing the meaning of the words, and I can still see her
+as she suddenly drew up her small figure, and said proudly, 'Yes, I will
+be Queen!'
+
+"Then her manner changed, and in the sweetest tones of her soft voice,
+she said beseechingly, 'You won't say such naughty things again, will
+you?'
+
+"This was at the time that my father's instruction began to take
+possession of her mind. The prediction of Olympus was fulfilled. True, I
+attended the school of oratory, but when my father set the royal maiden
+a lesson, I was permitted to repeat mine on the same subject, and
+frequently I could not help admitting that Cleopatra had succeeded
+better than I.
+
+"Soon there were difficult problems to master, for the intellect of this
+wonderful child demanded stronger food, and she was introduced into
+philosophy. My father himself belonged to the school of Epicurus, and
+succeeded far beyond his expectations in rousing Cleopatra's interest in
+his master's teachings. She had been made acquainted with the other
+great philosophers also, but always returned to Epicurus, and induced
+the rest of us to live with her as a true disciple of the noble Samian.
+
+"Your father and brother have doubtless made you familiar with the
+precepts of the Stoa; yet you have certainly heard that Epicurus spent
+the latter part of his life with his friends and pupils in quiet
+meditation and instructive conversation in his garden at Athens. We,
+too--according to Cleopatra's wish--were to live thus and call ourselves
+'disciples of Epicurus.'
+
+"With the exception of Arsinoë, who preferred gayer pastimes, into
+which she drew my brother Straton--at that time a giant in strength--we
+all liked the plan. I was chosen master, but I perceived that Cleopatra
+desired the position, so she took my place.
+
+"During our next leisure afternoon we paced up and down the garden, and
+the conversation about the chief good was so eager, Cleopatra directed
+it with so much skill, and decided doubtful questions so happily, that
+we reluctantly obeyed the brazen gong which summoned us to the house,
+and spent the whole evening in anticipating the next afternoon.
+
+"The following morning my father saw several country people assembled
+before the secluded garden; but he did not have time to inquire what
+they wanted; for Timagenes, who shared the instruction in history--you
+know he was afterwards taken to Rome as a prisoner of war--rushed up to
+him, holding out a tablet which bore the inscription Epicurus had
+written on the gate of his garden: 'Stranger, here you will be happy;
+here is the chief good, pleasure.'
+
+"Cleopatra had written this notice in large letters on the top of a
+small table before sunrise, and a slave had secretly fastened it on the
+gate for her.
+
+"This prank might have easily proved fatal to our beautiful
+companionship, but it had been done merely to make our game exactly like
+the model.
+
+"My father did not forbid our continuing this pastime, but strictly
+prohibited our calling ourselves 'Epicureans' outside of the garden, for
+this noble name had since gained among the people a significance wholly
+alien. Epicurus says that true pleasure is to be found only in peace of
+mind and absence of pain."
+
+"But every one," interrupted Barine, "believes that people like the
+wealthy Isidorus, whose object in life is to take every pleasure which
+his wealth can procure, are the real Epicureans. My mother would not
+have confided me long to a teacher by whose associates 'pleasure' was
+deemed the chief good."
+
+"The daughter of a philosopher," replied Archibius, gently shaking his
+head, "ought to understand what pleasure means in the sense of Epicurus,
+and no doubt you do. True, those who are further removed from these
+things cannot know that the master forbids yearning for individual
+pleasure. Have you an idea of his teachings? No definite one? Then
+permit me a few words of explanation. It happens only too often that
+Epicurus is confounded with Aristippus, who places sensual pleasure
+above intellectual enjoyment, as he holds that bodily pain is harder to
+endure than mental anguish. Epicurus, on the contrary, considers
+intellectual pleasure to be the higher one; for sensual enjoyment, which
+he believes free to every one, can be experienced only in the present,
+while intellectual delight extends to both the past and the future. To
+the Epicureans the goal of life, as has already been mentioned, is to
+attain the chief blessings, peace of mind, and freedom from pain. He is
+to practise virtue only because it brings him pleasure; for who could
+remain virtuous without being wise, noble, and just?--and whoever is all
+these cannot have his peace of mind disturbed, and must be really happy
+in the exact meaning of the master. I perceived long since the peril
+lurking in this system of instruction, which takes no account of moral
+excellence; but at that time it seemed to me also the chief good.
+
+"How all this charmed the mind of the thoughtful child, still untouched
+by passion! It was difficult to supply her wonderfully vigorous
+intellect with sufficient sustenance, and she really felt that to enrich
+it was the highest pleasure. And to her, who could scarcely endure to
+have a rude hand touch her, though a small grief or trivial
+disappointment could not be averted, the freedom from pain which the
+master had named as the first condition for the existence of every
+pleasure, and termed the chief good, seemed indeed the first condition
+of a happy life.
+
+"Yet this child, whom my father once compared to a thinking flower, bore
+without complaint her sad destiny--her father's banishment, her mother's
+death, her sister Berenike's profligacy. Even to me, in whom she found a
+second brother and fully trusted, she spoke of these sorrowful things
+only in guarded allusions. I know that she understood what was passing
+fully and perfectly, and how deeply she felt it; but pain placed itself
+between her and the 'chief good,' and she mastered it. And when she sat
+at work, with what tenacious power the delicate creature struggled until
+she had conquered the hardest task and outstripped Charmian and even me!
+
+"In those days I understood why, among the gods, a maiden rules over
+learning, and why she is armed with the weapons of war. You have heard
+how many languages Cleopatra speaks. A remark of Timagenes had fallen
+into her soul like a seed. 'With every language you learn,' he had said,
+'you will gain a nation.' But there were many peoples in her father's
+kingdom, and when she was Queen they must all love her. True, she began
+with the tongue of the conquerors, not the conquered. So it happened
+that we first learned Lucretius, who reproduces in verse the doctrines
+of Epicurus. My father was our teacher, and the second year she read
+Lucretius as if it were a Greek book. She had only half known Egyptian;
+now she speedily acquired it. During our stay at Philæ she found a
+troglodyte who was induced to teach her his language. There were Jews
+enough here in Alexandria to instruct her in theirs, and she also
+learned its kindred tongue, Arabic.
+
+"When, many years later, she visited Antony at Tarsus, the warriors
+imagined that some piece of Egyptian magic was at work, for she
+addressed each commander in his own tongue, and talked with him as if
+she were a native of the same country.
+
+"It was the same with everything. She outstripped us in every branch of
+study. To her burning ambition it would have been unbearable to lag
+behind.
+
+"The Roman Lucretius became her favourite poet, although she was no more
+friendly to his nation than I, but the self-conscious power of the foe
+pleased her, and once I heard her exclaim 'Ah! if the Egyptians were
+Romans, I would give up our garden for Berenike's throne.'
+
+"Lucretius constantly led her back to Epicurus, and awakened a severe
+conflict in her unresting mind. You probably know that he teaches that
+life in itself is not so great a blessing that it must be deemed a
+misfortune _not to live_. It is only spoiled by having death appear to
+us as the greatest of misfortunes. Only the soul which ceases to regard
+death as a misfortune finds peace. Whoever knows that thought and
+feeling end with life will not fear death; for, no matter how many dear
+and precious things the dead have left here below, their yearning for
+them has ceased with life. He declares that providing for the body is
+the greatest folly, while the Egyptian religion, in which Anubis strove
+to strengthen her faith, maintained precisely the opposite.
+
+"To a certain degree he succeeded, for his personality exerted a
+powerful influence over her; and besides, she naturally took great
+pleasure in mystical, supernatural things, as my brother Straton did in
+physical strength, and you, Barine, enjoy the gift of song. You know
+Anubis by sight. What Alexandrian has not seen this remarkable man?--and
+whoever has once met his eyes does not easily forget him. He does indeed
+rule over mysterious powers, and he used them in his intercourse with
+the young princess. It is his work if she cleaves to the religious
+belief of her people, if she who is a Hellene to the last drop of blood
+loves Egypt, and is ready to make any sacrifice for her independence and
+grandeur. She is called 'the new Isis,' but Isis presides over the magic
+arts of the Egyptians, and Anubis initiated Cleopatra into this secret
+science, and even persuaded her to enter the observatory and the
+laboratory----
+
+"But all these things had their origin in our garden of Epicurus, and my
+father did not venture to forbid it; for the King had sent a message
+from Rome to say that he was glad to have Cleopatra find pleasure in her
+own people and their secret knowledge.
+
+"The flute-player, during his stay on the Tiber, had given his gold to
+the right men or bound them as creditors to his interest. After Pompey,
+Cæsar, and Crassus had concluded their alliance, they consented at
+Lucca to the restoration of the Ptolemy. Millions upon millions would
+not have seemed to him too large a price for this object. Pompey would
+rather have gone to Egypt himself, but the jealousy of the others would
+not permit it. Gabinius, the Governor of Syria, received the commission.
+
+"But the occupants of the Egyptian throne were not disposed to resign it
+without a struggle. You know that meanwhile Queen Berenike, Cleopatra's
+sister, had been twice married. She had her miserable first husband
+strangled--a more manly spouse had been chosen by the Alexandrians for
+her second consort. He bravely defended his rights, and lost his life on
+the field of battle.
+
+"The senate learned speedily enough that Gabinius had brought the
+Ptolemy back to his country; the news reached us more slowly. We watched
+for every rumour with the same passionate anxiety as now.
+
+"At that time Cleopatra was fourteen, and had developed magnificently.
+Yonder portrait shows the perfect flower, but the bud possessed, if
+possible, even more exquisite charm. How clear and earnest was the gaze
+of her bright eyes! When she was gay they could shine like stars, and
+then her little red mouth had an indescribably mischievous expression,
+and in each cheek came one of the tiny dimples which still delight every
+one. Her nose was more delicate than it is now, and the slight curve
+which appears in the portrait, and which is far too prominent in the
+coins, was not visible. Her hair did not grow dark until later in life.
+My sister Charmian had no greater pleasure than to arrange its wavy
+abundance. It was like silk, she often said, and she was right. I know
+this, for when at the festival of Isis, Cleopatra, holding the sistrum,
+followed the image of the goddess, she was obliged to wear it
+unconfined. On her return home she often shook her head merrily, and her
+hair fell about her like a cataract, veiling her face and figure. Then,
+as now, she was not above middle height, but her form possessed the most
+exquisite symmetry, only it was still more delicate and pliant.
+
+"She had understood how to win all hearts. Yet, though she seemed to
+esteem our father higher, trust me more fully, look up to Anubis with
+greater reverence, and prefer to argue with the keen-witted Timagenes,
+she still appeared to hold all who surrounded her in equal favour, while
+Arsinoë left me in the lurch if Straton were present, and whenever the
+handsome Melnodor, one of my father's pupils, came to us, she fairly
+devoured him with her glowing eyes.
+
+"As soon as it was rumoured that the Romans were bringing the King back,
+Queen Berenike came to us to take the young girls to the city. When
+Cleopatra entreated her to leave her in our parents' care and not
+interrupt her studies, a scornful smile flitted over Berenike's face,
+and turning to her husband Archelaus, she said scornfully, 'I think
+books will prove to be the smallest danger.'
+
+"Pothinus, the guardian of the two princesses' brothers, had formerly
+permitted them at times to visit their sisters. Now they were no longer
+allowed to leave Lochias, but neither Cleopatra nor Arsinoë made many
+inquiries about them. The little boys always retreated from their
+caresses, and the Egyptian locks on their temples, which marked the age
+of childhood, and the Egyptian garments which Pothinus made them wear,
+lent them an unfamiliar aspect.
+
+"When it was reported that the Romans were advancing from Gaza, both
+girls were overpowered by passionate excitement. Arsinoë's glittered in
+every glance; Cleopatra understood how to conceal hers, but her colour
+often varied, and her face, which was not pink and white like her
+sister's, but--how shall I express it?----"
+
+"I know what you mean," Barine interrupted. "When I saw her, nothing
+seemed to me more charming than that pallid hue through which the
+crimson of her cheeks shines like the flame through yonder alabaster
+lamp, the tint of the peach through the down. I have seen it often in
+convalescents. Aphrodite breathes this hue on the faces and figures of
+her favourites only, as the god of time imparts the green tinge to the
+bronze. Nothing is more beautiful than when such women blush."
+
+"Your sight is keen," replied Archibius, smiling. "It seemed indeed as
+if not Eos, but her faint reflection in the western horizon, was tinting
+the sky, when joy or shame sent the colour to her cheeks, But when wrath
+took possession of her--and ere the King's return this often
+happened--she could look as if she were lifeless, like a marble statue,
+with lips as colourless as those of a corpse.
+
+"My father said that the blood of Physkon and other degenerate
+ancestors, who had not learned to control their passions, was asserting
+itself in her also. But I must continue my story, or the messenger will
+interrupt me too soon.
+
+"Gabinius was bringing back the King. But from the time of his approach
+with the Roman army and the auxiliary troops of the Ethnarch of Judea,
+nothing more was learned of him or of Antipater, who commanded the
+forces of Hyrkanus; every one talked constantly of the Roman general
+Antony. He had led the troops successfully through the deserts between
+Syria and the Egyptian Delta without losing a single man on the
+dangerous road by the Sirbonian Sea and Barathra, where many an army had
+met destruction. Not to Antipater, but to him, had the Jewish garrison
+of Pelusium surrendered their city without striking a blow. He had
+conquered in two battles; and the second, where, as you know, Berenike's
+husband fell after a brave resistance, had decided the destiny of the
+country.
+
+"From the time his name was first mentioned, neither of the girls could
+hear enough about him. It was said that he was the most aristocratic of
+aristocratic Romans, the most reckless of the daring, the wildest of the
+riotous, and the handsomest of the handsome.
+
+"The waiting-maid from Mantua, with whom Cleopatra practised speaking
+the Roman language, had often seen him, and had heard of him still more
+frequently--for his mode of life was the theme of gossip among all
+classes of Roman men and women. His house was said to have descended in
+a direct line from Hercules, and his figure and magnificent black beard
+recalled his ancestor. You know him, and know that the things reported
+of him are those which a young girl cannot hear with indifference, and
+at that time he was nearly five lustra younger than he is to-day.
+
+"How eagerly Arsinoë listened when his name was uttered! How Cleopatra
+flushed and paled when Timagenes condemned him as an unprincipled
+libertine! True, Antony was opening her father's path to his home.
+
+"The flute-player had not forgotten his daughters. He had remained aloof
+from the battle, but as soon as the victory was decided, he pressed on
+into the city.
+
+"The road led past our garden.
+
+"The King had barely time to send a runner to his daughters, fifteen
+minutes before his arrival, to say that he desired to greet them. They
+were hurriedly attired in festal garments, and both presented an
+appearance that might well gladden a father's heart.
+
+"Cleopatra was not yet as tall as Arsinoë, but, though only fourteen,
+she looked like a full-grown maiden, while her sister's face and figure
+showed that in years she was still a child. But she was no longer one in
+heart. Bouquets for the returning sovereign had been arranged as well as
+haste permitted. Each one of the girls held one in her hand when the
+train approached.
+
+"My parents accompanied them to the garden gate. I could see what was
+passing, but could hear distinctly only the voices of the men.
+
+"The King alighted from the travelling chariot, which was drawn by eight
+white Median steeds. The chamberlain who attended him was obliged to
+support him. His face, reddened by his potations, fairly beamed as he
+greeted his daughters. His joyful surprise at the sight of both, but
+especially of Cleopatra, was evident. True, he kissed and embraced
+Arsinoë, but after that he had eyes and ears solely for Cleopatra.
+
+"Yet his younger daughter was very beautiful. Away from her sister, she
+would have commanded the utmost admiration; but Cleopatra was like the
+sun, beside which every other heavenly body pales. Yet, no; she should
+not be compared to the sun. It was part of the fascination she exerted
+that every one felt compelled to gaze at her, to discover the source of
+the charm which emanated from her whole person.
+
+"Antony, too, was enthralled by the spell as soon as he heard the first
+words from her lips. He had dashed up to the King's chariot, and seeing
+the two daughters by their father's side, he greeted them with a hasty
+salute. When, in reply to the question whether he might hope for her
+gratitude for bringing her father back to her so quickly, she said that
+as a daughter she sincerely rejoiced, but as an Egyptian the task would
+be harder, he gazed more keenly at her.
+
+"I did not know her answer until later; but ere the last sound of her
+voice had died away, I saw the Roman spring from his charger and fling
+the bridle to Ammonius--the chamberlain who had assisted the King from
+the chariot--as if he were his groom. The woman-hunter had met with rare
+game in his pursuit of the fairest, and while he continued his
+conversation with Cleopatra her father sometimes joined in, and his deep
+laughter was often heard.
+
+"No one would have recognized the earnest disciple of Epicurus. We had
+often heard apt replies and original thoughts from Cleopatra's lips, but
+she had rarely answered Timagenes's jests with another. Now she
+found--one could see it by watching the speakers--a witty answer to many
+of Antony's remarks. It seemed as if, for the first time, she had met
+some one for whom she deemed it worth while to bring into the field
+every gift of her deep and quick intelligence. Yet she did not lose for
+a moment her womanly dignity; her eyes did not sparkle one whit more
+brightly than during an animated conversation with me or our father.
+
+"It was very different with Arsinoë. When Antony flung himself from his
+horse, she had moved nearer to her sister, but, as the Roman continued
+to overlook her, her face crimsoned, she bit her scarlet lips. Her whole
+attitude betrayed the agitation that mastered her, and I, who knew her,
+saw by the expression of her eyes and her quivering nostrils that she
+was on the point of bursting into tears. Though Cleopatra stood so much
+nearer to my heart, I felt sorry for her, and longed to touch the arm of
+the haughty Roman, who indeed looked like the god of war, and whisper to
+him to take some little notice of the poor child, who was also a
+daughter of the King.
+
+"But a still harder blow was destined to fall upon Arsinoë; for when
+the King, who had been holding both bouquets, warned Antony that it was
+time to depart, he took one, and I heard him say in his deep, loud
+tones, 'Whoever calls such flowers his daughters does not need so many
+others.' Then he gave Cleopatra the blossoms and, laying his hand upon
+his heart, expressed the hope of seeing her in Alexandria, and swung
+himself upon the charger which the chamberlain, pale with fury, was
+still holding by the bridle.
+
+"The flute-player was delighted with his oldest daughter, and told my
+father he would have the young princess conveyed to the city on the day
+after the morrow. The next day he had things to do of which he desired
+her to have no knowledge. Our father, in token of his gratitude, should
+retain for himself and his heirs the summer palace and the garden. He
+would see that the change of owner was entered in the land register.
+This was really done that very day. It was, indeed, his first act save
+one--the execution of his daughter Berenike.
+
+"This ruler, who would have seemed to any one who beheld his meeting
+with his children a warm-hearted man and a tender father, at that time
+would have put half Alexandria to the sword, had not Antony interposed.
+He forbade the bloodshed, and honoured Berenike's dead husband by a
+stately funeral.
+
+"As the steed bore him away, he turned back towards Cleopatra; he could
+not have saluted Arsinoë, for she had rushed into the garden, and her
+swollen face betrayed that she had shed burning tears.
+
+"From that hour she bitterly hated Cleopatra.
+
+"On the day appointed, the King brought the princesses to the city with
+regal splendour. The Alexandrians joyously greeted the royal sisters,
+as, seated on a golden throne, over which waved ostrich-feathers, they
+were borne in state down the Street of the King, surrounded by
+dignitaries, army commanders, the body-guard, and the senate of the
+city. Cleopatra received the adulation of the populace with gracious
+majesty, as if she were already Queen. Whoever had seen her as, with
+floods of tears, she bade us all farewell, assuring us of her gratitude
+and faithful remembrance, the sisterly affection she showed me--I had
+just been elected commander of the Ephebi--" Here Archibius was
+interrupted by a slave, who announced the arrival of the messenger, and,
+rising hurriedly, he went to Leonax's workshop, to which the man had
+been conducted, that he might speak to him alone.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The men sent by Archibius to obtain news had brought back no definite
+information; but a short time before, a royal runner had handed him a
+tablet from Iras, requesting him to visit her the next day. Disquieting,
+but fortunately as yet unverified tidings had arrived. The Regent was
+doing everything in his power to ascertain the truth; but he (Archibius)
+was aware of the distrust of the government, and everything connected
+with it, felt by the sailors and all the seafaring folk at the harbour.
+An independent person like himself could often learn more than the chief
+of the harbour police, with all his ships and men.
+
+The little tablet was accompanied by a second, which, in the Regent's
+name, authorized the bearer to have the harbour chains raised anywhere,
+to go out into the open sea and return without interference.
+
+The messenger, the overseer of Archibius's galley slaves, was an
+experienced man. He undertook to have the "Epicurus"--a swift vessel,
+which Cleopatra had given to her friend--ready for a voyage to the open
+sea within two hours. The carriage should be sent for his master, that
+no time might be lost.
+
+When Archibius had returned to the ladies and asked whether it would be
+an abuse of their hospitality, if--it was now nearly midnight--he should
+still delay his departure for a time, they expressed sincere pleasure,
+and begged him to continue his narrative.
+
+"I must hasten," he hurriedly began, after eating the lunch which
+Berenike had ordered while he was talking with the messenger, "but the
+events of the next few years are hardly worth mentioning. Besides, my
+time was wholly occupied by my studies in the museum.
+
+"As for Cleopatra and Arsinoë, they stood like queens at the head of
+all the magnificence of the court. The day on which they left our house
+was the last of their childhood.
+
+"Who would venture to determine whether her father's restoration, or the
+meeting with Antony, had wrought the great change which took place at
+that time in Cleopatra?
+
+"Just before she left us, my mother had lamented that she must give her
+to a father like the flute-player, instead of to a worthy mother; for
+the best could not help regarding herself happy in the possession of
+such a daughter. Afterwards her character and conduct were better suited
+to delight men than to please a mother. The yearning for peace of mind
+seemed over. Only the noisy festivals, the singing and music, of which
+there was never any cessation in the palace of the royal virtuoso,
+seemed to weary her and at such times she appeared at our house and
+spent several days beneath its roof. Arsinoë never accompanied her; her
+heart was sometimes won by a golden-haired officer in the ranks of the
+German horsemen whom Gabinius had left among the garrison of Alexandria,
+sometimes by a Macedonian noble among the youths who, at that time,
+performed the service of guarding the palace.
+
+"Cleopatra lived apart from her, and Arsinoë openly showed her
+hostility from the time that she entreated her to put an end to the
+scandal caused by her love affairs.
+
+"Cleopatra held aloof from such things.
+
+"Though she had devoted much time to the magic arts of the Egyptians,
+her clear intellect had rendered her so familiar with the philosophy of
+the Hellenes that it was a pleasure to hear her converse or argue in the
+museum--as she often did--with the leaders of the various schools. Her
+self-confidence had become very strong. Though, while with us, she said
+that she longed to return to the days of the peaceful Garden of
+Epicurus, she devoted herself eagerly enough to the events occurring in
+the world and to statecraft. She was familiar with everything in Rome,
+the desires and struggles of the contending parties, as well as the
+characters of the men who were directing affairs, their qualities,
+views, and aims.
+
+"She followed Antony's career with the interest of love, for she had
+bestowed on him the first affection of her young heart. She had expected
+the greatest achievements, but his subsequent course seemed to belie
+these lofty hopes. A tinge of scorn coloured her remarks concerning him
+at that time, but here also her heart had its share.
+
+"Pompey, to whom her father owed his restoration to the throne, she
+considered a lucky man, rather than a great and wise one. Of Julius
+Cæsar, on the contrary, long before she met him, she spoke with ardent
+enthusiasm, though she knew that he would gladly have made Egypt a Roman
+province. The greatest deed which she expected from the energetic Julius
+was that he would abolish the republic, which she hated, and soar upward
+to tyrannize over the arrogant rulers of the world--only she would fain
+have seen Antony in his place. How often in those days she used magic
+art to assure herself of his future! Her father was interested in these
+things, especially as, through them, and the power of the mighty Isis,
+he expected to obtain relief from his many and severe sufferings.
+
+"Cleopatra's brothers were still mere boys, completely dependent upon
+their guardian, Pothinus, to whom the King left the care of the
+government, and their tutor, Theodotus, a clever but unprincipled
+rhetorician. These two men and Achillas, the commander of the troops,
+would gladly have aided Dionysus, the King's oldest male heir, to obtain
+the control of the state, in order afterwards to rule him, but the
+flute-player baffled their plans. You know that in his last will he made
+Cleopatra, his favourite child, his successor, but her brother Dionysus
+was to share the throne as her husband. This caused much scandal in
+Rome, though it was an old custom of the house of Ptolemy, and suited
+the Egyptians.
+
+"The flute-player died. Cleopatra became Queen, and at the same time the
+wife of a husband ten years old, for whom she did not even possess the
+natural gift of sisterly tenderness. But with the obstinate child who
+had been told by his counsellors that the right to rule should be his
+alone, she also married the former governors of the country.
+
+"Then began a period of sore suffering. Her life was a perpetual battle
+against notorious intrigues, the worst of which owed their origin to her
+sister. Arsinoë had surrounded herself with a court of her own, managed
+by the eunuch Ganymedes, an experienced commander, and at the same time
+a shrewd adviser, wholly devoted to her interest. He understood how to
+bring her into close relations with Pothinus and other rulers of the
+state, and thus at last united all who possessed any power in the royal
+palace in an endeavour to thrust Cleopatra from the throne. Pothinus,
+Theodotus, and Achillas hated her because she saw their failings and
+made them feel the superiority of her intellect. Their combined efforts
+might have succeeded in overthrowing her before, had not the
+Alexandrians, headed by the Ephebi, over whom I still had some
+influence, stood by her so steadfastly. Whoever could still be classed
+as a 'youth' glowed with enthusiasm for her, and most of the Macedonian
+nobles in the body-guard would have gone to death for her sake, though
+she had forced them to gaze hopelessly up to her as if she were some
+unapproachable goddess.
+
+"When her father died she was seventeen, but she knew how to resist
+oppressors and foes as if she were a man. My sister, Charmian, whom she
+had appointed to a place in her service, loyally aided her. At that time
+she was a beautiful and lovable girl, but the spell exerted by the Queen
+fettered her like chains and bonds. She voluntarily resigned the love of
+a noble man--he afterwards became your husband, Berenike--in order not
+to leave her royal friend at a time when she so urgently needed her.
+Since then my sister has shut her heart against love. It belonged to
+Cleopatra. She lives, thinks, cares for her alone. She is fond of you,
+Barine, because your father was so dear to her. Iras, whose name is so
+often associated with hers, is the daughter of my oldest sister, who was
+already married when the King entrusted the princesses to our father's
+care. She is thirteen years younger than Cleopatra, but her mistress
+holds the first place in her heart also. Her father, the wealthy Krates,
+made every effort to keep her from entering the service of the Queen,
+but in vain. A single conversation with this marvellous woman had bound
+her forever.
+
+"But I must be brief. You have doubtless heard how completely Cleopatra
+bewitched Pompey's son during his visit to Alexandria. She had not been
+so gracious to any man since her meeting with Antony, and it was not
+from affection, but to maintain the independence of her beloved native
+land. At that time the father of Gnejus was the man who possessed the
+most power, and statecraft commanded her to win him through his son. The
+young Roman also took his leave 'full of her,' as the Egyptians say.
+This pleased her, but the visit greatly aided her foes. There was no
+slander which was not disseminated against her. The commanders of the
+body-guard, whom she had always treated as a haughty Queen, had seen her
+associate with Pompey's son in the theatre as if he were a friend of
+equal rank; and on many other occasions the Alexandrians saw her repay
+his courtesies in the same coin. But in those days hatred of Rome surged
+high. The regents, leagued with Arsinoë, spread the rumour that
+Cleopatra would deliver Egypt up to Pompey, if the senate would secure
+to her the sole sovereignty of the new province, and leave her free to
+rid herself of her royal brother and husband.
+
+"She was compelled to fly, and went first to the Syrian frontier, to
+gain friends for her cause among the Asiatic princes. My brother
+Straton--you remember the noble youth who won the prize for wrestling at
+Olympia, Berenike--and I were commissioned to carry the treasure to her.
+We doubtless exposed ourselves to great peril, but we did so gladly, and
+left Alexandria with a few camels, an ox-cart, and some trusted slaves.
+We were to go to Gaza, where Cleopatra was already beginning to collect
+an army, and had disguised ourselves as Nabatæan merchants. The
+languages which I had learned, in order not to be distanced by
+Cleopatra, were now of great service.
+
+"Those were stirring times. The names of Cæsar and Pompey were in every
+mouth. After the defeat at Dyrrachium the cause of Julius seemed lost,
+but the Pharsalian battle again placed him uppermost, unless the East
+rose in behalf of Pompey. Both seemed to be favourites of Fortune. The
+question now was to which the goddess would prove most faithful.
+
+"My sister Charmian was with the Queen, but through one of Arsinoë's
+maids, who was devoted to her, we had learned from the palace that
+Pompey's fate was decided. He had come a fugitive from the defeat of
+Pharsalus, and begged the King of Egypt--that is, the men who were
+acting in his name--for a hospitable reception. Pothinus and his
+associates had rarely confronted a greater embarrassment. The troops and
+ships of the victorious Cæsar were close at hand; many of Gabinius' men
+were serving in the Egyptian army. To receive the vanquished Pompey
+kindly was to make the victorious Cæsar a foe. I was to witness the
+terrible solution of this dilemma. The infamous words of Theodotus,
+'Dead dogs no longer bite,' had turned the scale.
+
+"My brother and I reached Mount Casius with our precious freight, and
+pitched our tents to await a messenger, when a large body of armed men
+approached from the city. At first we feared that we were pursued; but a
+spy reported that the King himself was among the soldiery, and at the
+same time a large Roman galley drew near the coast. It must be Pompey's.
+So they had changed their views, and the King was coming in person to
+receive their guest. The troops encamped on the flat shore on which
+stood the Temple of the Casian Amon.
+
+"The September sun shone brightly, and was reflected from the weapons.
+From the high bank of the dry bed of the river, where we had pitched our
+tent, we saw something scarlet move to and fro. It was the King's
+mantle. The waves, stirred by the autumn breeze, rippled lightly, blue
+as cornflowers, over the yellow sand of the dunes; but the King stood
+still, shading his eyes with his hand as he gazed at the galley.
+Meanwhile, Achillas, the commander of the troops, and Septimius, the
+tribune, who belonged to the Roman garrison in Alexandria, and who, I
+knew, had served under Pompey and owed him many favours, had entered a
+boat and put off to the vessel, which could not come nearer the land on
+account of the shallow water.
+
+"The conference now began, and Achillas's offer of hospitality must have
+been very warm and well calculated to inspire confidence, for a tall
+lady--it was Cornelia, the wife of the Imperator--waved her hand to him
+in token of gratitude."
+
+Here the speaker paused, drew a long breath, and, pressing his hand to
+his brow, continued:
+
+"What follows--alas, that it was my fate to witness the dreadful scene!
+How often a garbled account has been given, and yet the whole was so
+terribly simple!
+
+"Fortune makes her favourites confiding. Pompey was also. Though more
+than fifty years old--he lacked two years of sixty--he sprang into the
+boat quickly enough, with merely a little assistance from a freedman. A
+sailor--he was a negro--shoved the skiff off from the side of the huge
+ship as violently as if the pole he used for the purpose was a spear,
+and the galley his foe. The boat, urged by his companions' oars, had
+already moved forward, and he stumbled, the brown cap falling from his
+woolly head in the act. It seems as if I could still see him. Ere I
+clearly realized that this was an evil omen, the boat stopped.
+
+"The water was shallow. I saw Achillas point to the shore. It could be
+reached by a single bound. Pompey looked towards the King. The freedman
+put his hand under his arm to help him rise. Septimius also stood up. I
+thought he intended to assist him. But no! What did this mean? Something
+flashed by the Imperator's silver-grey hair as if a spark had fallen
+from the sky. Would Pompey defend himself, or why did he raise his hand?
+It was to draw around him the toga, with which he silently covered his
+face. The tribune's arm was again raised high into the air, and
+then--what confusion! Here, there, yonder, hands suddenly appeared
+aloft, bright flashes darted through the clear air. Achillas, the
+general, dealt blows with his dagger as if he were skilled in murder.
+The Imperator's stalwart figure sank forward. The freedman supported
+him.
+
+"Then shouts arose, here a cry of fury, yonder a wail of grief, and,
+rising above all, a woman's shriek of anguish. It came from the lips of
+Cornelia, the murdered man's wife. Shouts of applause from the King's
+camp followed, then the blast of a trumpet; the Egyptians drew back from
+the shore. The scarlet cloak again appeared. Septimius, bearing in his
+hand a bleeding head, went towards it and held the ghastly trophy aloft.
+The royal boy gazed into the dull eyes of the victim, who had guided the
+destinies of many a battlefield, of Rome, of two quarters of the globe.
+The sight was probably too terrible for the child upon the throne, for
+he averted his head. The ship moved away from the land, the Egyptians
+formed into ranks and marched off. Achillas cleansed his blood-stained
+hands in the sea-water. The freedman beside him washed his master's
+headless trunk. The general shrugged his shoulders as the faithful
+fellow heaped reproaches on him."
+
+Here Archibius paused, drawing a long breath. Then he continued more
+calmly:
+
+"Achillas did not lead the troops back to Alexandria, but eastward,
+towards Pelusium, as I learned later.
+
+"My brother and I stood on the rocky edge of the ravine. It was long ere
+either spoke. A cloud of dust concealed the King and his body-guard, the
+sails of the galley disappeared. Twilight closed in, and Straton pointed
+westward towards Alexandria. Then the sun set. Red! red! It seemed as if
+a torrent of blood was pouring over the city.
+
+"Night followed. A scanty fire was glimmering on the strand. Where had
+the wood been gathered in this desert? How had it been kindled? A
+wrecked, mouldering boat had lain close beside the scene of the murder.
+The freedman and his companions had broken it up and fed the flames with
+withered boughs, the torn garments of the murdered man, and dry
+sea-weed. A blaze soon rose, and a body was carefully placed upon the
+wretched funeral pyre. It was the corpse of the great Pompey. One of the
+Imperator's veterans aided the faithful servant."
+
+Here Archibius sank back again among the cushions, adding in
+explanation:
+
+"Cordus, the man's name was Servius Cordus. He fared well later. The
+Queen provided for him. The others? Fate overtook them all soon enough.
+Theodotus was condemned by Brutus to a torturing death. Amid his loud
+shrieks of agony one of Pompey's veterans shouted, 'Dead dogs no longer
+bite, but they howl when dying!'
+
+"It was worthy of Cæsar that he averted his face in horror from the
+head of his enemy, which Theodotus sent to him. Pothinus, too, vainly
+awaited the reward of his infamous deed.
+
+"Julius Cæsar had cast anchor before Alexandria shortly after the
+King's return. Not until after his arrival in Egypt did he learn how
+Pompey had been received there. You know that he remained nine months.
+How often I have heard it said that Cleopatra understood how to chain
+him here! This is both true and false. He was obliged to stay half a
+year; the following three months he did indeed give to the woman whom he
+loved. Ay, the heart of the man of fifty-four had again opened to a
+great passion. Like all wounds, those inflicted by the arrows of Eros
+heal more slowly when youth lies behind the stricken one. It was not
+only the eyes and the senses which attracted a couple so widely
+separated by years, but far more the mental characteristics of both. Two
+winged intellects had met. The genius of one had recognized that of the
+other. The highest type of manhood had met perfect womanhood. They could
+not fail to attract each other. I expected it; for Cleopatra had long
+watched breathlessly the flight of this eagle who soared so far above
+the others, and she was strong enough to keep at his side.
+
+"We succeeded in joining Cleopatra, and heard that, spite of the
+hostility of our citizens, Cæsar had occupied the palace of the
+Ptolemies and was engaged in restoring order.
+
+"We knew in what way Pothinus, Achillas, and Arsinoë would seek to
+influence him. Cleopatra had good reason to fear that her foes might
+deliver Egypt unconditionally to Rome, if Cæsar should leave the reins
+of government in their hands and shut her out. She had cause to dread
+this, but she also had the courage to act in person in her own behalf.
+
+"The point now was to bring her into the city, the palace--nay, into
+direct communication with the dictator. Children tell the tale of the
+strong man who bore Cleopatra in a sack through the palace portals. It
+was not a sack which concealed her, but a Syrian carpet. The strong man
+was my brother Straton. I went first, to secure a free passage.
+
+"Julius Cæsar and she saw and found each other. Fate merely drew the
+conclusion which must result from such premises. Never have I seen
+Cleopatra happier, more exalted in mind and heart, yet she was menaced
+on all sides by serious perils. It required all the military genius of
+Cæsar to conquer the fierce hostility which he encountered here. It was
+this, not the thrall of Cleopatra, I repeat, which first bound him to
+Egypt. What would have prevented him--as he did later--from taking the
+object of his love to Rome, had it been possible at that time? But this
+was not the case. The Alexandrians provided for that.
+
+"He had recognized the flute-player's will, nay, had granted more to the
+royal house than could have been given to the former. Cleopatra and her
+brother-husband, Dionysus, were to share the government, and he also
+bestowed on Arsinoë and her youngest brother the island of Cyprus,
+which had been wrested from their uncle Ptolemy by the republic. Rome
+was, of course, to remain the guardian of the brothers and sisters.
+
+"This arrangement was unendurable to Pothinus and the former rulers of
+the state. Cleopatra as Queen, and Rome--that is Cæsar, the dictator,
+her friend, as guardian--meant their removal from power, their
+destruction, and they resisted violently.
+
+"The Egyptians and even the Alexandrians supported them. The young King
+hated nothing more than the yoke of the unloved sister, who was so
+greatly his superior. Cæsar had come with a force by no means equal to
+theirs, and it might be possible to draw the mighty general into a
+snare. They fought with all the power at their command, with such
+passionate eagerness, that the dictator had never been nearer succumbing
+to peril. But Cleopatra certainly did not paralyze his strength and
+cautious deliberation. No! He had never been greater; never proved the
+power of his genius so magnificently. And against what superior power,
+what hatred he contended! I myself saw the young King, when he heard
+that Cleopatra had succeeded in entering the palace and meeting Cæsar,
+rush into the street, fairly crazed by rage, tear the diadem from his
+head, hurl it on the pavement, and shriek to the passers-by that he was
+betrayed, until Cæsar's soldiers forced him back into the palace, and
+dispersed the mob.
+
+"Arsinoë had received more than she could venture to expect; but she
+was again most deeply angered. After Cæsar's entry into the palace, she
+had received him as Queen, and hoped everything from his favour. Then
+her hated sister had come and, as so often happened, she was forgotten
+for Cleopatra's sake.
+
+"This was too much, and with the eunuch Ganymedes, her confidant,
+and--as I have already said--an able warrior, she left the palace and
+joined the dictator's foes.
+
+"There were severe battles on land and sea; in the streets of the city,
+for the drinkable water excavated by the foe; and against the
+conflagration which destroyed part of the Bruchium and the library of
+the museum. Yet, half dead with thirst, barely escaped from drowning,
+threatened on all sides by fierce hatred, he stood firm, and remained
+victor also in the open field, after the young King had placed himself
+at the head of the Egyptians and collected an army.
+
+"You know that the boy was drowned in the flight.
+
+"In battle and mortal peril, amid blood and the clank of arms, Cæsar
+and Cleopatra spent half a year ere they were permitted to pluck the
+fruit of their common labour. The dictator now made her Queen of Egypt,
+and gave her, as co-regent, her youngest brother, a boy not half her own
+age. To Arsinoë he granted the life she had forfeited, but sent her to
+Italy.
+
+"Peace followed the victory. Now, it is true, grave duties must have
+summoned the statesman back to Rome, but he tarried three full months
+longer.
+
+"Whoever knows the life of the ambitious Julius, and is aware what this
+delay might have cost him, may well strike his brow with his hand, and
+ask, 'Is it true and possible that he used this precious time to take a
+trip with the woman he loved up the Nile, to the island of Isis, which
+is so dear to the Queen, to the extreme southern frontier of the
+country?' Yet it was so, and I myself went in the second ship, and not
+only saw them together, but more than once shared their banquets and
+their conversation. It was giving and taking, forcing down and
+elevating, a succession of discords, not unpleasant to hear, because
+experience taught that they would finally terminate in the most
+beautiful harmony. It was a festal day for all the senses."
+
+"I imagine the whole Nile journey," interrupted Barine, "to be like the
+fairy voyage, when the purple silk sails of Cleopatra's galley bore
+Antony along the Cydnus."
+
+"No, no," replied Archibius, "she first learned from Antony the art of
+filling this earthly existence with fleeting pleasures. Cæsar demanded
+more. Her intellect offered him the highest enjoyment."
+
+Here he hesitated.
+
+"True, the skill with which, to please Antony, she daily offered him for
+years fresh charms for every sense, was not a matter of accident."
+
+"And this," cried Barine, "this was undertaken by the woman who had
+recognized the chief good in peace of mind!"
+
+"Ay," replied Archibius thoughtfully, "yet this was the inevitable
+result. Pleasure had been the young girl's object in life. Ere passion
+awoke in her soul, peace of mind was the chief good she knew. When the
+hour arrived that this proved unattainable, the firmly rooted yearning
+for happiness still remained the purpose of her existence. My father
+would have been wiser to take her to the Stoa and impress it upon her
+that, if life must have a goal, it should be only to live in accordance
+with the sensibly arranged course of the world, and in harmony with
+one's own nature. He should have taught her to derive happiness from
+virtue. He should have stamped goodness upon the soul of the future
+Queen as the fundamental law of her being. He omitted to do this,
+because in his secluded life he had succeeded in finding the happiness
+which the master promises to his disciples. From Athens to Cyrene, from
+Epicurus to Aristippus, is but a short step, and Cleopatra took it when
+she forgot that the master was far from recognizing the chief good in
+the enjoyment of individual pleasure. The happiness of Epicurus was not
+inferior to that of Zeus, if he had only barley bread and water to
+appease his hunger and thirst.
+
+"Yet she still considered herself a follower of Epicurus, and later,
+when Antony had gone to the Parthian war, and she was a long time alone,
+she once more began to strive for freedom from pain and peace of mind,
+but the state, her children, the marriage of Antony--who had long been
+her lover--to Octavia, the yearning of her own heart, Anubis, magic, and
+the Egyptian teachings of the life after death, above all, the burning
+ambition, the unresting desire to be loved, where she herself loved, to
+be first among the foremost----"
+
+Here he was interrupted by the messenger, who informed him that the ship
+was ready.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Archibius had buried himself so deeply in the past that it was several
+minutes ere he could bring himself back to the present. When he did so,
+he hastily discussed with the two ladies the date of their departure.
+
+It was hard for Berenike to leave her injured brother, and Barine longed
+to see Dion once more before the journey. Both were reluctant to quit
+Alexandria ere decisive news had arrived from the army and the fleet. So
+they requested a few days' delay; but Archibius cut them short,
+requiring them, with a resolution which transformed the amiable friend
+into a stern master, to be ready for the journey the next day at sunset.
+His Nile boat would await them at the Agathodæmon harbour on Lake
+Mareotis, and his travelling chariot would convey them thither, with as
+much luggage and as many female slaves as they desired to take with
+them. Then softening his tone, he briefly reminded the ladies of the
+great annoyances to which a longer stay would expose them, excused his
+rigour on the plea of haste, pressed the hands of the mother and
+daughter, and retired without heeding Barine, who called after him, yet
+could desire nothing save to plead for a longer delay. The carriage bore
+him swiftly to the great harbour.
+
+The waxing moon was mirrored like a silver column, now wavering and
+tremulous, now rent by the waves tossing under a strong southeast wind,
+and illumined the warm autumn night. The sea outside was evidently
+running high. This was apparent by the motion of the vessels lying at
+anchor in the angle which the shore in front of the superb Temple of
+Poseidon formed with the Choma. This was a tongue of land stretched like
+a finger into the sea, on whose point stood a little palace which
+Cleopatra, incited by a chance remark of Antony, had had built there to
+surprise him.
+
+Another, of white marble, glimmered in the moonlight from the island of
+Antirrhodus; and farther still a blazing fire illumined the darkness.
+Its flames flared from the top of the famous lighthouse on the island of
+Pharos at the entrance of the harbour, and, swayed to and fro by the
+wind, steeped the horizon and the outer edge of the dark water in the
+harbour with moving masses of light which irradiated the gloomy
+distance, sometimes faintly, anon more brilliantly.
+
+Spite of the late hour, the harbour was full of bustle, though the wind
+often blew the men's cloaks over their heads, and the women were obliged
+to gather their garments closely around them. True, at this hour
+commerce had ceased; but many had gone to the port in search of news, or
+even to greet before others the first ship returning from the victorious
+fleet; for that Antony had defeated Octavianus in a great battle was
+deemed certain.
+
+Guards were watching the harbour, and a band of Syrian horsemen had just
+passed from the barracks in the southern part of the Lochias to the
+Temple of Poseidon.
+
+Here the galleys lay at anchor, not in the harbour of Eunostus, which
+was separated from the other by the broad, bridge-like dam of the
+Heptastadium, that united the city and the island of Pharos. Near it
+were the royal palaces and the arsenal, and any tidings must first reach
+this spot. The other harbour was devoted to commerce, but, in order to
+prevent the spread of false reports, newly arrived ships were forbidden
+to enter.
+
+True, even at the great harbour, news could scarcely be expected, for a
+chain stretching from the end of the Pharos to a cliff directly opposite
+in the Alveus Steganus, closed the narrow opening. But it could be
+raised if a state galley arrived with an important message, and this was
+expected by the throng on the shore.
+
+Doubtless many came from banquets, cookshops, taverns, or the nocturnal
+meeting-places of the sects that practised the magic arts, yet the
+weight of anxious expectation seemed to check the joyous activity, and
+wherever Archibius glanced he beheld eager, troubled faces. The wind
+forced many to bow their heads, and, wherever they turned their eyes,
+flags and clouds of dust were fluttering in the air, increasing the
+confusion.
+
+As the galley put off from the shore, and the flutes summoned the
+oarsmen to their toil, its owner felt so disheartened that he did not
+even venture to hope that he was going in quest of good tidings.
+
+Long-vanished days had, as it were, been called from the grave, and many
+a scene from the past rose before him as he lay among the cushions on
+the poop, gazing at the sky, across which dark, swiftly sailing clouds
+sometimes veiled the stars and again revealed them.
+
+"How much we can conceal by words without being guilty of falsehood!" he
+murmured, while recalling what he had told the women.
+
+Ay, he had been Cleopatra's confidant in his early youth, but how he had
+loved her, how, even as a boy, he had been subject to her, body and
+soul! He had allowed her to see it, displayed, confessed it; and she had
+accepted it as her rightful due. She had repelled with angry pride his
+only attempt to clasp her, in his overflowing affection, in his arms;
+but to show his love for her is a crime for which the loftiest woman
+pardons the humblest suitor, and a few hours later Cleopatra had met him
+with the old affectionate familiarity.
+
+Again he recalled the torments which he had endured when compelled to
+witness how completely she yielded to the passion which drew her to
+Antony. At that time the Roman had merely swept through her life like a
+swiftly passing meteor, but many things betrayed that she did not forget
+him; and while Archibius had seen without pain her love for the great
+Cæsar bud and grow, the torturing feeling of jealousy again stirred in
+his heart, though youth was past, when at Tarsus, on the river Cydnus,
+she renewed the bond which still united her to Antony.
+
+Now his hair had grown grey, and though nothing had clouded his
+friendship for the Queen, though he had always been ready to serve her,
+this foolish feeling had not been banished, and again and again mastered
+his whole being. He by no means undervalued Antony's attractions; but he
+saw his foibles no less clearly. All in all, whenever he thought of this
+pair, he felt like the lover of art who entrusts the finest gem in his
+collection to a rich man who knows not how to prize its real value, and
+puts it in the wrong place.
+
+Yet he wished the Roman the most brilliant victory; for his defeat would
+have been Cleopatra's also, and would she endure the consequences of
+such a disaster?
+
+The galley was approaching the flickering circle of light at the foot of
+the Pharos, and Archibius was just producing the token which was to
+secure the lifting of the chain, when his name echoed through the
+stillness of the night.
+
+It was Dion hailing him from a boat tossing near the mouth of the
+harbour on the waves surging in from the turbulent sea. He had
+recognized Archibius's swift galley from the bust of Epicurus which was
+illumined by the light of the lantern in the prow. Cleopatra had had it
+placed upon the ship which, by her orders, had been built for her
+friend.
+
+Dion now desired to join him, and was soon standing on the deck at his
+side. He had landed on the island of Pharos, and entered a sailors'
+tavern to learn what was passing. But no one could give him any definite
+information, for the wind was blowing from the land and allowed large
+vessels to approach the Egyptian coast only by the aid of oars. Shortly
+before the breeze had veered from south to southeast, and an experienced
+Rhodian would "never again lift cup of wine to his lips" if it did not
+blow from the north to-morrow or the day after. Then ships bearing news
+might reach Alexandria by the dozen--that is, the greybeard added with a
+defiant glance at the daintily clad city gentleman--if they were allowed
+to pass the Pharos or go through the Poseidon basin into the Eunostus.
+He had fancied that he saw sails on the horizon at sunset, but the
+swiftest galley became a hedgehog when the wind blew against its prow,
+and even checked the oars.
+
+Others, too, had fancied that they had seen sails, and Dion would gladly
+have gone out to sea to investigate, but he was entirely alone in a
+frail hired boat, and this would not have been permitted to pass beyond
+the harbour. The expectation that every road would be open to Archibius
+had not deceived him, and the harbour chain was drawn aside for the
+Epicurus. With swelling sails, urged by the strong wind blowing from the
+southeast, its keel cut the rolling waves.
+
+Soon a faint, tremulous light appeared in the north. It must be a ship;
+and though the helmsman in the tavern at Pharos, who looked as though he
+had not always steered peaceful trading-vessels, had spoken of some
+which did not let the ships they caught pass unscathed, the men on the
+well-equipped, stately Epicurus did not fear pirates, especially as
+morning was close at hand, and it had just shot by two clumsy men-of-war
+which had been sent out by the Regent.
+
+The strong wind filled every sail, rowing would have been useless
+labour, and the light in front seemed to be coming nearer.
+
+A wan glimmer was already beginning to brighten the distant east when
+the Epicurus approached the vessel with the light, but it seemed to wish
+to avoid the Alexandrian, and turned suddenly towards the northeast.
+
+Archibius and Dion now discussed whether it would be worth while to
+pursue the fugitive. It was a small ship, which, as the dark masses of
+clouds became bordered with golden edges, grew more distinct and
+appeared to be a Cilician pirate of the smallest size.
+
+As to its crew, the tried sailors on the Epicurus, a much larger vessel,
+which lacked no means of defence, showed no signs of alarm, the helmsman
+especially, who had served in the fleet of Sextus Pompey, and had sprung
+upon the deck of many a pirate ship.
+
+Archibius deemed it foolish to commence a conflict unnecessarily. But
+Dion was in the mood to brave every peril.
+
+If life and death were at stake, so much the better!
+
+He had informed his friend of Iras's fears.
+
+The fleet must be in a critical situation, and if the little Cilician
+had had nothing to conceal she would not have shunned the Epicurus.
+
+It was worth while to learn what had induced her to turn back just
+before reaching the harbour.
+
+The warlike helmsman also desired to give chase, and Archibius yielded,
+for the uncertainty was becoming more and more unbearable. Dion's soul
+was deeply burdened too. He could not banish Barine's image; and since
+Archibius had told him that he had found her resolved to shut her house
+against guests, and how willingly she had accepted his invitation to the
+country, again and again he pondered over the question what should
+prevent his marrying the quiet daughter of a distinguished artist, whom
+he loved?
+
+Archibius had remarked that Barine would be glad to greet her most
+intimate friends--among whom he was included--in her quiet country home.
+
+Dion did not doubt this, but he was equally sure that the greeting would
+bind him to her and rub him of his liberty, perhaps forever. But would
+the Alexandrian possess the lofty gift of freedom, if the Romans ruled
+his city as they governed Carthage or Corinth? If Cleopatra were
+defeated, and Egypt became a Roman province, a share in the business of
+the council, which was still addressed as "Macedonian men," and which
+was dear to Dion, could offer nothing but humiliation, and no longer
+afford satisfaction.
+
+If a pirate's spear put an end to bondage under the Roman yoke and to
+this unworthy yearning and wavering, so much the better!
+
+On this autumn morning, under this grey sky, from which sank a damp,
+light fog, with these hopes and fears in his heart, he beheld in both
+the present and future naught save shadows.
+
+The Epicurus overtook and captured the fugitive. The slight resistance
+the vessel might have offered was relinquished when Archibius's helmsman
+shouted that the Epicurus did not belong to the royal navy, and had come
+in search of news.
+
+The Cilician took in his oars; Archibius and Dion entered the vessel and
+questioned the commander.
+
+He was an old, weather-beaten seaman, who would give no information
+until after he had learned what his pursuers really desired.
+
+At first he protested that he had witnessed on the Peloponnesian coast a
+great victory gained by the Egyptian galleys over those commanded by
+Octavianus; but the queries of the two friends involved him in
+contradictions, and he then pretended to know nothing, and to have
+spoken of a victory merely to please the Alexandrian gentlemen.
+
+Dion, accompanied by a few men from the crew of the Epicurus, searched
+the ship, and found in the little cabin a man bound and gagged, guarded
+by one of the pirates.
+
+It was a sailor from the Pontus, who spoke only his native language.
+Nothing intelligible could be obtained from him; but there were
+important suggestions in a letter, found in a chest in the cabin, among
+clothing, jewels, and other stolen articles.
+
+The letter--Dion could scarcely believe his own eyes--was addressed to
+his friend, the architect Gorgias. The pirate, being ignorant of
+writing, had not opened it, but Dion tore the wax from the cord without
+delay. Aristocrates, the Greek rhetorician, who had accompanied Antony
+to the war, had written from Tænarum, in the south of the Peloponnesus,
+requesting the architect, in the general's name, to set the little
+palace at the end of the Choma in order, and surround it on the land
+side with a high wall.
+
+No door would be necessary. Communication with the dwelling could be had
+by water. He must do his utmost to complete the work speedily.
+
+The friends gazed at each other in astonishment, as they read this
+commission.
+
+What could induce Antony to give so strange an order? How did it fall
+into the hands of the pirates?
+
+This must be understood.
+
+When Archibius, whose gentle nature, so well adapted to inspire
+confidence, quickly won friends, burst into passionate excitement, the
+unexpected transition rarely failed to produce its effect, especially as
+his tall, strong figure and marked features made a still more
+threatening impression.
+
+Even the captain gazed at him with fear, when the Alexandrian threatened
+to recall all his promises of consideration and mercy if the pirate
+withheld even the smallest trifle connected with this letter. The man
+speedily perceived that it would be useless to make false statements;
+for the captive from Pontus, though unable to speak Greek, understood
+the language, and either confirmed every remark of the other with
+vehement gestures, or branded it in the same manner as false.
+
+Thus it was discovered that the pirate craft, in company with a much
+larger vessel, owned by a companion, had lurked behind the promontory of
+Crete for a prize. They had neither seen nor heard aught concerning the
+two fleets, when a dainty galley, "the finest and fleetest that ever
+sailed in the sea"--it was probably the "Swallow," Antony's
+despatch-boat--had run into the snare. To capture her was an easy task.
+The pirates had divided their booty, but the lion's share of goods and
+men had fallen to the larger ship.
+
+A pouch containing letters and money had been taken from a gentleman of
+aristocratic appearance--probably Antony's messenger--who had received a
+severe wound, died, and had been flung into the sea. The former had been
+used to light the fire, and only the one addressed to the architect
+remained.
+
+The captured sailors had said that the fleet of Octavianus had defeated
+Cleopatra's, and the Queen had fled, but that the land forces were still
+untouched, and might yet decide the conflict in Antony's favour. The
+pirate protested that he did not know the position of the army--it might
+be at Tænarum, whence the captured ship came. It was a sin and a shame,
+but his own crew had set it on fire, and it sank before his eyes.
+
+This report seemed to be true, yet the Acharnanian coast, where the
+battle was said to have been fought, was so far from the southern point
+of the Peloponnesus, whence Antony's letter came, that it must have been
+written during the flight.
+
+One thing appeared to be certain--the fleet had been vanquished and
+dispersed on the 2d or 3d of September.
+
+Where would the Queen go now? What had become of the magnificent galleys
+which had accompanied her to the battle?
+
+Even the contrary winds would not have detained them so long, for they
+were abundantly supplied with rowers.
+
+Had Octavianus taken possession of them?
+
+Were they burned or sunk?
+
+But in that case how had Antony reached Tænarum?
+
+The pirate could give no answer to these questions, which stirred both
+heart and brain. Why should he conceal what had reached his ears?
+
+At last Archibius ordered the property stolen from Antony's ship, and
+the liberated sailor to be brought on board the Epicurus, but the pirate
+was obliged to swear not to remain in the waters between Crete and
+Alexandria. Then he was suffered to pursue his way unmolested.
+
+This adventure had occupied many hours, and the return against the wind
+was slow; for, during the chase the Epicurus had been carried by the
+strong breeze far out to sea. Yet, when still several miles from the
+mouth of the harbour at the Pharos, it was evident that the Rhodian
+helmsman in the island tavern had predicted truly; for the weather
+changed with unusual speed, and the wind now blew from the north. The
+sea fairly swarmed with ships, some belonging to the royal fleet, some
+to curious Alexandrians, who had sailed out to take a survey. Archibius
+and Dion had spent a sleepless night and day. The heavy air, pervaded by
+a fine mist, had grown cool. After refreshing themselves by a repast,
+they paced up and down the deck of the Epicurus.
+
+Few words were exchanged, and they wrapped their cloaks closer around
+them. Both had quaffed large draughts of the fiery wine with which the
+Epicurus was well supplied, but it would not warm them. Even the fire,
+blazing brightly in the richly furnished cabin, could scarcely do so.
+
+Archibius's thoughts lingered with his beloved Queen, and his vivid
+power of imagination conjured before his mind everything which could
+distress her. No possible chance, not even the most terrible, was
+forgotten, and when he saw her sinking in the ship, stretching her
+beautiful arms imploringly towards him, to whom she had so long turned
+in every perilous position, when he beheld her a captive in the presence
+of the hostile, cold-hearted Octavianus, the blood seemed to freeze in
+his veins. At last he dropped his felt mantle and, groaning aloud,
+struck his brow with his clenched hand. He had fancied her walking with
+gold chains on her slender wrists before the victor's four-horse
+chariot, and heard the exulting shouts of the Roman populace.
+
+That would have been the most terrible of all.
+
+To pursue this train of thought was beyond the endurance of the faithful
+friend, and Dion turned in surprise as he heard him sob and saw the
+tears which bedewed his face.
+
+His own heart was heavy enough, but he knew his companion's warm
+devotion to the Queen; so, passing his arm around his shoulder, he
+entreated him to maintain that peace of soul and mind which he had so
+often admired. In the most critical situations he had seen him stand
+high above them, as yonder man who fed the flames on the summit of the
+Pharos stood above the wild surges of the sea. If he would reflect over
+what had happened as dispassionately as usual, he could not fail to see
+that Antony must be free and in a position to guide his own future,
+since he directed the palace in the Choma to be put in order. He did not
+understand about the wall, but perhaps he was bringing home some
+distinguished captive whom he wished to debar from all communication
+with the city. It might prove that everything was far better than they
+feared, and they would yet smile at these grievous anxieties. His heart,
+too, was heavy, for he wished the Queen the best fortune, not only for
+her own sake, but because with her and her successful resistance to the
+greed of Rome was connected the liberty of Alexandria.
+
+"My love and anxiety, like yours," he concluded, "have ever been given
+to her, the sovereign of this country. The world will be desolate, life
+will no longer be worth living, if the iron foot of Rome crushes our
+independence and freedom."
+
+The words had sounded cordial and sincere, and Archibius followed Dion's
+counsel. Calm thought convinced him that nothing had yet happened which
+compelled belief in the worst result; and, as one who needs consolation
+often finds relief in comforting another, Archibius cheered his own
+heart by representing to his younger friend that, even if Octavianus
+were the victor and should deprive Egypt of her independence, he would
+scarcely venture to take from the citizens of Alexandria the free
+control of their own affairs. Then he explained to Dion that, as a
+young, resolute, independent man, he might render himself doubly useful
+if it were necessary to guard the endangered liberty of the city, and
+told him how many beautiful things life still held in store.
+
+His voice expressed anxious tenderness for his young friend. No one had
+spoken thus to Dion since his father's death.
+
+The Epicurus would soon reach the mouth of the harbour, and after
+landing he must again leave Archibius.
+
+The decisive hour which often unites earnest men more firmly than many
+previous years had come to both. They had opened their hearts to each
+other. Dion had withheld only the one thing which, at the first sight of
+the houses in the city, filled his soul with fresh uneasiness.
+
+It was long since he had sought counsel from others. Many who had asked
+his, had left him with thanks, to do exactly the opposite of what he had
+advised, though it would have been to their advantage. More than once
+he, too, had done the same, but now a powerful impulse urged him to
+confide in Archibius. He knew Barine, and wished her the greatest
+happiness. Perhaps it would be wise to let another person, who was
+kindly disposed, consider what his own heart so eagerly demanded and
+prudence forbade.
+
+Hastily forming his resolution, he again turned to his friend, saying:
+
+"You have shown yourself a father to me. Imagine that I am indeed your
+son, and, as such wished to confess that a woman had become dear to my
+heart, and to ask whether you would be glad to greet her as a daughter."
+
+Here Archibius interrupted him with the exclamation: "A ray of light
+amid all this gloom? Grasp what you have too long neglected as soon as
+possible! It befits a good citizen to marry. The Greek does not attain
+full manhood till he becomes husband and father. If I have remained
+unwedded, there was a special reason for it, and how often I have envied
+the cobbler whom I saw standing before his shop in the evening, holding
+his child in his arms, or the pilot, to whom large and small hands were
+stretched in greeting when he returned home! When I enter my dwelling
+only my dogs rejoice. But you, whose beautiful palace stands empty, to
+whose proud family it is due that you should provide for its
+continuance----"
+
+"That is just what brings me into a state of indecision, which is
+usually foreign to my nature," interrupted Dion. "You know me and my
+position in the world, and you have also known from her earliest
+childhood the woman to whom I allude."
+
+"Iras?" asked his companion, hesitatingly. His sister, Charmian, had
+told him of the love felt by the Queen's younger waiting-woman.
+
+But Dion eagerly denied this, adding: "I am speaking of Barine, the
+daughter of your dead friend Leonax. I love her, yet my pride is
+sensitive, and I know that it will extend to my future wife. The
+contemptuous glances which others might cast at her I should scorn, for
+I know her worth. Surely you remember my mother: she was a very
+different woman. Her house, her child, the slaves, her loom, were
+everything to her. She rigidly exacted from other women the chaste
+reserve which was a marked trait in her own character. Yet she was
+gentle, and loved me, her only son, beyond aught else. I think she would
+have opened her arms to Barine, had she believed that she was necessary
+to my happiness. But would the young beauty, accustomed to gay
+intercourse with distinguished men, have been able to submit to her
+demands? When I consider that she cannot help taking into her married
+life the habit of being surrounded and courted; when I think that the
+imprudence of a woman accustomed to perfect freedom might set idle
+tongues in motion, and cast a shadow upon the radiant purity of my name;
+when I even--" and he raised his clenched right hand. But Archibius
+answered soothingly:
+
+"That anxiety is groundless if Barine warmly and joyfully gives you her
+whole heart. It is a sunny, lovable, true woman's heart, and therefore
+capable of a great love. If she bestows it on you--and I believe she
+will--go and offer sacrifices in your gratitude; for the immortals
+desired your happiness when they guided your choice to her and not to
+Iras, my own sister's child. If you were really my son, I would now
+exclaim, 'You could not bring me a dearer daughter, if--I repeat it--if
+you are sure of her love.'"
+
+Dion gazed into vacancy a short time, and then cried firmly:
+
+"I am!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+The Epicurus anchored before the Temple of Poseidon. The crew had been
+ordered to keep silence, though they knew nothing, except that a letter
+from Antony, commanding the erection of a wall, had been found on board
+the pirate. This might be regarded as a good omen, for people do not
+think of building unless they anticipate a time of peace.
+
+The light rain had ceased, but the wind blew more strongly from the
+north, and the air had grown cool. A dense throng still covered the quay
+from the southern end of the Heptastadium to the promontory of Lochias.
+The strongest pressure was between the peninsula of the Choma and the
+Sebasteum; for this afforded a view of the sea, and the first tidings
+must reach the residence of the Regent, which was connected with the
+palace.
+
+A hundred contradictory rumours had been in circulation that morning;
+and when, at the third hour in the afternoon, the Epicurus arrived, it
+was surrounded by a dense multitude eager to hear what news the ship had
+brought from without. Other vessels shared the same fate, but none could
+give reliable tidings.
+
+Two swift galleys from the royal fleet reported meeting a Samian
+trireme, which had given news of a great victory gained by Antony on the
+land and Cleopatra on the sea, and, as men are most ready to believe
+what they desire, throngs of exulting men and women moved to and fro
+along the shore, strengthening by their confidence many a timorous
+spirit. Prudent people, who had regarded the long delay of the first
+ships of the fleet with anxiety, had opened their ears to the tales of
+evil, and looked forward to the future with uneasiness. But they avoided
+giving expression to their fears, for the overseer of an establishment
+for gold embroidery, who had ventured to warn the people against
+premature rejoicing, had limped home badly beaten, and two other
+pessimists who had been flung in the sea had just been dragged out
+dripping wet.
+
+Nor could the multitude be blamed for this confidence; for at the
+Serapeum, the theatre of Dionysus, the lofty pylons of the Sebasteum,
+the main door of the museum, in front of the entrance of the palace in
+the Bruchium, and before the fortress-like palaces in the Lochias,
+triumphal arches had been erected, adorned with gods of victory and
+trophies hastily constructed of plaster, inscriptions of congratulations
+and thanks to the deities, garlands of foliage and flowers. The
+wreathing of the Egyptian pylons and obelisks, the principal temple, and
+the favourite statues in the city had been commenced during the night.
+The last touches were now being given to the work.
+
+Gorgias, like his friend Dion, had not closed his eyes since the night
+before; for he had had charge of all the decorations of the Bruchium,
+where one superb building adjoined another.
+
+Sleep had also fled from the couches of the occupants of the Sebasteum,
+the royal palace where Iras lived during the absence of the Queen, and
+the prætorium, facing its southern front, which contained the official
+residence of the Regent.
+
+When Archibius was conducted to the Queen's waiting-woman, her
+appearance fairly startled him. She had been his guest in Kanopus only
+the day before yesterday, and how great was the alteration within this
+brief time! Her oval face seemed to have lengthened, the features to
+have grown sharper; and this woman of seven-and-twenty years, who had
+hitherto retained all the charms of youth, appeared suddenly to have
+aged a decade. There was a feverish excitement in her manner, as,
+holding out her hand to her uncle, in greeting, she exclaimed hastily,
+"You, too, bring no good tidings?"
+
+"Nor any evil ones," he answered quietly. "But, child, I do not like
+your appearance--the dark circles under your keen eyes. You have had
+news which rouses your anxiety?"
+
+"Worse than that," she answered in a low tone.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Read!" gasped Iras, her lips and nostrils quivering as she handed
+Archibius a small tablet.
+
+With a gesture of haste very unusual in him, he snatched it from her
+hand and, as his eyes ran over the words traced upon it, every vestige
+of colour vanished from his cheeks and lips.
+
+They were written by Cleopatra's own hand, and contained the following
+lines:
+
+"The naval battle was lost--and by my fault. The land forces might still
+save us, but not under his command. He is with me, uninjured, but
+apparently exhausted; like a different being, bereft of courage,
+listless as if utterly crushed. I foresee the beginning of the end. As
+soon as this reaches you, arrange to have some unpretending litters
+ready for us every evening at sunset. Make the people believe that we
+have conquered until trustworthy intelligence arrives concerning the
+fate of Canidius and the army. When you kiss the children in my name, be
+very tender with them. Who knows how soon they may be orphaned? They
+already have an unhappy mother; may they be spared the memory of a
+cowardly one! Trust no one except those whom I left in authority, and
+Archibius, not even Cæsarion or Antyllus. Provide for having every one
+whose aid may be valuable to me within reach when I come. I cannot close
+with the familiar 'Rejoice'--the 'Fresh Courage' placed on many a
+tombstone seems more appropriate. You who did not envy me in my
+happiness will help me to bear misfortune. Epicurus, who believes that
+the gods merely watch the destiny of men inactively from their blissful
+heights, is right. Were it otherwise, how could the love and loyalty
+which cleave to the hapless, defeated woman, be repaid with anguish of
+heart and tears? Yet--continue to love her."
+
+Archibius, pale and silent, let the tablet fall. It was long ere he
+gasped hoarsely: "I foresaw it; yet now that it is here--" His voice
+failed, and violent, tearless sobs shook his powerful frame.
+
+Sinking on a couch he buried his face amid the cushions.
+
+Iras gazed at the strong man and shook her head.
+
+She, too, loved the Queen; the news had brought tears to her eyes also;
+but even while she wept, a host of plans coping with this disaster had
+darted through her restless brain. A few minutes after the arrival of
+the message of misfortune she had consulted with the members of
+Cleopatra's council, and adopted measures for sustaining the people's
+belief in the naval victory.
+
+What was she, the delicate, by no means courageous girl, compared to
+this man of iron strength who, she was well aware, had braved the
+greatest perils in the service of the Queen? Yet there he lay with his
+face hidden in the pillows as if utterly overwhelmed.
+
+Did a woman's soul rebound more quickly after being crushed beneath the
+burdens of the heaviest suffering, or was hers of a special character,
+and her slender body the casket of a hero's nature?
+
+She had reason to believe so when she recalled how the Regent and the
+Keeper of the Seal had received the terrible news. They had rushed
+frantically up and down the vast hall as if desperate; but Mardion the
+eunuch had little manhood, and Zeno was a characterless old author who
+had won the Queen's esteem, and the high office which he occupied solely
+by the vivid power of imagination, that enabled him constantly to devise
+new exhibitions, amusements, and entertainments, and present them with
+magical splendour.
+
+But Archibius, the brave, circumspect counsellor and helper?
+
+His shoulders again quivered as if they had received a blow, and Iras
+suddenly remembered what she had long known, but never fully
+realized--that yonder grey-haired man loved Cleopatra, loved her as she
+herself loved Dion; and she wondered whether she would have been strong
+enough to maintain her composure if she had learned that a cruel fate
+threatened to rob him of life, liberty, and honour.
+
+Hour after hour she had vainly awaited the young Alexandrian, yet he had
+witnessed her anxiety the day before. Had she offended him? Was he
+detained by the spell of Didymus's granddaughter?
+
+It seemed a great wrong that, amid the unspeakably terrible misfortune
+which had overtaken her mistress, she could not refrain from thinking
+continually of Dion. Even as his image filled her heart, Cleopatra's
+ruled her uncle's mind and soul, and she said to herself that it was not
+alone among women that love paid no heed to years, or whether the locks
+were brown or tinged with grey.
+
+But Archibius now raised himself, left the couch, passed his hand across
+his brow, and in the deep, calm tones natural to his voice, began with a
+sorrowful smile: "A man stricken by an arrow leaves the fray to have his
+wound bandaged. The surgeon has now finished his task. I ought to have
+spared you this pitiable spectacle, child. But I am again ready for the
+battle. Cleopatra's account of Antony's condition renders a piece of
+news which we have just received somewhat more intelligible."
+
+"We?" replied Iras. "Who was your companion?"
+
+"Dion," answered Archibius; but when he was about to describe the
+incidents of the preceding night, she interrupted him with the question
+whether Barine had consented to leave the city. He assented with a curt
+"Yes," but Iras assumed the manner of having expected nothing different,
+and requested him to continue his story.
+
+Archibius now related everything which they had experienced, and their
+discovery in the pirate ship. Dion was even now on the way to carry
+Antony's order to his friend Gorgias.
+
+"Any slave might have attended to that matter equally well," Iras
+remarked in an irritated tone. "I should think he would have more reason
+to expect trustworthy tidings here. But that's the way with men!"
+
+Here she hesitated but, meeting an inquiring glance from her uncle, she
+went on eagerly; "Nothing, I believe, binds them more firmly to one
+another than mutual pleasure. But that must now be over. They will seek
+other amusements, whether with Heliodora or Thais I care not. If the
+woman had only gone before! When she caught young Cæsarion----"
+
+"Stay, child," her uncle interrupted reprovingly. "I know how much she
+would rejoice if Antyllus had never brought the boy to her house."
+
+"Now--because the poor deluded lad's infatuation alarms her."
+
+"No, from his first visit. Immature boys do not suit the distinguished
+men whom she receives."
+
+"If the door is always kept open, thieves will enter the house."
+
+"She received only old acquaintances, and the friends whom they
+presented. Her house was closed to all others. So there was no trouble
+with thieves. But who in Alexandria could venture to refuse admittance
+to a son of the Queen?"
+
+"There is a wide difference between quiet admittance and fanning a
+passion to madness. Wherever a fire is burning, there has certainly been
+a spark to kindle it. You men do not detect such women's work. A glance,
+a pressure of the hand, even the light touch of a garment, and the flame
+blazes, where such inflammable material lies ready."
+
+"We lament the violence of the conflagration. You are not well disposed
+towards Barine."
+
+"I care no more for her than this couch here cares for the statue of
+Mercury in the street!" exclaimed Iras, with repellent arrogance. "There
+could be no two things in the world more utterly alien than we. Between
+the woman whose door stands open, and me, there is nothing in common
+save our sex."
+
+"And," replied Archibius reprovingly, "many a beautiful gift which the
+gods bestowed upon her as well as upon you. As for the open door, it was
+closed yesterday. The thieves of whom you spoke spoiled her pleasure in
+granting hospitality. Antyllus forced himself with noisy impetuosity
+into her house. This made her dread still more unprecedented conduct in
+the future. In a few hours she will be on the way to Irenia. I am glad
+for Cæsarion's sake, and still more for his mother's, whom we have
+wronged by forgetting so long for another."
+
+"To think that we should be forced to do so!" cried Iras
+excitedly--"now, at this hour, when every drop of blood, every thought
+of this poor brain should belong to the Queen! Yet it could not be
+avoided. Cleopatra is returning to us with a heart bleeding from a
+hundred wounds, and it is terrible to think that a new arrow must strike
+her as soon as she steps upon her native soil. You know how she loves
+the boy, who is the living image of the great man with whom she shared
+the highest joys of love. When she learns that he, the son of Cæsar,
+has given his young heart to the cast-off wife of a street orator, a
+woman whose home attracted men as ripe dates lure birds, it will be--I
+know--like rubbing salt into her fresh wounds. Alas! and the _one_
+sorrow will not be all. Antony, her husband, also found the way to
+Barine. He sought her more than once. You cannot know it as I do; but
+Charmian will tell you how sensitive she has become since the flower of
+her youthful charms--you don't perceive it--is losing one leaf after
+another. Jealousy will torture her, and--I know her well--perhaps no one
+will ever render the siren a greater service than I did when I compelled
+her to leave the city."
+
+The eyes of Archibius's clever niece had glittered with such hostile
+feeling as she spoke that he thought with just anxiety of his dead
+friend's daughter. What did not yet threaten Barine as serious danger
+Iras had the power to transform into grave peril.
+
+Dion had begged him to maintain strict secrecy; but even had he been
+permitted to speak, he would not have done so now. From his knowledge of
+Iras's character she might be expected, if she learned that some one had
+come between her and the friend of her youth, to shrink from no means of
+spoiling her game. He remembered the noble Macedonian maiden whom the
+Queen had begun to favour, and who was hunted to death by Iras's hostile
+intrigues. Few were more clever, and--if she once loved--more loyal and
+devoted, more yielding, pliant, and in happy hours more bewitching, yet
+even in childhood she had preferred a winding path to a straight one. It
+seemed as if her shrewdness scorned to attain the end desired by the
+simple method lying close at hand. How willingly his mother and his
+younger sister Charmian had cared for the slaves and nursed them when
+they were ill; nay, Charmian had gained in her Nubian maid Aniukis a
+friend who would have gone to death for her sake! Cleopatra, too, when a
+child, had found sincere delight in taking a bouquet to his parents'
+sick old housekeeper and sitting by her bedside to shorten the time for
+her with merry talk. She had gone to her unasked, while Iras had often
+been punished because she had made the lives of numerous slaves in her
+parents' household still harder by unreasonable harshness. This trait in
+her character had roused her uncle's anxiety and, in after-years, her
+treatment of her inferiors had been such that he could not number her
+among the excellent of her sex. Therefore he was the more joyfully
+surprised by the loyal, unselfish love with which she devoted herself to
+the service of the Queen. Cleopatra had gratified Charmian's wish to
+have her niece for an assistant; and Iras, who had never been a loving
+daughter to her own faithful mother, had served her royal mistress with
+the utmost tenderness.
+
+Archibius valued this loyalty highly, but he knew what awaited any one
+who became the object of her hatred, and the fear that it would involve
+Barine in urgent peril was added to his still greater anxiety for
+Cleopatra.
+
+When about to depart, burdened by the sorrowful conviction that he was
+powerless against his niece's malevolent purpose, he was detained by the
+representation that every fresh piece of intelligence would first reach
+the Sebasteum and her. Some question might easily arise which his calm,
+prudent mind could decide far better than hers, whose troubled condition
+resembled a shallow pool disturbed by stones flung into the waves.
+
+The apartments of his sister Charmian, which were connected with his by
+a corridor, were empty, and Iras begged him to remain there a short
+time. The anxiety and dread that oppressed her heart would kill her. To
+know that he was near would be the greatest comfort.
+
+When Archibius hesitated because he deemed it his duty to urge
+Cæsarion, over whom he possessed some influence, to give up his foolish
+wishes for his mother's sake, Iras assured him that he would not find
+the youth. He had gone hunting with Antyllus and some other friends. She
+had approved the plan, because it removed him from the city and Barine's
+dangerous house.
+
+"As the Queen does not wish him to know the terrible news yet," she
+concluded, "his presence would only have caused us embarrassment. So
+stay, and when it grows dark go with us to the Lochias. I think it will
+please the sorrowing woman, when she lands, to see your familiar face,
+which will remind her of happier days. Do me the favour to stay." She
+held out both hands beseechingly as she spoke, and Archibius consented.
+
+A repast was served, and he shared it with his niece; but Iras did not
+touch the carefully chosen viands, and Archibius barely tasted them.
+Then, without waiting for dessert, he rose to go to his sister's
+apartments. But Iras urged him to rest on the divan in the adjoining
+room, and he yielded. Yet, spite of the softness of the pillows and his
+great need of sleep, he could not find it; anxiety kept him awake, and
+through the curtain which divided the room in which Iras remained from
+the one he occupied he sometimes heard her light footsteps pacing
+restlessly to and fro, sometimes the coming and going of messengers in
+quest of news.
+
+All his former life passed before his mind. Cleopatra had been his sun,
+and now black clouds were rising which would dim its light, perchance
+forever. He, the disciple of Epicurus, who had not followed the
+doctrines of other masters until later in life, held the same view of
+the gods as his first master. To him also they had seemed immortal
+beings sufficient unto themselves, dwelling free from anxiety in
+blissful peace, to whom mortals must look upward on account of their
+supreme grandeur, but who neither troubled themselves about the guidance
+of the world, which was fixed by eternal laws, nor the fate of
+individuals. Had he been convinced of the contrary, he would have
+sacrificed everything he possessed in order, by lavish offerings, to
+propitiate the immortals in behalf of her to whom he had devoted his
+life and every faculty of his being.
+
+Like Iras, he, too, could find no rest upon his couch, and when she
+heard his step she called to him and asked why he did not recover the
+sleep which he had lost. No one knew the demands the next night might
+make upon him.
+
+"You will find me awake," he answered quietly.
+
+Then he went to the window which, above the pylons that rose before the
+main front of the Sebasteum, afforded a view of the Bruchium and the
+sea. The harbour was now swarming with vessels of every size, garlanded
+with flowers and adorned with gay flags and streamers. The report of the
+successful issue of the first naval battle was believed, and many
+desired to greet the victorious fleet and hail their sovereign as she
+entered the harbour.
+
+Many people, equipages, and litters had also gathered on the shore,
+between the lofty pylons and the huge door of the Sebasteum. They were
+representatives of the aristocracy of the city; for the majority were
+attended by richly attired slaves. Many wore costly garlands, and
+numerous chariots and litters were adorned with gold or silver
+ornaments, gems, and glittering paste. The stir and movement in front of
+the palace were ceaseless, and Iras, who was now standing beside her
+uncle, waved her hand towards it, saying: "The wind of rumour! Yesterday
+only one or two came; to-day every one who belongs to the 'Inimitable
+Livers' flocks hither in person to get news. The victory was proclaimed
+in the market-place, at the theatre, the gymnasium, and the camp. Every
+one who wears garlands or weapons heard of a battle won. Yesterday,
+among all the thousands, there was scarcely a single doubter; but
+to-day--how does it happen? Even among those who as 'Inimitables' have
+shared all the pleasures, entertainments, and festivities of our noble
+pair, faith wavers; for if they were firmly convinced of the brilliant
+victory which was announced loudly enough, they would not come
+themselves to watch, to spy, to listen. Just look down! There is the
+litter of Diogenes--yonder that of Ammonius. The chariot beyond belongs
+to Melampous. The slaves in the red bombyx garments serve Hermias. They
+all belong to the society of 'Inimitables,' and shared our banquets.
+That very Apollonius who, for the last half hour, has been trying to
+question the palace servants, day before yesterday ordered fifty oxen to
+be slaughtered to Ares, Nike, and the great Isis, as the Queen's
+goddess, and when I met him in the temple he exclaimed that this was the
+greatest piece of extravagance he had ever committed; for even without
+the cattle Cleopatra and Antony would be sure of victory. But now the
+wind of rumour has swept away his beautiful confidence also. They are
+not permitted to see me. The doorkeepers say that I am in the country.
+The necessity of showing every one a face radiant with the joy of
+victory would kill me. There comes Apollonius. How his fat face beams!
+He believes in the victory, and after sunset none of yonder throng will
+appear here; he is already giving orders to his slaves. He will invite
+all his friends to a banquet, and won't spare his costly wines. Capital!
+At least no one from that company can disturb us. Dion is his cousin,
+and will be present also. We shall see what these pleasure-lovers will
+do when they are forced to confront, the terrible reality."
+
+"I think," replied Archibius, "they will afford the world a remarkable
+spectacle; friends won in prosperity who remain constant in adversity."
+
+"Do you?" asked Iras, with sparkling eyes. "If that proves true, how I
+would praise and value men--the majority of whom without their wealth
+would be poorer than beggars. But look at yonder figure in the white
+robe beside the left obelisk--is it not Dion? The crowd is bearing him
+away--I think it was he."
+
+But she had been deceived; the man whom she fancied she had seen,
+because her heart so ardently yearned for him, was not near the
+Sebasteum, and his thoughts were still farther away.
+
+At first he had intended to give the architect the letter which was
+addressed to him. He would be sure to find him at the triumphal arch
+which was being erected on the shore of the Bruchium. But on reaching
+the former place he learned that Gorgias had gone to remove the statues
+of Cleopatra and Antony from the house of Didymus, and erect them in
+front of the Theatre of Dionysus. The Regent, Mardion, had ordered it.
+Gorgias was already superintending the erection of the foundation.
+
+The huge hewn stones which he required for this purpose had been taken
+from the Temple of Nemesis, which he was supervising. Whatever number of
+government slaves he needed were at his disposal, so Gorgias's foreman
+reported, proudly adding that before the sun went down, the architect
+would have shown the Alexandrians the marvel of removing the twin
+statues from one place to another in a single day, and yet establishing
+them as firmly as the Colossus which had been in Thebes a thousand
+years.
+
+Dion found the piece of sculpture in front of Didymus's garden, ready
+for removal, but the slaves who had placed before the platform the
+rollers on which it was to be moved had already been kept waiting a long
+time by the architect.
+
+This was his third visit to the old philosopher's house. First, he had
+been obliged to inform him and his family that their property was no
+longer in danger; then he had come to tell them at what hour he would
+remove the statues, which still attracted many curious spectators; and,
+finally, he had again appeared, to announce that they were to be taken
+away at once. His foreman or a slave could probably have done this, but
+Helena--Didymus's granddaughter, Barine's sister--drew him again and
+again to the old man's home. He would gladly have come still more
+frequently, for at every meeting he had discovered fresh charms in the
+beautiful, quiet, thoughtful maiden, who cared so tenderly for her aged
+grandparents. He believed that he loved her, and she seemed glad to
+welcome him. But this did not entitle him to seek her hand, though his
+large, empty house so greatly needed a mistress. His heart had glowed
+with love for too many. He wished first to test whether this new fancy
+would prove more lasting. If he succeeded in remaining faithful even a
+few days, he would, as it were, reward himself for it, and appear before
+Didymus as a suitor.
+
+He excused his frequent visits to himself on the pretext of the
+necessity of becoming acquainted with his future wife, and Helena made
+the task easier for him. The usual reserve of her manner lessened more
+and more; nay, the great confidence with which he at first inspired her
+was increased by his active assistance. When he entered just now, she
+had even held out her hand to him, and inquired about the progress of
+his work.
+
+He was overwhelmed with business, but so great was his pleasure in
+talking with her that he lingered longer than he would have deemed right
+under any other circumstances, and regarded it as an unpleasant
+interruption when Barine--for whom his heart had throbbed so warmly only
+yesterday--entered the tablinum.
+
+The young beauty was by no means content with a brief greeting; but drew
+Helena entirely away from him. Never had he seen her embrace and kiss
+her sister so passionately as while hurriedly telling her that she had
+come to bid farewell to the loved ones in her grandparents' house.
+
+Berenike had arrived with her, but went first to the old couple.
+
+While Barine was telling Helena and Gorgias, also, why all this plan had
+been formed so hastily, Gorgias was silently comparing the two sisters.
+He found it natural that he had once believed that he loved Barine; but
+she would not have been a fitting mistress of his house. Life at her
+side would have been a chain of jealous emotions and anxieties, and her
+stimulating remarks and searching questions, which demanded absolute
+attention, would not have permitted him, after his return home, wearied
+by arduous toil, to find the rest for which he longed. His eye wandered
+from her to her sister, as if testing the space between two newly
+erected pillars; and Barine, who had noticed his strange manner,
+suddenly laughed merrily, and asked whether they might know what
+building was occupying his thoughts, while a good friend was telling him
+that the pleasant hours in her house were over.
+
+Gorgias started, and the apology he stammered showed so plainly how
+inattentively he had listened, that Barine would have had good reason to
+feel offended. But one glance at her sister and another at him enabled
+her speedily to guess the truth. She was pleased; for she esteemed
+Gorgias, and had secretly feared that she might be forced to grieve him
+by a refusal, but he seemed as if created for her sister. Her arrival
+had probably interrupted them so, turning to Helena, she exclaimed: "I
+must see my mother and our grandparents. Meanwhile entertain our friend
+here. We know each other well. He is one of the few men who can be
+trusted. That is my honest opinion, Gorgias, and I say it to you also,
+Helena."
+
+With these words she nodded to both, and Gorgias was again alone with
+the maiden whom he loved.
+
+It was difficult to begin the conversation anew, and when, spite of many
+efforts, it would not flow freely, the shout of the overseer, which
+reached his ear through the opening of the roof, urging the men to work,
+was like a deliverance. Promising to return again soon, as eagerly as if
+he had been requested to do so, he took his leave and opened the door
+leading into the adjoining room. But on the threshold he started back,
+and Helena, who had followed him, did the same, for there stood his
+friend Dion, and Barine's beautiful head lay on his breast, while his
+hand rested as if in benediction on her fair hair. And--no, Gorgias was
+not mistaken--the slender frame of the lovely woman, whose exuberant
+vivacity had so often borne him and others away with it, trembled as if
+shaken by deep and painful emotion.
+
+When Dion perceived his friend, and Barine raised her head, turning her
+face towards him, it was indeed wet with tears, but their source could
+not be sorrow; for her blue eyes were sparkling with a happy light.
+
+Yet Gorgias found something in her features which he was unable to
+express in words--the reflection of the ardent gratitude that had taken
+possession of her soul and filled it absolutely.
+
+While seeking the architect, Dion had met Barine, who was on her way to
+her grandparents, and what he had dreaded the day before happened.
+
+The first glance from her eyes which met his forced the decisive
+question from his lips.
+
+In brief, earnest words he confessed his love for her, and his desire to
+make her his own, as the pride and ornament of his house.
+
+Then, in the intensity of her bliss, her eyes overflowed and, under the
+spell of a great miracle wrought in her behalf, she found no words to
+answer; but Dion had approached, clasped her right hand in both of his,
+and frankly acknowledged how, with the image of his strict mother before
+his eyes, he had wavered and hesitated until love had overmastered him.
+Now, full of the warmest confidence, he asked whether she would consent
+to rule as mistress of his home, the honour and ornament of his ancient
+name? He knew that her heart was his, but he must hear one thing more
+from her lips----
+
+Here she had interrupted him with the cry, "This one thing--that your
+wife, in joy and in sorrow, will live for you and you alone? The whole
+world can vanish for her, now that you have raised her to your side and
+she is yours."
+
+After this assurance, which sounded like an oath, Dion felt as if a
+heavy burden had fallen from his heart, and clasping her in his arms
+with passionate tenderness, he repeated, "In joy and in sorrow!"
+
+Thus Gorgias and Helena had surprised them, and the architect felt for
+the first time that there is no distinction between our own happiness
+and that of those whom we love.
+
+His friend Helena seemed to have the same feeling, when she saw what
+this day had given her sister; and the philosopher's house, so lately
+shadowed by anxiety, and many a fear, would soon ring with voices
+uttering joyous congratulations.
+
+The architect no longer felt that he had a place in this circle, which
+was now pervaded by a great common joy, and after Dion made a brief
+explanation, Gorgias's voice was soon heard outside loudly issuing
+orders to the workmen.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Gorgias went to his work without delay. When the twin statues were only
+waiting to be erected in front of the Theatre of Dionysus, Dion sought
+him. Some impulse urged him to talk to his old friend before leaving the
+city with his betrothed bride. Since they parted the latter had
+accomplished the impossible; for the building of the wall on the Choma,
+ordered by Antony, was commenced, the restoration of the little palace
+at the point, and many other things connected with the decoration of the
+triumphal arches, were arranged. His able and alert foreman found it
+difficult to follow him as he dictated order after order in his
+writing-tablet.
+
+The conversation with his friend was not a long one, for Dion had
+promised Barine and her mother to accompany them to the country.
+Notwithstanding the betrothal, they were to start that very day; for
+Cæsarion had called upon Barine twice that morning. She had not
+received him, but the unfortunate youth's conduct induced her to hasten
+the preparations for her departure.
+
+To avoid attracting attention, they were to use Archibius's large
+travelling chariot and Nile boat, although Dion's were no less
+comfortable.
+
+The marriage was to take place in the "abode of peace." The young
+Alexandrian's own ship, which was to convey the newly wedded pair to
+Alexandria, bore the name of Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, for Dion
+liked to be reminded of his oratorical powers in the council.
+Henceforward it would be called the _Barine_, and was to receive many an
+embellishment.
+
+Dion confided to his friend what he had learned in relation to the fate
+of the Queen and the fleet, and, notwithstanding the urgency of the
+claims upon Gorgias's time, he lingered to discuss the future destiny of
+the city and her threatened liberty; for these things lay nearest to his
+heart.
+
+"Fortunately," cried Dion, "I followed my inclination; now it seems to
+me that duty commands every true man to make his own house a nursery for
+the cultivation of the sentiments which he inherited from his
+forefathers and which must not die, so long as there are Macedonian
+citizens in Alexandria. We must submit if the superior might of Rome
+renders Egypt a province of the republic, but we can preserve to our
+city and her council the lion's share of their freedom. Whatever may be
+the development of affairs, we are and shall remain the source whence
+Rome draws the largest share of the knowledge which enriches her brain."
+
+"And the art which adorns her rude life," replied Gorgias. "If she is
+free to crush us without pity, she will fare, I think, like the maiden
+who raises her foot to trample on a beautiful, rare flower, and then
+withdraws it because it would be a crime to destroy so exquisite a work
+of the Creator."
+
+"And what does the flower owe to your maiden," cried Dion, "or our city
+to Rome? Let us meet her claims with dignified resolution, then I think
+we shall not have the worst evils to fear."
+
+"Let us hope so. But, my friend, keep your eyes open for other than
+Roman foes. Now that it will become known that you do not love her,
+beware of Iras. There is something about her which reminds me of the
+jackal. Jealousy!--I believe she would be capable of the worst----"
+
+"Yet," Dion interrupted, "Charmian will soften whatever injury Iras
+plans to do me, and, though I cannot rely much upon my uncle, Archibius
+is above both and favours us and our marriage."
+
+Gorgias uttered a sigh of relief, and exclaimed, "Then on to happiness!"
+
+"And you must also begin to provide for yours," replied Dion warmly.
+"Forbid your heart to continue this wandering, nomad life. The tent
+which the wind blows down is not fit for the architect's permanent
+residence. Build yourself a fine house, which will defy storms, as you
+built my palace. I shall not grudge it, and have already said, the times
+demand it."
+
+"I will remember the advice," replied Gorgias. "But six eyes are again
+bent upon me for direction. There are so many important things to be
+done while we waste the hours in building triumphal arches for the
+defeated--trophies for an overthrow. But your uncle has just issued
+orders to complete the work in the most magnificent style. The ways of
+destiny and the great are dark; may the brightest sunshine illumine
+yours! A prosperous journey! We shall hear, of course, when you
+celebrate the wedding, and if I can I shall join you in the Hymenæus.
+Lucky fellow that you are! Now I'm summoned from over yonder! May Castor
+and Pollux, and all the gods favourable to travel, Aphrodite, and all
+the Loves attend your trip to Irenia, and protect you in the realm of
+Eros and Hymen!"
+
+With these words the warm-hearted man clasped his friend to his breast
+for the first time. Dion cordially responded, and at last shook his hard
+right hand with the exclamation:
+
+"Farewell, then, till we meet in Irenia on the wedding day, you dear,
+faithful fellow."
+
+Then he entered the chariot which stood waiting, and Gorgias gazed after
+him thoughtfully.
+
+The hyacinthine purple cloak which Dion wore that day had not vanished
+from his sight when a loud crashing, rattling, and roaring arose behind
+him. A hastily erected scaffold, which was to support the pulleys for
+raising the statues, had collapsed. The damage could be easily repaired,
+but the accident aroused a troubled feeling in the architect's mind. He
+was a child of his time, a period when duty commanded the prudent man to
+heed omens. Experience also taught him that when such a thing happened
+in his work something unpleasant was apt to occur within the circle of
+his friends. The veil of the future concealed what might be in store for
+the beloved couple; but he resolved to keep his eyes open on Dion's
+behalf and to request Archibius to do the same.
+
+The pressure of work, however, soon silenced the sense of uneasiness.
+The damage was speedily repaired, and later Gorgias, sometimes with one,
+sometimes with another tablet or roll of MS. in his hand, issued the
+most varied orders.
+
+Gradually the light of this dismal day faded.
+
+Ere the night, which threatened to bring rain and storm, closed in, he
+again rode on his mule to the Bruchium to overlook the progress of the
+work in the various buildings and give additional directions, for the
+labour was to be continued during the night.
+
+The north wind was now blowing so violently from the sea that it was
+difficult to keep the torches and lamps lighted. The gale drove the
+drops of rain into his face, and a glance northward showed him masses of
+black clouds beyond the harbour and the lighthouse. This indicated a bad
+night, and again the boding sense of coming misfortune stole over him.
+Yet he set to work swiftly and prudently, helping with his own hands
+when occasion required.
+
+Night closed in. Not a star was visible in the sky, and the air, chilled
+by the north wind, grew so cold that Gorgias at last permitted his body
+slave to wrap his cloak around him. While drawing the hood over his
+head, he gazed at a procession of litters and men moving towards
+Lochias.
+
+Perhaps the Queen's children were returning home from some expedition.
+But probably they were rather private citizens on their way to some
+festival celebrating the victory; for every one now believed in a great
+battle and a successful issue of the war. This was proved by the shouts
+and cheers of the people, who, spite of the storm, were still moving to
+and fro near the harbour.
+
+The last of the torch-bearers had just passed Gorgias, and he had told
+himself that a train of litters belonging to the royal family would not
+move through the darkness so faintly lighted, when a single man, bearing
+in his hand a lantern, whose flickering rays shone on his wrinkled face,
+approached rapidly from the opposite direction. It was old Phryx,
+Didymus's house slave, with whom the architect had become acquainted,
+while the aged scholar was composing the inscription for the Odeum which
+Gorgias had erected. The aged servant had brought him many alterations
+of his master's first sketch, and Gorgias had reminded him of it the
+previous day.
+
+The workmen by whom the statues had been raised to the pedestal, amid
+the bright glare of torches, to the accompaniment of a regular chant,
+had just dropped the ropes, windlasses, and levers, when the architect
+recognized the slave.
+
+What did the old man want at so late an hour on this dark night? The
+fall of the scaffold again returned to his mind.
+
+Was the slave seeking for a member of the family? Did Helena need
+assistance? He stopped the gray-haired man, who answered his question
+with a heavy sigh, followed by the maxim, "Misfortunes come in pairs,
+like oxen." Then he continued: "Yesterday there was great anxiety.
+Today, when there was so much rejoicing on account of Barine, I thought
+directly, 'Sorrow follows joy, and the second misfortune won't be spared
+us.' And so it proved."
+
+Gorgias anxiously begged him to relate what had happened, and the old
+man, drawing nearer, whispered that the pupil and assistant of
+Didymus--young Philotas of Amphissa, a student, and, moreover, a
+courteous young man of excellent family--had gone to a banquet to which
+Antyllus, the son of Antony, had invited several of his classmates. This
+had already happened several times, and he, Phryx, had warned him, for,
+when the lowly associate with the lofty, the lowly rarely escape kicks
+and blows. The young fellow, who usually had behaved no worse than the
+other Ephebi, had always returned from such festivities with a flushed
+face and unsteady steps, but to-night he had not even reached his room
+in the upper story. He had darted into the house as though pursued by
+the watch, and, while trying to rush up the stairs--it was really only a
+ladder--he had made a misstep and fell. He, Phryx, did not believe that
+he was hurt, for none of his limbs ached, even when they were pulled and
+stretched, and Dionysus kindly protected drunkards; but some demon must
+have taken possession of him, for he howled and groaned continually, and
+would answer no questions. True, he was aware, from the festivals of
+Dionysus, that the young man was one of those who, when intoxicated,
+weep and lament; but this time something unusual must have occurred, for
+in the first place his handsome face was coloured black and looked
+hideous, since his tears had washed away the soot in many places, and
+then he talked nothing but a confused jargon. It was a pity.
+
+When an attempt was made, with the help of the garden slave, to carry
+him to his room, he dealt blows and kicks like a lunatic. Didymus now
+also believed that he was possessed by demons, as often happens to those
+who, in falling, strike their heads against the ground, and thus wake
+the demons in the earth. Well, yes, they might be demons, but only those
+of wine. The student was just "crazy drunk," as people say. But the old
+gentleman was very fond of his pupil, and had ordered him, Phryx, to go
+to Olympus, who, ever since he could remember, had been the family
+physician.
+
+"The Queen's leech?" asked Gorgias, disapprovingly, and when the slave
+assented, the architect exclaimed in a positive tone: "It is not right
+to force the old man out of doors in such a north wind. Age is not
+specially considerate to age. Now that the statues stand yonder, I can
+leave my post for half an hour and will go with you. I don't think a
+leech is needed to drive out _these_ demons."
+
+"True, my lord, true!" cried the slave, "but Olympus is our friend. He
+visits few patients, but he will come to our house in any weather. He
+has litters, chariots, and splendid mules. The Queen gives him whatever
+is best and most comfortable. He is skilful, and perhaps can render
+speedy help. People must use what they have."
+
+"Only where it is necessary," replied the architect. "There are my two
+mules; follow me on the second. If I don't drive out the demons, you
+will have plenty of time to trot after Olympus."
+
+This proposal pleased the old slave, and a short time after Gorgias
+entered the venerable philosopher's tablinum.
+
+Helena welcomed him like an intimate friend. Whenever he appeared she
+thought the peril was half over. Didymus, too, greeted him warmly, and
+conducted him to the little room where the youth possessed by demons lay
+on a divan.
+
+He was still groaning and whimpering. Tears were streaming down his
+cheeks, and, whenever any member of the household approached, he pushed
+him away.
+
+When Gorgias held his hands and sternly ordered him to confess what
+wrong he had done, he sobbed out that he was the most ungrateful wretch
+on earth. His baseness would ruin his kind parents, himself, and all his
+friends.
+
+Then he accused himself of having caused the destruction of Didymus's
+granddaughter. He would not have gone to Antyllus again had not his
+recent generosity bound him to him, but now he must atone--ay, atone.
+Then, as if completely crushed, he continued to mumble the word,
+"atone!" and for a time nothing more could be won from him.
+
+Didymus, however, had the key to the last sentence. A few weeks before,
+Philotas and several other pupils of the rhetorician whose lectures in
+the museum he attended had been invited to breakfast with Antyllus. When
+the young student loudly admired the beautiful gold and silver beakers
+in which the wine was served, the reckless host cried: "They are yours;
+take them with you." When the guests departed the cup-bearer asked
+Philotas, who had been far from taking the gift seriously, to receive
+his property. Antyllus had intended to bestow the goblets; but he
+advised the youth to let him pay their value in money, for among them
+were several ancient pieces of most artistic workmanship, which Antony,
+the extravagant young fellow's father, might perhaps be unwilling to
+lose.
+
+Thereupon several rolls of gold _solidi_ were paid to the astonished
+student--and they had been of little real benefit, since they had made
+it possible for him to keep pace with his wealthy and aristocratic
+classmates and share many of their extravagances. Yet he had not ceased
+to fulfil his duty to Didymus.
+
+Though he sometimes turned night into day, he gave no serious cause for
+reproof. Small youthful errors were willingly pardoned; for he was a
+good-looking, merry young fellow, who knew how to make himself agreeable
+to the entire household, even to the women.
+
+What had befallen the poor youth that day? Didymus was filled with
+compassion for him, and, though he gladly welcomed Gorgias, he gave him
+to understand that the leech's absence vexed him.
+
+But, during a long bachelor career in Alexandria, a city ever gracious
+to the gifts of Bacchus, Gorgias had become familiar with attacks like
+those of Philotas and their treatment, and after several jars of water
+had been brought and he had been left alone a short time with the
+sufferer, the philosopher secretly rejoiced that he had not summoned the
+grey-haired leech into the stormy night for Gorgias led forth his pupil
+with dripping hair, it is true, but in a state of rapid convalescence.
+
+The youth's handsome face was freed from soot, but his eyes were bent in
+confusion on the ground, and he sometimes pressed his hand upon his
+aching brow. It needed all the old philosopher's skill in persuasion to
+induce him to speak, and Philotas, before he began, begged Helena to
+leave the room.
+
+He intended to adhere strictly to the truth, though he feared that the
+reckless deed into which he had suffered himself to be drawn might have
+a fatal effect upon his future life.
+
+Besides, he hoped to obtain wise counsel from the architect, to whom he
+owed his speedy recovery, and whose grave, kindly manner inspired him
+with confidence; and, moreover, he was so greatly indebted to Didymus
+that duty required him to make a frank confession--yet he dared not
+acknowledge one of the principal motives of his foolish act.
+
+The plot into which he had been led was directed against Barine, whom he
+had long imagined he loved with all the fervour of his twenty years.
+But, just before he went to the fatal banquet, he had heard that the
+young beauty was betrothed to Dion. This had wounded him deeply; for in
+many a quiet hour it had seemed possible to win her for himself and lead
+her as his wife to his home in Amphissa. He was very little younger than
+she, and if his parents once saw her, they could not fail to approve his
+choice. And the people in Amphissa! They would have gazed at Barine as
+if she were a goddess.
+
+And now this fine gentleman had come to crush his fairest hopes. No word
+of love had ever been exchanged between him and Barine, but how kindly
+she had always looked at him, how willingly she had accepted trivial
+services! Now she was lost.
+
+At first this had merely saddened him, but after he had drunk the wine,
+and Antyllus, Antony's son, in the presence of the revellers, over whom
+Cæsarion presided as "symposiarch"* had accused Barine of capturing
+hearts by magic spells, he had arrived at the conviction that he, too,
+had been shamefully allured and betrayed.
+
+[* Director of a banquet.]
+
+He had served for a toy, he said to himself, unless she had really loved
+him and merely preferred Dion on account of his wealth. In any case, he
+felt justified in cherishing resentment against Barine, and with the
+number of goblets which he drained his jealous rage increased.
+
+When urged to join in the escapade which now burdened his conscience he
+consented with a burning brain in order to punish her for the wrong
+which, in his heated imagination, she had done him.
+
+All this he withheld from the older men and merely briefly described the
+splendid banquet which Cæsarion, pallid and listless as ever, had
+directed, and Antyllus especially had enlivened with the most reckless
+mirth.
+
+The "King of kings" and Antony's son had escaped from their tutors on
+the pretext of a hunting excursion, and the chief huntsman had not
+grudged them the pleasure--only they were obliged to promise him that
+they would be ready to set out for the desert early the next morning.
+
+When, after the banquet, the mixing-vessels were brought out and the
+beakers were filled more rapidly, Antyllus whispered several times to
+Cæsarion and then turned the conversation upon Barine, the fairest of
+the fair, destined by the immortals for the greatest and highest of
+mankind. This was the "King of kings," Cæsarion, and he also claimed
+the favour of the gods for himself. But everybody knew that Aphrodite
+deemed herself greater than the highest of kings, and therefore Barine
+ventured to close her doors upon their august symposiarch in a manner
+which could not fail to be unendurable, not only to him but to all the
+youth of Alexandria. Whoever boasted of being one of the Ephebi might
+well clench his fist with indignation, when he heard that the insolent
+beauty kept young men at a distance because she considered only the
+older ones worthy of her notice. This must not be! The Ephebi of
+Alexandria must make her feel the power of youth. This was the more
+urgently demanded, because Cæsarion would thereby be led to the goal of
+his wishes.
+
+Barine was going into the country that very evening. Insulted Eros
+himself was smoothing their way. He commanded them to attack the
+arrogant fair one's carriage and lead her to him who sought her in the
+name of youth, in order to show her that the hearts of the Ephebi, whom
+she disdainfully rejected, glowed more ardently than those of the older
+men on whom she bestowed her favours.
+
+Here Gorgias interrupted the speaker with a loud cry of indignation, but
+old Didymus's eyes seemed to be fairly starting from their sockets as he
+hoarsely shouted an impatient--
+
+"Go on!"
+
+And Philotas, now completely sobered, described with increasing
+animation the wonderful change that had taken place in the quiet
+Cæsarion, as if some magic spell had been at work; for scarcely had the
+revellers greeted Antyllus's words with shouts of joy, declaring
+themselves ready to avenge insulted youth upon Barine, than the "King of
+kings" suddenly sprang from the cushions on which he had listlessly
+reclined, and with flashing eyes shouted that whoever called himself his
+friend must aid him in the attack.
+
+Here he was urged to still greater haste by another impatient "Go on!"
+from his master, and hurriedly continued his story, describing how they
+had blackened their faces and armed themselves with Antyllus's swords
+and lances. As the sun was setting they went in a covered boat through
+the Agathodæmon Canal to Lake Mareotis. Everything must have been
+arranged in advance; for they landed precisely at the right hour.
+
+As, during the trip, they had kept up their courage by swallowing the
+most fiery wine, Philotas had staggered on shore with difficulty and
+then been dragged forward by the others. After this he knew nothing
+more, except that he had rushed with the rest upon a large _harmamaxa_,
+and in so doing fell. When he rose from the earth all was over.
+
+As if in a dream he saw Scythians and other guardians of the peace seize
+Antyllus, while Cæsarion was struggling on the ground with another man.
+If he was not mistaken it was Dion, Barine's betrothed husband.
+
+These communications were interrupted by many exclamations of impatience
+and wrath; but now Didymus, fairly frantic with alarm, cried:
+
+"And the child--Barine?"
+
+But when Philotas's sole reply to this question was a silent shake of
+the head, indignation conquered the old philosopher, and clutching his
+pupil's _chiton_ with both hands, he shook him violently, exclaiming
+furiously:
+
+"You don't know, scoundrel? Instead of defending her who should be dear
+to you as a child of this household, you joined the rascally scorners of
+morality and law as the accomplice of this waylayer in purple!"
+
+Here the architect soothed the enraged old man with expostulations, and
+the assertion that everything must now yield to the necessity of
+searching for Barine and Dion. He did not know which way to turn, in the
+amount of labour pressing upon him, but he would have a hasty talk with
+the foreman and then try to find his friend.
+
+"And I," cried the old man, "must go at once to the unfortunate
+child.--My cloak, Phryx, my sandals!"
+
+In spite of Gorgias's counsel to remember his age and the inclement
+weather, he cried angrily:
+
+"I am going, I say! If the tempest hurls me to the earth, and the bolts
+of Zeus strike me, so be it. One misfortune more or less matters little
+in a life which has been a chain of heavy blows of Fate. I buried three
+sons in the prime of manhood, and two have been slain in battle. Barine,
+the joy of my heart, I myself, fool that I was, bound to the scoundrel
+who blasted her joyous existence; and now that I believed she would be
+protected from trouble and misconstruction by the side of a worthy
+husband, these infamous rascals, whose birth protects them from
+vengeance, have wounded, perhaps killed her betrothed lover. They
+trample in the dust her fair name and my white hair!--Phryx, my hat and
+staff."
+
+The storm had long been raging around the house, which stood close by
+the sea, and the sailcloth awning which was stretched over the impluvium
+noisily rattled the metal rings that confined it. Now so violent a gust
+swept from room to room that two of the flames in the three-branched
+lamp went out. The door of the house had been opened, and drenched with
+rain, a hood drawn over his black head, Barine's Nubian doorkeeper
+crossed the threshold.
+
+He presented a pitiable spectacle and at first could find no answer to
+the greetings and questions of the men, who had been joined by Helena,
+her grandmother leaning on her arm; his rapid walk against the fury of
+the storm had fairly taken away his breath.
+
+He had little, however, to tell. Barine merely sent a message to her
+relatives that, no matter what tales rumour might bring, she and her
+mother were unhurt. Dion had received a wound in the shoulder, but it
+was not serious. Her grandparents need have no anxiety; the attack had
+completely failed.
+
+Doris, who was deaf, had listened vainly, holding her hand to her ear,
+to catch this report; and Didymus now told his granddaughter as much as
+he deemed it advisable for her to know, that she might communicate it to
+her grandmother, who understood the movements of her lips.
+
+The old man was rejoiced to learn that his granddaughter had escaped so
+great a peril uninjured, yet he was still burdened by sore anxiety. The
+architect, too, feared the worst, but by dint of assuring him that he
+would return at once with full details when he had ascertained the fate
+of Dion and his betrothed bride, he finally persuaded the old man to
+give up the night walk through the tempest.
+
+Philotas, with tears in his eyes, begged them to accept his services as
+messenger or for any other purpose; but Didymus ordered him to go to
+bed. An opportunity would be found to enable him to atone for the
+offence so recklessly committed.
+
+The scholar's peaceful home was deprived of its nocturnal repose, and
+when Gorgias had gone and Didymus had refused Helena's request to have
+the aged porter take her to her sister, the old man remained alone with
+his wife in the tablinum.
+
+She had been told nothing except that thieves had attacked her
+granddaughter, Barine, and slightly wounded her lover; but her own heart
+and the manner of the husband, at whose side she had grown grey, showed
+that many things were being concealed. She longed to know the story more
+fully, but it was difficult for Didymus to talk a long time in a loud
+tone, so she silenced her desire to learn the whole truth. But, in order
+to await the architect's report, they did not go to rest.
+
+Didymus had sunk into an armchair, and Doris sat near at her spindle,
+but without drawing any threads from her distaff. When she heard her
+husband sigh and saw him bury his face in his hands, she limped nearer
+to him, difficult as it was for her to move, and stroked his head, now
+nearly bald, with her hand. Then she uttered soothing words, and, as the
+anxious, troubled expression did not yet pass from his wrinkled face,
+she reminded him in faltering yet tender tones how often they had
+thought they must despair, and yet everything had resulted well.
+
+"Ah! husband," she added, "I know full well that the clouds hanging over
+us are very black, and I cannot even see them clearly, because you show
+them at such a distance. Yet I feel that they threaten us with sore
+tribulation. But, after all, what harm can they do us, if we only keep
+close together, we two old people and the children of the children whom
+Hades rent from us? We need only to grow old to perceive that life has a
+head with many faces. The ugly one of to-day can last no longer than you
+can keep that deeply furrowed brow. But you need not coerce yourself for
+my sake, husband. Let it be so. I need merely close my eyes to see how
+smooth and beautiful it was in youth, and how pleasant it will look when
+better days say, 'Here we are!'"
+
+Didymus, with a mournful smile, kissed her grey hair and shouted into
+her left ear, which was a little less deaf than the other:
+
+"How young you are still, wife!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The tempest swept howling from the north across the island of Pharos,
+and the shallows of Diabathra in the great harbour of Alexandria. The
+water, usually so placid, rose in high waves, and the beacon on the
+lighthouse of Sastratus sent the rent abundance of its flames with
+hostile impetuosity towards the city. The fires in the pitch-pans and
+the torches on the shore sometimes seemed on the point of being
+extinguished, at others burst with a doubly brilliant blaze through the
+smoke which obscured them.
+
+The royal harbour, a fine basin which surrounded in the form of a
+semicircle the southern part of the Lochias and a portion of the
+northern shore of the Bruchium, was brightly illuminated every night;
+but this evening there seemed to be an unusual movement among the lights
+on its western shore, the private anchorage of the royal fleet.
+
+Was it the storm that stirred them? No. How could the wind have set one
+torch in the place of another, and moved lights or lanterns in a
+direction opposite to its violent course? Only a few persons, however,
+perceived this; for, though joyous anticipation or anxious fears urged
+many thither, who would venture upon the quay on such a tempestuous
+night? Besides, no one would have found admittance to the royal port,
+which was closed on all sides. Even the mole which, towards the west,
+served as the string to the bow of land surrounding it, had but a single
+opening and--as every one knew--that was closed by a chain in the same
+way as the main entrance to the harbour between the Pharos and Alveus
+Steganus.
+
+About two hours before midnight, spite of the increasing fury of the
+tempest, the singular movement of the lights diminished, but rarely had
+the hearts of those for whom they burned throbbed so anxiously. These
+were the dignitaries and court officials who stood nearest to
+Cleopatra--about twenty men and a single woman, Iras. Mardion and she
+had summoned them because the Queen's letter permitted those to whom she
+had given authority to offer her a quiet reception. After a long
+consultation they had not invited the commanders of the little Roman
+garrison left behind. It was doubtful whether those whom they expected
+would return that night, and the Roman soldiers who were loyal to Antony
+had gone with him to the war.
+
+The hall in the centre of the private roadstead of the royal harbour,
+where they had assembled, was furnished with regal magnificence; for it
+was a favourite resort of the Queen. The spacious apartment lacked no
+requisite of comfort, and most of those who were waiting used the
+well-cushioned couches, while others, harassed by mental anxiety, paced
+to and fro.
+
+As the room had remained unused for months, bats had made nests there,
+and now that it was lighted, dazzled by the glare of the lamps and
+candles, they darted to and fro above the heads of the assembly. Iras
+had ordered the commander of the Mellakes, or youths, a body-guard
+composed of the sons of aristocratic Macedonian families, to expel the
+troublesome creatures, and it diverted the thoughts of these devoted
+soldiers of the Queen to strike at them with their swords.
+
+Others preferred to watch this futile battle rather than give themselves
+up to the anxiety which filled their minds. The Regent was gazing mutely
+at the ground; Iras, pale and absent-minded, was listening to Zeno's
+statements; and Archibius had gone out of doors, and, unheeding the
+storm, was looking across the tossing waves of the harbour for the
+expected ships.
+
+In a wooden shed, whose roof was supported by gaily painted pillars,
+through which the wind whistled, the servants, from the porters to the
+litter-bearers, had gathered in groups under the flickering light of the
+lanterns. The Greeks sat on wooden stools, the Egyptians upon mats on
+the floor. The largest circle contained the parties who attended to the
+Queen's luggage and the upper servants, among whom were several maids.
+
+They had been told that the Queen was expected that night, because it
+was possible that the strong north wind would bear her ship home with
+unexpected speed after the victory. But they were better informed:
+palaces have chinks in doors and curtains, and are pervaded by a very
+peculiar echo which bears even a whisper distinctly from ear to ear.
+
+The body-slave of the commander-in-chief Seleukus was the principal
+spokesman. His master had reached Alexandria but a few hours ago from
+the frontier fortress of Pelusium, which he commanded. A mysterious
+order from Lucilius, Antony's most faithful friend, brought from
+Tænarum by a swift galley, had summoned him hither.
+
+The freedman Beryllus, a loquacious Sicilian, who, as an actor, had seen
+better days ere pirates robbed him of his liberty, had heard many new
+things, and his hearers listened eagerly; for ships coming from the
+north, which touched at Pelusium, had confirmed and completed the evil
+tidings that had penetrated the Sebasteum.
+
+According to his story, he was as well informed as if he had been an
+eye-witness of the naval battle; for he had been present during his
+master's conversation with many ship-captains and messengers from
+Greece. He even assumed the air of a loyal, strictly silent servant, who
+would only venture to confirm and deny what the Alexandrians had already
+learned. Yet his knowledge consisted merely of a confused medley of
+false and true occurrences. While the Egyptian fleet had been defeated
+at Actium, and Antony, flying with Cleopatra, had gone first to Tænarum
+at the end of the Peloponnesian coast, he asserted that the army and
+fleet had met on the Peloponnesian coast and Octavianus was pursuing
+Antony, who had turned towards Athens, while Cleopatra was on her way to
+Alexandria.
+
+His "trustworthy intelligence" had been patched together from a few
+words caught from Seleukus at table, or while receiving and dismissing
+messengers. In other matters his information was more accurate.
+
+While for several days the harbour of Alexandria had been closed,
+vessels were permitted to enter Pelusium, and all captains of newly
+arrived ships and caravans were compelled to report to Beryllus's
+master, the commandant of the important frontier fortress.
+
+He had quitted Pelusium the night before. The strong wind had driven the
+trireme before it so swiftly that it was difficult for even the sea
+gulls to follow. It was easy for the listeners to believe this; for the
+storm outside howled louder and louder, whistling through the open hall
+where the servants had gathered. Most of the lamps and torches had been
+blown out, the pitch-pans only sent forth still blacker clouds of smoke,
+lit by red and yellow flames, and the closed lanterns alone continued to
+diffuse a flickering light. So the wide space, dim with smoke, was
+illumined only by a dull, varying glimmer.
+
+One of the porters had furnished wine to shorten the hours of waiting;
+but it could only be drunk in secret, so there were no goblets. The jars
+wandered from mouth to mouth, and every sip was welcome, for the wind
+blew keenly, and besides, the smoke irritated their throats.
+
+The freedman, Beryllus, was often interrupted by paroxysms of coughing,
+especially from the women, while relating the evil omens which were told
+to his master in Pelusium. Each was well authenticated and surpassed its
+predecessor in significance.
+
+Here one of Iras's maids interrupted him to tell the story of the
+swallows on the "Antonius," Cleopatra's admiral galley. He could
+scarcely report from Pelusium an omen of darker presage.
+
+But Beryllus gazed at her with a pitying smile, which so roused the
+expectations of the others that the overseer of the litter and baggage
+porters, who were talking loudly together, hoarsely shouted, "Silence!"
+
+Soon no sound was heard in the open space save the shrill whistling of
+the wind, a word of command to the harbour-guards, and the freedman's
+voice, which he lowered to increase the charm of the mysterious events
+he was describing.
+
+He began with the most fulsome praise of Cleopatra and Antony, reminding
+his hearers that the Imperator was a descendant of Herakles. The
+Alexandrians especially were aware that their Queen and Antony claimed
+and desired to be called "The new Isis" and "The new Dionysus." But
+every one who beheld the Roman must admit that in face and figure he
+resembled a god far more than a man.
+
+The Imperator had appeared as Dionysus, especially to the Athenians. In
+the proscenium of the theatre in that city was a huge bas-relief of the
+Battle of the Giants, the famous work of an ancient sculptor--he,
+Beryllus, had seen it--and from amid the numerous figures in this piece
+of sculpture the tempest had torn but a single one--which? Dionysus, the
+god as whose mortal image Antony had once caroused in a vine-clad arbour
+in the presence of the Athenians. The storm to-night was at the utmost
+like the breath of a child, compared with the hurricane which could
+wrest from the hard marble the form of Dionysus. But Nature gathers all
+her forces when she desires to announce to short-sighted mortals the
+approach of events which are to shake the world.
+
+The last words were quoted from his master who had studied in Athens.
+They had escaped from his burdened soul when he heard of another
+portent, of which a ship from Ostia had brought tidings. The flourishing
+city Pisaura----
+
+Here, however, he was interrupted, for several of those present had
+learned, weeks before, that this place had sunk in the sea, but merely
+pitied the unfortunate inhabitants.
+
+Beryllus quietly permitted them to free themselves from the suspicion
+that people in Alexandria had had tidings of so remarkable an event
+later than those in Pelusium, and at first answered their query what
+this had to do with the war merely by a shrug of the shoulders; but when
+the overseer of the porters also put the question, he went on "The omen
+made a specially deep impression upon our minds, for we know what
+Pisaura is, or rather how it came into existence. The hapless city which
+dark Hades ingulfed really belonged to Antony, for in the days of its
+prosperity he was its founder."
+
+He measured the group with a defiant glance, and there was no lack of
+evidences of horror; nay, one of the maid-servants shrieked aloud, for
+the storm had just snatched a torch from the iron rings in the wall and
+hurled it on the floor close beside the listener.
+
+Suspense seemed to have reached its height. Yet it was evident that
+Beryllus had not yet drawn his last arrow from the quiver.
+
+The maid-servant, whose scream had startled the others, had regained her
+composure and seemed eager to hear some other new and terrible omen,
+for, with a beseeching glance, she begged the freedman not to withhold
+the other things he knew.
+
+He pointed to the drops of perspiration which, spite of the wind
+sweeping through the hall, covered her brow: "You must use your
+handkerchief. Merely listening to my tale will dampen your skin. Stone
+statues are made of harder material, but a soul dwells within them too.
+Their natures may be harsher or more gentle; they bring us woe or heal
+heavy sorrows, according to their mood. Every one learns this who raises
+his hands to them in prayer. One of these statues stands in Alba. It
+represents Mark Antony, in whose honour it was erected by the city. And
+it foresaw what menaced the man whose stone double it is. Ay, open your
+ears! About four days ago a ship's captain came to my master and in my
+presence this man reported--he grew as pale as ashes while he
+spoke--what he himself had witnessed. Drops of perspiration had oozed
+from the statue of Antony in Alba. Horror seized all the citizens; men
+and women came to wipe the brow and cheeks of the statue, but the drops
+of perspiration did not cease to drip, and this continued several days
+and nights. The stone image had felt what was impending over the living
+Mark Antony. It was a horrible spectacle, the man said."
+
+Here the speaker paused, and the group of listeners started, for the
+clang of a gong was heard outside, and the next instant all were on
+their feet hastening to their posts.
+
+The officials in the magnificent hall had also risen. Here the silence
+had been interrupted only by low whispers. The colour had faded from
+most of the grave, anxious faces, and their timid glances shunned one
+another.
+
+Archibius had first perceived, by the flames of the Pharos, the red
+glimmer which announced the approach of the royal galley. It had not
+been expected so early, but was already passing the islands into the
+great harbour. It was probably the Antonius, the ship on which the old
+swallows had pecked the young ones to death.
+
+Though the waves were running high, even in the sheltered harbour, they
+scarcely rocked the massive vessel. An experienced pilot must have
+steered it past the shallows and cliffs on the eastern side of the
+roadstead, for instead of passing around the island of Antirrhodus as
+usual, it kept between the island and the Lochias, steering straight
+towards the entrance into the little royal harbour. The pitch-pans on
+both sides had been filled with fresh resin and tow to light the way.
+The watchers on the shore could now see its outlines distinctly.
+
+It was the Antonius, and yet it was not.
+
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, who was standing beside Iras, wrapped his
+cloak closer around his shivering limbs, pointed to it, and whispered,
+"Like a woman who leaves her parents' house in the rich array of a
+bride, and returns to it an impoverished widow."
+
+Iras drew herself up, and with cutting harshness replied, "Like the sun
+veiled by mists, but which will soon shine forth again more radiantly
+than ever."
+
+"Spoken from the depths of my soul," said the old courtier eagerly, "so
+far as the Queen is concerned. Of course, I did not allude to her
+Majesty, but to the ship. You were ill when it left the harbour,
+garlanded with flowers and adorned with purple sails. And now! Even this
+flickering light shows the wounds and rents. I am the last person whom
+you need tell that our sun Cleopatra will soon regain its old radiance,
+but at present it is very chilly and cold here by the water's edge in
+this stormy air; and when I think of our first moment of meeting----"
+
+"Would it were over!" murmured Iras, wrapping herself closer in her
+cloak. Then she drew back shivering, for the rattle of the heavy chain,
+which was drawn aside from the opening of the harbour, echoed with an
+uncanny sound through the silence of the night. A mountain seemed to
+weigh upon the watchers' breasts, for the wooden monster which now
+entered the little harbour moved forward as slowly and silently as a
+spectral ship. It seemed as if life were extinct on the huge galley
+usually swarming with a numerous crew; as if a vessel were about to cast
+anchor whose sailors had fallen victims to the plague. Nothing was heard
+save an occasional word of command, and the signal whistles of the
+fluteplayer who directed the rowers. A few lanterns burned with a
+wavering light on the vast length of her decks. The brilliant
+illumination which usually shone through the darkness would have
+attracted the attention of the Alexandrians.
+
+Now it was close to the landing. The group on shore watched every inch
+of its majestic progress with breathless suspense, but when the first
+rope was flung to the slaves on shore several men in Greek robes pressed
+forward hurriedly among the courtiers.
+
+They had come with a message, whose importance would permit no delay, to
+the Regent Mardion, who stood between Zeno and Iras, gazing gloomily at
+the ground with a frowning brow. He was pondering over the words in
+which to address the Queen, and within a few minutes the ship would have
+made her landing, and Cleopatra might cross the bridge. To disturb him
+at that moment was an undertaking few who knew the irritable, uncertain
+temper of the eunuch would care to risk. But the tall Macedonian, who
+for a short time attracted the eyes of most of the spectators from the
+galley, ventured to do so. It was the captain of the nightwatch, the
+aristocratic commander of the police force of the city.
+
+"Only a word, my lord," he whispered to the Regent, "though the time may
+be inopportune."
+
+"As inopportune as possible," replied the eunuch with repellent
+harshness.
+
+"We will say as inopportune as the degree of haste necessary for its
+decision. The King Cæsarion, with Antyllus and several companions,
+attacked a woman. Blackened faces. A fight. Cæsarion and the woman's
+companion--an aristocrat, member of the Council--slightly wounded.
+Lictors interfered just in time. The young gentlemen were arrested. At
+first they refused to give their names----"
+
+"Cæsarion slightly, _really_ only slightly wounded?" asked the eunuch
+with eager haste.
+
+"Really and positively. Olympus was summoned at once. A knock on the
+head. The man who was attacked flung him on the pavement in the
+struggle."
+
+"Dion, the son of Eumenes, is the man," interrupted Iras, whose quick
+ear had caught the officer's report. "The woman--is Barine, the daughter
+of the artist Leonax."
+
+"Then you know already?" asked the Macedonian in surprise.
+
+"So it seems," answered Mardion, gazing into the girl's face with a
+significant glance. Then, turning to her rather than to the Macedonian,
+he added, "I think we will have the young rascals set free and brought
+to Lochias with as little publicity as possible."
+
+"To the palace?" asked the Macedonian.
+
+"Of course," replied Iras firmly. "Each to his own apartments, where
+they must remain until further orders."
+
+"Everything else must be deferred until after the reception," added the
+eunuch, and the Macedonian, with a slight, haughty nod, drew back.
+
+"Another misfortune," sighed the eunuch.
+
+"A boyish prank," Iras answered quickly, "but even a still greater
+misfortune is less than nothing so long as we are not conscious of it.
+This unpleasant occurrence must be concealed for the present from the
+Queen. Up to this time it is a vexation, nothing more--and it can and
+must remain so; for we have it in our power to uproot the poisonous tree
+whence it emanates."
+
+"You look as if no one could better perform the task," the Regent
+interrupted, with a side glance at the galley, "so you shall have the
+commission. It is the last one I shall give, during the Queen's absence,
+in her name."
+
+"I shall not fail," she answered firmly.
+
+When Iras again looked towards the landing-place she saw Archibius
+standing alone, with his eyes fixed upon the ground. Impulse prompted
+her to tell her uncle what had happened; but at the first step she
+paused, and her thin lips uttered a firm "No."
+
+Her friend had become a stone in her path. If necessary, she would find
+means to thrust him also aside, spite of his sister Charmian and the old
+tie which united him to Cleopatra. He had grown weak, Charmian had
+always been so.
+
+She would have had time enough now to consider what step to take first,
+had not her heart ached so sorely.
+
+After the huge galley lay moored, several minutes elapsed ere two
+_pastophori_ of the goddess Isis, who guarded the goblet of Nektanebus,
+taken from the temple treasures and borne along in a painted chest,
+stepped upon the bridge, followed by Cleopatra's first chamberlain, who
+in a low tone announced the approach of the Queen and commanded the
+waiting groups to make way. A double line of torch-bearers had been
+stationed from the landing to the gate leading into the Bruchium, and
+the other on the north, which was the entrance to the palaces on the
+Lochias, since it was not known where Cleopatra would desire to go. The
+chamberlain, however, said that she would spend the night at Lochias,
+where the children lived, and ordered all the flickering, smoking
+torches, save a few, to be extinguished.
+
+Mardion, the Keeper of the Seal, Archibius, and Iras were standing by
+the bridge a little in advance of the others, when voices were heard on
+the ship, and the Queen appeared, preceded by several lantern-bearers
+and followed by a numerous train of court officials, pages, maids, and
+female slaves. Cleopatra's little hand rested on Charmian's arm, as,
+with a haughty carriage of the head, she moved towards the shore. A
+thick veil covered her face, and a large, dark cloak concealed her
+figure. How elastic her step was still! how proud yet graceful was the
+gesture with which she waved a greeting to Mardion and Zeno!
+
+Extending her hand to raise Iras, who had sunk prostrate before her, she
+kissed her on the forehead, whispering, "The children?"
+
+"All is well with them," replied the girl.
+
+Then the returning sovereign greeted the others with a gracious gesture,
+but vouchsafed a word to no one until the eunuch stepped before her to
+deliver his address of welcome. She motioned him aside with a curt
+"Later"; and when Zeno held open the door of the litter, she said in a
+stifled tone: "I will walk. After the rocking of the galley in this
+tempest, I feel reluctant to enter the litter. There are many things to
+be considered to-day. An idea came to me on the way home. Summon the
+captain of the harbour and his chief counsellors, the heads of the war
+office, the superintendent of the fortifications on land and water,
+especially the Aristarch and Gorgias--I want to see them. Time presses.
+They must be here in two hours--no, in an hour and a half. I wish to
+examine all their plans and charts of the eastern frontier, especially
+the river channels and canals in the Delta."
+
+Then she turned to Archibius, who had approached the litter, laid her
+hand upon his arm, and though her veil prevented him from seeing her
+sparkling eyes, he felt them shining deep into his heart, as the voice
+whose melody had often enthralled his soul cried, "We will take it as a
+favourable omen that it is again _you_ who lead me to this palace in a
+time of trouble."
+
+His overflowing heart found expression in the warm reply, "Whenever it
+may be, forever and ever this arm and this life are yours!" And the
+Queen answered in a tone of earnest belief, "I know it."
+
+Then, with her hand still resting on his arm, she moved forward; but
+when he began to ask whether she really had cause to speak of a time of
+trouble, she cut him short with the entreaty "Not now. Let us say
+nothing. It is worse than bad--as evil as possible. Yet no. Few are
+permitted, in an hour of trouble, to lean on the arm of a faithful
+friend."
+
+The words were accompanied with a light pressure of her little hand, and
+it seemed as if his old heart was growing young.
+
+He dared not speak, for her wish was law; but while moving silently at
+her side, first along the shore, then through the gate, and finally over
+the marble flagstones which led to the palace portal, it seemed as if he
+beheld, instead of the veiled head of the hapless Queen, the soft,
+light-brown locks which floated around the face of a happy child. Before
+his mental vision rose the little mistress of the garden of Epicurus. He
+saw the sparkle of her large blue eyes, which never ceased to question,
+yet appeared to contain the mystery of the world. He fancied he heard
+once more the silvery cadence of her voice and the bewitching magic of
+her pure, childlike laughter, and it was hard to remember what she had
+become.
+
+Snatched away from the present, yet conscious that Fate had granted him
+a great boon in this sorrowful hour, he moved on at her side and led her
+through the main entrance, the spacious inner court-yard of the palace.
+At the rear was the great door opening into the Queen's apartments,
+before which Mardion, Iras, and their companions had already stationed
+themselves. At the left was a smaller one leading into the wing occupied
+by the children.
+
+Archibius was about to conduct Cleopatra across the lighted court-yard,
+but she motioned towards the children's rooms, and he understood her.
+
+At the threshold her hand fell from his arm, and when he bowed as if to
+retire, she said kindly: "There is Charmian. You both deserve to
+accompany me to the spot where childhood is dreaming and peace of mind
+and painlessness have their abode. But respect for the Queen has
+prevented the brother and sister from greeting each other after so long
+a separation. Do so now! Then, follow me."
+
+While speaking, she hastened with the swift step of youth into the
+atrium and up the staircase which led to the sleeping-rooms of the
+princes and princesses.
+
+Archibius and Charmian obeyed her bidding; the brother clasped his
+sister affectionately in his arms, and in hurried tones, with tears
+streaming from her eyes, she informed him that to her all seemed lost.
+
+Antony had behaved in a manner for which no words of condemnation or
+regret were adequate. Probably he would follow Cleopatra; the fleet, and
+perhaps the army also, were destroyed. Her fate lay in the hands of
+Octavianus.
+
+Then she preceded him towards the staircase, where Iras was standing
+with a tall Syrian, who bore a striking resemblance to Philostratus,
+Barine's former husband. It was his brother Alexas, the trusted
+favourite of Mark Antony. His place should now have been with him, and
+Archibius asked his sister with a hasty look how this man chanced to be
+in the Queen's train.
+
+"His skill in reading the stars," was the reply. "His flattering tongue.
+He is a parasite of the worst kind, but he tells her many things, he
+diverts her, and she tolerates him near her person."
+
+As soon as Iras saw the direction in which Cleopatra had turned, she had
+hastened after her to accompany her to the children. The Syrian Alexas
+had stopped her to express his joy in meeting her again. Even before the
+outbreak of the war he had devoted himself zealously to her, and he now
+plainly showed that during the long period of separation his feelings
+had by no means cooled. Like his brother, he had a head too small for
+his body, but his well-formed features were animated by a pair of eyes
+sparkling with a keen, covetous expression.
+
+Iras, too, seemed glad to welcome the favourite, but ere the brother and
+sister reached the staircase she left him to embrace Charmian, her aunt
+and companion, with the affection of a daughter.
+
+They found the Queen in the anteroom of the children's apartments.
+Euphronion, their tutor, had awaited her there, and hurriedly gave, in
+the most rapturous terms, his report of them and the wonderful gifts
+which became more and more apparent in each, now as a heritage from
+their mother, now from their father.
+
+Cleopatra had interrupted the torrent of his enthusiastic speech with
+many a question, meanwhile endeavouring to loose the veil wound about
+her head; but the little hands, unaccustomed to the task, failed. Iras
+noticed it from the stairs and, hastening up the last steps, skilfully
+released her from the long web of lace.
+
+The Queen acknowledged the service by a gracious nod, but when the chief
+eunuch opened the door leading into the children's rooms, she called
+joyously to the brother and sister, "Come!" The tutor, who was obliged
+to leave the charge of his pupils' sleeping apartments to the eunuchs
+and nurses, drew back, but Iras felt it a bitter affront to be excluded
+from this visit. Her cheeks flushed and paled; her thin lips were more
+firmly compressed, and she gazed intently at the basket of fruit in the
+mosaic floor at her feet as if she were counting the cherries that
+filled it. But she suddenly pushed the little curls back from her
+forehead, darted swiftly down the stairs, and called to Alexas just as
+he was about to leave the atrium.
+
+The Syrian hastened towards her, extolling the good fortune that made
+his sun rise for him a second time that night, but she cut him short
+with the words: "Cease this foolish love-making. It would be far better
+for us both to become allies in serious, bitter earnest. I am ready."
+
+"So am I!" cried the Syrian rapturously, pressing his hand upon his
+heart.
+
+Meanwhile Cleopatra had entered the chamber where the children lay
+sleeping. Deep silence pervaded the lofty hall hung with bright-hued
+carpets, and softly lighted by three lamps with rose-colored globes. An
+arch, supported by pillars of Libyan marble, divided the wide space. In
+the first, near a window closely muffled with draperies, stood two ivory
+beds, surmounted with crowns of gold and silver set with pearls and
+turquoises. Around the edge, carved by the hands of a great artist, ran
+a line of happy children dancing to the songs of birds in blossoming
+bushes.
+
+The couches were separated by a heavy curtain which the eunuchs had
+raised at the approach of the Queen. Cleopatra could now see them all at
+a single glance, and the picture was indeed one of exquisite charm; for
+on these beautiful couches slept the twins, the ten-year-old children of
+Cleopatra and Antony--Antonius Helios and Cleopatra Selene. The girl was
+pink and white, fair and wonderfully lovely; the boy no less beautiful,
+but with ebon-black hair, like his father. Both curly heads were turned
+towards the side, and rested on a dimpled hand pressed upon the silken
+pillow.
+
+Upon a third bed, beyond the arch, was Alexander, the youngest prince, a
+lovely boy of six, the Queen's darling.
+
+After gazing a long while at the twins, and pressing a light kiss upon
+cheeks flushed with slumber, she turned to the youngest child and sank
+beside his couch as if forced to bend the knee before some apparition
+which Heaven had vouchsafed to her. Tears streamed from her eyes as,
+drawing the child carefully towards her, she kissed his mouth, eyes, and
+cheeks, and then laid him gently back upon the pillows. The boy,
+however, did not instantly relapse into slumber, but threw his little
+plump arms around his mother's neck, murmuring incomprehensible words.
+She joyously submitted to his caresses, till sleep again overpowered
+him, and his little hands fell back upon the bed.
+
+She lingered a short time longer, with her brow resting on the ivory of
+the couch, praying for this child and his brother and sister. When she
+rose again her cheeks were wet with tears, and she pressed her hand upon
+her breast. Then, beckoning to Charmian and Archibius, she motioned
+towards Alexander and the twins, saying, as she saw tears glittering in
+the eyes of both: "I know you have lost this happiness for my sake. For
+each one of these children a great empire would not be too high a price;
+for them all---- What does earth contain that I would not bestow? Yet
+what can I still call my own?"
+
+Her smiling face clouded as she asked the question. The vision of the
+lost battle again rose before her mind. Her own power was lost,
+forfeited, and with it the independence of the native land which she
+loved. Rome was already stretching out her hand to add it to the others
+as a new province. But this should not be! Her twin children yonder,
+sleeping beneath crowns, must _wear_ them! And the boy slumbering on the
+pillows? How many kingdoms Antony had bestowed! What remained for her to
+give?
+
+Again she bent to the child. A beautiful dream must have hovered over
+him, for he was smiling in his sleep. A flood of maternal love welled up
+in her agitated heart, and, as she saw the companions of her childhood
+also gazing tenderly at the little steeper, she remembered the days of
+her own youth, and the quiet happiness which she had enjoyed in her
+garden of Epicurus.
+
+Power and splendour had begun for her beyond its confines, but the
+greater the heights of worldly grandeur she attained, the more distant,
+the more irrecoverable became the consciousness of the happiness which
+she had once gratefully enjoyed, and for which she had never ceased to
+long. And as she now gazed once more at the peaceful, smiling face,
+whence all pain and anxiety seemed worlds away, and all the love which
+her heart contained appeared to be pouring towards him, the question
+arose in her mind whether this boy, for whom she possessed no crown,
+might not be the only happy mortal of them all--happy in the sense of
+the master. Deeply moved by this thought, she turned to Archibius and
+Charmian, exclaiming in a subdued tone, in order not to rouse the
+sleeper: "Whatever destiny may await us, I commend this child to your
+special love and care. If Fate denies him the lustre of the crown and
+the elation of power, teach him to enjoy that other happiness,
+which--how long ago it is!--your father unfolded to his mother."
+
+Archibius kissed her robe, and Charmian her hands; but Cleopatra,
+drawing a long breath, said: "The mother has already taken too much time
+from the Queen. I have ordered the news of my arrival to be kept from
+Cæsarion. This was well. The most important matters will be settled
+before our meeting. Everything relating to me and to the state must be
+decided within an hour. But, first, I am something more than mother and
+Queen. The woman also asserts her claim. I will find time for you, my
+friend, to-morrow!--To my chamber first, Charmian. But you need rest
+still more than I. Go with your brother. Send Iras to me. She will be
+glad to use her skilful fingers again in her mistress's service."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The Queen had left her bath. Iras had arranged the still abundant waves
+of her hair, now dark-brown in hue, and robed her magnificently to
+receive the dignitaries whom, spite of the late hour of the night, she
+expected.
+
+How wonderfully she had retained her beauty! It seemed as if Time had
+not ventured to touch this masterpiece of feminine loveliness; yet the
+Greek's keen eye detected here and there some token of the vanishing
+spell of youth. She loved her mistress, yet her inmost soul rejoiced
+whenever she detected in her the same changes which began to appear in
+herself, the woman of seven-and-twenty, so many years her sovereign's
+junior. She would gladly have given Cleopatra everything at her command,
+yet she felt as if she must praise Nature for an act of justice, when
+she perceived that even her royal favourite was not wholly relieved from
+the law which applied to all.
+
+"Cease your flattery," said Cleopatra, smiling mournfully. "They say
+that the works of the Pharaohs here on the Nile flout Time. The
+inexorable destroyer is less willing to permit this from the Queen of
+Egypt. These are grey hairs, and they came from this head, however
+eagerly you may deny it. Whose save my own are these lines around the
+corners of the eyes and on the brow? What say you to the tooth which my
+lips do not hide so kindly as you assert? It was injured the night
+before the luckless battle. My dear, faithful, skilful Olympus, the
+prince of leeches, is the only one who can conceal such things. But it
+would not do to take the old man to the war, and Glaucus is far less
+adroit. How I missed Olympus during those fatal hours! I seemed a
+monster even to myself, and he--Antony's eye is only too keen for such
+matters. What _is_ the love of men? A blackened tooth may prove its
+destruction. An aspect obnoxious to the gaze will pour water on the
+fiercest fire. What hours I experienced, Iras! Many a glance from him
+seemed an insult, and, besides, my heart was filled with torturing
+anxiety.
+
+"Something had evidently come between us! I felt it. The trouble began
+soon after he left Alexandria. It gnawed my soul like a worm, and now
+that I am here again I must see clearly. He will follow me in a few
+days, I know. Pinarius Scarpus, with his untouched legions, is in
+Parætonium, whither he went. At Tænarum he resolved to retire from the
+world which he, on whom it had bestowed so much that is great, hates
+because he has given it cause for many a shake of the head. But the old
+spirit woke again, and if Fortune, usually so faithful, still aids him,
+a large force will soon join the new African army. The Asiatic
+princes---- But the ruler of the state must be silent. I entered this
+room to give the woman her just rights, and the woman shall have them.
+He will soon be here. He cannot live without me. It is not alone the
+beaker of Nektanebus which draws him after me!"
+
+"When the greatest of the great, Julius Cæsar, sued for your love in
+Alexandria, and Antony on the Cydnus, you did not possess the goblet,"
+observed Iras. "It is two years since Anubis permitted you to borrow the
+masterpiece from the temple treasures, and within a few days you will be
+obliged to restore it. That a mysterious spell emanates from the cup is
+certain, but one still more powerful dwells in the magic of your own
+nature."
+
+"Would that it might assert itself to-day!" cried the Queen. "At any
+rate the power of the beaker impelled Antony to do many things. I am not
+vain enough to believe that it was love, that it was solely the spell of
+my own personality which drew him to me in that disastrous hour. That
+battle, that incomprehensible, disgraceful battle! You were ill, and
+could not see our fleet when it set sail; but even experienced
+spectators said that handsomer, larger vessels were never beheld. I was
+right in insisting that the decision of the conflict should be left to
+them. I was entitled to call them mine. Had we conquered, what a proud
+delight it would have been to say, 'The weapons which you gave to the
+man you loved gained him the sovereignty of the world!' Besides, the
+stars had assured me that good fortune would attend us on the sea. They
+had given the same message to Anubis here and to Alexas upon Antony's
+galley. I also trusted the spell of the goblet, which had already
+compelled Antony to do many things he opposed. So I succeeded in having
+the decision of the conflict left to the fleet, but the prediction was
+false, false, false!--how utterly, was to be proved only too soon.
+
+"If I had only been told in time what I learned later! After the defeat
+people were more loquacious. That one remark of a veteran commander of
+the foot-soldiers would probably have sufficed to open my eyes. He had
+asked Mark Antony why he fixed his hopes on miserable wood, exclaiming,
+'Let the Phœnician's and Egyptians war on the water, but leave _us_ the
+land where we are accustomed, with our feet firmly set upon the earth,
+to fight, conquer, or die!' This alone, I am sure, would have changed my
+resolve in a happy hour. But it was kept from me.
+
+"The conflict began. Our troops had lost patience. The left wing of the
+fleet advanced. At first I watched the battle eagerly, with a throbbing
+heart. How proudly the huge galleys moved forward! Everything was going
+admirably. Antony had made an address, assuring the warriors that, even
+without soldiers, our ships would destroy the foe by their mere height
+and size. What orator can so carry his hearers with him! I, too, was
+still fearless. Who cherishes anxiety when confidently expecting
+victory? When he went on board his own ship, after bidding me farewell
+far less cordially than usual, I became more troubled. I thought it was
+evident that his love was waning. What had I become since we left
+Alexandria, and Olympus no longer attended me! Matters could not
+continue in this way. I would leave the direction of the war to him, and
+vanish from his eyes. After he had looked into the beaker of Nektanebus,
+he yielded to my will, but often with indignation. The unconcealed,
+ineffaceable lines, and the years, the cruel years!"
+
+"What thoughts are these?" cried Iras. "Let me take oath, my sovereign
+mistress, that as you stand before me----"
+
+"Thanks to this toilet-table and the new compounds of Olympus in these
+boxes! At that time, I tell you, I was fairly startled at the sight of
+my own face. Trouble does not enhance beauty, and what condemnation the
+Romans had heaped on the woman who meddled with war, the craft of man! I
+had answers for them, but I would not endure it longer. I had previously
+determined to hold aloof from the battle on land; but even at the
+commencement of the conflict, spite of its favourable promise, I longed
+to leave Antony and return to the children. They do not heed the colour
+of their mother's hair, nor her wrinkles; and he, when he had looked for
+and called me in vain, would feel for the first time what he possessed
+in me, would miss me, and with the longing the old love would awaken
+with fresh ardour. As soon as the fleet had gained the victory I would
+have the prow of my galley turned southward and, without a farewell,
+exclaiming only, 'We will meet in Alexandria!' set sail for Egypt.
+
+"I summoned Alexas, who had remained with me, and ordered him to give me
+a signal as soon as the battle was decided in our favour. I remained on
+deck. Then I saw the ships of the foe describing a wide circle. The
+_nauarch_ told me that Agrippa was trying to surround us. This roused a
+feeling of discomfort. I began to repent having meddled with men's work.
+
+"Antony looked across at me from his galley. I waved my hand to point
+out the peril, but instead of eagerly and lovingly answering the
+greeting, as of yore, he turned his back, and in a short time after the
+wildest uproar arose around me. One ship became entangled with another,
+planks and poles shattered with a loud crash. Shouts, the cries and
+moans of the combatants and the wounded, mingled with the thunder of the
+stones hurled by the catapults, and the sharp notes of the signals which
+sounded like calls for help. Two soldiers, stricken by arrows, fell
+beside me. It was horrible! Yet my courage remained steadfast, even when
+a squadron--it was commanded by Aruntius--pressed upon the fleet. I saw
+another line of galleys steering directly towards us, and a Roman vessel
+assailed by one of mine--I had named her the Selene--turn on her side
+and sink. This pleased me and seemed like the first presage of victory.
+I again ordered Alexas to have the ship's prow turned as soon as the
+result of the battle was decided. Ere I had ceased speaking, Jason, the
+steward--you know him--appeared with refreshments. I took the beaker,
+but, ere I could raise it to my lips, he fell to the deck with a cloven
+skull, mingling his blood with the spilled juice of the grape. My blood
+seemed fairly to freeze in my veins, and Alexas, trembling and deadly
+pale, asked, 'Do you command us to quit the battle?'
+
+"Every fibre of my being urged me to give the order, but I controlled
+myself, and asked the _nauarch_, who was standing on the bridge before
+me, 'Are we gaining the advantage?' The reply was a positive 'Yes.' I
+thought the fitting time had come, and called to him to steer the galley
+southward. But the man did not seem to understand. Meanwhile the noise
+of the conflict had grown louder and louder. So, in spite of Charmian,
+who besought me not to interfere in the battle, I sent Alexas to the
+commander on the bridge, and while he talked with the grey-bearded
+seaman, who wrathfully answered I know not what, I glanced at the
+nearest ship--I no longer knew whether it was friend or foe--and as I
+saw the rows of restless oars moving in countless numbers to and fro, it
+seemed as if every ship had become a huge spider, and the long wooden
+handles of the oars were its legs and feet. Each of these monsters
+appeared to be seeking to snare me in a horrible net, and when the
+_nauarch_ came to beseech me to wait, I imperiously commanded him to
+obey my orders.
+
+"The luckless man bowed, and performed his Queen's behest. The giant was
+turned, and forced a passage through the maze.
+
+"I breathed more freely.
+
+"What had threatened me like the legs of huge spiders became oars once
+more. Alexas led me under a roof, where no missiles could reach me. My
+desire was fulfilled. I had escaped Antony's eyes, and we were going
+towards Alexandria and my children. When I at last looked around I saw
+that my other ships were following. I had not given this order, and was
+terribly startled. When I sought Alexas, he had vanished. The centurion
+whom I sent to order the _nauarch_ to give the signal to the other ships
+to return to the battle, reported that the captain's dead body has just
+been borne away, but that the command should be given. How this was done
+I do not know, but it produced no effect, and no one noticed the anxious
+waving of my handkerchief.
+
+"We had left Antony's galley--he was standing on the bridge--far behind.
+
+"I had waved my hand as we passed close by, and he hurried down to bend
+far over the bulwark and shout to me. I can still see his hands raised
+to his bearded lips. I did not understand what he said, and only pointed
+southward and in spirit wished him victory and that this separation
+might tend to the welfare of our love. But he shook his head, pressed
+his hand despairingly to his brow, and waved his arms as though to give
+me a sign, but the Antonias swept far ahead of his ship and steered
+straight towards the south.
+
+"I breathed more freely, in the pleasant consciousness of escaping a
+two-fold danger. Had I remained long before Antony's eyes, looking as I
+did then, it might----
+
+"Wretched blunder of a wretched woman, I say now. But at that time I
+could not suspect what a terrible doom I had brought down in that hour
+upon ourselves, my children, perhaps the whole world; so I remained
+under the thrall of these petty fears and thoughts until wounded men
+were carried past me. The sight distressed me; you know how sensitive I
+am, and with what difficulty I endure and witness suffering.
+
+"Charmian led me to the cabin. There I first realized what I had done. I
+had hoped to aid in crushing the hated foe, and now perhaps it was I who
+had built for him the bridge to victory, to sovereignty, to our
+destruction. Pursued by such thoughts, as if by the Furies, I paced
+restlessly to and fro.
+
+"Suddenly I heard a loud noise on deck. A crashing blow seemed to shake
+the huge ship. We were pursued! A Roman galley had boarded mine! This
+was my thought as I grasped the dagger Antony had given me.
+
+"But Charmian came back with tidings which seemed scarcely less terrible
+than the baseless fear. I had angrily commanded her to leave me because
+she had urged me to revoke the command to turn back. Now, deadly pale,
+she announced that Mark Antony had left his galley, followed me in a
+little five-oared boat, and come on board our ship.
+
+"My blood froze in my veins.
+
+"He had come, I imagined, to force me to return to the battle and,
+drawing a long breath, my defiant pride urged me to show him that I was
+the Queen and would obey only my own will, while my heart impelled me to
+sink at his feet and beseech him, without heeding me, to issue any order
+which promised to secure a victory.
+
+"But he did not come.
+
+"I sent Charmian up again. Antony had been unable to continue the
+conflict when parted from me. Now he sat in front of the cabin with his
+head resting on his hands, staring at the planks of the deck like one
+distraught. He, he--Antony! The bravest horseman, the terror of the foe,
+let his arms fall like a shepherd-boy whose sheep are stolen by the
+wolves. Mark Antony, the hero who had braved a thousand dangers, had
+flung down his sword. Why, why? Because a woman had yielded to idle
+fears, obeyed the yearning of a mother's heart, and fled? Of all human
+weaknesses, not one had been more alien than cowardice to the man whose
+recklessness had led him to many an unprecedented venture. And now? No,
+a thousand times no! Fire and water would unite sooner than Mark Antony
+and cowardice! He had been under the coercive power of a demon; a
+mysterious spell had forced him----."
+
+"The mightiest power, love," interrupted Iras with enthusiastic
+warmth--"a love as great and overmastering as ever subjugated the soul
+of man."
+
+"Ay, love," repeated Cleopatra, in a hollow tone. Then her lips curled
+with a faint tinge of derision, and her voice expressed the very
+bitterness of doubt, as she continued: "Had it been merely the love
+which makes two mortals one, transfers the heart of one to the other, it
+might perchance have borne my timorous soul into the hero's breast! But
+no. Violent tempests had raged before the battle. It had not been
+possible always to appear before him in the guise in which we would fain
+be seen by those whom we love. Even now, when your skilful hands have
+served me--there is the mirror--the image it reflects--seems to me like
+a carefully preserved wreck----"
+
+"O my royal mistress," cried Iras, raising her hands beseechingly, "must
+I again declare that neither the grey hairs which are again brown, nor
+the few lines which Olympus will soon render invisible, nor whatever
+else perhaps disturbs you in the image you behold reflected, impairs
+your beauty? Unclouded and secure of victory, the spell of your godlike
+nature----"
+
+"Cease, cease!" interrupted Cleopatra. "I know what I know. No mortal
+can escape the great eternal laws of Nature. As surely as birth
+commences life, everything that exists moves onward to destruction and
+decay."
+
+"Yet the gods," Iras persisted, "give to their works different degrees
+of existence. The waterlily blooms but a single day, yet how full of
+vigour is the sycamore in the garden of the Paneum, which has flourished
+a thousand years! Not a petal in the blossoms of your youth has faded,
+and is it conceivable that there is even the slightest diminution in the
+love of him who cast away all that man holds dearest because he could
+not endure to part, even for days or weeks, from the woman whom he
+worshipped?"
+
+"Would that he had done so!" cried Cleopatra mournfully. "But are you so
+sure that it was love which made him follow me? I am of a different
+opinion. True love does not paralyze, but doubles the high qualities of
+man. I learned this when Cæsar was prisoned by a greatly superior force
+within this very palace, his ships burned, his supply of water cut off.
+In him also, in Antony, I was permitted to witness this magnificent
+spectacle twenty--what do I say?--a hundred times, so long as he loved
+me with all the ardour of his fiery soul. But what happened at Actium?
+That shameful flight of the cooing dove after his mate, at which
+generations yet unborn will point in mockery! He who does not see more
+deeply will attribute to the foolish madness of love this wretched
+forgetfulness of duty, honour, fame, the present and the future; but I,
+Iras--and this is the thought which whitens one hair after another,
+which will speedily destroy the remnant of your mistress's former beauty
+by the exhaustion of sleepless nights--I know better. It was not love
+which drew Antony after me, not love that trampled in the dust the
+radiant image of reckless courage, not love that constrained the demigod
+to follow the pitiful track of a fugitive woman."
+
+Here her voice fell, and seizing the girl's wrist with a painful
+pressure, she drew her closer to her side and whispered:
+
+"The goblet of Nektanebus is connected with it. Ay, tremble! The powers
+that emanate from the glittering wonder are as terrible as they are
+unnatural. The magic spell exerted by the beaker has transformed the
+heroic son of Herakles, the more than mortal, into the whimpering
+coward, the crushed, broken nonentity I found upon the galley's deck.
+You are silent? Your nimble tongue finds no reply. How could you have
+forgotten that you aided me to win the wager which forced Antony to gaze
+into the beaker before I filled it for him? How grateful I was to Anubis
+when he finally consented to trust to my care this marvel of the temple
+treasures, when the first trial succeeded, and Antony, at my bidding,
+placed the magnificent wreath which he wore upon the bald brow of that
+crabbed old follower of Aristoteles, Diomedes, whom he detested in his
+inmost soul! It was scarcely a year ago, and you know how rarely at
+first I used the power of the terrible vessel. The man whom I loved
+obeyed my slightest glance, without its aid. But later--before the
+battle--I felt how gladly he would have sent me, who might ruin all,
+back to Egypt. Besides, I felt--I have already said so--that something
+had come between us. Yet, often as he was on the point of sacrificing me
+to the importunate Romans, I need only bid him gaze into the beaker, and
+exclaim 'You will not send me hence. We belong together. Whither one
+goes, the other will follow!' and he besought me not to leave him. The
+very morning before the battle I gave him the drinking cup, urging him,
+whatever might happen, never, never to leave me. And he obeyed this time
+also, though the person to whom a magic spell bound him was a fleeing
+woman. It is terrible. And yet, have I a right to execrate the thrall of
+the beaker? Scarcely! For without the Magian's glittering vessel--a
+secret voice in my soul has whispered the warning a thousand times
+during the sleepless nights--he would have taken another on the galley.
+And I believe I know this other--I mean the woman whose singing
+enthralled my heart too at the Adonis festival just before our
+departure. I noticed the look with which his eyes sought hers. Now I
+know that it was not merely my old deceitful foe, jealousy, which warned
+me against her. Alexas, the most faithful of his friends, also confirmed
+what I merely feared--ah! and he told me other things which the stars
+had revealed to him. Besides, he knows the siren, for she was the wife
+of his own brother. To protect his honour, he cast off the coquettish
+Circe."
+
+"Barine!" fell in resolute tones from the lips of Iras.
+
+"So you know her?" asked Cleopatra, eagerly.
+
+The girl raised her clasped hands beseechingly to the Queen, exclaiming:
+
+"I know this woman only too well, and how my heart rages against her! O
+my mistress, that I, too, should aid in darkening this hour! Yet it must
+be said. That Antony visited the singer, and even took his son there
+more than once, is known throughout the city. Yet that is not the worst.
+A Barine entering into rivalry with you! It would be too ridiculous. But
+what bounds can be set to the insatiate greed of these women? No rank,
+no age is sacred. It was dull in the absence of the court and the army.
+There were no men who seemed worth the trouble of catching, so she cast
+her net for boys, and the one most closely snared was the King
+Cæsarion."
+
+"Cæsarion!" exclaimed Cleopatra, her pale cheeks flushing. "And his
+tutor Rhodon? My strict commands?"
+
+"Antyllus secretly presented him to her," replied Iras. "But I kept my
+eyes open. The boy clung to the singer with insensate passion. The only
+expedient was to remove her from the city. Archibius aided me."
+
+"Then I shall be spared sending her away."
+
+"Nay, that must still be done; for, on the journey to the country
+Cæsarion, with several comrades, attacked her."
+
+"And the reckless deed was successful?"
+
+"No, my royal mistress. I wish it had been. A love-sick fool who
+accompanied her drew his sword in her defence, raised his hand against
+the son of Cæsar, and wounded him. Calm yourself, I beseech you, I
+conjure you--the wound is slight. The boy's mad passion makes me far
+more anxious."
+
+The Queen's pouting scarlet lips closed so firmly that her mouth lost
+the winning charm which was peculiar to it, and she answered in a firm,
+resolute tone: "It is the mother's place to protect the son against the
+temptress. Alexas is right. Her star stands in the path of mine. A woman
+like this casts a deep shadow on her Queen's course. I will defend
+myself. It is she who has placed herself between us; she has won Antony.
+But no! Why should I blind myself? Time and the charms he steals from
+women are far more powerful than twenty such little temptresses. Then,
+there are the circumstances which prevented my concealing the defects
+that wounded the eyes of this most spoiled of all spoiled mortals. All
+these things aided the singer. I feel it. In her pursuit of men she had
+at her command all the means which aid us women to conceal what is
+unlovely and enhance what is beautiful in a lover's eyes, while I was at
+a disadvantage, lacking your aid and the long-tested skill of Olympus.
+The divinity on the ship, amid the raging of the storm, was forced more
+than once to appear before the worshipper ungarlanded, without ornament
+for the head, or incense."
+
+"But though she used all the combined arts of Aphrodite and Isis, she
+could not vie with you, my royal mistress!" cried Iras. "How little is
+required to delude the senses of one scarcely more than a child!"
+
+"Poor boy!" sighed the Queen, gently. "Had he not been wounded, and were
+it not so hard to resign what we love, I should rejoice that he, too,
+understands how to plan and act. Perhaps--O Iras, would that it might be
+so!--now that the gate is burst open, the brain and energy of the great
+Cæsar will enter his living image. As the Egyptians call Horus 'the
+avenger of his father,' perhaps he may become his mother's defender and
+avenger. If Cæsar's spirit wakes within him, he will wrest from the
+dissembler Octavianus the heritage of which the nephew robbed the son.
+You swear that the wound is but a slight one?"
+
+"The physicians have said so."
+
+"Well, then we will hope so. Let him enter the conflict of life. We will
+afford him ample opportunity to test his powers. No foolish passion
+shall prevent the convalescent youth from following his father upward
+along the pathway of fame. But send for the woman who ensnared him, the
+audacious charmer whose aspirations mount to those I hold dearest. We
+will see how she appears beside me!"
+
+"These are grievous times," said Iras, who saw in amazement the Queen's
+eyes sparkle with the confident light of victory. "Grant your foot its
+right. Let it crush her! Monsters enough, on whom you cannot set your
+foot, throng your path. Hence to Hades, in these days of conflict, with
+all who can be quickly removed!"
+
+"Murder?" asked Cleopatra, her noble brow contracting in a frown.
+
+"If it must be, ay," replied Iras, sharply. "If possible, banishment to
+an island, an oasis. If necessity requires, to the mines with the
+siren!"
+
+"If necessity requires?" repeated the Queen. "I think that means, if it
+proves that she has deserved the harshest punishment."
+
+"She has brought it upon herself by every hour of my sovereign's life
+clouded through her wiles. In the mines the desire to set snares for
+husbands and sons soon vanishes."
+
+"And people languish in the most terrible torture till death ends their
+suffering," added Cleopatra, in a tone of grave reproof. "No, girl, this
+victory is too easy. I will not send even my foe to death without a
+hearing, especially at this time, which teaches me what it is to await
+the verdict of one who is more powerful. This woman who, as it were,
+summons me to battle, shall have her wish. I am curious to see the
+singer again, and to learn the means by which she has succeeded in
+chaining to her triumphal car so many captives, from boys up to the most
+exacting men."
+
+"What do you intend, my royal mistress?" cried Iras in horror.
+
+"I intend," said Cleopatra imperiously, "to see the daughter of Leonax,
+the granddaughter of Didymus, two men whom I hold in high esteem, ere I
+decide her destiny. I wish to behold, test, and judge my rival, heart
+and mind, ere I condemn her. I will engage in the conflict to which she
+challenged the loving wife and mother! But--this is my right--I will
+compel her to show herself to me as Antony so often saw me during the
+past few weeks, unaided and unimproved by the arts which we both have at
+command."
+
+Then, without paying any further heed to her attendant, she went to a
+window, and, after a swift glance at the sky, added quietly: "The first
+hour after midnight is drawing to a close. The council will begin
+immediately. The matter to be under discussion is a venture which might
+save much from the wreck. The council will last two hours, perchance
+only one. The singer can wait. Where does she live?"
+
+"In the house which belonged to her father, the artist Leonax, in the
+garden of the Paneum," replied Iras hoarsely. "But, O my Queen, if ever
+my opinion had the slightest weight with you----"
+
+"I desire no counsel now, but demand the fulfilment of my orders!" cried
+Cleopatra resolutely. "As soon as those whom I expect are here----"
+
+The Queen was interrupted by a chamberlain, who announced the arrival of
+the men whom she had summoned, and Cleopatra bade him tell them that she
+was on her way to the council chamber. Then she turned again to Iras and
+in rapid words commanded her to go at once in a closed carriage,
+accompanied by a reliable person, to Barine's house. She must be brought
+to the palace without the least delay--Iras would understand--even if it
+should be necessary to rouse her from her sleep. "I wish to see her as
+if a storm had forced her suddenly upon the deck of a ship," she said in
+conclusion.
+
+Then snatching a small tablet from the dressing-table, she scrawled upon
+the wax with a rapid hand: "Cleopatra, the Queen, desires to see Barine,
+the daughter of Leonax, without delay. She must obey any command of
+Iras, Cleopatra's messenger, and her companion."
+
+Then, closing the diptychon, she handed it to her attendant, asking:
+
+"Whom will you take?"
+
+She answered without hesitation, "Alexas."
+
+"Very well," answered Cleopatra. "Do not allow her a moment for
+preparations, whatever they may be. But do not forget--I command
+you--that she is a woman."
+
+With these words she turned to follow the chamberlain, but Iras hurried
+after her to adjust the diadem upon her head and arrange some of the
+folds of her robe.
+
+Cleopatra submitted, saying kindly, "Something else, I see, is weighing
+on your heart."
+
+"O my mistress!" cried the girl. "After these tempests of the soul,
+these harassing months, you are turning night into day and assuming
+fresh labours and anxieties. If the leech Olympus----"
+
+"It must be," interrupted Cleopatra kindly. "The last two weeks seemed
+like a single long and gloomy night, during which I sometimes left my
+couch for a few hours. One who seeks to drag what is dearest from the
+river does not consider whether the cold bath is agreeable. If we
+succumb, it does not matter whether we are well or ill; if, on the
+contrary, we succeed in gathering another army and saving Egypt, let it
+cost health and life. The minutes I intend to grant to the woman will be
+thrown into the bargain. Whatever may come, I shall be ready to meet my
+fate. I am at one of life's great turning points. At such a time we
+fulfil our obligations and demands, both great and small."
+
+A few minutes later Cleopatra entered the throne-room and saluted the
+men whom she had roused from their slumber in order to lay before them a
+bold plan which, in the lowest depths of misfortune, her yearning to
+offer fresh resistance to the victorious foe had caused her vigorous,
+restless mind to evoke.
+
+When, many years before, the boy with whom, according to her father's
+will, she shared the throne, and his guardian Pothinus, had compelled
+her to fly from Alexandria, she had found in the eastern frontier of the
+Delta, on the isthmus which united Egypt to Asia, the remains of the
+canal which the energetic Pharaohs of former times had constructed to
+connect the Mediterranean with the Red Sea.
+
+Even at that period she had deemed this ruinous work worthy of notice,
+had questioned the Ænites who dwelt there about the remains, and even
+visited some of them herself during the leisure hours of waiting.
+
+From this survey it had seemed possible, by a great expenditure of
+labour, to again render navigable the canal which the Pharaohs had used
+to reach both seas in the same galleys, and by which, less than five
+hundred years before, Darius, the founder of the Persian Empire, had
+brought his fleet to his support.
+
+With the tireless desire for knowledge characteristic of her, Cleopatra
+had sought information concerning all these matters, and in quiet hours
+had more than once pondered over plans for again uniting the Grecian and
+Arabian seas.
+
+Clearly, plainly, fully, with more thorough knowledge of many details
+than even the superintendent of the water works, she explained her
+design to the assembled professionals. If it proved practicable, the
+rescued ships of the fleet, with others lying in the roadstead of
+Alexandria, could be conveyed across the isthmus into the Red Sea, and
+thus saved to Egypt and withdrawn from the foe. Supported by this force,
+many things might be attempted, resistance might be considerably
+prolonged, and the time thus gained used in gathering fresh aid and
+allies.
+
+If the opportunity to make an attack arrived, a powerful fleet would be
+at her disposal, for which smaller ships also should now be built at
+Klysma, on the basis of the experience gained at Actium.
+
+The men who had been robbed of their night's rest listened in amazement
+to the melodious words of this woman who, in the deepest disaster, had
+devised a plan of escape so daring in its grandeur, and understood how
+to explain it better than any one of their number could have done. They
+followed every sentence with the keenest attention, and Cleopatra's
+language grew more impassioned, gained greater power and depth, the more
+plainly she perceived the unfeigned, enthusiastic admiration paid her by
+her listeners.
+
+Even the oldest and most experienced men did not consider the surprising
+proposal utterly impossible and impracticable. Some, among them Gorgias,
+who during the restoration of the Serapeum had helped his father on the
+eastern frontier of the Delta, and thus became familiar with the
+neighbourhood of Heroonopolis, feared the difficulties which an
+elevation of the earth in the centre of the isthmus would place in the
+way of the enterprise. Yet, why should an undertaking which was
+successful in the days of Sesostris appear unattainable?
+
+The shortness of the time at their disposal was a still greater source
+of anxiety, and to this was added the information that one hundred and
+twenty thousand workmen had perished during the restoration of the canal
+which Pharaoh Necho nearly completed. The water way was not finished at
+that period, because an oracle had asserted that it would benefit only
+the foreigners, the Phœnicians.
+
+All these points were duly considered, but could not shake the opinion
+that, under specially favourable conditions, the Queen's plan would be
+practicable; though, to execute it, obstacles mountain-high were to be
+conquered. All the labourers in the fields, who had not been pressed
+into the army, must be summoned to the work.
+
+Not an hour's delay was permitted. Where there was no water to bear the
+ships, an attempt must be made to convey them across the land. There was
+no lack of means. The mechanics who had understood how to move the
+obelisks and colossi from the cataract to Alexandria, could here again
+find opportunity to test their brains and former skill.
+
+Never had Cleopatra's kindling spirit roused more eager, nay, more
+passionate sympathy, in any counsellors gathered around her than during
+this nocturnal meeting, and when at last she paused, the loud
+acclamations of excited men greeted her. The Queen's return, and the
+tidings of the lost battle which she had communicated, were to be kept
+secret.
+
+Gorgias had been appointed one of the directors of the enterprise, and
+the intellect, voice, and winning charm of Cleopatra had so enraptured
+him that he already fancied he saw the commencement of a new love which
+would be fatal to his regard for Helena.
+
+It was foolish to raise his wishes so high, but he told himself that he
+had never beheld a woman more to be desired. Yet he cherished a very
+warm memory of the philosopher's granddaughter, and lamented that he
+would scarcely find it possible to bid her farewell.
+
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, Dion's uncle, had questioned him about his
+nephew in a very mysterious manner as soon as he entered the council
+chamber, and received the reply that the wound in the shoulder, which
+Cæsarion had dealt with a short Roman sword, though severe, was--so the
+physicians assured them--not fatal.
+
+This seemed to satisfy Zeno, and ere Gorgias could urge him to extend a
+protecting hand over his nephew, he excused himself and, with a message
+to the wounded man, turned his back upon him.
+
+The courtier had not yet learned what view the Queen would take of this
+unfortunate affair, and besides, he was overloaded with business. The
+new enterprise required the issue of a large number of documents
+conferring authority, which all passed through his hands.
+
+Cleopatra addressed a few kind, encouraging words to each one of the
+experts who had been entrusted with the execution of her plan. Gorgias,
+too, was permitted to kiss her robe, which stirred his blood afresh. He
+would fain have flung himself at the feet of this marvellous woman and,
+with his services, place his life at her disposal. And Cleopatra noticed
+the enthusiastic ardour of his glance.
+
+He, too, had been mentioned in the list of Barine's admirers. There must
+be something unusual about this woman! But could she have fired a body
+of grave men in behalf of a great, almost impossible deed, roused them
+to such enthusiastic admiration as she, the vanquished, menaced Queen?
+Certainly not.
+
+She felt in the right mood to confront Barine as judge and rival.
+
+In the midst of the deepest misery she had spent one happy hour. She had
+again felt, with joyous pride, that her intellect, fresh and unclouded,
+would be capable of outstripping the best powers, and in truth she
+needed no magic goblet to win hearts.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Barine had been an hour in the palace. The magnificently furnished room
+to which she was conducted was directly above the council chamber, and
+sometimes, in the silence of the night, the voice of the Queen or the
+loud cheers of men were distinctly heard.
+
+Barine listened without making the slightest effort to catch the meaning
+of the words which reached her ears. She longed only for something to
+divert her thoughts from the deep and bitter emotion which filled her
+soul. Ay, she was roused to fury, and yet she felt how completely this
+passionate resentment contradicted her whole nature.
+
+True, the shameless conduct of Philostratus during their married life
+had often stirred the inmost depths of her placid, kindly spirit, and
+afterwards his brother Alexas had come to drive her, by his disgraceful
+proposals, to the verge of despair; rage was added to the passionate
+agitation of her soul, and for this she had cause to rejoice--but for
+this mighty resentment during the time of struggle she might have,
+perhaps, succumbed from sheer weariness and the yearning desire to rest.
+
+At last, at last, she and her friends, by means of great sacrifices, had
+succeeded in releasing her from these tortures. Philostratus's consent
+to liberate her was purchased. Alexas's persecution had ceased long
+before; he had first been sent away as envoy by his patron Antony, and
+afterwards been compelled to accompany him to the war.
+
+How she had enjoyed the peaceful days in her mother's house! How quickly
+the bright cheerfulness which she had supposed lost had returned to her
+soul!--and to-day Fate had blessed her with the greatest happiness life
+had ever offered. True, she had had only a few brief hours in which to
+enjoy it, for the attack of the unbridled boys and the wound inflicted
+upon her lover had cast a heavy shadow on her bliss.
+
+Her mother had again proved to be in the right when she so confidently
+predicted a second misfortune which would follow the first only too
+soon.
+
+Barine had been torn at midnight from her peaceful home and her wounded
+lover's bedside. This was done by the Queen's command, and, full of
+angry excitement, she said to herself that the men were right who cursed
+tyranny because it transformed free human beings into characterless
+chattels.
+
+There could be nothing good awaiting her; that was proved by the
+messengers whom Cleopatra had sent to summon her at this unprecedented
+hour. They were her worst enemies: Iras, who desired to wed her
+lover--Dion had told her so after the assault--and Alexas, whose suit
+she had rejected in a way which a man never forgives.
+
+She had already learned Iras's feelings. The slender figure with the
+narrow head, long, delicate nose, small chin, and pointed fingers,
+seemed to her like a long, sharp thorn. This strange comparison had
+entered her head as Iras stood rigidly erect, reading aloud in a shrill,
+high voice the Queen's command. Everything about this hard, cold face
+appeared as sharp as a sting, and ready to destroy her.
+
+Her removal from her mother's house to the royal palace had been swift
+and simple.
+
+After the attack--of which she saw little, because, overpowered by fear
+and horror, she closed her eyes--she had driven home with her lover,
+where the leech had bandaged his injuries, and Berenike had quickly and
+carefully transformed her own sleeping chamber into a sick-room.
+
+Barine, after changing her dress, did not leave Dion's side. She had
+attired herself carefully, for she knew his delight in outward
+adornment. When she returned from her grandparents, before sunset, she
+was alone with him, and he, kissing her arm, had murmured that wherever
+the Greek tongue was spoken there was not one more beautiful. The gem
+was worthy of its loveliness. So she had opened her baggage to take out
+the circlet which Antony had given, and it again enclasped her arm when
+she entered the sick-room.
+
+Because Dion had told her that he deemed her fairest in the simple white
+robe she had worn a few days before, when there were no guests save
+himself and Gorgias, and she had sung until after midnight his favourite
+songs as though all were intended for him alone, her choice had fallen
+upon this garment. And she rejoiced that she had worn it--the wounded
+man's eyes rested upon her so joyously when she sat down opposite to
+him.
+
+The physician had forbidden him to talk, and urged him to sleep if
+possible. So Barine only held his hand in silence, whispering, whenever
+he opened his eyes, a tender word of love and encouragement.
+
+She had remained with him for hours, leaving her place at his side
+merely to give him his medicine, or, with her mother's aid, place
+poultices on his wounds.
+
+When his manly face was distorted by suffering, she shared his pain; but
+during most of the time a calm, pleasant sense of happiness pervaded her
+mind. She felt safe and sheltered in the possession of the man whom she
+loved, though fully aware of the perils which threatened him, and,
+perhaps, her also. But the assurance of his love completely filled her
+heart and cast every care entirely into the shade. Many men had seemed
+estimable and agreeable, a few even desirable husbands, but Dion was the
+first to awaken love in her ardent but by no means passionate soul. She
+regarded the experiences of the past few days as a beautiful miracle.
+How she had yearned and pined until the most fervent desire of her heart
+was fulfilled! Now Dion had offered her his love, and nothing could rob
+her of it.
+
+Gorgias and the sons of her uncle Arius had disturbed her a short time.
+After they had gone with a good report, Berenike had entreated her
+daughter to lie down and let her take her place. But Barine would not
+leave her lover's couch, and had just loosed her hair to brush it again
+and fasten the thick, fair braids around her head, when, two hours after
+midnight, some one knocked loudly on the window shutters. Berenike was
+in the act of removing the poultice, so Barine herself went into the
+atrium to wake the doorkeeper.
+
+But the old man was not asleep, and had anticipated her. She recognized,
+with a low cry of terror, the first person who entered the lighted
+vestibule--Alexas. Iras followed, her head closely muffled, for the
+storm was still howling through the streets. Last of all a
+lantern-bearer crossed the threshold.
+
+The Syrian saluted the startled young beauty with a formal bow, but
+Iras, without a greeting or even a single word of preparation, delivered
+the Queen's command, and then read aloud, by the light of the lantern,
+what Cleopatra had scrawled upon the wax tablet.
+
+When Barine, pallid and scarcely able to control her emotion, requested
+the messengers who had arrived at so late an hour to enter, in order to
+give her time to prepare for the night drive and take leave of her
+mother, Iras vouchsafed no reply, but, as if she had the right to rule
+the house, merely ordered the doorkeeper to bring his mistress's cloak
+without delay.
+
+While the old man, with trembling knees, moved away, Iras asked if the
+wounded Dion was in the dwelling; and Barine, her self-control restored
+by the question, answered, with repellent pride, that the Queen's orders
+did not command her to submit to an examination in her own house.
+
+Iras shrugged her shoulders and said, sneeringly, to Alexas:
+
+"In truth, I asked too much. One who attracts so many men of all ages
+can scarcely be expected to know the abode of each individual."
+
+"The heart has a faithful memory," replied the Syrian in a tone of
+correction, but Iras echoed, contemptuously, "The heart!"
+
+Then all were silent until, instead of the doorkeeper, Berenike herself
+came hurrying in, bringing the cloak. With pallid face and bloodless
+lips she wrapped it around her daughter's shoulders, whispering, amid
+floods of tears, almost inaudible words of love and encouragement, which
+Iras interrupted by requesting Barine to follow her to the carriage.
+
+The mother and daughter embraced and kissed each other, then the closed
+equipage bore the persecuted woman through the storm and darkness to
+Lochias.
+
+Not a word was exchanged between Barine and the Queen's messengers until
+they reached the room where the former was to await Cleopatra; but here
+Iras again endeavoured to induce her to speak. At the first question,
+however, Barine answered that she had no information to give.
+
+The room was as bright as if it were noonday, though the lights
+flickered constantly, for the wind found its way through the thin
+shutters closing the windows on both sides of the corner room, and a
+strong, cold draught swept in. Barine wrapped her cloak more closely
+around her; the storm which howled about the sea-washed palace
+harmonized with the vehement agitation of her soul. Whether she had
+looked within or without, there was nothing which could have soothed her
+save the assurance of being loved--an assurance that held fear at bay.
+Now, indignation prevented dread from overpowering her, yet calm
+consideration could not fail to show her that danger threatened on every
+hand. The very manner in which Iras and Alexas whispered together,
+without heeding her presence, boded peril, for courtiers show such
+contempt only to those whom they know are threatened with the
+indifference or resentment of the sovereign.
+
+Barine, during her married life with a man devoid of all delicacy of
+feeling, and with a disposition as evil as his tongue was ready, had
+learned to endure many things which were hard to bear; yet when, after
+a remark from Iras evidently concerning her, she heard Alexas laugh, she
+was compelled to exert the utmost self-restraint to avoid telling her
+enemy how utterly she despised the cowardly cruelty of her conduct. But
+she succeeded in keeping silent. Still, the painful constraint she
+imposed on herself must find vent in some way, and, as the tortured
+anguish of her soul reached its height, large tears rolled down her
+cheeks.
+
+These, too, were noticed by her enemy and made the target of her wit;
+but this time the sarcasm failed to produce its effect upon the Syrian,
+for, instead of laughing, he grew grave, and whispered something which
+seemed to Barine a reproof or a warning. Iras's reply was merely a
+contemptuous shrug of the shoulders.
+
+Barine had noticed long before that her mother, in her fear and
+bewilderment, had brought her own cloak instead of her daughter's, and
+this circumstance also did not seem to her foe too trivial for a sneer.
+
+But the childish insolence that seemed to have taken possession of one
+who usually by no means lacked dignity, was merely the mask beneath
+which she concealed her own suffering. A grave motive was the source of
+the mirth by which she affected to be moved at the sight of her enemy's
+cloak. The grey, ill-fitting garment disfigured Barine, and she desired
+that the Queen should feel confident of surpassing her rival even in
+outward charms. No one, not even Cleopatra, could dispense with a
+protecting wrap in this cold draught, and nothing suited her better than
+the purple mantle in whose delicate woollen fabric black and gold
+dragons and griffins were embroidered. Iras had taken care that it lay
+ready. Barine could not fail to appear like a beggar in comparison,
+though Alexas said that her blue kerchief was marvellously becoming.
+
+He was a base-minded voluptuary, who, aided by rich gifts of mind and
+wide knowledge, had shunned no means of ingratiating himself with
+Antony, the most lavish of patrons. The repulse which this man,
+accustomed to success, had received from Barine had been hard to forget,
+yet he did not resign the hope of winning her. Never had she seemed more
+desirable than in her touching weakness. Even base natures are averse to
+witnessing the torture of the defenceless, and when Iras had aimed
+another poisoned shaft at her, he ventured, at the risk of vexing his
+ally, to say, under his breath:
+
+"Condemned criminals are usually granted, before their end, a favourite
+dish. I have no cause to wish Barine anything good; but I would not
+grudge that. You, on the contrary, seem to delight in pouring wormwood
+on her last mouthful."
+
+"Certainly," she answered, her eyes sparkling brightly. "Malice is the
+purest of pleasures; at least to me, when exercised on this woman."
+
+The Syrian, with a strange smile, held out his hand, saying:
+
+"Keep your good-will towards me, Iras."
+
+"Because," she retorted with a sneer, "evil may follow my enmity. I
+think so, too. I am not especially sensitive concerning myself, but
+whoever dares"--here she raised her voice--"to harm one whom I-- Just
+listen to the cheers! How she carries all hearts with her! Though Fate
+had made her a beggar, she would still be peerless among women. She is
+like the sun. The clouds which intrude upon her pathway of radiance are
+consumed and disappear."
+
+While uttering the last sentence she had turned towards Barine, whose
+ear the sharp voice again pierced like a thorn, as she commanded her to
+prepare for the examination.
+
+Almost at the same moment the door, caught by the wind, closed with a
+loud bang. The "introducer"* had opened it, and, after a hasty glance,
+exclaimed:
+
+[* Marshal of the court.]
+
+"The audience will not be given in this meeting place for all the winds
+of heaven! Her Majesty desires to receive her late visitor in the Hall
+of Shells."
+
+With these words he bowed courteously to Barine, and ushered her and her
+two companions through several corridors and apartments into a
+well-heated anteroom.
+
+Here even the windows were thoroughly protected from the storm. Several
+body-guards and pages belonging to the corps of the "royal boys" stood
+waiting to receive them.
+
+"This is comfortable," said Alexas, turning to Iras. "Was the winter we
+have just experienced intended to fill us with twofold gratitude for the
+delights of the mild spring in this blessed room?"
+
+"Perhaps so," she answered sullenly, and then added in a low tone: "Here
+at Lochias the seasons do not follow their usual course. They change
+according to the pleasure of the supreme will. Instead of four, the
+Egyptians, as you know, have but three; in the palaces on the Nile they
+are countless. What is the meaning of this sudden entry of summer?
+Winter would have pleased me better."
+
+The Queen--Iras knew not why--had changed her arrangements for Barine's
+reception. This vexed her, and her features assumed a gloomy,
+threatening expression as the young beauty, casting aside her cloak and
+kerchief, stood awaiting Cleopatra in a white robe of fine material and
+perfect fit. The thick, fair braids, wound simply around her shapely
+head, gave her an appearance of almost childish youth, and the sight
+made Iras feel as if she, and Cleopatra also, were outwitted.
+
+In the dimly lighted atrium of the house near the Paneum garden, she had
+noticed only that Barine wore something white. Had it been merely a
+night robe, so much the better. But she might have appeared in her
+present garb at the festival of Isis. The most careful deliberation
+could have selected nothing more suitable or becoming. And did this vain
+woman go to rest with costly gold ornaments? Else how did the circlet
+chance to be on her arm? Each of Cleopatra's charms seemed to Iras, who
+knew them all, like a valuable possession of her own. To see even the
+least of them surpassed by another vexed her; and to behold in yonder
+woman a form which she could not deny was no less beautiful, enraged,
+nay, pierced her to the heart.
+
+Since she had known that because of Barine she could hope for nothing
+more from the man to whose love she believed she possessed a claim
+dating from their childhood, she had hated the young beauty. And now to
+the many things which contributed to increase her hostile mood, was
+added the disagreeable consciousness that during the last few hours she
+had treated her contemptibly. Had she only seen earlier what her foe's
+cloak concealed, she would have found means to give her a different
+appearance. But she must remain as she was; for Chairman had already
+entered. Other hours, however, would follow, and if the next did not
+decide the fate of the woman whom she hated, future ones should.
+
+For this purpose she did not need the aid of Charmian, her uncle
+Archibius's sister, who had hitherto been a beloved associate and
+maternal friend. But what had happened? Iras fancied that her pleasant
+features wore a repellent expression which she had never seen before.
+Was this also the singer's fault? And what was the cause?
+
+The older woman's manner decided the question whether she should still
+bestow upon her returned relative the love of a grateful niece. No, she
+would no longer put any restraint upon herself. Charmian should feel
+that she (Iras) considered any favour shown to her foe an insult. To
+work against her secretly was not in her nature. She had courage to show
+an enemy her aversion, and she did not fear Charmian enough to pursue a
+different course. She knew that the artist Leonax, Barine's father, had
+been Charmian's lover; but this did not justify her favouring the woman
+who had robbed her niece of the heart of the man whom she--as Charmian
+knew--had loved from childhood.
+
+Charmian had just had a long conversation with her brother, and had also
+learned in the palace that Barine had been summoned to the Queen's
+presence in the middle of the night; so, firmly persuaded that evil was
+intended to the young woman who had already passed through so many
+agitating scenes of joy and sorrow, she entered the waiting-room, and
+her pleasant though no longer youthful face, framed in smooth, grey
+hair, was greeted by Barine as the shipwrecked mariner hails the sight
+of land.
+
+All the emotions which had darkened and embittered her soul were
+soothed. She hastened towards her friend's sister, as a frightened child
+seeks its mother, and Charmian perceived what was stirring in her heart.
+
+It would not do, under existing circumstances, to kiss her in the
+palace, but she drew Leonax's daughter towards her to show Iras that she
+was ready to extend a protecting hand over the persecuted woman. But
+Barine gazed at her with pleading glances, beseeching aid, whispering
+amid her tears: "Help me, Charmian. She has tortured, insulted,
+humiliated me with looks and words--so cruelly, so spitefully! Help me;
+I can bear no more."
+
+Charmian shook her kind head and urged her in a whisper to calm herself.
+She had robbed Iras of her lover; she should remember that. Cost what it
+might, she must not shed another tear. The Queen was gracious. She,
+Charmian, would aid her. Everything would depend on showing herself to
+Cleopatra as she was, not as slander represented her. She must answer
+her as she would Archibius or herself.
+
+The kindly woman, as she spoke, stroked her brow and eyes with maternal
+tenderness, and Barine felt as if goodness itself had quelled the
+tempest in her soul. She gazed around her as though roused from a
+troubled dream, and now for the first time perceived the richly adorned
+room in which she stood, the admiring glances of the boys in the
+Macedonian corps of pages, and the bright fire blazing cheerily on the
+hearth. The howling of the storm increased the pleasant sense of being
+under a firm roof, and Iras, who had whispered to the "introducer" at
+the door, no longer seemed like a sharp thorn or a spiteful demon, but a
+woman by no means destitute of charm, who repulsed her, but on whom she
+had inflicted the keenest pang a woman's heart can suffer. Then she
+again thought of her wounded lover at home, and remembered that,
+whatever might happen, his heart did not belong to Iras, but to her
+alone. Lastly, she recalled Archibius's description of Cleopatra's
+childhood, and this remembrance was followed by the conviction that the
+omnipotent sovereign would be neither cruel nor unjust, and that it
+would depend upon herself to win her favour. Charmian, too, was the
+Queen's confidante; and if the manner of Iras and Alexas had alarmed
+her, Charmian's might well inspire confidence.
+
+All these thoughts darted through her brain with the speed of lightning.
+Only a brief time for consideration remained; for, even as she bowed her
+head on the bosom of her friend, the "introducer" entered the room,
+crying, "Her illustrious Majesty will expect those whom she summoned in
+a few minutes!"
+
+Soon after a chamberlain appeared, waving a fan of ostrich feathers and,
+preceded by the court official, they passed through several brilliantly
+lighted, richly furnished rooms.
+
+Barine again breathed freely and moved with head erect; and when the
+wide, lofty folding doors of ebony, against whose deep black surface the
+inlaid figures of Tritons, mermaids, shells, fish, and sea monsters were
+sharply relieved, she beheld a glittering, magnificent scene, for the
+hall which Cleopatra had chosen for her reception was completely covered
+with various marine forms, from the shells to coral and starfish.
+
+A wide, lofty structure, composed of masses of stalactites and unhewn
+blocks of stone, formed a deep grotto at the end of the hall, whence
+peered the gigantic head of a monster whose open jaws formed the
+fireplace of the chimney. Logs of fragrant Arabian wood were blazing
+brightly on the hearth, and the dragon's ruby glass eyes diffused a red
+light through the apartment which, blended with the rays of the white
+and pink lamps in the shape of lotus flowers fastened among gold and
+silver tendrils and groups of sedges on the walls and ceiling, filling
+the spacious apartment with the soft light whose roseate hue was
+specially becoming to Cleopatra's waxen complexion.
+
+Several stewards and cup-bearers, the master of the hunt, chamberlains,
+female attendants, eunuchs, and other court officials were awaiting the
+Queen, and pages who belonged to the Macedonian cadet corps of royal
+boys stood sleepily, with drooping heads, around the small throne of
+gold, coral, and amber which, placed opposite to the chimney, awaited
+the sovereign.
+
+Barine had already seen this magnificent hall, and others still more
+beautiful in the Sebasteum, and the splendour therefore neither excited
+nor abashed her; only she would fain have avoided the numerous train of
+courtiers. Could it be Cleopatra's intention to question her before the
+eyes of all these men, women, and boys?
+
+She no longer felt afraid, but her heart still throbbed quickly. It had
+beat in the same way in her girlhood, when she was asked to sing in the
+presence of strangers.
+
+At last she heard doors open, and an invisible hand parted the heavy
+curtains at her right. She expected to see the Regent, the Keeper of the
+Seal, and the whole brilliantly adorned train of attendants who always
+surrounded the Queen on formal occasions, enter the magnificent hall.
+Else why had it been selected as the scene of this nocturnal trial?
+
+But what was this?
+
+While she was still recalling the display at the Adonis festival, the
+curtains began to close again. The courtiers around the throne
+straightened their bowed figures, the pages forgot their fatigue, and
+all joined in the Greek salutation of welcome, and the "Life! happiness!
+health!" with which the Egyptians greeted their sovereign.
+
+The woman of middle height who now appeared before the curtain, and who,
+as she crossed the wide hall alone and unattended, seemed to Barine even
+smaller than when surrounded by the gay throng at the Adonis festival,
+must be the Queen.
+
+Ay, it was she!
+
+Iras was already standing by her side, and Charmian was approaching with
+the "introducer." The women rendered her various little services: thus
+Iras took from her shoulders the purple mantle, with its embroidery of
+black and gold dragons. What an exquisite masterpiece of the loom it
+must be!
+
+All the dangers against which she must defend herself flashed swiftly
+through Barine's mind; yet, for an instant, she felt the foolish
+feminine desire to see and handle the costly mantle.
+
+But Iras had already laid it on the arm of one of the waiting maids, and
+Cleopatra now glanced around her, and with a youthful, elastic step
+approached the throne.
+
+Once more the feeling of timidity which she had had in her girlhood
+overpowered Barine, but with it came the memory of the garden of
+Epicurus, and Archibius's assurance that she, too, would have left the
+Queen with her heart overflowing with warm enthusiasm had not a
+disturbing influence interposed between them.
+
+Yet, had this disturbing influence really existed?
+
+No. It was created solely by Cleopatra's jealous imagination. If she
+would only permit her to speak freely now, she should hear that Antony
+cared as little for her as she, Barine, for the boy Cæsarion. What
+prevented her from confessing that her heart was another's? Iras had no
+one to blame save herself if she spoke the truth pitilessly in her
+presence.
+
+Cleopatra now turned to the "introducer," waving her hand towards the
+throne and those who surrounded it.
+
+Ay, she was indeed beautiful. How bright and clear was the light of her
+large eyes, in spite of the harassing days through which she had passed
+and the present night of watching!
+
+Cleopatra's heart was still elated by the reception of her bold idea of
+escape, and she approached Barine with gentler feelings and intentions.
+She had chosen a pleasanter room for the interview than the one Iras had
+selected. She desired a special environment to suit each mood, and as
+soon as she saw the group of courtiers who surrounded the throne she
+ordered their dismissal. The "introducer," to carry out the usual
+ceremonial, had commanded their presence in the audience chamber, but
+their attendance had given the meeting a form which was now distasteful
+to the Queen. She wished to question, not to condemn.
+
+At so happy an hour it was a necessity of her nature to be gracious.
+Perhaps she had been unduly anxious concerning this singer. It even
+seemed probable; for a man who loved her like Antony could scarcely
+yearn for the favour of another woman. This view had been freshly
+confirmed by a brief conversation with the chief Inspector of
+Sacrifices, an estimable old man, who, after hearing how Antony had
+hurried in pursuit of her at Actium, raised his eyes and hands as if
+transported with rapture, exclaiming: "Unhappy Queen! Yet happiest of
+women! No one was ever so ardently beloved; and when the tale is told of
+the noble Trojan who endured such sore sufferings for a woman's sake,
+future generations will laud the woman whose resistless spell
+constrained the greatest man of his day, the hero of heroes, to cast
+aside victory, fame, and the hope of the world's sovereignty, as mere
+worthless rubbish."
+
+Posterity, whose verdict she dreaded--this wise old reader of the future
+was right--must extol her as the most fervently beloved, the most
+desirable of women.
+
+And Mark Antony? Even had the magic power of Nektanebus's goblet forced
+him to follow her and to leave the battle, there still remained his
+will, a copy of which--received from Rome--Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal,
+had showed to her at the close of the council. "Wherever he might die,"
+so ran the words, "he desired to be buried by the side of Cleopatra."
+Octavianus had wrested it from the Vestal Virgins, to whose care it had
+been entrusted, in order to fill the hearts of Roman citizens and
+matrons with indignation against his foe. The plot had succeeded, but
+the document had reminded Cleopatra that her heart had given this man
+the first of its flowers, that love for him had been the sunshine of her
+life. So, with head erect, she had crossed the threshold where she was
+to meet the woman who had ventured to sow tares in her garden. She
+intended to devote only a short time to the interview, which she
+anticipated with the satisfaction of the strong who are confident of
+victory.
+
+As she approached the throne, her train left the hall; the only persons
+who remained were Charmian, Iras, Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, and the
+"introducer."
+
+Cleopatra cast a rapid glance at the throne, to which an obsequious
+gesture of the courtier's hand invited her; but she remained standing,
+gazing keenly at Barine.
+
+Was it the coloured rays from the ruby eyes of the dragon in the
+fireplace which shed the roseate glow on Cleopatra's cheeks? It
+certainly enhanced the beauty of a face now only too frequently pallid
+and colourless, when rouge did not lend its aid; but Barine understood
+Archibius's ardent admiration for this rare woman, when Cleopatra, with
+a faint smile, requested her to approach.
+
+Nothing more winning could be imagined than the frank kindness, wholly
+untinged by condescending pride, of this powerful sovereign.
+
+The less Barine had expected such a reception the more deeply it moved
+her; nay, her eyes grew dim with grateful emotion, which lent them so
+beautiful a lustre, she looked so lovely in her glad surprise, that
+Cleopatra thought the months which had elapsed since her first meeting
+with the singer had enhanced her charms. And how young she was! The
+Queen swiftly computed the years which Barine must have lived as the
+wife of Philostratus, and afterwards as the attractive mistress of a
+hospitable house, and found it difficult to reconcile the appearance of
+this blooming young creature with the result of the calculation.
+
+She was surprised, too, to note the aristocratic bearing whose
+possession no one could deny the artist's daughter. This was apparent
+even in her dress, yet Iras had roused her in the middle of the night,
+and certainly had given her no time for personal adornment.
+
+She had expected lack of refinement and boldness, in the woman who was
+said to have attracted so many men, but even the most bitter prejudice
+could have detected no trace of it. On the contrary, the embarrassment
+which she could not yet wholly subdue lent her an air of girlish
+timidity. All in all, Barine was a charming creature, who bewitched men
+by her vivacity, her grace, and her exquisite voice, not by coquetry and
+pertness. That she possessed unusual mental endowments Cleopatra did not
+believe. Barine had only one advantage over her--youth.
+
+Time had not yet robbed the former of a single charm, while from the
+Queen he had wrested many; their number was known only to herself and
+her confidantes, but at this hour she did not miss them.
+
+Barine, with a low, modest bow, advanced towards the Queen, who
+commenced the conversation by graciously apologizing for the late hour
+at which she had summoned her. "But," she added, "you belong to the
+ranks of the nightingales, who during the night most readily and
+exquisitely reveal to us what stirs their hearts----"
+
+Barine gazed silently at the floor a moment, and when she raised her
+eyes her voice was faint and timid. "I sing, it is true, your Majesty,
+but I have nothing else in common with the birds. The wings which, when
+a child, bore me wherever I desired, have lost their strength. They do
+not wholly refuse their service, but they now require favourable hours
+to move."
+
+"I should not have expected that in the time of your youth, your most
+beautiful possession," replied the Queen. "Yet it is well. I too--how
+long ago it seems!--was a child, and my imagination outstripped even the
+flight of the eagle. It could dare the risk unpunished. Now---- Whoever
+has reached mature life is wise to let these wings remain idle. The
+mortal who ventures to use them may easily approach too near the sun,
+and, like Icarus, the wax will melt from his pinions. Let me tell you
+this: To the child the gift of imagination is nourishing bread. In later
+years we need it only as salt, as spice, as stimulating wine. Doubtless
+it points out many paths, and shows us their end; but, of a hundred
+rambles to which it summons him, scarcely one pleases the mature man. No
+troublesome parasite is more persistently and sharply rebuffed. Who can
+blame the ill-treated friend if it is less ready to serve us as the
+years go on? The wise man will keep his ears ever open, but rarely lend
+it his active hand. To banish it from life is to deprive the plant of
+blossoms, the rose of its fragrance, the sky of its stars."
+
+"I have often said the same things to myself, though in a less clear and
+beautiful form, when life has been darkened," replied Barine, with a
+faint blush; for she felt that these words were doubtless intended to
+warn her against cherishing too aspiring wishes. "But, your Majesty,
+here also the gods place you, the great Queen, far above us. We should
+often find existence bare indeed but for the fancy which endows us with
+imaginary possessions. You have the power to secure a thousand things
+which to us common mortals only the gift of imagination pictures as
+attainable."
+
+"You believe that happiness is like wealth, and that the happiest person
+is the one who receives the largest number of the gifts of fortune,"
+answered the Queen. "The contrary, I think, can be easily proved. The
+maxim that the more we have the less we need desire, is also false,
+though in this world there are only a certain number of desirable
+things. He who already possesses one of ten solidi which are to be
+divided, ought really to desire only nine, and therefore would be poorer
+by a wish than another who has none. True, it cannot be denied that the
+gods have burdened or endowed me with a greater number of perishable
+gifts than you and many others. You seem to set a high value upon them.
+Doubtless there may be one or another which you could appropriate only
+by the aid of the imagination. May I ask which seems to you the most
+desirable?"
+
+"Spare me the choice, I beseech you," replied Barine in an embarrassed
+tone. "I need nothing from your treasures, and, as for the other
+possessions---- I lack many things; but it is uncertain how the noblest
+and highest gifts in the possession of the marvellously endowed
+favourite of the gods would suit the small, commonplace ones I call
+mine, and I know not----"
+
+"A sensible doubt!" interrupted the Queen. "The lame man, who desired a
+horse, obtained one, and on his first ride broke his neck. The only
+blessing--the highest of all--which surely bestows happiness can neither
+be given away nor transferred from one to another. He who has gained it
+may be robbed of it the next moment."
+
+The last sentence had fallen from the Queen's lips slowly and
+thoughtfully, but Barine, remembering Archibius's tale, said modestly,
+"You are thinking of the chief good mentioned by Epicurus--perfect peace
+of mind."
+
+Cleopatra's eyes sparkled with a brighter light as she asked eagerly,
+"Do you, the granddaughter of a philosopher, know the system of the
+master?"
+
+"Very superficially, your Majesty. My intellect is far inferior to
+yours. It is difficult for me thoroughly to comprehend all the details
+of any system of philosophy."
+
+"Yet you have attempted it?"
+
+"Others endeavoured to introduce me into the doctrines of the Stoics. I
+have forgotten most of what I learned; only one thing lingered in my
+memory, and I know why--because it pleased me."
+
+"And _that?_"
+
+"Was the wise law of living according to the dictates of our own
+natures. The command to shun everything contradictory to the simple
+fundamental traits of our own characters pleased me, and wherever I saw
+affectation, artificiality, and mannerism I was repelled, while from my
+grandfather's teaching I drew the principle that I could do nothing
+better than to remain, so far as life would permit, what I had been as a
+child ere I had heard the first word of philosophy, or felt the
+constraint which society and its forms impose."
+
+"So the system of the Stoics leads to this end also!" cried the Queen
+gaily, and, turning to the companion of her own studies, she added: "Did
+you hear, Charmian? If we had only succeeded in perceiving the wisdom
+and calm, purposeful order of existence which the Stoics, amid so much
+that is perverse, unhealthy, and provocative of contradiction,
+nevertheless set above everything else! How can I, in order to live
+wisely, imitate Nature, when in her being and action I encounter so much
+that is contradictory to my human reason, which is a part of the
+divine?"
+
+Here she hesitated, and the expression of her face suddenly changed.
+
+She had advanced close to Barine and, while standing directly in front
+of her, her eyes had rested on the gem which adorned her arm above the
+elbow.
+
+Was it this which agitated Cleopatra so violently that her voice lost
+its bewitching melody, as she went on in a harsh, angry tone?--"So that
+is the source of all this misfortune. Even as a child I detested that
+sort of arbitrary judgment which passes under the mask of stern
+morality. There is an example! Do you hear the howling of the storm? In
+human nature, as well as in the material world, there are tempests and
+volcanoes which bring destruction, and, if the original character of any
+individual is full of such devastating forces, like the neighbourhood of
+Vesuvius or Etna, the goal to which his impulses would lead him is
+clearly visible. Ay, the Stoic is not allowed to destroy the harmony and
+order of things in existence, any more than to disturb those which are
+established by the state. But to follow our natural impulses wherever
+they lead us is so perilous a venture, that whoever has the power to fix
+a limit to it betimes is in duty bound to do so. This power is mine, and
+I will use it!"
+
+Then, with iron severity, she asked: "As it seems to be one of the
+demands of your nature, woman, to allure and kindle the hearts of all
+who bear the name of man, even though they have not yet donned the garb
+of the Ephebi, so, too, you seem to appear to delight in idle ornaments.
+Or,"--and as she spoke she touched Barine's shoulder--"or why should you
+wear, during the hours of slumber, that circlet on your arm?"
+
+Barine had watched with increasing anxiety the marked change in the
+manner and language of the Queen. She now beheld a repetition of what
+she had experienced at the Adonis festival, but this time she knew what
+had roused Cleopatra's jealousy. She, Barine, wore on her arm a gift
+from Antony. With pallid face she strove to find a fitting answer, but
+ere she could do so Iras advanced to the side of the incensed Queen,
+saying: "That circlet is the counterpart of the one your august husband
+bestowed upon you. The singer's must also be a gift from Mark Antony.
+Like every one else in the world, she deems the noble Imperator the
+greatest man of his day. Who can blame her for prizing it so highly that
+she does not remove it even while she sleeps?"
+
+Again Barine felt as if a thorn had pierced her; but though the
+resentment which she had previously experienced once more surged hotly
+within her heart, she forced herself to maintain seemly external
+composure, and struggled for some word in answer; but she found none
+suitable, and remained silent.
+
+She had told the truth. From early youth she had followed the impulses
+of her own nature without heeding the opinion of mortals, as the
+teachings of the Stoics directed, and she had been allowed to do so
+because this nature was pure, truthful, alive to the beautiful, and,
+moreover, free from those unbridled, volcanic impulses to which the
+Queen alluded. The cheerful patience of her soul had found ample
+satisfaction in the cultivation of her art, and in social intercourse
+with men who permitted her to share their own intellectual life. Today
+she had learned that the first great passion of her heart had met with a
+response. Now she was bound to her lover, and knew herself to be pure
+and guiltless, far better entitled to demand respect from sterner judges
+of morality than the woman who condemned her, or the spiteful Iras, who
+had not ceased to offer her love to Dion.
+
+The sorrowful feeling of being misunderstood and unjustly condemned,
+mingled with fear of the terrible fate to which she might be sentenced
+by the omnipotent sovereign, whose clear intellect was clouded by
+jealousy and the resentment of a mother's wounded heart, paralyzed her
+tongue. Besides, she was confused by the angry emotion which the sight
+of Iras awakened. Twice, thrice she strove to utter a few words of
+explanation, defence, but her voice refused to obey her will.
+
+When Charmian at last approached to encourage her, it was too late; the
+indignant Queen had turned away, exclaiming to Iras: "let her be taken
+back to Lochias. Her guilt is proved; but it does not become the injured
+person, the accuser, to award the punishment. This must be left to the
+judges before whom we will bring her."
+
+Then Barine once more recovered the power of speech. How dared Cleopatra
+assert that she was convicted of a crime, without hearing her defence?
+As surely as she felt her own innocence she must succeed in proving it,
+and with this consciousness she cried out to the Queen in a tone of
+touching entreaty: "O your Majesty, do not leave me without hearing me!
+As truly as I believe in your justice, I can ask you to listen to me
+once more. Do not give me up to the woman who hates me because the man
+whom she----"
+
+Here Cleopatra interrupted her. Royal dignity forbade her to hear one
+woman's jealous accusation of another, but, with the subtle discernment
+with which women penetrate one another's moods, she heard in Barine's
+piteous appeal a sincere conviction that she was too severely condemned.
+Doubtless she also had reason to believe in Iras's hate, and Cleopatra
+knew how mercilessly she pursued those who had incurred her displeasure.
+She had rejected and still shuddered at her advice to remove the singer
+from her path; for an inner voice warned her not to burden her soul now
+with a fresh crime, which would disturb its peace. Besides, she had at
+first been much attracted by this charming, winning creature; but the
+irritating thought that Antony had bestowed the same gift upon the
+sovereign and the artist's daughter still so incensed her, that it taxed
+to the utmost her graciousness and self-control as, without addressing
+any special person, she exclaimed, glancing back into the hall: "This
+examination will be followed by another. When the time comes, the
+accused must appear before the judges; therefore she must remain at
+Lochias and in custody. It is my will that no harm befalls her.--You are
+her friend, Charmian. I will place her in your charge. Only"--here she
+raised her voice--"on pain of my anger, do not allow her by any
+possibility to leave the palace, even for a moment, or to hold
+intercourse with any person save yourself."
+
+With these words she passed out of the hall and went into her own
+apartments. She had turned the night into day, not only to despatch
+speedily matters which seemed to her to permit of no delay, but even
+more because, since the battle of Actium, she dreaded the restless hours
+upon her lonely couch. They seemed endless; and though before she had
+remembered with pleasure the unprecedented display and magnificence with
+which she had surrounded her love-life with Antony, she now in these
+hours reproached herself for having foolishly squandered the wealth of
+her people. The present appeared unbearable, and from the future a host
+of black cares pressed upon her.
+
+The following days were overcrowded with business details.
+
+Half of her nights were spent in the observatory. She had not asked
+again for Barine. On the fifth night she permitted Alexas to conduct her
+once more to the little observatory which had been erected for her
+father at Lochias, and Antony's favourite knew how to prove that a star
+which had long threatened her planet was that of the woman whom she
+seemed to have forgotten as completely as she had ignored his former
+warning against this very foe.
+
+The Queen denied this, but Alexas eagerly continued: "The night after
+your return home your kindness was again displayed in its inexhaustible
+and--to us less noble souls--incomprehensible wealth. Deeply agitated,
+we watched during the memorable examination the touching spectacle of
+the greatest heart making itself the standard by which to measure what
+is petty and ignoble. But ere the second trial takes place the wanderers
+above, who know the future, bid me warn you once more; for that woman's
+every look was calculated, every word had its fixed purpose, every tone
+of her voice was intended to produce a certain effect. Whatever she said
+or may yet say had no other design than to deceive my royal mistress. As
+yet there have been no definite questions and answers. But you will have
+her examined, and then---- What may she not make of the story of Mark
+Antony, Barine, and the two armlets? Perhaps it will be a masterpiece."
+
+"Do you know its real history?" asked Cleopatra, clasping her fingers
+more closely around the pencil in her hand.
+
+"If I did," replied Alexas, smiling significantly, "the receiver of
+stolen goods should not betray the thief."
+
+"Not even if the person who has been robbed--the Queen--commands you to
+give up the dishonestly acquired possession?"
+
+"Unfortunately, even then I should be forced to withhold obedience; for
+consider, my royal mistress, there are but two great luminaries around
+which my dark life revolves. Shall I betray the moon, when I am sure of
+gaining nothing thereby save to dim the warm light of the sun?"
+
+"That means that your revelations would wound me, the sun?"
+
+"Unless your lofty soul is too great to be reached by shadows which
+surround less noble women with an atmosphere of indescribable torture."
+
+"Do you intend to render your words more attractive by the veil with
+which you shroud them? It is transparent, and dims the vision very
+little. My soul, you think, should be free from jealousy and the other
+weaknesses of my sex. There you are mistaken. I am a woman, and wish to
+remain one. As Terence's Chremes says he is a human being, and nothing
+human is unknown to him, I do not hesitate to confess all feminine
+frailties. Anubis told me of a queen in ancient times who would not
+permit the inscriptions to record 'she,' but 'he came,' or 'he, the
+ruler, conquered.' Fool! Whatever concerns me, my womanhood is not less
+lofty than the crown. I was a woman ere I became Queen. The people
+prostrate themselves before my empty litters; but when, in my youth, I
+wandered in disguise with Antony through the city streets and visited
+some scene of merrymaking, while the men gazed admiringly at me, and we
+heard voices behind us murmur, 'A handsome couple!' I returned home full
+of joy and pride. But there was something greater still for the woman to
+learn, when the heart in the breast of the Queen forgot throne and
+sceptre and, in the hours consecrated to Eros, tasted joys known to
+womanhood alone. How can you men, who only command and desire,
+understand the happiness of sacrifice? I am a woman; my birth does not
+exalt me above any feeling of my sex; and what I now ask is not as Queen
+but as woman."
+
+"If that is the case," Alexas answered with his hand upon his heart,
+"you impose silence upon me; for were I to confess to the woman
+Cleopatra what agitates my soul, I should be guilty of a double crime--I
+would violate a promise and betray the friend who confided his noble
+wife to my protection."
+
+"Now the darkness is becoming too dense for me," replied Cleopatra,
+raising her head with repellent pride. "Or, if I choose to raise the
+veil, I must point out to you the barriers----"
+
+"Which surround the Queen," replied the Syrian with an obsequious bow.
+"There you behold the fact. It is an impossibility to separate the woman
+from the princess. So far as I am concerned, I do not wish to anger the
+former against the presumptuous adorer, and I desire to yield to the
+latter the obedience which is her due. Therefore I entreat you to forget
+the armlet and its many painful associations, and pass to the
+consideration of other matters. Perhaps the fair Barine will voluntarily
+confess everything, and even add how she managed to ensnare the amiable
+son of the greatest of men, and the most admirable of mothers, the young
+King Cæsarion."
+
+Cleopatra's eyes flashed more brightly, and she angrily exclaimed: "I
+found the boy just now as though he were possessed by demons. He was
+ready to tear the bandage from his wound, if he were refused the woman
+whom he loved. A magic potion was the first thought, and his tutor of
+course attributes everything to magic arts. Charmian, on the contrary,
+declares that his visits annoyed and even alarmed Barine. Nothing except
+a rigid investigation can throw light upon this subject. We will await
+the Imperator's return. Do you think that he will again seek the singer?
+You are his most trusted confidant. If you desire his best good, and
+care for my favour, drop your hesitation and answer this question."
+
+The Syrian assumed the manner of a man who had reached a decision, and
+answered firmly: "Certainly he will, unless you prevent him. The
+simplest way would be----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"To inform him, as soon as he lands, that she is no longer to be found.
+I should be especially happy to receive this commission from my royal
+sun."
+
+"And do you think it would dim the light of your moon a little, were he
+to seek her here in vain?"
+
+"As surely as that the contrary would be the case if he were always as
+gratefully aware of the peerless brilliancy of his sun as it deserves.
+Helios suffers no other orb to appear so long as he adorns the heavens.
+His lustre quenches all the rest. Let my sun so decree, and Barine's
+little star will vanish."
+
+"Enough! I know your aim now. But a human life is no small thing, and
+this woman, too, is the child of a mother. We must consider, earnestly
+consider, whether our purpose cannot be gained without proceeding to
+extremes. This must be done with zeal and a kindly intention---- But
+I---- Now, when the fate of this country, my own, and the children's is
+hanging in the balance, when I have not fifteen minutes at my command,
+and there is no end of writing and consulting, I can waste no time on
+such matters."
+
+"The reflective mind must be permitted to use its mighty wings
+unimpeded," cried the Syrian eagerly. "Leave the settlement of minor
+matters to trustworthy friends."
+
+Here they were interrupted by the "introducer," who announced the eunuch
+Mardion. He had come on business which, spite of the late hour,
+permitted no delay.
+
+Alexas accompanied the Queen to the tablinum, where they found the
+eunuch. A slave attended him, carrying a pouch filled with letters which
+had just been brought by two messengers from Syria. Among them were some
+which must be answered without delay. The Keeper of the Seal and the
+Exegetus were also waiting. Their late visit was due to the necessity of
+holding a conference in relation to the measures to be adopted to calm
+the excited citizens. All the galleys which had escaped from the battle
+had entered the harbour the day before, wreathed with garlands as if a
+great victory had been won. Loud acclamations greeted them, yet tidings
+of the defeat at Actium spread with the swiftness of the wind. Crowds
+were now gathering, threatening demonstrations had been made in front of
+the Sebasteum, and on the square of the Serapeum the troops had been
+compelled to interfere, and blood had flowed.
+
+There lay the letters. Zeno remarked that more papers conferring
+authority were required for the work on the canal, and the Exegetus
+earnestly besought definite instruction.
+
+"It is much--much," murmured Cleopatra. Then, drawing herself up to her
+full height, she exclaimed, "Well, then, to work!"
+
+But Alexas did not permit her to do this at once. Humbly advancing as
+she took her seat at the large writing-table, he whispered: "And with
+all this, must my royal mistress devote time and thought to the
+destroyer of her peace. To disturb your Majesty with this trifle is a
+crime; yet it must be committed, for should the affair remain unheeded
+longer, the trickling rivulet may become a mountain torrent----"
+
+Here Cleopatra, whose glance had just rested upon a fateful letter from
+King Herod, turned her face half towards her husband's favourite,
+exclaiming curtly, with glowing cheeks, "Presently."
+
+Then she glanced rapidly over the letter, pushed it excitedly aside, and
+dismissed the waiting Syrian with the impatient words: "Attend to the
+trial and the rest. No injustice, but no untimely mildness. I will look
+into this unpleasant matter myself before the Imperator returns."
+
+"And the authority?" asked the Syrian, with another low bow.
+
+"You have it. If you need a written one, apply to Zeno. We will discuss
+the affair further at some less busy hour."
+
+The Syrian retired; but Cleopatra turned to the eunuch and, flushed with
+emotion, cried, pointing to the King of Judea's letter: "Did you ever
+witness baser ingratitude? The rats think the ship is sinking, and it is
+time to leave it. If we succeed in keeping above water, they will return
+in swarms; and this must, must, _must_ be done, for the sake of this
+beloved country and her independence. Then the children, the children!
+All our powers must now be taxed, every expedient must be remembered and
+used. We will hammer each feeble hope until it becomes the strong steel
+of certainty. We will transform night into day. The canal will save the
+fleet. Mark Antony will find in Africa Pinarius Scarpus with untouched
+loyal legions. The gladiators are faithful to us. We can easily make
+them ours, and my brain is seething with other plans. But first we will
+attend to the Alexandrians. No violence!"
+
+This exclamation was followed by order after order, and the promise
+that, if necessary, she would show herself to the people.
+
+The Exegetus was filled with admiration as he received the clear,
+sagacious directions. After he had retired with his companions, the
+Queen again turned to the Regent, saying: "We did wisely to make the
+people happy at first with tidings of victory. The unexpected news of
+terrible disaster might have led them to some unprecedented deed of
+madness. Disappointment is a more common pain, for which less powerful
+remedies will suffice. Besides, many things could be arranged ere they
+knew that I was here. How much we have accomplished already, Mardion!
+But I have not even granted myself the joy of seeing my children. I was
+forced to defer the pleasure of the companionship of my oldest friends,
+even Archibius. When he comes again he will be admitted. I have given
+the order. He knows Rome thoroughly. I must hear his opinion of pending
+negotiations."
+
+She shivered as she spoke, and pressing her hand upon her brow,
+exclaimed: "Octavianus victor, Cleopatra vanquished! I, who was
+everything to Cæsar, beseeching mercy from his heir. I, a petitioner to
+Octavia's brother! Yet, no, no! There are still a hundred chances of
+avoiding the horrible doom. But whoever wishes to compel the field to
+bear fruits must dig sturdily, draw the buckets from the well, plough,
+and sow the seed. To work, then, to work! When Antony returns he must
+find all things ready. The first success will restore his lost energy. I
+glanced through yonder letter while talking with the Exegetus; now I
+will dictate the answer."
+
+So she sat reading, writing, and dictating, listening, answering, and
+giving orders, until the east brightened with the approach of dawn, the
+morning star grew pale, and the Regent, utterly exhausted, entreated her
+to consider her own health and his years, and permit him a few hours'
+rest.
+
+Then she, too, allowed herself to be led into her darkened chamber, and
+this time a friendly, dreamless slumber closed her weary eyes and held
+her captive until roused by the loud shouts of the multitude, who had
+heard of the Queen's return and flocked to Lochias.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+During these hours of rest Iras and Charmian had watched in turn beside
+Cleopatra. When she rose, the younger attendant rendered her the
+necessary services. She was to devote herself to her mistress until the
+evening; for her companion, who now stood in her way, was not to return
+earlier. Before Charmian left, she had seen that her apartments--in
+which Barine, since the Queen had placed her in her charge, had been a
+welcome guest--were carefully watched. The commander of the Macedonian
+guard, who years before had vainly sought her favour, and finally had
+become the most loyal of her friends, had promised to keep them closely.
+
+Yet Iras knew how to profit by her mistress's sleep and the absence of
+her aunt. She had learned that she would be shut out of her apartments,
+and therefore from Barine also. Ere any step could be taken against the
+prisoner, she must first arrange the necessary preliminaries with
+Alexas. The failure of her expectation of seeing her rival trampled in
+the dust had transformed her jealous resentment into hatred, and though
+she was her niece, she even transferred a portion of it to Charmian, who
+had placed herself between her and her victim.
+
+She had sent for the Syrian, but he, too, had gone to rest at a late
+hour and kept her waiting a long time. The reception which the impatient
+girl bestowed was therefore by no means cordial, but her manner soon
+grew more friendly.
+
+First Alexas boasted of having induced the Queen to commit Barine's fate
+to him. If he should try her at noon and find her guilty, there was
+nothing to prevent him from compelling her to drink the poisoned cup or
+having her strangled before evening. But the matter would be dangerous,
+because the singer's friends were numerous and by no means powerless.
+Yet, in the depths of her heart, Cleopatra desired nothing more ardently
+than to rid herself of her dangerous rival. But he knew the great ones
+of the earth. If he acted energetically and brought matters to a speedy
+close, the Queen, to avoid evil gossip, would burden him with her own
+act. Antony's mood could not be predicted, and the Syrian's weal or woe
+depended on his favour. Besides, the execution of the singer at the last
+Adonis festival might have a dangerous effect upon the people of
+Alexandria. They were already greatly excited, and his brother, who knew
+them, said that some were overwhelmed with sorrow, and others ready, in
+their fury, to rise in a bloody rebellion. Everything was to be feared
+from this rabble, but Philostratus understood how to persuade them to
+many things, and Alexas had just secured his aid.
+
+Alexas had really succeeded in the work of reconciliation. During the
+orator's married life with Barine she had forbidden her brother-in-law
+the house, and her husband had quarrelled with the brother who sought
+his wife. But after the latter had risen to a high place in Antony's
+favour, and been loaded with gold by his lavish hand, Philostratus had
+again approached him to claim his share of the new wealth. And the
+source from which Alexas drew flowed so abundantly that his favourite
+did not find it difficult to give. Both men were as unprincipled as they
+were lavish, and experience taught them that base natures always have at
+their disposal a plank with which to bridge chasms. If it is of gold, it
+will be crossed the more speedily. Such was the case here, and of late
+it had become specially firm; for each needed the other's aid.
+
+Alexas loved Barine, while Philostratus no longer cared for her. On the
+other hand, he hated Dion with so ardent a thirst for revenge that, to
+obtain it, he would have resigned even the hope of fresh gains. The
+humiliation inflicted upon him by the arrogant Macedonian noble, and the
+derision which through his efforts had been heaped upon him, haunted him
+like importunate pursuers; and he felt that he could only rid himself of
+them with the source of his disgrace. Without his brother's aid, he
+would have been content to assail Dion with his slandering tongue; with
+his powerful assistance he could inflict a heavier injury upon him,
+perhaps even rob him of liberty and life. They had just made an
+agreement by which Philostratus pledged himself to reconcile the
+populace to any punishment that might be inflicted upon Barine, and
+Alexas promised to help his brother take a bloody vengeance upon Dion
+the Macedonian.
+
+Barine's death could be of no service to Alexas. The sight of her beauty
+had fired his heart a second time, and he was resolved to make her his
+own. In the dungeon, perhaps by torture, she should be forced to grasp
+his helping hand. All this would permit no delay. Everything must be
+done before the return of Antony, who was daily expected. Alexas's
+lavish patron had made him so rich that he could bear to lose his favour
+for the sake of this object. Even without it, he could maintain a
+household with royal magnificence in some city of his Syrian home.
+
+On receiving the favourite's assurance that he would remove Barine from
+Charmian's protection on the morrow, Iras became more gracious. She
+could make no serious objection to his statement that the new trial
+might not, it is true, end in a sentence of death, but the verdict would
+probably be transportation to the mines, or something of the sort.
+
+Then Alexas cautiously tested Iras's feelings towards his brother's
+mortal foe. They were hostile; yet when the favourite intimated that he,
+too, ought to be given up to justice, she showed so much hesitation,
+that Alexas stopped abruptly and turned the conversation upon Barine.
+Here she promised assistance with her former eager zeal, and it was
+settled that the arrest should be made the following morning during the
+hours of Charmian's attendance upon the Queen.
+
+Iras had valuable counsel to offer. She was familiar with one of the
+prisons, whose doors she had opened to many a hapless mortal whose
+disappearance, in her opinion, might be of service to the Queen. She had
+deemed it a duty, aided by the Keeper of the Seal, to anticipate her
+mistress in cases where her kind heart would have found it difficult to
+pronounce a severe sentence, and Cleopatra had permitted it, though
+without commendation or praise. What happened within its walls--thanks
+to the silence of the warder--never passed beyond the portals. If Barine
+cursed her life there, she would still fare better than she, Iras, who
+during the past few nights had been on the brink of despair whenever she
+thought of the man who had disdained her love and abandoned her for
+another.
+
+As the Syrian held out his hand to take leave, she asked bluntly:
+
+"And Dion?"
+
+"He cannot be set free," was the reply, "for he loves Barine; nay, the
+fool was on the eve of leading her home to his beautiful palace as its
+mistress."
+
+"Is that true, really true?" asked Iras, whose cheeks and lips lost
+every tinge of colour, though she succeeded in maintaining her
+composure.
+
+"He confessed it yesterday in a letter to his uncle, the Keeper of the
+Seal, in which he entreated him to do his utmost for his chosen bride,
+whom he would never resign. But Zeno has no liking for this niece. Do
+you wish to see the letter?"
+
+"Then, of course, he cannot be set at liberty," replied Iras, and there
+was additional shrillness in her voice. "He will do everything in his
+power for the woman he loves, and that is much--far more than you, who
+are half a stranger here, suspect. The Macedonian families stand by each
+other. He is a member of the council. The bands of the Ephebi will
+support him to a man. And the populace?--He lately spoiled the game of
+your brother, who was acting for me, in a way.--He was finally dragged
+out of the basin of the fountain, dripping with water and overwhelmed
+with shame."
+
+"For that very reason his mouth must be closed."
+
+Iras nodded assent, but after a short pause she exclaimed angrily: "I
+will help you to silence him, but not forever. Do you hear? Theodotus's
+saying about the dead dogs which do not bite brought no blessing to any
+one who followed it. There are other ways of getting rid of this man."
+
+"A bird sang that you were not unfriendly to him."
+
+"A bird? Then it was probably an owl, which cannot see in the daylight.
+His worst enemy, your brother, would probably sacrifice himself for his
+welfare sooner than I."
+
+"Then I shall begin to feel sympathy for this Dion."
+
+"I saw recently that your compassion surpassed mine. Death is not the
+hardest punishment."
+
+"Is that the cause of this gracious respite?"
+
+"Perhaps so. But there are other matters to be considered here. First,
+the condition of the times. Everything is tottering, even the royal
+power, which a short time ago was a wall which concealed many things and
+afforded shelter from every assault. Then Dion himself. I have already
+numbered those who will support him. Since the defeat at Actium, the
+Queen can no longer exclaim to that many-headed monster, the people,
+'You must,' but 'I entreat.' The others----"
+
+"The first considerations are enough; but may I be permitted to know
+what my wise friend has awarded to the hapless wight from whom she
+withdrew her favour?"
+
+"First, imprisonment here at Lochias. He has stained his hands with the
+blood of Cæsarion, the King of kings. That is high treason, even in the
+eyes of the people. Try to obtain the order for the arrest this very
+day."
+
+"Whenever I can disturb the Queen with such matters."
+
+"Not for _my_ sake, but to save _her_ from injury. Away with everything
+which can cloud her intellect in these decisive days! First, away with
+Barine, who spoiled her return home; and then let us take care of the
+man who would be capable, for this woman's sake, of causing an
+insurrection in Alexandria. The great cares associated with the state
+and the throne are hers; for the minor ones of the toilet and the heart
+I will provide."
+
+Here she was interrupted by one of Cleopatra's waiting-maids. The Queen
+had awakened, and Iras hastened to her post.
+
+As she passed Charmian's apartments and saw two handsome soldiers,
+belonging to the Macedonian body-guard, pacing to and fro on duty before
+them, her face darkened. It was against her alone that Charmian was
+protecting Barine. She had been harshly reproved by the older woman on
+account of the artist's daughter, who had been the source of so many
+incidents which had caused her pain, and Iras regretted that she had
+ever confided to her aunt her love for Dion. But, no matter what might
+happen, the upas-tree whence emanated all these tortures, anxieties, and
+vexations, must be rooted out--stricken from the ranks of the living.
+
+Ere she entered the Queen's anteroom she had mentally pronounced
+sentence of death on her enemy. Her inventive brain was now busy in
+devising means to induce the Syrian to undertake its execution. If this
+stone of offence was removed it would again be possible to live in
+harmony with Charmian. Dion would be free, and then, much as he had
+wounded her, she would defend him from the hatred of Philostratus and
+his brother.
+
+She entered the Queen's presence with a lighter heart. The death of a
+condemned person had long since ceased to move her deeply. While
+rendering the first services to her mistress, who had been much
+refreshed by her sleep, her face grew brighter and brighter; for
+Cleopatra voluntarily told her that she was glad to have her attendance,
+and not be constantly annoyed by the same disagreeable matter, which
+must soon be settled.
+
+In fact, Charmian, conscious that no one else at court would have
+ventured to do so, had never grown weary, spite of many a rebuff, of
+pleading Barine's cause until, the day before, Cleopatra, in a sudden
+fit of anger, had commanded her not to mention the mischief-maker again.
+
+When Charmian soon after requested permission to let Iras take her place
+the following day, the Queen already regretted the harsh reproof she had
+given her friend, and, while cordially granting the desired leave,
+begged her to attribute her angry impatience to the cares which burdened
+her. "And when you show me your kind, faithful face again," she
+concluded, "you will have remembered that a true friend withholds from
+an unhappy woman whom she loves whatever will shadow more deeply her
+already clouded life. This Barine's very name sounds like a jeer at the
+composure I maintain with so much difficulty. I do not wish to hear it
+again."
+
+The words were uttered in a tone so affectionate and winning, that
+Charmian's vexation melted like ice in the sun. Yet she left the Queen's
+presence anxious and troubled; for ere she quitted the room Cleopatra
+remarked that she had committed the singer's affairs to Alexas. She was
+now doubly eager to obtain a day's freedom, for she knew the
+unprincipled favourite's feelings towards the young beauty, and longed
+to discuss with Archibius the best means of guarding her from the worst
+perils.
+
+When at a late hour she went to rest, she was served by the Nubian maid,
+who had accompanied her to the court from her parents' home. She came
+from the Cataract, where she had been bought when the family of Alypius
+accompanied the child Cleopatra to the island of Philæ. Anukis was
+given to Charmian, who at the time was just entering womanhood, as the
+first servant who was her sole property, and she had proved so clever,
+skilful, apt to learn, and faithful, that her mistress took her, as her
+personal attendant, to the palace.
+
+Charmian's warm, unselfish love for the Queen was equalled by Anukis's
+devotion to the mistress who had long since made her free, and had
+become so strongly attached to her that the Nubian's interests were
+little less regarded than her own. Her sound, keen judgment and natural
+wit had gained a certain renown in the palace, and as Cleopatra often
+condescended to rouse her to an apt answer, Antony had done so, too; and
+since the slight crook in the back, which she had from childhood, had
+grown into a hump, he gave her the name of Aisopion--the female Æsop.
+All the Queen's attendants now used it, and though others of lower rank
+did the same, she permitted it, though her ready wit would have supplied
+her tongue with a retort sharp enough to respond to any word which
+displeased her.
+
+But she knew the life and fables of Æsop, who had also once been a
+slave, and deemed it an honour to be compared with him.
+
+When Charmian had left Cleopatra and sought her chamber, she found
+Barine sound asleep, but Anukis was awaiting her, and her mistress told
+her with what deep anxiety for Barine she had quitted the presence of
+the Queen. She knew that the Nubian was fond of the young matron, whom
+in her childhood she had carried in her arms, and whose father, Leonax,
+had often jested with her. The maid had watched her career with much
+interest, and while Barine had been her mistress's guest her efforts to
+amuse and soothe her were unceasing.
+
+She had gone every morning to Berenike to ask tidings of Dion's health,
+and always brought favourable news. Anukis knew Philostratus and his
+brother, too, and as she liked Antony, who jested with her so kindly,
+she grieved to see an unprincipled fellow like Alexas his chief
+confidant. She knew the plots with which the Syrian had persecuted
+Barine, and when Charmian told her that the Queen had committed the
+young beauty's fate to this man's keeping her dark face grew fairly
+livid; but she forced herself to conceal the terror which the news
+inspired. Her mistress was also aware what this choice meant to Barine.
+But Anukis would have thought it wrong to disturb Charmian's sleep by
+revealing her own distress. It was fortunate that she was going early
+the next morning to seek the aid of Archibius, whom Anukis believed to
+be the wisest of men; but this by no means soothed her. She knew the
+fable of the lion and the mouse, which had been told in her home long
+before the time of the author for whom she was nicknamed, and already
+more than once she had been in a position to render far greater and more
+powerful persons an important service. To soothe Charmian to sleep and
+turn her thoughts in another direction, she told her about Dion, whom
+she had found much better that day, how tenderly he seemed to love
+Barine, and how touchingly patient and worthy of her father the daughter
+of Leonax had been.
+
+After her mistress had fallen asleep she went to the hall where, spite
+of the late hour, she expected to meet some of the servants--sure of
+being greeted as a welcome guest. When, a short time later, Alexas's
+body-slave appeared, she filled his wine cup, sat down by his side, and
+tried with all the powers at her command to win his confidence. And so
+well did the elderly Nubian succeed that Marsyas, a handsome young
+Ligurian, after she had gone, declared that Aisopion's jokes and stories
+were enough to bring the dead to life, and it was as pleasant to talk
+seriously with the brown-skinned monster as to dally with a fair-haired
+sweetheart.
+
+After Charmian had left the palace the following morning, Anukis again
+sought Marsyas and learned from him for what purpose and at what hour
+Iras had summoned Alexas. His master was continually whispering with the
+languishing Macedonian.
+
+When Anukis returned, Barine seemed troubled because she brought no
+tidings from her mother and Dion; but the Nubian entreated her to have
+patience, and gave her some books and a spindle, that she might have
+occupation in her solitude. She, Anukis, must go to the kitchen, because
+she had heard yesterday that the cook had bought some mushrooms, which
+might be poisonous; she knew the fungi and wanted to see them.
+
+Then, passing into Charmian's chamber, she glided through the corridor
+which connected the apartments of Cleopatra's confidential attendants,
+and slipped into Iras's room. When Alexas entered she was concealed
+behind one of the hangings which covered the walls of the
+reception-room.
+
+After the Syrian had retired and Iras had been called away, Anukis
+returned to Barine and said that the mushrooms had really been
+poisonous, and of the deadliest species. They had been cooked, and she
+must go out to seek an antidote. Since a precious human life might be at
+stake, Barine would not wish to keep her.
+
+"Go," said the latter, kindly. "But if you are the old obliging
+Aisopion, you won't object to going a little farther."
+
+"And inquiring at the house near the Paneum garden," added Anukis. "That
+was already settled. Longing is also a poison for a loving heart, and
+its antidote is good news."
+
+With these laughing words she left her favourite; but as soon as she was
+out of doors her black brow became lined with earnest thought, and she
+stood pondering a long time. At last she went to the Bruchium to hire a
+donkey to ride to Kanopus, where she hoped to find Archibius. It was
+difficult to reach the nearest stand; for a great crowd had assembled on
+the quay between the Lochias and the Corner of the Muses, and groups of
+the common people, sailors, and slaves were constantly flocking hither.
+But she at last forced her way to the spot and, while the driver was
+helping her to mount the animal she had chosen, she asked what had
+attracted the throng, and he answered:
+
+"They are tearing down the house of the old Museum fungus, Didymus."
+
+"How can that be?" cried the startled woman. "The good old man!"
+
+"Good?" repeated the driver, scornfully. "He's a traitor, who has caused
+all the trouble. Philostratus, the brother of the great Alexas, a friend
+of Mark Antony, told us so. He wanted to prove it, so it must be true.
+Hear the shouts, and how the stones are flying! Yes, yes. His
+granddaughter and her lover set an ambush for the King Cæsarion. They
+would have killed him, but the watch interfered, and now he lies wounded
+on his couch. If mighty Isis does not lend her aid, the young prince's
+life will soon be over."
+
+Then, turning to the donkey, he dealt him two severe blows on the right
+and left haunches, shouting: "Hi, Grey! It does one good to hear that
+royal backs have room for the cudgel too."
+
+Meanwhile, the Nubian was hesitating whether she should not first turn
+the donkey to the right and seek Didymus; but Barine was threatened by
+greater peril, and her life was of more value than the welfare of the
+aged pair. This decided the question, and she rode forward.
+
+The donkey and his driver did their best, but they came too late; for in
+the little palace at Kanopus, Anukis learned from the porter that
+Archibius had gone to the city with his old friend Timagenes, the
+historian, who lived in Rome, and seemed to have come to Alexandria as
+an envoy.
+
+Charmian, too, had been here, but also failed to find the master of the
+house, and followed him. Evil tidings--which, owing to the loss of time
+involved, might prove fatal. If the donkey had only been swifter! True,
+Archibius's stable was full of fine animals, but who was she that she
+should presume to use them? Yet she had gained something which rendered
+her the equal of many who were born free and occupied a higher
+station--the reputation for trustworthiness and wisdom; and relying upon
+this, she told the faithful old steward, as far as possible, what was at
+stake, and soon after he himself took her, both mounted on swift mules,
+to the city and the Paneum garden.
+
+He chose the nearest road thither through the Gate of the Sun and the
+Kanopic Way. Usually at this hour it was crowded with people, but to-day
+few persons were astir. All the idlers had thronged to the Bruchium and
+the harbour to see the returning ships of the vanquished fleet, hear
+something new, witness the demonstrations of joy, the sacrifices and
+processions, and--if Fortune favoured--meet the Queen and relieve their
+overflowing hearts by acclamations.
+
+When the carriage turned towards the left and approached the Paneum,
+progress for the first time became difficult. A dense crowd had gathered
+around the hill on whose summit the sanctuary of Pan dominated the
+spacious garden. Anukis's eye perceived the tall figure of Philostratus.
+Was the mischief-maker everywhere? This time he seemed to encounter
+opposition, for loud shouts interrupted his words. Just as the carriage
+passed he pointed to the row of houses in which the widow of Leonax
+lived, but violent resistance followed the gesture.
+
+Anukis perceived what restrained the crowd; for, as the equipage
+approached its destination, a body of armed youths stopped it. Their
+finely-formed limbs, steeled by the training of the Palæstra, and the
+raven, chestnut, and golden locks floating around their well-shaped
+heads, were indeed beautiful. They were a band of the Ephebi, formerly
+commanded by Archibius, and to whose leadership more recently Dion had
+been elected. The youths had heard what had occurred--that imprisonment,
+perhaps even worse disaster, threatened him. At any other time it would
+scarcely have been possible to oppose the decree of the Government and
+guard their imperilled friend, but in these dark days the rulers must
+deal with them. Though they were loyal to the Queen, and had resolved,
+spite of her defeat, to support her cause, as soon as she needed them,
+they would not suffer Dion to be punished for a crime which, in their
+eyes, was an honour. Their determination to protect him grew more eager
+with every vexatious delay on the part of the city council to deal with
+a matter which concerned one of their own body. They had not yet decided
+whether to demand a full pardon or only a mild sentence for the man who
+had wounded the "King of kings," the son of the sovereign. Moreover, the
+quiet Cæsarion, still subject to his tutor, had not understood how to
+win the favour of the Ephebi. The weakling never appeared in the
+Palæstra, which even the great Mark Antony did not disdain to visit.
+The latter had more than once given the youths assembled there proofs of
+his giant strength, and his son Antyllus also frequently shared their
+exercises. Dion had merely dealt Cæsarion with his clenched fist one of
+the blows which every one must encounter in the arena.
+
+Philotas of Amphissa, the pupil of Didymus, had been the first to inform
+them of the attack and, with fiery zeal, had used his utmost power to
+atone for the wrong done to his master's granddaughter. His appeal had
+roused the most eager sympathy. The Ephebi believed themselves strong
+enough to defend their friend against any one and, if the worst should
+come, they knew they would be sustained by the council, the Exegetus,
+the captain of the guard--a brave Macedonian, who had once been an
+ornament of their own band--and the numerous clients of Dion and his
+family. There was not a single weakling among them. They had already
+found an opportunity to prove this; for, though they had arrived too
+late to protect Didymus's property from injury, they had checked the
+fury of the mob whose passions Philostratus had aroused, and forced back
+the crowd whom the Syrian led to Barine's dwelling to devote it to the
+same fate.
+
+Another equipage was already standing before the door of Berenike's
+house--one of the carriages which were always at the disposal of the
+Queen's officials--when Anukis left Archibius's vehicle. Had some of
+Alexas's myrmidons arrived, or was he himself on the way to examine
+Dion, or even arrest him? The driver, like all the palace servants, knew
+Anukis, and she learned from him that he had brought Gorgias, the
+architect.
+
+Anukis had never met the latter, though, during the rebuilding of
+Cæsarion's apartments, she had often seen him, and heard much of him;
+among other things, that Dion's beautiful palace was his work. He was a
+friend of the wounded man, so she need not fear him.
+
+When she entered the atrium she heard that Berenike had gone out to
+drive with Archibius and his Roman friend. The leech had forbidden his
+patient to see many visitors. No one had been admitted except Gorgias
+and one of Dion's freedmen.
+
+But time pressed; people of the same rank and disposition understand one
+another; the old porter and the Nubian were both loyal to their
+employers, and, moreover, were natives of the same country; so it
+required only a few words to persuade the door-keeper to conduct her
+without delay to the bedside of the wounded man.
+
+The freedman, a tall, weather-beaten greybeard, simply clad, who looked
+like a pilot, was waiting outside the sick-room. He had not yet been
+admitted to Dion's presence, but this did not appear to vex him, for he
+stood leaning quietly against the wall beside the door, gazing at the
+broad-brimmed sailor's hat which he was slowly turning in his hands.
+
+Scarcely had Dion heard Anukis's name, when an eager "Let her come in"
+reached her ears through the half-open door.
+
+The Nubian waited to be summoned, but her dark face must have showed
+distinctly that something important and urgent had brought her here, for
+the wounded man added to his first words of greeting the expression of a
+fear that she had no good news.
+
+Her reply was an eager nod of assent, accompanied by a doubtful glance
+at Gorgias; and Dion now curtly told the architect the name of the
+newcomer, and assured her that his friend might hear everything, even
+the greatest secret.
+
+Anukis uttered a sigh of relief and then, in a tone of the most earnest
+warning, poured forth the story of the impending danger. She would not
+be satisfied when he spoke of the Ephebi, who were ready to defend him,
+and the council, which would make the cause of one of its members its
+own, but entreated him to seek some safe place of refuge, no matter
+where; for powers against whom no resistance would avail were stretching
+their hands towards him. Even this statement, however, proved useless,
+for Dion was convinced that the influence of his uncle, the Keeper of
+the Seal, would guard him from any serious danger. Then Anukis resolved
+to confess what she had overheard; but she told the story without
+mentioning Barine, and the peril threatening her also. Finally, with all
+the warmth of a really anxious heart, she entreated him to heed her
+warning.
+
+Even while she was still speaking, the friends exchanged significant
+glances; but scarcely had the last words fallen from her lips when the
+giant figure of the freedman passed through the door, which had remained
+open.
+
+"You here, Pyrrhus?" cried the wounded man kindly.
+
+"Yes, master, it is I," replied the stalwart fellow, twirling his sailor
+hat still faster. "Listening isn't exactly my trade, and I don't usually
+enter your presence uninvited; but I couldn't help hearing what came
+through the door, and the croaking of the old raven drew me in."
+
+"I wish you had heard more cheerful things," replied Dion; "but the
+brown-skinned bird of ill omen usually sings pleasant songs, and they
+all come from a faithful heart. But when my silent Pyrrhus opens his
+mouth so far, something important must surely follow, and you can speak
+freely in her presence."
+
+The sailor cleared his throat, gripped his coarse felt hat in his sinewy
+hands, and said, in such a tremulous, embarrassed tone that his heavy
+chin quivered and his voice sometimes faltered: "If the woman is to be
+trusted, you must leave here, master, and seek some safe hiding-place. I
+came to offer one. On my way I heard your name. It was said that you had
+wounded the Queen's son, and it might cost you your life. Then I
+thought: 'No, no, not that, so long as Pyrrhus lives, who taught his
+young master Dion to use the oars and to set his first sail--Pyrrhus and
+his family.' Why repeat what we both know well enough? From my first
+boat and the land on our island to the liberty you bestowed upon us, we
+owe everything to your father and to you, and a blessing has rested upon
+your gift and our labour, and what is mine is yours. No more words are
+needed. You know our cliff beyond the Alveus Steganus, north of the
+great harbour--the Isle of Serpents. It is quickly gained by any one who
+knows the course through the water, but is as inaccessible to others as
+the moon and stars. People are afraid of the mere name, though we rid
+the island of the vermin long ago. My boys Dionysus, Dionichus, and
+Dionikus--they all have 'Dion' in their name--are waiting in the fish
+market, and when it grows dusk----" Here the wounded man interrupted the
+speaker by holding out his hand and thanking him warmly for his fidelity
+and kindness, though he refused the well-meant invitation. He admitted
+that he knew no safer hiding-place than the cliff surrounded by
+fluttering sea-gulls, where Pyrrhus lived with his family and earned
+abundant support by fishing and serving as pilot. But anxiety concerning
+his future wife prevented his leaving the city.
+
+The freedman however gave him no rest. He represented how quickly the
+harbour could be reached from his island, that fish were brought thence
+from it daily, and he would therefore always have news of what was
+passing. His sons were like him, and never used any unnecessary words;
+talking did not suit them. The women of the household rarely left the
+island. So long as it sheltered their beloved guest, they should not set
+foot away from it. If occasion should require, the master could be in
+Alexandria again quickly enough to put anything right.
+
+This suggestion pleased the architect, who joined in the conversation to
+urge the freedman's request. But Dion, for Barine's sake, obstinately
+refused, until Anukis, who had long been anxious to go in pursuit of
+Archibius, thought it time to give _her_ opinion.
+
+"Go with the man, my lord!" she cried. "I know what I know. I will tell
+our Barine of your faithful resolution; but how can she show her
+gratitude for it if you are a dead man?"
+
+This question and the information which followed it turned the scale;
+and, as soon as Dion had consented to accompany the freedman, the Nubian
+prepared to continue her errands, but the wounded man detained her to
+give many messages for Barine, and then she was stopped by the
+architect, who thought he had found in her the right assistant for
+numerous plans he had in his mind.
+
+He had returned early that morning from Heroonpolis, where, with other
+members of his profession, he had inspected the newly constructed
+waterway. The result of the first investigation had been unfavourable to
+the verge of discouragement; and, in behalf of the others, he had gone
+to the Queen to persuade her to give up the enterprise which, though so
+full of promise, was impracticable in the short time at their disposal.
+
+He had travelled all night, and was received as soon as Cleopatra rose
+from her couch. He had driven from the Lochias in the carriage placed at
+his disposal because he had business at the arsenal and various points
+where building was going on, in order to inspect the wall erected for
+Antony on the Choma, and the Temple of Isis at the Corner of the Muses,
+to which Cleopatra desired to add a new building. But scarcely had he
+quitted the Bruchium when he was detained by the crowd assailing the
+house of Didymus with beams and rams, and at the same time keeping off
+the Ephebi who had attacked them.
+
+He had forced his way through the raging mob to aid the old couple and
+their granddaughter. The slave Phryx had been busily preparing the boats
+which lay moored in the harbour of the seawashed estate, but Gorgias had
+found it difficult to persuade the grey-haired philosopher to go with
+him and his family to the shore. He was ready to face the enraged
+rioters and--though it should cost his life--cry out that they were
+shamefully deceived and were staining themselves with a disgraceful
+crime. Not until the architect represented that it was unworthy of a
+Didymus to expose to bestial violence a life on which helpless women and
+the whole world--to whom his writings were guide-posts to the realms of
+truth--possessed a claim, could he be induced to yield. Nevertheless,
+the sage and his relatives almost fell into the hands of the furious
+rabble, for Didymus would not depart until he had saved this, that, and
+the other precious book, till the number reached twenty or thirty.
+Besides, his old deaf wife, who usually submitted quietly when her
+defective hearing prevented her comprehension of many things, insisted
+upon knowing what was occurring. She ordered everybody who came near her
+to explain what had happened, thus detaining her granddaughter Helena,
+who was trying to save the most valuable articles in the dwelling. So
+the departure was delayed, and only the brave defence of young Philotas,
+Didymus's assistant, and some of the Ephebi, who joined him, enabled
+them to escape unharmed.
+
+The Scythian guards, which at last put a stop to the frantic rage of the
+deluded populace, arrived too late to prevent the destruction of the
+house, but they saved Philotas and the other youths from the fists and
+stones of the rabble.
+
+When the boats had gone farther out into the harbour the question of
+finding a home for the philosopher and his family was discussed.
+Berenike's house was also threatened, and the rules of the museum
+prevented the reception of women. Five servants had accompanied the
+family, and none of Didymus's learned friends had room for so many
+guests. When the old man and Helena began to enumerate the lodgings of
+which they could think, Gorgias interposed with an entreaty that they
+would come to his house.
+
+He had inherited the dwelling from his father. It was very large and
+spacious, almost empty, and they could reach it speedily, as it stood on
+the seashore, north of the Forum. The fugitives would be entirely at
+liberty there, since he had work on hand which would permit him to spend
+no time under his own roof except at night. He soon overcame the trivial
+objections made by the philosopher and, fifteen minutes after they had
+left the Corner of the Muses, he was permitted to open the door of his
+house to his guests, and he did so with genuine pleasure. The old
+housekeeper and the grey-haired steward, who had been in his father's
+service, looked surprised, but worked zealously after Gorgias had
+confided the visitors to their charge. The pressure of business forbade
+his fulfilling the duties of host in his own person.
+
+Didymus and his family had reason to be grateful; and when the old sage
+found in the large library which the architect placed at his disposal
+many excellent books and among them some of his own, he ceased his
+restless pacing to and fro and forced himself to settle down. Then he
+remembered that, by the advice of a friend, he had placed his property
+in the keeping of a reliable banker and, though life still seemed dark
+grey, it no longer looked as black as before.
+
+Gorgias briefly related all this to the Nubian, and Dion added that she
+would find Archibius with his Roman friend at the house of Berenike's
+brother, the philosopher Arius. Like himself, the latter was suffering
+from an injury inflicted by a reckless trick of Antyllus. Barine's
+mother was there also, so Anukis could inform them of the fate of
+Didymus and his brother, and tell them that he, Dion, intended to leave
+her house and the city an hour after sunset.
+
+"But," interrupted Gorgias, "no one, not even your hostess Berenike and
+her brother, must know your destination.--You look as if you could keep
+a secret, woman."
+
+"Though she owes her nickname Aisopion to her nimble tongue," replied
+Dion.
+
+"But this tongue is like the little silver fish with scarlet spots in
+the palace garden," said Anukis. "They dart to and fro nimbly enough;
+but as soon as danger threatens they keep as quiet in the water as
+though they were nailed fast. And--by mighty Isis!--we have no lack of
+peril in these trying times. Would you like to see the lady Berenike and
+the others before your departure?"
+
+"Berenike, yes; but the sons of Arius--they are fine fellows--would be
+wise to keep aloof from this house to-day."
+
+"Yes indeed!" the architect chimed in. "It will be prudent for their
+father, too, to seek some hiding-place. He is too closely connected with
+Octavianus. It may indeed happen that the Queen will desire to make use
+of him. In that case he may be able to aid Barine, who is his sister's
+child. Timagenes, too, who comes from Rome as a mediator, may have some
+influence."
+
+"The same thoughts entered my poor brain also," said Anukis. "I am now
+going to show the gentlemen the danger which threatens her, and if I
+succeed---- Yet what could a serving-woman of my appearance accomplish?
+Still--my house is nearer to the brink of the stream than the dwelling
+of most others, and if I fling in a loaf, perhaps the current will bear
+it to the majestic sea."
+
+"Wise Aisopion!" cried Dion; but the worthy maid-servant shrugged her
+crooked shoulders, saying: "We needn't be free-born to find pleasure in
+what is right; and if being wise means using one's brains to think, with
+the intention of promoting right and justice, you can always call me so.
+Then you will start after sundown?"
+
+With these words she was about to leave the room, but the architect, who
+had watched her every movement, had formed a plan and begged her to
+follow him.
+
+When they reached the next room he asked for a faithful account of
+Barine and the dangers threatening her. After consulting her as if she
+were an equal, he held out his hand in farewell, saying: "If it is
+possible to bring her to the Temple of Isis unseen, these clouds may
+scatter. I shall be in the sanctuary of the goddess from the first hour
+after sunset. I have some measurements to take there. When you say you
+know that the immortals will have pity on the innocent woman whom they
+have led to the verge of the abyss, perhaps you may be right. It seems
+as if matters here were combining in a way which would be apt to rob the
+story-teller of his listener's faith."
+
+After Aisopion had gone, Gorgias returned to Dion's room and asked the
+freedman to be ready with his boat at a place on the shore which he
+carefully described.
+
+The friends were again alone. Gorgias had his hands full of work, but he
+could not help expressing his surprise at the calm bearing which Dion
+maintained. "You behave as if you were going to an oyster supper at
+Kanopus," he said, shaking his head as though perplexed by some
+incomprehensible problem.
+
+"What else would you have me do?" asked the Macedonian. "The vivid
+imagination of you artists shows you the future according to your own
+varying moods. If you hope, you transform a pleasant garden into the
+Elysian fields; if you fear anything you behold in a burning roof the
+conflagration of a world. We, from whose cradle the Muse was absent, who
+use only sober reason to provide for the welfare of the household and
+the state, as well as for our own, see facts as they are and treat them
+like figures in a sum. I know that Barine is in danger. That might drive
+me frantic; but beyond her I see Archibius and Charmian spreading their
+protecting wings over her head; I perceive the fear of my faction,
+including the museum, of the council of which I am a member, of my
+clients and the conditions of the times, which precludes arousing the
+wrath of the citizens. The product which results from the correct
+addition of all these known quantities----"
+
+"Will be correct," interrupted his friend, "so long as the most
+incalculable of all factors, passion, does not blend with them--the
+passion of a woman--and the Queen belongs to the sex which is certainly
+more powerful in that domain."
+
+"Granted! But as soon as Mark Antony returns it will be proved that her
+jealousy was needless."
+
+"We will hope so. It is only the misled, deceived, abused Cleopatra whom
+I fear; for she herself is matchless in divine goodness. The charm by
+which she ensnares hearts is indescribable, and the iron power of her
+intellect! I tell you, Dion----"
+
+"Friend, friend," was the laughing interruption. "How high your wishes
+soar! For three years I have kept an account of the conflagrations in
+your heart. I believe we had reached seventeen; but this last one is
+equal to two."
+
+"Folly!" cried Gorgias in an irritated tone: "May not a man admire what
+is magnificent, wonderful, unique? She is all these things! Just
+now--how long ago is it?--she appeared before me in a radiance of
+beauty----"
+
+"Which should have made you shade both eyes. Yet you have been speaking
+so warmly of your young guest, her loving caution, her gentle calmness
+in the midst of peril----"
+
+"Do you suppose I wish to recall a single syllable?" the architect
+indignantly broke in. "Helena has no peer among the maidens of
+Alexandria--but the other--Cleopatra--is elevated in her divine majesty
+above all ordinary mortals. You might spare me and yourself that
+scornful curl of the lip. Had she gazed into your face with those
+tearful, sorrowful eyes, as she did into mine, and spoken of her misery,
+you would have gone through fire and water, hand in hand with me, for
+her sake. I am not a man who is easily moved, and since my father's
+death the only tears I have seen have been shed by others; but when she
+talked of the mausoleum I was to build for her because Fate, she knew
+not how soon, might force her to seek refuge in the arms of death, my
+calmness vanished. Then, when she cumbered me among the friends on whom
+she could rely and held out her hand--a matchless hand--oh! laugh if you
+choose--I felt I know not how, and kneeling at her feet I kissed it; it
+was wet with my tears. I am not ashamed of this emotion, and my lips
+seem consecrated since they touched the little white hand which spoke a
+language of its own and stands before my eyes wherever I gaze."
+
+Pushing back his thick locks from his brow as he spoke, he shook his
+head as though dissatisfied with himself and, in an altered tone,
+hurriedly continued: "But this is a time ill-suited for such ebullitions
+of feeling. I mentioned the mausoleum, whose erection the Queen desires.
+She will see the first hasty sketch to-morrow. It is already before my
+mind's eye. She wished to have it adjoin the Temple of Isis, her
+goddess---- I proposed the great sanctuary in the Rhakotis quarter, but
+she objected--she wished to have it close to the palace at Lochias. She
+had thought of the temple at the Corner of the Muses, but the house
+occupied by Didymus stood in the way of a larger structure. If this were
+removed it would be possible to carry the street through the old man's
+garden, perhaps even to the sea-shore, and we should have had space for
+a gigantic edifice and still left room for a fine garden. But we had
+learned how the philosopher loved his family estate. The Queen is
+unwilling to use violence towards the old man---- She is just, and
+perhaps other reasons, of which I am ignorant, influence her. So I
+promised to look for another site, though I saw how much she desired to
+have her tomb connected with the sanctuary of her favourite goddess----
+Then--I have already told the clever brown witch--then the immortals,
+Divinity, Fate, or whatever we call the power which guides the world and
+our lives according to eternal laws and its own mysterious, omnipotent
+will, permitted a rascally deed, from which I think may come deliverance
+for you and a source of pleasure to the Queen in these days of trial."
+
+"Man, man! Where will this new passion lead you? The horses are stamping
+impatiently outside; duty summons the most faithful of men, and he
+stands like a prophet, indulging in mysterious sayings!"
+
+"Whose meaning and purport, spite of your calm calculations of existing
+circumstances, will soon seem no less wonderful to you than to me, whose
+unruly artist nature, according to your opinion, is playing me a trick,"
+retorted the architect. "Now listen to this explanation: Didymus's house
+will be occupied at once by my workmen, but I shall examine the lower
+rooms of the Temple of Isis. I have with me a document requiring
+obedience to my orders. Cleopatra herself laid the plans before me, even
+the secret portion showing the course of the subterranean chambers. It
+will cast some light upon my mysterious sayings if I bear you away from
+the enemy through one of the secret corridors. They were right in
+concealing from you by how slender a thread, spite of the power of your
+example in mathematics, the sword hangs above your head. Now that I see
+a possibility of removing it, I can show it to you. Tomorrow you would
+have fallen, without hope of rescue, into the hands of cruel foes and
+been shamefully abandoned by your own weak uncle, had not the most
+implacable of all your enemies permitted himself the infamous pleasure
+of laying hands on an old man's house, and the Queen, in consequence of
+an agitating message, had the idea suggested of building her own
+mausoleum. The corridor"--here he lowered his voice--"of which I spoke
+leads to the sea at a spot close beside Didymus's garden, and through it
+I will guide you, and, if possible, Barine also, to the shore. This
+could be accomplished in the usual way only by the greatest risk. If we
+use the passage we can reach a dark place on the strand unseen, and
+unless some special misfortune pursues us our flight will be unnoticed.
+The litters and your tottering gait would betray everything if we were
+to enter the boat anywhere else in the great harbour."
+
+"And we, sensible folk, refuse to believe in miracles!" cried Dion,
+holding out his wan hand to the architect. "How shall I thank you, you
+dear, clever, most loyal of friends to your male friends, though your
+heart is so faithless to fair ones? Add that malicious speech to the
+former ones, for which I now crave your pardon. What you intend to
+accomplish for Barine and me gives you a right to do and say to me
+whatever ill you choose all the rest of my life. Anxiety for her would
+surely have bound me to this house and the city when the time came to
+make the escape, for without her my life would now be valueless. But
+when I think that she might follow me to Pyrrhus's cliff----"
+
+"Don't flatter yourself with this hope," pleaded Gorgias. "Serious
+obstacles may interpose. I am to have another talk with the Nubian
+later. With no offence to others, I believe her advice will be the best.
+She knows how matters stand with the lofty, and yet herself belongs to
+the lowly. Besides, through Charmian the way to the Queen lies open, and
+nothing which happens at court escapes her notice. She showed me that we
+must consider Barine's delivery to Alexas a piece of good fortune. How
+easily jealousy might have led to a fatal crime one whose wish promptly
+becomes action, unless she curbs the undue zeal of her living tools!
+Those on whom Fate inflicts so many blows rarely are in haste to spare
+others. Would the anxieties which weigh upon her like mountains
+interpose between the Queen and the jealous rancour which is too petty
+for her great soul?"
+
+"What is great or petty to the heart of a loving woman?" asked Dion. "In
+any case you will do what you can to remove Barine from the power of the
+enraged princess--I know."
+
+Gorgias pressed his friend's hand closely, then, yielding to a sudden
+impulse, kissed him on the forehead and hurried to the door.
+
+On the threshold a faint moan from the wounded man stopped him. Would he
+be strong enough to follow the long passage leading to the sea?
+
+Dion protested that he confidently expected to do so, but his deeply
+flushed face betrayed that the fever which had once been conquered had
+returned.
+
+Gorgias's eyes sought the floor in deep thought. Many sick persons were
+borne to the temple in the hope of cure; so Dion's appearance would
+cause no special surprise. On the other hand, to have strangers carry
+him through the passage seemed perilous. He himself was strong, but even
+the strongest person would have found it impossible to support the heavy
+burden of a grown man to the sea, for the gallery was low and of
+considerable length. Still, if necessary, he would try. With the
+comforting exclamation, "If your strength does not suffice, another way
+will be found," he took his leave, gave Barine's maid and the wounded
+man's body-slave the necessary directions, commanded the door-keeper to
+admit no one save the physician, and stepped into the open air.
+
+A little band of Ephebi were pacing to and fro before the house. Others
+had flung themselves down in an open space surrounded by shrubbery in
+the Paneum garden, and were drinking the choice wine which Dion's
+cellarer, by his orders, had brought and was pouring out for the crowd.
+
+It was an animated scene, for the clients of the sufferer, who, after
+expressing their sympathy, had been dismissed by the porter, and
+bedizened girls had joined the youths. There was no lack of jests and
+laughter, and when some pretty young mother or female slave passed by
+leading children, with whom the garden was a favourite playground, many
+a merry word was exchanged.
+
+Gorgias waved his hands gaily to the youths, pleased with the
+cheerfulness with which the brave fellows transformed duty into a
+festival, and many raised their wine-cups, shouting a joyous "Io" and
+"Evoe," to drink the health of the famous artist who not long ago had
+been one of themselves.
+
+The others were led by a slender youth, the student Philotas, from
+Amphissa, Didymus's assistant, whom the architect, a few days before,
+had helped to liberate from the demons of wine. Even while Gorgias was
+beckoning to him from the two-wheeled chariot, the thought entered his
+mind that yonder handsome youth, who had so deeply wronged Barine and
+Dion, would be the very person to help carry his friend through the
+low-roofed passage to the sea. If Philotas was the person Gorgias
+believed him to be, he would deem it a special favour to make amends for
+his crime to those whom he had injured, and he was not mistaken; for,
+after the youth had taken a solemn oath not to betray the secret to any
+one, the architect asked him to aid in Dion's rescue. Philotas,
+overflowing with joyful gratitude, protested his willingness to do so,
+and promised to wait at the appointed spot in the Temple of Isis at the
+time mentioned.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+While Gorgias was examining the subterranean chambers in the Temple of
+Isis, Charmian returned to Lochias earlier than she herself had
+expected. She had met her brother, whom she did not find at Kanopus, at
+Berenike's, and after greeting Dion on his couch of pain, she told
+Archibius of her anxiety. She confided to him alone that the Queen had
+committed Barine's fate to Alexas, for the news might easily have led
+the mother of the endangered woman to some desperate venture; but even
+Archibius's composure, so difficult to disturb, was not proof against
+it. He would have sought the Queen's presence at once--if necessary,
+forced his way to it; but the historian Timagenes, who had just come
+from Rome, was expecting him, and he had not returned to his birthplace
+as a private citizen, but commissioned by Octavianus to act as mediator
+in putting an end to the struggle which had really been decided in his
+favour at the battle of Actium. The choice of this mediator was a happy
+one; for he had taught Cleopatra in her childhood, and was the self-same
+quick-witted man who had so often roused her to argument. His share in a
+popular insurrection against the Roman rule had led to his being carried
+as a slave to the Tiber. There he soon purchased his freedom, and
+attained such distinction that Octavianus entrusted this important
+mission to the man who was so well known in Alexandria. Archibius was to
+meet him at the house of Arius, who was still suffering from the wounds
+inflicted by the chariot-wheels of Antyllus, and Berenike had
+accompanied Timagenes to her brother.
+
+Charmian did not venture to go there; a visit to Octavianus's former
+teacher would have been misinterpreted, and it was repugnant to her own
+delicacy of feeling to hold intercourse at this time with the foe and
+conqueror of her royal mistress.
+
+She therefore let her brother drive with Berenike to the injured man's;
+but before his departure Archibius had promised, if the worst came, to
+dare everything to open the eyes of the Queen, who had forbidden her,
+Charmian, to speak in behalf of Barine and thwart the plans of Alexas.
+
+From the Paneum garden she was carried to the Kanopic Way and the Jewish
+quarter, where she had many important purchases to make for Cleopatra.
+It was long after noon when the litter was again borne to Lochias.
+
+On the way she had severely felt her own powerlessness. Without having
+accomplished anything herself, she was forced to wait for the success of
+others; and she had scarcely crossed the threshold of the palace ere
+fresh cares were added to those which already burdened her soul.
+
+She understood how to read the faces of courtiers, and the door-keeper's
+had taught her that since her departure something momentous had
+occurred. She disliked to question the slaves and lower officials, so
+she refrained, though the interior of the palace was crowded with
+guards, officials of every grade, attendants, and slaves. Many who saw
+her gazed at her with the timidity inspired by those over whom some
+disaster is impending. Others, whose relations were more intimate,
+pressed forward to enjoy the mournful satisfaction of being the first
+messengers of evil tidings. But she passed swiftly on, keeping them back
+with grave words and gestures, until, before the door of the great
+anteroom thronged with Greek and Egyptian petitioners, she met Zeno, the
+Keeper of the Seal. Charmian stopped him and inquired what had happened.
+
+"Since when?" asked the old courtier. "Every moment has brought some
+fresh tidings and all are mournful. What terrible times, Charmian, what
+disasters!"
+
+"No messenger had arrived when I left the Lochias," replied Charmian.
+"Now it seems as though the old monster of a palace, accustomed to so
+many horrors, is holding its breath in dread. Tell me the main thing, at
+least, before I meet the Queen."
+
+"The main thing? Pestilence or famine--which shall we call the worse?"
+
+"Quick, Zeno! I am expected."
+
+"I, too, am in haste, and really there is nothing to relate over which
+the tongue would care to dwell. Candidus arrived first. Came himself
+straight from Actium. The fellow is bold enough."
+
+"Is the army defeated also?"
+
+"Defeated, dispersed, deserted to the foe--King Herod with his legions
+in the van."
+
+Charmian covered her face with her hands and groaned aloud, but Zeno
+continued:
+
+"You were with her in the flight. When Mark Antony left you, he sailed
+with the ships which joined him for Parætonium. A large body of troops
+on which the Queen and Mardion had fixed their hopes was encamped there.
+Reinforcements could easily be gained and we should once more have a
+fine army at our disposal."
+
+"Pinarius Scarpus, a cautious soldier, was in command; and I, too,
+believed----"
+
+"The more you trusted him, the greater would be your error. The
+shameless rascal--he owes everything to Antony--had received tidings of
+Actium ere the ships arrived, and had already made overtures to
+Octavianus when the Imperator came. The veterans who opposed the
+treachery were hewn down by the wretch's orders, but the brave garrison
+of the city could not be won over to the monstrous crime. It is due to
+these men that Mark Antony still lives and did not come to a miserable
+end at the hands of his own troops. The twice-defeated general--a
+courier brought the news--will arrive to-night. Strangely enough, he
+will not come to Lochias, but to the little palace on the Choma."
+
+"Poor, poor Queen!" cried Charmian; "how did she bear all this?"
+
+"In the presence of the defeated Candidus and Antony's messenger like a
+heroine. But afterwards---- Her raving did not last long; but the mute,
+despairing silence!---- Ere she had fully recovered her self-command she
+sent us all away, and I have not seen her since. But all the thoughts
+and feelings which dwell here"--he pointed to his brow and breast--"have
+left their abode and linger with her. I totter from place to place like
+a soulless body. O Charmian! what has befallen us? Where are the days
+when care and trouble lay buried with the other dead--the days and
+nights when my brain united with that of the Queen to transform this
+desolate earth into the beautiful Elysian Fields, every-day life to a
+festival, festivals to the very air of Olympus? What unprecedented
+scenes of splendour had I not devised for the celebration of the
+victory, the triumph--nay, even the entry into Rome! Whole chests are
+filled with the sketches, programmes, drawings, and verses. All who
+handle brush and chisel, compose and execute music, would have lent
+their aid, and--you may believe me--the result would have been something
+which future generations would have discussed, lauded, and extolled in
+song. And now--now?"
+
+"Now we will double our efforts to save what is yet to be rescued!"
+
+"Rescued?" repeated the courtier in a hollow tone. "The Queen, too,
+still clings to this fine word. When I saw her at work yesterday, it
+seemed as if I beheld her drawing water with the bottomless vessel of
+the Danaides. True, today, when I left her, her arms had fallen--and in
+this attitude she now stands before me with her tearful eyes. And
+besides, I can't get my nephew Dion out of my mind. Cares--nothing but
+cares concerning him! And my intentions towards him were so kind! My
+will gives him my entire fortune; but now he actually wants to marry the
+singer, the daughter of the artist Leonax. You have taken her under your
+protection, but surely your own niece, Iras, is dearer to you, so you
+will approve of my destroying the will if Dion insists upon his own way.
+He shall not have a solidus of my property if he does not give up the
+woman who is a thorn in the Queen's flesh. And his choice does not suit
+our ancient race. Iras, on the contrary, was Dion's playfellow, and I
+have long destined her for his wife. No better match, nor one more
+acceptable to the Queen, could be found for him. He cared for her until
+the singer bewitched him. Bring them together, and they shall be like my
+own children. If the fool resists his uncle, whose sole desire is to
+benefit him, I will withdraw my aid. Whatever intrigues his foes may
+weave, I shall fold my arms and not interfere. I stand in the place of
+his father, my dead brother, and demand obedience. The Queen is my
+universe, and her favour is of more value than twenty refractory
+nephews."
+
+"You will retain her Majesty's favour, even if you intercede for your
+brother's son."
+
+"And Iras? When she finds herself deceived--and she will soon discover
+it--she will not rest----"
+
+"Until she has brought ruin upon him," interrupted Charmian, in a tone
+of sorrow rather than reproach as though she already beheld the
+impending disaster. "But Iras has no greater influence with the Queen
+than I, and if you and I unite to protect the brave young fellow, who is
+of your own blood----"
+
+"Then, of course--no doubt, on account of your longer period of service,
+you have more influence with her Majesty than Iras--however--such
+matters must be considered--and I have already said--my mind leaves its
+abode to follow the Queen like her shadow. It heeds only what concerns
+her. Let everything else go as it will. The fleet the same as destroyed,
+Candidus defeated, Herod a deserter, treason on treason--the African
+legions lost! What in the name of the god who tried to roll back the
+wheel dashing down the mountain-side!---- And yet! Let us offer
+sacrifices, my friend, and hope for better days!"
+
+Zeno retired as he spoke, but Charmian moved forward with a drooping
+head to find Barine and her faithful Anukis, and weep her fill ere she
+went to perform the duty of consoling and sustaining her beloved
+mistress. Yet she herself so sorely needed comfort. Wherever she turned
+her eyes she beheld disaster, peril, treachery, and base intrigues. She
+felt as if she had lived long enough, and that her day was over.
+Hitherto her gentle nature, her intellect, which yearned to expand,
+gather new riches, and exchange what it had gained with others, had
+possessed much to offer to the Queen. She had not only been Cleopatra's
+confidante, but necessary to her to discuss questions far in advance of
+the demands of the times, which occupied her restless mind. Now the
+Queen's attention was wholly absorbed by events--hard, cruel
+facts--which she must resist or turn to her own advantage. Her life had
+become a conflict, and Charmian felt that she was by no means combative.
+The hard, supple, keenly polished intellect of Iras now asserted its
+value, and the elderly woman told herself that she was in danger of
+being held in less regard than her younger companion. To resign her
+office would have given her peace of mind, but she repelled the thought.
+For the very reason that these days were so full of misery and perhaps
+drawing nearer to the end, she must remain, first for the sake of the
+Queen, but also to watch over Barine.
+
+Now she longed to go to Cleopatra. Her mere presence, she knew, would do
+her sore heart good.
+
+The silvery laugh of a child reached her ears through the open gate of
+the garden which she was rapidly approaching. Little six-year-old
+Alexander ran towards her with open arms, hugged her closely, pressed
+his curly head against her, and gazed into her face with his large clear
+eyes.
+
+Charmian's heart swelled; and as she raised the child in her arms and
+kissed him, she thought of the sad fate impending, and the composure
+maintained with so much difficulty gave way; tears streamed from her
+eyes and, sobbing violently, she pressed the boy closer to her breast.
+
+The prince, accustomed to bright faces and tender caresses, broke away
+from her in terror to run back to his brother and sisters. But he had a
+kind little heart, and, knowing that no one weeps and sobs unless in
+pain, Alexander pitied Charmian, whom he loved, and hurried to her
+again.
+
+What he meant to show her had pleased his mother, too, and dried the
+tears in her eyes. So he took Charmian by the hand and drew her along,
+saying that he wanted her to see the prettiest thing. She willingly
+allowed herself to be led over the paths, strewn with red sand, of the
+little garden which Antony had had laid out for his children in the
+magnificent style which pleased his love of splendour, and filled with
+rare and beautiful things.
+
+There was a pond with tiny gold and silver fish, where the rare lotus
+flowers with pink blossoms arose from amid their smooth green leaves,
+and another where dwarf ducks of every colour, which seemed as if they
+had been created for children, swam to and fro. A bit of the sea which
+washed its shore had been enclosed by a gilded latticework, and on its
+surface floated a number of snow-white swans and black ones with scarlet
+bills. Native and Indian flowers of every hue adorned the beds, and the
+narrow paths were shaded by arbours made of gold wire, over which ran
+climbing vines filled with bright blossoms.
+
+A grotto of stalactites behind the dense foliage of an Indian tree
+offered a resting-place, and beside it was a little house where the
+children could stay. The interior lacked none of the requisites of
+living, not even the cooking utensils in the kitchen, and the family
+portraits in the tablinum, delicately painted by an artist on small
+ivory slabs. Everything was made to suit the size of children, but of
+the most costly material and careful workmanship.
+
+Behind the house was a little stable where four tiny horses with spotted
+skins, the rarest and prettiest creatures imaginable--a gift from the
+King of Media--were stamping the ground.
+
+In another place was an enclosure containing gazelles, ostriches, young
+giraffes, and other grass-eating animals. Bright-plumaged birds and
+monkeys filled the tops of the trees, gay balls rose and fell on the
+jets of the fountains, and child genii and images of the gods in bronze
+and marble peered from the foliage. This whole enchanted world was
+comprised within a narrow space, and, with its radiance of colour and
+wealth of form, its perfume, songs, and warbling, exerted a bewildering
+influence upon the excited imaginations of grown people as well as
+children.
+
+Little Alexander, without even casting a glance at all this, drew
+Charmian forward. He did not pause until he reached the shore of the
+lotus pond; then, putting his fingers on his lips, he said: "There, now,
+I'll show you. Look here!"
+
+Rising cautiously upon tip-toe as he spoke, he pointed to the hollow in
+the trunk of a tree. A pair of finches had built their nest in it, and
+five young ones with big yellow beaks stretched their ugly little heads
+hungrily upward.
+
+"That's so pretty!" cried the prince. "And you must see the old ones
+come to feed them."
+
+The beautiful boy's sweet face fairly beamed with delight, and Charmian
+kissed him tenderly. Yet, even as she did so, she thought of the young
+swallows hacked to death in his mother's galley, and a chill ran through
+her veins.
+
+Just at that moment voices were heard calling Alexander from a neglected
+spot behind the dainty little house built for the children, and the boy
+exclaimed peevishly:
+
+"There, now, I showed you the little nest, so I forgot. Agatha fell
+asleep and Smerdis went away, so we were alone. Then they sent me to
+Horus, the gate-keeper, to get some of his spelt bread. He never says no
+to anything, and it does taste so good. We're peasants, and have been
+using the axe and the hoe, so we want something to eat. Have you seen
+our house? We built it ourselves. Selene, Helios, Jotape, my future
+wife, and I--yes, I! They let me help, and we finished it alone, all
+alone! Everything is here. We shall build the shed for the cow
+to-morrow. The others mustn't see it, but I may show it to you."
+
+While speaking, he drew her forward again, and Charmian obediently
+followed. The twins and little Jotape, who had been chosen for the
+future bride of the six-year-old Prince Alexander--a pretty, delicate,
+fair-haired child of his own age, the daughter of the Median king, who
+had been betrothed to the boy after the Parthian war, and now remained
+as a hostage at Cleopatra's court--welcomed her with joyous shouts. With
+the exception of the little Median princess, Charmian had witnessed
+their birth, and they all loved her dearly.
+
+The little royal labourers showed their work with proud delight, and it
+really was well done. They had toiled at it for weeks, paying no heed to
+the garden and all its costly rarities. They pointed with special pride
+to the two planks which Helios, aided by Alexander, had fished out of
+the sea after the last storm, when they were left alone, and to the lock
+on the door which they had secretly managed to wrench from an old gate.
+Selene herself had woven the curtain in front of the door. Now they were
+going to build a hearth too.
+
+Charmian praised their skill, while they--all talking merrily
+together--told her how they had conquered the greatest difficulties.
+Their bright eyes sparkled with pleasure while describing the work of
+their own hands, and they were so absorbed in eager delight that they
+did not notice the approach of a man until startled by his words:
+"Enough of this idle sport now, your Highnesses. Too much time has
+already been wasted on it."
+
+Then, turning to the Queen, who had accompanied him, he continued in a
+tone of apology: "This amusement might seem somewhat hazardous, yet
+there is much to be said in its favour. Besides, it appeared to afford
+the royal children so much pleasure that I permitted it for a short
+time. But if your Majesty commands----"
+
+"Let them have their pleasure," the Queen interrupted kindly; and as
+soon as the children saw their mother they rushed forward, crowded
+around her with fearless love, thanked her, and eagerly assured her that
+nothing in the whole garden was half so dear to them as their little
+house. They meant to build a stable too.
+
+"That might be too much," said the tutor Euphronion, a grey-haired man
+with a shrewd, kindly face. "We must remember how many things are yet to
+be learned, that we may reach the goal fixed for your Majesty's birthday
+and pass the examination."
+
+But all the children now joined in the entreaty to be allowed to build
+the stable too, and it was granted.
+
+When the tutor at last began to lead them away, the royal mother stopped
+them, asking:
+
+"Suppose, instead of this garden, I should give you a bit of bare land,
+such as the peasants till, where, after your lessons, you might dig and
+build as much as you please?"
+
+Loud shouts of joy from the children answered the question; but the
+little Median girl, Jotape, said hesitatingly:
+
+"Could I take my doll too--only the oldest, Atossa? She has lost one
+arm, yet I love her the best."
+
+"Deprive us of anything you choose!" cried Helios, drawing little
+Alexander towards him, to show that they, the men, were of the same
+mind, "only give us some ground and let us build."
+
+"We will consider whether it can be done," replied Cleopatra. "Perhaps,
+Euphronion, you would be the right person---- But we will discuss the
+matter at a more quiet hour."
+
+The tutor withdrew and the children, who followed, looked back, waving
+their hands and calling to their mother for a long time.
+
+When they had disappeared behind the shrubbery in the garden Charmian
+exclaimed, "However dark the sky may be, so long as you possess these
+little ones you can never lack sunshine."
+
+"If," replied Cleopatra, gazing pensively at the ground, "with a thought
+of them another did not blend which makes the gloom become deeper still.
+You know the tidings this terrible day has brought?"
+
+"All," replied Charmian, sighing heavily.
+
+"Then you know the abyss on whose verge we are walking; and to see
+them--them also dragged into the yawning gulf by their unhappy
+mother--O, Charmian, Charmian!"
+
+She sobbed aloud, threw her arms around the neck of her friend and
+playfellow, and laid her head upon her bosom like a child seeking
+consolation. Cleopatra wept for several minutes, and when she again
+raised her tear-stained face she said softly:
+
+"That did me good! O, Charmian! no one needs love as I do. On your warm
+heart my own has already grown calmer."
+
+"Use it, nestle there whenever you need it, to the end," cried Charmian,
+deeply moved.
+
+"To the end," repeated Cleopatra, wiping her eyes. "It began to-day, I
+think. I have just spent an hour alone. I meant to commit a crime, and
+you know how impatiently passion sweeps me along. But what misfortunes
+have assailed me! The army destroyed; the desertion of Herod and
+Pinarius; Antony's generous, trusting heart torn by base treachery, his
+soul darkened; the reconstruction of the canal, the last hope--Gorgias
+brought the news--the same as destroyed. Just then little Alexander came
+to show me his bird's nest. Everything else in the garden seemed to him
+worthless by comparison. This awakened new thoughts, and now here is the
+little house which the children have built with their own hands. All
+these things forced me by some mysterious power to look back along the
+course of my life to the distant days in your father's house--I----
+These children! Upon what different foundations our lives have been
+built! I made them begin at the point I had gained when youth lay behind
+me. _My_ childhood commenced among the disorders of the government,
+clouded by my father's exile and my mother's death, on the brink of
+ruin. That of the twins--they are ten years old--will soon be over--and
+now, after enjoying pleasures not one of which was bestowed on me, they
+must endure the same sorrow. But did not we have better ones? What they
+daily possessed we only dreamed of in our simple garden. How often I let
+you share the radiant visions which my soul revealed to me! You
+willingly accompanied me into the splendid fairy world of my dreams. All
+that my imagination conjured up during the years of quiet and repose
+accompanied me into my after-life. Again and again I have beheld them,
+rich and powerful, upon the throne. The means of rendering the vision a
+verity were at hand; and when I met the man whose own life resembled the
+realization of a dream, I recalled those childish fancies and made them
+facts. The marvels with which I adorned my lover's existence were
+childish dreams to which I gave tangible form. This garden is an image
+of the life to which I intended to rise; in reality, fell. We collected
+within the limits of this bit of earth everything which can delight the
+senses; not a single one is omitted in this narrow space, whose crowded
+maze of pleasures fairly impede freedom of movement. Yet in your home,
+and guided by your wise father, I had learned to be content with so
+little, and commenced the struggle to attain peace. That painless
+peace--our chief good--whence came it? Through me it was lost to you
+both---- But the children--I made them begin their lives in an arena of
+every disturbing influence; and now I see how their own healthy natures
+yearn to escape from the dazzling wealth of colour, the stupefying
+fragrance, the bewildering songs and twittering. They long to return to
+the untilled earth, where the life of struggling mortals began. The boy
+casts away the baubles, to test his own creative powers. The girl
+follows his example, and clings fast only to the doll in which she sees
+the living child, in order to do justice to the maternal instinct, the
+token of her sex. But what they so eagerly desire is right, and shall be
+granted. When I was ten years old, like the twins, my life and efforts
+were already directed towards one fixed goal. They are still blindly
+following the objects set before them. Let them return to the place
+whence their mother started, where she received everything good which is
+still hers. They shall go to the garden of Epicurus, no matter whether
+it is the old one in Kanopus or elsewhere. All that their mother beheld
+in vivid dreams, which she often strove with wanton extravagance to
+realize, has surrounded them from their birth and early satiated them.
+When they enter life, they will scorn what merely stirs and dazzles the
+senses, and cling to the aspiration for painless peace of mind, if a
+wise guide directs them and protects them from the dangers which the
+teachings of Epicurus contain for youth. I have found this guide, and
+you, too, will trust him--I mean your brother Archibius."
+
+"Archibius?" asked Charmian in surprise.
+
+"Yes, he who grew up in the garden of Epicurus, and in life and
+philosophy found the support which has preserved his peace of mind
+during all the conflicts of existence--he who loves the mother, and to
+whom the children are also dear--he to whom the boys and girls cling
+with affectionate confidence. I wish to place the children under his
+protection and, if he will consent to grant this desire of the most
+hapless of women, I shall look forward calmly to the end. It is
+approaching! I feel, I know it! Gorgias is already at work upon the plan
+for my tomb."
+
+"O my Queen!" cried Charmian sorrowfully. "Whatever may happen, your
+illustrious life cannot be in danger! The generous heart of Mark Antony
+does not throb in Octavianus's breast, but he is not cruel, and for the
+very reason that cool calculation curbs ambition he will spare you. He
+knows that you are the idol of the city, the whole country; and if he
+really succeeds in adding fresh victories to this first conquest, if the
+immortals permit your throne and--may they avert it!--your sacred
+person, too, to fall into his power----"
+
+"Then," cried Cleopatra, her clear eyes flashing, "then he shall learn
+which of us two is the greater--then I shall know how to maintain the
+right to despise him, though blind Fate should make the whole power of
+the world subject to him who robbed my son and Cæsar's of his
+heritage!"
+
+Her eyes had blazed with anger as she uttered the words; then, letting
+her little clenched hand fall, she went on in an altered tone:
+
+"Months may pass before he is strong enough to risk the attack, and the
+immortals themselves approved the erection of the monument. The only
+obstacle in the way, the house of the old philosopher Didymus, was
+destroyed. A messenger from Gorgias brought the news. It is to be the
+second monument in Alexandria worthy of notice. The other contains the
+body of the great Alexander, to whom the city owes its origin and name.
+He who subjected half the world to his power and the genius of the
+Greeks, was younger than I when he died. Whence do I, by whose miserable
+weakness the battle of Actium was lost, derive the right to walk longer
+beneath the sun? Perhaps Mark Antony will arrive in a few hours."
+
+"And will you meet the disheartened hero in this mood?" interrupted
+Charmian.
+
+"He does not wish to be received," answered Cleopatra bitterly. "He even
+refused to let me greet him, and I understand the denial. But what must
+have overwhelmed this joyous nature, so friendly to all mankind, that he
+longs for solitude and avoids meeting those who are nearest and dearest?
+Iras is now at the Choma--whither he wishes to retire--to see that
+everything is in order. She will also provide a supply of the flowers he
+loves. It is hard, cruelly hard, not to welcome him as usual. O,
+Charmian, what joy it was when, with open arms and overflowing heart, he
+swung his mighty figure ashore like a youth, while his handsome, heroic
+face beamed with ardent love for me! And then--you do not forget it
+either--when he raised his deep voice to shout the first greeting, why,
+it seemed as if the very fish in the water must join in, and the
+palm-trees on the shore wave their feathery tops in joyous sympathy. And
+here! The dreams of my childhood, which I made reality for him, received
+us, and our existence, wreathed with love and roses, became a fairy
+tale. Since the day he rode towards us at Kanopus and offered me the
+first bouquet, with his sunny glance wooing my love, his image has stood
+before my soul as the embodiment of the virile strength which conquers
+everything, and the bright, undimmed joy which renders the whole world
+happy. And now--now? Do you remember the dull dreamer whom we left ere
+he set forth for Parætonium? But no, no, a thousand times no, he must
+not remain so! Not with bowed head, but erect as in the days of
+happiness, must he cross the threshold of Hades, hand in hand with her
+whom he loved. And he does love me still. Else would he have followed me
+hither, though no magic goblet drew him after me? And I? The heart
+which, in the breast of the child, gave him its first young love, is
+still his, and will be forever. Might I not go to the harbour and await
+him there? Look me in the face, Charmian, and answer me as fearlessly as
+a mirror: did Olympus really succeed in effacing the wrinkles?"
+
+"They were scarcely visible before," was the reply, "and even the
+keenest eye could no longer discover them. I have brought the pomade,
+too, and the prescription Olympus gave me for----"
+
+"Hush, hush!" interrupted Cleopatra softly. "There are many living
+creatures in this garden, and they say that even the birds are good
+listeners."
+
+A roguish smile deepened the dimples in her cheeks as she spoke, and
+delight in her bewitching grace forced from Charmian's lips the
+exclamation:
+
+"If Mark Antony could only see you now!"
+
+"Flatterer!" replied the Queen with a grateful smile. But Charmian felt
+that the time had now come to plead once more for Barine, and she began
+eagerly:
+
+"No, I certainly do not flatter. No one in Alexandria, no matter what
+name she bears, could venture to vie even remotely with your charms. So
+cease the persecution of the unfortunate woman whom you confided to my
+care. It is an insult to Cleopatra----"
+
+But here an indignant "Again!" interrupted her.
+
+Cleopatra's face, which during the conversation had mirrored every
+emotion of a woman's soul, from the deepest sorrow to the most
+mischievous mirth, assumed an expression of repellent harshness, and,
+with the curt remark, "You are forgetting what I had good reason to
+forbid--I must go to my work," she turned her back upon the companion of
+her youth.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Charmain went towards her own apartments. How often she had had a
+similar experience! In the midst of the warmest admiration for this rare
+woman's depth of feeling, masculine strength of intellect, tireless
+industry, watchful care for her native land, steadfast loyalty, and
+maternal devotion, she had been sobered in the most pitiable way.
+
+She had been forced to see Cleopatra, for the sake of realizing a
+childish dream, and impressing her lover, squander vast sums, which
+diminished the prosperity of her subjects; place great and important
+matters below the vain, punctilious care of her own person; forget, in
+petty jealousy, the justice and kindness which were marked traits in her
+character; and, though the most kindly and womanly of sovereigns, suffer
+herself to be urged by angry excitement to inflict outrage on a subject
+whose acts had awakened her displeasure. The lofty ambition which had
+inspired her noblest and most praiseworthy deeds had more than once been
+the source of acts which she herself regretted. When a child, she could
+not endure to be surpassed in difficult tasks, and still deemed it a
+necessity to be first and peerless. Hence the unfortunate circumstance
+that Antony had given Barine the counterpart of an armlet which she
+herself wore as a gift from her lover, was perhaps the principal cause
+of her bitter resentment against the hapless woman.
+
+Charmian had seen Cleopatra forgive freely and generously many a wrong,
+nay, many an affront, inflicted upon her; but to see herself placed by
+her husband on the same plane as a Barine, even in the most trivial
+matter, might easily seem to her an unbearable insult; and the mishap
+which had befallen Cæsarion, in consequence of his foolish passion for
+the young beauty, gave her a right to punish her rival.
+
+Deeply anxious concerning the fate of the woman in her care--greatly
+agitated, moreover, and exhausted physically and mentally--Charmian
+sought her own apartments.
+
+Here she hoped to find solace in Barine's cheerful and equable nature;
+here the helpful hands of her dark-skinned maid and confidante awaited
+her.
+
+The sun was low in the western horizon when she entered the anteroom.
+The members of the body-guard who were on duty told her that nothing
+unusual had occurred, and with a sigh of relief she passed into the
+sitting-room.
+
+But the Ethiopian, who usually came to meet her with words of welcome,
+took her veil and wraps, and removed her shoes, was absent. Today no one
+greeted her. Not until she entered the second room, which she had
+assigned to her guest, did she find Barine, who was weeping bitterly.
+
+During Charmian's absence the latter had received a letter from Alexas,
+in which he informed her that he was ordered by the Queen to subject her
+to an examination the next morning. Her cause looked dark but, if she
+did not render his duty harder by the harshness which had formerly
+caused him much pain, he would do his utmost to protect her from
+imprisonment, forced labour in the mines, or even worse misfortunes. The
+imprudent game which she had played with King Cæsarion had
+unfortunately roused the people against her. The depth of their
+indignation was shown by the fury with which they had assailed the house
+of her grandfather, Didymus. Nothing could save Dion, who had
+audaciously attacked the illustrious son of their beloved Queen, from
+the rage of the populace. He, Alexas, knew that in this Dion she would
+lose a friend and protector, but he would be disposed to take his place
+if her conduct did not render it impossible for him to unite mercy with
+justice.
+
+This shameful letter, which promised Barine clemency in return for her
+favour without unmasking him in his character of judge, explained to
+Charmian the agitation in which she found her friend's daughter.
+
+It was doubtless a little relief to Barine to express her loathing and
+abhorrence of Alexas as eagerly as her gentle nature would permit, but
+fear, grief, and indignation continued to struggle for the mastery in
+her oppressed soul.
+
+It would have been expected that the keen-witted woman would have
+eagerly inquired what Charmian had accomplished with the Queen and
+Archibius, and what new events had happened to affect Cleopatra, the
+state, and the city; but she questioned her with far deeper interest
+concerning the welfare of her lover, desiring information in regard to
+many things of which her friend could give no tidings. In her brief
+visit to Dion's couch she had not learned how he bore his own
+misfortunes and Barine's, what view he took of the future, or what he
+expected from the woman he loved.
+
+Charmian's ignorance and silence in regard to these very matters
+increased the anxiety of the endangered woman, who saw not only her own
+life, but those dearest to her, seriously threatened. So she entreated
+her hostess to relieve her from the uncertainty which was harder to
+endure than the most terrible reality; but the latter either could not
+or would not give her any further details of Cleopatra's intentions, or
+the fate and present abode of her grandparents and Helena. This
+increased her anxiety, for if Alexas's information was correct, her
+family must be homeless. When Charmian at last admitted that she had
+seen Dion only a few minutes, the tortured Barine's power of quiet
+endurance gave way.
+
+She, whose nature was so hopeful that, when the glow of the sunset
+faded, she already anticipated with delight the rosy dawn of the next
+day, now beheld in Cleopatra's hand the reed which was to sign the
+death-sentence of Dion and herself. Her mental vision conjured up her
+relatives wounded by the falling house or bleeding under the stones
+hurled by the raging populace. She heard Alexas command the executioner
+to subject her to the rack, and fancied that Anukis had not returned
+because she had failed to find Dion. The Queen's soldiers had probably
+carried him to prison, loaded with chains, if Philostratus had not
+already instigated the mob to drag him through the streets.
+
+With feverish impetuosity, which alarmed Charmian the more because it
+was so unlike her old friend's daughter, Barine described all the
+spectres with which her imagination--agitated by terror, longing, love,
+and loathing--terrified her; but the former exerted all the power of
+eloquence she possessed, by turns reproving her and loading her with
+caresses, in order to soothe her and rouse her from her despair. But
+nothing availed. At last she succeeded in persuading the unhappy woman
+to go with her to the window, which afforded a most beautiful view.
+Westward, beyond the Heptastadium, the sun was sinking below the forests
+of masts in the harbour of the Eunostus; and Charmian, who had learned
+from her intercourse with the royal children how to soothe a troubled
+young heart, to divert Barine's thoughts, directed her attention to the
+crimson glow in the western sky, and told her how her father, the
+artist, had showed her the superb brilliancy which colours gained at
+this hour of the day, even when the west was less radiant than now. But
+Barine, who usually could never gaze her fill at such a spectacle, did
+not thank her, for this sunset reminded her of another which she had
+lately watched at Dion's side, and she again broke into convulsive sobs.
+
+Charmian, not knowing what to do, passed her arm around her. Just at
+that moment the door was hurriedly thrown open, and Anukis, the Nubian,
+entered.
+
+Her mistress knew that something unusual must have happened to detain
+her so long from her post at Barine's side, and her appearance showed
+that she had been attending to important matters which had severely
+taxed her strength. Her shining dark skin looked ashen grey, her high
+forehead, surrounded by tangled woolly locks, was dripping with
+perspiration, and her thick lips were pale. Although she must have
+undergone great fatigue, she did not seem in need of rest; for, after
+greeting the ladies, apologizing for her long absence, and telling
+Barine that this time Dion had seemed to her half on the way to
+recovery, a rapid side glance at her mistress conveyed an entreaty that
+she would follow her into the next room.
+
+But the language of the Nubian's eyes had not escaped the suspicious
+watchfulness of the anxious Barine and, overwhelmed with fresh terror,
+she begged that she might hear all.
+
+Charmian ordered her maid to speak openly; but Anukis, ere she began,
+assured them that she had received the news she brought from a most
+trustworthy source--only it would make a heavy demand upon the
+resolution and courage of Barine, whom she had hoped to find in a very
+different mood. There was no time to lose. She was expected at the
+appointed place an hour after sunset.
+
+Here Charmian interrupted the maid with the exclamation "Impossible!"
+and reminded her of the guards which Alexas, aided by Iras, who was
+thoroughly familiar with the palace, had stationed the day before in the
+anteroom, at all the doors--nay, even beneath the windows.
+
+The Nubian replied that everything had been considered; but, to gain
+time, she must beg Barine to let her colour her skin and curl her hair
+while she was talking.
+
+The surprise visible in the young beauty's face caused her to exclaim:
+"Only act with entire confidence. You shall learn everything directly.
+There is so much to tell! On the way here I had planned how to relate
+the whole story in regular order, but it can't be done now. No, no!
+Whoever wants to save a flock of sheep from a burning shed must lead out
+the bell-wether first--the main thing, I mean--so I will begin with
+that, though it really comes last. The explanation of how all this----"
+
+Here, like a cry of joy, Barine's exclamation interrupted her:
+
+"I am to fly, and Dion knows it and will follow me! I see it in your
+face."
+
+In fact, every feature of the dusky maid-servant's ugly face betrayed
+that pleasant thoughts were agitating her mind. Her black eyes flashed
+with fearless daring, and a smile beautified her big mouth and thick
+lips as she replied:
+
+"A loving heart like yours understands the art of prophecy better than
+the chief priest of the great Serapis. Yes, my young mistress, he of
+whom you speak must disappear from this wicked city where so much evil
+threatens you both. He will certainly escape and, if the immortals aid
+us and we are wise and brave, you also. Whence the help comes can be
+told later. Now, the first thing is to transform you--don't be
+reluctant--into the ugliest woman in the world--black Anukis. You must
+escape from the palace in this disguise.--Now you know the whole plan,
+and while I get what is necessary from my chest of clothes, I beg you,
+mistress, to consider how we are to obtain the black stains for that
+ivory skin and golden hair."
+
+With these words she left the room, but Barine flung herself into her
+friend's arms, exclaiming, amid tears and laughter: "Though I should be
+forced to remain forever as black and crooked as faithful Aisopion, if
+he did not withdraw his love, though I were obliged to go through fire
+and water--I would---- O Charmian! what changes so quickly as joy and
+sorrow? I would fain show some kindness to every one in the world, even
+to your Queen, who has brought all these troubles upon me."
+
+The new-born hope had transformed the despairing woman into a happy one,
+and Charmian perceived it with grateful joy, secretly wishing that
+Cleopatra had listened to her appeal.
+
+While examining the hair-dyes used by the Queen she saw, lurking in the
+background of what was still unexplained, and therefore confused her
+mind, fresh and serious perils. Barine, on the contrary, gazed across
+them to the anticipated meeting with her lover, and was full of the
+gayest expectation until the maid-servant's return.
+
+The work of disfigurement began without delay. Anukis moved her lips as
+busily as her hands, and described in regular order all that had
+befallen her during the eventful day.
+
+Barine listened with rising excitement, and her joy increased as she
+beheld the path which had been smoothed for her by the care and wisdom
+of her friends. Charmian, on the contrary, became graver and more quiet
+the more distinctly she perceived the danger her favourite must
+encounter. Yet she could not help admitting that it would be a sin
+against Barine's safety, perhaps her very life, to withhold her from
+this well-considered plan of escape.
+
+That it must be tried was certain; but as the moment which was to
+endanger the woman she loved drew nearer, and she could not help saying
+to herself that she was aiding an enterprise in opposition to the
+express command of the Queen and helping to execute a plan which
+threatened to rouse the indignation, perhaps the fury, of Cleopatra, a
+feeling of sorrow overpowered her. She feared nothing for herself. Not
+for a single instant did she think of the unpleasant consequences which
+Barine's escape might draw upon her. The burden on her soul was due only
+to the consciousness of having, for the first time, opposed the will of
+the sovereign, to fulfil whose desires and to promote whose aims had
+been the beloved duty of her life. Doubtless the thought crossed her
+mind that, by aiding Barine's escape, she was guarding Cleopatra from
+future repentance; probably she felt sure that it was her duty to help
+rescue this beautiful young life, whose bloom had been so cruelly
+assailed by tempest and hoar-frost, and which now had a prospect of the
+purest happiness; yet, though in itself commendable, the deed brought
+her into sharp conflict with the loftiest aims and aspirations of her
+life. And how much nearer than the other was the woman--she shrank from
+the word--whom she was about to betray, how much greater was Cleopatra's
+claim to her love and gratitude! Could she have any other emotion than
+thankfulness if the plan of escape succeeded? Yet she was reluctant to
+perform the task of making Barine's beautiful, symmetrical figure
+resemble the hunch-backed Nubian's, or to dip her fingers into the
+pomade intended for Cleopatra; and it grieved her to mar the beauty of
+Barine's luxuriant tresses by cutting off part of her thick fair braids.
+
+True, these things could not be avoided, if the flight was to succeed,
+and the further Anukis advanced in her story, the fewer became her
+mistress's objections to the plan.
+
+The conversation between Iras and Alexas, which had been overheard by
+the maid, already made it appear necessary to withdraw Barine and her
+lover from the power of such foes. The faithful man whom Anukis had
+found with Dion, whose name she did not mention and of whose home she
+said only that no safer hiding-place could be found, even by the mole
+which burrowed in the earth, really seemed to have been sent with
+Gorgias to Dion's couch by Fate itself. The control of the subterranean
+chambers in the Temple of Isis which had been bestowed on the architect,
+also appeared like a miracle.
+
+Upon a small tablet, which the wise Aisopion had intentionally delayed
+handing to her mistress until now, were the lines:
+
+"Archibius greets his sister Charmian. If I know your heart, it will be
+as hard for you as for me to share this plot, yet it must be done for
+the sake of her father, to save the life and happiness of his child. So
+it must fall to your lot to bring Barine to the Temple of Isis at the
+Corner of the Muses. She will find her lover there and, if possible, be
+wedded to him. As the sanctuary is so near, you need leave the palace
+only a short time. Do not tell Barine what we have planned. The
+disappointment would be too great if it should prove impracticable."
+
+This letter and the arrangement it proposed transformed the serious
+scruples which shadowed Charmian's good-will into a joyous, nay,
+enthusiastic desire to render assistance. Barine's marriage to the man
+who possessed her heart was close at hand, and she was the daughter of
+Leonax, who had once been dear to her. Fear and doubt vanished as if
+scattered to the four winds, and when Aisopion's work of transformation
+was completed and Barine stood before her as the high-shouldered,
+dark-visaged, wrinkled maid, she could not help admitting that it would
+be easy to escape from the palace in that disguise.
+
+She now told Barine that she intended to accompany her herself; and
+though the former's stained face forced her to refrain from kissing her
+friend, she plainly expressed to her and the faithful freedwoman the
+overflowing gratitude which filled her heart.
+
+Anukis was left alone. After carefully removing all the traces of her
+occupation, as habit dictated, she raised her arms in prayer, beseeching
+the gods of her native land to protect the beautiful woman to whom she
+had loaned her own misshapen form, which had now been of genuine
+service, and who had gone forth to meet so many dangers, but also a
+happiness whose very hope had been denied to her.
+
+Charmian had told her maid that if the Queen should inquire for her
+before Iras returned from the Choma to say that she had been obliged to
+leave the palace, and to supply her place. During their absence, when
+Charmian had been attacked by sickness, Cleopatra had often entrusted
+the care of her toilet to Aisopion, and had praised her skill.
+
+The Queen's confidential attendant was followed as usual when she went
+out by a dark-skinned maid. Lanterns and lamps had already been lighted
+in the corridors of the spacious palace, and the court-yards were ablaze
+with torches and pitch-pans; but, brilliantly as they burned in many
+places, and numerous as were the guards, officers, eunuchs, clerks,
+soldiers, cooks, attendants, slaves, door-keepers, and messengers whom
+they passed, not one gave them more than a careless glance.
+
+So they reached the last court-yard, and then came a moment when the
+hearts of both women seemed to stop beating--for the man whom they had
+most cause to dread, Alexas the Syrian, approached.
+
+And he did not pass the fugitives, but stopped Charmian, and
+courteously, even obsequiously, informed her that he wished to get rid
+of the troublesome affair of her favourite, which had been assigned to
+him against his will, and therefore had determined to bring Barine to
+trial early the following morning.
+
+The Syrian's body-servant attended his master, and while the former was
+talking with Charmian the latter turned to the supposed Nubian, tapped
+her lightly on the shoulder, and whispered: "Come this evening, as you
+did yesterday. You haven't finished the story of Prince Setnau."
+
+The fugitive felt as if she had grown dumb and could never more regain
+the power of speech. Yet she managed to nod, and directly after the
+favourite bowed a farewell to Charmian. The Ligurian was obliged to
+follow his master, while Charmian and Barine passed through the gateway
+between the last pylons into the open air.
+
+Here the sea-breeze seemed to waft her a joyous greeting from the realm
+of liberty and happiness, and the timid woman, amid all the perils which
+surrounded her, regained sufficient presence of mind to tell her friend
+what Alexas's slave had whispered--that Aisopion might remind him of it
+the same evening, and thus strengthen his belief that the Nubian had
+accompanied the Queen's confidante.
+
+The way to the Temple of Isis was short. The stars showed that they
+would reach their destination in time; but a second delay unexpectedly
+occurred. From the steps leading to the cella of the sanctuary a
+procession, whose length seemed endless, came towards them. At the head
+of the train marched eight pastophori, bearing the image of Isis. Then
+came the basket-bearers of the goddess with several other priestesses,
+followed by the reader with an open book-roll. Behind him appeared the
+quaternary number of prophets, whose head, the chief priest, moved with
+stately dignity beneath a canopy. The rest of the priestly train bore in
+their hands manuscripts, sacred vessels, standards, and wreaths. The
+priestesses--some of whom, with garlands on their flowing hair, were
+already shaking the sistrum of Isis--mingled with the line of priests,
+their high voices blending with the deep notes of the men. Neokori, or
+temple servants, and a large number of worshippers of Isis, closed the
+procession, all wearing wreaths and carrying flowers. Torch and lantern
+bearers lighted the way, and the perfume of the incense rising from the
+little pan of charcoal in the hand of a bronze arm, which the pastophori
+waved to and fro, surrounded and floated after the procession.
+
+The two women waiting for the train to pass saw it turn towards Lochias,
+and the conversation of the bystanders informed them that its object was
+to convey to "the new Isis," the Queen, the greeting of the goddess, and
+assure the sovereign of the divinity's remembrance of her in the hour of
+peril.
+
+Cleopatra could not help accepting this friendly homage, and it was
+incumbent upon her to receive it wearing on her head the crown of Upper
+and Lower Egypt, and robed in all the ecclesiastical vestments which
+only her two most trusted attendants knew how to put on with the
+attention to details that custom required. This had never been entrusted
+to maids of inferior position like the Nubian; so Cleopatra would miss
+Charmian.
+
+The thought filled her with fresh uneasiness and, when the steps were at
+last free, she asked herself anxiously how all this would end.
+
+It seemed as if the fugitive and her companion had exposed themselves to
+this great peril in vain; for some of the temple servants were forcing
+back those who wished to enter the sanctuary, shouting that it would be
+closed until the return of the procession. Barine gazed timidly into
+Charmian's face; but, ere she could express her opinion, the tall figure
+of a man appeared on the temple steps. It was Archibius, who with grave
+composure bade them follow him, and silently led them around the
+sanctuary to a side door, through which, a short time before, a litter
+had passed, accompanied by several attendants.
+
+Ascending a flight of steps within the long building, they reached the
+dimly lighted cella.
+
+As in the Temple of Osiris at Abydos seven corridors, here three led to
+the same number of apartments, the holy place of the sanctuary. The
+central one was dedicated to Isis, that on the left to her husband
+Osiris, and that on the right to Horus, the son of the great goddess.
+Before it, scarcely visible in the dim light, stood the altars, loaded
+with sacrifices by Archibius.
+
+Beside that of Horus was the litter which had been borne into the temple
+before the arrival of the women. From it, supported by two friends,
+descended a slender young man.
+
+A hollow sound echoed through the pillared hall. The iron door at the
+main entrance of the temple had been closed. The shrill rattle that
+followed proceeded from the metal bolts which an old servant of the
+sanctuary had shot into the sockets.
+
+Barine started, but neither inquired the cause of the noise nor
+perceived the wealth of objects here presented to the senses; for the
+man who, leaning on another's arm, approached the altar, was Dion, the
+lover who had perilled his life for her sake. Her eyes rested intently
+on his figure, her whole heart yearned towards him and, unable to
+control herself,--she called his name aloud.
+
+Charmian gazed anxiously around the group, but soon uttered a sigh of
+relief; for the tall man whose arm supported Dion was Gorgias, the
+worthy architect, his best friend, and the other, still taller and
+stronger, her own brother Archibius. Yonder figure, emerging from the
+disguise of wraps, was Berenike, Barine's mother. All trustworthy
+confidants! The only person whom she did not know was the handsome young
+man standing at her brother's side.
+
+Barine, whose arm she still held, had struggled to escape to rush to her
+mother and lover; but Archibius had approached, and in a whisper warned
+her to be patient and to refrain from any greeting or question,
+"supposing," he added, "that you are willing to be married at this altar
+to Dion, the son of Eumenes."
+
+Charmian felt Barine's arm tremble in hers at this suggestion, but the
+young beauty obeyed her friend's directions. She did not know what had
+befallen her, or whether, in the excess of happiness which overwhelmed
+her, to shout aloud in her exultant joy, or melt into silent tears of
+gratitude and emotion.
+
+No one spoke. Archibius took a roll of manuscript from Dion's hand,
+presented himself before the assembled company as the bride's kyrios, or
+guardian, and asked Barine whether she so recognized him. Then he
+returned to Dion the marriage contract, whose contents he knew and
+approved, and informed those present that, in the marriage about to be
+solemnized, they must consider him the paranymphos, or best man, and
+Berenike as the bridesmaid, and they instantly lighted a torch at the
+fires burning on one of the altars. Archibius, as kyrios, joined the
+lovers' hands in the Egyptian--Barine's mother, as bridesmaid, in the
+Greek--manner, and Dion gave his bride a plain iron ring. It was the
+same one which his father had bestowed at his own wedding, and he
+whispered: "My mother valued it; now it is your turn to honour the
+ancient treasure."
+
+After stating that the necessary sacrifices had been offered to Isis and
+Serapis, Zeus, Hera, and Artemis, and that the marriage between Dion,
+son of Eumenes, and Barine, daughter of Leonax, was concluded, Archibius
+shook hands with both.
+
+Haste seemed necessary, for he permitted Berenike and his sister only
+time for a brief embrace, and Gorgias to clasp her hand and Dion's. Then
+he beckoned, and the newly made bride's mother followed him in tears,
+Charmian bewildered and almost stupefied. She did not fully realize the
+meaning of the event she had just witnessed until an old neokori had
+guided her and the others into the open air.
+
+Barine felt as if every moment might rouse her from a blissful dream,
+and yet she gladly told herself that she was awake, for the man walking
+before her, leaning on the arm of a friend, was Dion. True, she saw,
+even in the faint light of the dim temple corridor, that he was
+suffering. Walking appeared to be so difficult that she rejoiced when,
+yielding to Gorgias's entreaties, he entered the litter.
+
+But where were the bearers?
+
+She was soon to learn; for, even while she looked for them, the
+architect and the youth, in whom she had long since recognized Philotas,
+her grandfather's assistant, seized the poles.
+
+"Follow us," said Gorgias, under his breath, and she obeyed, keeping
+close behind the litter, which was borne first down a broad and then a
+narrow staircase, and finally along a passage. Here a door stopped the
+fugitives; but the architect opened it and helped his friend out of the
+litter, which before proceeding farther he placed in a room filled with
+various articles discovered during his investigation of the subterranean
+temple chambers.
+
+Hitherto not a word had been spoken. Now Gorgias called to Barine: "This
+passage is low--you must stoop. Cover your head, and don't be afraid if
+you meet bats. They have long been undisturbed. We might have taken you
+from the temple to the sea, and waited there, but it would probably have
+attracted attention and been dangerous. Courage, young wife of Dion! The
+corridor is long, and walking through it is difficult; but compared with
+the road to the mines, it is as smooth and easy as the Street of the
+King. If you think of your destination, the bats will seem like the
+swallows which announce the approach of spring."
+
+Barine nodded gratefully to him; but she kissed the hand of Dion, who
+was moving forward painfully, leaning on the arm of his friend. The
+light of the torch carried by Gorgias's faithful foreman, who led the
+way, had fallen on her blackened arm, and when the little party advanced
+she kept behind the others. She thought it might be unpleasant for her
+lover to see her thus disfigured, and spared him, though she would
+gladly have remained nearer. As soon as the passage grew lower, the
+wounded man's friends took him in their arms, and their task was a hard
+one, for they were not only obliged to move onward bending low under the
+heavy burden, but also to beat off the bats which, frightened by the
+foreman's torch, flew up in hosts.
+
+Barine's hair was covered, it is true, but at any other time the hideous
+creatures, which often brushed against her head and arms, would have
+filled her with horror and loathing. Now she scarcely heeded them; her
+eyes were fixed on the recumbent figure in the bearers' arms, the man to
+whom she belonged, body and soul, and whose patient suffering pierced
+her inmost heart. His head rested on the breast of Gorgias, who walked
+directly in front of her; the architect's stooping posture concealed his
+face, but his feet were visible and, whenever they twitched, she fancied
+he was in pain. Then she longed to press forward to his side, wipe the
+perspiration from his brow in the hot, low corridor, and whisper words
+of love and encouragement.
+
+This she was sometimes permitted to do when the friends put down their
+heavy burden. True, they allowed themselves only brief intervals of
+rest, but they were long enough to show her how the sufferer's strength
+was failing. When they at last reached their destination, Philotas was
+forced to exert all his strength to support the exhausted man, while
+Gorgias cautiously opened the door. It led to a flight of sea-washed
+steps close to the garden of Didymus, which as a child she had often
+used with her brother to float a little boat upon the water.
+
+The architect opened the door only a short distance; he was expected,
+for Barine soon heard him whisper, and suddenly the door was flung wide.
+A tall man raised Dion and bore him into the open air. While she was
+still gazing after him, a second figure of equal size approached her
+and, hastily begging her permission, lifted her in his arms like a
+child, and as she inhaled the cool night air and felt the water through
+which her bearer waded splash up and wet her feet, her eyes sought her
+new-made husband--but in vain; the night was very dark, and the lights
+on the shore did not reach this spot so far below the walls of the quay.
+
+Barine was frightened; but a few minutes after the outlines of a large
+fishing boat loomed through the darkness, dimly illumined by the harbour
+lights, and the next instant the giant who carried her placed her on the
+deck, and a deep voice whispered: "All's well. I'll bring some wine at
+once."
+
+Then Barine saw her husband lying motionless on a couch which had been
+prepared for him in the prow of the boat. Bending over him, she
+perceived that he had fainted, and while rubbing his forehead with the
+wine, raising his head on her lap, cheering him, and afterwards by the
+light of a small lantern carefully renewing the bandage on his shoulder,
+she did not notice that the vessel was moving through the water until
+the boatman set the triangular sail.
+
+She had not been told where the boat was bearing her, and she did not
+ask. Any spot that she could share with Dion was welcome. The more
+lonely the place, the more she could be to him. How her heart swelled
+with gratitude and love! When she bent over him, kissed his forehead,
+and felt how feverishly it burned, she thought, "I will nurse you back
+to health," and raised her eyes and soul to her favourite god, to whom
+she owed the gift of song, and who understood everything beautiful and
+pure, to thank Phœbus Apollo and beseech him to pour his rays the next
+morning on a convalescent man. While she was still engaged in prayer the
+boat touched the shore. Again strong arms bore her and Dion to the land,
+and when her foot touched the solid earth, her rescuer, the freedman
+Pyrrhus, broke the silence, saying: "Welcome, wife of Dion, to our
+island! True, you must be satisfied to take us as we are. But if you are
+as content with us as we are glad to serve you and your lord, who is
+ours also, the hour of leave-taking will be far distant."
+
+Then, leading the way to the house, he showed her as her future
+apartments two large whitewashed rooms, whose sole ornament was their
+exquisite neatness.
+
+On the threshold stood Pyrrhus's grey-haired wife, a young woman, and a
+girl scarcely beyond childhood; but the older one modestly welcomed
+Barine, and also begged her to accept their hospitality. Recovery was
+rapid in the pure air of the Serpent Isle. She herself, and--she pointed
+to the others--her oldest son's wife, and her own daughter, Dione, would
+be ready to render her any service.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Brothers and sisters are rarely talkative when they are together. As
+Charmian went to Lochias with Archibius, it was difficult for her to
+find words, the events of the past few hours had agitated her so deeply.
+Archibius, too, could not succeed in turning his thoughts in any other
+direction, though important and far more momentous things claimed his
+attention.
+
+They walked on silently side by side. In reply to his sister's inquiry
+where the newly wedded pair were to be concealed, he had answered that,
+spite of her trustworthiness, this must remain a secret. To her second
+query, how had it been possible to use the interior of the Temple of
+Isis without interruption, he also made a guarded reply.
+
+In fact, it was the control of the subterranean corridors of the
+sanctuary which had suggested to Gorgias the idea of carrying Dion
+through them to Pyrrhus's fishing-boat. To accomplish this it was only
+necessary to have the Temple of Isis, which usually remained open day
+and night, left to the fugitive's friends for a short time; and this was
+successfully managed.
+
+The historian Timagenes, who had come from Rome as ambassador and
+claimed the hospitality of his former pupil Archibius, had been
+empowered to offer Cleopatra recognition of her own and her children's
+right to the throne, and a full pardon, if she would deliver Mark Antony
+into the hands of Octavianus, or have him put to death.
+
+The Alexandrian Timagenes considered this demand both just and
+desirable, because it promised to deliver his native city from the man
+whose despotic arrogance menaced its freedom, and whose lavish
+generosity and boundless love of splendour diminished its wealth. To
+Rome, as whose representative the historian appeared, this man's mere
+existence meant constant turmoil and civil war. At the restoration of
+the flute-player by Gabinius and Mark Antony, Timagenes had been carried
+into slavery. Later, when, after his freedom had been purchased by the
+son of Sulla, he succeeded in attaining great influence in Rome, he
+still remained hostile to Mark Antony, and it had been a welcome charge
+to work against him in Alexandria. He hoped to find an ally in
+Archibius, whose loyal devotion to the Queen he knew. Arius, Barine's
+uncle and Octavianus's former tutor, would also aid him. The most
+powerful support of his mission, however, could be rendered by the
+venerable chief priest, the head of the whole Egyptian hierarchy. He had
+shown the latter that Antony, in any case, was a lost man, and Egypt was
+in the act of dropping like a ripe fruit into the lap of Octavianus. It
+would soon be in his power to give the country whatever degree of
+liberty and independence he might choose. The Cæsar had the sole
+disposal of the Queen's fate also, and whoever desired to see her remain
+on the throne must strive to gain the good-will of Octavianus.
+
+The wise Anubis had considered all these things, but he owed to
+Timagenes the hint that Arius was the man whom Octavianus most trusted.
+So the august prelate secretly entered into communication with Barine's
+uncle. But the dignity of his high office, and the feebleness of extreme
+age, forbade Anubis to seek the man who was suspected of friendship for
+the Romans. He had therefore sent his trusted secretary, the young
+Serapion, to make a compact as his representative with the friend of
+Octavianus, whose severe injuries prevented his leaving the house to go
+to the chief priest.
+
+During Timagenes's negotiations with the secretary and Arius, Archibius
+came to entreat Barine's uncle to do everything in his power to save his
+niece; and, as all the Queen's friends were anxious to prevent an act
+which, in these times of excitement, could not fail, on account of its
+connection with Dion, a member of the Council, to rouse a large number
+of the citizens against her, Serapion, as soon as he was made aware of
+the matter, eagerly protested his readiness to do his best to save the
+imperilled lovers. He cared nothing for Barine or Dion as individuals,
+but he doubtless would have been ready to make a still greater sacrifice
+to win the influential Archibius, and especially Arius, who would have
+great power through Octavianus, the rising sun.
+
+The men had just begun to discuss plans for saving Barine, when the
+Nubian appeared and told Archibius what had been arranged beside Dion's
+sick-bed by the freedman and Gorgias. The escape of the fugitives
+depended solely upon their reaching the boat unseen, and the surest way
+to accomplish this was to use the subterranean passage which the
+architect had again opened.
+
+Archibius, to whom the representative of the chief priest had offered
+his aid, now took the others into his confidence, and Arius proposed
+that Barine should marry Dion in the Temple of Isis, and the couple
+should afterwards be guided through the secret passage to the boat. This
+proposal was approved, and Serapion promised to reserve the sanctuary
+for the wedding of the fugitives for a short time after the departure of
+the procession, which was to take place at sunset. In return for this
+service another might perhaps soon be requested from the friend of
+Octavianus, who greeted his promise with grateful warmth.
+
+"The priesthood," said Serapion, "takes sides with all who are unjustly
+persecuted, and in this case bestows aid the more willingly on account
+of its great anxiety to guard the Queen from an act which would be
+difficult to approve." As for the fugitives, so far as he could see,
+only two possibilities were open to them: Cleopatra would cleave to Mark
+Antony and go--would that the immortals might avert it!--to ruin, or she
+would sacrifice him and save her throne and life. In both cases the
+endangered lovers could soon return uninjured--the Queen had a merciful
+heart, and never retained anger long if no guilt existed.
+
+The details of the plan were then settled by Archibius, Anukis, and
+Berenike, who was with the family of Arius, and the decision was
+communicated to the architect. Archibius had maintained the same silence
+concerning the destination of the fugitives towards the men composing
+the council and Barine's mother as to his sister. With regard to the
+mission of Timagenes and the political questions which occupied his
+mind, he gave Charmian only the degree of information necessary to
+explain the plan she so lovingly promoted; but she had no desire to know
+more. On the way home her mind was wholly absorbed by the fear that
+Cleopatra had missed her services and discovered Barine's flight. True,
+she mentioned the Queen's desire to place her children in Archibius's
+charge, but she could not give him full particulars until she reached
+her own apartments.
+
+Her absence had not been noticed. The Regent Mardion had received the
+procession in the Queen's name, for Cleopatra had driven into the city,
+no one knew where.
+
+Charmian entered her apartments with a lighter heart. Anukis opened the
+door to them. She had remained undisturbed, and it was a pleasure to
+Archibius to give the faithful, clever freedwoman an account of the
+matter with his own lips. He could have bestowed no richer reward upon
+the modest servant, who listened to his words as if they were a
+revelation. When she disclaimed the thanks with which he concluded,
+protesting that she was the person under obligation, the expression was
+sincere. Her keen intellect instantly recognized the aristocrat's manner
+of addressing an equal or an inferior; and he who, in her eyes, was the
+first of men, had described the course of events as though she had stood
+on the same level. The Queen herself might have been satisfied with the
+report.
+
+When she left Charmian's rooms to join the other servants, she told
+herself that she was an especially favoured mortal; and when a young
+cook teased her about her head being sunk between her shoulders, she
+answered, laughing: "My shoulders have grown so high because I shrug
+them so often at the fools who jeer at me and yet are not half so happy
+and grateful."
+
+Charmian, sorely wearied, had flung herself into an arm-chair, and
+Archibius took his place opposite to her. They were happy in each
+other's society, even when silent; but to-day the hearts of both were so
+full that they fared like those who are so worn out by fatigue that they
+cannot sleep. How much they had to tell each other!--yet it was long ere
+Charmian broke the silence and returned to the subject of the Queen's
+wish, describing to her brother Cleopatra's visit to the house which the
+children had built, how kind and cordial she had been; yet, a few
+minutes later, incensed by the mere mention of Barine's name, she had
+dismissed her so ungraciously.
+
+"I do not know what you intend," she said in conclusion, "but,
+notwithstanding my love for her, I must perhaps decide in favour of what
+is most difficult, for--when she learns that it was I who withdrew the
+daughter of Leonax from her and the base Alexas--what treatment can I
+expect, especially as Iras no longer gives me the same affection, and
+shows that she has forgotten my love and care? This will increase, and
+the worst of the matter is, that if the Queen begins to favour her, I
+cannot justly reproach her, for Iras is keener-witted, and has a more
+active brain. Statecraft was always odious to me. Iras, on the contrary,
+is delighted with the opportunity to speak on subjects connected with
+the government of the country, and especially the ceaseless, momentous
+game with Rome and the men who guide her destiny."
+
+"That game is lost," Archibius broke in with so much earnestness that
+Charmian started, repeating in a low, timid tone:
+
+"Lost?"
+
+"Forever," said Archibius, "unless----"
+
+"The Olympians be praised--that there is still a doubt."
+
+"Unless Cleopatra can decide to commit an act which will force her to be
+faithless to herself, and destroy her noble image through all future
+generations."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Whenever you learn it, will be too soon."
+
+"And suppose she should do it, Archibius? You are her most trusted
+confidant. She will place in your charge what she loves more than she
+does herself."
+
+"More? You mean, I suppose, the children?"
+
+"The children! Yes, a hundred times yes. She loves them better than
+aught else on earth. For them, believe me, she would be ready to go to
+her death."
+
+"Let us hope so."
+
+"And you--were she to commit the horrible deed--I can only suspect what
+it is. But should she descend from the height which she has hitherto
+occupied--would you still be ready----"
+
+"With me," he interrupted quietly, "what she does or does not do matters
+nothing. She is unhappy and will be plunged deeper and deeper into
+misery. I know this, and it constrains me to exert my utmost powers in
+her service. I am hers as the hermit consecrated to Serapis belongs to
+the god. His every thought must be devoted to him. To the deity who
+created him he dedicates body and soul until the death to which he dooms
+him. The bonds which unite me to this woman--you know their origin--are
+not less indestructible. Whatever she desires whose fulfilment will not
+force me to despise myself is granted in advance."
+
+"She will never require such things from the friend of her childhood,"
+cried Charmian. Then, approaching him with both arms extended joyfully,
+she exclaimed: "Thus you ought to speak and feel, and therein is the
+answer to the question which has agitated my soul since yesterday.
+Barine's flight, the favour and disfavour of Cleopatra, Iras, my poor
+head, which abhors politics, while at this time the Queen needs
+keen-sighted confidants----"
+
+"By no means," her brother interrupted. "It is for men alone to give
+counsel in these matters. Accursed be women's gossip over their toilet
+tables. It has already scattered to the four winds many a
+well-considered plan of the wisest heads, and an Iras could never be
+more fatal to statecraft than just at the present moment, had not Fate
+already uttered the final verdict."
+
+"Then hence with these scruples," cried Charmian eagerly; "my doubts are
+at an end! As usual, you point out the right path. I had thought of
+returning to the country estate we call Irenia--the abode of peace--or
+to our beloved little palace at Kanopus, to spend the years which may
+still be allotted to me, and return to everything that made my childhood
+beautiful. The philosophers, the flowers in the garden, the poets--even
+the new Roman ones, of whose works Timagenes sent us such charming
+specimens--would enliven the solitude. The child, the daughter of the
+man whose love I renounced, and afterwards perhaps her sons and
+daughters, would fill the place of my own. As they would have been dear
+to Leonax, I, too, would have loved them! This is the guise in which the
+future has appeared to me in many a quiet hour. But shall Charmian--who,
+when her heart throbbed still more warmly and life lay fair before her,
+laid her first love upon the altar of sacrifice for her royal
+playfellow--abandon Cleopatra in misfortune from mere selfish scruples?
+No, no!--Like you, I too belong--come what may--to the Queen."
+
+She gazed into her brother's face, sure of his approval but, waving his
+uplifted hand, he answered gravely: "No, Charmian! What I, a man, can
+assume, might be fatal to you, a woman. The present is not sweet enough
+for me to embitter it with wormwood from the future. And yet---- You
+must cast one glance into its gloomy domain, in order to understand me.
+You can be silent, and what you now learn will be a secret between us.
+Only one thing"--here he lowered the loud tones of his deep voice--"only
+one thing can save her: the murder of Antony, or an act of shameless
+treachery which would deliver him into Octavianus's power. This is the
+proposal Timagenes brought."
+
+"This?" she asked in a hollow tone, her grey head drooping.
+
+"This," he repeated firmly. "And if she succumbs to the temptation, she
+will be faithless to the love which has coursed through her whole life
+as the Nile flows through the land of her ancestors. Then, Charmian,
+stay, stay under any circumstances, cling to her more firmly than ever,
+for then, then, my sister, she will be more wretched--ten, a hundred
+fold more wretched than if Octavianus deprives her of everything,
+perhaps even life itself."
+
+"Nor will I leave her, come what may. I will remain at her side until
+the end," cried Charmian eagerly. But Archibius, without noticing the
+enthusiastic ardor, so unusual to his sister's quiet nature, calmly
+continued: "She won your heart also, and it seems impossible for you to
+desert her. Many have shared our feelings; and it is no disgrace to any
+one. Misfortune is a weapon which cleaves base natures like a sword, yet
+like a hammer welds noble ones more closely. To you, therefore, it now
+seems doubly difficult to leave her, but you need love. The right to
+live and guard yourself from the most pitiable retrogression is your
+due, as much as that of the rare woman on the throne. So long as you are
+sure of her love, remain with her, and show your devotion in every
+situation until the end. But the motives which were drawing you away to
+books, flowers, and children, weigh heavily in the balance, and if you
+lack the anchor of her favour and love, I shall see you perish
+miserably. The frost emanating from Cleopatra, if her heart grew cold to
+you, the pin-pricks with which Iras would assail you, were you
+defenceless, would kill you. This must not be, sister; we will guard
+against it---- Do not interrupt me. The counsel I advise you to follow
+has been duly weighed. If you see that the Queen still loves you as in
+former days, cling to her; but should you learn the contrary, bid her
+farewell to-morrow. My Irenia is yours----"
+
+"But she _does_ love me, and even should she no longer----"
+
+"The test is at hand. We will leave the decision to her. You shall
+confess that you were the culprit who aided Barine to escape her power
+to punish."
+
+"Archibius!"
+
+"If you did not, a series of falsehoods must ensue. Try whether the
+petty qualities in her nature, which urged her to commit the fate of
+Leonax's daughter to unworthy hands, are more powerful than the nobler
+ones. Try whether she is worthy of the self-sacrificing fidelity which
+you have given her all your life. If she remains the same as before,
+spite of this admission----"
+
+Here he was interrupted by Anukis, who asked if her mistress would see
+Iras at this late hour.
+
+"Admit her," replied Archibius, after hastily exchanging glances with
+his sister, whose face had paled at his demand. He perceived it and, as
+the servant withdrew, he clasped her hand, saying with earnest
+affection: "I gave you my opinion, but at our age we must take counsel
+with ourselves, and you will find the right path."
+
+"I have already found it," she answered softly with downcast eyes. "This
+visitor brought a speedy decision. I must not feel ashamed in Iras's
+presence."
+
+She had scarcely finished speaking when the Queen's younger confidante
+entered. She was excited and, after casting a searching glance around
+the familiar room, she asked, after a curt greeting: "No one knows where
+the Queen has gone. Mardion received the procession in her place. Did
+she take you into her confidence?"
+
+Charmian answered in the negative, and inquired whether Antony had
+arrived, and how she had found him.
+
+"In a pitiable state," was the reply. "I hastened hither to prevent the
+Queen from visiting him, if possible. She would have received a rebuff.
+It is horrible."
+
+"The disappointment of Parætonium is added to the other burdens,"
+observed Archibius.
+
+"A feather compared with the rest," cried Iras indignantly. "What a
+spectacle! A shrivelled soul, never too large, in the body of a powerful
+giant. Disaster crushes the courage of the descendant of Herakles. The
+weakling will drag the Queen's splendid courage with him into the dust."
+
+"We will do our best to prevent it," replied Archibius firmly. "The
+immortals have placed you and Charmian at her side to sustain her, if
+her own strength fails. The time to test your powers has arrived."
+
+"I know my duty," replied Iras austerely.
+
+"Prove it!" said Archibius earnestly. "You think you have cause for
+anger against Charmian."
+
+"Whoever treats my foes so tenderly can doubtless dispense with my
+affection. Where is your ward?"
+
+"That you shall learn later," replied Charmian advancing. "But when you
+do know, you will have still better reason to doubt my love; yet it was
+only to save one dear to me from misery, certainly not to grieve you,
+that I stepped between you and Barine. And now let me say--had you
+wounded me to the quick, and everything dear to the Greek heart called
+to me for vengeance--I should impose upon myself whatever constraint
+might be necessary to deny the impulse, because this breast contains a
+love stronger, more powerful, than the fiercest hate. And this love we
+both share. Hate me, strive to wound and injure one at whose side you
+have hitherto stood like a daughter, but beware of robbing me of the
+strength and freedom which I need, to be and to offer to my royal
+mistress all the assistance in my power. I have just been consulting my
+brother about leaving Cleopatra's service."
+
+"Now?" Iras broke in vehemently. "No, no! Not that! It must not be! She
+cannot spare you now."
+
+"More easily, perhaps, than you," replied Charmian; "yet in many things
+my services might be hard to replace."
+
+"Nothing under the sun _could_ do it," cried Iras eagerly. "If, in these
+days of trouble, she should lose you too----"
+
+"Still darker ones are approaching," interrupted Archibius positively.
+"Perhaps you will learn all to-morrow. Whether Charmian yields to her
+desire for rest, or continues in the service of the Queen, depends on
+you. If you wish her to remain you must not render it too hard for her
+to do so. We three, my child, are perhaps the only persons at this court
+to whom the Queen's happiness is more than their own, and therefore we
+should permit no incident, whatever name it may bear, to cloud our
+harmony."
+
+Iras threw back her head with angry pride, exclaiming passionately: "Was
+it I who injured you? I do not know in what respect. But you and
+Charmian--though you have so long been aware that this heart was closed
+against every love save one--stepped between me and the man for whom I
+have yearned since childhood, and built the bridge which united Dion and
+Barine. I held the woman I hated in my grasp, and thanked the immortals
+for the boon; but you two--it is not difficult to guess the secret you
+are still trying to keep from me--you aided her to escape. You have
+robbed me of my revenge; you have again placed the singer in the path
+where she must find the man to whom I have a better and older claim, and
+who perhaps may still be considering which of us two will be the better
+mistress of his house, if Alexas and his worthy brother do not arrange
+matters so that we must both content ourselves with thinking tenderly of
+a dead man. That is why I believe that I am no longer indebted to you,
+that Charmian has more than repaid herself for all the kindness she has
+ever showed me."
+
+With these words she hurried to the door, but paused on the threshold,
+exclaiming: "This is the state of affairs; yet I am ready to serve the
+Queen hand in hand with you as before; for you two--as I have said--are
+necessary to her. In other respects--I shall follow my own path."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Cleopatra had sought the venerable Anubis, who now, as the priest of
+Alexander, at the age of eighty, ruled the whole hierarchy of the
+country. It was difficult for him to leave his arm-chair, but he had
+been carried to the observatory to examine the adverse result of the
+observation made by the Queen herself. The position of the stars,
+however, had been so unfavourable that the more deeply Cleopatra entered
+into these matters, the less easy he found it to urge the mitigating
+influences of distant planets, which he had at first pointed out.
+
+In his reception-hall, however, the chief priest had assured her that
+the independence of Egypt and the safety of her own person lay in her
+hands; only--the planets showed this--a terrible sacrifice was
+required--a sacrifice of which his dignity, his eighty years, and his
+love for her alike forbade him to speak. Cleopatra was accustomed to
+hear these mysterious sayings from his lips, and interpreted them in her
+own way. Many motives had induced her to seek the venerable prelate at
+this late hour. In difficult situations he had often aided her with good
+counsel; but this time she was not led to him by the magic cup of
+Nektanebus, which the eight pastophori who accompanied it had that day
+restored to the temple, for since the battle of Actium the superb vessel
+had been a source of constant anxiety to her.
+
+Cleopatra had now asked the teacher of her childhood the direct question
+whether the cup--a wide, shallow vessel, with a flat, polished
+bottom--could really have induced Antony to leave the battle and follow
+her ere the victory was decided. She had used it just before the
+conflict between the galleys, and this circumstance led Anubis to answer
+positively in the affirmative.
+
+Long ago the marvellous chalice had been exhibited to her among the
+temple treasures, and she was told that every one who induced another
+person to be reflected from its shining surface obtained the mastery
+over his will. Her wish to possess it, however, was not gratified, and
+she did not ask for it again until the limitless devotion and ardent
+love of Antony had seemed less fervent than of yore. From that time she
+had never ceased to urge her aged friend to place the wondrous cup in
+her keeping. At first he had absolutely refused, predicting that its use
+would bring misfortune upon her; but when her request was followed by an
+imperative command, and the goblet was entrusted to her, Anubis himself
+believed that this _one_ vessel did possess the magic power attributed
+to it. He deemed that the drinking-cup afforded the strongest proof of
+the magic art, far transcending human ability, of the great goddess by
+whose aid King Nektanebus--who, according to tradition, was the father
+of Alexander the Great--was said to have made the vessel in the Isis
+island of Philæ.
+
+Anubis had intended to remind Cleopatra of his refusal, and show her the
+great danger incurred by mortals who strove to use powers beyond their
+sphere. It had been his purpose to bid her remember Phaeton, who had
+almost kindled a conflagration in the world, when he attempted, in the
+chariot of his father, Phœbus Apollo, to guide the horses of the sun.
+But this was unnecessary, for he had scarcely assented to the question
+ere, with passionate vehemence, she ordered him to destroy before her
+eyes the cup which had brought so much misfortune.
+
+The priest feigned that her desire harmonized with a resolution which he
+had himself formed.
+
+In fact, before her arrival, he had feared that the goblet might be used
+in some fatal manner if Octavianus should take possession of the city
+and country, and the wonder-working vessel should fall into his hands.
+Nektanebus had made the cup for Egypt. To wrest it from the foreign
+ruler was acting in the spirit of the last king in whose veins had
+flowed the blood of the Pharaohs, and who had toiled with enthusiastic
+devotion for the independence and liberty of his people. To destroy this
+man's marvellous work rather than deliver it to the Roman conqueror
+seemed to the chief priest, after the Queen's command, a sacred duty,
+and as such he represented it to be when he commanded the smelting
+furnace to be fired and the cup transformed into a shapeless mass before
+the eyes of Cleopatra.
+
+While the metal was melting he eagerly told the Queen how easily she
+could dispense with the vessel which owed its magic power to the mighty
+Isis.
+
+The spell of woman's charms was also a gift of the goddess. It would
+suffice to render Antony's heart soft and yielding as the fire melted
+the gold. Perhaps the Imperator had forfeited, with the Queen's respect,
+her love--the most priceless of blessings. He, Anubis, would regard this
+as a great boon of the Deity; "for," he concluded, "Mark Antony is the
+cliff which will shatter every effort to secure to my royal mistress
+undiminished the heritage which has come to her and her children from
+their ancestors, and preserve the independence and prosperity of this
+beloved land. This cup was a costly treasure. The throne and prosperity
+of Egypt are worthy of greater sacrifices. But I know that there is none
+harder for a woman to make than her love."
+
+The meaning of the old man's words Cleopatra learned the following
+morning, when she granted the first interview to Timagenes, Octavianus's
+envoy.
+
+The keen-witted, brilliant man, who had been one of her best teachers
+and with whom, when a pupil, she had had many an argument, was kindly
+received, and fulfilled his commission with consummate skill.
+
+The Queen listened attentively to his representations, showed him that
+her own intellect had not lost in flexibility, though it had gained
+power; and when she dismissed him, with rich gifts and gracious words,
+she knew that she could preserve the independence of her beloved native
+land and retain the throne for herself and her children if she would
+surrender Antony to the conqueror or to him, as "the person acting,"
+or--these were Timagenes's own words--"remove him forever from the play
+whose end she had the power to render either brilliant or fateful."
+
+When she was again alone her heart throbbed so passionately and her soul
+was in such a tumult of agitation that she felt unable to attend the
+appointed meeting of the Council of the crown. She deferred the session
+until the following day, and resolved to go out upon the sea, to
+endeavour to regain her composure.
+
+Antony had refused to see her. This wounded her. The thought of the
+goblet and its evil influences had by no means passed from her memory
+with the destruction of the vessel caused by one of those outbursts of
+passion to which, in these days of disaster, she yielded more frequently
+than usual. On the contrary, she felt the necessity of being alone, to
+collect her thoughts and strive to dispel the clouds from her troubled
+soul.
+
+The beaker had been one of the treasures of Isis, and the memory of it
+recalled hours during which, in former days, she had often found
+composure in the temple of the goddess. She wished to seek the sanctuary
+unnoticed and, accompanied only by Iras and the chief Introducer, went,
+closely veiled, to the neighbouring temple at the Corner of the Muses.
+
+But she failed to find the object of her pilgrimage. The throng which
+filled it to pray and offer sacrifices, and the fear of being
+recognized, destroyed her calmness.
+
+She was in the act of retiring, when Gorgias, the architect, followed by
+an assistant carrying surveying instruments, advanced towards her. She
+instantly called him to her side, and he informed her how wonderfully
+Fate itself seemed to favour her plan of building. The mob had destroyed
+the house of the old philosopher Didymus, and the grey-haired sage, to
+whom he had offered the shelter of his home, was now ready to transfer
+the property inherited from his ancestors, if her Majesty would assure
+him and his family of her protection.
+
+Then she asked to see the architect's plan for joining the museum to the
+sanctuary, and became absorbed in the first sketch, to which he had
+devoted part of the night and morning. He showed it, and with eager
+urgency Cleopatra commanded him to begin the building as soon as
+possible and pursue the work night and day. What usually required months
+must be completed in weeks.
+
+Iras and the "Introducer," clad in plain garments, had waited for her in
+the temple court and, joined by the architect, accompanied her to the
+unpretending litter standing at one of the side gates but, instead of
+entering it, she ordered Gorgias to attend her to the garden.
+
+The inspection proved that the architect was right and, even if the
+mausoleum occupied a portion of it, and the street which separated it
+from the Temple of Isis were continued along the shore of the sea, the
+remainder would still be twice as large as the one belonging to the
+palace at Lochias.
+
+Cleopatra's thorough examination showed Gorgias that she had some
+definite purpose in view. Her inquiry whether it would be possible to
+connect it with the promontory of Lochias indicated what she had in
+mind, and the architect answered in the affirmative. It was only
+necessary to tear down some small buildings belonging to the Crown and a
+little temple of Berenike at the southern part of the royal harbour. The
+arm of the Agathodæmon Canal which entered here had been bridged long
+ago.
+
+The new scene which would result from this change had been conjured
+before the Queen's mental vision with marvellous celerity, and she
+described it in brief, vivid language to the architect. The garden
+should remain, but must be enlarged from the Lochias to the bridge.
+Thence a covered colonnade would lead to the palace. After Gorgias had
+assured her that all this could easily be arranged, she gazed
+thoughtfully at the ground for a time, and then gave orders that the
+work should be commenced at once, and requested him to spare neither
+means nor men.
+
+Gorgias foresaw a period of feverish toil, but it did not daunt him.
+With such a master builder he was ready to roof the whole city. Besides,
+the commission delighted him because it proved that the woman whose
+mausoleum was to rise from the earth so swiftly still thought of
+enhancing the pleasures of existence; for, though she wished the garden
+to remain unchanged, she desired to see the colonnade and the remainder
+of the work constructed of costly materials and in beautiful forms. When
+she bade him farewell, Gorgias kissed her robe with ardent enthusiasm.
+
+What a woman! True, she had not even raised her veil, and was attired in
+plain dark clothing, but every gesture revealed the most perfect grace.
+The arm and hand with which she pointed now here, now there, again
+seemed to him fairly instinct with life; and he, who deemed perfection
+of form of so much value, found it difficult to avert his eyes from her
+marvellous symmetry. And her whole figure! What lines, what genuine
+aristocratic elegance, and warm, throbbing life!
+
+That morning when Helena, now an inmate of his own home, greeted him, he
+had essayed to compare her, mentally, with Cleopatra, but speedily
+desisted. The man to whom Hebe proffers nectar does not ask for even the
+best wine of Byblus. A feeling of grateful, cheerful satisfaction,
+difficult to describe, stole over him when the reserved, quiet Helena
+addressed him so warmly and cordially; but the image of Cleopatra
+constantly thrust itself between them, and it was difficult for him to
+understand himself. He had loved many women in succession, and now his
+heart throbbed for two at once, and the Queen was the brighter of the
+two stars whose light entranced him. Therefore his honest soul would
+have considered it a crime to woo Helena now.
+
+Cleopatra knew what an ardent admirer she had won in the able architect,
+and the knowledge pleased her. She had used no goblet to gain _him_.
+Doubtless he would begin to build the mausoleum the next morning. The
+vault must have space for several coffins. Antony had more than once
+expressed the desire to be buried beside her, wherever he might die, and
+this had occurred ere she possessed the beaker. She must in any case
+grant him the same favour, no matter in what place or by whose hand he
+met death, and the bedimmed light of his existence was but too evidently
+nearing extinction. If she spared him, Octavianus would strike him from
+the ranks of the living, and she---- Again she was overpowered by the
+terrible, feverish restlessness which had induced her to command the
+destruction of the goblet, and had brought her to the temple. She could
+not return in this mood to meet her councillors, receive visitors, greet
+her children. This was the birthday of the twins; Charmian had reminded
+her of it and undertaken to provide the gifts. How could she have found
+time and thought for such affairs?
+
+She had returned from the chief priest late in the evening, yet had
+asked for a minute description of the condition in which they found Mark
+Antony. The report made by Iras harmonized with the state in which she
+had herself seen him during and after the battle. Ay, his brooding gloom
+seemed to have deepened. Charmian had helped her dress in the morning,
+and had been on the point of making her difficult confession, and owning
+that she had aided Barine to escape the punishment of her royal
+mistress; but ere she could begin, Timagenes was announced, for
+Cleopatra had not risen from her couch until a late hour.
+
+The object for which the Queen had sought the temple had not been
+gained; but the consultation with Gorgias had diverted her mind, and the
+emotions which the thought of her last resting-place had evoked now
+drowned everything else, as the roar of the surf dominates the
+twittering of the swallows on the rocky shore.
+
+Ay, she needed calmness! She must weigh and ponder over many things in
+absolute quietude, and this she could not obtain at Lochias. Then her
+glance rested upon the little sanctuary of Berenike, which she had
+ordered removed to make room for a garden near at hand, where the
+children could indulge their love of creative work. It was empty. She
+need fear no interruption there. The interior contained only a single,
+quiet, pleasant chamber, with the image of Berenike. The "Introducer"
+commanded the guard to admit no other visitors, and soon the little
+white marble, circular room with its vaulted roof received the Queen.
+She sank down on one of the bronze benches opposite to the statue. All
+was still; in this cool silence her mind, trained to thought, could find
+that for which it longed--clearness of vision, a plain understanding of
+her own feelings and position in the presence of the impending decision.
+
+At first her thoughts wandered to and fro like a dove ere it chooses the
+direction of its flight; but after the question why she was having a
+tomb built so hurriedly, when she would be permitted to live, her mind
+found the right track. Among the Scythian guards, the Mauritanians, and
+Blemmyes in the army there were plenty of savage fellows whom a word
+from her lips and a handful of gold would have set upon the vanquished
+Antony, as the huntsman's "Seize him!" urges the hounds. A hint, and
+among the wretched magicians and Magians in the Rhakotis, the Egyptian
+quarter of the city, twenty men would have assassinated him by poison or
+wily snares; one command to the Macedonians in the guard of the Mellakes
+or youths, and he would be a captive that very day, and to-morrow, if
+she so ordered, on the way to Asia, whither Octavianus, as Timagenes
+told her, had gone.
+
+What prevented her from grasping the gold, giving the hint, issuing the
+command?
+
+Doubtless she thought of the magic goblet, now melted, which had
+constrained him to cast aside honour, fame, and power, as worthless
+rubbish, in order to obey her behest not to leave her; but though this
+remembrance burdened her soul, it had no decisive influence. It was no
+one thing which prisoned her hand and lips, but every fibre of her
+being, every pulsation of her heart, every glance back into the past to
+the confines of childhood.
+
+Yet she listened to other thoughts also. They reminded her of her
+children, the elation of power, love for the land of her ancestors, and
+the peril which menaced it without her, the bliss of seeing the light,
+and the darkness, the silence, the dull rigidity of death, the
+destruction of the body and the mind cherished and developed with so
+much care and toil, the horrible torture which might be associated with
+the transition from life to death--the act of dying. And what lay before
+her in the existence which lasted an eternity? When she no longer
+breathed beneath the sun, even if the death hour was deferred, and she
+found that not Epicurus, who believed that with death all things ended,
+had been right, but the ancient teachings of the Egyptians, what would
+await her in that world beyond the grave if she purchased a few more
+years of life by the murder or betrayal of her lover, her husband?
+
+Yet perhaps the punishments inflicted upon the condemned were but
+bugbears invented by the priesthood, which guarded the regulation of the
+state in order to curb the unruly conduct of the populace and terrify
+the turbulent transgressors of the law. And, whispered the daring Greek
+spirit, in the abode of the condemned, not in the Garden of Aalu, the
+Elysian Fields of the Egyptians, she would meet her father and mother
+and all her wicked ancestors down to Euergetes I, who was succeeded by
+the infamous Philopater. Thus the thought of the other world became an
+antecedent so uncertain as to permit no definite inference, and might
+therefore be left out of the account. How would--this must be the form
+of the question--the years purchased by the murder or betrayal of one
+whom she loved shape themselves for her?
+
+During the night the image of the murdered man would drive sleep from
+her couch, and the Furies, the Diræ, as the Roman Antony called them,
+who pursue murderers with the serpent scourge, were no idle creations of
+poetic fancy, but fully symbolized the restlessness of the criminal,
+driven to and fro by the pangs of conscience. The chief good, the
+painless happiness of the Epicureans, was forever lost to those burdened
+by such guilt.
+
+And during the hours of the day and evening?
+
+Ay, then she would be free to heap pleasure on pleasure. But for whom
+were the festivals to be celebrated; with whom could she share them? For
+many a long year no banquet, no entertainment had given her enjoyment
+without Mark Antony. For whom did she adorn herself or strive to stay
+the vanishing charm? And how soon would anguish of soul utterly destroy
+the spell, which was slowly, slowly, yet steadily diminishing, and, when
+the mirror revealed wrinkles which the skill of no Olympus could efface,
+when she---- No, she was not created to grow old! Did the few years of
+life which must contain so much misery really possess a value great
+enough to surrender the right of being called by present and future
+generations the bewitching Cleopatra, the most irresistible of women?
+
+And the children?
+
+Yes, it would have been delightful to see them grow up and occupy the
+throne, but serious, decisive doubts soon blended even with an idea so
+rich in joy.
+
+How glorious to greet Cæsarion as sovereign of the world in
+Octavianus's place! But how could the dreamer, whose first love affair
+had caused the total sacrifice of dignity and violation of the law, and
+who now seemed to have once more relapsed into the old state of torpor,
+attain the position?
+
+The other children inspired fair hopes, and how beautiful it appeared to
+the mother's heart to see Antonius Helios as King of Egypt; Cleopatra
+Selene with her first child in her arms; and little Alexander a noble
+statesman and hero, rich in virtue and talents! Yet, what would they,
+Antony's children, whose education she hoped Archibius would direct,
+feel for the mother who had been their father's murderess?
+
+She shuddered at the thought, remembering the hours when her childish
+heart had shed tears of blood over the infamous mother whom her father
+had execrated. And Queen Tryphœna, whom history recorded as a monster,
+had not killed her husband, but merely thrust him from the throne.
+
+Arsinoë's execrations of her mother and sister came back to her memory,
+and the thought that the rosy lips of the twins and her darling
+Alexander could ever open to curse her,--the idea that the children
+would ever raise their beloved hands to point at her, the wicked
+murderess of their father, with horror and scorn---- No, no, and again
+no! She would not purchase a few more years of valueless life at the
+cost of this humiliation and shame.
+
+Purchase of whom?
+
+Of that Octavianus who had robbed her son of the heritage of his father,
+Cæsar, and whose mention in the will was like an imputation on her
+fidelity--the cold-hearted, calculating upstart, whose nature from their
+first meeting in Rome had repelled, rebuffed, chilled her; of the man by
+whose cajolery and power her husband--for in her own eyes and those of
+the Egyptians Antony held this position--had been induced to wed his
+sister, Octavia, and thereby stamp her, Cleopatra, as merely his love,
+cast a doubt upon the legitimate birth of her children; of the false
+friend of the trusting Antony who, before the battle of Actium, had most
+deeply humiliated and insulted both!
+
+On the contrary, her royal pride rebelled against obeying the command of
+such a man to commit the most atrocious deed; and from childhood this
+pride had been as much a part of her nature as her breath and the
+pulsation of her heart. And yet, for her children's sake, she might
+perhaps have incurred this disgrace, had it not been at the same time
+the grave of the best and noblest things which she desired to implant in
+the young souls of the twins and Alexander.
+
+While thinking of the children's curses she had risen from her seat. Why
+should she reflect and consider longer? She had found the clear
+perception she sought. Let Gorgias hasten the building of the tomb.
+Should Fate demand her life, she would not resist if she were permitted
+to preserve it only at the cost of murder or base treachery. Her lover's
+was already forfeited. At his side she had enjoyed a radiant, glowing,
+peerless bliss, of which the world still talked with envious amazement.
+At his side, when all was over, she would rest in the grave, and compel
+the world to remember with respectful sympathy the royal lovers, Antony
+and Cleopatra. Her children should be able to think of her with
+untroubled hearts, and not even the shadow of a bitter feeling, a
+warning thought, should deter them from adorning their parents' grave
+with flowers, weeping at its foot, invoking and offering sacrifices to
+their spirits.
+
+Then she glanced at the statue of Berenike, who had also once worn on
+her brow the double crown of Egypt. She, too, had early died a violent
+death; she, too, had known how to love. The vow to sacrifice her
+beautiful hair to Aphrodite if her husband returned uninjured from the
+Syrian war had rendered her name illustrious. "Berenike's Hair" was
+still to be seen as a constellation in the night heavens.
+
+Though this woman had sinned often and heavily, one act of loyal love
+had made her an honoured, worshipped princess. She--Cleopatra--would do
+something still greater. The sacrifice which she intended to impose upon
+herself would weigh far more heavily in the balance than a handful of
+beautiful tresses, and would comprise sovereignty and life.
+
+With head erect and a sense of proud self-reliance she gazed at the
+noble marble countenance of the Cyrenian queen. Ere entering the
+sanctuary she had imagined that she knew how the criminals whom she had
+sentenced to death must feel. Now that she herself had done with life,
+she felt as if she were relieved from a heavy burden, and yet her heart
+ached, and--especially when she thought of her children--she was
+overwhelmed with the emotion which is the most painful of all forms of
+compassion--pity for herself.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+When Cleopatra left the temple, Iras marvelled at the change in her
+appearance. The severe tension which had given her beautiful face a
+shade of harshness had yielded to an expression of gentle sadness that
+enhanced its charm, yet her features quickly brightened as her attendant
+pointed to the procession which was just entering the forecourt of the
+palace.
+
+In Alexandria and throughout Egypt birthdays were celebrated as far as
+possible. Therefore, to do honour to the twins, the children of the city
+had been sent to offer their congratulations, and at the same time to
+assure their royal mother of the love and devotion of the citizens.
+
+The return to the palace occupied only a few minutes, and as Cleopatra,
+hastily donning festal garments, gazed down at the bands of children, it
+seemed as if Fate by this fair spectacle had given her a sign of
+approval of her design.
+
+She was soon standing hand in hand with the twins upon the balcony
+before which the procession had halted. Hundreds of boys and girls of
+the same age as the prince and princess had flocked thither, the former
+bearing bouquets, the latter small baskets filled with lilies and roses.
+Every head was crowned with a wreath, and many of the girls wore
+garlands of flowers. A chorus of youths and maidens sang a festal hymn,
+beseeching the gods to grant the royal mother and children every
+happiness; the leader of the chorus of girls made a short address in the
+name of the city, and during this speech the children formed in ranks,
+the tallest in the rear, the smallest in the front, and the others
+between according to their height. The scene resembled a living garden,
+in which rosy faces were the beautiful flowers.
+
+Cleopatra thanked the citizens for the charming greeting sent to her by
+those whom they held dearest, and assured them that she returned their
+love. Her eyes grew dim with tears as she went with her three children
+to the throng who offered their congratulations, and an unusually pretty
+little girl whom she kissed threw her arms around her as tenderly as if
+she were her own mother. And how beautiful was the scene when the girls
+strewed the contents of their little baskets on the ground before her,
+and the boys, with many a ringing shout and loving wish, offered the
+bouquets to her and the twins!
+
+Charmian had not forgotten to provide the gifts; and when the
+chamberlains and waiting-women led the children into a large hall to
+offer them refreshments, the Queen's eyes sparkled so brightly that the
+companion of her childhood ventured to make her difficult confession.
+
+And, as so often happens, the event we most dread shows, when it
+actually occurs, a friendly or indifferent aspect; this was the case
+now. Nothing in life is either great or small--the one may be
+transformed to the other, according to the things with which it is
+compared. The tallest man becomes a dwarf beside a rocky giant of the
+mountain chain, the smallest is a Titan to the swarming ants in the
+forest. The beggar seizes as a treasure what the rich man scornfully
+casts aside. That which the day before yesterday seemed to Cleopatra
+unendurable, roused her keenest anxiety, robbed her of part of her
+night's repose, and induced her to adopt strenuous measures, now
+appeared trivial and scarcely worthy of consideration.
+
+Yesterday and to-day had brought events and called up questions which
+forced Barine's disappearance into the realm of unimportant matters.
+
+Charmian's confession was preceded by the statement that she longed for
+rest yet, nevertheless, was ready to remain with her royal friend, in
+every situation, until she no longer desired her services and sent her
+away. But she feared that this moment had come.
+
+Cleopatra interrupted her with the assurance that she was speaking of
+something utterly impossible; and when Charmian disclosed Barine's
+escape, and admitted that it was she who had aided the flight of the
+innocent and sorely threatened granddaughter of Didymus, the Queen
+started up angrily and frowned, but it was only for a moment. Then, with
+a smile, she shook her finger at her friend, embraced her, and gravely
+but kindly assured her that, of all vices, ingratitude was most alien to
+her nature. The companion of her childhood had bestowed so many proofs
+of faithfulness, love, self-sacrifice, and laborious service in her
+behalf that they could not be long outweighed by a single act of wilful
+disobedience. An abundant supply would still remain, by virtue of which
+she might continue to sin without fearing that Cleopatra would ever part
+from her Charmian.
+
+The latter again perceived that nothing on earth could be hostile or
+sharp enough to sever the bond which united her to this woman. When her
+lips overflowed with the gratitude which filled her heart, Cleopatra
+admitted that it seemed as if, in aiding Barine's escape, she had
+rendered her a service. The caution with which Charmian had concealed
+Barine's refuge had not escaped her notice, and she did not ask to learn
+it. It was enough for her that the dangerous beauty was out of
+Cæsarion's reach. As for Antony, a wall now separated him from the
+world, and consequently from the woman who, spite of Alexas's
+accusations, had probably never stood closer to his heart.
+
+Charmian now eagerly strove to show the Queen what had induced the
+Syrian to pursue Barine so vindictively. It was evident--and scarcely
+needed proof--that Mark Antony's whole acquaintanceship with the old
+scholar's granddaughter had been far from leading to any tender
+relation. But Cleopatra gave only partial attention. The man whom she
+had loved with every pulsation of her heart already seemed to her only a
+dear memory. She did not forget the happiness enjoyed with and through
+him, or the wrong she had done by the use of the magic goblet; yet with
+the wall on the Choma, which divided him from her and the rest of the
+world, and her command to have the mausoleum built, she imagined that
+the season of love was over. Any new additions to this chapter of the
+life of her heart were but the close. Even the jealousy which had
+clouded the happiness of her love like a fleeting, rapidly changing
+shadow, she believed she had now renounced forever.
+
+While Charmian protested that no one save Dion had ever been heard with
+favour by Barine, and related many incidents of her former life,
+Cleopatra's thoughts were with Antony. Like the image of the beloved
+dead, the towering figure of the Roman hero rose before her mind, but
+she recalled him only as he was prior to the battle of Actium. She
+desired and expected nothing more from the broken-spirited man, whose
+condition was perhaps her own fault. But she had resolved to atone for
+her guilt, and would do so at the cost of throne and life. This settled
+the account. Whatever her remaining span of existence might add or
+subtract, was part of the bargain.
+
+The entrance of Alexas interrupted her. With fiery passion he expressed
+his regret that he had been defrauded by base intrigues of the right
+bestowed upon him to pass sentence upon a guilty woman. This was the
+more difficult to bear because he was deprived of the possibility of
+providing for the pursuit of the fugitive. Antony had honoured him with
+the commission to win Herod back to his cause. He was to leave
+Alexandria that very night. As nothing could be expected in this matter
+from the misanthropic Imperator, he hoped that the Queen would avenge
+such an offence to her dignity, and adopt severe measures towards the
+singer and her last lover, Dion, who with sacrilegious hands had wounded
+the son of Cæsar.
+
+But Cleopatra, with royal dignity, kept him within the limits of his
+position, commanded him not to mention the affair to her again, and
+then, with a sorrowful smile, wished him success with Herod, in whose
+return to the lost cause of Antony, however, much as she prized the
+skill of the mediator, she did not believe.
+
+When he had retired, she exclaimed to Charmian: "Was I blind? This man
+is a traitor! We shall discover it. Wherever Dion has taken his young
+wife, let her be carefully concealed, not from me, but from this Syrian.
+It is easier to defend one's self against the lion than the scorpion.
+You, my friend, will see that Archibius seeks me this very day. I must
+talk with him, and--you no longer have any thought of a parting? Another
+will come soon enough, which will forever forbid these lips from kissing
+your dear face."
+
+As she spoke, she again clasped the companion of her childhood in her
+arms, and when Iras entered to request an audience for Lucilius,
+Antony's most faithful friend, Cleopatra, who had noticed the younger
+woman's envious glance at the embrace, said: "Was I mistaken in fancying
+that you imagined yourself slighted for Charmian, who is an older
+friend? That would be wrong; for I love and need you both. You are her
+niece, and indebted to her for much kindness from your earliest
+childhood. So, even though you will lose the joy of revenge upon a hated
+enemy, forget what has happened, as I did, and maintain your former
+affectionate companionship. I will reward you for it with the only thing
+that the daughter of the wealthy Krates cannot purchase, yet which she
+probably rates at no low value--the love of her royal friend."
+
+With these words she clasped Iras also in a close embrace, and when the
+latter left the room to summon Lucilius, she thought: "No woman has ever
+won so much love; perhaps that is why she possesses so great a treasure
+of it, and can afford such unspeakable happiness by its bestowal. Or is
+she so much beloved because she entered the world full of its wealth,
+and dispenses it as the sun diffuses light? Surely that must be the
+case. I have reason to believe it, for whom did I ever love save the
+Queen? No one, not even myself, and I know no one in whose love for me I
+can believe. But why did Dion, whom I loved so fervently, disdain me?
+Fool! Why did Mark Antony prefer Cleopatra to Octavia, who was not less
+fair, whose heart was his, and whose hand held the sovereignty of half
+the world?"
+
+Passing on as she spoke, she soon returned, ushering the Roman Lucilius
+into the presence of the Queen. A gallant deed had bound this man to
+Antony. After the battle of Philippi, when the army of the republicans
+fled, Brutus had been on the point of being seized by the enemy's
+horsemen; but Lucilius, at the risk of being cut down, had personated
+him, and thereby, though but for a short time, rescued him. This had
+seemed to Antony unusual and noble and, in his generous manner, he had
+not only forgiven him, but bestowed his favour upon him. Lucilius was
+grateful, and gave him the same fidelity he had showed to Brutus. At
+Actium he had risked Antony's favour to prevent his deserting Cleopatra
+after the battle, and then accompanied him in his flight. Now he was
+bearing him company in his seclusion on the Choma.
+
+The grey-haired man who, but a short time before, had retained all the
+vigour of youth, approached the Queen with bowed head and saddened
+heart. His face, so regular in its contours, had undergone a marked
+change within the past few weeks. The cheeks were sunken, the features
+had grown sharper, and there was a sorrowful expression in the eyes,
+which, when informing Cleopatra of his friend's condition, glittered
+with tears.
+
+Before the hapless battle he was one of Cleopatra's most enthusiastic
+admirers; but since he had been forced to see his friend and benefactor
+risk fame, happiness, and honour to follow the Queen, he had cherished a
+feeling of bitter resentment towards her. He would certainly have spared
+himself this mission, had he not been sure that she who had brought her
+lover to ruin was the only person who could rouse him from spiritless
+languor to fresh energy and interest in life.
+
+From motives of friendship, urged by no one, he came unbidden to the
+woman whom he had formerly so sincerely admired, to entreat her to cheer
+the unfortunate man, rouse him, and remind him of his duty. He had
+little news to impart; for on the voyage she had herself witnessed long
+enough the pitiable condition of her husband. Now Antony was beginning
+to be content in it, and this was what most sorely troubled the faithful
+friend.
+
+The Imperator had called the little palace which he occupied on the
+Choma his Timonium, because he compared himself with the famous Athenian
+misanthrope who, after fortune abandoned him, had also been betrayed by
+many of his former friends. Even at Tænarum he had thought of returning
+to the Choma, and by means of a wall, which would separate it from the
+mainland, rendering it as inaccessible as--according to rumour--the
+grave of Timon at Halæ near Athens. Gorgias had erected it, and whoever
+wished to visit the hermit was forced to go by sea and request
+admittance, which was granted to few.
+
+Cleopatra listened to Lucilius with sympathy, and then asked whether
+there was no way of cheering or comforting the wretched man.
+
+"No, your Majesty," he replied. "His favourite occupation is to recall
+what he once possessed, but only to show the uselessness of these
+memories. 'What joys has life not offered me?' he asks, and then adds:
+'But they were repeated again and again, and after being enjoyed for the
+tenth time they became monotonous and lost their charm. Then they caused
+satiety to the verge of loathing.' Only necessary things, such as bread
+and water, he says, possess real value; but he desires neither, because
+he has even less taste for them than for the dainties which spoil a
+man's morrow. Yesterday in a specially gloomy hour, he spoke of gold.
+This was perhaps most worthy of desire. The mere sight of it awakened
+pleasant hopes, because it might afford so many gratifications. Then he
+laughed bitterly, exclaiming that those joys were the very ones which
+produced the most disagreeable satiety. Even gold was not worth the
+trouble of stretching out one's hand.
+
+"He is fond of enlarging upon such fancies, and finds images to make his
+meaning clear.
+
+"'In the snow upon the highest mountain-peak the feet grow cold,' he
+said. 'In the mire they are warm, but the dark mud is ugly and clings to
+them.'
+
+"Then I remarked that between the morass and the mountain-snows lie
+sunny valleys where life would be pleasant; but he flew into a rage,
+vehemently protesting that he would never be content with the pitiable
+middle course of Horace. Then he exclaimed: 'Ay, I am vanquished.
+Octavianus and his Agrippa are the conquerors; but if a rock mutilates
+or an elephant's clumsy foot crushes me, I am nevertheless of a higher
+quality than either.'"
+
+"There spoke the old Mark Antony!" cried Cleopatra; but again Lucilius's
+loyal heart throbbed with resentment against the woman who had fostered
+the recklessness which had brought his powerful friend to ruin, and he
+continued:
+
+"But he often sees himself in a different light. 'No writer could invent
+a more unworthy life than mine,' he exclaimed recently. 'A farce ending
+in a tragedy.'"
+
+Lucilius might have added still harsher sayings, but the sorrowful
+expression in the tearful eyes of the afflicted Queen silenced them upon
+his lips.
+
+Yet Cleopatra's name blended with most of the words uttered by the
+broken-spirited man. Sometimes it was associated with the most furious
+reproaches, but more frequently with expressions of boundless delight
+and wild outbursts of fervent longing, and this was what inspired
+Lucilius with the hope that the Queen's influence would be effectual
+with his friend. Therefore he repeated some especially ardent words, to
+which Cleopatra listened with grateful joy.
+
+Yet, when Lucilius paused, she remarked that doubtless the misanthropist
+had spoken of her, and probably of Octavia also, in quite a different
+way. She was prepared for the worst, for she was one of the rocks
+against which his greatness had been shattered.
+
+This reminded Lucilius of the comment Antony had made upon the three
+women whom he had wedded, and he answered reluctantly: "Fulvia, the wife
+of his youth--I knew the bold, hot-blooded woman, the former wife of
+Clodius--he called the tempest which swelled his sails."
+
+"Yes, Yes!" cried Cleopatra. "So she did. He owes her much; but I, too,
+am indebted to the dead Fulvia. She taught him to recognize and yield to
+woman's power."
+
+"Not always to his advantage," retorted Lucilius, whose resentment was
+revived by the last sentence and, without heeding the faint flush on the
+Queen's cheek, he added: "Of Octavia he said that she was the straight
+path which leads to happiness, and those who are content to walk in it
+are acceptable to gods and men."
+
+"Then why did he not suffer it to content him?" cried Cleopatra
+wrathfully.
+
+"Fulvia's school," replied the Roman, "was probably the last where he
+would learn the moderation which--as you know--is so alien to his
+nature. His opinion of the quiet valleys and middle course you have just
+heard."
+
+"But I, what have _I_ been to him?" urged the Queen.
+
+Lucilius bent his gaze for a short time on the floor, then answered
+hesitatingly:
+
+"You asked to hear, and the Queen's command must be obeyed. He compared
+your Majesty to a delicious banquet given to celebrate a victory, at
+which the guests, crowned with garlands, revel _before_ the battle----"
+
+"Which is lost," said the Queen hurriedly, in a muffled voice. "The
+comparison is apt. Now, after the defeat, it would be absurd to prepare
+another feast. The tragedy is closing, so the play (doubtless he said
+so) which preceded it would be but a wearisome repetition if performed a
+second time. One thing, it is true, seems desirable--a closing act of
+reconciliation. If you think it is in my power to recall my husband to
+active life, rely upon me. The banquet of which he spoke occupied long
+years. The dessert will consume little time, but I am ready to serve it.
+When I asked permission to visit him he refused. What plan of meeting
+have you arranged?"
+
+"That I will leave to your feminine delicacy of feeling," replied
+Lucilius. "Yet I have come with a request whose fulfilment will perhaps
+contain the answer. Eros, Mark Antony's faithful body-slave, humbly
+petitions your Majesty to grant him a few minutes' audience. You know
+the worthy fellow. He would die for you and his master, and he--I once
+heard from your lips the remark of King Antiochus, that no man was great
+to his body-slave--thus Eros sees his master's weaknesses and lofty
+qualities from a nearer point of view than we, and he is shrewd. Antony
+gave him his freedom long ago, and if your Majesty does not object to
+receiving a man so low in station----"
+
+"Let him come," replied Cleopatra. "Your demand upon me is just.
+Unhappily, I am but too well aware of the atonement due your friend.
+Before you came, I was engaged in making preparations for the fulfilment
+of one of his warmest wishes."
+
+With these words she dismissed the Roman. Her feelings as she watched
+his departure were of very mingled character. The yearning for the
+happiness of which she had been so long deprived had again awaked, while
+the unkind words which he had applied to her still rankled in her heart.
+But the door had scarcely closed behind Lucilius when the usher
+announced a deputation of the members of the museum.
+
+The learned gentlemen came to complain of the wrong which had been done
+to their colleague, Didymus, and also to express their loyalty during
+these trying times. Cleopatra assured them of her favour, and said that
+she had already offered ample compensation to the old philosopher. In a
+certain sense she was one of themselves. They all knew that, from early
+youth, she had honoured and shared their labours. In proof of this, she
+would present to the library of the museum the two hundred thousand
+volumes from Pergamus, one of the most valuable gifts Mark Antony had
+ever bestowed upon her, and which she had hitherto regarded merely as a
+loan. This she hoped would repay Didymus for the injury which, to her
+deep regret, had been inflicted upon him, and at least partially repair
+the loss sustained by the former library of the museum during the
+conflagration in the Bruchium.
+
+The sages, eagerly assuring her of their gratitude and devotion,
+retired. Most of them were personally known to Cleopatra who, to their
+mutual pleasure and advantage, had measured her intellectual powers with
+the most brilliant minds of their body.
+
+The sun had already set, when a procession of the priests of Serapis,
+the chief god of the city, whose coming had been announced the day
+before, appeared at Lochias. Accompanied by torch and lantern bearers,
+it moved forward with slow and solemn majesty. In harmony with the
+nature of Serapis, there were many reminders of death.
+
+The meaning of every image, every standard, every shrine, every
+peculiarity of the music and singing, was familiar to the Queen. Even
+the changing colours of the lights referred to the course of growth and
+decay in the universe and in human life, and the magnificent close of
+the chant of homage which represented the reception of the royal soul
+into the essence of the deity, the apotheosis of the sovereign, was well
+suited to stir the heart; for a sea of light unexpectedly flooded the
+whole procession and, while its glow irradiated the huge pile of the
+palace, the sea with its forest of ships and masts, and the shore with
+its temples, pylons, obelisks, and superb buildings, all the choruses,
+accompanied by the music of sackbuts, cymbals, and lutes, blended in a
+mighty hymn, whose waves of sound rose to the star-strewn sky and
+reached the open sea beyond the Pharos.
+
+Many a symbolical image suggested death and the resurrection, defeat and
+a victory following it by the aid of great Serapis; and when the torches
+retired, vanishing in the darkness, with the last, notes of the chanting
+of the priests, Cleopatra, raised her head, feeling as if the vow she
+had made during the gloomy singing of the aged men and the extinguishing
+of the torches had received the approval of the deity brought by her
+forefathers to Alexandria and enthroned there to unite in his own person
+the nature of the Greek and the Egyptian gods.
+
+Her tomb was to be built and, if destiny was fulfilled, to receive her
+lover and herself. She had perceived from Antony's bitter words, as well
+as the looks and tones of Lucilius, that he, as well as the man to whom
+her heart still clung with indissoluble bonds, held her responsible for
+Actium and the fall of his greatness.
+
+The world, she knew, would imitate them, but it should learn that if
+love had robbed the greatest man of his day of fame and sovereignty,
+that love had been worthy of the highest price.
+
+The belief which had just been symbolically represented to her--that it
+was allotted to the vanishing light to rise again in new and radiant
+splendour--she would maintain for the present, though the best success
+could scarcely lead to anything more than merely fanning the glimmering
+spark and deferring its extinction.
+
+For herself there was no longer any great victory to win which would be
+worth the conflict. Yet the weapons must not rest until the end. Antony
+must not perish, growling, like a second Timon, or a wild beast caught
+in a snare. She would rekindle, though but for the last blaze, the fire
+of his hero-nature, which blind love for her and the magic spell that
+had enabled her to bind his will had covered for a time with ashes.
+
+While listening to the resurrection hymn of the priests of Serapis, she
+had asked herself if it might not be possible to give Antony, when he
+had been roused to fresh energy, the son of Cæsar as a companion in
+arms. True, she had found the boy in a mood far different from the one
+for which she had hoped. If he had once been carried on to a bold deed,
+it seemed to have exhausted his energy; for he remained absorbed in the
+most pitiable love-sickness. Yet he had not recovered from his illness.
+When he was better he would surely wake to active interest in the events
+which threatened to exert so great an influence on his own existence
+and, like the humblest slave, lament the defeat of Actium. Hitherto he
+had listened to the tidings of battle which had reached his ears with an
+indifference that seemed intelligible and pardonable only when
+attributed to his wound.
+
+His tutor Rhodon had just requested a leave of absence, remarking that
+Cæsarion would not lack companions, since he was expecting Antyllus and
+other youths of his own age. A flood of light streamed from the windows
+of the reception hall of the "King of kings." There was still time to
+seek him and make him understand what was at stake. Ah! if she could but
+succeed in awaking his father's spirit! If that culpable attack should
+prove the harbinger of future deeds of manly daring!
+
+No interview with him as yet had encouraged this expectation, but a
+mother's heart easily sees, even in disappointment, a step which leads
+to a new hope. When Charmian entered to announce Antony's body-slave,
+she sent word to him to wait, and requested her friend to accompany her
+to her son.
+
+As they approached the apartments occupied by Cæsarion, Antyllus's loud
+voice reached them through the open door, whose curtain was only half
+drawn. The first word which the Queen distinguished was her own name;
+so, motioning to her companion, she stood still. Barine was again the
+subject of conversation.
+
+Antony's son was relating what Alexas had told him. Cleopatra, the
+Syrian had asserted, intended to send the young beauty to the mines or
+into exile, and severely punish Dion; but both had made their escape.
+The Ephebi had behaved treacherously by taking sides with their foe. But
+this was because they were not yet invested with their robes. He hoped
+to induce his father to do this as soon as he shook off his pitiable
+misanthropy. And he must also be persuaded to direct the pursuit of the
+fugitives. "This will not be difficult," he cried insolently, "for the
+old man appreciates beauty, and has himself cast an eye on the singer.
+If they capture her, I'll guarantee nothing, you 'King of kings!' for,
+spite of his grey beard, he can cut us all out with the women, and
+Barine--as we have heard--doesn't think a man of much importance until
+his locks begin to grow thin. I gave Derketæus orders to send all his
+men in pursuit. He's as cunning as a fox, and the police are compelled
+to obey him."
+
+"If I were not forced to lie here like a dead donkey, I would soon find
+her," sighed Cæsarion. "Night or day, she is never out of my mind. I
+have already spent everything I possessed in the search. Yesterday I
+sent for the steward Seleukus. What is the use of being my mother's son,
+and the fat little fellow isn't specially scrupulous! He will do
+nothing, yet there must be gold enough. The Queen has sunk millions in
+the sand on the Syrian frontier of the Delta. There is to be a square
+hole or something of the sort dug there to hide the fleet. I only half
+understand the absurd plan. The money might have paid hundreds of spies.
+So talents are thrown away, and the strong-box is locked against the
+son. But I'll find one that will open to me. I must have her, though I
+risk the crown. It always sounds like a jeer when they call me the King
+of kings. I am not fit for sovereignty. Besides, the throne will be
+seized ere I really ascend it. We are conquered, and if we succeed in
+concluding a peace, which will secure us life and a little more, we must
+be content. For my part, I shall be satisfied with a country estate on
+the water, a sufficient supply of money and, above all, Barine. What do
+I care for Egypt? As Cæsar's son I ought to have ruled Rome; but the
+immortals knew what they were doing when they prompted my father to
+disinherit me. To govern the world one must have less need of sleep.
+Really--you know it--I always feel tired, even when I am well. People
+must let me alone! Your father, too, Antyllus, is laying down his arms
+and letting things go as they will."
+
+"Ah, so he is!" cried Antony's son indignantly. "But just wait! The
+sleeping lion will wake again, and, when he uses his teeth and paws----"
+
+"My mother will run away, and your father will follow her," replied
+Cæsarion with a melancholy smile, wholly untinged by scorn. "All is
+lost. But conquered kings and queens are permitted to live. Cæsar's son
+will not be exhibited to the Quirites in the triumphal procession.
+Rhodon says that there would be an insurrection if I appeared in the
+Forum. If I go there again, it certainly will not be in Octavianus's
+train. I am not suited for that kind of ignominy. It would stifle me
+and, ere I would grant any man the pleasure of dragging the son of
+Cæsar behind him to increase his own renown, I would put an end--ten,
+nay, a hundred times over, in the good old Roman fashion, to my life,
+which is by no means especially attractive. What is sweeter than sound
+sleep, and who will disturb and rouse me when Death has lowered his
+torch before me? But now I think I shall be spared this extreme.
+Whatever else they may inflict upon me will scarcely exceed my powers of
+endurance. If any one has learned contentment it is I. The King of kings
+and Co-Regent of the Great Queen has been trained persistently, and with
+excellent success, to be content. What should I be, and what _am_ I? Yet
+I do not complain, and wish to accuse no one. We need not summon
+Octavianus, and when he is here let him take what he will if he only
+spares the lives of my mother, the twins, and little Alexander, whom I
+love, and bestows on me the estate--the main thing is that it must be
+full of fishponds--of which I spoke. The private citizen Cæsarion, who
+devotes his time to fishing and the books he likes to read, will gladly
+be allowed to choose a wife to suit his own taste. The more humble her
+origin, the more easily I shall win the consent of the Roman guardian."
+
+"Do you know, Cæsarion," interrupted Antony's unruly son, leaning back
+on the cushions and stretching his feet farther in front of him, "if you
+were not the King of kings I should be inclined to call you a base,
+mean-natured fellow! One who has the good fortune to be the son of
+Julius Cæsar ought not to forget it so disgracefully. My gall overflows
+at your whimpering. By the dog! It was one of my most senseless pranks
+to take you to the singer. I should think there would be other things to
+occupy the mind of the King of kings. Besides, Barine cares no more for
+you than the last fish you caught. She showed that plainly enough. I say
+once more, if Derketæus's men succeed in capturing the beauty who has
+robbed you of your senses, she won't go with you to your miserable
+estate to cook the fish you catch, for if we have her again, and my
+father holds out his hand to her, all your labour will be in vain. He
+saw the fair enchantress only twice, and had no time to become better
+acquainted, but she captured his fancy and, if I remind him of her, who
+knows what will happen?"
+
+Here Cleopatra beckoned to her companion and returned to her apartments
+with drooping head. On reaching them, she broke the silence, saying:
+"Listening, Charmian, is unworthy of a Queen; but if all listeners heard
+things so painful, one need no longer guard keyholes and chinks of
+doors. I must recover my calmness ere I receive Eros. One thing more. Is
+Barine's hiding-place secure?"
+
+"I don't know--Archibius says so."
+
+"Very well. They are searching for her zealously enough, as you heard,
+and she must not be found. I am glad that she did not set a snare for
+the boy. How a jealous heart leads us astray! Were she here, I would
+grant her anything to make amends for my unjust suspicion of her and
+Antony. And to think that Alexas--but for your interposition he would
+have succeeded--meant to send her to the mines! It is a terrible warning
+to be on my guard. Against whom? First of all, my own weakness. This is
+a day of recognition. A noble aim, but on the way the feet bleed, and
+the heart--ah! Charmian, the poor, weak, disappointed heart!"
+
+She sighed heavily, and supported her head on the arm resting upon the
+table at her side. The polished, exquisitely grained surface of
+thya-wood was worth a large estate; the gems in the rings and bracelets
+which glittered on her hand and arm would have purchased a principality.
+This thought entered her mind and, overpowered by a feeling of angry
+disgust, she would fain have cast all the costly rubbish into the sea or
+the destroying flames.
+
+She would gladly have been a beggar, content with the barley bread of
+Epicurus, she said to herself, if in return she could but have inspired
+her son even with the views of the reckless blusterer Antyllus. Her
+worst fears had not pictured Cæsarion so weak, so insignificant. She
+could no longer rest upon her cushions; and while, with drooping head,
+she gazed backward over the past, the accusing voice in her own breast
+cried out that she was reaping what she had sowed. She had repressed,
+curbed the boy's awakening will to secure his obedience; understood how
+to prevent any exercise of his ability or efforts in wider circles.
+
+True, it had been done on many a pretext. Why should not her son taste
+the quiet happiness which she had enjoyed in the garden of Epicurus? And
+was not the requirement that whoever is to command must first learn to
+obey, based upon old experiences?
+
+But this was a day of reckoning and insight, and for the first time she
+found courage to confess that her own burning ambition had marked out
+the course of Cæsarion's education. She had not repressed his talents
+from cool calculation, but it had been pleasant to her to see him grow
+up free from aspirations. She had granted the dreamer repose without
+arousing him. How often she had rejoiced over the certainty that this
+son, on whom Antony, after his victory over the Parthians, had bestowed
+the title of Co-Regent, would never rebel against his mother's
+guardianship! The welfare of the state had doubtless been better secured
+in her trained hands than in those of an inexperienced boy. And the
+proud consciousness of power! Her heart swelled. So long as she lived
+she would remain Queen. To transfer the sovereignty to another, whatever
+name he might bear, had seemed to her impossible. Now she knew how
+little her son yearned for lofty things. Her heart contracted. The
+saying "You reap what you sowed" gave her no peace, and wherever she
+turned in her past life she perceived the fruit of the seeds which she
+had buried in the ground. The field was sinking under the burden of the
+ears of misfortune. The harvest was ripe for the reaper; but, ere he
+raised the sickle, the owner's claim must be preserved. Gorgias must
+hasten the building of the tomb; the end could not be long deferred. How
+to shape this worthily, if the victor left her no other choice, had just
+been pointed out by the son of whom she was ashamed. His father's noble
+blood forbade him to bear the deepest ignominy with the patience his
+mother had inculcated.
+
+It had grown late ere she admitted Antony's body-slave, but for her the
+business of the night was just commencing. After he had gone she would
+be engaged for hours with the commanders of the army, the fleet, the
+fortifications. The soliciting of allies, too, must be carried on by
+means of letters containing the most stirring appeals to the heart.
+
+Eros, Antony's body-slave, appeared. His kind eyes filled with tears at
+the sight of the Queen. Grief had not lessened the roundness of his
+handsome face, but the expression of mischievous, often insolent, gaiety
+had given place to a sorrowful droop of the lips, and his fair hair had
+begun to turn grey.
+
+Lucilius's information that Cleopatra had consented to make advances to
+Antony had seemed like the rising of the sun after a long period of
+darkness. In his eyes, not only his master, but everything else, must
+yield to the power of the Queen. He had heard Antony at Tarsus inveigh
+against "the Egyptian serpent," protesting that he would make her pay so
+dearly for her questionable conduct towards himself and the cause of
+Cæsar that the treasure-houses on the Nile should be like an empty
+wine-skin; yet, a few hours after, body and soul had been in her toils.
+So it had continued till the battle of Actium. Now there was nothing
+more to lose; but what might not Cleopatra bestow upon his master? He
+thought of the delightful years during which his face had grown so
+round, and every day fresh pleasures and spectacles, such as the world
+would never again witness, had satiated eye and ear, palate and
+nostril,--nay, even curiosity. If they could be repeated, even in a
+simpler form, so much the better. His main--nay, almost his sole--desire
+was to release his lord from this wretched solitude, this horrible
+misanthropy, so ill suited to his nature.
+
+Cleopatra had kept him waiting two hours, but he would willingly have
+loitered in the anteroom thrice as long if she only determined to follow
+his counsel. It was worth considering, and Eros did not hesitate to give
+it. No one could foresee how Antony would greet Cleopatra herself, so he
+proposed that she should send Charmian--not alone, but with her clever
+hunch-backed maid, to whom the Imperator himself had given the name
+"Aisopion." He liked Charmian, and could never see the dusky maid
+without jesting with her. If his master could once be induced to show a
+cheerful face to others besides himself, Eros, and perceived how much
+better it was to laugh than to lapse into sullen reverie and anger, much
+would be gained, and Charmian would do the rest, if she brought a loving
+message from her royal mistress.
+
+Hitherto Cleopatra had not interrupted him; but when she expressed the
+opinion that a slave's nimble tongue would have little power to change
+the deep despondency of a man overwhelmed by the most terrible disaster,
+Eros waved his short, broad hand, saying:
+
+"I trust your Majesty will pardon the frankness of a man so humble in
+degree, but those in high station often permit us to see what they hide
+from one another. Only the loftiest and the lowliest, the gods and the
+slaves, behold the great without disguise. May my ears be cropped if the
+Imperator's melancholy and misanthropy are so intense! All this is a
+disguise which pleases him. You know how, in better days, he enjoyed
+appearing as Dionysus, and with what wanton gaiety he played the part of
+the god. Now he is hiding his real, cheerful face behind the mask of
+unsocial melancholy, because he thinks the former does not suit this
+time of misfortune. True, he often says things which make your skin
+creep, and frequently broods mournfully over his own thoughts. But this
+never lasts long when we are alone. If I come in with a very funny
+story, and he doesn't silence me at once, you can rely on his surpassing
+it with a still more comical one. A short time ago I reminded him of the
+fishing party when your Majesty had a diver fasten a salted herring on
+his hook. You ought to have heard him laugh, and exclaim what happy days
+those were. The lady Charmian need only remind him of them, and Aisopion
+spice the allusion with a jest. I'll give my nose--true, it's only a
+small one, but everybody values that feature most--if they don't
+persuade him to leave that horrible crow's nest in the middle of the
+sea. They must remind him of the twins and little Alexander; for when he
+permits me to talk about them his brow smooths most speedily. He still
+speaks very often to Lucilius and his other friends of his great plans
+of forming a powerful empire in the East, with Alexandria as its
+principal city. His warrior blood is not yet calm. A short time ago I
+was even ordered to sharpen the curved Persian scimitar he likes to
+wield. One could not know what service it might be, he said. Then he
+swung his mighty arm. By the dog! The grey-haired giant still has the
+strength of three youths. When he is once more with you, among warriors
+and battle chargers, all will be well."
+
+"Let us hope so." replied Cleopatra kindly, and promised to follow his
+advice.
+
+When Iras, who had taken Charmian's place, accompanied the Queen to her
+chamber after several hours of toil, she found her silent and sad. Lost
+in thought, she accepted her attendant's aid, breaking her silence only
+after she had gone to her couch. "This has been a hard day, Iras," she
+said; "it brought nothing save the confirmation of an old saying,
+perhaps the most ancient in the world: 'Every one wilt reap only what he
+sows. The plant which grows from the seed you place in the earth may be
+crushed, but no power in the world will compel the seed to develop
+differently or produce fruit unlike what Nature has assigned to it.' My
+seed was evil. This now appears in the time of harvest. But we will yet
+bring a handful of good wheat to the storehouses. We will provide for
+that while there is time. I will talk with Gorgias early to-morrow
+morning. While we were building, you showed good taste and often
+suggested new ideas. When Gorgias brings the plans for the mausoleum you
+shall examine them with me. You have a right to do so, for, if I am not
+mistaken, few will visit the finished structure more frequently than my
+Iras."
+
+The girl started up and, raising her hand as if taking a vow, exclaimed:
+"Your tomb will vainly wait my visit; your end will be mine also."
+
+"May the gods preserve your youth from it!" replied the Queen in a tone
+of grave remonstrance. "We still live and will do battle."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+Night brought little sleep to Cleopatra. Memory followed memory, plan
+was added to plan. The resolve made the day before was the right one.
+To-day she would begin its execution. Whatever might happen, she was
+prepared for every contingency.
+
+Ere she went to her work she granted a second audience to the Roman
+envoy. Timagenes exerted all his powers of eloquence, skill in
+persuasion, wit, and ingenuity. He again promised to Cleopatra life and
+liberty, and to her children the throne; but when he insisted upon the
+surrender or death of Mark Antony as the first condition of any further
+negotiations, Cleopatra remained steadfast, and the ambassador set forth
+on his way home without any pledge.
+
+After he had gone, the Queen and Iras looked over the plans for the tomb
+brought by Gorgias, but the intense agitation of her soul distracted
+Cleopatra's attention, and she begged him to come again at a later hour.
+When she was alone, she took out the letters which Cæsar and Antony had
+written to her. How acute, subtle, and tender were those of the former;
+how ardent, impassioned, yet sincere were those of the mighty and fiery
+orator, whose eloquence swept the listening multitudes with him, yet
+whom her little hand had drawn wherever she desired!
+
+Her heart throbbed faster when she thought of the meeting with Antony,
+now close at hand; for Charmian had gone with the Nubian to invite him
+to join her again. They had started several hours ago, and she awaited
+their return with increasing impatience. She had summoned him for their
+last mutual battle. That he would come she did not doubt. But could she
+succeed in rekindling his courage? Two persons so closely allied should
+sink and perish, still firmly united, in the final battle, if victory
+was denied.
+
+Archibius was now announced.
+
+It soothed her merely to gaze into the faithful countenance, which
+recalled so many of her happiest memories.
+
+She opened her whole soul to him without reserve, and he drew himself up
+to his full height, as if restored to youth; while when she told him
+that she would never sully herself by treachery to her lover and
+husband, and had resolved to die worthy of her name, the expression of
+his eyes revealed that she had chosen the right path.
+
+Ere she had made the request that he should undertake the education and
+guidance of the children, he voluntarily proposed to devote his best
+powers to them. The plan of uniting Didymus's garden with the Lochias
+and giving it to the little ones also met with his approval. His sister
+had already told him that Cleopatra had determined to build her tomb. He
+hoped, he added, that its doors would not open to her for many years.
+
+She shook her head sorrowfully, exclaiming: "Would that I could read
+every face as I do yours! My friend Archibius wishes me a long life, if
+any one does; but he is as wise as he is faithful, and therefore will
+consider that earthly life is by no means a boon in every case. Besides,
+he says to himself: 'Events are impending over this Queen and woman, my
+friend, which will perhaps render it advisable to make use of the great
+privilege which the immortals bestow on human beings when it becomes
+desirable for them to leave the stage of life. So let her build her
+tomb.' Have I read the old familiar book aright?"
+
+"On the whole, yes," he answered gravely. "But it is inscribed upon its
+pages that a great princess and faithful mother can be permitted to set
+forth on the last journey, whence there is no return, only when----"
+
+"When," she interrupted, "a shameful end threatens to fall upon the fair
+beginning and brilliant middle period, as a swarm of locusts darkens the
+air and devours and devastates the fields. I know it, and will act
+accordingly."
+
+"And," added Archibius, "this end also (faithful to your nature) you
+will shape regally.--On my way here I met my sister near the Choma. You
+sent her to your husband. He will grasp the proffered hand. Now that it
+is necessary to stake everything or surrender, the grandson of Herakles
+will again display his former heroic power. Perhaps, stimulated and
+encouraged by the example of the woman he loves, he will even force
+hostile Fate to show him fresh favour."
+
+"Destiny will pursue its course," interrupted Cleopatra firmly. "But
+Antony must help me to heap fresh obstacles in the pathway, and when he
+wishes to use his giant strength, what masses of rock his mighty arm can
+hurl!"
+
+"And if your lofty spirit smooths the path for him, then, my royal
+mistress----"
+
+"Even then the close of the tragedy will be death, and every scene a
+disappointment. Was not the plan of bringing the fleet across the
+isthmus bold and full of promise? Even the professional engineers
+greeted it with applause, and yet it proved impracticable. Destiny dug
+its grave. And the terrible omens before and after Actium, and the
+stars--the stars! Everything points to speedy destruction, everything!
+Every hour brings news of the desertion of some prince or general. As if
+from a watch-tower, I now overlook what is growing from the seed I
+sowed. Sterile ears or poisonous vegetation, wherever I turn my eyes.
+And yet! You, who know my life from its beginning, tell me--must I veil
+my head in shame when the question is asked, what powers of intellect,
+what talents industry, and desire for good Cleopatra displayed?"
+
+"No, my royal mistress, a thousand times no!"
+
+"Yet the fruit of every tree I planted degenerated and decayed.
+Cæsarion is withering in the flower of his youth--by whose fault I know
+only too well. You will now take charge of the education of the other
+children. So it is for you to consider what brought me where I now
+stand, and how to guard their life-bark from wandering and shipwreck."
+
+"Let me train them to be human beings," replied Archibius gravely, "and
+preserve them from the desire to enter the lists with the gods. From the
+simple Cleopatra in the garden of Epicurus, who was a delight to the
+good and wise, you became the new Isis, to whom the multitude raised
+hearts, eyes, and hands, dazzled and blinded. We will transfer the
+twins, Helios and Selene, the sun and the moon, from heaven to earth;
+they must become mortals--Greeks. I will not transplant them to the
+garden of Epicurus, but to another, where the air is more bracing. The
+inscription on its portals shall not be, 'Here pleasure is the chief
+good,' but 'This is an arena for character.' He who leaves this garden
+shall not owe to it the yearning for happiness and comfort, but an
+immovably steadfast moral discipline. Your children, like yourself, were
+born in the East, which loves what is monstrous, superhuman,
+exaggerated. If you entrust them to me, they must learn to govern
+themselves. At the helm stands moral earnestness, which, however, does
+not exclude the joyous cheerfulness natural to our people; the sails
+will be trimmed by moderation, the noblest quality of the Greek nation."
+
+"I understand," Cleopatra interrupted, with drooping head. "Interwoven
+with the means of securing the children's welfare, you set before the
+mother's eyes the qualities she has lacked. I know that long ago you
+abandoned the teachings of Epicurus and the Stoa, and with an earnest
+aim before your eyes sought your own paths. The tempest of life swept me
+far away from the quiet garden where we sought the purest delight. Now I
+have learned to know the perils which threaten those who see the chief
+good in happiness. It stands too high for mortals, for in the changeful
+stir of life it remains unattainable, and yet it is too low an aim for
+their struggles, for there are worthier objects. Yet one saying of
+Epicurus we both believed, and it has always stood us in good stead:
+'Wisdom can obtain no more precious contribution to the happiness of
+mortal life than the possession of friendship.'"
+
+She held out her hand as she spoke, and while, deeply agitated, he
+raised it to his lips, she went on: "You know I am on the eve of the
+last desperate battle--if the gods will--shoulder to shoulder with
+Antony. Therefore I shall not be permitted to watch your work of
+education; yet I will aid it. When the children question you about their
+mother, you will be obliged to restrain yourself from saying: 'Instead
+of striving for the painless peace of mind, the noble pleasure of
+Epicurus, which once seemed to her the highest good, she constantly
+pursued fleeting amusements. The Oriental recklessly squandered her once
+noble gifts of intellect and the wealth of her people, yielded to the
+hasty impulses of her passionate nature.' But you shall also say to
+them: 'Your mother's heart was full of ardent love, she scorned what was
+base, strove for the highest goal, and when she fell, preferred death to
+treachery and disgrace.'"
+
+Here she paused, for she thought she heard footsteps approaching, and
+then exclaimed anxiously: "I am waiting--expecting. Perhaps Antony
+cannot escape from the paralyzing grasp of despair. To fight the last
+battle without him, and yet under the gaze of his wrathful, gloomy eyes,
+once so full of sunshine, would be the greatest sorrow of my life.
+Archibius, I may confess this to you, the friend who saw love for this
+man develop in the breast of the child---- But what does this mean? An
+uproar! Have the people rebelled? Yesterday the representatives of the
+priesthood, the members of the museum, and the leaders of the army
+assured me of their changeless fidelity and love. Dion belonged to the
+Macedonian men of the Council; yet I have already declared, in
+accordance with the truth, that I never intended to persecute him on
+Cæsarion's account. I do not even know--and do not desire to know--the
+refuge of the lately wedded pair. Or has the new tax levied, the command
+to seize the treasures of the temple, driven them to extremities? What
+am I to do? We need gold to bid the foe defiance, to preserve the
+independence of the throne, the country, and the people. Or have tidings
+from Rome----? It is becoming serious--and the noise is growing louder."
+
+"Let me see what they want," Archibius anxiously interrupted, hastening
+to the door; but just at that moment the Introducer opened it, crying,
+"Mark Antony is approaching the Lochias, attended by half Alexandria!"
+
+"The noble Imperator is returning!" fell from the bearded lips of the
+commander of the guard, ere the courtier's words had died away; and even
+while he spoke Iras pressed past him, shrieking as if half frantic: "He
+is coming! He is here! I knew he would come! How they are shouting and
+cheering! Out with you, men! If you are willing, my royal mistress, we
+will greet him from the balcony of Berenike. If we only had----"
+
+"The twins--little Alexander!" interrupted Cleopatra, with blanched face
+and faltering voice. "Put on their festal garments."
+
+"Quick--the children, Zoe!" cried Iras, completing the order and
+clapping her hands. Then she turned to the Queen with the entreaty: "Be
+calm, my royal mistress, be calm, I beseech you. We have ample time.
+Here is the vulture crown of Isis, and here the other. Antony's slave,
+Eros, has just come in, panting for breath. The Imperator, he says, will
+appear as the new Dionysus. It would certainly please his master--though
+he had not commissioned him to request it--if you greeted him as the new
+Isis.--Help me, Hathor. Nephoris, tell the usher to see that the
+fan-bearers and the other attendants, women and men, are in their
+places.--Here are the pearl and diamond necklaces for your throat and
+bosom. Take care of the robe. The transparent bombyx is as delicate as a
+cobweb, and if you tear it---- No, you must not refuse. We all know how
+it pleases him to see his goddess in divine majesty and beauty."
+
+Cleopatra, with glowing cheeks and throbbing heart, made no further
+objection to donning the superb festal robe, strewn with glimmering
+pearls and glittering gems. It would have been more in harmony with her
+feelings to meet the returning Antony in the plain, dark garb which,
+since her arrival at home, she had exchanged for a richer one only on
+festal occasions; but Antony was coming as the new Dionysus, and Eros
+knew what would please his master.
+
+Eight nimble hands, which were often aided by Iras's skilful fingers,
+toiled busily, and soon the latter could hold up the mirror before
+Cleopatra, exclaiming from the very depths of her heart, "Like the
+foam-born Aphrodite and the golden Hathor!"
+
+Then Iras, who, in adorning her beloved mistress, had forgotten love,
+hate, and envy, and amid her eager haste barely found time for a brief,
+fervent prayer for a happy issue of this meeting, threw the broad
+folding-doors as wide as if she were about to reveal to the worshippers
+in the temple the image of the god in the innermost sanctuary.
+
+A long, echoing shout of surprise and delight greeted the Queen, for the
+courtiers, hastily summoned, were already awaiting her without, from the
+grey-haired epistolograph to the youngest page. Regally attired women in
+her service raised the floating train of her cloak; others, in
+sacerdotal robes, were testing the ease of movement of the rings on the
+sistrum rods, men and boys were forming into lines according to the rank
+of each individual, and the chief fan-bearer gave the signal for
+departure. After a short walk through several halls and corridors, the
+train reached the first court-yard of the palace, and there ascended the
+few steps leading to the broad platform at the entrance-gate which
+overlooked the whole Bruchium and the Street of the King, down which the
+expected hero would approach.
+
+The distant uproar of the multitude had sounded threatening, but now,
+amid the deafening din, they could distinguish every shout of welcome,
+every joyous greeting, every expression of delight, surprise, applause,
+admiration, and homage, known to the Greek and Egyptian tongues.
+
+Only the centre and end of the procession were visible. The head had
+reached the Corner of the Muses, where, concealed by the old trees in
+the garden, it moved on between the Temple of Isis and the land owned by
+Didymus. The end still extended to the Choma, whence it had started.
+
+All Alexandria seemed to have joined it.
+
+Men large and small, of high and low degree, old and young, the lame and
+the crippled, mingled with the throng, sweeping onward among horses and
+carriages, carts and beasts of burden, like a mountain torrent dashing
+wildly down to the valley. Here a loud shriek rang from an overturned
+litter, whose bearers had fallen. Yonder a child thrown to the ground
+screamed shrilly, there a dog trodden under the feet of the crowd howled
+piteously. So clear and resonant were the shouts of joy that they rose
+high above the flutes and tambourines, the cymbals and lutes of the
+musicians, who followed the man approaching in the robes of a god.
+
+The head of the procession now passed beyond the Corner of the Muses and
+came within view of the platform.
+
+There could be no doubt to whom this ovation was given, for the
+returning hero was in the van, high above all the other figures. From
+the golden throne borne on the shoulders of twelve black slaves he waved
+his long thyrsus in greeting to the exulting multitude. Before the
+bacchanalian train which accompanied him, and behind the musicians who
+followed, moved two elephants bearing between them, as a light burden,
+some unrecognizable object covered with a purple cloth. Now the column
+had passed between the pylons through the lofty gateway which separated
+the palace from the Street of the King, and stopped opposite to the
+platform.
+
+While officials, Scythians, and body-guards of all shades of complexion,
+on foot and on horseback, kept back the throng by force where friendly
+warning did not avail, Cleopatra saw her lover descend from the throne
+and give a signal to the Indian slave who guided the elephants. The
+cloth was flung aside, revealing to the astonished eyes of the
+spectators a bouquet of flowers such as no Alexandrian had ever beheld.
+It consisted entirely of blossoming rose-bushes. The red flowers formed
+a circle in the centre, surrounded by a broad light garland of white
+ones. The whole gigantic work rested like an egg in its cup in a holder
+of palm fronds which, as it were, framed it in graceful curving
+outlines. More than a thousand blossoms were united in this peerless
+bouquet, and the singular gigantic gift was characteristic of its giver.
+
+He advanced on foot to the platform, his figure towering above the
+brown, light-hued, and black freedmen and slaves who followed as, on the
+monuments of the Pharaohs, the image of the sovereign dominates those of
+the subjects and foes.
+
+He could look down upon the tallest men, and the width of his shoulders
+was as remarkable as his colossal height. A long, gold-broidered purple
+mantle, floating to his ancles, increased his apparent stature. Powerful
+arms, with the swelling muscles of an athlete, were extended from his
+sleeveless robe towards the beloved Queen.
+
+The well-formed head, thick dark hair, and magnificent beard
+corresponded with the powerful figure. Formerly these locks had adorned
+the head of the youth with the blue-black hue of the raven's plumage;
+now the threads of grey scattered abundantly through them were concealed
+by the aid of dye. A thick wreath of vine leaves rested on the
+Imperator's brow, and leafy vine branches, to which clung several dark
+bunches of grapes, fell over his broad shoulders and down his back,
+which was covered like a cloak, not by a leopard-skin, but that of a
+royal Indian tiger of great size--he had slain it himself in the arena.
+The head and paws of the animal were gold, the eyes two magnificent
+sparkling sapphires. The clasp of the chain, by which the skin was
+suspended, as well as that of the gold belt which circled the
+Imperator's body above the hips, was covered with rubies and emeralds.
+The wide armlets above his elbows, the ornaments on his broad breast,
+nay, even his red morocco boots, glittered and flashed with gems.
+
+Radiant magnificent as his former fortunes seemed the attire of this
+mighty fallen hero, who but yesterday had shrunk timidly and sadly from
+the eyes of his fellow-men. His features, too, were large, noble, and
+beautiful in outline; but, though his pale cheeks were adorned with the
+borrowed crimson of youth, half a century of the maddest pursuit of
+pleasure and the torturing excitement of the last few weeks had left
+traces only too visible; for the skin hung in loose bags beneath the
+large eyes; wrinkles furrowed his brow and radiated in slanting lines
+from the corners of his eyes across his temples.
+
+Yet not one of those whom this bedizened man of fifty was approaching
+thought of seeing in him an aged, bedecked dandy; it was an instinct of
+his nature to surround himself with pomp and splendour and, moreover,
+his whole appearance was so instinct with power that scorn and mockery
+shrank abashed before it.
+
+How frank, gracious, and kindly was this man's face, how sincere the
+heart-felt emotion which sparkled in his eyes, still glowing with the
+fire of youth, at the sight of the woman from whom he had been so long
+parted! Every feature beamed with the most ardent tenderness for the
+royal wife whom he was approaching, and the expression on the lips of
+the giant varied so swiftly from humble, sorrowful anguish of mind to
+gratitude and delight, that even the hearts of his foes were touched.
+But when, pressing his hand on his broad breast, he advanced towards the
+Queen, bending so low that it seemed as if he would fain kiss her feet,
+when in fact the colossal figure did sink kneeling before her, and the
+powerful arms were outstretched with fervent devotion like a child
+beseeching help, the woman who had loved him throughout her whole life
+with all the ardour of her passionate soul was overpowered by the
+feeling that everything which stood between them, all their mutual
+offences, had vanished. He saw the sunny smile that brightened her
+beloved, ever-beautiful face, and then--then his own name reached his
+ears from the lips to which he owed the greatest bliss love had ever
+offered. At last, as if intoxicated by the tones of her voice, which
+seemed to him more musical than the songs of the Muses; half smiling at
+the jest which, even in the most serious earnest, he could not abandon;
+half moved to the depths of his soul by the power of his newly awakening
+happiness after such sore sorrow, he pointed to the gigantic bouquet,
+which three slaves had lifted down from the elephant and were bearing to
+the Queen. Cleopatra, too, was overwhelmed with emotion.
+
+This floral gift imitated, on an immense scale, the little bouquet which
+the famous young general had taken from her father's hand before the
+gate of the garden of Epicurus to present to her as his first gift. That
+had also been composed of red roses, surrounded by white ones. Instead
+of palm fronds, it had been encircled only by fern leaves. This was one
+of the beautiful offerings which Antony's gracious nature so well
+understood how to choose. The bouquet was a symbol of the unprecedented
+generosity natural to this large-minded man. No magic goblet had
+compelled him to approach her thus and with such homage. Nothing had
+constrained him, save his overflowing heart, his constant, fadeless
+love.
+
+As if restored to youth, transported by some magic spell to the happy
+days of early girlhood, she forgot her royal dignity and the hundreds of
+eyes which rested upon him as if spell-bound; and, obedient to an
+irresistible impulse of the heart, she sank upon the broad, heaving
+breast of the kneeling hero. Laughing joyously in the clear, silvery
+tones which are usually heard only in youth, he clasped her in his
+strong arms, raised her slender figure in its floating royal mantle from
+the ground, kissed her lips and eyes, held her aloft in the soaring
+attitude of the Goddess of Victory, as if to display his happiness to
+the eyes of all, and at last placed her carefully on her feet again like
+some treasured jewel.
+
+Then, turning to the children, who were waiting at their mother's side,
+he lifted first little Alexander, then the twins, to kiss them; and,
+while holding Helios and Selene in his arms, as if the joy of seeing
+them again had banished their weight, the shouts which had arisen when
+the Queen sank on his breast again burst forth.
+
+The ancient walls of the Lochias palace had never heard such
+acclamations. They passed from lip to lip, from hundreds to hundreds
+and, though those more distant did not know the cause, they joined in
+the shouts. Along the whole vast stretch from the Lochias to the Choma
+the cheers rang out like a single, heart-stirring, inseparable cry,
+echoing across the harbour, the ships lying at anchor, the towering
+masts, to the cliff amid the sea where Barine was nursing her new-made
+husband.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern
+part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the
+Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of
+grass grew. It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had
+long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great
+numbers in the neighbouring cliffs. Not even the poorest crops would
+grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were
+compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.
+
+This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles,
+had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.
+They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on
+their arrival. During the day the sun beat fiercely down upon the yellow
+chalky rock. There was no shade save in the house and at the foot of a
+towering cliff in the southern part of the island, the fishermen's
+watch-tower.
+
+There were no works of human hands save a little Temple of Poseidon, an
+altar of Isis, the large house owned by Pyrrhus, solidly constructed by
+Alexandrian masons, and a smaller one for the freedman's married sons
+and their families. A long wooden frame, on which nets were strung to
+dry, rose on the shore. Near it, towards the north, in the open sea, was
+the anchorage of the larger sea-going ships and the various skiffs and
+boats of the fisher folk. Dionikos, Pyrrhus's youngest son, who was
+still unmarried, built new boats and repaired the old ones.
+
+His two strong, taciturn brothers, with their wives and children, his
+father Pyrrhus, his wife and their youngest child, a daughter, Dione, a
+few dogs, cats, and chickens, composed the population of the Serpent
+Island.
+
+Such were the surroundings of the newly wedded pair, who had been reared
+in the capital. At first many things were strange to them, but they
+accommodated themselves to circumstances with a good grace, and both had
+admitted to each other, long before, that life had never been so equable
+and peaceful.
+
+During the first week Dion's wound and fever still harassed him, but the
+prediction of Pyrrhus that the pure, fresh sea-air would benefit the
+sufferer had been fulfilled, and the monotonous days had passed swiftly
+enough to the young bride in caring for the invalid.
+
+The wife of Pyrrhus--"mother," as they all called her--had proved to be
+a skilful nurse, and her daughters-in-law and young Dione were faithful
+and nimble assistants. During the time of anxiety and nursing, Barine
+had formed a warm friendship for them. If the taciturn men avoided using
+a single unnecessary word, the women were all the more ready to gossip;
+and it was a pleasure to talk to pretty Dione, who had grown up on the
+island and was eager to hear about the outside world.
+
+Dion had long since left his couch and the house, and each day looked
+happier, more content with himself and his surroundings. At first his
+feverish visions had shown him his dead mother, pointing anxiously at
+his new-made wife, as if to warn him against her. During his
+convalescence he remembered them and they conjured up the doubt whether
+Barine could endure the solitude of this desolate cliff, whether she
+would not lose the bright serenity of soul whose charm constantly
+increased. Would it be any marvel if she should pine with longing in
+this solitude, and even suffer physically from their severe privations?
+
+The perception that love now supplied the place of all which she had
+lost pleased him, but he forbade himself to expect that this condition
+of affairs could be lasting. Nothing save exaggerated self-conceit would
+induce the hope. But he must have undervalued his own power of
+attraction--or Barine's love--for with each passing week the cheerful
+serenity of her disposition gained fresh steadfastness and charm. He,
+too, had the same experience; it was long since he had felt so vigorous,
+untrammelled, and free from care. His sole regret was the impossibility
+of sharing the political life of the city at this critical period; and
+at times he felt some little anxiety concerning the fate and management
+of his property, though, even if his estates were confiscated, he would
+still retain a competence which he had left in the hands of a
+trustworthy money-changer. Barine shared everything that concerned him,
+even these moods, and this led him to tell her about the affairs of the
+city and the state, in which she had formerly taken little interest, his
+property in Alexandria and the provinces. With what glad appreciation
+she listened, when she went out with him from the northern anchorage on
+the open sea, or sat during long winter evenings making nets, an art
+which she had learned from Dione!
+
+Her lute had been sent to her from the city, and what pleasure her
+singing afforded her husband and herself; how joyously their hosts, old
+and young, listened to the melody!
+
+A few book-rolls had also come, and Dion enjoyed discussing their
+contents with Barine. He himself read very little, for he was rarely
+indoors during the day. The fourth week after his arrival he was able to
+aid, with arms whose muscles had been steeled in the palæstra, the men
+in their fishing, and Dionikos in his boat-building.
+
+The close, constant, uninterrupted companionship of the married pair
+revealed to each unexpected treasures in the other, which, perhaps,
+might have remained forever concealed in city life. Here each was
+everything to the other, and this undisturbed mutual life soon inspired
+that blissful consciousness of inseparable union which usually appears
+only after years, as the fairest fruit of a marriage founded on love.
+
+Doubtless there were hours when Barine longed to see her mother and
+others who were dear to her, but the letters which arrived from time to
+time prevented this yearning from becoming a source of actual pain.
+
+Prudence required them to restrict their intercourse with the city. But,
+whenever Pyrrhus went to market, letters reached the island delivered at
+the fish auction in the harbour by Anukis, Charmian's Nubian maid, to
+the old freedman, who had become her close friend.
+
+So the time came when Dion could say without self-deception that Barine
+was content in this solitude, and that his love and companionship
+supplied the place of the exciting, changeful life of the capital.
+Though letters came from her mother, sister, or Charmian, her
+grandfather, Gorgias, or Archibius, not one transformed the wish to
+leave her desolate hiding-place into actual homesickness, but each
+brought fresh subjects for conversation, and among them many which, by
+arousing the interest of both, united them more firmly.
+
+The second month of their flight a letter arrived from Archibius, in
+which he informed them that they might soon form plans for their return,
+for Alexas, the Syrian, had proved a malicious traitor. He had not
+performed the commission entrusted to him of winning Herod to Antony's
+cause, but treacherously deserted his patron and remained with the King
+of the Jews. When, with unprecedented shamelessness, he sought
+Octavianus to sell the secrets of his Egyptian benefactor, he was
+arrested and executed in his own home, Laodicea.
+
+Now, their friend continued, Cleopatra's eyes as well as her husband's
+were opened to the true character of Barine's most virulent accuser. The
+influence of Philostratus, too, was of course destroyed by his brother's
+infamous deed. Yet they must wait a little longer; for Cæsarion had
+joined the Ephebi, and Antyllus had been invested with the _toga
+virilis_. They could now undertake many things independently, and
+Cæsarion often made remarks which showed that he would not cease to lay
+plots for Barine.
+
+Dion feared nothing from the royal boy on his own account, but for his
+wife's sake he dared not disregard his friend's warning. This was hard;
+for though he still felt happy on the island, he longed to install the
+woman he loved in his own house, and every impulse of his nature urged
+him to be present at the meetings of the Council in these fateful times.
+Therefore he was more than ready to risk returning to the city, but
+Barine entreated him so earnestly not to exchange the secure happiness
+they enjoyed here for a greater one, behind which might lurk the
+heaviest misfortune, that he yielded. Another letter from Charmian soon
+proved the absolute necessity of continuing to exercise caution.
+
+Even from the island they could perceive that everything known as festal
+pleasure was rife in Alexandria, and bore along in its mad revelry the
+court and the citizens. When the wind blew from the south, it brought
+single notes of inspiring music or indistinct sounds of the wildest
+popular rejoicing.
+
+The fisherman's daughter, Dione, often called them to the strand to
+admire the galleys adorned with fabulous splendour, garlanded with
+flowers, and echoing with the music of lutes and the melody of songs.
+Sails of purple embroidered silk bore the vessels over the smooth tide.
+Once the watchers even distinguished, upon a barge richly adorned with
+gilded carving, young female slaves who, with floating hair and
+transparent sea-green robes, handled, in the guise of Nereids, light
+sandal-wood oars with golden blades. Often the breeze bore to the island
+the perfumes which surrounded the galleys, and on calm nights the
+magnificent ships, surrounded by the magical illumination of many-hued
+lamps, swept across the mirror-like surface of the waves, Among the
+voyagers were gods, goddesses, and heroes who, standing or reclining in
+beautiful groups, represented scenes from the myths and history. On the
+deck of the Queen's superb vessel guests crowned with wreaths lay on
+purple couches, under garlands of flowers, eating choice viands and
+draining golden wine-cups.
+
+On other nights the illumination of the shore of the Bruchium rendered
+it as bright as day. The huge dome of the Serapeum on the Rhakotis,
+covered with lamps, towered above the flat roofs of the city like the
+starry firmament of a smaller world which had descended to earth. Every
+temple and palace was transformed into a giant candelabrum, and the rows
+of lamps on the quay stretched like tendrils of light from the
+dazzlingly illuminated marble Temple of Poseidon to the palace at
+Lochias, steeped in radiance.
+
+When Pyrrhus or one of his sons returned from market they described the
+festivals and shows, banquets, races, and endless pleasure excursions
+arranged by the court, which made the citizens fairly hold their breath.
+It was a prosperous time for the fishermen; the Queen's cooks took all
+their wares and paid a liberal price.
+
+January had come, when another letter arrived from Charmian. Dion and
+Barine had watched in vain for any unusual events on Cleopatra's birth
+day, but on Antony's, a few days later, there was plenty of music and
+shouting, and in the evening an unusually magnificent illumination.
+
+Two days after, this letter was delivered to Pyrrhus by his dusky friend
+Anukis.
+
+Her inquiry whether he thought it prudent to convey visitors to his
+guests was answered in the negative, for since Octavianus had been in
+Asia, the harbour swarmed with the boats of spies, and a single act of
+imprudence might bring ruin.
+
+Charmian's letter, too, was even better calculated to curb Dion's
+increasing desire to return home than the fisherman's warning.
+
+True, the beginning contained good news of Barine's relatives, and then
+informed Dion that his uncle, the Keeper of the Seal, was fairly
+revelling in bliss. His inventive gifts were taxed more than ever. Every
+day brought a festival, every night magnificent banquets. One spectacle,
+excursion, or hunting party followed another. In the theatres, the
+Odeum, the Hippodrome, no more brilliant performances, races, naval
+battles, gladiatorial struggles, and combats between beasts had been
+given, even before Actium. Dion himself had formerly attended the
+entertainments of those who belonged to the court circle, the society of
+"Inimitable Livers." It had been revived again, but Antony called them
+the "Comrades of Death."
+
+This was significant. Every one knows that the end is drawing near, and
+imitates the Pharaoh to whom the oracle promised six years of life, and
+who convicted it of falsehood and made them twelve by carousing during
+the night also.
+
+The Queen's meeting with her husband, which she had previously reported,
+had been magnificent. "At that time," she wrote, "we hoped that a more
+noble life would begin, and Mark Antony, awakened and elevated by his
+rekindled love, would regain his former heroic power; but we were
+mistaken; Cleopatra, it is true, toiled unceasingly, but her lover with
+his enormous bunch of roses gave the signal for the maddest revelry
+which the imagination of the wildest devotee of pleasure could conceive.
+The performances of the 'Inimitable Livers' were far surpassed by those
+of the 'Comrades of Death'."
+
+"Antony is at their head, and he, whose giant frame resists even the
+most unprecedented demands, succeeds in stupefying himself and
+forgetting the impending ruin. When he comes to us after a night of
+revelry his eyes sparkle as brightly, his deep voice has as clear a
+ring, as at the beginning of the banquet. The Queen is his goddess; and
+who could remain unmoved when the giant bows obediently to the nod of
+his delicate sovereign, and devises and offers the most unprecedented
+things to win a smile from her lips? The changeful, impetuous wooing of
+youth lies far behind him, but his homage, which the Ephebi of today
+would perhaps term antiquated, has always seemed to me as if a mountain
+were bending before a star. The stranger who sees her in his company
+believes her a happy woman. Amid the fabulous radiance of the festal
+array, when all who surround her admire, worship, and strew flowers in
+her path, one might believe that the old sunny days had returned; but
+when we are alone, how rarely I see her smile! Then she plans for the
+tomb which, under Gorgias's direction, is rapidly rising, and considers
+with him the best method of rendering it an inaccessible place of
+retreat.
+
+"She decided everything, down to the carving on the stone sarcophagi. In
+addition, there are to be rooms and chambers in the lower story for the
+reception of her treasures. Beneath them she has had corridors made for
+the pitch and straw which, if the worst should come, are to be lighted.
+She will then give to the flames the gold and silver, gems and jewels,
+ebony and ivory, the costly spices--in short, all her valuables. The
+pearls alone are worth many kingdoms. Who can blame her if she prefers
+to destroy them rather than leave them for the foe."
+
+"The garden in which you grew up, Barine, is now the scene of the happy,
+busy life led by Alexander and the twins. There, under my brother's
+guidance, they frolic, build, and dig. Cleopatra goes to it whenever she
+longs for repose after the pursuit of pleasures which have lost their
+zest.
+
+"When, the day before yesterday, Antony, crowned with ivy as the new
+Dionysus, drove up the Street of the King in the golden chariot drawn by
+tamed lions, to bring her, the new Isis, from the Lochias in a lotus
+flower made of silver and white paste, drawn by four snow-white steeds,
+she pointed to the glittering train and said: 'Between the quiet of the
+philosopher's garden, where I began my life and still feel most at ease,
+and the grave, where nothing disturbs my last repose, stretches the
+Street of the King, with this deafening tumult, this empty splendour. It
+is mine.'
+
+"O child, it was very different in former days! She loved Mark Antony
+with passionate ardour. He was the first man in the world, and yet he
+bowed before the supremacy of her will. The longing of the awakening
+heart, the burning ambition which already kindled the soul of the child,
+had alike found satisfaction, and the world beheld how the mortal woman,
+Cleopatra, for her lover and herself, could steep this meagre life with
+the joys of the immortals. He was grateful for them, and the most
+generous of men laid at the feet of the 'Great Queen of the East' the
+might of Rome and the kings of two quarters of the globe.
+
+"These years were spent by both in one long revel. His marriage with
+Octavia brought the first awakening. It was hard and painful. He had not
+deserted Cleopatra for a woman's sake, but on account of his endangered
+power and sovereignty. But the unloved Octavia constrained him to look
+up to her with respectful admiration--nay, she became dear to him.
+
+"A fierce battle for him and his heart arose between the two. It was
+fought with very different weapons, and Cleopatra conquered. The revel,
+the dream began again. Then came Actium, the disenchantment, the
+awakening, the fall, the flight from the world. Our object was not to
+let him relapse into intoxication, to rouse the hero's strength and
+courage from their slumber, render him for love's sake a
+fellow-combatant in the common cause.
+
+"But he had become accustomed to see in her the giver of ecstasy. The
+only thing that he still desired was to drain the cup of pleasure in her
+society till all was over. She sees this, grieves over it, and leaves no
+means of rousing him to fresh energy untried; yet how rarely he rallies
+his powers to earnest labour!
+
+"While she is fortifying the mouths of the Nile and the frontiers of the
+country, building ship after ship, arming and negotiating, she can not
+resist him when he summons her to new pleasures.
+
+"Though so many of the traits which rendered him great and noble have
+vanished, she can not give up the old love and clings steadfastly to him
+because, because--I know not why. A woman's loving heart does not
+question motives and laws. Besides, he is the father of her children
+and, in playing with them, he regains the old joyousness of mood so
+enthralling to the heart.
+
+"Since Archibius has taken charge of them, they can dispense with
+Euphronion, their tutor. The clever man knows Rome, Octavianus, and
+those who surround him, so he was chosen as an envoy. His object was to
+induce the conqueror to transfer the sovereignty of Egypt to the boys
+Antonius Helios, and Alexander, but Cæsar vouchsafed no answer to the
+mediator in Antony's affairs--nay, did not even grant him an audience.
+
+"To Cleopatra Octavianus promised friendly treatment, and the fulfilment
+of her wish concerning the boys if--and now came the repetition of the
+old demand--she would put Antony out of the world or deliver him into
+his hands.
+
+"This demand, which contains base treachery, was impossible for her
+noble soul. Since she had resolved to build the tomb, granting it became
+impossible, yet Octavianus made every effort to tempt her to the base
+deed. True, the death of this one man would have spared much bloodshed.
+The Cæsar knows how to choose his tools. He sent here as negotiator a
+clever young man, who possessed great charms of mind and person. No plan
+to prejudice the Queen against her husband and persuade her to commit
+the treachery was left untried. He went so far as to assure Cleopatra
+that in former years she had won the Cæsar's heart, and that he still
+loved her. She accepted these assurances at their true value and
+remained steadfast.
+
+"Antony at first paid no heed to the intriguer. But when he learned what
+means he employed, and especially how he made use of the surrender of
+one of Cæsar's murderers, which he himself had long regretted, to brand
+him as an ungrateful traitor, he would not have been Mark Antony if he
+had accepted it quietly. He was completely his old self when he ordered
+the smooth fellow--who, however, had come as the ambassador of the
+mighty victor--to be scourged, sent him back to Rome, and wrote a letter
+to Octavianus, in which he complained of the man's arrogance and
+presumption, adding--spite of my heavy heart I can not help smiling when
+I think of it--that misfortune had rendered him unusually irritable; yet
+if his action perhaps displeased Cæsar, he might treat his freedman
+Hipparchus, who was in his power, as he had served Thyrsus!
+
+"You see that his gay arrogance has not deserted him. Trouble slips away
+from him as rain is shaken from the coarse military cloak which he wore
+in the Parthian war, and therefore it cannot exert its purifying power.
+
+"When we consider that, a few years ago, this man, as it were, doubled
+himself when peril was most threatening, his conduct now, on the eve of
+the decisive struggle, is intelligible only to those who know him as we
+do. If he fights, he will no longer do so to save himself, or even to
+conquer, but to die an honourable death. If he still enjoys the
+pleasures offered, he believes that he can thus mitigate for himself the
+burden of defeat, and diminish the grandeur of the conqueror's victory.
+In the eyes of the world, at least, a man who can still revel like
+Antony is only half vanquished. Yet the lofty tone of his mind was
+lowered. The surrender of the murderer of Cæsar--his name was
+Turullius--proves it.
+
+"And this, Barine--tell your husband so--this is what fills me with
+anxiety and compels me to entreat you not to think of returning home
+yet.
+
+"Antony is now the jovial companion of his son, and permits Antyllus to
+share all his own pleasures. Of course, he heard of Cæsarion's passion,
+and is disposed to help the poor fellow. He has often said that nothing
+would better serve to rouse the dreamer from torpor than your charming
+vivacity. As the earth could scarcely have swallowed you up, you would
+be found; he, too, should be glad to hear you sing again. I know that
+search will be made for you.
+
+"How imperiously this state of affairs requires you to exercise caution
+needs no explanation. On the other hand, you may find comfort in the
+tidings that Cleopatra intends to send Cæsarion with his tutor Rhodon
+to Ethiopia, by way of the island of Philæ. Archibius heard through
+Timagenes that Octavianus considers the son of Cæsar, whose face so
+wonderfully resembles his father's, a dangerous person, and this opinion
+is the boy's death-warrant. Antyllus, too, is going on a journey. His
+destination is Asia, where he is to seek to propitiate Octavianus and
+make him new offers. As you know, he was betrothed to his daughter
+Julia. The Queen ceased long ago to believe in the possibility of
+victory, yet, spite of all the demands of the 'Comrades of Death' and
+her own cares, she toils unweariedly in preparing for the defence of the
+country. She is doubtless the only member of that society who thinks
+seriously of the approaching end.
+
+"Now that the tomb is rising, she ponders constantly upon death. She,
+who was taught by Epicurus to strive for freedom from pain and is so
+sensitive to the slightest bodily suffering, is still seeking a path
+which, with the least agony, will lead to the eternal rest for which she
+longs. Iras and the younger pupils of Olympus are aiding her. The old
+man furnishes all sorts of poisons, which she tries upon various
+animals--nay, recently even on criminals sentenced to death. All these
+experiments seem to prove that the bite of the uræus serpent, whose
+image on the Egyptian crown symbolizes the sovereign's instant power
+over life and death, stills the heart most swiftly and with the least
+suffering.
+
+"How terrible these things are! What pain it causes to see the being one
+loves most, the mother of the fairest children, so cruelly heighten the
+anguish of parting, choose death, as it were, for a constant companion,
+amid the whirl of the gayest amusements! She daily looks all his terrors
+in the face, yet with proud contempt turns her back upon the bridge
+which might perhaps enable her for a time to escape the monster. This is
+grand, worthy of her, and never have I loved her more tenderly.
+
+"You, too, must think of her kindly. She deserves it. A noble heart
+which sees itself forced to pity a foe, easily forgives; and was she
+ever your enemy?
+
+"I have written a long, long letter to solace your seclusion from the
+world and relieve my own heart. Have patience a little while longer. The
+time is not far distant when Fate itself will release you from exile.
+How often your relatives, Archibius and Gorgias, whom I now see
+frequently in the presence of the Queen, long to visit you!--but they,
+too, believe that it might prove a source of danger."
+
+The warnings in this letter were confirmed by another from Archibius,
+and soon after they heard that Cæsarion had really sailed up the Nile
+for Ethiopia with his tutor Rhodon, and Antyllus had been sent to Asia
+to visit Octavianus. The latter had received him, it is true; but sent
+him home without making any pledges.
+
+These tidings were not brought by letter, but by Gorgias himself, whose
+visit surprised them one evening late in March.
+
+Rarely had a guest received a more joyous welcome. When he entered the
+bare room, Barine was making a net and telling the fisherman's daughter
+Dione the story of the wanderings of Ulysses. Dion, too, listened
+attentively, now and then correcting or explaining her descriptions,
+while carving a head of Poseidon for the prow of a newly built boat.
+
+As Gorgias unexpectedly crossed the threshold, the dim light of the lamp
+fed by kiki-oil seemed transformed into sunshine. How brightly their
+eyes sparkled, how joyous were their exclamations of welcome and
+surprise! Then came questions, answers, news! Gorgias was obliged to
+share the family supper, which had only waited the return of the father
+who had brought the guest.
+
+The fresh oysters, langustæ, and other dishes served tasted more
+delicious to the denizen of the city than the most delicious banquets of
+the "Comrades of Death" to which he was now frequently invited by the
+Queen.
+
+All that Pyrrhus said voluntarily and told his sons in reply to their
+questions was so sensible and related to matters which, because they
+were new to Gorgias, seemed so fascinating that, when Dion's good wine
+was served, he declared that if Pyrrhus would receive him he, too, would
+search for pursuers and be banished here.
+
+When the three again sat alone before the plain clay mixing vessel it
+seemed to the lonely young couple as if the best part of the city life
+which they had left behind had found its way to them, and what did they
+not have to say to one another! Dion and Barine talked of their hermit
+life, Gorgias of the Queen and the tomb, which was at the same time a
+treasure chamber. The slanting walls were built as firmly as if they
+were intended to last for centuries and defy a violent assault. The
+centre of the lower story was formed by a lofty hall of vast dimensions,
+in whose midst were the large marble sarcophagi. Men were working busily
+upon the figures in relief intended for the decoration of the sides and
+lids. This hall, whose low arched ceiling was supported by three pairs
+of heavy columns, was furnished like a reception-room. The couches,
+candelabra, and altars were already being made. Charmian had kept the
+fugitives well informed. In the subterranean chambers at the side of the
+hall, and in the second story, which could not be commenced until the
+ceiling was completed, store-rooms were to be made, and below and beside
+them were passages for ventilation and the storage of combustible
+materials.
+
+Gorgias regretted that he could not show his friend the hall, which was
+perhaps the handsomest and most costly he had ever created. The noblest
+material--brown porphyry, emerald-green serpentine, and the dark
+varieties of marble--had been used, and the mosaic and brass doors,
+which were nearing completion, were masterpieces of Alexandrian art. To
+have all this destroyed was a terrible thought, but even more unbearable
+was that of its object--to receive the body of the Queen.
+
+Again rapturous admiration of this greatest and noblest of women led
+Gorgias to enthusiastic rhapsodies, until Dion exercised his office of
+soberer, and Barine asked tidings of her mother, her grandparents, and
+her sister. There was nothing but good news to be told. True, the
+architect had to wage a daily battle with the old philosopher, who
+termed it an abuse of hospitality to remain so long at his friend's with
+his whole family; but thus far Gorgias had won the victory, even against
+Berenike, who wished to take her father and his household to her own
+home.
+
+Cleopatra had purchased the house and garden of Didymus at thrice their
+value, the architect added. He was now a wealthy man, and had
+commissioned him to build a new mansion. The land facing the sea and
+near the museum had been found, but the handsome residence would not be
+completed until summer. The dry Egyptian air would have permitted him to
+roof it sooner, but there were many of Helena's wishes--most of them
+very sensible ones--to be executed.
+
+Barine and Dion glanced significantly at each other; but the architect,
+perceiving it, exclaimed: "Your mute language is intelligible enough,
+and I confess that for five months Helena has seemed to me the most
+attractive of maidens. I see, too, that she has some regard for me. But
+as soon as I stand before _her_--the Queen, I mean--and hear her voice,
+it seems as if a tempest swept away every thought of Helena, and it is
+not in my nature to deceive any one. How can I woo a girl whom I so
+deeply honour--your sister, Barine--when the image of another rules my
+soul?"
+
+Dion reminded him of his own words that the Queen was loved only as a
+goddess and, without waiting for his reply, turned the conversation to
+other topics.
+
+It was three hours after midnight when Pyrrhus warned Gorgias that it
+was time for departure. When the fisherman's fleetest boat was at last
+bearing him back to the city he wondered whether girls who, before
+marriage, lived like Helena in undisturbed seclusion, would really be
+better wives and more content with every lot than the much-courted
+Barine, whom Dion had led from the gayest whirl of life in the capital
+to the most desolate solitude.
+
+This delightful evening was followed by a day of excitement and grave
+anxiety. It had been necessary to conceal the young couple from the
+collector's officials, who took from Pyrrhus part of his last year's
+savings, and the large new boat which he used to go out on the open sea.
+The preparations for war required large sums; all vessels suitable for
+the purpose were seized for the fleet, and all residents of the city and
+country shared the same fate as Pyrrhus.
+
+Even the temple treasures were confiscated, and yet no one could help
+saying to himself that the vast sums which, through these pitiless
+extortions, flowed into the treasury, were used for the pleasures of the
+court as well as for the equipment of the fleet and the army.
+
+Yet so great was the people's love for the Queen, so high their regard
+for the independence of Egypt, so bitter their hate of Rome, that there
+was no rebellion.
+
+How earnestly Cleopatra, amid all the extravagant revels, from which she
+could not too frequently absent herself, toiled to advance the military
+preparations, could be seen even by the exiles from their cliff; for
+work in two dock-yards was continued day and night, and the harbour was
+filled with vessels. Ships of war were continually moving to and fro,
+and from the Serpent Island they witnessed constantly, often by
+starlight, the drilling of the oarsmen and of whole squadrons upon the
+open sea. Sometimes a magnificent state galley appeared, on whose deck
+was Antony, who inspected the hastily equipped fleet to make the newly
+recruited sailors one of those kindling speeches in which he was a
+master hard to surpass. Two sons of Pyrrhus were now numbered in the
+crews of the recently built war ships. They had been impressed into the
+service in April, and though Dion had placed a large sum at their
+father's disposal to secure their release, the attempt was unsuccessful.
+
+So there had been sorrow and tears in the contented little colony of
+human beings on the lonely cliff, and when Dionysus and Dionichos had a
+day's leave of absence to visit their relatives, they complained of the
+cruel haste with which the young men were drilled and wearied to
+exhaustion, and spoke of the sons of citizens and peasants who had been
+dragged from their villages, their parents, and their business to be
+trained for seamen. There was great indignation among them, and they
+listened only too readily to the agitators who whispered how much better
+they would have fared on the galleys of Octavianus.
+
+Pyrrhus entreated his sons not to join any attempt at mutiny; the women,
+on the contrary, would have approved anything which promised to release
+the youths from their severe service, and their bright cheerfulness was
+transformed into anxious depression. Barine, too, was no longer the
+same. She had lost her joyous activity, her eyes were often wet with
+tears, and she moved with drooping head as if some heavy care oppressed
+her.
+
+Was it the heat of April, with its desert winds, which had brought the
+transformation? Had longing for the changeful, exciting life of former
+days at last overpowered her? Was solitude becoming unendurable? Was her
+husband's love no longer sufficient to replace the many pleasures she
+had sacrificed?--No! It could not be that; never had she gazed with more
+devoted tenderness into Dion's face than when entirely alone with him in
+shady nooks. She who in such hours looked the very embodiment of
+happiness and contentment, certainly was neither ill nor sorrowful.
+
+Dion, on the contrary, held his head high early and late, and appeared
+as proud and self-conscious as though life was showing him its fairest
+face. Yet he had heard that his estates had been sequestrated, and that
+he owed it solely to the influence of Archibius and his uncle, that his
+property, like that of so many others, had not been added to the royal
+treasures. But what disaster could he not have speedily vanquished in
+these days?
+
+A great joy--the greatest which the immortals can bestow upon human
+beings--was dawning for him and his young wife, and in May the women on
+the island shared her blissful hope.
+
+Pyrrhus brought from the city an altar and a marble statue of Ilythyia,
+the Goddess of Birth, called by the Romans Lucina, which his friend
+Anukis had given him, in Charmian's name, for the young wife. She had
+again spoken of the serpents which lived in such numbers in the
+neighbouring islands, and her question whether it would be difficult to
+capture one alive was answered by the freedman in the negative.
+
+The image of the goddess and the altar were erected beside the other
+sanctuaries, and how often the stone was anointed by Barine and the
+women of the fisherman's family!
+
+Dion vowed to the goddess a beautiful temple on the cliff and in the
+city if she would be gracious to his beloved young wife.
+
+When, in June, the noonday sun blazed most fiercely, the fisherman
+brought to the cliff Helena, Barine's sister, and Chloris, Dion's nurse,
+who had been a faithful assistant of his mother, and afterwards managed
+the female slaves of the household.
+
+How joyously and gratefully Barine held out her arms to her sister! Her
+mother had been prevented from coming only by the warning that her
+disappearance would surely attract the attention of the spies. And the
+latter were very alert; for Mark Antony had not yet given up the pursuit
+of the singer, nor had the attorney Philostratus recalled the
+proclamation offering two talents for the capture of Dion, and both the
+latter's palace and Berenike's house were constantly watched.
+
+It seemed more difficult for the quiet Helena to accommodate herself to
+this solitude than for her gayer-natured sister. Plainly as she showed
+her love for Barine, she often lapsed into reverie, and every evening
+she went to the southern side of the cliff and gazed towards the city,
+where her grandparents doubtless sorely missed her, spite of the careful
+attention bestowed upon them in Gorgias's house.
+
+Eight days had passed since her arrival, and life in this wilderness
+seemed more distasteful than on the first and the second; the longing
+for her grandparents, too, appeared to increase; for that day she had
+gone to the shore, even under the burning rays of the noonday sun, to
+gaze towards the city.
+
+How dearly she loved the old people!
+
+But Dion's conjecture that the tears sparkling in Helena's eyes when she
+entered their room at dusk were connected with another resident of the
+capital, spite of his wife's indignant denial, appeared to be correct;
+for, a short time after, clear voices were heard in front of the house,
+and when a deep, hearty laugh rang out, Dion started up, exclaiming,
+"Gorgias never laughs in that way, except when he has had some unusual
+piece of good fortune!"
+
+He hurried out as he spoke, and gazed around; but, notwithstanding the
+bright moonlight, he could see nothing except Father Pyrrhus on his way
+back to the anchorage.
+
+But Dion's ears were keen, and he fancied he heard subdued voices on the
+other side of the dwelling. He followed the sound without delay and,
+when he turned the corner of the building, stopped short in
+astonishment, exclaiming as a low cry rose close before him:
+
+"Good-evening, Gorgias! I'll see you later. I won't interrupt you."
+
+A few rapid steps took him back to Barine, and as he whispered, "I saw
+Helena out in the moonlight, soothing her longing for her grandparents
+in Gorgias's arms," she clapped her hands and said, smiling:
+
+"That's the way one loses good manners in this solitude. To disturb the
+first meeting of a pair of lovers! But Gorgias treated us in the same
+way in Alexandria, so he is now paid in his own coin."
+
+The architect soon entered the room, with Helena leaning on his arm.
+Hour by hour he had missed her more and more painfully, and on the
+eighth day found it impossible to endure life's burden longer without
+her. He now protested that he could approach her mother and grandparents
+as a suitor with a clear conscience; for on the third day after Helena's
+departure the relation between him and the Queen had changed. In
+Cleopatra's presence the image of the granddaughter of Didymus became
+even more vivid than that of the peerless sovereign had formerly been in
+Helena's. Outside of the pages of poetry he had never experienced
+longing like that which had tortured him during the past few days.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+This time the architect could spend only a few hours on the Serpent
+Island, for affairs in the city were beginning to wear a very serious
+aspect, and the building of the monument was pushed forward even during
+the night. The interior of the first story was nearly completed and the
+rough portion of the second was progressing. The mosaic workers, who
+were making the floor of the great hall, had surpassed themselves. It
+was impossible to wait longer for the sculptures which were to adorn the
+walls. At present slabs of polished black marble were to occupy the
+places intended for bronze reliefs; the utmost haste was necessary.
+
+Octavianus had already reached Pelusium; even if Seleukus, the commander
+of the garrison, held the strong fortress a long time, a part of the
+hostile army might appear before Alexandria the following week.
+
+A considerable force, however, was ready to meet him. The fleet seemed
+equal to that of the enemy; the horsemen whom Antony had led before the
+Queen would delight the eye of any one versed in military affairs; and
+the Imperator hoped much from the veterans who had served under him in
+former times, learned to know his generosity and open hand in the hour
+of prosperity, and probably had scarcely forgotten the eventful days
+when he had cheerfully and gaily shared their perils and privations.
+
+Helena remained on the cliff, and her longing for the old couple had
+materially diminished. Her hands moved nimbly, and her cheerful glance
+showed that the lonely life on the island was beginning to unfold its
+charms to her.
+
+The young husband, however, had grown very uneasy. He concealed it
+before the women, but old Pyrrhus often had much difficulty in
+preventing his making a trip to the city which might imperil, on the eve
+of the final decision, the result of their long endurance and privation.
+Dion had often wished to set sail with his wife for a great city in
+Syria or Greece, but fresh and mighty obstacles had deterred him. A
+special danger lay in the fact that every large vessel was thoroughly
+searched before it left the harbour, and it was impossible to escape
+from it without passing through the narrow straits east of the Pharos or
+the opening in the Heptastadium, both of which were easily guarded. The
+calm moderation that usually distinguished the young counsellor had been
+transformed into feverish restlessness, and the heart of his faithful
+old monitor had also lost its poise; for an encounter between the fleet
+in which his sons served and that of Octavianus was speedily expected.
+
+One day he returned from the city greatly excited. Pelusium was said to
+have fallen.
+
+When he ascended the cliff he found everything quiet. No one, not even
+Dione, came to meet him.
+
+What had happened here?
+
+Had the fugitives been discovered and dragged with his family to the
+city to be thrown into prison, perhaps sent to the stone quarries?
+
+Deadly pale, but erect and composed, he walked towards the house. He
+owed to Dion and his father the greatest blessing in life, liberty, and
+the foundation of everything else he possessed. But if his fears were
+verified, if he was bereft of friends and property, even as a lonely
+beggar he might continue to enjoy his freedom. If, for the sake of those
+to whom he owed his best possession, he must surrender the rest, it was
+his duty to bear fate patiently.
+
+It was still light.
+
+Even when he had approached very near the house he heard no sound save
+the joyous barking of his wolf-hound, Argus, which leaped upon him.
+
+He now laid his hand upon the lock of the door--but it was flung open
+from the inside.
+
+Dion had seen him coming and, enraptured by the new happiness with which
+this day had blessed him, he flung himself impetuously on the breast of
+his faithful friend, exclaiming: "A boy, a splendid boy! We will call
+him Pyrrhus."
+
+Bright tears of joy streamed down the freedman's face and fell on his
+grey beard; and when his wife came towards him with her finger on her
+lips, he whispered in a tremulous voice: "When I brought them here you
+were afraid that the city people would drag us into ruin, but
+nevertheless you received them as they deserved to be, and--he's going
+to name him Pyrrhus--and now!--What has a poor fellow like me done to
+have such great and beautiful blessings fall to my lot?"
+
+"And I--I?" sobbed his wife. "And the child, the darling little
+creature!"
+
+This day of sunny happiness was followed by others of quiet joy, of the
+purest pleasure, yet mingled with the deepest anxiety. They also brought
+many an hour in which Helena found an opportunity to show her prudence,
+while old Chloris and the fisherman's wife aided her by their
+experience.
+
+Every one, down to the greybeard whose name the little one bore,
+declared that there had never been a lovelier young mother than Barine
+or a handsomer child than the infant Pyrrhus; but Dion could no longer
+endure to remain on the cliff.
+
+A thousand things which he had hitherto deemed insignificant and allowed
+to pass unheeded now seemed important and imperatively in need of his
+personal attention. He was a father, and any negligence might be harmful
+to his son.
+
+With his bronzed complexion and long hair and beard he required little
+aid to disguise him from his friends. In the garments shabby by long
+use, and with his delicate hands calloused by work in the dock-yard, any
+one would have taken him for a real fisherman.
+
+Perhaps it was foolish, but the desire to show himself in the character
+of a father to Barine's mother and grandparents and to Gorgias seemed
+worth risking a slight danger; so, without informing Barine, who was now
+able to walk about her room, he set out for the city after sunset on the
+last day of July.
+
+He knew that Octavianus was encamped in the Hippodrome east of
+Alexandria. The white mounds which had risen there had been recognized
+as tents, even from the Serpent Island. Pyrrhus had returned in the
+afternoon with tidings that Antony's mounted troops had defeated those
+of Octavianus. This time the news of victory could be trusted, for the
+palace at Lochias was illuminated for a festival and when Dion landed
+there was a great bustle on the quay. One shouted to another that all
+would be well. Mark Antony was his old self again. He had fought like a
+hero.
+
+Many who yesterday had cursed him, to-day mingled their voices in the
+shouts of "Evoë!" which rang out for the new Dionysus, who had again
+proved his claim to godship.
+
+The late visitor found the grandparents alone in the house of Gorgias.
+They had been informed of Barine's new happiness long before. Now they
+rejoiced with Dion, and wanted to send at once for their host and future
+son-in-law, who was in the city attending a meeting of the Ephebi,
+although he had ceased some time ago to be a member of their company.
+But Dion wished to greet him among the youths who had invited the
+architect to give them his aid in deciding the question of the course
+they were to pursue in the impending battle.
+
+Yet he did not leave the old couple immediately; he was expecting two
+visitors--Barine's mother and Charmian's Nubian maid who, since the
+birth of little Pyrrhus, had come to the philosopher's every evening.
+The former's errand was to ask whether any news of the mother and child
+had been received during the day; the latter, to get the letters which
+she delivered the next morning at the fish-market to her friend Pyrrhus
+or his sons.
+
+Anukis was the first to appear. She relieved her sympathizing heart by a
+brief expression of congratulations; but, gladly as she would have
+listened to the most minute details concerning the beloved young mother
+from the lips of Dion himself, she repressed her own wishes for her
+mistress's sake, and returned to Charmian as quickly as possible to
+inform her of the arrival of the unexpected guest.
+
+Berenike bore her new dignity of grandmother with grateful joy, yet
+to-night she came oppressed by a grave anxiety, which was not solely due
+to her power of imagining gloomy events. Her brother Arius and his sons
+were concealed in the house of a friend, for they seemed threatened by a
+serious peril. Hitherto Antony had generously borne the philosopher no
+ill-will on the score of his intimate relations with Octavianus; but now
+that Octavianus was encamped outside the city, the house of the man who,
+during the latter's years of education, had been his mentor and
+counsellor, and later a greatly valued friend, was watched, by Mardion's
+orders, by the Scythian guard. He and his family were forbidden to enter
+the city, and his escape to his friend had been effected under cover of
+the darkness and with great danger.
+
+The anxious woman feared the worst for her brother if Mark Antony should
+conquer, and yet, with her whole heart, she wished the Queen to gain the
+victory. She, who always feared the worst, saw in imagination the
+fortunes of war change--and there was reason for the belief. The bold
+general who had gained so many victories, and whom the defeat of Actium
+had only humbled, was said to have regained his former elasticity. He
+had dashed forward at the head of his men with the heroic courage of
+former days--nay, with reckless impetuosity. Rumour reported that, with
+the huge sword he wielded, he had dealt from his powerful charger blows
+as terrible as those inflicted five-and-twenty years before when, not
+far from the same spot, he struck Archelaus on the head. The statement
+that, in his golden armour, with the gold helmet framing his bearded
+face, he resembled his ancestor Herakles, was confirmed by Charmian, who
+had been borne quickly hither by a pair of the Queen's swift horses.
+Cleopatra might need her soon, yet she had left the Lochias to question
+the father about many things concerning the young mother and her boy,
+who was already dear to her as the first grandson of the man whose suit,
+it is true, she had rejected, but to whom she owed the delicious
+consciousness of having loved and been loved in the springtime of life.
+
+Dion found her changed. The trying months which she had described in her
+letters to Barine had completely blanched her grey hair, her cheeks were
+sunken, and a deep line between her mouth and nose gave her pleasant
+face a sorrowful expression. Besides, she seemed to have been weeping
+and, in fact, heart-rending events had just occurred.
+
+She had stolen away from Lochias in the midst of a revel.
+
+Antony's victory was being celebrated. He himself presided at the
+banquet. Again his head and breast were wreathed with a wealth of fresh
+leaves and superb flowers. At his side reclined Cleopatra, robed in
+light-blue garments adorned with lotus-flowers which, like the little
+coronet on her head, glittered with sapphires and pearls. Charmian said
+she had rarely looked more beautiful. But she did not add that the Queen
+had been obliged to have rouge applied to her pale, bloodless cheeks.
+
+It was touching to see Antony after his return from the battle, still in
+his suit of mail, clasp her in his arms as joyously as if he had won her
+back, a prize of victory, and with his vanished heroic power regained
+her and their mutual love. Her eyes, too, had been radiant with joy and,
+in the elation of her heart, she had given the horseman who, for a deed
+of special daring, was presented to her, a helmet and coat of mail of
+solid gold.
+
+Yet, even before the revel began, she had been forced to acknowledge to
+herself that the commencement of the end was approaching; for, a few
+hours after she had so generously rewarded the man, he had deserted to
+the foe. Then Antony had challenged Octavianus to a duel, and received
+the unfeeling reply that he would find many roads to death open.
+
+This was the language of the cold-hearted foe, secure of superior power.
+How sadly, too, she had been disappointed in the hope--that the veterans
+who had served under Antony would desert their new commander at the
+first summons and flock to his standard!--for all her husband's efforts
+in this direction, spite of the bewitching power of his eloquence,
+failed, while every hour brought tidings of the treacherous desertion
+from his army of individual warriors and whole maniples. His foe deemed
+his cause so weak that he did not even resist Mark Antony's attempts to
+win the soldiers by promises.
+
+From all these signs Cleopatra now saw plainly, in her lover's victory,
+only the last flicker of a dying fire; but so long as it burned he
+should see her follow its light.
+
+Therefore she had entered the festal hall with the victor of the day.
+She had witnessed a strange festival. It began with tears and reminded
+Cleopatra of the saying that she herself resembled a banquet served to
+celebrate a victory before the battle was won. The cup-bearers had
+scarcely advanced to the guests with their golden vessels when Antony
+turned to them, exclaiming: "Pour generously, men; perhaps to-morrow you
+will serve another master!"
+
+Then, unlike his usual self, he grew thoughtful and murmured under his
+breath, "And I shall probably be lying outside a corpse, a miserable
+nothing."
+
+Loud sobs from the cup-bearers and servants followed these words; but he
+addressed them calmly, assuring them that he would not take them into a
+battle from which he expected an honourable death rather than rescue and
+victory.
+
+At this Cleopatra's tears flowed also. If this reckless man of pleasure,
+this notorious spendthrift and disturber of the public peace, with his
+insatiate desires, had inspired bitter hostility, few had gained the
+warm love of so many hearts. One glance at his heroic figure; one memory
+of the days when even his foes conceded that he was never greater than
+in the presence of the most imminent peril, never more capable of
+awakening in others the hope of brighter times than amid the sorest
+privations; one tone of the orator's deep, resonant voice, which so
+often came from the heart and therefore gained hearts with such
+resistless power; the recollection of numberless instances of the bright
+cheerfulness of his nature and his boundless generosity sufficiently
+explained the lamentations which burst forth at that banquet, the tears
+which flowed--tears of genuine feeling. They were also shed for the
+beautiful Queen who, unmindful of the spectators, rested her noble brow,
+with its coronal of pearls, upon his mighty shoulder.
+
+But the grief did not last long, for Mark Antony, shouted: "Hence with
+melancholy! We do not need the larva!* We know, without its aid, that
+pleasure will soon be over!--Xuthus, a joyous festal song!--And you,
+Metrodor, lead the dancers! The first beaker to the fairest, the best,
+the wisest, the most cherished, the most fervently beloved of women!" As
+he spoke he waved his goblet aloft, the flute-player, Xuthus, beckoned
+to the chorus, and the dancer Metrodor, in the guise of a butterfly, led
+forth a bevy of beautiful girls, who, in the cloud of ample robes of
+transparent coloured bombyx which floated around them, executed the most
+graceful figures and now hovered like mists, now flitted to and fro as
+if borne on wings, affording the most charming variety to the delighted
+spectators.
+
+[* At the banquets of the Egyptians a small figure in the shape of a
+mummy was passed around to remind the guests that they, too, would soon
+be in the same condition, and have no more time to enjoy life and its
+pleasures. The Romans imitated this custom by sending the larva, a
+statuette in the form of a skeleton, to make the round of the revellers.
+The Greek love of beauty converted this ugly scarecrow into a winged
+genius.]
+
+The "Comrades of Death" had again become companions in pleasure; and
+when Charmian, who did not lose sight of her mistress, noticed the
+sorrowful quiver of her lips and glided out of the circle of guests, the
+faithful Nubian had approached to inform her of Dion's arrival.
+
+Then--but this she concealed from her friends--she hastened to her own
+apartments to prepare to go out, and when Iras opened the door to enter
+her rooms she went to speak to her about the night attendance upon the
+Queen. But her niece had not perceived her; shaken by convulsive sobs,
+she had pressed her face among the cushions of a couch, and there
+suffered the fierce anguish which had stirred the inmost depths of her
+being to rave itself out with the full vehemence of her passionate
+nature. Charmian called her name and, weeping herself, ripened her arms
+to her, and for the first time since her return from Actium her sister's
+daughter again sank upon her breast, and they held each other in a close
+embrace until Charmian's exclamation, "With her, for her unto death!"
+was answered by Iras's "To the tomb!"
+
+This was a word which, in many an hour of the silent night, had stirred
+the soul of the woman who had been the youthful playmate of the Queen
+who, with bleeding heart, sat below among the revellers at the noisy
+banquet and forced her to ask the question: "Is not your fate bound to
+hers? What can life offer you without her?"
+
+Now, this word was spoken by other lips, and, like an echo of Iras's
+exclamation, came the answer: "Unto death, like you, if she precedes us
+to the other world. Whatever may follow dying, nowhere shall she lack
+Charmian's hand and heart."
+
+"Nor the love and service of Iras," was the answering assurance.
+
+So they had parted, and the agitation of this fateful moment was still
+visible in the features of the woman who had formerly sacrificed to her
+royal playfellow her love, and now offered her life.
+
+When, ere leaving Gorgias's house, she bade her friend farewell, she
+pressed Dion's hand with affectionate warmth and, as he accompanied her
+to the carriage, she informed him that, before the first encounter of
+the troops, Archibius had taken the royal children to his estate of
+Irenia, where they were at present.
+
+"Rarely has it been my fate to experience a more sorrowful hour than
+when I beheld the Queen, her heart torn with anguish, bid them farewell.
+What fate is impending over the dear ones, who are so worthy of the
+greatest happiness? To see the twins and little Alexander recognized and
+saved from death and insult, and your boy in Barine's arms, is the last
+wish which I still cherish."
+
+On returning to Lochias, Charmian had a long time to wait ere the Queen
+retired. She dreaded the mood in which she would leave the banquet. For
+months past Cleopatra had returned from the revels of the "Comrades of
+Death" saddened to tears, or in a blaze of indignation. How must this
+last banquet, which began so mournfully and continued with such reckless
+mirth, affect her?
+
+At last, the second hour after midnight, Cleopatra appeared.
+
+Charmian believed that she must be the sport of some delusion, for the
+Queen's eyes which, when she had left her, were full of tears, now
+sparkled with the radiant light of joy and, as her friend took the crown
+from her head, she exclaimed:
+
+"Why did you depart from the banquet so early? Perhaps it was the last,
+but I remember no festival more brilliant. It was like the springtime of
+my love. Mark Antony would have touched the heart of a stone statue by
+that blending of manly daring and humble devotion which no woman can
+resist. As in former days, hours shrivelled into moments. We were again
+young, once more united. We were together here at Lochias to-night, and
+yet in distant years and other places. The notes of the singers, the
+melodies of the musicians, the figures executed by the dancers, were
+lost upon us. We soared back, hand in hand, to a magic world, and the
+fairy drama in the realms of the blessed, which passed before us in
+dazzling splendour and blissful joy, was the dream which I loved best
+when a child, and at the same time the happiest portion of the life of
+the Queen of Egypt.
+
+"It began before the gate of the garden of Epicurus, and continued on
+the river Cydnus. I again beheld myself on the golden barge, garlanded
+with wreaths of flowers, reclining on the purple couch with roses strewn
+around me and beneath my jewelled sandals. A gentle breeze swelled the
+silken sails; my female companions raised their clear voices in song to
+the accompaniment of lutes; the perfumes floating around us were borne
+by the wind to the shore, conveying the tidings that the bliss believed
+by mortals to be reserved for the gods alone was drawing near. And even
+as his heart and his enraptured senses yielded to my sway, his mind, as
+he himself confessed, was under the thrall of mine. We both felt happy,
+united by ties which nothing, not even misfortune, could sever. He, the
+ruler of the world, was conquered, and delighted to obey the behests of
+the victor, because he felt that she before whom he bowed was his own
+obedient slave. And no magic goblet effected all this. I breathed more
+freely, as if relieved from the oppressive delusion--the fire had
+consumed it also--which had burdened my soul until a few hours ago. No
+magic spell, only the gifts of mind and soul which the vanquished
+victor, the woman Cleopatra, owed to the favour of the immortals, had
+compelled his lofty manhood to yield.
+
+"From the Cydnus he brought me hither to the blissful days which we were
+permitted to pass in my city of Alexandria. A thousand sunny hours,
+musical, echoing surges which long since dashed down the stream of Time,
+he recalled to life, and I--I did the same, and our memories blended
+into one. What never-to-be-forgotten moments we experienced when, with
+reckless mirth, we mingled unrecognized among the joyous throng! What
+Olympic delight elated our hearts when the plaudits of thousands greeted
+us! What joys satiated our minds and senses in our own apartments! What
+pure, unalloyed nectar of the soul was bestowed upon us by our
+children--bliss which we shared with and imparted to each other until
+neither knew which was the giver and which the receiver! Everything sad
+and painful seemed to be effaced from the book of memory; and the
+child's dream, the fairy-tale woven by the power of imagination, stood
+before my soul as a reality--the same reality, I repeat, which I call my
+past life.
+
+"And, Charmian, if death comes to-morrow, should I say that he appeared
+too early--summoned me ere he permitted life to bestow all its best
+gifts upon me? No, no, and again no! Whoever, in the last hour of
+existence, can say that the fairest dreams of childhood were surpassed
+by a long portion of actual life, may consider himself happy, even in
+the deepest need and on the verge of the grave.
+
+"The aspiration to be first and highest among the women of her own time,
+which had already thrilled the young girl's heart, was fulfilled. The
+ardent longing for love which, even at that period, pervaded my whole
+being, was satisfied when I became a loving wife, mother, and Queen, and
+friendship, through the favour of Destiny, also bestowed upon me its
+greatest blessings by the hands of Archibius, Charmian, and Iras.
+
+"Now I care not what may happen. This evening taught me that life had
+fulfilled its pledges. But others, too, must be enabled to remember the
+most brilliant of queens, who was also the most fervently beloved of
+women. For this I will provide: the mausoleum which Gorgias is erecting
+for me will stand like an indestructible wall between the Cleopatra who
+to-day still proudly wears the crown and her approaching humiliation and
+disgrace.
+
+"Now I will go to sleep. If my awakening brings defeat, sorrow, and
+death, I have no reason to accuse my fate. It denied me one thing only:
+the painless peace which the child and the young girl recognized as the
+chief good; yet Cleopatra will possess that also. The domain of death,
+which, as the Egyptians say, loves silence, is opening its doors to me.
+The most absolute peace begins upon its threshold--who knows where it
+ends? The vision of the intellect does not extend far enough to discover
+the boundary where, at the end of eternity--which in truth is
+endless--it is replaced by something else."
+
+While speaking, the Queen had motioned to her friend to accompany her
+into her chamber, from which a door led into the children's room. An
+irresistible impulse constrained her to open it and gaze into the dark,
+empty apartment.
+
+She felt an icy chill run through her veins. Taking a light from the
+hand of one of the maids who attended her, she went to little
+Alexander's couch. Like the others, it was empty, deserted. Her head
+sank on her breast, the courageous calmness with which she had surveyed
+her whole past life failed and, like the luxuriant riot in the sky of
+the most brilliant hues, ere the glow of sunset suddenly yields to
+darkness, Cleopatra's soul, after the lofty elation of the last few
+hours, underwent a sudden transition and, overwhelmed by deep, sorrowful
+depression, she threw herself down before the twins' bed, where she lay
+weeping softly until Charmian, as day began to dawn, urged her to retire
+to rest. Cleopatra slowly rose, dried her eyes, and said: "My past life
+seemed to me just now like a magnificent garden, but how many serpents
+suddenly stretched out their flat heads with glittering eyes and forked
+tongues! Who tore away the flowers beneath which they lay concealed? I
+think, Charmian, it was a mysterious power which here, in the children's
+apartment, rules so strongly the most trivial as well as the strongest
+emotions, it was--when did I last hear that ominous word?--it was
+conscience. Here, in this abode of innocence and purity, whatever
+resembles a spot stands forth distinctly before the eyes. Here, O
+Charmian!--if the children were but here! If I could only--yet, no, no!
+It is fortunate, very fortunate that they have gone. I must be strong;
+and their sweet grace would rob me of my energy. But the light grows
+brighter and brighter. Dress me for the day. It would be easier for me
+to sleep in a falling house than with such a tumult in my heart."
+
+While she was being attired in the dark robes she had ordered, loud
+shouts arose from the royal harbour below, blended with the blasts of
+the tuba and other signals directing the movements of the fleet and the
+army, a large body of troops having been marched during the night to the
+neighbouring hills overlooking the sea.
+
+The notes sounded bold and warlike. The well-armed galleys presented a
+stately appearance. How often Cleopatra had seen unexpected events
+occur, apparent impossibilities become possible! Had not the victory of
+Octavianus at Actium been a miracle? What if Fate, like a capricious
+ruler, now changed from frowns to smiles? What if Antony proved himself
+the hero of yesterday, the general he had been in days of yore?
+
+She had refused to see him again before the battle, that she might not
+divert his thoughts from the great task approaching. But now, as she
+beheld him, clad in glittering armour like the god of war himself, ride
+before the troops on his fiery Barbary charger, greeting them with the
+gay salutation whose warmth sprung from the heart and which had so often
+kindled the warriors to glowing enthusiasm, she was forced to do
+violence to her own feelings to avoid calling him and saying that her
+thoughts would follow his course. But she refrained, and when his purple
+cloak vanished from her sight her head drooped again. How different in
+former days were the cheers of the troops when he showed himself to
+them! This lukewarm response to his gay, glad greeting was no omen of
+victory.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Dion, too, witnessed the departure of the troops. Gorgias, whom he had
+found among the Ephebi, accompanied him and, like the Queen, they saw,
+in the cautious manner with which the army greeted the general, a bad
+omen for the result of the battle. The architect had presented Dion to
+the youths as the ghost of a dead man, who, as soon as he was asked
+whence he came or whither he was going, would be compelled to vanish in
+the form of a fly. He could venture to do this; he knew the
+Ephebi--there was no traitor in their ranks.
+
+Dion, the former head of the society, had been welcomed like a beloved
+brother risen from the dead, and he had the gratification, after so long
+a time, of turning the scale as speaker in a debate. True, he had
+encountered very little opposition, for the resolve to hold aloof from
+the battle against the Romans had been urged upon the Ephebi by the
+Queen herself through Antyllus, who, however, had already left the
+meeting when Dion joined it. It had seemed to Cleopatra a crime to claim
+the blood of the noblest sons of the city for a cause which she herself
+deemed lost. She knew the parents of many, and feared that Octavianus
+would inflict a terrible punishment upon them if, not being enrolled in
+the army, they fell into his power with arms in their hands.
+
+The stars were already setting when the Ephebi accompanied their friend,
+singing in chorus the Hymenæus, which they had been unable to chant on
+his wedding day. The melody of lutes accompanied the voices, and this
+nocturnal music was the source of the rumour that the god Dionysus, to
+whom Mark Antony felt specially akin, and in whose form he had so often
+appeared to the people, had abandoned him amid songs and music.
+
+The youths left Dion in front of the Temple of Isis. Gorgias alone
+remained with him. The architect led his friend to the Queen's mausoleum
+near the sanctuary, where men were toiling busily by torchlight. Alight
+scaffolding still surrounded it, but the lofty first story, containing
+the real tomb, was completed, and Dion admired the art with which the
+exterior of the edifice suggested its purpose. Huge blocks of dark-grey
+granite formed the walls. The broad front--solemn, almost gloomy in
+aspect--rose, sloping slightly, above the massive lofty door, surmounted
+by a moulding bearing the winged disk of the sun. On either side were
+niches containing statues of Antony and Cleopatra cast in dark bronze,
+and above the cornice were brazen figures of Love and Death, Fame and
+Silence, ennobling the Egyptian forms with exquisite works of Hellenic
+art.
+
+The massive door, adorned with brass figures in relief, would have
+resisted a battering-ram. On the side of the steps leading to it lay
+Sphinxes of dark-green diorite. Everything connected with this building,
+dedicated to death, was grave and massive, suggesting by its
+indestructibility the idea of eternity.
+
+The second story was not yet finished; masons and stone-cutters were
+engaged in covering the strong walls with dark serpentine and black
+marble. The huge windlass stood ready to raise a masterpiece of
+Alexandrian art. This was intended for the pediment, and represented
+Venus Victrix with helmet, shield, and lance, leading a band of winged
+gods of love, little archers at whose head Eros himself was discharging
+arrows, and victoriously fighting against the three-headed Cerberus,
+death, already bleeding from many wounds.
+
+There was no time to see the interior of the building, for Pyrrhus
+expected his guest to join him at the harbour at sunrise, and the
+eastern sky was already brightening with the approach of dawn.
+
+As the friends reached the landing-place the brass dome of the Serapeum,
+which towered above everything, was glittering with dazzling splendour.
+The pennons and masts of the fleet which was about to set sail from the
+harbour seemed steeped in a sea of golden light. Tremulous reflections
+of the brazen and gilded figures on the prows of the vessels were
+mirrored in the undulating surface of the sea, and the long shadows of
+the banks of oars united galley after galley on the surface of the water
+like the meshes of a net.
+
+Here the friends parted, and Dion walked down the quay alone to meet the
+freedman, who must have found it difficult to guide his boat out of this
+labyrinth of vessels. The inspection of the mausoleum had detained the
+young father too long and, though disguised beyond recognition, he
+reproached himself for having recklessly incurred a danger whose
+consequences--he felt this to-day for the first time--would not injure
+himself alone. The whole fleet was awaiting the signal for departure.
+The vessels which did not belong to it had been obliged to moor in front
+of the Temple of Poseidon, and all were strictly forbidden to leave the
+anchorage.
+
+Pyrrhus's fishing-boat was in the midst, and return to the Serpent
+Island was impossible at present.
+
+How vexatious! Barine was ignorant of his trip to the city, and to be
+compelled to leave her alone while a naval battle was in progress
+directly before her eyes distressed him as much as it could not fail to
+alarm her.
+
+In fact, the young mother had waited from early dawn with increasing
+anxiety for her husband. As the sun rose higher, and the strokes of the
+oars propelling two hundred galleys, the shrill whistle of the flutes
+marking the time, the deep voices of the captains shouting orders, and
+the blasts of the trumpets filling the air, were heard far and near
+around the island, she became so overwhelmed with uneasiness that she
+insisted upon going to the shore, though hitherto she had not been
+permitted to take the air except under the awning stretched for the
+purpose on the shady side of the house.
+
+In vain the women urged her not to let her fears gain the mastery and to
+have patience. But she would have resisted even force in order to look
+for him who, with her child, now comprised her world.
+
+When, leaning on Helena's arm, she reached the shore, no boat was in
+sight. The sea was covered with ships of war, floating fortresses,
+moving onward like dragons with a thousand legs whose feet were the
+countless rowers arranged in three or five sets. Each of the larger
+galleys was surrounded by smaller ones, from most of which darted
+dazzling flashes of light, for they were crowded with armed men, and
+from the prows of the strong boarding vessels the sunbeams glittered on
+the large shining metal points whose office was to pierce the wooden
+sides of the foe. The gilded statues in the prows of the large galleys
+shone and sparkled in the broad radiance of the day-star, and flashes of
+light also came from the low hills on the shore. Here Mark Antony's
+soldiers were stationed, and the sunbeams reflected from the helmets,
+coats of mail, and lance-heads of the infantry, and the armour of the
+horsemen quivered with dazzling brilliancy in the hot air of the first
+day of an Egyptian August.
+
+Amid this blazing, flashing, and sparkling in the morning air, so
+steeped in warmth and radiance, the sounds of warlike preparations from
+the land and fleet constantly grew louder. Barine, exhausted, had just
+sunk into a chair which Dione, the fisherman's daughter, had placed in
+the shade of the highest rock on the northwestern shore of the flat
+island, when a crashing blast of the tuba suddenly echoed from all the
+galleys in the Egyptian fleet, and the whole array of vessels filed past
+the Pharos at the opening of the harbour into the open sea.
+
+There the narrow ranks of the wooden giants separated and moved onward
+in broader lines. This was done quietly and in the same faultless order
+as a few days before, when a similar manœuvre had been executed under
+the eyes of Mark Antony.
+
+The longing for combat seemed to urge them steadily forward.
+
+The hostile fleet, lying motionless, awaited the attack. But the
+Egyptian assailants had advanced majestically only a few ships lengths
+towards the Roman foe when another signal rent the air. The women whose
+ears caught the waves of sound said afterwards that it seemed like a cry
+of agony--it had given the signal for a deed of unequalled treachery.
+The slaves, criminals, and the basest of the mercenaries on the rowers'
+benches in the hold had doubtless long listened intently for it, and,
+when it finally came, the men on the upper benches raised their long
+oars and held them aloft, which stopped the work of those below, and
+every galley paused, pointing at the next with the wooden oars
+outstretched like fingers, as if seized with horror. The celerity and
+faultless order with which the raising of the oars was executed and
+vessel after vessel brought to a stand would have been a credit to an
+honourable captain, but the manœuvre introduced one of the basest acts
+ever recorded in history; and the women, who had witnessed many a
+_naumachia_ and understood its meaning, exclaimed as if with a single
+voice: "Treachery! They are going over to the enemy!"
+
+Mark Antony's fleet, created for him by Cleopatra, surrendered, down to
+the last galley, to Cæsar's heir, the victor of Actium; and the man to
+whom the sailors had vowed allegiance, who had drilled them, and only
+yesterday had urged them to offer a gallant resistance, saw from one of
+the downs on the shore the strong weapons on which he had based the
+fairest hopes, not shattered, but delivered into the hands of the enemy!
+
+The surrender of the fleet to the foe--he knew it--sealed his
+destruction; and the women on the shore of the Serpent Island, who were
+so closely connected with those on whom this misfortune fell, suspected
+the same thing. The hearts of both were stirred, and their eyes grew dim
+with tears of indignation and sorrow. They were Alexandrians, and did
+not desire to be ruled by Rome.
+
+Cleopatra, daughter of the Macedonian house of the Ptolemies, had the
+sole right to govern the city of her ancestors, founded by the great
+Macedonian. The sorrow they had themselves endured through her sank into
+insignificance beside the tremendous blow of Fate which in this hour
+reached the Queen.
+
+The Roman and Egyptian fleet returned to the harbour as one vast
+squadron under the same commander, and anchored in the roadstead of the
+city, which was now its precious booty.
+
+Barine had seen enough, and returned to the house with drooping head.
+Her heart was heavy, and her anxiety for the man she loved hourly
+increased.
+
+It seemed as if the very day-star shrank from illuminating so infamous a
+deed with friendly light; for the dazzling, searching sun of the first
+of August veiled its radiant face with a greyish-white mist, and the
+desecrated sea wrinkled its brow, changed its pure azure robe to
+yellowish grey and blackish green, while the white foam hissed on the
+crests of the angry waves.
+
+As twilight began to approach, the anxiety of the deserted wife became
+unendurable. Not only Helena's wise words of caution, but the sight of
+her child, failed to exert their usual influence; and Barine had already
+summoned the son of Pyrrhus to persuade him to take her in his boat to
+the city, when Dione saw a boat approaching the Serpent Island from the
+direction of the sea.
+
+A short time after, Dion sprang on shore and kissed from his young
+wife's lips the reproaches with which she greeted him.
+
+He had heard of the treachery of the fleet while entering a hired boat
+with the freedman in the harbour of Eunostus, Pyrrhus's having been
+detained with the other craft before the Temple of Poseidon.
+
+The experienced pilot had been obliged to steer the boat in a wider
+curve against the wind through the open sea, and was delayed a long time
+by a number of the war vessels of the fleet.
+
+Danger and separation were now passed, and they rejoiced in the
+happiness of meeting, yet could not feel genuine joy. Their souls were
+oppressed by anxiety concerning the fate of the Queen and their native
+city.
+
+As night closed in the dogs barked violently, and they heard loud voices
+on the shore. Dion, with a presentiment that misfortune was threatening
+himself and his dear ones, obeyed the summons.
+
+No star illumined the darkness. Only the wavering light of a lantern on
+the strand and another on the nearest island illumined the immediate
+vicinity, while southward the lights in the city shone as brightly as
+ever.
+
+Pyrrhus and his youngest son were just pushing a boat into the water to
+release from the sands another which had run aground in a shallow near
+the neighbouring island.
+
+Dion sprang in with them, and soon recognized in the hail the voice of
+the architect Gorgias.
+
+The young father shouted a joyous greeting to his friend, but there was
+no reply.
+
+Soon after, Pyrrhus landed his belated guest on the shore. He had
+escaped--as the fisherman explained--a great danger; for had he gone to
+the other island, which swarmed with venomous serpents, he might easily
+have fallen a victim to the bite of one of the reptiles.
+
+Gorgias grasped Dion's hand but, in reply to his gay invitation to
+accompany him to the house at once, he begged him to listen to his story
+before joining the ladies.
+
+Dion was startled. He knew his friend. When his deep voice had such a
+tone of gloomy discouragement, and his head drooped so mournfully, some
+terrible event had befallen him.
+
+His foreboding had been correct. The first tidings pierced his own soul
+deeply.
+
+He was not surprised to learn that the Romans ruled Alexandria; but a
+small band of the conquerors, who had been ordered to conduct themselves
+as if they were in a friendly country, had forced their way into the
+architect's large house to occupy the quarters assigned to them. The
+deaf grandmother of Helena and Barine, who had but half comprehended
+what threatened the citizens, terrified by the noisy entrance of the
+soldiers, had had another attack of apoplexy, and closed her eyes in
+death before Gorgias set out for the island.
+
+But it was not only this sad event, which must grieve the hearts of the
+two sisters, that had brought the architect in a stranger's boat to the
+Serpent Island at so late an hour. His soul was so agitated by the
+horrible incidents of the day that he needed to seek consolation among
+those from whom he was sure to find sympathy.
+
+Nor was it wholly the terrible things Fate had compelled him to witness
+which induced him to venture out upon the sea so recklessly, but still
+more the desire to bring to the fugitives the happy news that they might
+return with safety to their native city.
+
+Deeply agitated--nay, confused and overpowered by all he had seen and
+experienced--the architect, usually so clear and, with all his mental
+vivacity, so circumspect, began his story. A remonstrance from Dion
+induced him to collect his thoughts and describe events in the order in
+which they had befallen him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+After accompanying Dion to the harbour, the architect had gone to the
+Forum to converse with the men he met there, and learn what they feared
+and expected in regard to the future fate of the city.
+
+All news reached this meeting-place first, and he found a large number
+of Macedonian citizens who, like himself, wished to discuss passing
+events in these decisive hours.
+
+The scene was very animated, for the most contradictory messages were
+constantly arriving from the fleet and the army.
+
+At first they were very favourable; then came the news of the treason,
+and soon after of the desertion of the cavalry and foot soldiers.
+
+A distinguished citizen had seen Mark Antony, accompanied by several
+friends, dashing down the quay. The goal of their flight was the little
+palace on the Choma.
+
+Grave men, whose opinion met with little opposition, thought that it was
+the duty of the Imperator--now that Fate had decided against him, and
+nothing remained save a life sullied by disgrace--to put himself to
+death with his own hand, like Brutus and so many other noble Romans.
+Tidings soon came that he had attempted to do what the best citizens
+expected.
+
+Gorgias could not endure to remain longer in the Forum, but hastened to
+the Choma, though it was difficult to force his way to the wall, where a
+breach had been made. He had found the portion of the shore from which
+the promontory ran densely crowded with people--from whom he learned
+that Antony was no longer in the palace--and the sea filled with boats.
+
+A corpse was just being borne out of the little palace on the Street of
+the King and, among those who followed, Gorgias recognized one of
+Antony's slaves. The man's eyes were red with weeping. He readily obeyed
+the architect's sign and, sobbing bitterly, told him that the hapless
+general, after his army had betrayed him, fled hither. When he heard in
+the palace that Cleopatra had preceded him to Hades, he ordered his
+body-slave Eros to put an end to his life also. The worthy man drew
+back, pierced his own breast with his sword, and sank dying at his
+master's feet; but Antony, exclaiming that Eros's example had taught him
+his duty, thrust the short sword into his breast with his own hand. Yet
+deep and severe as was the wound, it did not destroy the tremendous
+vitality of the gigantic Roman. With touching entreaties he implored the
+bystanders to kill him, but no one could bring himself to commit the
+deed. Meanwhile Cleopatra's name, coupled with the wish to follow her,
+was constantly on the lips of the Imperator.
+
+At last Diomedes, the Queen's private secretary, appeared, to bring him,
+by her orders, to the mausoleum where she had taken refuge.
+
+Antony, as if animated with fresh vigour, assented, and while being
+carried thither gave orders that Eros should have a worthy burial. Even
+though dying, it would have been impossible for the most generous of
+masters to permit any kindness rendered to pass unrequited.
+
+The slave again wept aloud as he uttered the words, but Gorgias hastened
+at once to the tomb.
+
+The nearest way, the Street of the King, had become so crowded with
+people who had been forced back by Roman soldiers, between the Theatre
+of Dionysus and the Corner of the Muses, that he had been compelled to
+reach the building through a side street.
+
+The quay was already unrecognizable, and even in the other streets the
+populace showed a foreign aspect. Instead of peaceful citizens, Roman
+soldiers in full armour were met everywhere. Instead of Greek, Egyptian,
+and Syrian faces, fair and dark visages of alien appearance were seen.
+
+The city seemed transformed into a camp. Here he met a cohort of
+fair-haired Germans; yonder another with locks of red whose home he did
+not know; and again a _vexil_ of Numidian or Pannonian horsemen.
+
+At the Temple of the Dioscuri he was stopped. A Hispanian maniple had
+just seized Antony's son Antyllus and, after a hasty court-martial,
+killed him. His tutor, Theodotus, had betrayed him to the Romans, but
+the infamous fellow was being led with bound hands after the corpse of
+the hapless youth, because he was caught in the act of hiding in his
+girdle a costly jewel which he had taken from his neck. Before his
+departure for the island Gorgias heard that the scoundrel had been
+sentenced to crucifixion.
+
+At last he succeeded in forcing a passage to the tomb, which he found
+surrounded on all sides by Roman lictors and the Scythian guards of the
+city, who, however, permitted him, as the architect, to pass.
+
+The numerous obstacles by which he had been delayed spared him from
+becoming an eye-witness of the most terrible scenes of the tragedy which
+had just ended; but he received a minute description from the Queen's
+private secretary, a well-disposed Macedonian, who had accompanied the
+wounded Antony, and with whom Gorgias had become intimately acquainted
+during the building of the mausoleum.
+
+Cleopatra had fled to the tomb as soon as the fortune of war turned in
+favour of Octavianus. No one was permitted to accompany her except
+Charmian and Iras, who had helped her close the heavy brazen door of the
+massive building. The false report of her death, which had induced
+Antony to put an end to his life, had perhaps arisen from the fact that
+the Queen was literally in the tomb.
+
+When, borne in the arms of his faithful servants, he reached the
+mausoleum, mortally wounded, the Queen and her attendants vainly
+endeavoured to open the heavy brazen portal. But Cleopatra ardently
+longed to see her dying lover. She wished to have him near to render the
+last services, assure him once more of her devotion, close his eyes,
+and, if it was so ordered, die with him.
+
+So she and her attendants had searched the place, and when Iras spoke of
+the windlass which stood on the scaffold to raise the heavy brass plate
+bearing the bas-relief of Love conquering Death, the Queen and her
+friends hastened up the stairs, the bearer below fastened the wounded
+man to the rope, and Cleopatra herself stood at the windlass to raise
+him, aided by her faithful companions.
+
+Diomedes averred that he had never beheld a more piteous spectacle than
+the gigantic man hovering between heaven and earth in the agonies of
+death and, while suffering the most terrible torture, extending his arms
+longingly towards the woman he loved. Though scarcely able to speak, he
+tenderly called her name, but she made no reply; like Iras and Charmian,
+she was exerting her whole strength at the windlass in the most
+passionate effort to raise him. The rope running over the pulley cut her
+tender hands; her beautiful face was terribly distorted; but she did not
+pause until they had succeeded in lifting the burden of the dying man
+higher and higher till he reached the floor of the scaffolding. The
+frantic exertion by which the three women had succeeded in accomplishing
+an act far beyond their strength, though it was doubled by the power of
+the most earnest will and ardent longing, would nevertheless have failed
+in attaining its object had not Diomedes, at the last moment, come to
+their assistance. He was a strong man, and by his aid the dying Roman
+was seized, drawn upon the scaffolding, and carried down the staircase
+to the tomb in the first story.
+
+When the wounded general had been laid on one of the couches with which
+the great hall was already furnished, the private secretary retired, but
+remained on the staircase, an unnoticed spectator, in order to be at
+hand in case the Queen again needed his assistance. Flushed from the
+terrible exertion which she had just made, with tangled, dishevelled
+locks, gasping and moaning, Cleopatra, as if out of her senses, tore
+open her robe, beat her breast, and lacerated it with her nails. Then,
+pressing her own beautiful face on her lover's wound to stanch the
+flowing blood, she lavished upon him all the endearing names which she
+had bestowed on their love.
+
+His terrible suffering made her forget her own and the sad fate
+impending. Tears of pity fell like the refreshing drops of a shower upon
+the still unwithered blossoms of their love, and brought those which,
+during the preceding night, had revived anew, to their last magnificent
+unfolding.
+
+Boundless, limitless as her former passion for this man, was now the
+grief with which his agonizing death filled her heart.
+
+All that Mark Antony had been to her in the heyday of life, all their
+mutual experiences, all that each had received from the other, had
+returned to her memory in clear and vivid hues during the banquet which
+had closed a few hours ago. Now these scenes, condensed into a narrow
+compass, again passed before her mental vision, but only to reveal more
+distinctly the depth of misery of this hour. At last anguish forced even
+the clearest memories into oblivion: she saw nothing save the tortures
+of her lover; her brain, still active, revealed solely the gulf at her
+feet, and the tomb which yawned not only for Antony, but for herself.
+
+Unable to think of the happiness enjoyed in the past or to hope for it
+in the future, she gave herself up to uncontrolled despair, and no woman
+of the people could have yielded more absolutely to the consuming grief
+which rent her heart, or expressed it in wilder, more frantic language,
+than did this great Queen, this woman who as a child had been so
+sensitive to the slightest suffering, and whose after-life had certainly
+not taught her to bear sorrow with patience. After Charmian, at the
+dying man's request, had given him some wine, he found strength to speak
+coherently, instead of moaning and sighing.
+
+He tenderly urged Cleopatra to secure her own safety, if it could be
+done without dishonour, and mentioned Proculejus as the man most worthy
+of her confidence among the friends of Octavianus. Then he entreated her
+not to mourn for him, but to consider him happy; for he had enjoyed the
+richest favours of Fortune. He owed his brightest hours to her love; but
+he had also been the first and most powerful man on earth. Now he was
+dying in the arms of Love, honourable as a Roman who succumbed to
+Romans.
+
+In this conviction he died after a short struggle.
+
+Cleopatra had watched his last breath, closed his eyes, and then thrown
+herself tearlessly on her lover's body. At last she fainted, and lay
+unconscious with her head upon his marble breast.
+
+The private secretary had witnessed all this, and then returned with
+tearful eyes to the second story. There he met Gorgias, who had climbed
+the scaffolding, and told him what he had seen and heard from the
+stairs. But his story was scarcely ended when a carriage stopped at the
+Corner of the Muses and an aristocratic Roman alighted.
+
+This was the very Proculejus whom the dying Antony had recommended to
+the woman he loved as worthy of her confidence.
+
+"In fact," Gorgias continued, "he seemed in form and features one of the
+noblest of his haughty race. He came commissioned by Octavianus, and is
+said to be warmly devoted to the Cæsar, and a well-disposed man. We
+have also heard him mentioned as a poet and a brother-in-law of
+Mæcenas. A wealthy aristocrat, he is a generous patron of literature,
+and also holds art and science in high esteem. Timagenes lauds his
+culture and noble nature. Perhaps the historian was right; but where the
+object in question is the state and its advantage, what we here regard
+as worthy of a free man appears to be considered of little moment at the
+court of Octavianus. The lord to whom he gives his services intrusted
+him with a difficult task, and Proculejus doubtless considered it his
+duty to make every effort to perform it--and yet---- If I see aright, a
+day will come when he will curse this, and the obedience with which he,
+a free man, aided Cæsar---- But listen.
+
+"Erect and haughty in his splendid suit of armour, he knocked at the
+door of the tomb. Cleopatra had regained consciousness and asked--she
+must have known him in Rome--what he desired.
+
+"He had come, he answered courteously, by the command of Octavianus, to
+negotiate with her, and the Queen expressed her willingness to listen,
+but refused to admit him into the mausoleum.
+
+"So they talked with each other through the door. With dignified
+composure, she asked to have the sons whom she had given to Antony--not
+Cæsarion--acknowledged as Kings of Egypt.
+
+"Proculejus instantly promised to convey her wishes to Cæsar, and gave
+hopes of their fulfilment.
+
+"While she was speaking of the children and their claims--she did not
+mention her own future--the Roman questioned her about Mark Antony's
+death, and then described the destruction of the dead man's army and
+other matters of trivial importance. Proculejus did not look like a
+babbler, but I felt a suspicion that he was intentionally trying to hold
+the attention of the Queen. This proved to be his design; he had been
+merely waiting for Cornelius Gallus, the commander of the fleet, of whom
+you have heard. He, too, ranks among the chief men in Rome, and yet he
+made himself the accomplice of Proculejus.
+
+"The latter retired as soon as he had presented the new-comer to the
+hapless woman.
+
+"I remained at my post and now heard Gallus assure Cleopatra of his
+master's sympathy. With the most bombastic exaggeration he described how
+bitterly Octavianus mourned in Mark Antony the friend, the
+brother-in-law, the co-ruler and sharer in so many important
+enterprises. He had shed burning tears over the tidings of his death.
+Never had more sincere ones coursed down any man's cheeks.
+
+"Gallus, too, seemed to me to be intentionally prolonging the
+conversation.
+
+"Then, while I was listening intently to understand Cleopatra's brief
+replies, my foreman, who, when the workmen were driven away by the
+Romans, had concealed himself between two blocks of granite, came to me
+and said that Proculejus had just climbed a ladder to the scaffold in
+the rear of the monument. Two servants followed, and they had all stolen
+down into the hall.
+
+"I hastily started up. I had been lying on the floor with my head
+outstretched to listen.
+
+"Cost what it might, the Queen must be warned. Treachery was certainly
+at work here.
+
+"But I came too late.
+
+"O Dion! If I had only been informed a few minutes before, perhaps
+something still more terrible might have happened, but the Queen would
+have been spared what now threatens her. What can she expect from the
+conqueror who, in order to seize her alive, condescends to outwit a
+noble, defenceless woman, who has succumbed to superior power?
+
+"Death would have released the unhappy Queen from sore trouble and
+horrible shame. And she had already raised the dagger against her life.
+Before my eyes she flung aloft her beautiful arm with the flashing
+steel, which glittered in the light of the candles in the many-branched
+candelabra beside the sarcophagi. But I will try to remain calm! You
+shall hear what happened in regular order. My thoughts grow confused as
+the terrible scene recurs to my memory. To describe it as I saw it, I
+should need to be a poet, an artist in words; for what passed before me
+happened on a stage--you know, it was a tomb. The walls were of dark
+stone--dark, too, were the pillars and ceiling--all dark and glittering;
+most portions were smoothly polished stone, shining like a mirror. Near
+the sarcophagi, and around the candelabra as far as the vicinity of the
+door, where the rascally trick was played, the light was brilliant as in
+a festal hall. Every blood-stain on the hand, every scratch, every wound
+which the desperate woman had torn with her own nails on her bosom,
+which gleamed snow-white from her black robes, was distinctly visible.
+Farther away, on the right and left, the light was dim, and near the
+side walls the darkness was as intense as in a real tomb. On the smooth
+porphyry columns, the glittering black marble and serpentine--here,
+there, and everywhere--flickered the wavering reflection of the
+candlelight. The draught kept it continually in motion, and it wavered
+to and fro in the hall, like the restless souls of the damned. Wherever
+the eye turned it met darkness. The end of the hall seemed black--black
+as the anteroom of Hades--yet through it pierced a brilliant moving bar;
+sunbeams which streamed from the stairway into the tomb and amid which
+danced tiny motes. How the scene impressed the eye! The home of gloomy
+Hecate! And the Queen and her impending fate. A picture flooded with
+light, standing forth in radiant relief against the darkness of the
+heavy, majestic forms surrounding it in a wide circle. This tomb in this
+light would be a palace meet for the gloomy rule of the king of the
+troop of demons conjured up by the power of a magician--if they have a
+ruler. But where am I wandering? 'The artist!' I hear you exclaim again,
+'the artist! Instead of rushing forward and interposing, he stands
+studying the light and its effects in the royal tomb.' Yes, yes; I had
+come too late, too late--far too late! On the stairs leading to the
+lower story of the building I saw it, but I was not to blame for the
+delay--not in the least!
+
+"At first I had been unable to see the men--or even a shadow; but I
+beheld plainly in the brightest glare of the light the body of Mark
+Antony on the couch and, in the dusk farther towards the right, Iras and
+Charmian trying to raise a trapdoor. It was the one which closed the
+passage leading to the combustible materials stored in the cellar. A
+sign from the Queen had commanded them to fire it. The first steps of
+the staircase, down which I was hastening, were already behind
+me--then--then Proculejus, with two men, suddenly dashed from the
+intense darkness on the other side. Scarcely able to control myself, I
+sprang down the remaining steps, and while Iras's shrill cry, 'Poor
+Cleopatra, they will capture you!' still rang in my ears, I saw the
+betrayed Queen turn from the door through which, resolved on death, she
+was saying something to Gallus, perceive Proculejus close behind her,
+thrust her hand into her girdle, and with the speed of lightning--you
+have already heard so--throw up her arm with the little dagger to bury
+the sharp blade in her breast. What a picture! In the full radiance of
+the brilliant light, she resembled a statue of triumphant victory or of
+noble pride in great deeds accomplished; and then, then, only an instant
+later, what an outrage was inflicted!
+
+"Like a robber, an assassin, Proculejus rushed upon her, seized her arm,
+and wrested the weapon from her grasp. His tall figure concealed her
+from me. But when, struggling to escape from the ruffian's clutch, she
+again turned her face towards the hall, what a transformation had
+occurred! Her eyes--you know how large they are--were twice their usual
+size, and blazed with scorn, fury, and hatred for the traitor. The
+cheering light had become a consuming fire. So I imagine the vengeance,
+the curse which calls down ruin upon the head of a foe. And Proculejus,
+the great lord, the poet whose noble nature is praised by the authors on
+the banks of the Tiber, held the defenceless woman, the worthy daughter
+of a brilliant line of kings, in a firm grasp, as if it required the
+exertion of all his strength to master this delicate embodiment of
+charming womanhood. True, the proud blood of the outwitted lioness urged
+her to resist this profanation, and Proculejus--an enviable honour--made
+her feel the superior strength of his arm. I am no prophet, but Dion, I
+repeat, this shameful struggle and the glances which flashed upon him
+will be remembered to his dying hour. Had they been darted at me, I
+should have cursed my life. They blanched even the Roman's cheeks. He
+was lividly pale as he completed what he deemed his duty. His own
+aristocratic hands were degraded to the menial task of searching the
+garments of a woman, the Queen, for forbidden wares, poisons or weapons.
+He was aided by one of Cæsar's freedmen, Epaphroditus, who is said to
+stand so high in the favour of Octavianus.
+
+"The scoundrel also searched Iras and Charmian, yet all the time both
+Romans constantly spoke in cajoling terms of Cæsar's favour; and his
+desire to grant Cleopatra everything which was due a Queen.
+
+"At last she was taken back to Lochias, but I felt like a madman; for
+the image of the unfortunate woman pursued me like my shadow. It was no
+longer a vision of the bewitching sovereign--nay, it resembled the
+incarnation of despair, tearless anguish, wrath demanding vengeance. I
+will not describe it; but those eyes, those flashing, threatening eyes,
+and the tangled hair on which Antony's blood had flowed--terrible,
+horrible! My heart grew chill, as if I had seen upon Athene's shield the
+head of the Medusa with its serpent locks.
+
+"It had been impossible for me to warn her in time, or even to seize the
+traitor's arm--I have already said so--and yet, yet her shining image
+gazed reproachfully at me for my cowardly delay. Her glance still haunts
+me, robbing me of calmness and peace. Not until I gaze into Helena's
+pure, calm eyes will that terrible vision of the face, flooded by light
+in the midst of the tomb, cease to haunt me."
+
+His friend laid his hand on his arm, spoke soothingly to him, and
+reminded him of the blessings which this terrible day--he had said so
+himself--had brought.
+
+Dion was right to give this warning; for Gorgias's bearing and the very
+tone of his voice changed as he eagerly declared that the frightful
+events had been followed by more than happy ones for the city, his
+friend, and Barine.
+
+Then, with a sigh of relief, he continued: "I pursued my way home like a
+drunken man. Every attempt to approach the Queen or her attendants was
+baffled, but I learned from Charmian's clever Nubian that Cleopatra had
+been permitted, in Cæsar's name, to choose the palace she desired to
+occupy, and had selected the one at Lochias.
+
+"I did not make much progress towards my house; the crowd in front of
+the great gymnasium stopped me. Octavianus had gone into the city, and
+the people, I heard, had greeted him with acclamations and flung
+themselves on their knees before him. Our stiff-necked Alexandrians in
+the dust before the victor! It enraged me, but my resentment was
+diminished.
+
+"The members of the gymnasium all knew me. They made way and, ere I was
+aware of it, I had passed through the door. Tall Phryxus had drawn my
+arm through his. He appears and vanishes at will, is as alert as he is
+rich, sees and hears everything, and manages to secure the best places.
+This time he had again succeeded; for when he released me we were
+standing opposite to a newly erected tribune.
+
+"They were waiting for Octavianus, who was still in the hypostyle of
+Euergetes receiving the homage of the epitrop, the members of the
+Council, the gymnasiarch, and I know not how many others.
+
+"Phryxus said that on Cæsar's entry he had held out his hand to his
+former tutor, bade him accompany him, and commanded that his sons should
+be presented. The philosopher had been distinguished above every one
+else, and this will benefit you and yours; for he is Berenike's brother,
+and therefore your wife's uncle. What he desires is sure to be granted.
+You will hear at once how studiously the Cæsar distinguishes him. I do
+not grudge it to the man; he interceded boldly for Barine; he is lauded
+as an able scholar, and he does not lack courage. In spite of Actium and
+the only disgraceful deed with which, to my knowledge, Mark Antony could
+be reproached--I mean the surrender of Turullius--Arius remained here,
+though the Imperator might have held the friend of Julius Cæsar's
+nephew as a hostage as easily as he gave up the Emperor's assassin.
+
+"Since Octavianus encamped before the city, your uncle has been in
+serious danger, and his sons shared his peril. Surely you must know the
+handsome, vigorous young Ephebi.
+
+"We were not obliged to wait long in the gymnasium ere the Cæsar
+appeared on the platform; and now--if your hand clenches, it is only
+what I expect--now all fell on their knees. Our turbulent, rebellious
+rabble raised their hands like pleading beggars, and grave, dignified
+men followed their example. Whoever saw me and Phryxus will remember us
+among the kneeling lickspittles; for had we remained standing we should
+certainly have been dragged down. So we followed the example of the
+others."
+
+"And Octavianus?" asked Dion eagerly.
+
+"A man of regal bearing and youthful aspect; beardless face of the
+finest chiselling, a profile as beautiful as if created for the
+coin-maker; all the lines sharp and yet pleasing; every inch an
+aristocrat; but the very mirror of a cold nature, incapable of any lofty
+aspiration, any warm emotion, any tenderness of feeling. All in all, a
+handsome, haughty, calculating man, whose friendship would hardly
+benefit the heart, but from whose enmity may the immortals guard all we
+love!
+
+"Again he led Arius by the hand. The philosopher's sons followed the
+pair. When he stood on the stage, looking down upon the thousands
+kneeling before him, not a muscle of his noble face--it is certainly
+that--betrayed the slightest emotion. He gazed at us like a farmer
+surveying his flocks and, after a long silence, said curtly in excellent
+Greek that he absolved the Alexandrians from all guilt towards him:
+first--he counted as if he were summoning individual veterans to reward
+them--from respect for the illustrious founder of our city, Alexander,
+the conqueror of the world; secondly, because the greatness and beauty
+of Alexandria filled him with admiration; and, thirdly--he turned to
+Arius as he spoke--to give pleasure to his admirable and beloved friend.
+
+"Then shouts of joy burst forth.
+
+"Every one, from the humblest to the greatest, had had a heavy burden
+removed from his mind, and the throng had scarcely left the gymnasium
+when they were again laughing saucily enough, and there was no lack of
+biting and innocent jests. The fat carpenter, Memnon--who furnished the
+wood-work for your palace--exclaimed close beside me that formerly a
+dolphin had saved Arius from the pirates; now Arius was saving marine
+Alexandria from the robbers. So the sport went on. Philostratus,
+Barine's first husband, offered the best butt for jests. The agitator
+had good reason to fear the worst; and now, clad in black mourning
+robes, ran after Arius, whom but a few months ago he persecuted with the
+most vindictive hatred, continually repeating this shallow bit of verse:
+
+"'If he is a wise man, let the wise aid the wise.'
+
+"Reaching home was not easy. The street was swarming with Roman
+soldiers. They fared well enough; for in the joy of their hearts many a
+prosperous citizen who saw his property saved invited individual
+warriors, or even a whole maniple, to the taverns or cook-shops, and the
+stock of wine in Alexandrian cellars will be considerably diminished
+to-night.
+
+"Many, as I have already said, had been quartered in the houses, with
+orders to spare the property of the citizens; and it was in this way
+that the misfortune with which I commenced my narrative befell the
+grandmother. She died before my departure.
+
+"All the gates of the city will now stand open to you, and the niece of
+Arius and her husband will be received with ovations. I don't grudge
+Barine the good fortune; for the way in which your noble wife, who had
+cast her spell over me too, flung aside what is always dear to the
+admired city beauty and found on the loneliest of islands a new world in
+love, is worthy of all admiration and praise. For yourself, I dread new
+happiness and honours; if they are added to those which Fate bestowed
+upon you in such a wife and your son Pyrrhus, the gods would not be
+themselves if they did not pursue you with their envy. I have less
+reason to fear them."
+
+"Ungrateful fellow!" interrupted his friend. "There will be numerous
+mortals to grudge you Helena. As for me, I have already felt many a
+slight foreboding; but we have already paid by no means a small tribute
+to the divine ones. The lamp is still burning in the sitting-room.
+Inform the sisters of their grandmother's death, and tell them the
+pleasant tidings you have brought us, but reserve until the morning a
+description of the terrible scenes you witnessed. We will not spoil
+their sleep. Mark my words! Helena's silent grief and her joy at our
+escape will lighten your heart."
+
+And so it proved. True, Gorgias lived over again in his dreams the
+frightful spectacle witnessed the day before; but when the sun of the 2d
+day of August rose in full radiance over Alexandria and, early in the
+morning, boat after boat reached the Serpent Island, landing first
+Berenike and her nephews, the sons of the honoured philosopher Arius,
+then clients, officials, and friends of Dion, and former favourite
+guests of Barine, to greet the young pair and escort them from the
+refuge which had so long sheltered them back to the city and their
+midst, new and pleasant impressions robbed the gloomy picture of a large
+portion of its terrors.
+
+"Tall Phryxus" had rapidly spread the news of the place where Dion and
+Barine had vanished, and that they had long been happily wedded. Many
+deemed it well worth a short voyage to see the actors in so strange an
+adventure and be the first to greet them. Besides, those who knew Barine
+and her husband were curious to learn how two persons accustomed to the
+life of a great capital had endured for months such complete solitude.
+Many feared or expected to see them emaciated and careworn, haggard or
+sunk in melancholy, and hence there were a number of astonished faces
+among those whose boats the freedman Pyrrhus guided as pilot through the
+shallows which protected his island.
+
+The return of this rare couple to their home would have afforded an
+excellent opportunity for gay festivities. Sincerely as the majority of
+the populace mourned the fate of the Queen, and gravely as the more
+thoughtful feared for Alexandria's freedom under Roman rule, all
+rejoiced over the lenient treatment of the city. Their lives and
+property were safe, and the celebration of festivals had become a life
+habit with all classes. But the news of the death of Didymus's wife and
+the illness of the old man, who could not bear up under the loss of his
+faithful companion, gave Dion a right to refuse any gay welcome at his
+home.
+
+Barine's sorrow was his also, and Didymus died a few days after his
+wife, with whom he had lived in the bonds of love for more than half a
+century--people said, "of a broken heart."
+
+So Dion and his young wife entered his beautiful palace with no noisy
+festivities. Instead of the jubilant hymenæus, the voice of his own
+child greeted him on the threshold.
+
+The mourning garments in which Barine welcomed him in the women's
+apartment reminded him of the envy of the gods which his friend had
+feared for him. But he often fancied that his mother's statue in the
+tablinum looked specially happy when the young mistress of the house
+entered it.
+
+Barine, too, felt that her happiness as wife and mother in her
+magnificent home would have been overwhelming had not a wise destiny
+imposed upon her, just at this time, grief for those whom she loved.
+
+Dion instantly devoted himself again to the affairs of the city and his
+own business. He and the woman he loved, who had first become really his
+own during a time of sore privation, had run into the harbour and gazed
+quietly at the storms of life. The anchor of love, which moored their
+ship to the solid earth, had been tested in the solitude of the Serpent
+Island.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+The fisherman and his family had watched the departure of their beloved
+guests with sorrowful hearts, and the women had shed many tears,
+although the sons of Pyrrhus had been dismissed from the fleet and were
+again helping their father at home, as in former times.
+
+Besides, Dion had made the faithful freedman a prosperous man, and given
+his daughter, Dione, a marriage dowry. She was soon to become the wife
+of the captain of the Epicurus, Archibius's swift galley, whose
+acquaintance she had made when the vessel, on several occasions, brought
+Charmian's Nubian maid to the island. Anukis's object in making these
+visits was not only to see her friend, but to induce him to catch one of
+the poisonous serpents in the neighbouring island and keep it ready for
+the Queen.
+
+Since Cleopatra had ascertained that no poison caused a less painful
+death than the fangs of the asp, she had resolved that the bite of one
+of these reptiles should release her from the burden of life. The clever
+Ethiopian had thought of inducing her friend Pyrrhus to procure the
+adder, but it had required all Aisopion's skill in persuasion, and the
+touching manner in which she understood how to describe the Queen's
+terrible situation and severe suffering, to conquer the reluctance of
+the upright man. At last she succeeded in persuading him to measure a
+queen by a different standard from a woman of the people, and inducing
+him to arrange the manner and time of conveying the serpent into the
+well-guarded palace. A signal was to inform him when the decisive hour
+arrived. After that he was to be ready with the asp in the fish-market
+every day. Probably his service would soon be claimed; for Octavianus's
+delay was scarcely an indication of a favourable decision of Cleopatra's
+fate.
+
+True, she was permitted to live in royal state at Lochias, and had even
+been allowed to have the children, the twins, and little Alexander sent
+back to her with the promise that life and liberty would be granted
+them; but Cæsarion--whose treacherous tutor Rhodon lured him from the
+journey southward back to Alexandria by all sorts of representations,
+among them the return of Barine--was held prisoner in his father's
+temple, where he had sought refuge. This news, and the fact that
+Octavianus had condemned to death the youth who bore so striking a
+resemblance to Cæsar, had not remained concealed from the unhappy
+mother. She was also informed of the words in which the philosopher
+Arius had encouraged Cæsar's desire to rid himself of the son of his
+famous uncle. They referred to the Homeric saying concerning the
+disadvantage of having many rulers.
+
+Everything which Cleopatra desired to know concerning events in the city
+reached her ears; for she was allowed much liberty--only she was closely
+watched day and night, and all the servants and officials to whom she
+granted an audience were carefully searched to keep from her all means
+of self-destruction.
+
+True, it was very evident that she had closed her account with life. Her
+attempt to take no food and die of starvation must have been noticed.
+Threats directed against the children, through whom she could be most
+easily influenced, finally induced her to eat again. Octavianus was
+informed of all these things, and his conduct proved his anxiety to keep
+her from suicide.
+
+Several Asiatic princes vied with each other in the desire to honour
+Mark Antony by a magnificent funeral, but Octavianus had allowed
+Cleopatra to provide the most superb obsequies. In the time of her
+deepest anguish it afforded her comfort and satisfaction to arrange
+everything herself, and even perform some offices with her own hands.
+The funeral had been as gorgeous as the dead man's love of splendour
+could have desired.
+
+Iras and Charmian were often unable to understand how the Queen--who,
+since Antony's death, had suffered not only from the wounds she had
+inflicted upon herself in her despair, but also after her baffled
+attempt at starvation from a slow fever--had succeeded in resisting the
+severe exertions and mental agitation to which she had been subjected by
+Antony's funeral.
+
+The return of Archibius with the children, however, had visibly
+reanimated her flagging energy.
+
+She often went to Didymus's garden, which was now connected with the
+palace at Lochias, to watch their work and share whatever interested
+their young hearts.
+
+But the gayest of mothers, who had understood how to enter so thoroughly
+into her children's pursuits, had now become a sorrowful, grave monitor.
+Though the lessons she urged upon them were often beautiful and wise,
+they were little suited to the ages of Archibius's pupils, for they
+usually referred to death and to questions of philosophy not easily
+understood by children.
+
+She herself felt that she no longer struck the right key; but whenever
+she tried to change it and jest with them as usual, she could endure the
+forced gaiety only a short time; a painful revulsion, frequently
+accompanied by tears, followed, and she was obliged to leave her
+darlings.
+
+The life her foe granted her seemed like an intrusive gift, an
+oppressive debt, which we desire to pay a troublesome creditor as soon
+as possible.
+
+She seemed calmer and apparently content only when permitted to talk
+with the companions of her youth concerning bygone days, or with them
+and Iras of death, and how it would be possible to put an end to an
+unwelcome existence.
+
+After such conversations Iras and Charmian left her with bleeding
+hearts. They had long since resolved to share the fate of their royal
+mistress, whatever it might be. Their common suffering was the bond
+which again united them in affection. Iras had provided poisoned pins
+which had speedily destroyed the animals upon which they had been tried.
+Cleopatra knew of their existence, but she herself preferred the
+painless death bestowed by the serpent's bite, and it was long since her
+friends had seen the eyes of their beloved sovereign sparkle so brightly
+as when Charmian told her that away had been found to obtain the uræus
+serpent as soon as it was needed. But it was not yet imperative to adopt
+the last expedient. Octavianus wished to be considered lenient, and
+perhaps might still be prevailed upon to grant the Queen and her
+children a future meet for their royal birth.
+
+Cleopatra's reply was an incredulous smile, yet a faint hope which saved
+her from despair began to bud in her soul.
+
+Dolabella, an aristocratic Roman, a scion of the noble Cornelius family,
+was in the Cæsar's train, and had been presented to the Egyptian Queen.
+In former years his father was a friend of Cleopatra; nay, she had
+placed him under obligations by sending him, after the murder of Julius
+Cæsar, the military force at her command to be used against Cassius.
+True, her legions, by messengers from Dolabella himself, were despatched
+in another direction; but Cleopatra had not withdrawn her favour from
+Dolabella's father on that account. The latter had known her in Rome
+before the death of Cæsar, and had enthusiastically described the
+charms of the bewitching Egyptian sovereign. Though the youth found her
+only a mourning widow, ill in body and mind, he was so strongly
+attracted and deeply moved by her beauty, her brilliant intellect, her
+grace of bearing, her misfortunes and sufferings, that he devoted many
+hours to her, and would have considered it a happiness to render her
+greater services than circumstances permitted. He often accompanied her
+to the children, whose hearts had been completely won by his frank,
+cheerful nature; and so it happened that he soon became one of the most
+welcome guests at Lochias. He confided without reserve every feeling
+that stirred his soul to the warm-hearted woman who was so many years
+his senior, and through him she learned many things connected with
+Octavianus and his surroundings. Without permitting himself to be used
+as a tool, he became an advocate for the unfortunate woman whom he so
+deeply esteemed.
+
+In intercourse with her he made every effort to inspire confidence in
+Octavianus, who favoured him, enjoyed his society, and in whose
+magnanimity the youth firmly believed.
+
+He anticipated the best results from an interview between the Queen and
+the Cæsar; for he deemed it impossible that the successful conqueror
+could part untouched, and with no desire to mitigate her sad fate, from
+the woman who, in earlier years, had so fascinated his father, and whom
+he himself, though she might almost have been his mother, deemed
+peerless in her bewitching and gracious charm.
+
+Cleopatra, on the contrary, shrank from meeting the man who had brought
+so much misfortune upon Mark Antony and herself, and inflicted upon her
+insults which were only too well calculated to make her doubt his
+clemency and truth. On the other hand, she could not deny Dolabella's
+assertion that it would be far less easy for Octavianus to refuse her in
+person the wishes she cherished for her children's future than through
+mediators. Proculejus had learned that Antony had named him to the Queen
+as the person most worthy of her confidence, and more keenly felt the
+wrong which, as the tool and obedient friend of Octavianus, he had
+inflicted upon the hapless woman. The memory of his unworthy deed, which
+history would chronicle, had robbed the sensitive man, the author and
+patron of budding Roman poetry, of many an hour's sleep, and therefore
+he also now laboured zealously to oblige the Queen and mitigate her hard
+fate. He, like the freedman Epaphroditus, who by Cæsar's orders watched
+carefully to prevent any attempt upon her life, seemed to base great
+hopes on such an interview, and endeavoured to persuade her to request
+an audience from the Cæsar.
+
+Archibius said that, even in the worst case, it could not render the
+present state of affairs darker. Experience, he said to Charmian, proved
+that no man of any feeling could wholly resist the charm of her nature,
+and to him at least she had never seemed more winning than now. Who
+could have gazed unmoved into the beautiful face, so eloquent in its
+silent suffering, whose soul would not have been deeply touched by the
+sorrowful tones of her sweet voice? Besides, her sable mourning robes
+were so well suited to the slight tinge of melancholy which pervaded her
+whole aspect. When the fever flushed her cheeks, Archibius, spite of the
+ravages which grief, anxiety, and fear had made upon her charms, thought
+that he had never seen her look more beautiful. He knew her thoroughly,
+and was aware that her desire to follow the man she loved into the realm
+of death was sincere; nay, that it dominated her whole being. She clung
+to life only to die as soon as possible. The decision which, after her
+resolve to build the monument, she had recognized in the temple of
+Berenike as the right one, had become the rule of conduct of her life.
+Every thought, every conversation, led her back to the past. The future
+seemed to exist no longer. If Archibius succeeded in directing her
+thoughts to approaching days she occupied herself wholly with her
+children's fate. For herself she expected nothing, felt absolved from
+every duty except the one of protecting herself and her name from
+dishonour and humiliation.
+
+The fact that Octavianus, when he doomed Cæsarion to death, permitted
+the other children to return to her with the assurance that no harm
+should befall them, proved that he made a distinction between them and
+his uncle's son, and had no fears that they threatened his own safety.
+She might expect important results in their favour from an interview
+with Octavianus, so she at last authorized Proculejus to request an
+audience.
+
+The Imperator's answer came the very same day. It was his place to seek
+her--so ran the Cæsar's message. This meeting must decide her fate.
+Cleopatra was aware of this, and begged Charmian to remember the asp.
+
+Her attendants had been forbidden to leave Lochias, but Epaphroditus
+permitted them to receive visitors. The Nubian's merry, amusing talk had
+made friends for her among the Roman guards, who allowed her to pass in
+and out unmolested. On her return, of course, she was searched with the
+utmost care, like every one who entered Lochias.
+
+The decisive hour was close at hand. Charmian knew what she must do in
+any event, but there was still one desire for whose fulfilment she
+longed. She wished to greet Barine and see her boy.
+
+To spare Iras, she had hitherto refrained from sending for Dion's wife.
+The sight of the mother and child might have reopened wounds still
+unhealed, and she would not inflict this sorrow upon her niece, who for
+a long time had once more been loyally devoted to her.
+
+Octavianus did not hasten to fulfil his assurance. But, at the end of a
+week, Proculejus brought the news that he could promise a visit from the
+Cæsar that afternoon. The Queen was deeply agitated, and desired before
+the interview to pay a visit to her tomb. Iras offered to accompany her,
+and as Cleopatra intended to remain an hour or longer, Charmian thought
+it a favourable opportunity to see Barine and her boy.
+
+Dion's wife had been informed of her friend's wish, and Anukis, who was
+to take her to Lochias, did not wait long for the mother and child.
+
+Didymus's garden--now the property of the royal children--was the scene
+of the meeting. In the shade of the familiar trees the young mother sank
+upon the breast of her faithful friend, and Charmian could not gaze her
+fill at the boy, or weary of tracing in his features a resemblance to
+his grandfather Leonax.
+
+How much these two women, to whom Fate had allotted lives so widely
+different, found to tell each other! The older felt transported to the
+past, the younger seemed to have naught save a present rich in blessing
+and a future green with hope. She had good news to tell of her sister
+also. Helena had long been the happy wife of Gorgias who, however, spite
+of the love with which he surrounded the young mistress of his house,
+numbered among his most blissful hours those which were devoted to
+overseeing the progress of the work on the mausoleum, where he met
+Cleopatra.
+
+Time flew swiftly to the two women, and it was a painful surprise when
+one of the eunuchs on guard announced that the Queen had returned. Again
+Charmian embraced her lover's grandson, blessed him and the young
+mother, sent messages of remembrance to Dion, begged Barine to think of
+her affectionately when she had passed from earth and, if her heart
+prompted her to the act, to anoint or adorn with a ribbon or flower the
+tombstone of the woman who had no friend to render her such a service.
+
+Deeply moved by the firmness with which Charmian witnessed the approach
+of death, Barine listened in silence, but suddenly started as the sharp
+tones of a well-known voice called her friend's name and, as she turned,
+Iras stood before her. Pallid and emaciated, she looked in her long,
+floating black robes the very incarnation of misery.
+
+The sight pierced the heart of the happy wife and mother. She felt as if
+much of the joy which Iras lacked had fallen to her own lot, and all the
+grief and woe she had ever endured had been transferred to her foe. She
+would fain have approached humbly and said something very kind and
+friendly; but when she saw the tall, haggard woman gazing at her child,
+and noticed the disagreeable expression which had formerly induced her
+to compare her to a sharp thorn, a terrible dread of this woman's evil
+eye which might harm her boy seized the mother's heart and, overwhelmed
+by an impulse beyond control, she covered his face with her own veil.
+
+Iras saw it, and after Barine had answered her question, "Dion's child?"
+in the affirmative, with a glance beseeching forbearance, the girl drew
+up her slender figure, saying with arrogant coldness "What do I care for
+the child? We have more important matters on our hearts."
+
+Then she turned to Charmian to inform her, in the tone of an official
+announcement, that during the approaching interview the Queen desired
+her attendance also.
+
+Octavianus had appointed sunset for the interview, and it still lacked
+several hours of the time. The suffering Queen felt wearied by her visit
+to the mausoleum, where she had implored the spirit of Antony, if he had
+any power over the conqueror's heart, to induce him to release her from
+this torturing uncertainty and promise the children a happy fate.
+
+To Dolabella, who had accompanied her from the tomb to the palace, she
+said that she expected only one thing from this meeting, and then won
+from him a promise which strengthened her courage and seemed the most
+precious boon which could be granted at this time.
+
+She had expressed the fear that Octavianus would still leave her in
+doubt. The youth spoke vehemently in Cæsar's defence, and closed with
+the exclamation, "If he should still keep you in suspense, he would be
+not only cool and circumspect----"
+
+"Then," Cleopatra interrupted, "be nobler, be less cruel, and release
+your father's friend from these tortures. If he does not reveal to me
+what awaits me and you learn it, then--you will not say no, you cannot
+refuse me--then you, yes, you will inform me?"
+
+Promptly and firmly came the reply: "What have I been able to do for you
+until now? But I will release you from _this_ torture, if possible."
+Then he hastily turned his back, that he might not be compelled to see
+the eunuchs stationed at the palace gate search the garments of the
+royal captive.
+
+His promise sustained the failing courage of the wearied, anxious Queen,
+and she reclined upon the cushions of a lounge to recover from the
+exhausting expedition; but she had scarcely closed her eyes when the
+pavement of the court-yard rang under the hoofs of the four horses which
+bore the Cæsar to Lochias. Cleopatra had not expected the visit so
+early.
+
+She had just been consulting with her attendants about the best mode of
+receiving him. At first she had been disposed to do so on the throne,
+clad in her royal attire, but she afterwards thought that she was too
+ill and weak to bear the heavy ornaments. Besides, the man and
+successful conqueror would show himself more indulgent and gracious to
+the suffering woman than to the princess.
+
+There was much to palliate the course which she had pursued in former
+days, and she had carefully planned the defence by which she hoped to
+influence his calm but not unjust nature. Many things in her favour were
+contained in the letters from Cæsar and Antony which, after her
+husband's death, she had read again and again during so many wakeful
+nights, and they had just been brought to her.
+
+Both Archibius and the Roman Proculejus had counselled her not to
+receive him entirely alone. The latter did not express his opinion in
+words, but he knew that Octavianus was more readily induced to noble and
+lenient deeds when there was no lack of witnesses to report them to the
+world. It was advisable to provide spectators for the most consummate
+actor of his day.
+
+Therefore the Queen had retained Iras, Charmian, and some of the
+officials nearest to her person, among them the steward Seleukus, who
+could give information if any question arose concerning the delivery of
+the treasure.
+
+She had also intended, after she had somewhat recovered from the visit
+to the tomb, to be robed in fresh garments. This was prevented by the
+Cæsar's unexpected arrival. Now, even had time permitted, she would
+have been unable to have her hair arranged, she felt so weak and yet so
+feverishly excited.
+
+The blood coursed hotly through her veins and flushed her cheeks. When
+told that the Cæsar was close at hand, she had only time to raise
+herself a little higher on her cushions, push back her hair, and let
+Iras, with a few hasty touches, adjust the folds of her mourning robes.
+Had she attempted to advance to meet him, her limbs would have failed to
+support her.
+
+When the Cæsar at last entered, she could greet him only by a wave of
+her hand; but Octavianus, who had uttered the usual salutations from the
+threshold, quickly broke the painful silence, saying with a courteous
+bow:
+
+"You summoned me--I came. Every one is subject to beauty--even the
+victor."
+
+Cleopatra's head drooped in shame as she answered distinctly, yet in a
+tone of modest denial:
+
+"I only asked the favour of an audience. I did not _summon_. I thank you
+for granting the request. If it is dangerous for man to bow to woman's
+charms, no peril threatens you here. Beauty cannot withstand tortures
+such as those which have been imposed on me--barely can life remain. But
+you prevented my casting it from me. If you are just, you will grant to
+the woman whom you would not permit to die an existence whose burden
+will not exceed her power to endure."
+
+The Cæsar again bowed silently and answered courteously:
+
+"I intend to make it worthy of you."
+
+"Then," cried Cleopatra impetuously, "release me from this torturing
+uncertainty. You are not one of the men who never look beyond to-day and
+to-morrow."
+
+"You are thinking," said Octavianus harshly, "of one who perhaps would
+still be among us, if with wiser caution----"
+
+Cleopatra's eyes, which hitherto had met the victor's cold gaze with
+modest entreaty, flashed angrily, and a majestic: "Let the past rest!"
+interrupted him.
+
+But she soon mastered the indignation which had stirred her passionate
+blood, and in a totally different tone, not wholly free from gentle
+persuasion, she continued:
+
+"The provident intellect of the man whose nod the universe obeys grasps
+the future as well as the present. Must not he, therefore, have decided
+the children's fate ere he consented to see their mother? The only
+obstacle in your path, the son of your great uncle----"
+
+"His doom was a necessity," interrupted the conqueror in a tone of
+sincere regret. "As I mourned Antony, I grieve for the unfortunate boy."
+
+"If that is true," replied Cleopatra eagerly, "it does honour to the
+kindness of your heart. When Proculejus wrested the dagger from my grasp
+he blamed me because I attributed to the most clement of conquerors
+harshness and implacability."
+
+"Two qualities," the Cæsar protested, "which are wholly alien to my
+nature."
+
+"And which--even if you possessed them--you neither could nor ought to
+use," cried Cleopatra, "if you really mean the beautiful words you so
+often utter that, as the nephew and heir of the great Julius Cæsar, you
+intend to walk in his footsteps. Cæsarion--there is his bust--was the
+image in every feature of his father, your illustrious model. To me, the
+hapless woman now awaiting my sentence from his nephew's lips, the gods
+granted, as the most precious of all gifts, the love of your divine
+uncle. And what love! The world knew not what I was to his great heart,
+but my wish to defend myself from misconception bids me show it to you,
+his heir. From you I expect my sentence. You are the judge. These
+letters are my strongest defence. I rely upon them to show myself to you
+as I was and am, not as envy and slander describe me.--The little ivory
+casket, Iras! It contains the precious proofs of Cæsar's love, his
+letters to me."
+
+She raised the lid with trembling hands and, as these mementoes carried
+her back to the past, she continued in lower tones:
+
+"Among all my treasures this simple little coffer has been for half a
+lifetime my most valued jewel. He gave it to me. It was in the midst of
+the fierce contest here at the Bruchium."
+
+Then, while unfolding the first roll, she directed Octavianus's
+attention to it and the remainder of the contents of the little casket,
+exclaiming:
+
+"Silent pages, yet how eloquent! Each one a peerless picture, the
+powerful thinker, the man of action, who permits his restless intellect
+to repose, and suffers his heart to overflow with the love of youth!
+Were I vain, Octavianus, I might call each one of these letters a trophy
+of victory, an Olympic garland. The woman to whom Julius Cæsar owned
+his subjugation might well hold her head higher than the unhappy,
+vanquished Queen who, save the permission to die----"
+
+"Do not part with the letters," said Octavianus kindly. "Who can doubt
+that they are a precious treasure----"
+
+"The most precious and at the same time the advocate of the accused,"
+replied Cleopatra eagerly; "on them--as you have already heard--rests my
+vindication. I will commence with their contents. How terrible it is to
+make what is sacred to us and intended only to elevate our own hearts
+serve a purpose, to do what has always been repugnant to us! But I need
+an advocate and, Octavianus, these letters will restore to the wretched,
+suffering beggar the dignity and majesty of the Queen. The world knows
+but two powers to which Julius Cæsar bowed--the thrall of the pitiable
+woman on this couch, and of all-conquering death. An unpleasant
+fellowship--but I do not shrink from it; for death robbed him of life,
+and from my hand---- I ask only a brief moment. How gladly I would spare
+myself my own praises, and you the necessity of listening to them! Yes,
+here it is: 'Through you, you irresistible woman,' he writes, 'I learned
+for the first time, after youth was over, how beautiful life can be.'"
+
+Cleopatra, as she spoke, handed Cæsar the letter. But while she was
+still searching hastily for another he returned the first, saying:
+
+"I understand only too well your reluctance to allow such confidential
+effusions to play the part of defender. I can imagine their purport, and
+they shall influence me as if I had read them all. However eloquent they
+may be, they are needless witnesses. Is any written testimony required
+in behalf of charms whose magic is still potent?"
+
+A bewitching smile, which seemed like a confirmation of the haughty
+young conqueror's flattering words, flitted over Cleopatra's face.
+
+Octavianus noticed it. This woman indeed possessed enthralling charms,
+and he felt the slight flush that suffused his cheeks.
+
+This unhappy captive, this suffering supplicant, could still draw into
+her net any man who did not possess the cool watchfulness which
+panoplied his soul. Was it the marvellous melody of her voice, the
+changeful lustre of her tearful eyes, the aristocratic grace of the
+noble figure, the exquisite symmetry of the hands and feet, the weakness
+of the prostrate sufferer, strangely blended with truly royal majesty,
+or the thought that love for her had found earth's greatest and loftiest
+men with indissoluble fetters, which lent this fragile woman, who had
+long since passed the boundaries of youth, so powerful a spell of
+attraction?
+
+At any rate, however certain of himself he might be, he must guard his
+feelings. He understood how to bridle passion far better than the uncle
+who was so greatly his superior.
+
+Yet it was of the utmost importance to keep her alive, and therefore to
+maintain her belief in his admiration. He wished to show the world and
+the Great Queen of the East, who had just boasted of conquering, like
+death, even the most mighty, its own supremacy as man and victor. But he
+must also be gentle, in order not to endanger the object for which he
+wanted her. She must accompany him to Rome. She and her children
+promised to render his triumph the most brilliant and memorable one
+which any conqueror had ever displayed to the senate and the people. In
+a light tone which, however, revealed the emotion of his soul, he
+answered: "My illustrious uncle was known as a friend of fair women. His
+stern life was crowned with flowers by many hands, and he acknowledged
+these favours verbally and perhaps--as he did to you in all these
+letters--with the reed. His genius was greater, at any rate more
+many-sided and mobile, than mine. He succeeded, too, in pursuing
+different objects at the same time with equal devotion. I am wholly
+absorbed in the cares of state, of government, and war. I feel grateful
+when I can permit our poets to adorn my leisure for a brief space.
+Overburdened with toil, I have no time to yield myself captive, as my
+uncle did in these very rooms, to the most charming of women. If I could
+follow my own will, you would be the first from whom I would seek the
+gifts of Eros.--But it may not be! We Romans learn to curb even the most
+ardent wishes when duty and morality command. There is no city in the
+world where half so many gods are worshipped as here; and what strange
+deities are numbered among them! It needs a special effort of the
+intellect to understand them. But the simple duties of the domestic
+hearth!--they are too prosaic for you Alexandrians, who imbibe
+philosophy with your mothers' milk. What marvel, if I looked for them in
+vain? True, they would find little satisfaction--our household gods I
+mean--here, where the rigid demands of Hymen are mute before the ardent
+pleadings of Eros. Marriage is scarcely reckoned among the sacred things
+of life. But this opinion seems to displease you."
+
+"Because it is false," cried Cleopatra, repressing with difficulty a
+fresh outburst of indignation. "Yet, if I see aright, your reproach is
+aimed only at the bond which united me to the man who was called your
+sister's husband. But I will---- I would gladly remain silent, but you
+force me to speak, and I will do so, though your own friend, Proculejus,
+is signing to me to be cautious. I--I, Cleopatra, was the wife of Mark
+Antony according to the customs of this country, when you wedded him to
+the widow of Marcellus, who had scarcely closed his eyes. Not she, but
+I, was the deserted wife--I to whom his heart belonged until the hour of
+his death, not the wedded----" Here her voice fell. She had yielded to
+the passionate impulse which urged her to express her feelings in the
+matter, and now continued in a tone of gentle explanation: "I know that
+you proposed this alliance solely for the peace and welfare of Rome----"
+
+"To guard both, and to spare the blood of tens of thousands," Octavianus
+added with proud decision. "Your clear brain perceived the true state of
+affairs. If, spite of the grave importance of these motives, you---- But
+what voices would not that of the heart silence with you women! The man,
+the Roman, succeeded in closing his ears to its siren song. Were it
+otherwise, I would never have chosen for my sister a husband by whom I
+knew her happiness would be so ill-guarded--I would, as I have already
+said, be unable to master my own admiration of the loveliest of women.
+But I ought scarcely to boast of that. I fear that a heart like yours
+opens less quickly to the modest Octavianus than to a Julius Cæsar or
+the brilliant Mark Antony. Yet I may be permitted to confess that
+perhaps I might have avoided conducting this unhappy war against my
+friend to the end under my own guidance, and appearing myself in Egypt,
+had I not been urged by the longing to see once more the woman who had
+dazzled my boyish eyes. Now, in my mature manhood, I desired to
+comprehend those marvellous gifts of mind, that matchless sagacity----"
+
+"Sagacity!" interrupted the Queen, shrugging her shoulders mournfully.
+"You possess a far greater share of what is commonly called by that
+name. My fate proves it. The pliant intellect which the gods bestowed on
+me would ill sustain the test in this hour of anguish. But if you really
+care to learn what mental power Cleopatra once possessed, relieve me of
+this terrible burden of uncertainty, and grant me a position in life
+which will permit my paralyzed soul to move freely once more."
+
+"It depends solely on yourself," Octavian eagerly responded, "to make
+your future life, not only free from care, but beautiful."
+
+"On me?" asked Cleopatra in astonishment. "Our weal and woe are in your
+hands alone. I am modest and ask nothing save to know what you intend
+for our future, what you mean by the lot which you term beautiful."
+
+"Nothing less," replied the Cæsar quietly, "than what seems to lie
+nearest to your own heart--a life of that freedom of soul to which you
+aspire."
+
+The breath of the agitated Queen began to come more quickly and, no
+longer able to control the impatience which overpowered her, she
+exclaimed, "With the assurance of your favour on your lips, you refuse
+to discuss the question which interests, me beyond any other--for which,
+if any you must have been prepared when you came here----"
+
+"Reproaches?" asked Octavianus with we feigned surprise. "Would it not
+rather be my place to complain? It is precisely because I am thoroughly
+sincere in the friendly disposition which you read aright from my words,
+that some of your measures cannot fail to wound me. Your treasures were
+to be committed to the flames. It would be unfair to expect tokens of
+friendship from the vanquished; but can you deny that even the bitterest
+hatred could scarcely succeed in devising anything more hostile?"
+
+"Let the past rest! Who would not seek in war to diminish the enemy's
+booty?" pleaded the Queen in a soothing tone. But as Octavianus delayed
+his answer, she continued more eagerly: "It is said that the ibex in the
+mountains, when in mortal peril, rushes upon the hunter and hurls him
+with it down the precipice. The same impulse is natural to human beings,
+and praiseworthy, I think, in both. Forget the past, as I will try to
+do, I repeat with uplifted hands. Say that you will permit the sons whom
+I gave to Antony to ascend the Egyptian throne, not under their mother's
+guardianship, but that of Rome, and grant me freedom wherever I may
+live, and I will gladly transfer to you, down to the veriest trifles,
+all the property and treasures I possess."
+
+She clenched her little hand impatiently under the folds of her robe as
+she spoke; but Octavianus lowered his eyes, saying carelessly: "In war
+the victor disposes of the property of the vanquished; but my heart
+restrains me from applying the universal law to you, who are so far
+above ordinary mortals. Your wealth is said to be vast, though the
+foolish war which Antony, with your aid, so greatly prolonged, devoured
+vast sums. In this country squandered gold seems like the grass which,
+when mowed, springs up anew."
+
+"You speak," replied Cleopatra, more and more deeply incensed, with
+proud composure, "of the treasures which my ancestors, the powerful
+monarchs of a wealthy country, amassed during three hundred years for
+their noble race and for the adornment of the women of their line.
+Parsimony did not accord with the generosity and lofty nature of an
+Antony, yet avarice itself would not deem the portion still remaining
+insignificant. Every article is registered."
+
+While speaking, she took a manuscript from the hand of Seleukus and
+passed it to Octavianus who, with a slight bend of the head, received it
+in silence. But he had scarcely begun to read it when the steward, a
+little corpulent man with twinkling eyes half buried in his fat cheeks,
+raised his short forefinger, pointed insolently at the Queen, and
+asserted that she was trying to conceal some things, and had ordered him
+not to place them on the list. Every tinge of colour faded from the lips
+and cheeks of the agitated and passionate woman; tortured by feverish
+impatience and no longer able to control her emotions, she raised
+herself and, with her own dainty hand, struck the accuser--whom she had
+lifted from poverty and obscurity to his present high position--again
+and again in the face, till Octavianus, with a smile of superiority,
+begged her, much as the man deserved his punishment, to desist.
+
+The unfortunate woman, thus thrown off her guard, flung herself back on
+her couch and, panting for breath, with tears streaming from her eyes,
+sobbed aloud, declaring that in the presence of such unendurable insult,
+such contemptible baseness, she fairly loathed herself. Then pressing
+her clenched hands upon her temples, she exclaimed: "Before the eyes of
+the foe my royal dignity, which I have maintained all my life, falls
+from me like a borrowed mantle. Yet what am I? What shall I be
+to-morrow, what later? But who beneath the sun who has warm blood in his
+veins can preserve his composure when juicy grapes are held before his
+thirsting lips to be withdrawn, as from Tantalus, ere he can taste them?
+You came hither with the assurance of your favour; but the flattering
+words of promise which you bestowed upon the unhappy woman were probably
+only the drops of poppy-juice given to soothe the ravings of fever. Was
+the favour which you permitted me to see and anticipate for the future
+merely intended to delude a miserable----"
+
+But she went no further; Octavianus, with dignified bearing and loud,
+clear tones, interrupted "Whoever believes the heir of Cæsar capable of
+shamefully deceiving a noble woman, a queen, the object of his
+illustrious uncle's love, insults and wounds him; but the just anger
+which overmastered you may serve as your apology. Ay," he added in a
+totally different tone, "I might even have cause to be grateful for this
+indignation, and to wish for another opportunity to witness the outbreak
+of passion though in its unbridled fierceness--the royal lioness is
+scarcely aware of her own beauty when the tempest of wrath sweeps her
+away. What must she be when it is love that constrains the flame of her
+glowing soul to burst into a blaze?"
+
+"Her glowing soul!" Cleopatra eagerly repeated, and the desire awoke to
+subjugate this man who had so confidently boasted of his power of
+resistance. Though he might be stronger than many others, he certainly
+was not invincible. And aware of her still unbroken sway over the hearts
+of men, her eyes sparkled with the alluring radiance of love, and a
+bewitching smile brightened her face.
+
+The young Imperator's heart began to chafe under the curb and to beat
+more quickly, his cheeks flushed and paled by turns. How she gazed at
+him! What if she loved the nephew as she had once loved the uncle who,
+through her, had learned what bliss life can offer? Ay, it must be
+happiness to kiss those lips, to be clasped in those exquisite arms, to
+hear one's own name tenderly spoken by those musical tones. Even the
+magnificent marble statue of Ariadne, which he had seen in Athens, had
+not displayed to his gaze lines more beautiful than those of the woman
+reclining on yonder pillows. Who could venture to speak in her presence
+of vanished charms? Ah, no! The spell which had conquered Julius Cæsar
+was as vivid, as potent as ever. He himself felt its power; he was
+young, and after such unremitting exertions he too yearned to quaff the
+nectar of the noblest joys, to steep body and soul in peerless bliss.
+
+So, with a hasty movement, he took one step towards her couch, resolved
+to grasp her hands and raise them to his lips. His ardent gaze answered
+hers; but surprised by the power which, though so heavily burdened with
+physical and mental suffering, she still possessed over the strongest
+and coldest of men, she perceived what was passing in his soul, and a
+smile of triumph, blended with the most bitter contempt, hovered around
+her beautiful lips. Should she dupe him into granting her wishes by
+feigning love for the first time? Should she yield to the man who had
+insulted her, in order to induce him to accord the children their
+rights? Should she, to gratify her lover's foe, relinquish the sacred
+grief which was drawing her after him, give posterity and her children
+the right to call her, instead of the most loyal of the loyal, a
+dishonoured woman, who sold herself for power?
+
+To all these questions came a prompt denial. The single stride which
+Octavianus had made towards her, his eyes aflame with love, gave her the
+right to feel that she had vanquished the victor, and the proud delight
+of triumph was too plainly reflected in her mobile features to escape
+the penetrating, distrustful gaze of the subjugated Cæsar. But he had
+scarcely perceived what threatened him, and remembered her words
+concerning his famous uncle's surrender only to her and to death, when
+he succeeded in conquering his quickly kindled senses. Blushing at his
+own weakness, he averted his eyes from the Queen, and when he met those
+of Proculejus and the other witnesses of the scene, he realized the
+abyss on whose verge he stood. He had half succumbed to the danger of
+losing, by a moment's weakness, the fruit of great sacrifices and severe
+exertions.
+
+His expressive eyes, which had just rested rapturously upon a beautiful
+woman, now scanned the spectators with the stern glance of a monarch
+and, apparently wishing to moderate an excess of flattering recognition
+which might be misinterpreted, he said in an almost pedagogical tone:
+
+"Yet we would rather see the noble lioness in the majestic repose which
+best suits all sovereigns. It is difficult for a calm, deliberate nature
+like mine to understand an ardent, quickly kindling heart."
+
+Cleopatra had watched this sudden transition with more surprise than
+disappointment. Octavianus had half surrendered to her, but recovered
+his self-command in time, and a man of his temperament does not readily
+succumb twice to a danger which he barely escaped. And this was well! He
+should learn that he had misunderstood the glance which fired his heart;
+so she answered distantly, with majestic dignity:
+
+"Misery such as mine quenches all ardour. And love? Woman's heart is
+ever open to it, save where it has lost the desire for power and
+pleasure. You are young and happy, therefore your soul still yearns for
+love--I know that--though not for mine. To me, on the contrary, one
+suitor only is welcome, he with the lowered torch, whom you keep aloof
+from me. With him alone is to be found the boon for which this soul has
+longed from childhood--painless peace! You smile. My past gives you the
+right to do so. I will not lessen it. Each individual lives his or her
+own life. Few understand the changes of their own existence, far less
+those of a stranger's. The world has witnessed how Peace fled from my
+path, or I from hers, and yet I see the possibility of finding the way.
+I am safe from the only things which would debar me from those
+joys--humiliation and disgrace." Here she hesitated; then, as if in
+explanation, continued in the sweetest tones at her command: "Your
+generosity, I think, will guard from these two foes the woman whom just
+now--I did not fail to see it--you considered worthy of a more than
+gracious glance. I shall treasure it among memories which will never
+fade. But now, illustrious Imperator! tell me, what is your decision
+concerning me and the children? What may we hope from your favour?"
+
+"That Octavianus will be more and more warmly animated by the desire to
+accord you and yours a worthy destiny, the more firmly you expect that
+he will attest his generosity."
+
+"And if I fulfil this desire and expect from you everything that is
+great and noble--the condition is not difficult--what proofs of your
+graciousness will then await us?"
+
+"Paint them with all the fervour of that vivid power of imagination
+which interpreted even my glance in your favour, and devised the marvels
+by which you rendered the greatest and most brilliant man in Rome the
+happiest of mortals. But--by Zeus!--it is the fourth hour after
+noonday!"
+
+A glance from the window had caused the exclamation. Then, pressing his
+hand upon his heart, he continued in a tone of the most sincere regret:
+"How gladly I would prolong this fascinating conversation, but important
+matters which, unfortunately, cannot be deferred, summon me----"
+
+"And your answer?" cried Cleopatra, panting for breath and gazing at him
+with eyes full of expectation.
+
+"Must I repeat it?" he asked with impatient haste. "Very well, then. In
+return for implicit confidence on your part, favour, forgiveness,
+cordiality, every consideration which you can justly desire. Your heart
+is so rich in warmth of feeling, grant me but a small share of it and
+ask tangible gifts in return. They are already bestowed." Then greeting
+her like a friend who is reluctant to say farewell, he hastily left the
+apartment.
+
+"Gone--gone!" cried Iras as the door closed behind him. "An eel that
+slips from the hand which strives to hold him."
+
+"Northern ice," added Cleopatra gloomily as Charmian aided her to find a
+more comfortable position. "As smooth as it is cold; there is nothing
+more to hope."
+
+"Yes, my royal mistress, yes," Iras eagerly protested. "Dolabella is
+waiting for him in the Philadelphus court-yard. From him--you have his
+promise--we shall learn what Octavianus has in store for you."
+
+In truth, the Cæsar did find the youth at the first gate of the palace,
+inspecting his superb Cyrenean horses.
+
+"Magnificent animals!" cried Octavianus; "a gift from the city! Will you
+drive with me?--A remarkable, a very remarkable woman!"
+
+"Isn't she?" asked Dolabella eagerly.
+
+"Undoubtedly," replied the Cæsar. "But though she might almost be your
+mother, an uncommonly dangerous one for youths of your age. What a
+melting voice, what versatility, what fervour! And yet such regal grace
+in every movement! But I wish to stifle, not to fan, the spark which
+perhaps has already fallen into your heart. And the play, the farce
+which she just enacted before me in the midst of most serious matters!"
+
+He uttered a low, short laugh; but Dolabella exclaimed expectantly: "You
+rarely laugh, but this conversation--apparently--excites your mirth. So
+the result was satisfactory?"
+
+"Let us hope so. I was as gracious to her as possible."
+
+"That is delightful. May I know in what manner your kindness and wisdom
+have shaped her future? Or, rather, what did you promise the vanquished
+Queen?"
+
+"My favour, if she will trust me."
+
+"Proculejus and I will continue to strengthen her confidence. And if we
+succeed----?"
+
+"Then, as I have said, she will have my favour--a generous abundance of
+favour."
+
+"But her future destiny? What fate will you bestow on her and her
+children?"
+
+"Whatever the degree of her confidence deserves."
+
+Here he hesitated, for he met Dolabella's earnest, troubled gaze, which
+was blended with a shade of reproach.
+
+Octavianus desired to retain the enthusiastic admiration of the youth,
+who perhaps was destined to lofty achievements, so he continued in a
+confidential tone: "To you, my young friend, I can venture to speak more
+frankly. I will gladly grant the most aspiring wishes of this
+fascinating and, I repeat, very remarkable woman, but first I need her
+for my triumph. The Romans would have cause to reproach me if I deprived
+them of the sight of this Queen, this peerless woman, in many respects
+the first of her time. We shall soon set out for Syria. The Queen and
+her children I shall send in three days to Rome. If, in the triumphal
+procession there, she creates the sensation I anticipate from a
+spectacle so worthy of admiration, she shall learn how I reward those
+who oblige me."
+
+Dolabella had listened in silence. When the Cæsar entered the carriage,
+he requested permission to remain behind.
+
+Octavianus drove alone eastward to the camp where, in the vicinity of
+the Hippodrome, men were surveying the ground on which the suburb of
+Nikopolis--city of victory--was to be built to commemorate for future
+generations the victory of the first Emperor over Antony and Cleopatra.
+It grew, but never attained any great importance.
+
+The noble Cornelius gazed indignantly after his sovereign's fiery
+steeds; then, drawing up his stately figure to its full height, he
+entered the palace with a firm step. The act might cost him his life,
+but he would do what he believed to be his duty to the noble woman who
+had honoured him with her friendship. This rare sovereign was too good
+to feast the eyes of the rabble.
+
+A few minutes later Cleopatra knew her impending ignominy.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+The next morning the Queen had many whispered conversations with
+Charmian, and the latter with Anukis. The day before, Archibius's
+gardener had brought to his master's sister some unusually fine figs,
+which grew in the old garden of Epicurus. This fruit was also mentioned,
+and Anukis went to Kanopus, and thence, in the steward's carriage, with
+a basket of the very best ones to the fish-market. There she had a great
+deal to say to Pyrrhus, and the freedman went to his boat with the figs.
+
+Shortly after the Nubian's return the Queen came back to the palace from
+the mausoleum. Her features bore an impress of resolution usually alien
+to them; nay, the firmly compressed lips gave them an expression of
+actual sternness. She knew what duty required, and regarded her
+approaching end as an inevitable necessity. Death seemed to her like a
+journey which she must take in order to escape the most terrible
+disgrace. Besides, life after the death of Antony was no longer the
+same; it had been only a tiresome delay and waiting for the children's
+sake.
+
+The visit to the tomb had been intended, as it were, to announce her
+coming to her husband. She had remained a long time in the silent hall,
+where she had garlanded the coffin with flowers, kissed it, talked to
+the dead man as if he were still alive, and told him that the day had
+come when what he had mentioned in his will as the warmest desire of his
+heart--to rest beside her in the same tomb--would be fulfilled. Among
+the thousand forms of suffering which had assailed her, nothing had
+seemed so hard to bear as to be deprived of his society and love.
+
+Then she had gone into the garden, embraced and kissed the children, and
+entreated them to remember her tenderly. Her purpose had not been
+concealed from Archibius, but Charmian had told him the menace of the
+future, and he approved her decision. By the exertion of all his innate
+strength of will, he succeeded in concealing the grief which rent his
+faithful heart. She must die. The thought of seeing her adorn the
+triumphal procession of Octavianus was unbearable to him also. Her
+thanks and entreaties to be an affectionate guardian to the children
+were received with an external calmness which afterwards seemed to him
+utterly incomprehensible.
+
+When she spoke of her approaching meeting with her lover, he asked
+whether she had entirely abandoned the teachings of Epicurus, who
+believed that death absolutely ended existence.
+
+Cleopatra eagerly assented, saying: "Absence of pain has ceased to
+appear to me the chief earthly blessing, since I have known that love
+does not bring pleasure only, since I have learned that pain is the
+inseparable companion of love. I will not give it up, nor will I part
+from my lover. Whoever experiences what fate has allotted to me has
+learned to know other gods than those whom the master described as
+dwelling happily in undisturbed repose. Rather eternal torture in
+another world, united to the man I love, than painless, joyless mere
+existence in a desolate, incomprehensible, unknown region! You will be
+the last to teach the children to yearn for freedom from pain----?"
+
+"Because, like you," cried Archibius, "I have learned how great a
+blessing is love, and that love is pain."
+
+As he spoke he bent over her hand to kiss it, but she took his temples
+between her hands and, bending hastily, pressed her lips on his broad
+brow.
+
+Then his self-control vanished, and, sobbing aloud, he hurried back to
+the children.
+
+Cleopatra gazed after him with a sorrowful smile, and leaning on
+Charmian's arm, she entered the palace.
+
+There she was bathed and, robed in costly mourning garments, reclined
+among her cushions to take breakfast, which was usually served at this
+hour.
+
+Iras and Charmian shared it.
+
+When dessert was carried in, the Nubian brought a basket filled with
+delicious figs. A peasant, she told Epaphroditus, who was watching the
+meal, had given them to her because they were so remarkably fine. Some
+had already been snatched by the guards.
+
+The Queen and her companions ate a little of the fruit, and Proculejus,
+who had come to greet Cleopatra, was also persuaded to taste one of the
+finest figs.
+
+At the end of the meal Cleopatra wished to rest.
+
+The Roman gentlemen and the guards retired.
+
+At last the women were alone, and gazed at each other silently.
+
+Charmian timidly lifted the upper layer of the fruit, but the Queen said
+mournfully:
+
+"The wife of Antony dragged through the streets of Rome behind the
+victor's chariot, a spectacle for the populace and envious matrons!"
+Then, starting up, she exclaimed: "What a thought! Was it too great for
+Octavianus, or too petty? He who so loudly boasts his knowledge of
+mankind expects this impossibility from the woman who revealed her
+inmost soul to him as fully as he concealed his from her. We will show
+him how small is his comprehension of human nature, and teach him
+modesty."
+
+A contemptuous smile flitted over her beautiful lips as, with rapid
+movements, she flung handful after handful of figs on the table, till
+she saw some thing stirring under the fruit, and with a sigh of relief
+exclaimed under her breath:
+
+"There it is!" as with hasty resolution she held out her arm towards the
+asp, which hissed at her.
+
+While gazing intently at the movements of the viper, which seemed afraid
+to fulfil the dread office, she said to her attendants:
+
+"I thank you--thank you for everything. Be calm. You know, Iras, it will
+cause no pain. They say it is like falling asleep." Then she shuddered
+slightly, adding: "Death is a solemn thing; yet it must be. Why does the
+serpent delay? There--there; I will keep firm. Ambition and love were
+the moving forces of my life. Men shall praise my memory.--I follow you,
+Mark Antony!"
+
+Charmian bent over the left arm of her royal mistress, which hung
+loosely at her side, and, weeping aloud, covered it with kisses, while
+Cleopatra, watching the motions of the asp still more closely, added:
+
+"The peace of our garden of Epicurus will begin to-day. Whether it will
+be painless, who can tell? Yet--there I agree with Archibius--life's
+greatest joy--love--is blended with pain, as yonder branch of exquisite
+roses from Dolabella, the last gift of friendship, has its sharp thorns.
+I think you have both experienced this. The twins and my little
+darling---- When they think of their mother and her end, will not the
+children----"
+
+Here she uttered a low cry. The asp had struck its fangs into the upper
+part of her arm like an icy flash of lightning, and a few instants later
+Cleopatra sank back upon her pillows lifeless.
+
+Iras, pale but calm, pointed to her, saying "Like a sleeping child.
+Bewitching even in death. Fate itself was constrained to do her will and
+fulfil the last desire of the great Queen, the victorious woman, whom no
+heart resisted. Its decree shatters the presumptuous plan of Octavianus.
+The victor will show himself to the Romans without thee, thou dear one."
+
+Sobbing violently, she bent over the inanimate form, closed the eyes,
+and kissed the lips and brow. The weeping Charmian did the same.
+
+Then the footsteps of men were heard in the anteroom, and Iras, who was
+the first to notice them, cried eagerly:
+
+"The moment is approaching! I am glad it is close at hand. Does it not
+seem to you also as if the very sun in the heavens was darkened?"
+
+Charmian nodded assent, and whispered, "The poison?"
+
+"Here!" replied Iras calmly, holding out a plain pin. "One little prick,
+and the deed will be done. Look! But no. You once inflicted the deepest
+suffering upon me. You know--Dion, the playmate of my childhood---- It
+is forgiven. But now--you will do me a kindness. You will spare my using
+the pin myself. Will you not? I will repay you. If you wish, my hand
+shall render you the same service."
+
+Charmian clasped her niece to her heart, kissed her, pricked her arm
+lightly, and gave her the other pin, saying:
+
+"Now it is your turn. Our hearts were filled with love for one who
+understood how to bestow it as none other ever did, and our love was
+returned. What matters all else that we sacrificed? Those on whom the
+sun shines need no other light. Love is pain," she said in dying, "but
+this pain--especially that of renunciation for love's sake--bears with
+it a joy, an exquisite joy, which renders death easy. To me it seems as
+if it were merely following the Queen to---- Oh, that hurt!"
+
+Iras's pin had pricked her.
+
+The poison did its work quickly. Iras was seized with giddiness, and
+could scarcely stand. Charmian had just sunk on her knees, when some one
+knocked loudly at the closed door, and the voices of Epaphroditus and
+Proculejus imperiously demanded admittance.
+
+When no answer followed, the lock was hastily burst open.
+
+Charmian was found lying pale and distorted at the feet of her royal
+mistress; but Iras, tottering and half stupefied by the poison, was
+adjusting the diadem, which had slipped from its place. To keep from her
+beloved Queen everything that could detract from her beauty had been her
+last care.
+
+Enraged, fairly frantic with wrath, the Romans rushed towards the women.
+Epaphroditus had seen Iras still occupied in arranging Cleopatra's
+ornaments. Now he endeavoured to raise her companion, saying
+reproachfully, "Charmian, was this well done?" Summoning her last
+strength, she answered in a faltering voice, "Perfectly well, and worthy
+a descendant of Egyptian kings." Her eyes closed, but Proculejus, the
+author, who had gazed long with deep emotion into the beautiful proud
+face of the Queen whom he had so greatly wronged, said: "No other woman
+on earth was ever so admired by the greatest, so loved by the loftiest.
+Her fame echoed from nation to nation throughout the world. It will
+continue to resound from generation to generation; but however loudly
+men may extol the bewitching charm, the fervour of the love which
+survived death, her intellect, her knowledge, the heroic courage with
+which she preferred the tomb to ignominy--the praise of these two must
+not be forgotten. Their fidelity deserves it. By their marvellous end
+they unconsciously erected the most beautiful monument to their
+mistress; for what genuine goodness and lovableness must have been
+possessed by the woman who, after the greatest reverses, made it seem
+more desirable to those nearest to her person to die than to live
+without her!"*
+
+[* The Roman's exclamation and the answer of the loyal dying Charmian
+are taken literally from Plutarch's narrative.]
+
+The news of the death of their beloved, admired sovereign transformed
+Alexandria into a house of mourning. Obsequies of unprecedented
+magnificence and solemnity, at which many tears of sincere grief flowed,
+honoured her memory. One of Octavianus's most brilliant plans was
+frustrated by her death, and he had raved furiously when he read the
+letter in which Cleopatra, with her own hand, informed him of her
+intention to die. But he owed it to his reputation for generosity to
+grant her a funeral worthy of her rank. To the dead, who had ceased to
+be dangerous, he was ready to show an excess of magnanimity.
+
+The treatment which he accorded to Cleopatra's children also won the
+world's admiration. His sister Octavia received them into her own house
+and intrusted their education to Archibius.
+
+When the order to destroy the statues of Antony and Cleopatra was
+issued, Octavianus gave his contemporaries another proof of his
+disposition to be lenient, for he ordered that the numerous statues of
+the Queen in Alexandria and Egypt should be preserved. True, he had been
+influenced by the large sum of two thousand talents paid by an
+Alexandrian to secure this act of generosity. Archibius was the name of
+the rare friend who had impoverished himself to render this service to
+the memory of the beloved dead.
+
+In later times the statues of the unfortunate Queen adorned the places
+where they had been erected.
+
+The sarcophagi of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, by whose side rested Iras
+and Charmian, were constantly heaped with flowers and offerings to the
+dead. The women of Alexandria, especially, went to the tomb of their
+beloved Queen as if it were a pilgrimage; but in after-days faithful
+mourners also came from a distance to visit it, among them the children
+of the famous lovers whom death here united--Cleopatra Selene, now the
+wife of the learned Numidian Prince Juba, Helios Antony, and Alexander,
+who had reached manhood. Their friend and teacher, Archibius,
+accompanied them. He taught them to hold their mother's memory dear, and
+had so reared them that, in their maturity, he could lead them with head
+erect to the sarcophagus of the friend who had confided them to his
+charge.
+
+
+[The End]
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Cleopatra, Complete, by Georg Ebers
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA, COMPLETE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 5482-h.htm or 5482-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/8/5482/
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License.  You must require such a user to return or
+destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+Chief Executive and Director
+gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/5482-0.zip b/5482-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5012c75
--- /dev/null
+++ b/5482-0.zip
diff --git a/5482-h.zip b/5482-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fdbcfa3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/5482-h.zip
diff --git a/5482-h/5482-h.htm b/5482-h/5482-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1975042
--- /dev/null
+++ b/5482-h/5482-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,16755 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" version="-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" xml:lang="en">
+<head>
+ <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"/>
+ <title>
+  Cleopatra, by Georg Ebers
+ </title>
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;}
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    .xx-small {font-size: 60%;}
+    .x-small {font-size: 75%;}
+    .small {font-size: 85%;}
+    .large {font-size: 115%;}
+    .x-large {font-size: 130%;}
+    .indent5   { margin-left: 5%;}
+    .indent10  { margin-left: 10%;}
+    .indent15  { margin-left: 15%;}
+    .indent20  { margin-left: 20%;}
+    .indent30  { margin-left: 30%;}
+    .indent40  { margin-left: 40%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em;
+                font-variant: normal; font-style: normal;
+                text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD;
+                border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;}
+    .side      { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em;
+               border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left;
+               text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;
+               font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border:        solid 1px;}
+    .head      { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em;
+               border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center;
+               text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;
+               font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border:        solid 1px;}
+    p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0}
+    span.dropcap         { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 }
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+    -->
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+<p>
+<br/><br/>
+</p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cleopatra, Complete, by Georg Ebers
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Cleopatra, Complete
+
+Author: Georg Ebers
+
+Release Date: October 16, 2006 [EBook #5482]
+Last Updated: July 7, 2017
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA, COMPLETE ***
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+</pre>
+
+<div class="title">
+<h1>
+CLEOPATRA
+</h1>
+<h2>
+By Georg Ebers
+</h2>
+<h3>
+Translated from the German by Mary J. Safford
+</h3>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="toc">
+<h2 id="contents">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CONTENTS.
+</h2>
+
+<a href="#preface">PREFACE.</a>
+<br/><br/>
+<a href="#cleopatra"><b>CLEOPATRA</b></a>
+<br/><br/>
+<a href="#ch01">CHAPTER I.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch02">CHAPTER II.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch03">CHAPTER III.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch04">CHAPTER IV.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch05">CHAPTER V.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch06">CHAPTER VI.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch07">CHAPTER VII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch08">CHAPTER VIII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch09">CHAPTER IX.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch10">CHAPTER X.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch11">CHAPTER XI.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch12">CHAPTER XII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch13">CHAPTER XIII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch14">CHAPTER XIV.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch15">CHAPTER XV.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch16">CHAPTER XVI.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch17">CHAPTER XVII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch19">CHAPTER XIX.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch20">CHAPTER XX.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch21">CHAPTER XXI.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch22">CHAPTER XXII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch23">CHAPTER XXIII.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch24">CHAPTER XXIV.</a>
+<br/>
+<a href="#ch25">CHAPTER XXV.</a>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="main">
+<h2 id="preface">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+PREFACE.
+</h2>
+
+<p>
+If the author should be told that the sentimental love of our day was
+unknown to the pagan world, he would not cite last the two lovers, Antony
+and Cleopatra, and the will of the powerful Roman general, in which he
+expressed the desire, wherever he might die, to be buried beside the woman
+whom he loved to his latest hour. His wish was fulfilled, and the
+love-life of these two distinguished mortals, which belongs to history,
+has more than once afforded to art and poesy a welcome subject.
+</p>
+<p>
+In regard to Cleopatra, especially, life was surrounded with an atmosphere
+of romance bordering on the fabulous. Even her bitterest foes admire her
+beauty and rare gifts of intellect. Her character, on the contrary,
+presents one of the most difficult problems of psychology. The servility
+of Roman poets and authors, who were unwilling frankly to acknowledge the
+light emanating so brilliantly from the foe of the state and the
+Imperator, solved it to her disadvantage. Everything that bore the name of
+Egyptian was hateful or suspicious to the Roman, and it was hard to
+forgive this woman, born on the banks of the Nile, for having seen Julius
+Cæsar at her feet and compelled Mark Antony to do her bidding. Other
+historians, Plutarch at their head, explained the enigma more justly, and
+in many respects in her favour.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was a delightful task to the author to scan more closely the
+personality of the hapless Queen, and from the wealth of existing
+information shape for himself a creature in whom he could believe. Years
+elapsed ere he succeeded; but now that he views the completed picture, he
+thinks that many persons might be disposed to object to the brightness of
+his colours. Yet it would not be difficult for the writer to justify every
+shade which he has used. If, during his creative work, he learned to love
+his heroine, it was because, the more distinctly he conjured before his
+mind the image of this wonderful woman, the more keenly he felt and the
+more distinctly he perceived how fully she merited not only sympathy and
+admiration, but, in spite of all her sins and weaknesses, the
+self-sacrificing affection which she inspired in so many hearts.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was an author of no less importance than Horace who called Cleopatra
+&ldquo;<i>non humilis mulier</i>&rdquo;&mdash;a woman capable of no baseness. But the phrase
+gains its greatest importance from the fact that it adorns the hymn which
+the poet dedicated to Octavianus and his victory over Antony and
+Cleopatra. It was a bold act, in such an ode, to praise the victor&rsquo;s foe.
+Yet he did it, and his words, which are equivalent to a deed, are among
+this greatly misjudged woman&rsquo;s fairest claims to renown.
+</p>
+<p>
+Unfortunately it proved less potent than the opinion of Dio, who often
+distorted what Plutarch related, but probably followed most closely the
+farce or the popular tales which, in Rome, did not venture to show the
+Egyptian in a favourable light.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Greek Plutarch, who lived much nearer the period of our heroine than
+Dio, estimated her more justly than most of the Roman historians. His
+grandfather had heard many tales of both Cleopatra and Antony from his
+countryman Philotas, who, during the brilliant days when they revelled in
+Alexandria, had lived there as a student. Of all the writers who describe
+the Queen, Plutarch is the most trustworthy, but even his narrative must
+be used with caution. We have closely followed the clear and comprehensive
+description given by Plutarch of the last days of our heroine. It bears
+the impress of truth, and to deviate widely from it would be arbitrary.
+</p>
+<p>
+Unluckily, Egyptian records contain nothing which could have much weight
+in estimating the character of Cleopatra, though we have likenesses
+representing the Queen alone, or with her son Cæsarion. Very recently (in
+1892) the fragment of a colossal double statue was found in Alexandria,
+which can scarcely be intended for any persons except Cleopatra and Antony
+hand in hand. The upper part of the female figure is in a state of
+tolerable preservation, and shows a young and attractive face. The male
+figure was doubtless sacrificed to Octavianus&rsquo;s command to destroy
+Antony&rsquo;s statues. We are indebted to Herr Dr. Walther, in Alexandria, for
+an excellent photograph of this remarkable piece of sculpture.
+Comparatively few other works of plastic art, in which we here include
+coins, that could render us familiar with our heroine&rsquo;s appearance, have
+been preserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+Though the author must especially desire to render his creation a work of
+art, it is also requisite to strive for fidelity. As the heroine&rsquo;s
+portrait must reveal her true character, so the life represented here must
+correspond in every line with the civilization of the period described.
+For this purpose we placed Cleopatra in the centre of a larger group of
+people, whom she influences, and who enable her personality to be
+displayed in the various relations of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+Should the author succeed in making the picture of the remarkable woman,
+who was so differently judged, as &ldquo;lifelike&rdquo; and vivid as it stamped
+itself upon his own imagination, he might remember with pleasure the hours
+which he devoted to this book.
+</p>
+<p class="signature">
+<span class="sc">Georg Ebers</span>
+</p>
+<p>
+<span class="sc">Tützing on the Starnberger See</span>, <i>October 5, 1893</i>.
+</p>
+
+
+<h2 id="cleopatra">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CLEOPATRA.
+</h2>
+
+<h3 id="ch01">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER I.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Gorgias, the architect, had learned to bear the scorching sunbeams of the
+Egyptian noonday. Though not yet thirty, he had directed&mdash;first as
+his late father&rsquo;s assistant and afterwards as his successor&mdash;the
+construction of the huge buildings erected by Cleopatra in Alexandria.
+</p>
+<p>
+Now he was overwhelmed with commissions; yet he had come hither ere the
+hours of work were over, merely to oblige a youth who had barely passed
+the confines of boyhood.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, the person for whom he made this sacrifice was Cæsarion, the son
+whom Cleopatra had given to Julius Cæsar. Antony had honoured him with
+the proud title of &ldquo;King of kings&rdquo;; yet he was permitted neither to rule
+nor even to issue orders, for his mother kept him aloof from affairs of
+state, and he himself had no desire to hold the sceptre.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias had granted his wish the more readily, because it was apparent
+that he wanted to speak to him in private, though he had not the least
+idea what Cæsarion desired to confide, and, under any circumstances, he
+could give him only a brief interview. The fleet, at whose head the Queen
+had set sail, with Mark Antony, for Greece, must have already met
+Octavianus&rsquo;s galleys, and doubtless a battle wherein the destiny of the
+world was decided had also been fought upon the land, Gorgias believed
+that the victory would fall to Antony and the Queen, and wished the noble
+pair success with his whole heart. He was even obliged to act as if the
+battle had been already determined in their favour, for the architectural
+preparations for the reception of the conquerors were entrusted to his
+charge, and that very day must witness the decision of the location of the
+colossal statues which represented Antony hand in hand with his royal
+love.
+</p>
+<p>
+The epitrop Mardion, a eunuch, who as Regent, represented Cleopatra; and
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, who rarely opposed him, wished to have the
+piece of sculpture erected in a different place from the one he favoured.
+The principal objection to the choice made by the powerful head of the
+government was that it had fallen on land owned by a private individual.
+This might lead to difficulties, and Gorgias opposed it. As an artist,
+too, he did not approve Mardion&rsquo;s plan; for though, on Didymus&rsquo;s land, the
+statues would have faced the sea, which the Regent and the Keeper of the
+Seal regarded as very important, no fitting background could have been
+obtained.
+</p>
+<p>
+At any rate, the architect could now avail himself of Cæsarion&rsquo;s
+invitation to overlook from the appointed place of meeting&mdash;the lofty
+steps of the Temple of Isis&mdash;the Bruchium, and seek the best site for
+the twin statues. He was anxious to select the most suitable one; the
+master who had created this work of art had been his friend, and had
+closed his eyes in death shortly after its completion.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sanctuary whence Gorgias commenced his survey was in one of the
+fairest portions of the Bruchium, the Alexandrian quarter, where stood the
+royal palace with its extensive annexes, the finest temples&mdash;except
+the Serapeum, situated in another part of the city&mdash;and the largest
+theatres; the Forum invited the council of Macedonian citizens to its
+assemblies, and the Museum afforded a resort for the scholars.
+</p>
+<p>
+The little square closed in the east by the Temple of Isis was called the
+&ldquo;Corner of the Muses,&rdquo; on account of the two marble statues of women
+before the entrance of the house, which, with its large garden facing the
+square northward and extending along the sea, belonged to Didymus, an old
+and highly respected scholar and member of the Museum.
+</p>
+<p>
+The day had been hot, and the shade of the Temple of Isis was very welcome
+to the architect. This sanctuary rested upon a lofty foundation, and a
+long flight of steps led to the cella. The spot afforded Gorgias a wide
+prospect.
+</p>
+<p>
+Most of the buildings within his vision belonged to the time of Alexander
+and his successors in the house of the Ptolemies, but some, and by no
+means the least stately, were the work of Gorgias himself or of his
+father. The artist&rsquo;s heart swelled with enthusiastic delight at the sight
+of this portion of his native city.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had been in Rome, and visited many other places numbered among the
+world&rsquo;s fairest and most populous cities; but not one contained so many
+superb works of art crowded together in so small a space.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If one of the immortals themselves,&rdquo; he murmured, &ldquo;should strive to erect
+for the inhabitants of Olympus a quarter meet for their grandeur and
+beauty, it could scarcely be much more superb or better fitted to satisfy
+the artistic needs which we possess as their gift, and it would surely be
+placed on the shore of such a sea.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While speaking, he shaded his keen eyes with his hand. The architect, who
+usually devoted his whole attention to the single object that claimed his
+notice, now permitted himself the pleasure of enjoying the entire picture
+in whose finishing touches he had himself borne a part; and, as his
+practised eye perceived in every temple and colonnade the studied and
+finished harmony of form, and the admirable grouping of the various
+buildings and statues, he said to himself, with a sigh of satisfaction,
+that his own art was the noblest and building the highest of royal
+pleasures. No doubt this belief was shared by the princes who, three
+centuries before, had endeavoured to obtain an environment for their
+palaces which should correspond with their vast power and overflowing
+wealth, and at the same time give tangible expression to their reverence
+for the gods and their delight in art and beauty. No royal race in the
+universe could boast of a more magnificent abode. These thoughts passed
+through Gorgias&rsquo;s mind as the deep azure hue of sea and sky blended with
+the sunlight to bring into the strongest relief all that the skill and
+brains of man, aided by exhaustless resources, had here created.
+</p>
+<p>
+Waiting, usually a hard task for the busy architect, became a pleasure in
+this spot; for the rays streaming lavishly in all directions from the
+diadem of the sovereign sun flooded with dazzling radiance the thousands
+of white marble statues on the temples and colonnades, and were reflected
+from the surfaces of the polished granite of the obelisks and the equally
+smooth walls of the white, yellow, and green marble, the syenite, and the
+brown, speckled porphyry of sanctuaries and palaces. They seemed to be
+striving to melt the bright mosaic pictures which covered every foot of
+the ground, where no highway intersected and no tree shaded it, and
+flashed back again from the glimmering metal or the smooth glaze in the
+gay tiles on the roofs of the temples and houses. Here they glittered on
+the metal ornaments, yonder they seemed to be trying to rival the
+brilliancy of the gilded domes, to lend to the superb green of the
+tarnished bronze surfaces the sparkling lustre of the emerald, or to
+transform the blue and red lines of the white marble temples into
+lapis-lazuli and coral and their gilded decorations into topaz. The
+pictures in the mosaic pavement of the squares, and on the inner walls of
+the colonnades, were doubly effective against the light masses of marble
+surrounding them, which in their turn were indebted to the pictures for
+affording the eye an attractive variety instead of dazzling monotony.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here the light of the weltering sun enhanced the brilliancy of colour in
+the flags and streamers which fluttered beside the obelisks and Egyptian
+pylons, over the triumphal arches and the gates of the temples and
+palaces. Yet even the exquisite purplish blue of the banner waving above
+the palace on the peninsula of Lochias, now occupied by Cleopatra&rsquo;s
+children, was surpassed by the hue of the sea, whose deep azure near the
+shore merged far away into bands of lighter and darker blue, blending with
+dull or whitish green.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias was accustomed to grasp fully whatever he permitted to influence
+him, and though still loyal to his custom of associating with his art
+every remarkable work of the gods or man, he had not forgotten in his
+enjoyment of the familiar scene the purpose of his presence in this spot.
+</p>
+<p>
+No, the garden of Didymus was <i>not</i> the proper place for his friend&rsquo;s last
+work.
+</p>
+<p>
+While gazing at the lofty plane, sycamore, and mimosa trees which
+surrounded the old scholar&rsquo;s home, the quiet square below him suddenly
+became astir with noisy life, for all classes of the populace were
+gathering in front of the sequestered house, as if some unusual spectacle
+attracted them.
+</p>
+<p>
+What could they want of the secluded philosopher?
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias gazed earnestly at them, but soon turned away again; a gay voice
+from below called his name.
+</p>
+<p>
+A singular procession had approached the temple&mdash;a small body of
+armed men, led by a short, stout fellow, whose big head, covered with
+bushy curls, was crowned with a laurel wreath. He was talking eagerly to a
+younger man, but had paused with the others in front of the sanctuary to
+greet the architect. The latter shouted a few pleasant words in reply. The
+laurel-crowned figure made a movement as if he intended to join him, but
+his companion checked him, and, after a short parley, the older man gave
+the younger one his hand, flung his heavy head back, and strutted onward
+like a peacock, followed by his whole train.
+</p>
+<p>
+The other looked after him, shrugging his shoulders; then called to
+Gorgias, asking what boon he desired from the goddess.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Your presence,&rdquo; replied the architect blithely.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then Isis will show herself gracious to you,&rdquo; was the answer, and the
+next instant the two young men cordially grasped each other&rsquo;s hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both were equally tall and well formed; the features bore witness to their
+Greek origin; nay, they might have been taken for brothers, had not the
+architect&rsquo;s whole appearance seemed sturdier and plainer than that of his
+companion, whom he called &ldquo;Dion&rdquo; and friend. As the latter heaped merry
+sarcasms upon the figure wearing the laurel wreath who had just left him,
+Anaxenor, the famous zither-player, on whom Antony had bestowed the
+revenues of four cities and permission to keep body-guard, and Gorgias&rsquo;s
+deeper voice sometime assented, sometimes opposed with sensible
+objections, the difference between these two men of the same age and race
+became clearly apparent.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both showed a degree of self-reliance unusual, at their age; but the
+architect&rsquo;s was the assurance which a man gains by toil and his own merit,
+Dion&rsquo;s that which is bestowed by large possession and a high position in
+society. Those who were ignorant that the weight of Dion&rsquo;s carefully
+prepared speech had more than once turned the scale in the city councils
+would probably have been disposed to take him for one of the careless
+worldlings who had no lack of representatives among the gilded youth of
+Alexandria; while the architect&rsquo;s whole exterior, from his keen eye to the
+stouter leather of his sandals, revealed earnest purpose and unassuming
+ability.
+</p>
+<p>
+Their friendship had commenced when Gorgias built a new palace for Dion.
+During long business association people become well acquainted, even
+though their conversations relate solely to direction and execution. But
+in this case, he who gave the orders had been only the inspirer and
+adviser, the architect the warm-hearted friend, eager to do his utmost to
+realize what hovered before the other&rsquo;s mind as the highest attainable
+excellence. So the two young men became first dear, and finally almost
+indispensable to each other. As the architect discovered in the wealthy
+man of the world many qualities whose existence he had not suspected, the
+latter was agreeably surprised to find in the artist, associated with his
+solidity of character, a jovial companion, who&mdash;this first made him
+really beloved by his friend&mdash;had no lack of weaknesses.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the palace was completed to Dion&rsquo;s satisfaction and became one of the
+most lauded ornaments of the city, the young men&rsquo;s friendship assumed a
+new form, and it would have been difficult to say which received the most
+benefit.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion had just been stopped by the zither-player to ask for confirmation of
+the tidings that the united forces of Antony and Cleopatra had gained a
+great victory on sea and land.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the eating-house at Kanopus, where he had breakfasted, everyone was
+full of the joyful news, and rivers of wine had been drunk to the health
+of the victors and the destruction of the malicious foe.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In these days,&rdquo; cried Dion, &ldquo;not only weak-brained fellows,
+like the zither-player, believe me omniscient, but many sensible men also.
+And why? Because, forsooth, I am the nephew of Zeno, the Keeper of the
+Seal, who is on the brink of despair because he himself knows nothing, not
+even the veriest trifle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet he stands nearest to the Regent,&rdquo; observed Gorgias, &ldquo;and must learn,
+if any one does, how the fleet fares.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You too!&rdquo; sighed his friend. &ldquo;Had I been standing so far above the ground
+as you, the architect&mdash;by the dog, I should not have failed to note
+the quarter whence the wind blew! It has been southerly a whole fortnight,
+and keeps back the galleys coming from the north. The Regent knows
+nothing, absolutely nothing, and my uncle, of course, no more. But if they
+do learn anything they will be shrewd enough not to enrich me with it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;True, there are other rumours afloat,&rdquo; said the architect thoughtfully.
+&ldquo;If I were in Mardion&rsquo;s place&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Thank the Olympians that you are not,&rdquo; laughed his companion. &ldquo;He has as
+many cares as a fish has scales. And one, the greatest.&mdash;That pert young
+Antyllus was over-ready with his tongue yesterday at Barine&rsquo;s. Poor
+fellow! He&rsquo;ll have to answer for it to his tutor at home.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You mean the remark about the Queen&rsquo;s accompanying the fleet?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;St!&rdquo; said Dion, putting his finger on his lips, for many men and women
+were now ascending the temple steps. Several carried flowers and cakes,
+and the features of most expressed joyful emotion. The news of the victory
+had reached their ears, and they wanted to offer sacrifices to the goddess
+whom Cleopatra, &ldquo;the new Isis,&rdquo; preferred to all others.
+</p>
+<p>
+The first court-yard of the sanctuary was astir with life. They could hear
+the ringing of the sistrum bells and the murmuring chant of the priests.
+The quiet fore-court of the little temple of the goddess, which here, in
+the Greek quarter of palaces, had as few visitors as the great Temple of
+Isis in the Rhakotis was overcrowded, had now become the worst possible
+rendezvous for men who stood so near the rulers of the government. The
+remark made about the Queen the evening before by Antyllus, Antony&rsquo;s
+nineteen-year-old son, at the house of Barine, a beautiful young woman who
+attracted all the prominent men in Alexandria, was the more imprudent
+because it coincided with the opinion of all the wisest heads. The
+reckless youth enthusiastically reverenced his father, but Cleopatra, the
+object of Antony&rsquo;s love, and&mdash;in the Egyptians&rsquo; eyes&mdash;his wife,
+was not Antyllus&rsquo;s mother. He was the son of Fulvia, his father&rsquo;s first
+wife, and feeling himself a Roman, would have preferred a thousand times
+to live on the banks of the Tiber. Besides, it was certain&mdash;Antony&rsquo;s
+stanchest friends made no attempt to conceal the fact&mdash;that the
+Queen&rsquo;s presence with the army exerted a disturbing influence, and could
+not fail to curb the daring courage of the brave general. Antyllus, with
+the reckless frankness inherited from his father, had expressed this view
+in the presence of all Barine&rsquo;s guests, and in a form which would be only
+too quickly spread throughout Alexandria, whose inhabitants relished such
+speeches.
+</p>
+<p>
+These remarks would be slow in reaching the plain people who were
+attracted to the temple by the news of the victory, yet many doubtless
+knew Cæsarion, whom the architect was awaiting here. It would be wiser to
+meet the prince at the foot of the steps. Both men, therefore, went down
+to the square, though the crowds seeking the temple and thronging the
+space before Didymus&rsquo;s house made it more and more difficult to pace to
+and fro.
+</p>
+<p>
+They were anxious to learn whether the rumour that Didymus&rsquo;s garden was to
+be taken for the twin statues had already spread abroad, and their first
+questions revealed that this was the case. It was even stated that the old
+sage&rsquo;s house was to be torn down, and within a few hours. This was
+vehemently contradicted; but a tall, scrawny man seemed to have undertaken
+to defend the ruler&rsquo;s violence.
+</p>
+<p>
+The friends knew him well. It was the Syrian Philostratus, a clever
+extempore speaker and agitator of the people, who placed his clever tongue
+at the disposal of the highest bidder.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The rascal is probably now in my uncle&rsquo;s employ,&rdquo; said Dion. &ldquo;The idea of
+putting the piece of sculpture there originated with him, and it is
+difficult to turn him from such plans. There is some secret object to be
+gained here. That is why they have brought Philostratus. I wonder if the
+conspiracy is connected in any way with Barine, whose husband&mdash;unfortunately
+for her&mdash;he was before he cast her off.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cast her off!&rdquo; exclaimed Gorgias wrathfully. &ldquo;How that sounds! True, he
+did it, but to persuade him the poor woman sacrificed half the fortune her
+father had earned by his brush. You know as well as I that life with that
+scoundrel would be unbearable.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Very true,&rdquo; replied Dion quietly. &ldquo;But as all Alexandria melted into
+admiration after her singing of the <i>yalemos</i> at the Adonis festival, she
+no longer needed her contemptible consort.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How can you take pleasure, whenever it is possible, in casting such slurs
+upon a woman, whom but yesterday you called blameless, charming,
+peerless?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That the light she sheds may not dazzle your eyes. I know how sensitive
+they are.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then spare, instead of irritating them. Besides, your suggestion gives
+food for thought Barine is the granddaughter of the man whose garden they
+want, and the advocate would probably be glad to injure both. But I&rsquo;ll
+spoil his game. It is <i>my</i> business to choose the site for the statues.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yours?&rdquo; replied Dion. &ldquo;Unless some one who is more powerful opposes you. I
+would try to win my uncle, but there are others superior to him. The Queen
+has gone, it is true; but Iras, whose commands do not die away in empty
+air, told me this morning that she had her own ideas about the erection of
+the statue.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then you bring Philostratus here!&rdquo; cried the architect.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I?&rdquo; asked the other in amazement.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ay, you,&rdquo; asserted Gorgias. &ldquo;Did not you say that Iras, with whom you
+played when a boy is now becoming troublesome by watching your every step?
+And then&mdash;you visit Barine constantly and she so evidently prefers
+you, that the fact might easily reach the ears of Iras.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As Argus has a hundred, jealousy has a thousand eyes,&rdquo; interrupted Dion,
+&ldquo;yet I seek nothing from Barine, save two pleasant hours when the day is
+drawing towards its close. No matter; Iras, I suppose, heard that I was
+favoured by this much-admired woman. Iras herself has some little regard
+for me, so she bought Philostratus. She is willing to pay something for
+the sake of injuring the woman who stands between us, or the old man who
+has the good or evil fortune of being her rival&rsquo;s grandfather. No, no;
+that would be too base! And believe me, if Iras desired to ruin Barine,
+she need not make so long a circuit. Besides, she is not really a wicked
+woman. Or is she? All I know is that where any advantage is to be gained
+for the Queen, she does not shrink even from doubtful means, and also that
+the hours speed swiftly for any one in her society. Yes, Iras, Iras&mdash;I
+like to utter the name. Yet I do not love her, and she&mdash;loves only
+herself, and&mdash;a thing few can say&mdash;another still more. What is
+the world, what am I to her, compared with the Queen, the idol of her
+heart? Since Cleopatra&rsquo;s departure, Iras seems like the forsaken Ariadne,
+or a young roe which has strayed from its mother. But stop; she may have a
+hand in the game: the Queen trusted her as if she were her sister, her
+daughter. No one knows what she and Charmian are to her. They are called
+waiting-women, but are their sovereign&rsquo;s dearest friends. When, on the
+departure of the fleet, Cleopatra was compelled to leave Iras here&mdash;she
+was ill with a fever&mdash;she gave her the charge of her children, even
+those whose beards were beginning to grow, the &lsquo;King of kings&rsquo; Cæsarion,
+whose tutor punishes him for every act of disobedience; and the unruly lad
+Antyllus, who has forced his way the last few evenings into our friend&rsquo;s
+house.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antony, his own father, introduced him to her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Very true, and Antyllus took Cæsarion there. This vexed Iras, like
+everything which may disturb the Queen. Barine is troublesome on account
+of Cleopatra, whom she wishes to spare every annoyance, and perhaps she
+dislikes her a little for my sake. Now she wants to inflict on the old
+man, Barine&rsquo;s grandfather, whom she loves, some injury which the spoiled,
+imprudent woman will scarcely accept quietly, and which will rouse her to
+commit some folly that can be used against her. Iras will hardly seek her
+life, but she may have in mind exile or something of that kind. She knows
+people as well as I know her, my neighbour and playmate, whom many a time
+I was obliged to lift down from some tree into which the child had climbed
+as nimbly as a kitten.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I myself suggested this conjecture, yet I cannot credit her with such
+unworthy intrigues,&rdquo; cried Gorgias.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Credit her?&rdquo; repeated Dion, shrugging his shoulders. &ldquo;I only transport
+myself in imagination to the court and to the soul of the woman who helps
+make rain and sunshine there. You have columns rounded and beams hewed
+that they may afterwards support the roof to which in due time you wish to
+direct attention. She and all who have a voice in the management of court
+affairs look first at the roof and then seek anything to raise and support
+it, though it should be corpses, ruined lives, and broken hearts. The
+point is that the roof shall stand until the architect, the Queen, sees
+and approves it. As to the rest&mdash;&mdash; But there is the carriage&mdash;&mdash; It
+doubtless brings&mdash;&mdash; You were&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+He paused, laid his hand on his friend&rsquo;s arm, and whispered hastily: &ldquo;Iras
+is undoubtedly at the bottom of this, and it is not Antyllus, but yonder
+dreaming lad, for whom she is moving. When she spoke of the statues just
+now, she asked in the same breath where I had seen him on the evening of
+the day before yesterday, and that was the very time he called on Barine.
+The plot was made by her, and Iras is doing all the work. The mouse is not
+caught while the trap is closed, and she is just raising her little hand
+to open it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If only she does not use some man&rsquo;s hand,&rdquo; replied the architect
+wrathfully, and then turned towards the carriage and the elderly man who
+had just left it, and was now approaching the two friends.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch02">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER II.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Cæsarion&rsquo;s companion reached Dion and Gorgias, the former modestly
+made a movement to retire. But Archibius was acquainted with both, and
+begged him to remain. There was an air of precision and clearness in the
+voice and quiet movements of this big, broad-shouldered man, with his
+robust frame and well-developed limbs. Though only a few years beyond
+forty, not merely his grey hair but the calm, impressive dignity of his
+whole manner indicated a more advanced age.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The young King yonder,&rdquo; he began in a deep, musical voice, motioning
+towards the equipage, &ldquo;wished to speak to you here in person, Gorgias, but
+by my advice he refrained from mingling with the crowd. I have brought him
+hither in a closed carriage. If the plan suits you, enter it and talk with
+him while I keep watch here. Strange things seem to be occurring, and
+yonder&mdash;or am I mistaken? Has the monster dragged along there any
+connection with the twin statues of the Queen and her friend? Was it you
+who selected that place for them?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No,&rdquo; replied the architect. &ldquo;The order was issued over my head and
+against my will.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I thought so,&rdquo; replied the other. &ldquo;This is the very matter of which
+Cæsarion wishes to speak. If you can prevent the erection of the statues
+on Didymus&rsquo;s land, so much the better. I will do everything in my power to
+aid you, but in the Queen&rsquo;s absence that is little.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then what can be said of <i>my</i> influence?&rdquo; asked the architect. &ldquo;Who, in
+these days, knows whether the sky will be blue or grey to-morrow? I can
+guarantee one thing only: I will do my best to prevent this injury of an
+estimable citizen, interference with the laws of our city, and violation
+of good taste.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Say so to the young King, but express yourself cautiously,&rdquo; replied
+Archibius as the architect turned towards the carriage.
+</p>
+<p>
+As soon as Dion and the older man were alone, the latter inquired the
+cause of the increasing uproar, and as, like every well-disposed
+Alexandrian, he esteemed Archibius, and knew that he was intimately
+acquainted with the owner of the imperilled garden, and therefore with his
+granddaughter Barine, he confided his anxiety to him without reserve.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Iras is your niece, it is true,&rdquo; he said in his open-hearted manner, &ldquo;but
+I know that you understand her character. It suits her now to fling a
+golden apple into the path of a person whom she dislikes and believes
+incautious, that she may pick it up and thus afford her an opportunity to
+bring a charge of theft.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Noting the inquiring glance Archibius fixed upon him as he made this
+comparison, he changed his tone and continued more earnestly: &ldquo;Zeus is
+great, but destiny is superior even to him. Zeus can accomplish much, but
+when Iras and your sister Charmian, who unfortunately is now with the
+Queen, wish to effect anything, he, like the Regent Mardion, must give
+way. The more lovable Cleopatra is, the more surely every one prizes a
+position near her person above aught else, especially such trifles as law
+and justice.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;These are harsh words,&rdquo; responded Archibius, &ldquo;and seem the more bitter in
+proportion to the germ of truth which they contain. Our court shares the
+fate of every other in the East, and those to whom Rome formerly set the
+example of holding law and justice sacred&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Can now go there,&rdquo; interrupted Dion, &ldquo;to learn how rudely both are
+trampled under foot. The sovereigns here and there may smile at one
+another like the augurs. They are like brothers&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But with the difference,&rdquo; Archibius broke in, &ldquo;that the head of our
+public affairs is the very embodiment of affability and grace; while in
+Rome, on the contrary, harsh severity and bloody arrogance, or even
+repulsive servility, guide the reins.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Archibius interrupted himself to point to the shouting throng
+advancing towards them. &ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; Dion answered. &ldquo;Let us defer this
+discussion till we can pursue it in the house of the charming Barine. But
+I rarely meet you there, though by blood you are so nearly allied to her
+father. I am her friend&mdash;at my age that might easily mean her lover.
+But in our case the comparison would not suit. Yet perhaps you will
+believe me, for you have the right to call yourself the friend of the most
+bewitching of women.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+A sorrowful smile flitted over the grave, set features of the older man,
+who, raising his hand as if in protest, answered carelessly: &ldquo;I grew up
+with Cleopatra, but a private citizen loves a queen only as a divinity. I
+believe in your friendship for Barine, though I deem it dangerous.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If you mean that it might injure the lovely woman,&rdquo; replied Dion, raising
+his head more proudly as if to intimate that he required no warning, even
+from him, &ldquo;perhaps you are right. Only I beg you not to misunderstand me.
+I am not vain enough to suppose that I could win her heart, but
+unfortunately there are many who cannot forgive the power of attraction
+which she exerts over me as well as upon all. So many men gladly visit
+Barine&rsquo;s house that there are an equal number of women who would rejoice
+to close it. Among them, of course, is Iras. She dislikes my friend; nay,
+I fear that what you witness yonder is the apple she flung in order, if
+not to ruin, at least to drive her from the city, ere the Queen&mdash;may
+the gods grant her victory!&mdash;ere Cleopatra returns. You know your
+niece Iras. Like your sister Charmian, she will shrink from nothing to
+remove an annoyance from her mistress&rsquo;s pathway, and it will hardly please
+Cleopatra when she learns that the two youths whose welfare lies nearest
+her heart&mdash;Antyllus and Cæsarion&mdash;seek Barine&rsquo;s house, no
+matter how stainless the latter&rsquo;s reputation may be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I have just heard of it,&rdquo; replied Archibius, &ldquo;and I, too, am anxious.
+Antony&rsquo;s son has inherited much of his father&rsquo;s insatiable love of
+pleasure. But Cæsarion! He has not yet ventured out of the dreamland
+which surrounds him into actual life. What others scarcely perceive deals
+him a serious blow. I fear Eros is sharpening arrows for him which will
+pierce deep into his heart. While talking with me he seemed strangely
+changed. His dreamy eyes glittered like a drunkard&rsquo;s when he spoke of
+Barine. I fear, I fear&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Impossible!&rdquo; cried Dion, in surprise, nay, almost terror. &ldquo;If that is the
+case, Iras is not wholly wrong, and we must deal with the matter
+differently. But it is of the first importance to conceal the fact that
+Cæsarion has any interest in the affairs of the old house-owner. To seek
+to maintain the old man&rsquo;s right to his own property is a matter of course,
+and I will undertake to do this and try to get yonder orator home&mdash;&mdash; Just see
+how the braggart is swinging his arms in Iras&rsquo;s service! As for Barine, it
+will be well to induce her to leave of her own free will a city where it
+will be made unpleasant for her. Try to persuade her to pursue this
+course. If I went to her with such a suggestion, I, who yesterday&mdash;&mdash; No,
+no! Besides, she might hear that Iras and I&mdash;&mdash; She would imagine all
+sorts of absurdities. You know what jealousy means. To you, whom she
+esteems, she would surely listen, and she need not go far from the city.
+If the heart of this enthusiastic boy&mdash;who might some day desire to
+be &lsquo;King of kings&rsquo; not only in name&mdash;should really be fired with love
+for Barine, what serious misfortune might follow! We must secure her from
+him. She could not go to my country house among the papyrus plantations at
+Sebennys. It would afford too much license for evil tongues. But you&mdash;your
+villa at Kanopus is too near&mdash;but, if I am not mistaken, you have&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My estate in the lake region is remote enough, and will be at her
+disposal,&rdquo; interrupted the other. &ldquo;The house is always kept ready for my
+reception. I will do my best to persuade her, for your advice is prudent.
+She must be withdrawn from the boy&rsquo;s eyes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I shall learn the result of your mission tomorrow,&rdquo; cried Dion eagerly&mdash;&ldquo;nay,
+this evening. If she consents, I will tell Iras, as if by accident, that
+Barine has gone to Upper Egypt to drink new milk, or something of that
+kind. Iras is a shrewd woman, and will be glad if she can keep aloof from
+such trifles during the time which will decide the fate of Cleopatra and
+of the world.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My thoughts, too, are always with the army,&rdquo; said Archibius. &ldquo;How trivial
+everything else seems compared with the result which will be determined in
+the next few days! But life is made up of trifles. They are food, drink,
+maintenance. Should the Queen return triumphant, and find Cæsarion in
+wrong paths&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We must close them against him,&rdquo; exclaimed Dion.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That the boy may not follow Barine?&rdquo; asked Archibius, shaking his head.
+&ldquo;I think we need feel no anxiety on that score. He will doubtless eagerly
+desire to do so, but with him there is a wide gulf between the wish and
+its fulfilment. Antyllus is differently constituted. He would be quite
+capable of ordering a horse to be saddled, or the sails of a boat to be
+spread in order to pursue her&mdash;beyond the Cataract if necessary. So
+we must maintain the utmost secrecy concerning the place to which Barine
+voluntarily exiles herself.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But she is not yet on her way,&rdquo; replied Dion with a faint sigh. &ldquo;She is
+bound to this city by many ties.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I know it,&rdquo; answered Archibius, confirming his companion&rsquo;s fear. The
+latter, pointing to the equipage, said in a rapid, earnest tone: &ldquo;Gorgias
+is beckoning. But, before we part, let me beseech you to do everything to
+persuade Barine to leave here. She is in serious danger. Conceal nothing
+from her, and say that her friends will not leave her too long in
+solitude.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius, with a significant glance, shook his finger at the young man in
+playful menace, and then went up to the carriage.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cæsarion&rsquo;s clear-cut but pallid face, whose every feature resembled that
+of his father, the great Cæsar, bent towards them from the opening above
+the door, as he greeted both with a formal bend of the head and a
+patronizing glance. His eyes had sparkled with boyish glee when he first
+caught sight of the friend from whom he had been separated several weeks,
+but to the stranger he wished to assume the bearing which beseemed a king.
+He desired to make him feel his superior position, for he was ill-disposed
+towards him. He had seen him favoured by the woman whom he imagined he
+loved, and whose possession he had been promised by the secret science of
+the Egyptians, whose power to unveil the mysteries of the future he firmly
+believed. Antyllus, Antony&rsquo;s son, had taken him to Barine, and she had
+received him with the consideration due his rank. Spite of her bright
+graciousness, boyish timidity had hitherto prevented any word of love to
+the young beauty whom he saw surrounded by so many distinguished men of
+mature years. Yet his beaming, expressive eyes must have revealed his
+feelings to her. Doubtless his glances had not been unobserved, for only a
+few hours before an Egyptian woman had stopped him at the temple of his
+father, Cæsar, to which, according to the fixed rules governing the
+routine of his life, he went daily at a certain hour to pray, to offer
+sacrifices, to anoint the stone of the altar, or to crown the statue of
+the departed emperor.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cæsarion had instantly recognized her as the female slave whom he had
+seen in Barine&rsquo;s atrium, and ordered his train to fall back.
+</p>
+<p>
+Fortunately his tutor, Rhodon, had not fulfilled his duty of accompanying
+him. So the youth had ventured to follow the slave woman, and in the
+shadow of the mimosas, in the little grove beside the temple, he found
+Barine&rsquo;s litter. His heart throbbed violently as, full of anxious
+expectation, he obeyed her signal to draw nearer. Still, she had granted
+him nothing save the favour of gratifying one of her wishes. But his heart
+had swelled almost to bursting when, resting her beautiful white arm on
+the door of her litter, she had told him that unjust men were striving to
+rob her grandfather Didymus of his garden, and she expected him, who bore
+the title of the &ldquo;King of kings&rdquo; to do his best to prevent such a crime.
+</p>
+<p>
+It had been difficult for him to grasp her meaning while she was speaking.
+There was a roaring sound in his ears as if, instead of being in the
+silent temple grove, he was standing on a stormy day upon the surf-beaten
+promontory of Lochias. He had not ventured to raise his eyes and look into
+her face. Not until she closed with the question whether she might hope
+for his assistance did her gaze constrain him to glance up. Ah, what had
+he not fancied he read in her imploring blue eyes! how unspeakably
+beautiful she had appeared!
+</p>
+<p>
+He had stood before her as if bereft of his senses. His sole knowledge was
+that he had promised, with his hand on his heart, to do everything in his
+power to prevent what threatened to cause her pain. Then her little hand,
+with its sparkling rings, was again stretched towards him, and he had
+resolved to kiss it; but while he glanced around at his train, she had
+already waved him a farewell, and the litter was borne away.
+</p>
+<p>
+He stood motionless, like the figure of a man on one of his mother&rsquo;s
+ancient vases, staring in bewilderment after the flying figure of
+Happiness, whom he might easily have caught by her floating locks. How he
+raged over the miserable indecision which had defrauded him of so much
+joy! Yet nothing was really lost. If he succeeded in fulfilling her
+wishes, she could not fail to be grateful; and then&mdash;&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+He pondered over the person to whom he should apply&mdash;Mardion, the
+Regent, or the Keeper of the Seal? No, they had planned the erection of
+the group of sculpture in the philosopher&rsquo;s garden. To Iras, his mother&rsquo;s
+confidante? Nay, last of all to her. The cunning woman would have
+perceived his purpose and betrayed it to the Regent. Ah, if Charmian, his
+mother&rsquo;s other attendant, had been present! but she was with the fleet,
+which perhaps was even now engaged in battle with the enemy.
+</p>
+<p>
+At this recollection his eyes again sought the ground&mdash;he had not
+been permitted to take the place in the army to which his birth entitled
+him, while his mother and Charmian&mdash;&mdash; But he did not pursue this
+painful current of thought; for a serious reproach had forced itself upon
+him and sent the blood to his cheeks. He wished to be considered a man,
+and yet, in these fateful days, which would determine the destiny of his
+mother, his native city, Egypt, and that Rome which he, the only son of
+Cæsar, was taught to consider his heritage, he was visiting a beautiful
+woman, thinking of her, and of her alone. His days and half the nights
+were passed in forming plans for securing her love, forgetful of what
+should have occupied his whole heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Only yesterday Iras had sharply admonished him that, in times like these,
+it was the duty of every friend of Cleopatra, and every foe of her foes,
+to be with the army at least in mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had remembered this, but, instead of heeding the warning, the thought
+of her had merely recalled her uncle, Archibius, who possessed great
+influence, not merely on account of his wealth but because every one also
+knew his high standing in the regard of the Queen. Besides, the clever,
+kindly man had always been friendly to him from childhood, and like a
+revelation came the idea of applying to him, and to the architect Gorgias,
+who had a voice in the matter, and by whom he had been strongly attracted
+during the period while he was rebuilding the wing assigned to the prince
+in the palace at Lochias.
+</p>
+<p>
+So one of the attendants was instantly despatched with the little tablet
+which invited Gorgias to the interview at the Temple of Isis.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, in the afternoon, Cæsarion went secretly in a boat to the little
+palace of Archibius, situated on the seashore at Kanopus, and now as the
+latter, with his friend, stood beside the carriage door, he explained to
+them that he was going with the architect to old Didymus to assure him of
+his assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+This was unadvisable in every respect, but it required all the weight of
+the older man&rsquo;s reasons to induce the prince to yield. The consequences
+which might ensue, should the populace discover that he was taking sides
+against the Regent, would be incalculable. But submission and withdrawal
+were especially difficult to the young &ldquo;King of kings.&rdquo; He longed to pose
+as a man in Dion&rsquo;s presence, and as this could not be, he strove to
+maintain the semblance of independence by yielding his resolve only on the
+plea of not desiring to injure the aged scholar and his granddaughter.
+Finally, he again entreated the architect to secure Didymus in the
+possession of his property. When at last he drove away with Archibius,
+twilight was already gathering, torches were lighted in front of the
+temple and the little mausoleum adjoining the cella, and pitch-pans were
+blazing in the square.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch03">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER III.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;The lad is in an evil plight,&rdquo; said Gorgias, shaking his head
+thoughtfully as the equipage rolled over the stone pavement of the Street
+of the King.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And over yonder,&rdquo; added Dion, &ldquo;the prospect is equally unpleasing.
+Philostratus is setting the people crazy. But the hired mischief-maker
+will soon wish he had been less ready to seize Iras&rsquo;s gold coins.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And to think,&rdquo; cried the architect, &ldquo;that Barine was this scoundrel&rsquo;s
+wife! How could it be&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She was but a child when they married her,&rdquo; interrupted Dion. &ldquo;Who
+consults a girl of fifteen in the choice of a husband? And Philostratus&mdash;he
+was my classmate at Rhodus&mdash;at that time had the fairest prospects.
+His brother Alexas, Antony&rsquo;s favourite, could easily advance him. Barine&rsquo;s
+father was dead, her mother was accustomed to follow Didymus&rsquo;s counsel,
+and the clever fellow had managed to strew dust in the old man&rsquo;s eyes.
+Long and lank as he is, he is not bad-looking even now. When he appeared
+as an orator he pleased his hearers. This turned his head, and a
+spendthrift&rsquo;s blood runs in his veins. To bring his fair young
+bride to a stately mansion, he undertook the bad cause of the thievish
+tax-collector Pyrrhus, and cleared him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He bought a dozen false witnesses.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;There were sixteen. Afterwards they became as numerous as the open mouths
+you see shouting yonder. It is time to silence them. Go to the old man&rsquo;s
+house and soothe him&mdash;Barine also, if she is there. If you find
+messengers from the Regent, raise objections to the unprecedented decree.
+You know the portions of the law which can be turned to Didymus&rsquo;s
+advantage.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Since the reign of Euergetes II, registered landed property has been
+unassailable, and his was recorded.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;So much the better. Tell the officials also, confidentially, that you
+know of objections just discovered which may perhaps change the Regent&rsquo;s
+views.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And, above all, I shall insist upon my right to choose the place for the
+twin statues. The Queen herself directed the others to heed my opinion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That will cast the heaviest weight into the scale. We shall meet later.
+You will prefer to keep away from Barine to-night. If you see her, tell
+her that Archibius said he would visit her later&mdash;for an object I
+will explain afterwards. I shall probably go to Iras to bring her to
+reason. It will be better not to mention Cæsarion&rsquo;s wish.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Certainly&mdash;and you will give nothing to yonder brawler.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;On the contrary. I feel very generous. If Peitho will aid me, the
+insatiate fellow will get more than may be agreeable to him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then grasping the architect&rsquo;s hand, Dion forced his way through the throng
+surrounding the high platform on wheels, upon which the closely covered
+piece of sculpture had been rolled up. The gate of the scholar&rsquo;s house
+stood open, for an officer in the Regent&rsquo;s service had really entered a
+short time before, but the Scythian guards sent by the exegetus Demetrius,
+one of Barine&rsquo;s friends, were keeping back the throng of curious
+spectators.
+</p>
+<p>
+Their commander knew Gorgias, and he was soon standing in the impluvium of
+the scholar&rsquo;s house, an oblong, roofless space, with a fountain in the
+centre, whose spray moistened the circular bed of flowers around it. The
+old slave had just lighted some three-branched lamps which burned on tall
+stands. The officers sent by the Regent to inform Didymus that his garden
+would be converted into a public square had just arrived.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Gorgias entered, these magistrates, their clerks, and the witnesses
+accompanying them&mdash;a group of twenty men, at whose head was
+Apollonius, a distinguished officer of the royal treasury&mdash;were in
+the house. The slave who admitted the architect informed him of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the atrium a young girl, doubtless a member of the household, stopped
+him. He was not mistaken in supposing that she was Helena, Didymus&rsquo;s
+younger granddaughter, of whom Barine had spoken. True, she resembled her
+sister neither in face nor figure, for while the young matron&rsquo;s hair was
+fair and waving, the young girl&rsquo;s thick black tresses were wound around
+her head in a smooth braid. Very unlike Barine&rsquo;s voice, too, were the
+deep, earnest tones trembling with emotion, in which she confronted him
+with the brief question, concealing a faint reproach, &ldquo;Another demand?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+After first ascertaining that he was really speaking to Helena, his
+friend&rsquo;s sister, he hastily told her his name, adding that, on the
+contrary, he had come to protect her grandfather from a serious
+misfortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+When his glance first rested upon her in the dimly lighted room, the
+impression she made upon him was by no means favourable. The pure brow,
+which seemed to him too high for a woman&rsquo;s face, wore an indignant frown;
+and though her mouth was beautiful in form, its outlines were often marred
+by a passionate tremor that lent the exquisitely chiselled features a
+harsh, nay, bitter expression. But she had scarcely heard the motive of
+his presence ere, pressing her hand upon her bosom with a sigh of relief,
+she eagerly exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Oh, do what you can to avert this terrible deed! No one knows how the old
+man loves this house. And my grandmother! They will die if it is taken
+from them.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Her large eyes rested upon him with a warm, imploring light; and the
+stern, almost repellent voice thrilled with love for her relatives. He
+must lend his aid here, and how gladly he would do so! He assured her of
+this; and Helena, who had heard him mentioned as a man of ability, saw in
+him a helper in need, and begged him, with touching fervour, to show her
+grandfather, when he came before the officers, that all was not lost.
+</p>
+<p>
+The astonished architect asked if Didymus did not know what was impending,
+and Helena hastily replied:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He is working in the summer-house by the sea. Apollonius is a
+kind-hearted man, and will wait until I have prepared my grandfather. I
+must go to him. He has already sent Philotas&mdash;his pupil, who finds
+and unrolls his books&mdash;a dozen times to inquire the cause of the
+tumult outside; but I replied that the crowds were flocking to the harbour
+on account of the Queen. There is often a mob shouting madly; but nothing
+disturbs my grandfather when he is absorbed in his work; and his pupil&mdash;a
+young student from Amphissa&mdash;loves him and does what I bid him. My
+grandmother, too, knows nothing yet. She is deaf, and the female slaves
+dare not tell her. After her recent attack of giddiness, the doctor said
+that any sudden shock might injure her. If only I can find the right
+words, that my grandfather may not be too sorely hurt!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Shall I accompany you?&rdquo; asked Gorgias kindly.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No,&rdquo; she answered hurriedly. &ldquo;He needs time ere he will trust strangers.
+Only, if Apollonius discloses the terrible truth, and his grief threatens
+to overpower him, comfort him, and show him that we still have friends who
+are ready to protect us from such disaster.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She waved her hand in token of gratitude, and hurried through the little
+side gate into the garden.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias looked after her with sparkling eyes, and drew a long breath. How
+good this girl must be, how wisely she cared for her relatives! How
+energetically the young creature behaved! He had seen his new acquaintance
+only in the dim light, but she must be beautiful. Her eyes, lips, and hair
+certainly were. How his heart throbbed as he asked himself the question
+whether this young girl, who was endowed with every gift which constituted
+the true worth of womanhood, was not preferable to her more attractive
+sister Barine!&mdash;when the thought darted through his mind that he had
+cause to be grateful to the beard which covered his chin and cheeks, for
+he felt that he, a sedate, mature man, must have blushed. And he knew why.
+Only half an hour before he had felt and admitted to Dion that he
+considered Barine the most desirable of women, and now another&rsquo;s
+image cast a deep shadow over hers and filled his heart with new, perhaps
+stronger emotions.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had had similar experiences only too often, and his friends, Dion at
+their head, had perceived his weakness and spoiled many an hour for him by
+their biting jests. The series of tall and short, fair and dark beauties
+who had fired his fancy was indeed of considerable length, and every one
+on whom he had bestowed his quickly kindled affections had seemed to him
+the one woman he must make his own, if he would be a happy man. But ere he
+had reached the point of offering his hand, the question had arisen in his
+mind whether he might not love another still more ardently. So he had
+begun to persuade himself that his heart yearned for no individual, but
+the whole sex&mdash;at least the portion which was young and could feel
+love&mdash;and therefore he would scarcely be wise to bind himself to any
+one. True, he knew that he was capable of fidelity, for he clung to his
+friends with changeless loyalty, and was ready to make any sacrifice in
+their behalf. With women, however, he dealt differently. Was Helena&rsquo;s
+image, which now floated before him so bewitchingly, destined to fade as
+swiftly? The contrary would have been remarkable. Yet he firmly believed
+that this time Eros meant honestly by him. The laughing loves who twined
+their rose garlands around him and Helena&rsquo;s predecessors had nothing to do
+with this grave maiden.
+</p>
+<p>
+These reflections darted through his brain with the speed of lightning,
+and still stirred his heart when he was ushered into the impluvium, where
+the magistrates were impatiently awaiting the owner of the house. With the
+lucidity peculiar to him, he explained his reasons for hoping that their
+errand would be vain, and Apollonius replied that no one would rejoice
+more than he himself if the Regent should authorize him, on the morrow, to
+countermand his mission. He would gladly wait there longer to afford the
+old man&rsquo;s granddaughter an opportunity to soften the tidings of the
+impending misfortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+The kind-hearted man&rsquo;s patience, however, was not tested too long; for
+when Helena entered the summer-house Didymus had already been informed of
+the disaster which threatened him and his family. The philosopher
+Euphranor, an elderly member of the Museum, had reached him through the
+garden gate, and, spite of Philotas&rsquo;s warning sign, told him what was
+occurring. But Didymus knew the old philosopher, who, a recluse from the
+world like himself, was devoting the remainder of his life and strength to
+the pursuit of science. So he only shook his head incredulously, pushed
+back the thin locks of grey hair which hung down on his cheeks over the
+barest part of his skull, and exclaimed reproachfully, though as if the
+matter under discussion was of the most trivial importance: &ldquo;What have you
+been hearing? We&rsquo;ll see about it!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+He had risen as he spoke, and too abruptly surprised by the news to
+remember the sandals on the mat and the upper robe which lay on a chest of
+drawers at the end of the room, he was in the act of quitting it, when his
+friend, who had silently watched his movements, stopped him, and Helena
+entered.
+</p>
+<p>
+The grey-haired sage turned to her, and, vexed by his friend&rsquo;s doubts,
+begged her to convince her grandfather that even matters which do not
+please us may nevertheless be of some importance. She did so as
+considerately as possible, thinking meanwhile of the architect and his
+hopes.
+</p>
+<p>
+Didymus, with his eyes bent on the ground, shook his grey head again and
+again. Then, suddenly raising it, he rushed to the door, and without
+heeding the upper garment which Helena still held in her hand, tore it
+open, shouting, &ldquo;But things must and shall be changed!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Euphranor and his granddaughter followed. Though his head was bowed, he
+crossed the little garden with a swift, firm tread, and, without noticing
+the questions and warnings of his companions, walked at once to the
+impluvium. The bright light dazzled his weakened eyes, and his habit of
+gazing into vacancy or on the ground compelled him to glance from side to
+side for some time, ere he could accustom himself to it. Apollonius
+approached, greeted him respectfully, and assured him that he deeply
+regretted having interrupted him in the work for which the whole world was
+waiting, but he had come on important business.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I know, I know,&rdquo; the old scholar answered with a smile of superiority.
+&ldquo;What is all this ado about?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+As he spoke he looked around the group of spectators, among whom he knew
+no one except Apollonius, who had charge of the museum accounts, and the
+architect, for whom he had composed the inscription on the Odeum, which he
+had recently built. But when his eyes met only unfamiliar faces, the
+confidence which hitherto had sustained him began to waver, though still
+convinced that a demand such as the philosopher suggested could not
+possibly be made upon him, he continued: &ldquo;It is stated that there is a
+plan for turning my garden into a public square. And for what purpose? To
+erect a piece of sculpture. But there can be nothing serious in the
+rumour, for my property is recorded in the land register, and the law&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Pardon me,&rdquo; Apollonius broke in, &ldquo;if I interrupt you. We know the
+ordinance to which you refer, but this case is an exceptional one. The
+Regent desires to take nothing from you. On the contrary, he offers, in
+the name of the Queen, any compensation you yourself may fix for the piece
+of land which is to be honoured by the statues of the highest personages
+in the country&mdash;Cleopatra and Antony, hand in hand. The piece of
+sculpture has already been brought here. A work by the admirable artist
+Lysander, who passed too early to the nether world, certainly will not
+disfigure your house. The little summer-house by the sea must be removed
+to-morrow, it is true; you know that our gracious Queen may return any
+day&mdash;victorious if the immortals are just. This piece of sculpture, which
+is created in her honour, to afford her pleasure, must greet her on her
+arrival, so the Regent send me to-day to communicate his wish, which, as
+he represents the Queen&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet,&rdquo; interrupted the architect, who had again warmly assured the old
+man&rsquo;s granddaughter of his aid&mdash;&ldquo;yet your friends will endeavour to
+persuade the Regent to find another place for the statues.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;They are at liberty to do so,&rdquo; said the officer. &ldquo;What will happen later
+the future will show. My office merely requires me to induce the worthy
+owner of this house and garden to submit to-day to the Queen&rsquo;s command,
+which the Regent and my own heart bid me clothe in the form of a request.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+During this conversation the old man had at first listened silently to the
+magistrate&rsquo;s words, gazing intently into his face. So it was true. The
+demand to yield up his garden, and even the little house, for fifty years
+the scene of his study and creative work, for the sake of a statue, would
+be made. Since this had become a certainty, he had stood with his eyes
+fixed upon the ground. Grief had paralyzed his tongue, and Helena, who
+felt this, for the aged head seemed as if it were bending under a heavy
+burden, had drawn close to his side.
+</p>
+<p>
+The shouts and howls of the throng outside echoed through the open roof of
+the impluvium, but the old man did not seem to hear them, and did not even
+notice his granddaughter. Yet, no sooner did he feel her touch than he
+hurriedly shrank away, flung back his drooping head, and gazed around the
+circle of intruders.
+</p>
+<p>
+The dull, questioning eyes of the old commentator and writer of many books
+now blazed with the hot fire of youthful passion and, like a wrestler who
+seeks the right grip, he measured Apollonius and his companions with
+wrathful glances. The fragile recluse seemed transformed into a warrior
+ready for battle. His lips and the nostrils of his delicate nose quivered,
+and when Apollonius began to say that it would be wise to remove the
+contents of the summer-house that day, as it would be torn down early the
+next morning, Didymus raised his arms, exclaiming:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That will not be done. Not a single roll shall be removed! They will find
+me at work as usual early to-morrow morning, and if it is still your wish
+to rob me of my property you must use violence to attain your purpose.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Calm yourself,&rdquo; replied Apollonius. &ldquo;Every one beneath the moon must
+submit to a higher power; the gods bow to destiny, we mortals to the
+sovereign. You are a sage; I, merely mindful of the behests of duty,
+administer my office. But I know life, and if I may offer my counsel, you
+will accept what cannot be averted, and I will wager ten to one that you
+will have the best of it; that the Queen will place in your hands means&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Sufficient to build a palace on the site of the little house of which I
+was robbed,&rdquo; Didymus interrupted bitterly. Then rage burst forth afresh
+&ldquo;What do I care for your money? I want my rights, my good, guaranteed
+rights. I insist upon them, and whoever assails the ground which my
+grandfather and father bequeathed to me&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+He hesitated, for the throng outside had burst into a loud shout of joy;
+and when it died away, and the old man began once more defiantly to claim
+his rights, he was interrupted by a woman&rsquo;s clear tones, addressing him
+with the Greek greeting, &ldquo;Rejoice!&rdquo;&mdash;a voice so gay and musical that
+it seemed to dispel the depression which rested like a grey fog on the
+whole company.
+</p>
+<p>
+While Didymus was listening to the excited populace, and the new-comer was
+gazing at the old man whose rigid obstinacy could scarcely be conquered by
+kindness, the younger men were looking at the beautiful woman who joined
+them. Her haste had flushed her cheeks, and from beneath the
+turquoise-blue kerchief that covered her fair locks a bewitching face
+smiled at her sister, the architect, and her grandfather.
+</p>
+<p>
+Apollonius and many of his companions felt as if happiness in person had
+entered this imperilled house, and many an eye brightened when the
+infuriated old man exclaimed in an altered tone, &ldquo;You here, Barine?&rdquo; and
+she, without heeding the presence of the others, kissed his cheek with
+tender affection.
+</p>
+<p>
+Helena, Gorgias, and the old philosopher Euphranor, had approached her,
+and when the latter asked with loving reproach, &ldquo;Why, Barine, how did you
+get through the howling mob?&rdquo; she answered gaily: &ldquo;That a learned member
+of the Museum may receive me with the query whether I am here, though from
+childhood a kind or&mdash;what do you think, grandfather?&mdash;a malign
+fate has preserved me from being overlooked, and some one else reprovingly
+asks how I passed through the shouting mob, as if it were a crime to wade
+into the water to hold out a helping hand to those we love best when it is
+up to their chins! But, oh! dear, this howling is too hideous!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While speaking, she pressed her little hands on the part of the kerchief
+which concealed her ears, and said no more until the noise subsided,
+although she declared that she was in a hurry, and had only come to learn
+how matters were. Meanwhile it seemed as if she was so full of quick,
+pulsing life, that it was impossible to leave even a moment unused, if it
+were merely to bestow or answer a friendly glance.
+</p>
+<p>
+The architect and her sister were obliged to return hurried answers to
+hasty questions; and as soon as she ascertained what had brought the
+strangers there she thanked Apollonius, and said that old friends would do
+their best to spare her grandfather such a sorrow.
+</p>
+<p>
+In reply to repeated inquiries from the two old men in regard to her
+arrival there, she answered: &ldquo;Nobody will believe it, because in this
+hurry I could not keep my mouth shut; but I acted like a mute fish and
+reached the water.&rdquo; Then, drawing her grandfather aside, she whispered to
+him that, when she left her boat at the harbour, Archibius had seen her
+from his carriage, and instantly stopped it to inform her of his intended
+visit that evening. He was coming to discuss an important matter.
+Therefore she must receive the worthy man, whom she sincerely liked, so
+she could not stay. Then turning to the others&mdash;still with her kerchief on
+her head ready for departure&mdash;she asked what the people meant by
+their outcries. The architect replied that Philostratus had endeavoured to
+make the crowd believe that the only appropriate site for the statues of
+which she had heard was her grandfather&rsquo;s garden, and he thought he knew
+in whose behalf the fellow was acting.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Certainly not in the Regent&rsquo;s,&rdquo; said Apollonius, in a tone of sincere
+conviction; but Barine, over whose sunny brow a shadow had flitted when
+Gorgias uttered the orator&rsquo;s name, assented with a slight bend of the
+head, and then whispered hurriedly, yet earnestly, that she would answer
+for the old man&rsquo;s allowing himself to be persuaded, if he had only time to
+collect his thoughts.
+</p>
+<p>
+The next morning, when the market was crowded, the officer might commence
+his negotiations afresh, if the Regent insisted on his plan. Meanwhile she
+would do her best to persuade her grandfather to yield, though he was not
+exactly one of the class who are easily guided. Apollonius might remind
+the Regent that it would be advisable at this time to avoid a public
+scandal, to remember Didymus&rsquo;s age, and the validity of his claim.
+</p>
+<p>
+While Apollonius was talking with his companions, Barine beckoned to the
+architect, and hastily took leave of the others, protesting that she was
+in no danger, since she would slip away again like a fish, only this time
+she would use her tongue, and hoped by its means to win to the support of
+Didymus&rsquo;s just cause a man who would already have ended all the trouble
+had the Queen only been in Alexandria.
+</p>
+<p>
+Until now the eyes and ears of the whole company had been fixed upon
+Barine. No one had desired anything better than to gaze at and listen to
+her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Not until she had quitted the room with Gorgias did the officials discuss
+the matter together, and soon after Apollonius went away with his
+companions, to hold another conference with the Regent about this
+unpleasant business. This time the architect had followed the young beauty
+with very mingled feelings. Only an hour before he would have rejoiced to
+be permitted to accompany and protect Barine; now he would have gladly
+remained with her sister, who had returned his farewell greeting so
+gratefully and yet with such maidenly modesty. But even the most
+vacillating man cannot change one fancy for another as he would replace a
+black piece on the draughtboard with a white one, and he still found it
+delightful to be so near Barine. Only the thought that Helena might
+believe that he stood on very intimate terms with her sister had darted
+with a disquieting influence through his brain when the latter invited him
+to accompany her.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the garden Barine begged him, before they went to the landing-place
+where the boat was moored, to help her ascend the narrow flight of steps
+leading to the flat roof of the gatekeeper&rsquo;s little house.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here they could watch unseen the tumult in the square below, for it was
+surrounded by dense laurel bushes. Bright flames were blazing in the
+pitch-pans before the two temples at the side of the Corner of the Muses,
+and their light was increased by the torches held in the hands of
+Scythians. Yet no individuals could be distinguished in the throng. The
+marble walls of the temples shimmered, the statues at Didymus&rsquo;s gate, and
+the hermæ along the street of the King which passed the threatened house
+and connected the north of the Corner of the Muses with the sea-shore,
+loomed from the darkness in the brilliancy of the reflected light, but the
+smoke of the torches darkened the sky and dimmed the starlight.
+</p>
+<p>
+The only persons distinctly visible were Dion, who had stationed himself
+on the lofty framework of the platform on which the muffled statues had
+been drawn hither, and the attorney Philostratus, who stood on the
+pedestal of one of the dolphins which surrounded the fountain between the
+Temple of Isis and the street. The space, a dozen paces wide, which
+divided them, permitted the antagonists to understand each other, and the
+attention of the whole throng was fixed upon the wranglers.
+</p>
+<p>
+These verbal battles were one of the greatest pleasures of the
+Alexandrians, and they greeted every clever turn of speech with shouts of
+applause, every word which displeased them with groans, hisses, and
+cat-calls.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine could see and hear what was passing below. She had pushed aside the
+foliage of the laurel bushes which concealed her, and, with her hand
+raised to her ear, stood listening to the two disputants. When the
+scoundrel whom she had called husband, and for whom her contempt had
+become too deep for hate, sneeringly assailed her family as having been
+fed from generation to generation from the corn-bin of the Museum, she bit
+her lips. But they soon curled, as if what she heard aroused her disgust,
+for the speaker now turned to Dion and accused him of preventing the
+kindly disposed Regent from increasing the renown of the great Queen and
+affording her noble heart a pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My tongue,&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;is the tool which supports me. Why am I using it
+here till it is weary and almost paralyzed? In honour of Cleopatra, our
+illustrious Queen, and her generous friend, to whom we all owe a debt of
+gratitude. Let all who love her and the divine Antony, the new Herakles
+and Dionysus&mdash;both will soon make their entry among us crowned with
+the laurels of victory&mdash;join the Regent and every well-disposed
+person in seizing yonder bit of land so meanly withheld by base avarice
+and a sentiment&mdash;a sentiment, do you hear?&mdash;which I do not name
+more plainly, simply because wickedness is repulsive to me, and I do not
+stand here as an accuser. Whoever upholds the word-monger who spouts forth
+books as the dolphin at my side does water, may do so. I shall not envy
+him. But first look at Didymus&rsquo;s ally and panegyrist. There he stands
+opposite to me. It would have been better for him had the dolphin at his
+feet taught him silence. Then he might have remained in the obscurity
+which befits him. But whether willing or not, I must drag him forth, and
+I will show you Dion, fellow-citizens, though I would far rather have you
+see things which arouse less ire. The dim light prevents your
+distinguishing the colour of his robe, but I know it, for I saw it in the
+glare of day. It is hyacinthine purple. You know what that costs. It
+would support the wives and children of many among you for ten long years.
+&lsquo;How heavy must be the purse which can expose such a treasure to sun
+and rain!&rsquo; is the thought of every one who sees him strutting about
+as proudly as a peacock. And his purse <i>is</i> loaded with many talents. Only
+it is a pity that, day after day, most of you must give your children a
+little less bread and deprive yourselves of many a draught of wine to
+deck him out so bravely. His father, Eumenes, was a tax-collector, and
+what the leech extorted from you and your children, the son now uses to
+drive, clad in hyacinthine purple, a four-horse chariot, which splashes
+the mire from the street into your faces as it rolls onward. By the dog!
+the gentleman does not weigh so very much, yet he needs four horses to
+drag him. And, fellow-citizens, do you know why? I&rsquo;ll tell you.
+He&rsquo;s afraid of sticking fast everywhere, even in his speech.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Philostratus lowered his voice, for the phrase &ldquo;sticking fast&rdquo; had
+drawn a laugh from some of his hearers; but Dion, whose father had really
+amassed, in the high position of a receiver of taxes, the handsome fortune
+which his son possessed, did not delay his reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yes, yes,&rdquo; he retorted scornfully, &ldquo;yonder Syrian babbler hit the mark
+this time. He stands before me, and who does not easily stick fast when
+marsh and mire are so near? As for the hyacinthine purple cloak, I wear it
+because I like it. His crocus-yellow one is less to my taste, though he
+certainly looks fine enough in it in the sunlight. It shines like a
+buttercup in the grass. You know the plant. When it fades&mdash;and I ask
+whether you think Philostratus looks like a bud&mdash;when it fades, it
+leaves a hollow spiral ball which a child&rsquo;s breath could blow away.
+Suppose in future we should call the round buttercup seed-vessels
+&lsquo;Philostratus heads&rsquo;? You like the suggestion? I am glad, fellow-citizens,
+and I thank you. It proves your good taste. Then we will stick to the
+comparison. Every head contains a tongue, and Philostratus says that his
+is the tool which supports him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hear the money-bag, the despiser of the people!&rdquo; interrupted Philostratus
+furiously. &ldquo;The honest toil by which a citizen earns a livelihood is a
+disgrace in his eyes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;<i>Honest</i> toil, my good friend,&rdquo; replied Dion, &ldquo;is scarcely in question
+here. I spoke only of <i>your</i> tongue.&mdash;You understand me,
+fellow-citizens. Or, if any of you are not yet acquainted with this worthy
+man, I will show him to you, for I know him well. He is my foe, yet I can
+sincerely recommend him to many of you. If any one has a very bad,
+shamefully corrupt cause to bring before the courts, I most earnestly
+counsel him to apply to the buttercup man perched on yonder fountain. He
+will thank me for it. Believe me, Didymus&rsquo;s cause is just, precisely
+because this advocate so eagerly assails it. I told you just now the
+matter under discussion. Which of you who owns a garden can say in future,
+&lsquo;It is mine,&rsquo; if, during the absence of the Queen, it is allowable to take
+it away to be used for any other purpose? But this is what threatens
+Didymus. If this is to be the custom here, let every one beware of sowing
+a radish or planting a bush or a tree, for should the wife of some great
+noble desire to dry her linen there, he may be deprived of it ere the
+former can ripen or the latter give shade.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Loud applause followed this sentence, but Philostratus shouted in a voice
+that echoed far and wide: &ldquo;Hear me, fellow-citizens; do not allow your
+selves to be deceived! No one is to be robbed here. The project is to
+purchase, at a high price, the spot which the city needs for her
+adornment, and to honour and please the Queen. Are the Regent and the
+citizens to lose this opportunity of expressing the gratitude of years,
+and the rejoicing over the greatest of victories, of which we shall soon
+hear, because an evil-disposed person&mdash;the word must be uttered&mdash;a
+foe to his country, opposes it?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now the mire is coming too near me,&rdquo; Dion angrily responded, &ldquo;and I might
+really stick fast, as I was warned; for I do not envy the ready presence
+of mind of any person whose tongue would not falter when the basest
+slander scattered its venom over him. You all know, fellow-citizens,
+through how many generations the Didymus family has lived to the honour of
+this city, doing praiseworthy work in yonder house. You know that the good
+old man who dwells there was one of the teachers of the royal children.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And yet,&rdquo; cried Philostratus, &ldquo;only the day before yesterday he walked
+arm in arm in the Paneum garden with Arius, the tutor of Octavianus, our
+own and our Queen&rsquo;s most hated foe. In my presence, and before I know not
+how many others, Didymus distinguished this Arius as his most beloved
+pupil.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To give you that title,&rdquo; retorted Dion, &ldquo;would certainly fill any teacher
+with shame and anger, no matter how far you had surpassed him in wisdom
+and knowledge. Nay, had you been committed to the care of the herring
+dealers, instead of the rhetoricians, every honest man among them would
+disown you, for they sell only good wares for good money, while you give
+the poorest in exchange for glittering gold. This time you trample under
+foot the fair name of an honourable man. But I will not suffer it; and you
+hear, fellow-citizens, I now challenge this Syrian to prove that Didymus
+ever betrayed his native land, or I will brand him in your presence a base
+slanderer, an infamous, venal destroyer of character!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;An insult from such lips is easily borne,&rdquo; replied Philostratus in a tone
+of scornful superiority; but there was a pause ere he again turned to the
+listening throng, and with all the warmth he could throw into his voice
+continued: &ldquo;What do I desire, then, fellow-citizens? What is the sole
+object of my words? I stand here with clean hands, impelled solely by the
+impulse of my heart, to plead for the Queen. In order to secure the only
+suitable site for the statues to be erected to Cleopatra&rsquo;s honour and
+fame, I enter into judgment with her foes, expose myself to the insult
+with which boastful insolence is permitted to vent its wrath upon me. But
+I am not dismayed, though, in pursuing this course, I am acting against
+the law of Nature; for the infamous man against whom I raise my voice was
+my teacher, too, and ere he turned from the path of right and virtue&mdash;under
+influences which I will not mention here&mdash;he numbered me also, in the
+presence of many witnesses, among his best pupils. I was certainly one of
+the most grateful&mdash;I chose his granddaughter&mdash;the truth must be
+spoken&mdash;for my wife. The possession&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Possession!&rdquo; interrupted Dion in a loud, excited tone. &ldquo;The corpse cast
+ashore by the waves might as well boast possession of the sea!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The dim torchlight was sufficient to reveal Philostratus&rsquo;s pallor to the
+bystanders. For a moment the orator seemed to lose his self-control, but
+he quickly recovered himself, and shouted: &ldquo;Fellow-citizens, dear friends!
+I was about to make you witnesses of the misery which a woman, whose
+wickedness is even greater than her beauty, brought upon an inexperienced&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+But he went no further; for his hearers&mdash;many of whom knew the
+brilliant, generous Dion, and Barine, the fair singer at the last Adonis
+festival&mdash;gave the orator tokens of their indignation, which were all
+the more pitiless because of the pleasure they felt in seeing an expert
+vanquished by an untrained foe. The wordy war would not have ended so
+quickly, however, had not restlessness and alarm taken possession of the
+crowd. The shout, &ldquo;Back! disperse!&rdquo; ran through the multitude, and
+directly after the trampling of hoofs and the commands of the leader of a
+troop of Libyan cavalry were heard. The matter at stake was not
+sufficiently important to induce the populace to offer an armed force
+resistance which might have entailed serious danger. Besides, the
+blustering war of tongues had reached a merry close, and loud laughter
+blended with the shouts of fear and warning; for the surging throng had
+swept with unexpected speed towards the fountain and plunged Philostratus
+into the basin. Whether this was due to the wrath of some enemy, or to
+mere accident, could not be learned; the vain efforts of the luckless man
+to crawl out of the water up the smooth marble were so comical, and his
+gestures, after helping hands had dragged him dripping upon the pavement
+of the square, were so irresistibly funny, that more laughing than angry
+voices were heard, especially when some one cried, &ldquo;His hands were soiled
+by blackening Didymus, so the washing will do him good.&rdquo; &ldquo;Some wise
+physicians flung him into the water,&rdquo; retorted an other; &ldquo;he needed the
+cold application after the blows Dion dealt him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Regent, who had sent the troop of horsemen to drive the crowd away
+from Didymus&rsquo;s house, might well be pleased that the violent measure
+encountered so little resistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+The throng quickly scattered, and was speedily attracted by something new
+at the Theatre of Dionysus&mdash;the zither-player Anaxenor had just
+announced from its steps that Cleopatra and Antony had won the most
+brilliant victory, and had sung to the accompaniment of his lute a hymn
+which had deeply stirred all hearts. He had composed it long before, and
+seized the first opportunity&mdash;the report had reached his ears while
+breakfasting in Kanopus&mdash;to try its effect.
+</p>
+<p>
+As soon as the square began to empty, Barine left her post of observation.
+It was long since her heart had throbbed so violently. Not one of the many
+suitors for her favour had been so dear to her as Dion; but she now felt
+that she loved him. What he had just done for her and her grandfather was
+worthy of the deepest gratitude; it proved that he did not come to her
+house, like most of her guests, merely to while away the evening hours.
+</p>
+<p>
+It had been no small matter for the young aristocrat, in the presence of
+the whole multitude, to enter into a debate with the infamous
+Philostratus, and how well he had succeeded in silencing the dreaded
+orator! Besides, Dion had even taken her part against his own powerful
+uncle, and perhaps by his deed drawn upon himself the hostility of his
+enemy&rsquo;s brother, Alexas, Antony&rsquo;s powerful favourite. Barine might assure
+herself that he, who was the peer of any Macedonian noble in the city,
+would have done this for no one else.
+</p>
+<p>
+She felt as if the act had ransomed her.
+</p>
+<p>
+When, after an unhappy marriage and many desolate days, she had regained
+her former bright cheerfulness and saw her house become the centre of the
+intellectual life of the city, she had striven until now to extend the
+same welcome to all her guests. She had perceived that she ought not to
+give any one the power over her which is possessed by the man who knows
+that he is beloved, and even to Dion she had granted little more than to
+the others. But now she saw plainly that she would resign the pleasure of
+being a universally admired woman, whose modest home attracted the most
+distinguished men in the city, for the far greater happiness which would
+be hers as Dion&rsquo;s beloved wife. With him, cherished by his love,
+she believed that she could find far greater joy in solitude than in the
+gay course of her present life.
+</p>
+<p>
+She knew now what she must do if Dion sought her, and the architect, for
+the first time, found her a silent companion. He had willingly accompanied
+her back to her grandfather&rsquo;s house, where he had again met her sister
+Helena, while she had quitted it disappointed, because her brave defender
+had not returned there.
+</p>
+<p>
+After the interruption of the debate Dion had been in a very cheerful
+mood. The pleasant sensation of having championed a good cause, and the
+delightful consciousness of success were not new to him, but he had rarely
+felt so uplifted as now. He most ardently longed for his next meeting with
+Barine, and imagined how he would describe what had happened and claim her
+gratitude for his friendly service. The scene had risen clearly before his
+mind, but scarcely had the radiant vision of the future faded when the
+unusually bright expression of his manly face was clouded by a grave and
+troubled one.
+</p>
+<p>
+The darkness of the night, illumined only by the flare of the pitch-pans,
+had surrounded him, yet it had seemed as if he were standing with Barine
+in the full light of noon in the blossoming garden of his own palace, and,
+after asking a reward for his sturdy championship, she had clung to him
+with deep emotion, and he had passionately kissed her tearful face.
+</p>
+<p>
+The face had quickly vanished, yet it had been as distinct as the most
+vivid picture in a dream.
+</p>
+<p>
+Was Barine more to him than he supposed? Had he not been drawn to her,
+during the past few months, by the mere charm of her pliant intellect and
+her bright beauty? Had a new, strong passion awakened within him? Was he
+in danger of seeing the will which urged him to preserve his freedom
+conquered? Had he cause to fear that some day, constrained by a
+mysterious, invincible power, in defiance of the opposition of calm
+reason, he might perhaps bind himself for life to this Barine, the woman
+who had once been the wife of a Philostratus, and who bestowed her smiles
+on all who found admittance to her house seeking a feast for the eye, a
+banquet for the ear, a pleasant entertainment?
+</p>
+<p>
+Though her honor was as stainless as the breast of a swan&mdash;and he had
+no reason to doubt it&mdash;she would still be classed with Aspasia and
+other women whose guests sought more than songs and agreeable
+conversations. The gifts with which the gods had so lavishly endowed her
+had already been shared with too many to permit him, the last scion of a
+noble Macedonian house, to think of leading her, as mistress, to the
+palace whose erection he had so carefully and successfully planned with
+Gorgias.
+</p>
+<p>
+Surely it lacked nothing save the gracious rule of a mistress.
+</p>
+<p>
+But if she should consent to become his without the blessing of Hymen? No.
+</p>
+<p>
+He could not thus dishonor the granddaughter of Didymus, the man who had
+been his father&rsquo;s revered teacher, a woman whom he had always rejoiced
+that, spite of the gay freedom with which she received so many admirers,
+he could still esteem. He would not do so, though his friends would have
+greeted such scruples with a smile of superiority. Who revered the
+sacredness of marriage in a city whose queen was openly living for the
+second time with the husband of another? Dion himself had formed many a
+brief connection, but for that very reason he could not place a woman like
+Barine on the same footing with those whose love he had perhaps owed
+solely to his wealth. He had never lacked courage and resolution, but he
+felt that this time he would have to resist a power with which he had
+never coped.
+</p>
+<p>
+That accursed face! Again and again it rose before his mental vision,
+smiling and beckoning so sweetly that the day must come when the yearning
+to realize the dream would conquer all opposition. If he remained near her
+he would inevitably do what he might afterwards regret, and therefore he
+would fain have offered a sacrifice to Peitho to induce her to enhance
+Archibius&rsquo;s powers of persuasion and induce Barine to leave Alexandria. It
+would be hard for him to part from her, yet much would be gained if she
+went into the country. Between the present and the distant period of a
+second meeting lay respite from peril, and perhaps the possibility of
+victory. Dion did not recognize himself. He seemed as unstable as a
+swaying reed, because he had conquered his wish to re-enter old Didymus&rsquo;s
+house and encourage him, and passed on to his own home. But he would
+probably have found Barine still with her grandfather, and he would not
+meet her, though every fibre of his being longed for her face, her voice,
+and a word of gratitude from her beloved lips. Instead of joy, he was
+filled with the sense of dissatisfaction which overpowers a man standing
+at a crossing in the roads, who sees before him three goals, yet can be
+fully content with neither.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Street of the King, along which he suffered himself to be carried by
+the excited throng, ran between the sea and the Theatre of Dionysus. The
+thought darted through his mind that his friend the architect desired to
+erect the luckless statues of the royal lovers in front of this stately
+building. He would divert his thoughts by examining the site which Gorgias
+had chosen.
+</p>
+<p>
+The zither-player finished his hymn just as Dion approached the theatre,
+and the crowd began to disperse. Every one was full of the joyful tidings
+of victory, and one shouted to another what Anaxenor, the favourite of the
+great Antony, who must surely know, had just recited in thrilling verse.
+Many a joyous Io and loud Evoë to Cleopatra, the new Isis, and Antony, the
+new Dionysus, resounded through the air, while bearded and smooth,
+delicate Greek and thick Egyptian lips joined in the shout, &ldquo;To the
+Sebasteum!&rdquo; This was the royal palace, which faced the government building
+containing the Regent&rsquo;s residence. The populace desired to have the
+delightful news confirmed, and to express, by a public demonstration, the
+grateful joy which filled every heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion, too, was eager to obtain certainty, and, though usually averse to
+mingling with the populace during such noisy outbursts of feeling, he was
+preparing to follow the crowd thronging towards the Sebasteum, when the
+shouts of runners clearing a passage for a closed litter fell upon his
+ear.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was occupied by Iras, the Queen&rsquo;s trusted attendant. If any one could
+give accurate information, it was she; yet it would hardly be possible to
+gain an opportunity of conversing with her in this throng. But Iras must
+have had a different opinion; she had seen Dion, and now called him to her
+side. There were hoarse tones in her voice, usually so clear and musical,
+which betrayed the emotion raging in her breast as she assailed the young
+Macedonian noble with a flood of questions. Without giving him the usual
+greeting, she hastily desired to know what was exciting the people, who
+had brought the tidings of victory, and whither the multitude was
+flocking?
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion had found it difficult not to be forced from the litter while
+answering. Iris perceived this, and as they were just passing the
+Mæander, the labyrinth, which was closed after sunset, she ordered her
+bearers to carry the litter to the entrance, made herself known to the
+watchman, ordered the outer court to be opened, the litter to be placed
+there, and the bearers and runners to wait outside for her summons, which
+would soon be given.
+</p>
+<p>
+This unusual haste and excitement filled Dion with just solicitude. She
+refused his invitation to alight and walk up and down, declaring that life
+offered so many labyrinths that one need not seek them. He, too, seemed to
+be following paths which were scarcely straight ones. &ldquo;Why,&rdquo; she
+concluded, thrusting her head far out of the opening in the litter, &ldquo;are
+you rendering it so difficult for the Regent and your own uncle to execute
+their plans, making common cause with the populace, like a paid agitator?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Like Philostratus, you mean, on whom I bestowed a few blows in addition
+to the golden guerdon received from your hand?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ay, like him, for aught I care. Probably it was you, too, who had him
+flung into the water, after you had vented your wrath on him? You managed
+your cause well. What we do for love&rsquo;s sake is usually successful. No
+matter, if only his brother Alexas does not rouse Antony against you. For
+my part, I merely desire to know why and for whom all this was done.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;For whom save the good old man who was my father&rsquo;s preceptor, and his
+just claim?&rdquo; replied Dion frankly. &ldquo;Moreover&mdash;for no site more
+unsuitable could be found than his garden&mdash;in behalf of good taste.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras laughed a shrill, short laugh, and her narrow, regularly formed face,
+which might have been called beautiful, had not the bridge of the straight
+delicate nose been too long and the chin too small, darkened slightly, as
+she exclaimed, &ldquo;That is frank at least.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You ought to be accustomed to that from me,&rdquo; replied Dion calmly. &ldquo;In
+this case, however, the expert, Gorgias, fully shares my opinion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I heard that too. You are both the most constant visitors of&mdash;what
+is the woman&rsquo;s name?&mdash;the bewitching Barine.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Barine?&rdquo; repeated Dion, as if the mention of the name surprised him. &ldquo;You
+take care, my friend, that our conversation does honour to its scene, the
+labyrinth. I speak of works of the sculptor&rsquo;s art, and you pretend that I
+am referring to what is most certainly a very successful living work from
+the creative hands of the gods. I was very far from thinking of the
+granddaughter of the old scholar for whom I interceded.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ay,&rdquo; she scornfully retorted, &ldquo;young gentlemen in your position, and with
+your habits of life, always think of their fathers estimable teachers
+rather than of the women who, ever since Pandora opened her box, have
+brought all sorts of misfortunes into the world. But,&rdquo; she added, pushing
+back her dark locks from her high forehead, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t understand myself,
+how, with the mountain of care that now burdens my soul, I can waste even
+a single word upon such trifles. I care as little for the aged scholar as
+I do for his legion of commentaries and books, though they are not wholly
+unfamiliar to me. For any concern of mine he might have as many
+grandchildren as there are evil tongues in Alexandria, were it not that
+just at this time it is of the utmost importance to remove everything
+which might cast a shadow on the Queen&rsquo;s pathway. I have just come from
+the palace of the royal children at Lochias, and what I learned there. But
+that&mdash;I will not, I cannot believe it. It fairly stifles me!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Have you received bad news from the fleet?&rdquo; questioned Dion, with sincere
+anxiety; but she only bent her head in assent, laying her fan of
+ostrich-plumes on her lips to enjoin silence, at the same time shivering
+so violently that he perceived it, even in the dusk. It was evident that
+speech was difficult, as she added in a muffled tone: &ldquo;It must be kept
+secret&mdash;Rhodian sailors&mdash;thank the gods, it is still very
+doubtful&mdash;it cannot, must not be true&mdash;and yet&mdash;the prattle of
+that zither-player, which has filled the multitude with joyous
+anticipation, is abominable&mdash;the great ones of the earth are often
+most sorely injured by those who owe them the most gratitude. I know you
+can be silent, Dion. You could as a boy, if anything was to be hidden from
+our parents. Would you still be ready to plunge into the water for me, as
+in those days? Scarcely. Yet you may be trusted, and, even in this
+labyrinth, I will do so. My heart is heavy. But not one word to any
+person. I need no confidant and could maintain silence even towards you,
+but I am anxious that you should understand me, you who have just taken
+such a stand. Before I entered my litter at Lochias, the boy returned, and
+I talked with him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Young Cæsarion loves Barine,&rdquo; replied Dion with grave earnestness.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then this horrible folly is known?&rdquo; asked Iras excitedly. &ldquo;A passion far
+deeper than I should ever have expected this dreamer to feel has taken
+possession of him. And if the Queen should now return&mdash;perhaps less
+successful than we desire&mdash;if she looks to those from whom she still
+expects pleasure, satisfaction, lofty deeds, and learns what has befallen
+the boy&mdash;for what does not that sun-bright intellect learn and
+perceive? He is dear to her, dearer than any of you imagine. How it will
+increase her anxiety, perhaps her suffering! With what good reason she
+will be angered against those whom duty and love should have commanded to
+guard the boy!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And therefore,&rdquo; added Dion, &ldquo;the stone of offence must be removed. Your
+first step to secure this object was the attack on Didymus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+He had judged correctly and perceived that, in her assault upon the old
+scholar, she had at first intended to play into the hands of the rulers,
+work against the old philosopher and his relatives, among whose number was
+Barine; for the Egyptian law permitted the relatives of those who were
+convicted of any crime against the sovereign or the government to be
+banished with the criminal. This attack upon an innocent person was
+disgraceful, yet every word Iras uttered made Dion feel, every feature of
+her face betrayed, that it was not merely base jealousy, but a nobler
+emotion, that caused her to assail the guiltless sage&mdash;love for her
+mistress, the desire which dominated her whole being to guard Cleopatra
+from grief and trouble in these trying times. He knew Iras&rsquo;s iron will and
+the want of consideration with which she had learned to pursue her purpose
+at the court. His first object was to protect Barine from the danger which
+threatened her; but he also wished to relieve the anxiety of Iras, the
+daughter of Krates, his father&rsquo;s neighbour, with whom he had played in
+boyhood and for whom he had never ceased to feel a tender interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+His remark surprised her. She saw that her plot was detected by the man
+whose esteem she most valued, and a loving woman is glad to recognize the
+superiority of her lover. Besides, from her earliest childhood&mdash;and
+she was only two years younger than Dion&mdash;she had belonged to circles
+where no quality was more highly prized than mental pliancy and keenness.
+Her dark eyes, which at first had glittered distrustfully and
+questioningly and afterwards glowed with a gloomy light, now gained a new
+expression. Her gaze sought her friend&rsquo;s with a tender, pleading look as,
+admitting his charge, she began: &ldquo;Yes! Dion, the philosopher&rsquo;s
+granddaughter must not stay here. Or do you see any other way to protect
+the unhappy boy from incalculable misfortune? You know me well enough to
+be aware that, like you, I am reluctant to infringe another&rsquo;s rights, that
+except in case of necessity I am not cruel. I value your esteem. No one is
+more truthful, and yesterday you averred that Eros had no part in your
+visits to the much-admired young woman, that you joined her guests merely
+because the society you found at her house afforded a pleasant stimulus to
+the mind. I have ceased to believe in many things, but not in you and your
+words, and if hearing that you had taken sides with the grandfather, I
+fancied that you were secretly seeking the thanks and gratitude of the
+granddaughter, why&mdash;surely the atrocious maxim that Zeus does not
+hear the vows of lovers comes from you men&mdash;why, suspicion again
+reared its head. Now you seem to share my opinion&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Like you,&rdquo; Dion interrupted, &ldquo;I believe that Barine ought to be withdrawn
+from the boy&rsquo;s pursuit, which cannot be more unpleasant to you than to
+her. As Cæsarion neither can nor ought to leave Alexandria while affairs
+are so threatening, nothing is left except to remove the young woman&mdash;but,
+of course, in all kindness.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In a golden chariot, garlanded with roses, if you so desire,&rdquo; cried Iras
+eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That might attract attention,&rdquo; answered Dion, smiling and raising his
+hand as if to enjoin moderation. &ldquo;Your mode of action does not please me,
+even now that I know its purpose, but I will gladly aid you to attain your
+object. Your crooked paths also lead to the goal, and perhaps one is less
+likely to stumble in them; but straight ways suit me better, and I think I
+have already found the right one. A friend will invite Barine to an estate
+far away from here, perhaps in the lake regions.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You?&rdquo; cried Iras, her narrow eyebrows suddenly contracting.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do you imagine that she would go with me?&rdquo; he asked, in a faintly
+reproachful tone. &ldquo;No. Fortunately, we have older friends, and at their
+head is one who happens to be your uncle and at the same time is wax in
+the hands of the Queen.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Archibius?&rdquo; exclaimed Iras. &ldquo;Ah! if he could persuade her to do so!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He will try. He, too, is anxious about the lad. While we are talking
+here, he is inviting Barine to his estate. The country air will benefit
+her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;May she bloom there like a young shepherdess!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You are right to wish her the best fortune; for if the Queen does not
+return victorious, the irritability of our Alexandrians will be doubled.
+When you laid hands on Didymus&rsquo;s garden, you were so busily engaged in
+building the triumphal arch that you forgot&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Who would have doubted the successful issue of this war?&rdquo; cried Iras.
+&ldquo;And they will, they will conquer. The Rhodian said that the fleet was
+scattered. The disaster happened on the Acharnanian coast. How positive it
+sounded! But he had it only at second and third hand. And what are mere
+rumours? The source of the false tidings is discovered later. Besides,
+even if the naval battle were really lost, the powerful army, which is far
+superior to Octavianus&rsquo;s forces, still remains. Which of the enemy&rsquo;s
+generals could cope with Antony on the land? How he will fight when all is
+at stake&mdash;fame, honour, sovereignty, hate, and love! Away with this fear,
+based on mere rumour! After Dyrrachium Cæsar&rsquo;s cause was deemed lost, and
+how soon Pharsalus made him master of the world! Is it worthy of a
+sensible person to suffer courage to be depressed by a sailor&rsquo;s gossip?
+And yet&mdash;yet! It began while I was ill. And then the swallows on the
+Antonias, the admiral&rsquo;s ship. We have already spoken of it. Mardion and
+your uncle Zeno saw with their own eyes the strange swallows drive away
+those which had built their nest on the helm of the Antonias, and kill the
+young ones with their cruel beaks. An evil omen! I cannot forget it. And my
+dream, while I lay ill with fever far away from my mistress! But I have
+already lingered here too long. No, Dion, no. I am grateful for the rest
+here&mdash;I can now feel at ease about Cæsarion. Place the monument where
+you choose. The people shall see and hear that we respect their opposition,
+that we are just and friendly. Help me to turn this matter to the advantage
+of the Queen, and if Archibius succeeds in getting Barine away and keeping
+her in the country, then&mdash;if I had aught that seemed to you desirable
+it should be yours. But what does the petted Dion care for his fading
+playfellow?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Fading?&rdquo; he repeated in a tone of indignant reproach. &ldquo;Say rather the
+fully developed flower has learned from her royal friend the secret of
+eternal youth.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With a swift impulse of gratitude Iras bent her face towards him in the
+dusk, extending the slender white hand&mdash;next to Cleopatra&rsquo;s famed as
+the most beautiful at court&mdash;for him to kiss, but when he merely
+pressed his lips lightly on it with no shadow of tenderness, she hastily
+withdrew it, exclaiming as if overwhelmed by sudden repentance: &ldquo;This
+idle, hollow dalliance at such a time, with such a burden of anxiety
+oppressing the heart! It is unworthy, shameful! If Barine goes with
+Archibius, her time will scarcely hang heavy on his estates. I think I
+know some one who will speedily follow to bear her company.&mdash;Here,
+Sasis! the bearers! To the Tower of Nilus, before the Gate of the Sun!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion gazed after her litter a short time, then passed his hand through his
+waving brown hair, walked swiftly to the shore and, without pausing long
+to choose, sprang into one of the boats which were rented for pleasure
+voyages. Ordering the sailors who were preparing to accompany him to
+remain on shore, he stretched the sail with a practised hand, and ran out
+towards the mouth of the harbour. He needed some strong excitement, and
+wished to go himself in search of news.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch04">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER IV.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The house facing the garden of the Paneum, where Barine lived, was the
+property of her mother, who had inherited it from her parents. The artist
+Leonax, the young beauty&rsquo;s father, son of the old philosopher Didymus, had
+died long before.
+</p>
+<p>
+After Barine&rsquo;s unhappy marriage with Philostratus was dissolved, she had
+returned to her mother, who managed the affairs of the household. She too,
+belonged to a family of scholars and had a brother who had won high repute
+as a philosopher, and had directed the studies of the young Octavianus.
+This had occurred long before the commencement of the hostility which
+separated the heirs of Cæsar and Mark Antony. But even after the latter
+had deserted Octavia, the sister of Octavianus, to return to Cleopatra,
+the object of his love, and there was an open breach between the two
+rivals for the sovereignty of the world, Antony had been friendly to Arius
+and borne him no grudge for his close relations to his rival. The generous
+Roman had even given his enemy&rsquo;s former tutor a fine house, to show him
+that he was glad to have him in Alexandria and near his person.
+</p>
+<p>
+The widow Berenike, Barine&rsquo;s mother, was warmly attached to her only
+brother, who often joined her daughter&rsquo;s guests. She was a quiet, modest
+woman whose happiest days had been passed in superintending the education
+of her children, Barine, the fiery Hippias, and the quiet Helena, who for
+several years had lived with her grandparents and, with faithful devotion,
+assumed the duty of caring for them. She had been more easily guided than
+the two older children; for the boy&rsquo;s aspiring spirit had often drawn him
+beyond his mother&rsquo;s control, and the beautiful, vivacious girl had early
+possessed charms so unusual that she could not remain unnoticed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Hippias had studied oratory, first in Alexandria and later in Athens and
+Rhodes. Three years before, his uncle Arius had sent him with excellent
+letters of introduction to Rome to become acquainted with the life of the
+capital and try whether, in spite of his origin, his brilliant gifts of
+eloquence would forward his fortunes there.
+</p>
+<p>
+Two miserable years with an infamous, unloved husband had changed the wild
+spirits of Barine&rsquo;s childhood into the sunny cheerfulness now one of her
+special charms. Her mother was conscious of having desired only her best
+good in uniting the girl of sixteen to Philostratus, whom the grandfather
+Didymus then considered a very promising young man, and whose advancement,
+in addition to his own talents, his brother Alexas, Antony&rsquo;s favourite,
+promised to aid. She had believed that this step would afford the gay,
+beautiful girl the best protection from the perils of the corrupt capital;
+but the worthless husband had caused both mother and daughter much care
+and sorrow, while his brother Alexas, who constantly pursued his young
+sister-in-law with insulting attentions, was the source of almost equal
+trouble. Berenike often gazed in silent astonishment at the child, who,
+spite of such sore grief and humiliation, had preserved the innocent
+light-heartedness which made her seem as if life had offered her only
+thornless roses.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her father, Leonax, had been one of the most distinguished artists of the
+day, and Barine had inherited from him the elastic artist temperament
+which speedily rebounds from the heaviest pressure. To him also she owed
+the rare gift of song, which had been carefully cultivated and had already
+secured her the first position in the woman&rsquo;s chorus at the festival of
+the great goddesses of the city. Every one was full of her praises, and
+after she had sung the Yalemos in the palace over the waxen image of the
+favourite of the gods, slain by the boar, her name was eagerly applauded.
+To have heard her was esteemed a privilege, for she sang only in her own
+house or at religious ceremonials &ldquo;for the honour of the gods.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen, too, had heard her, and, after the Adonis festival, her uncle
+Arius had presented her to Antony, who expressed his admiration with all
+the fervour of his frank nature, and afterwards came to her house a second
+time, accompanied by his son Antyllus. Doubtless he would have called on
+her frequently and tested upon her heart his peculiar power over women,
+had he not been compelled to leave the city on the day after his last
+visit.
+</p>
+<p>
+Berenike had reproved her brother for bringing the Queen&rsquo;s lover to
+Barine, for her anxiety was increased by the repeated visits of Antony&rsquo;s
+son, and still more aroused by that of Cæsarion, who was presented by
+Antyllus.
+</p>
+<p>
+These youths were not numbered among the guests whose presence she
+welcomed and whose conversation afforded her pleasure. It was flattering
+that they should honour her simple home by their visits, but she knew that
+Cæsarion came without his tutor&rsquo;s knowledge, and perceived, by the
+expression of his eyes, what drew him to her daughter. Besides, Berenike,
+in rearing the two children, who had been the source of so much anxiety
+had lost the joyous confidence which had characterized her own youth.
+Whenever life presented any new phase, she saw the dark side first. If a
+burning candle stood before her, the shadow of the candlestick caught her
+eye before the light. Her whole mental existence became a chain of fears,
+but the kind-hearted woman loved her children too tenderly to permit them
+to see it. Only it was a relief to her heart when some of her evil
+forebodings were realized, to say that she had foreseen it all.
+</p>
+<p>
+No trace of this was legible in her face, a countenance still pretty and
+pleasing in its unruffled placidity. She talked very little, but what she
+did say was sensible, and proved how attentively she understood how to
+listen. So she was welcome among Barine&rsquo;s guests. Even the most
+distinguished received something from her, because he felt that the quiet
+woman understood him.
+</p>
+<p>
+Before Barine had returned that evening, something had occurred which made
+her mother doubly regret the accident to her brother Arius the day before.
+On his way home from his sister&rsquo;s he had been run over by a chariot
+darting recklessly along the Street of the King, and was carried, severely
+injured, to his home, where he now lay helpless and fevered. Nor did it
+lessen his sufferings to hear his two sons threaten to take vengeance on
+the reckless fellow who had wrought their father this mischief, for he had
+reason to believe Antyllus the perpetrator of the deed, and a collision
+between the youths and the son of Antony could only result in fresh
+disaster to him and his, especially as the young Roman seemed to have
+inherited little of his father&rsquo;s magnanimous generosity. Yet Arius could
+not be vexed with his sons for stigmatizing, in the harshest terms, the
+conduct of the man who had gone on without heeding the accident. He had
+cautioned his sister against the utterly unbridled youth whose father he
+had himself brought to her house. With what good reason he had raised his
+voice in warning was now evident. At sunset that very day several guests
+had arrived as usual, followed by Antyllus, a youth of nineteen. When the
+door-keeper refused to admit him, he had rudely demanded to see Barine,
+thrust aside the prudent old porter, who endeavoured to detain him, and,
+in spite of his protestations, forced his way into his dead master&rsquo;s
+work-room, where the ladies usually received their visitors. Not until he
+found it empty would he retire, and then he first fastened a bouquet of
+flowers he had brought to a statue of Eros in burnt clay, which stood
+there. Both the porter and Barine&rsquo;s waiting-maid declared that he was
+drunk; they saw it when he staggered away with the companions who had
+waited for him in the garden outside.
+</p>
+<p>
+This unseemly and insulting conduct filled Berenike with the deepest
+indignation. It must not remain unpunished, and, while waiting for her
+daughter, she imagined what evil consequences might ensue if Antyllus were
+forbidden the house and accused to his tutor, and how unbearable, on the
+other hand, he might become if they omitted to do so.
+</p>
+<p>
+She was full of sad presentiments, and as, with such good reason, she
+feared the worst, she cherished a faint hope that her daughter might
+perhaps bring home some pleasant tidings; for she had had the experience
+that events which had filled her with the utmost anxiety sometimes
+resulted in good fortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+At last Barine appeared, and it was indeed long since she had clasped her
+mother in her arms with such joyous cheerfulness.
+</p>
+<p>
+The widow&rsquo;s troubled heart grew lighter. Her daughter must have met with
+something unusually gratifying, she looked so happy, although she had
+surely heard what had happened here; for her cloak was laid aside and her
+hair newly arranged, so she must have been to her chamber, where she was
+dressed by her loquacious Cyprian slave, who certainly could not keep to
+herself anything that was worth mentioning. The nimble maid had shown her
+skill that day.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Any stranger would take her for nineteen,&rdquo; thought her mother. &ldquo;How
+becoming the white robe and blue-bordered peplum are to her; how softly
+the azure bombyx ribbon is wound around the thick waves of her hair! Who
+would believe that no curling-irons had touched the little golden locks
+that rest so gracefully on her brow, that no paint-brush had any share in
+producing the rose and white hues on her cheek, or the alabaster glimmer
+of her arms? Such beauty easily becomes a Danae dower; but it is a
+magnificent gift of the gods! Yet why did she put on the bracelet which
+Antony gave her after his last visit? Scarcely on my account. She can
+hardly expect Dion at so late an hour. Even while I am rejoicing in the
+sight of her beauty, some new misfortune may be impending.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+So ran the current of her thoughts while her daughter was gaily describing
+what she had witnessed at her grandfather&rsquo;s. Meanwhile she had nestled
+comfortably among the cushions of a lounge; and when she mentioned
+Antyllus&rsquo;s unseemly conduct, she spoke of it, with a carelessness that
+startled Berenike, as a vexatious piece of rudeness which must not occur
+again.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But who is to prevent it?&rdquo; asked the mother anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Who, save ourselves?&rdquo; replied Barine.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He will not be admitted.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And if he forced his way in?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine&rsquo;s big blue eyes flashed angrily, and there was no lack of decision
+in her voice as she exclaimed, &ldquo;Let him try it!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But what power have we to restrain the son of Antony?&rdquo; asked Berenike. &ldquo;I
+do not know.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I do,&rdquo; replied her daughter. &ldquo;I will be brief, for a visitor is coming.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;So late?&rdquo; asked the mother anxiously.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Archibius wishes to discuss an important matter with us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The lines on the brow of the older woman smoothed, but it contracted again
+as she exclaimed inquiringly: &ldquo;Important business at so unusual an hour!
+Ah, I have expected nothing good since early morning! On my way to my
+brother&rsquo;s a raven flew up before me and fluttered towards the left into
+the garden.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But I,&rdquo; replied Barine, after receiving, in reply to her inquiry, a
+favourable report concerning her uncle&rsquo;s health&mdash;&ldquo;I met seven&mdash;there
+were neither more nor less; for seven is the best of numbers&mdash;seven
+snow-white doves, which all flew swiftly towards the right. The fairest of
+all came first, bearing in its beak a little basket which contained the
+power that will keep Antony&rsquo;s son away from us. Don&rsquo;t look at me in such
+amazement, you dear receptacle of every terror.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But, child, you said that Archibius was coming so late to discuss an
+important matter,&rdquo; rejoined the mother.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He must be here soon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then cease this talking in riddles; I do not guess them quickly.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You will solve this one,&rdquo; returned Barine; &ldquo;but we really have no time to
+lose. So&mdash;my beautiful dove was a good, wise thought, and what it carried
+in its basket you shall hear presently. You see, mother, many will blame
+us, though here and there some one may pity; but this state of things must
+not continue. I feel it more and more plainly with each passing day; and
+several years must yet elapse ere this scruple becomes wholly needless. I
+am too young to welcome as a guest every one whom this or that man
+presents to me. True, our reception-hall was my father&rsquo;s work-room and
+you, my own estimable, blameless mother, are the hostess here; but though
+superior to me in every respect, you are so modest that you shield
+yourself behind your daughter until the guests think of you only when you
+are absent. So those who seek us both merely say, &lsquo;I am going to visit
+Barine&rsquo;&mdash;and there are too many who say this&mdash;I can no longer
+choose, and this thought&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Child! child!&rdquo; interrupted her mother joyfully, &ldquo;what god met you as you
+went out this morning?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Surely you know,&rdquo; she answered gaily; &ldquo;it was seven doves, and, when I
+took the little basket from the bill of the first and prettiest one, it
+told me a story. Do you want to hear it?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yes, yes; but be quick, or we shall be interrupted.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Barine leaned farther back among the cushions, lowered her long
+lashes, and began: &ldquo;Once upon a time there was a woman who had a garden in
+the most aristocratic quarter of the city&mdash;here near the Paneum, if
+you please. In the autumn, when the fruit was ripening, she left the gate
+open, though all her neighbours did the opposite. To keep away unbidden
+lovers of her nice figs and dates, she fastened on the gate a tablet
+bearing the inscription: &lsquo;All may enter and enjoy the sight of the garden;
+but the dogs will bite any one who breaks a flower, treads upon the grass,
+or steals the fruit.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The woman had nothing but a lap-dog, and that did not always obey her.
+But the tablet fulfilled its purpose; for at first none came except her
+neighbours in the aristocratic quarter. They read the threat, and probably
+without it would have respected the property of the woman who so kindly
+opened the door to them. Thus matters went on for a time, until first a
+beggar came, and then a Phœnician sailor, and a thievish Egyptian from
+the Rhakotis&mdash;neither of whom could read. So the tablet told them
+nothing; and as, moreover, they distinguished less carefully between mine
+and thine, one trampled the turf and another snatched from the boughs a
+flower or fruit. More and more of the rabble came, and you can imagine
+what followed. No one punished them for the crime, for they did not fear
+the barking of the lap-dog, and this gave even those who could read,
+courage not to heed the warning. So the woman&rsquo;s pretty garden soon lost
+its peculiar charm; and the fruit, too, was stolen. When the rain at last
+washed the inscription from the tablet, and saucy boys scrawled on it,
+there was no harm done; for the garden no longer offered any attractions,
+and no one who looked into it cared to enter. Then the owner closed her
+gate like the neighbours, and the next year she again enjoyed the green
+grass and the bright hues of the flowers. She ate her fruit herself, and
+the lap-dog no longer disturbed her by its barking.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That is,&rdquo; said her mother, &ldquo;if everybody was as courteous and as well
+bred as Gorgias, Lysias, and the others, we would gladly continue to
+receive them. But since there are rude fellows like Antyllus&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You have understood the story correctly,&rdquo; Barine interrupted. &ldquo;We are
+certainly at liberty to invite to our house those who have learned to read
+our inscription. To-morrow visitors will be informed that we can no longer
+receive them as before.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antyllus&rsquo;s conduct affords an excellent pretext,&rdquo; her mother added.
+&ldquo;Every fair-minded person must understand&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; said Barine, &ldquo;and if you, shrewdest of women, will do your
+part&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then for the first time we can act as we please in our own home. Believe
+me, child&mdash;if you only do not&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No ifs!&mdash;not this time!&rdquo; cried the young beauty, raising her hand
+beseechingly. &ldquo;It gives me such delight to think of the new life, and if
+matters come to pass as I hope and wish&mdash;then&mdash;do not you also
+believe, mother, that the gods owe me reparation?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;For what?&rdquo; asked the deep voice of Archibius, who had entered
+unannounced, and was now first noticed by the widow and her daughter.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine hastily rose and held out both hands to her old friend, exclaiming,
+&ldquo;Since they bring you to us, they are already beginning the payment.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch05">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER V.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+An artist, especially a great artist, finds it easy to give his house an
+attractive appearance. He desires comfort in it, and only the beautiful <i>is</i>
+comfortable to him. Whatever would disturb harmony offends his eye, and to
+secure the noblest ornament of his house he need not invite any stranger
+to cross its threshold. The Muse, the best of assistants, joins him
+unbidden.
+</p>
+<p>
+Leonax, Barine&rsquo;s father, had been thus aided to transform the interior of
+his house into a very charming residence. He had painted on the walls of
+his own work-room incidents in the life of Alexander the Great, the
+founder of his native city, and on the frieze a procession of dancing
+Cupids.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Barine now received her guests, and the renown of these paintings was
+not one of the smallest inducements which had led Antony to visit the
+young beauty and to take his son, in whom he wished to awaken at least a
+fleeting pleasure in art. He also knew how to prize her beauty and her
+singing, but the ardent passion which had taken possession of him in his
+mature years was for Cleopatra alone. He whose easily won heart and
+susceptible fancy had urged him from one commonplace love to another had
+been bound by the Queen with chains of indestructible and supernatural
+power. By her side a Barine seemed to him merely a work of art endowed
+with life and a voice that charmed the ear. Yet he owed her some pleasant
+hours, and he could not help bestowing gifts upon any one to whom he was
+indebted for anything pleasant. He liked to be considered the most
+generous spendthrift on earth, and the polished bracelet set with a gem,
+on which was carved Apollo playing on his lyre, surrounded by the
+listening Muses, looked very simple, but was really an ornament of
+priceless value, for the artist who made it was deemed the best
+stone-cutter in Alexandria in the time of Philadelphus, and each one of
+the tiny figures sculptured on the bit of onyx scarcely three fingers wide
+was a carefully executed masterpiece of the most exquisite beauty. Antony
+had chosen it because he deemed it a fitting gift for the woman whose song
+had pleased him. He had not thought of asking its value; indeed, only a
+connoisseur would have perceived it; and as the circlet was not showy and
+well became her beautiful arm, Barine liked to wear it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Had not the war taken him away, Antony&rsquo;s second visit would certainly not
+have been his last. Besides the singing which enthralled him, the
+conversation had been gay and brilliant, and in addition to Leonax&rsquo;s
+paintings, he had seen other beautiful works of art which the former had
+obtained by exchanging with many distinguished companions.
+</p>
+<p>
+Nor was there any lack of plastic creations in the spacious apartment, to
+which the flashing of the water poured by a powerful man from the goatskin
+bottle on his shoulder into a shell lent a special charm.
+</p>
+<p>
+The master who had carved this stooping Nubian had also created the
+much-discussed statues of the royal lovers. The clay Eros, who with bent
+knee was aiming at a victim visible to himself alone, was also his work.
+Antony, when paying his second visit, had laughingly laid the garland he
+wore before &ldquo;the greatest of human conquerors,&rdquo; while a short time ago his
+son Antyllus had rudely thrust his bouquet of flowers into the opening of
+the curved right arm which was drawing the string. In doing so the statue
+had been injured. Now the flowers lay unheeded upon the little altar at
+the end of the large room, lighted only by a single lamp; for the ladies
+had left it with their guest. They were in Barine&rsquo;s favourite apartment, a
+small room, where there were several pictures by her dead father.
+</p>
+<p>
+Antyllus&rsquo;s bouquet, and the damage to the clay statue of Eros, had played
+a prominent part in the conversation between the three, and rendered
+Archibius&rsquo;s task easier.
+</p>
+<p>
+Berenike had greeted the guest with a complaint of the young Roman&rsquo;s
+recklessness and unseemly conduct, to which Barine added the declaration
+that they had now sacrificed enough to Zeus Xenios, the god of
+hospitality. She meant to devote her future life to the modest household
+gods and to Apollo, to whom she owed the gift of song.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius had listened silently in great surprise until she had finished
+her explanation and declared that henceforth she intended to live alone
+with her mother, instead of having her father&rsquo;s workshop filled with
+guests.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young beauty&rsquo;s vivid imagination transported her to this new and
+quieter life. But, spite of the clear and glowing hues in which she
+described her anticipations, her grey-haired listener could not have
+believed in them fully. A subtle smile sometimes flitted over his grave,
+somewhat melancholy face&mdash;that of a man who has ceased to wrestle in
+the arena of life, and after severe conflict now preferred to stand among
+the spectators and watch others win or lose the prize of victory.
+Doubtless the wounds which he had received still ached, yet his sorrowful
+experiences did not prevent his being an attentive observer. The
+expression of his clear eyes showed that he mentally shared whatever
+aroused his sympathy. Whoever understood how to listen thus, and, moreover&mdash;the
+prominence of the brow above the nose showed it&mdash;was also a trained
+thinker, could not fail to be a good counsellor, and as such he was
+regarded by many, and first of all by the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+The wise deliberation, which was one of his characteristic traits, showed
+itself on this occasion; for though he had come to persuade Barine try a
+country residence, he refrained from doing until she had exhausted the
+story of her own affairs and inquired the important cause of his visit.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the principal matter his request was granted ere he made it. So he
+could begin with the query whether the mother and daughter did not think
+that the transition to the new mode of life could be effected more easily
+if they were absent from the city a short time. It would awaken comment
+they should close their house against guests on the morrow, and as the
+true reason could not be given, many would be offended. If, on the
+contrary, they could resolve to quit the capital for a few weeks, many, it
+is true, would lament their decision, but what was alloted to all alike
+could be resented by no one.
+</p>
+<p>
+Berenike eagerly assented, but Barine grew thoughtful. Then Archibius
+begged her to speak frankly, and after she had asked where they could, he
+proposed his country estate.
+</p>
+<p>
+His keen grey eyes had perceived that something, bound her so firmly to
+the city that in the case of a true woman like Barine it must be an affair
+of the heart. He had evidently judged correctly, for, at his prediction
+that there would be no lack of visits from her dearest friends, she raised
+her head, her blue eyes sparkled brightly, and when Archibius paused she
+to her mother, exclaiming gaily:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We will go!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Again the vivid imagination daughter conjured the future before her in
+distinct outlines. She alone knew whom she meant when she spoke of the
+visitor she expected at Irenia, Archibius&rsquo;s estate. The name meant &ldquo;The
+place of peace,&rdquo; and it pleased her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius listened smilingly; but when she began to assign him also a part
+in driving the little Sardinian horses and pursuing the birds, he
+interrupted her with the statement that whether he could speedily allow
+himself a pleasure which he should so keenly enjoy&mdash;that of breathing
+the country air with such charming guests&mdash;would depend upon the fate
+of another. Thank the gods, he had been able to come here with a lighter
+heart, because, just before his departure, he had heard of a splendid
+victory gained by the Queen. The ladies would perhaps permit him to remain
+a little longer, as he was expecting confirmation of the news.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was evident that he awaited it in great suspense, and that his heart
+was by no means free from anxiety.
+</p>
+<p>
+Berenike shared it, and her pleasant face, which had hitherto reflected
+her delight at her daughter&rsquo;s sensible resolution, was now clouded with
+care as Archibius began: &ldquo;The object of my presence here? You are making
+it very easy for me to attain it. If I deemed it honest, I could now
+conceal the fact that I had sought you to induce you to leave the city. I
+see no peril from the boyish insolence of the son of Antony. The point in
+question, child, is merely to put yourself out of the reach of Cæsarion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If you could place me in the moon, it would please me best, as far as he
+is concerned,&rdquo; replied Barine eagerly. &ldquo;That is just what induced me to
+change our mode of life, since my door cannot be closed against the boy
+who, though still under a tutor, uses his rank as a key to open it. And
+just think of being compelled to address that dreamer, with eyes pleading
+for help, by the title of &lsquo;king&rsquo;!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet what mighty impulse might not be slumbering in the breast of a son of
+Julius Cæsar and Cleopatra?&rdquo; said Archibius. &ldquo;And passion&mdash;I know,
+my child, that it is no fault of yours&mdash;has now awakened within him.
+Whatever the result may be, it must fill his mother&rsquo;s heart with anxiety.
+That is why it is needful to hasten your departure, and to keep your
+destination a secret. He will attempt no violence; but&mdash;he is the
+child of his parents&mdash;and some unexpected act may be anticipated from
+him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You startle me!&rdquo; cried Barine. &ldquo;You transform the cooing dove which
+entered my house into a dangerous griffin.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As such you may regard him,&rdquo; said the other, warningly. &ldquo;You will be a
+welcome guest, Barine, but I invited you, whom I have loved from your
+earliest childhood, the daughter of my dearest friend, not merely to do
+you a service at Irenia, but to save from grief or even annoyance the
+person to whom&mdash;who is not aware of it&mdash;I owe everything.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The words conveyed to both ladies the knowledge that, though they were
+dear to Archibius, he would sacrifice them, and with them, perhaps, all
+the rest of the world, for the peace and happiness of the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine had expected nothing else. She knew that Cleopatra had made the
+philosopher&rsquo;s son a wealthy man and the owner of extensive estates; but
+she also felt that the source of his loyal devotion to the Queen, over
+whom he watched like a tender father, was due to other causes. Cleopatra
+prized him also. Had he been ambitious, he could have stood at the helm of
+the ship of state, as Epitrop long ago, but&mdash;the whole city knew it&mdash;he
+had more than once refused to accept a permanent office, because he
+believed that he could serve his mistress better as an unassuming,
+unnoticed counsellor. Berenike had told Barine that the relations between
+Cleopatra and Archibius dated back to their childhood, but she had learned
+no particulars. Various rumours were afloat which, in the course of time,
+had been richly adorned and interwoven with anecdotes, and Barine
+naturally lent the most ready credence to those which asserted that the
+princess, in her earliest youth, had cherished a childish love for the
+philosopher&rsquo;s son. Now her friend&rsquo;s conduct led her to believe it.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Archibius paused, the young beauty assured him that she understood
+him; and as the alabaster hanging lamp and a three-branched light cast a
+brilliant glow upon the portrait which her father had painted of the
+nineteen-year-old Queen, and afterwards copied for his own household, she
+pointed to it, and, pursuing the current of her own thoughts, asked the
+question:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Was she not marvellously beautiful at that time?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As your father&rsquo;s work represents her,&rdquo; was the reply. &ldquo;Leonax painted the
+portrait of Octavia, on the opposite side, the same year, and perhaps the
+artist deemed the Roman the fairer woman.&rdquo; He pointed as he spoke to a
+likeness of Octavianus&rsquo;s sister, whom Barine&rsquo;s father had painted as the
+young wife of Marcellus, her first husband.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Oh, no!&rdquo; said Berenike. &ldquo;I still remember perfectly how Leonax returned
+in those days. What woman might not have been jealous of his enthusiasm
+for the Roman Hera? At that time I had not seen the portrait, and when I
+asked whether he thought Octavia more beautiful than the Queen, for whom
+Eros had inflamed his heart, as in the case of most of the beautiful women
+he painted, he exclaimed&mdash;you know his impetuous manner&mdash;&lsquo;Octavia
+stands foremost in the ranks of those who are called &ldquo;beautiful&rdquo; or &ldquo;less
+beautiful&rdquo;; the other, Cleopatra, stands alone, and can be compared with
+no one.&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius bent his head in assent, then said firmly, &ldquo;But, as a child,
+when I first saw her, she would have been the fairest even in the dance of
+the young gods of love.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How old was she then?&rdquo; asked Barine, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Eight years,&rdquo; he answered. &ldquo;How far in the past it is, yet I have not
+forgotten a single hour!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine now earnestly entreated him to tell them
+the story of those days, but Archibius gazed thoughtfully at the floor for
+some time ere he raised his head and answered: &ldquo;Perhaps it will be well if
+you learn more of the woman for whose sake I ask a sacrifice at your
+hands. Arius is your brother and uncle. He stands near to Octavianus, for
+he was his intellectual guide, and I know that he reveres the Roman&rsquo;s
+sister, Octavia, as a goddess. Antony is now struggling with Octavianus
+for the sovereignty of the world. Octavia succumbed in the conflict
+against the woman of whom you desire to hear. It is not my place to judge
+her, but I may instruct and warn. Roman nations burn incense to Octavia,
+and, when Cleopatra&rsquo;s name is uttered, they veil their faces indignantly.
+Here in Alexandria many imitate them. Whoever upholds shining purity may
+hope to win a share of the radiance emanating from it. They call Octavia
+the lawful wife, and Cleopatra the criminal who robbed her of her
+husband&rsquo;s heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Not I!&rdquo; exclaimed Barine eagerly. &ldquo;How often I have heard my uncle say
+that Antony and Cleopatra were fired with the most ardent love for each
+other! Never did the arrows of Eros pierce two hearts more deeply. Then it
+became necessary to save the state from civil war and bloodshed. Antony
+consented to form an alliance with his rival, and, as security for the
+sincerity of the reconciliation, he gave his hand in marriage to Octavia,
+whose first husband, Marcellus, had just died&mdash;his hand, I say, only
+his hand, for his heart was captive to the Queen of Egypt. And if Antony
+was faithless to the wife to whom statecraft had bound him, he kept his
+pledge to the other, who had an earlier, better title. If Cleopatra did
+not give up the man to whom she had sworn fidelity forever, she was right&mdash;a
+thousand times right! In my eyes&mdash;no matter how often my mother
+rebukes me&mdash;Cleopatra, in the eyes of the immortals, is and always
+will be Antony&rsquo;s real wife; the other, though on her marriage day no
+custom, no word, no stroke of the stylus, no gesture was omitted, is the
+intruder in a bond of love which rejoices the gods, however it may anger
+mortals, and&mdash;forgive me, mother&mdash;virtuous matrons.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Berenike had listened with blushing cheeks to her vivacious daughter; now
+with timid earnestness she interrupted: &ldquo;I know that those are the views
+of the new times; that Antony in the eyes of the Egyptians, and probably
+also according to their customs, is the rightful husband of the Queen. I
+know, too, that you are both against me. Yet Cleopatra is in reality a
+Greek, and therefore&mdash;eternal gods!&mdash;I can sincerely pity her;
+but the marriage has been solemnized, and I cannot blame Octavia. She
+rears and cherishes, as if they were her own, the children of her
+faithless husband and Fulvia, his first wife, who have no claim upon her.
+It is more than human to take the stones from the path of the man who
+became her foe, as she does. No woman in Alexandria can pray more
+fervently than I that Cleopatra and her friend may conquer Octavianus. His
+cold nature, highly as my brother esteems him, is repellent to me. But
+when I gaze at Octavia&rsquo;s beautiful, chaste, queenly, noble countenance,
+the mirror of true womanly purity&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You can rejoice,&rdquo; Archibius added, completing the sentence, and laying
+his right hand soothingly on the arm of the excited woman, &ldquo;only it would
+be advisable at this time to put the portrait elsewhere, and rest
+satisfied with confiding your opinion of Octavia to your brother and a
+friend as reliable as myself. If we conquer, such things may pass; if not&mdash; The
+messenger tarries long&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Barine again entreated him to use the time. She had only once had the
+happiness of being noticed by the Queen&mdash;just after her song at the
+Adonis festival. Then Cleopatra had advanced to thank her. She said only a
+few kind words, but in a voice which seemed to penetrate the inmost depths
+of her heart and bind her with invisible threads. Meanwhile Barine&rsquo;s eyes
+met those of her sovereign, and at first they roused an ardent desire to
+press her lips even on the hem of her robe, but afterwards she felt as if
+a venomous serpent had crawled out of the most beautiful flower.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Archibius interrupted her with the remark that he remembered
+perfectly how, after the song, Antony had addressed her at the same time
+as the Queen, and Cleopatra lacked no feminine weakness.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Jealousy?&rdquo; asked Barine, in astonishment. &ldquo;I was not presumptuous enough
+to admit it. I secretly feared that Alexas, the brother of Philostratus,
+had prejudiced her. He is as ill-disposed towards me as the man who was my
+husband. But everything connected with those two is so base and shameful
+that I will not allow it to cloud this pleasant hour. Yet the fear that
+Alexas might have slandered me to the Queen is not groundless. He is as
+shrewd as his brother, and through Antony, into whose favour he ingratiated
+himself, is always in communication with Cleopatra. He went to the war
+with him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I learned that too late, and am utterly powerless against Antony,&rdquo;
+replied Archibius.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But was it not natural that I should fear he had prejudiced the Queen?&rdquo;
+asked Barine. &ldquo;At any rate, I imagined that I detected a hostile
+expression in her eyes, and it repelled me, though at first I had been so
+strongly attracted towards her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And had not that other stepped between you, you could not have turned
+from her again!&rdquo; said Archibius. &ldquo;The first time I saw her I was but a
+mere boy, and she&mdash;as I have already said&mdash;a child eight years
+old.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine nodded gratefully to Archibius, brought the distaff to her mother,
+poured water into the wine in the mixing vessel, and after at first
+leaning comfortably back among the cushions, she soon bent forward in a
+listening attitude, with her elbow propped on her knee, and her chin
+supported by her hand. Berenike drew the flax from the distaff, at first
+slowly, then faster and faster.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You know my country-house in the Kanopus,&rdquo; the guest began. &ldquo;It was
+originally a small summer palace belonging to the royal family, and
+underwent little change after we moved into it. Even the garden is
+unaltered. It was full of shady old trees. Olympus, the leech, had chosen
+this place, that my father might complete within its walls the work of
+education entrusted to him. You shall hear the story. At that time
+Alexandria was in a state of turmoil, for Rome had not recognized the
+King, and ruled over us like Fate, though it had not acknowledged the will
+by which the miserable Alexander bequeathed Egypt to him like a field or a
+slave.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The King of Egypt, who called himself &lsquo;the new Dionysus,&rsquo; was a weak man,
+whose birth did not give him the full right to the sovereignty. You know
+that the people called him the &lsquo;fluteplayer.&rsquo; He really had no greater
+pleasure than to hear music and listen to his own performances. He played
+by no means badly on more than one instrument, and, moreover, as a
+reveller did honour to the other name. Whoever kept sober at the festival
+of Dionysus, whose incarnate second self he regarded himself, incurred his
+deepest displeasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The flute-player&rsquo;s wife, Queen Tryphœna, and her oldest daughter&mdash;she
+bore your name, Berenike&mdash;ruined his life. Compared with them, the
+King was worthy and virtuous. What had become of the heroes and the
+high-minded princes of the house of Ptolemy? Every passion and crime had
+found a home in their palaces!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The flute-player, Cleopatra&rsquo;s father, was by no means the worst. He was a
+slave to his own caprices; no one had taught him to bridle his passions.
+Where it served his purpose, even death was summoned to his aid; but this
+was a custom of the last sovereigns of his race. In one respect he was
+certainly superior to most of them&mdash;he still possessed a capacity to
+feel a loathing for the height of crime, to believe in virtue and
+loftiness of soul, and the possibility of implanting them in youthful
+hearts. When a boy, he had been under the influence of an excellent
+teacher, whose precepts had lingered in his memory and led him to
+determine to withdraw his favourite children&mdash;two girls&mdash;from
+their mother&rsquo;s sway, at least as far as possible.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I learned afterwards that it had been his desire to confide the
+princesses wholly to my parents&rsquo; care. But an invincible power opposed
+this. Though Greeks might be permitted to instruct the royal children in
+knowledge, the Egyptians would not yield the right to their religious
+education. The leech Olympus&mdash;you know the good old man&mdash;had
+insisted that the delicate Cleopatra must spend the coldest winter months
+in Upper Egypt, where the sky was never clouded, and the summer near the
+sea in a shady garden. The little palace at Kanopus was devoted to this
+purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When we moved there it was entirely unoccupied, but the princesses were
+soon to be brought to us. During the winter Olympus preferred the island
+of Philæ, on the Nubian frontier, because the famous Temple of Isis was
+there, and its priests willingly undertook to watch over the children.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The Queen would not listen to any of these plans. Leaving Alexandria and
+spending the winter on a lonely island in the tropics was an utterly
+incomprehensible idea. So she let the King have his way, and no doubt was
+glad to be relieved from the care of the children; for, even after her
+royal husband&rsquo;s exile from the city, she never visited her daughters.
+True, death allowed her only a short time to do so.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Her oldest daughter, Berenike, who became her successor, followed her
+example, and troubled herself very little about her sisters. I heard
+afterwards that she was very glad to know that they were in charge of
+persons who filled their minds with other thoughts than the desire to rule.
+Her brothers were reared at Lochias by our countryman Theodotus, under the
+eyes of their guardian, Pothinus.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Our family life was of course wholly transformed by the reception of the
+royal children. In the first place, we moved from our house in the Museum
+Square into the little palace at Kanopus, and the big, shady garden
+delighted us. I remember, as though it were but yesterday, the morning&mdash;I
+was then a boy of fifteen&mdash;when my father told us that two of the
+King&rsquo;s daughters would soon become members of the household. There were
+three of us children&mdash;Charmian, who went to the war with the Queen,
+because Iras, our niece, was ill; I myself; and Straton, who died long
+ago. We were urged to treat the princesses with the utmost courtesy and
+consideration, and we perceived that their reception really demanded
+respect; for the palace, which we had found empty and desolate, was
+refurnished from roof to foundation.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The day before they were expected horses, chariots, and litters came,
+while boats and a splendid state galley, fully manned, arrived by sea.
+Then a train of male and female slaves appeared, among them two fat
+eunuchs.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I can still see the angry look with which my father surveyed all these
+people. He drove at once to the city, and on his return his clear eyes
+were as untroubled as ever. A court official accompanied him, and only
+that portion of the useless amount of luggage and number of persons that
+my father desired remained.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The princesses were to come the next morning&mdash;it was at the end of
+February&mdash;flowers were blooming in the grass and on the bushes, while
+the foliage of the trees glittered with the fresh green which the rising
+sap gives to the young leaves. I was sitting on a strong bough of a
+sycamore-tree, which grew opposite to the house, watching for them. Their
+arrival was delayed and, as I gazed meanwhile over the garden, I thought
+it must surely please them, for not a palace in the city had one so
+beautiful.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;At last the litters appeared; they had neither runners nor attendants, as
+my father had requested, and when the princesses alighted&mdash;both at
+the same moment&mdash;I knew not which way to turn my eyes first, for the
+creature that fluttered like a dragon-fly rather than stepped from the
+first litter, was not a girl like other mortals&mdash;she seemed like a
+wish, a hope. When the dainty, beautiful creature turned her head hither
+and thither, and at last gazed questioningly, as if beseeching help, into
+the faces of my father and mother, who stood at the gate to receive her,
+it seemed to me that such must have been the aspect of Psyche when she
+stood pleading for mercy at the throne of Zeus.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But it was worth while to look at the other also. Was that Cleopatra? She
+might have been the elder, for she was as tall as her sister, but how
+utterly unlike! From the waving hair to every movement of the hands and
+body the former&mdash;it <i>was</i> Cleopatra&mdash;had seemed to me as if she
+were flying. Everything about the second figure, on the contrary, was
+solid, nay, even seemed to offer positive resistance. She sprang from the
+litter and alighted on the ground with both feet at once, clung firmly to
+the door, and haughtily flung back her head, crowned with a wealth of dark
+locks. Her complexion was pink and white, and her blue eyes sparkled
+brightly enough; but the expression with which she gazed at my parents was
+defiant rather than questioning, and as she glanced around her red lips
+curled scornfully as though she deemed her surroundings despicable and
+unworthy of her royal birth.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This irritated me against the seven-year-old child, yet I said to myself
+that, though it was very beautiful here&mdash;thanks to my father&rsquo;s care&mdash;perhaps
+it appeared plain and simple when compared with the marble, gold, and
+purple of the royal palace whence she came. Her features, too, were
+regular and beautiful, and she would have attracted attention by her
+loveliness among a multitude. When I soon heard her issue imperious
+commands and defiantly insist upon the fulfilment of every wish, I
+thought, in my boyish ignorance, that Arsinoë must be the elder; for she
+was better suited to wield a sceptre than her sister. I said so to my
+brother and Charmian; but we all soon saw which really possessed queenly
+majesty; for Arsinoë, if her will were crossed, wept, screamed, and raged
+like a lunatic, or, if that proved useless, begged and teased; while if
+Cleopatra wanted anything she obtained it in a different way. Even at that
+time she knew what weapons would give her victory and, while using them,
+she still remained the child of a king.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No artisan&rsquo;s daughter could have been further removed from airs of
+majestic pathos than this embodiment of the most charming childlike grace;
+but if anything for which her passionate nature ardently longed was
+positively refused, she understood how to attain it by the melody of her
+voice, the spell of her eyes, and in extreme cases by a silent tear. When
+to such tears were added uplifted hands and a few sweet words, such as,
+&lsquo;It would make me happy,&rsquo; or, &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t you see how it hurts me?&rsquo; resistance
+was impossible; and in after-years also her silent tears and the
+marvellous music of her voice won her a victory in the decisive questions
+of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We children were soon playmates and friends, for my parents did not wish
+the princesses to begin their studies until after they felt at home with
+us. This pleased Arsinoë, although she could already read and write; but
+Cleopatra more than once asked to hear something from my father&rsquo;s store of
+wisdom, of which she had been told.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The King and her former teacher had cherished the highest expectations
+from the brilliant intellect of this remarkable child, and Olympus once
+laid his hand on my curls and bade me take care that the princess did not
+outstrip the philosopher&rsquo;s son. I had always occupied one of the foremost
+places, and laughingly escaped, assuring him that there was no danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But I soon learned that this warning was not groundless. You will think
+that the old fool&rsquo;s heart has played him a trick, and in the magic garden
+of childish memories the gifted young girl was transformed into a goddess.
+That she certainly was not; for the immortals are free from the faults and
+weaknesses of humanity.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And what robbed Cleopatra of the renown of resembling the gods?&rdquo; asked
+Barine eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+A subtle smile, not wholly free from reproach, accompanied Archibius&rsquo;s
+reply: &ldquo;Had I spoken of her virtues, you would hardly have thought of
+asking further details. But why should I try to conceal what she has
+displayed to the world openly enough throughout her whole life? Falsehood
+and hypocrisy were as unfamiliar to her as fishing is to the sons of the
+desert. The fundamental principles which have dominated this rare
+creature&rsquo;s life and character to the present day are two ceaseless
+desires: first, to surpass every one, even in the most difficult
+achievements; and, secondly, to love and to be loved in return. From them
+emanated what raised her above all other women. Ambition and love will
+also sustain her like two mighty wings on the proud height to which they
+have borne her, so long as they dwell harmoniously in her fiery soul.
+Hitherto a rare favour of destiny has permitted this, and may the
+Olympians grant that thus it may ever be!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Archibius paused, wiped the perspiration from his brow, asked if the
+messenger had arrived, and ordered him to be admitted as soon as he
+appeared. Then he went on as calmly as before:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The princesses were members of our household, and in the course of time
+they seemed like sisters. During the first winter the King allowed them to
+spend only the most inclement months at Philæ, for he was unwilling to
+live without them. True, he saw them rarely enough; weeks often elapsed
+without a visit; but, on the other hand, he often came day after day to
+our garden, clad in plain garments, and borne in an unpretending litter,
+for these visits were kept secret from every one save the leech Olympus.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I often saw the tall, strong man, with red, bloated face, playing with
+his children like a mechanic who had just returned from work. But he
+usually remained only a short time, seeming to be satisfied with having
+seen them again. Perhaps he merely wished to assure himself that they were
+comfortable with us. At any rate, no one was permitted to go near the
+group of plane-trees where he talked with them.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But it is easy to hide amid the dense foliage of these trees, so my
+knowledge that he questioned them is not solely hearsay.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cleopatra was happy with us from the beginning; Arsinoë needed a longer
+time; but the King valued only the opinion of his older child, his
+darling, on whom he feasted his eyes and ears like a lover. He often shook
+his heavy head at the sight of her, and when she gave him one of her apt
+replies, he laughed so loudly that the sound of his deep, resonant voice
+was heard as far as the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Once I saw tear after tear course down his flushed cheeks, and yet his
+visit was shorter than usual. The closed <i>harmamaxa</i>* in which he came
+bore him from our house directly to the vessel which was to convey him to
+Cyprus and Rome. The Alexandrians, headed by the Queen, had forced him to
+leave the city and the country.
+</p>
+<div class="footnote"><p>
+* A closed Asiatic travelling-carriage with four wheels.
+</p></div>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He was indeed unworthy of the crown, but he loved his little daughter
+like a true father. Still, it was terrible, monstrous for him to invoke
+curses upon the mother and sister of the children, in their presence, and
+in the same breath command them to hate and execrate them, but to love and
+never forget him.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I was then seventeen and Cleopatra ten years old. I, who loved my parents
+better than my life, felt an icy chill run through my veins and then a
+touch upon my heart like balsam, as I heard little Arsinoë, after her
+father had gone, whisper to her sister, &lsquo;We will hate them&mdash;may the
+gods destroy them!&rsquo; and when Cleopatra answered with tearful eyes, &lsquo;Let us
+rather be better than they, very good indeed, Arsinoë, that the immortals
+may love us and bring our father back.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo; &lsquo;Because then he will make you Queen,&rsquo; replied Arsinoë sneeringly, still
+trembling with angry excitement.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cleopatra gazed at her with a troubled look. Her tense features
+showed that she was weighing the meaning of the words, and I can still
+see her as she suddenly drew up her small figure, and said proudly,
+&lsquo;Yes, I will be Queen!&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then her manner changed, and in the sweetest tones of her soft voice, she
+said beseechingly, &lsquo;You won&rsquo;t say such naughty things again, will you?&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This was at the time that my father&rsquo;s instruction began to take
+possession of her mind. The prediction of Olympus was fulfilled. True, I
+attended the school of oratory, but when my father set the royal maiden a
+lesson, I was permitted to repeat mine on the same subject, and frequently
+I could not help admitting that Cleopatra had succeeded better than I.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Soon there were difficult problems to master, for the intellect of this
+wonderful child demanded stronger food, and she was introduced into
+philosophy. My father himself belonged to the school of Epicurus, and
+succeeded far beyond his expectations in rousing Cleopatra&rsquo;s interest in
+his master&rsquo;s teachings. She had been made acquainted with the other great
+philosophers also, but always returned to Epicurus, and induced the rest
+of us to live with her as a true disciple of the noble Samian.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Your father and brother have doubtless made you familiar with the
+precepts of the Stoa; yet you have certainly heard that Epicurus spent the
+latter part of his life with his friends and pupils in quiet meditation
+and instructive conversation in his garden at Athens. We, too&mdash;according
+to Cleopatra&rsquo;s wish&mdash;were to live thus and call ourselves &lsquo;disciples
+of Epicurus.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;With the exception of Arsinoë, who preferred gayer pastimes, into which
+she drew my brother Straton&mdash;at that time a giant in strength&mdash;we
+all liked the plan. I was chosen master, but I perceived that Cleopatra
+desired the position, so she took my place.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;During our next leisure afternoon we paced up and down the garden, and
+the conversation about the chief good was so eager, Cleopatra directed it
+with so much skill, and decided doubtful questions so happily, that we
+reluctantly obeyed the brazen gong which summoned us to the house, and
+spent the whole evening in anticipating the next afternoon.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The following morning my father saw several country people assembled
+before the secluded garden; but he did not have time to inquire what they
+wanted; for Timagenes, who shared the instruction in history&mdash;you
+know he was afterwards taken to Rome as a prisoner of war&mdash;rushed up
+to him, holding out a tablet which bore the inscription Epicurus had
+written on the gate of his garden: &lsquo;Stranger, here you will be happy; here
+is the chief good, pleasure.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cleopatra had written this notice in large letters on the top of a small
+table before sunrise, and a slave had secretly fastened it on the gate for
+her.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This prank might have easily proved fatal to our beautiful companionship,
+but it had been done merely to make our game exactly like the model.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My father did not forbid our continuing this pastime, but strictly
+prohibited our calling ourselves &lsquo;Epicureans&rsquo; outside of the garden, for
+this noble name had since gained among the people a significance wholly
+alien. Epicurus says that true pleasure is to be found only in peace of
+mind and absence of pain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But every one,&rdquo; interrupted Barine, &ldquo;believes that people like the
+wealthy Isidorus, whose object in life is to take every pleasure which his
+wealth can procure, are the real Epicureans. My mother would not have
+confided me long to a teacher by whose associates &lsquo;pleasure&rsquo; was deemed
+the chief good.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The daughter of a philosopher,&rdquo; replied Archibius, gently shaking his
+head, &ldquo;ought to understand what pleasure means in the sense of Epicurus,
+and no doubt you do. True, those who are further removed from these things
+cannot know that the master forbids yearning for individual pleasure. Have
+you an idea of his teachings? No definite one? Then permit me a few words
+of explanation. It happens only too often that Epicurus is confounded with
+Aristippus, who places sensual pleasure above intellectual enjoyment, as
+he holds that bodily pain is harder to endure than mental anguish.
+Epicurus, on the contrary, considers intellectual pleasure to be the
+higher one; for sensual enjoyment, which he believes free to every one,
+can be experienced only in the present, while intellectual delight extends
+to both the past and the future. To the Epicureans the goal of life, as
+has already been mentioned, is to attain the chief blessings, peace of
+mind, and freedom from pain. He is to practise virtue only because it
+brings him pleasure; for who could remain virtuous without being wise,
+noble, and just?&mdash;and whoever is all these cannot have his peace of
+mind disturbed, and must be really happy in the exact meaning of the
+master. I perceived long since the peril lurking in this system of
+instruction, which takes no account of moral excellence; but at that time
+it seemed to me also the chief good.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How all this charmed the mind of the thoughtful child, still untouched by
+passion! It was difficult to supply her wonderfully vigorous intellect
+with sufficient sustenance, and she really felt that to enrich it was the
+highest pleasure. And to her, who could scarcely endure to have a rude
+hand touch her, though a small grief or trivial disappointment could not
+be averted, the freedom from pain which the master had named as the first
+condition for the existence of every pleasure, and termed the chief good,
+seemed indeed the first condition of a happy life.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet this child, whom my father once compared to a thinking flower, bore
+without complaint her sad destiny&mdash;her father&rsquo;s banishment, her
+mother&rsquo;s death, her sister Berenike&rsquo;s profligacy. Even to me, in whom she
+found a second brother and fully trusted, she spoke of these sorrowful
+things only in guarded allusions. I know that she understood what was
+passing fully and perfectly, and how deeply she felt it; but pain placed
+itself between her and the &lsquo;chief good,&rsquo; and she mastered it. And when she
+sat at work, with what tenacious power the delicate creature struggled
+until she had conquered the hardest task and outstripped Charmian and even
+me!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In those days I understood why, among the gods, a maiden rules over
+learning, and why she is armed with the weapons of war. You have heard how
+many languages Cleopatra speaks. A remark of Timagenes had fallen into her
+soul like a seed. &lsquo;With every language you learn,&rsquo; he had said, &lsquo;you will
+gain a nation.&rsquo; But there were many peoples in her father&rsquo;s kingdom, and
+when she was Queen they must all love her. True, she began with the tongue
+of the conquerors, not the conquered. So it happened that we first learned
+Lucretius, who reproduces in verse the doctrines of Epicurus. My father
+was our teacher, and the second year she read Lucretius as if it were a
+Greek book. She had only half known Egyptian; now she speedily acquired
+it. During our stay at Philæ she found a troglodyte who was induced to
+teach her his language. There were Jews enough here in Alexandria to
+instruct her in theirs, and she also learned its kindred tongue, Arabic.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When, many years later, she visited Antony at Tarsus, the warriors
+imagined that some piece of Egyptian magic was at work, for she addressed
+each commander in his own tongue, and talked with him as if she were a
+native of the same country.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It was the same with everything. She outstripped us in every branch of
+study. To her burning ambition it would have been unbearable to lag
+behind.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The Roman Lucretius became her favourite poet, although she was no more
+friendly to his nation than I, but the self-conscious power of the foe
+pleased her, and once I heard her exclaim &lsquo;Ah! if the Egyptians were
+Romans, I would give up our garden for Berenike&rsquo;s throne.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Lucretius constantly led her back to Epicurus, and awakened a severe
+conflict in her unresting mind. You probably know that he teaches that
+life in itself is not so great a blessing that it must be deemed a
+misfortune <i>not to live</i>. It is only spoiled by having death appear to us as
+the greatest of misfortunes. Only the soul which ceases to regard death as
+a misfortune finds peace. Whoever knows that thought and feeling end with
+life will not fear death; for, no matter how many dear and precious things
+the dead have left here below, their yearning for them has ceased with
+life. He declares that providing for the body is the greatest folly, while
+the Egyptian religion, in which Anubis strove to strengthen her faith,
+maintained precisely the opposite.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To a certain degree he succeeded, for his personality exerted a powerful
+influence over her; and besides, she naturally took great pleasure in
+mystical, supernatural things, as my brother Straton did in physical
+strength, and you, Barine, enjoy the gift of song. You know Anubis by
+sight. What Alexandrian has not seen this remarkable man?&mdash;and whoever has
+once met his eyes does not easily forget him. He does indeed rule over
+mysterious powers, and he used them in his intercourse with the young
+princess. It is his work if she cleaves to the religious belief of her
+people, if she who is a Hellene to the last drop of blood loves Egypt, and
+is ready to make any sacrifice for her independence and grandeur. She is
+called &lsquo;the new Isis,&rsquo; but Isis presides over the magic arts of the
+Egyptians, and Anubis initiated Cleopatra into this secret science, and
+even persuaded her to enter the observatory and the laboratory&mdash;&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But all these things had their origin in our garden of Epicurus, and my
+father did not venture to forbid it; for the King had sent a message from
+Rome to say that he was glad to have Cleopatra find pleasure in her own
+people and their secret knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The flute-player, during his stay on the Tiber, had given his gold to the
+right men or bound them as creditors to his interest. After Pompey,
+Cæsar, and Crassus had concluded their alliance, they consented at Lucca
+to the restoration of the Ptolemy. Millions upon millions would not have
+seemed to him too large a price for this object. Pompey would rather have
+gone to Egypt himself, but the jealousy of the others would not permit it.
+Gabinius, the Governor of Syria, received the commission.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But the occupants of the Egyptian throne were not disposed to resign it
+without a struggle. You know that meanwhile Queen Berenike, Cleopatra&rsquo;s
+sister, had been twice married. She had her miserable first husband
+strangled&mdash;a more manly spouse had been chosen by the Alexandrians
+for her second consort. He bravely defended his rights, and lost his life
+on the field of battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The senate learned speedily enough that Gabinius had brought the Ptolemy
+back to his country; the news reached us more slowly. We watched for every
+rumour with the same passionate anxiety as now.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;At that time Cleopatra was fourteen, and had developed magnificently.
+Yonder portrait shows the perfect flower, but the bud possessed, if
+possible, even more exquisite charm. How clear and earnest was the gaze of
+her bright eyes! When she was gay they could shine like stars, and then
+her little red mouth had an indescribably mischievous expression, and in
+each cheek came one of the tiny dimples which still delight every one. Her
+nose was more delicate than it is now, and the slight curve which appears
+in the portrait, and which is far too prominent in the coins, was not
+visible. Her hair did not grow dark until later in life. My sister
+Charmian had no greater pleasure than to arrange its wavy abundance. It
+was like silk, she often said, and she was right. I know this, for when at
+the festival of Isis, Cleopatra, holding the sistrum, followed the image
+of the goddess, she was obliged to wear it unconfined. On her return home
+she often shook her head merrily, and her hair fell about her like a
+cataract, veiling her face and figure. Then, as now, she was not above
+middle height, but her form possessed the most exquisite symmetry, only it
+was still more delicate and pliant.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She had understood how to win all hearts. Yet, though she seemed to
+esteem our father higher, trust me more fully, look up to Anubis with
+greater reverence, and prefer to argue with the keen-witted Timagenes, she
+still appeared to hold all who surrounded her in equal favour, while
+Arsinoë left me in the lurch if Straton were present, and whenever the
+handsome Melnodor, one of my father&rsquo;s pupils, came to us, she fairly
+devoured him with her glowing eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As soon as it was rumoured that the Romans were bringing the King back,
+Queen Berenike came to us to take the young girls to the city. When
+Cleopatra entreated her to leave her in our parents&rsquo; care and not
+interrupt her studies, a scornful smile flitted over Berenike&rsquo;s face, and
+turning to her husband Archelaus, she said scornfully, &lsquo;I think books will
+prove to be the smallest danger.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Pothinus, the guardian of the two princesses&rsquo; brothers, had formerly
+permitted them at times to visit their sisters. Now they were no longer
+allowed to leave Lochias, but neither Cleopatra nor Arsinoë made many
+inquiries about them. The little boys always retreated from their
+caresses, and the Egyptian locks on their temples, which marked the age of
+childhood, and the Egyptian garments which Pothinus made them wear, lent
+them an unfamiliar aspect.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When it was reported that the Romans were advancing from Gaza, both girls
+were overpowered by passionate excitement. Arsinoë&rsquo;s glittered in every
+glance; Cleopatra understood how to conceal hers, but her colour often
+varied, and her face, which was not pink and white like her sister&rsquo;s, but&mdash;how
+shall I express it?&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I know what you mean,&rdquo; Barine interrupted. &ldquo;When I saw her, nothing
+seemed to me more charming than that pallid hue through which the crimson
+of her cheeks shines like the flame through yonder alabaster lamp, the
+tint of the peach through the down. I have seen it often in convalescents.
+Aphrodite breathes this hue on the faces and figures of her favourites
+only, as the god of time imparts the green tinge to the bronze. Nothing is
+more beautiful than when such women blush.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Your sight is keen,&rdquo; replied Archibius, smiling. &ldquo;It seemed indeed as if
+not Eos, but her faint reflection in the western horizon, was tinting the
+sky, when joy or shame sent the colour to her cheeks, But when wrath took
+possession of her&mdash;and ere the King&rsquo;s return this often happened&mdash;she
+could look as if she were lifeless, like a marble statue, with lips as
+colourless as those of a corpse.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My father said that the blood of Physkon and other degenerate ancestors,
+who had not learned to control their passions, was asserting itself in her
+also. But I must continue my story, or the messenger will interrupt me too
+soon.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Gabinius was bringing back the King. But from the time of his approach
+with the Roman army and the auxiliary troops of the Ethnarch of Judea,
+nothing more was learned of him or of Antipater, who commanded the forces
+of Hyrkanus; every one talked constantly of the Roman general Antony. He
+had led the troops successfully through the deserts between Syria and the
+Egyptian Delta without losing a single man on the dangerous road by the
+Sirbonian Sea and Barathra, where many an army had met destruction. Not to
+Antipater, but to him, had the Jewish garrison of Pelusium surrendered
+their city without striking a blow. He had conquered in two battles; and
+the second, where, as you know, Berenike&rsquo;s husband fell after a brave
+resistance, had decided the destiny of the country.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;From the time his name was first mentioned, neither of the girls could
+hear enough about him. It was said that he was the most aristocratic of
+aristocratic Romans, the most reckless of the daring, the wildest of the
+riotous, and the handsomest of the handsome.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The waiting-maid from Mantua, with whom Cleopatra practised speaking the
+Roman language, had often seen him, and had heard of him still more
+frequently&mdash;for his mode of life was the theme of gossip among all
+classes of Roman men and women. His house was said to have descended in a
+direct line from Hercules, and his figure and magnificent black beard
+recalled his ancestor. You know him, and know that the things reported of
+him are those which a young girl cannot hear with indifference, and at
+that time he was nearly five lustra younger than he is to-day.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How eagerly Arsinoë listened when his name was uttered! How Cleopatra
+flushed and paled when Timagenes condemned him as an unprincipled
+libertine! True, Antony was opening her father&rsquo;s path to his home.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The flute-player had not forgotten his daughters. He had remained aloof
+from the battle, but as soon as the victory was decided, he pressed on
+into the city.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The road led past our garden.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The King had barely time to send a runner to his daughters, fifteen
+minutes before his arrival, to say that he desired to greet them. They
+were hurriedly attired in festal garments, and both presented an
+appearance that might well gladden a father&rsquo;s heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cleopatra was not yet as tall as Arsinoë, but, though only fourteen, she
+looked like a full-grown maiden, while her sister&rsquo;s face and figure showed
+that in years she was still a child. But she was no longer one in heart.
+Bouquets for the returning sovereign had been arranged as well as haste
+permitted. Each one of the girls held one in her hand when the train
+approached.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My parents accompanied them to the garden gate. I could see what was
+passing, but could hear distinctly only the voices of the men.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The King alighted from the travelling chariot, which was drawn by eight
+white Median steeds. The chamberlain who attended him was obliged to
+support him. His face, reddened by his potations, fairly beamed as he
+greeted his daughters. His joyful surprise at the sight of both, but
+especially of Cleopatra, was evident. True, he kissed and embraced
+Arsinoë, but after that he had eyes and ears solely for Cleopatra.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet his younger daughter was very beautiful. Away from her sister, she
+would have commanded the utmost admiration; but Cleopatra was like the
+sun, beside which every other heavenly body pales. Yet, no; she should not
+be compared to the sun. It was part of the fascination she exerted that
+every one felt compelled to gaze at her, to discover the source of the
+charm which emanated from her whole person.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antony, too, was enthralled by the spell as soon as he heard the first
+words from her lips. He had dashed up to the King&rsquo;s chariot, and seeing
+the two daughters by their father&rsquo;s side, he greeted them with a hasty
+salute. When, in reply to the question whether he might hope for her
+gratitude for bringing her father back to her so quickly, she said that as
+a daughter she sincerely rejoiced, but as an Egyptian the task would be
+harder, he gazed more keenly at her.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I did not know her answer until later; but ere the last sound of her
+voice had died away, I saw the Roman spring from his charger and fling the
+bridle to Ammonius&mdash;the chamberlain who had assisted the King from
+the chariot&mdash;as if he were his groom. The woman-hunter had met with
+rare game in his pursuit of the fairest, and while he continued his
+conversation with Cleopatra her father sometimes joined in, and his deep
+laughter was often heard.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No one would have recognized the earnest disciple of Epicurus. We had
+often heard apt replies and original thoughts from Cleopatra&rsquo;s lips, but
+she had rarely answered Timagenes&rsquo;s jests with another. Now she found&mdash;one
+could see it by watching the speakers&mdash;a witty answer to many of
+Antony&rsquo;s remarks. It seemed as if, for the first time, she had met some
+one for whom she deemed it worth while to bring into the field every gift
+of her deep and quick intelligence. Yet she did not lose for a moment her
+womanly dignity; her eyes did not sparkle one whit more brightly than
+during an animated conversation with me or our father.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It was very different with Arsinoë. When Antony flung himself from his
+horse, she had moved nearer to her sister, but, as the Roman continued to
+overlook her, her face crimsoned, she bit her scarlet lips. Her whole
+attitude betrayed the agitation that mastered her, and I, who knew her,
+saw by the expression of her eyes and her quivering nostrils that she was
+on the point of bursting into tears. Though Cleopatra stood so much nearer
+to my heart, I felt sorry for her, and longed to touch the arm of the
+haughty Roman, who indeed looked like the god of war, and whisper to him
+to take some little notice of the poor child, who was also a daughter of
+the King.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But a still harder blow was destined to fall upon Arsinoë; for when the
+King, who had been holding both bouquets, warned Antony that it was time
+to depart, he took one, and I heard him say in his deep, loud tones,
+&lsquo;Whoever calls such flowers his daughters does not need so many others.&rsquo;
+Then he gave Cleopatra the blossoms and, laying his hand upon his heart,
+expressed the hope of seeing her in Alexandria, and swung himself upon the
+charger which the chamberlain, pale with fury, was still holding by the
+bridle.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The flute-player was delighted with his oldest daughter, and told my
+father he would have the young princess conveyed to the city on the day
+after the morrow. The next day he had things to do of which he desired her
+to have no knowledge. Our father, in token of his gratitude, should retain
+for himself and his heirs the summer palace and the garden. He would see
+that the change of owner was entered in the land register. This was really
+done that very day. It was, indeed, his first act save one&mdash;the
+execution of his daughter Berenike.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This ruler, who would have seemed to any one who beheld his meeting with
+his children a warm-hearted man and a tender father, at that time would
+have put half Alexandria to the sword, had not Antony interposed. He
+forbade the bloodshed, and honoured Berenike&rsquo;s dead husband by a stately
+funeral.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As the steed bore him away, he turned back towards Cleopatra; he could
+not have saluted Arsinoë, for she had rushed into the garden, and her
+swollen face betrayed that she had shed burning tears.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;From that hour she bitterly hated Cleopatra.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;On the day appointed, the King brought the princesses to the city with
+regal splendour. The Alexandrians joyously greeted the royal sisters, as,
+seated on a golden throne, over which waved ostrich-feathers, they were
+borne in state down the Street of the King, surrounded by dignitaries,
+army commanders, the body-guard, and the senate of the city. Cleopatra
+received the adulation of the populace with gracious majesty, as if she
+were already Queen. Whoever had seen her as, with floods of tears, she
+bade us all farewell, assuring us of her gratitude and faithful
+remembrance, the sisterly affection she showed me&mdash;I had just been
+elected commander of the Ephebi&mdash;&rdquo; Here Archibius was interrupted by
+a slave, who announced the arrival of the messenger, and, rising
+hurriedly, he went to Leonax&rsquo;s workshop, to which the man had been
+conducted, that he might speak to him alone.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch06">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER VI.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The men sent by Archibius to obtain news had brought back no definite
+information; but a short time before, a royal runner had handed him a
+tablet from Iras, requesting him to visit her the next day. Disquieting,
+but fortunately as yet unverified tidings had arrived. The Regent was
+doing everything in his power to ascertain the truth; but he (Archibius)
+was aware of the distrust of the government, and everything connected with
+it, felt by the sailors and all the seafaring folk at the harbour. An
+independent person like himself could often learn more than the chief of
+the harbour police, with all his ships and men.
+</p>
+<p>
+The little tablet was accompanied by a second, which, in the Regent&rsquo;s
+name, authorized the bearer to have the harbour chains raised anywhere, to
+go out into the open sea and return without interference.
+</p>
+<p>
+The messenger, the overseer of Archibius&rsquo;s galley slaves, was an
+experienced man. He undertook to have the &ldquo;Epicurus&rdquo;&mdash;a swift vessel,
+which Cleopatra had given to her friend&mdash;ready for a voyage to the
+open sea within two hours. The carriage should be sent for his master,
+that no time might be lost.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Archibius had returned to the ladies and asked whether it would be an
+abuse of their hospitality, if&mdash;it was now nearly midnight&mdash;he
+should still delay his departure for a time, they expressed sincere
+pleasure, and begged him to continue his narrative.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I must hasten,&rdquo; he hurriedly began, after eating the lunch which Berenike
+had ordered while he was talking with the messenger, &ldquo;but the events of
+the next few years are hardly worth mentioning. Besides, my time was
+wholly occupied by my studies in the museum.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As for Cleopatra and Arsinoë, they stood like queens at the head of all
+the magnificence of the court. The day on which they left our house was
+the last of their childhood.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Who would venture to determine whether her father&rsquo;s restoration, or the
+meeting with Antony, had wrought the great change which took place at that
+time in Cleopatra?
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Just before she left us, my mother had lamented that she must give her to
+a father like the flute-player, instead of to a worthy mother; for the
+best could not help regarding herself happy in the possession of such a
+daughter. Afterwards her character and conduct were better suited to
+delight men than to please a mother. The yearning for peace of mind seemed
+over. Only the noisy festivals, the singing and music, of which there was
+never any cessation in the palace of the royal virtuoso, seemed to weary
+her and at such times she appeared at our house and spent several days
+beneath its roof. Arsinoë never accompanied her; her heart was sometimes
+won by a golden-haired officer in the ranks of the German horsemen whom
+Gabinius had left among the garrison of Alexandria, sometimes by a
+Macedonian noble among the youths who, at that time, performed the service
+of guarding the palace.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cleopatra lived apart from her, and Arsinoë openly showed her hostility
+from the time that she entreated her to put an end to the scandal caused
+by her love affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cleopatra held aloof from such things.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Though she had devoted much time to the magic arts of the Egyptians, her
+clear intellect had rendered her so familiar with the philosophy of the
+Hellenes that it was a pleasure to hear her converse or argue in the
+museum&mdash;as she often did&mdash;with the leaders of the various schools. Her
+self-confidence had become very strong. Though, while with us, she said
+that she longed to return to the days of the peaceful Garden of Epicurus,
+she devoted herself eagerly enough to the events occurring in the world
+and to statecraft. She was familiar with everything in Rome, the desires
+and struggles of the contending parties, as well as the characters of the
+men who were directing affairs, their qualities, views, and aims.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She followed Antony&rsquo;s career with the interest of love, for she had
+bestowed on him the first affection of her young heart. She had expected
+the greatest achievements, but his subsequent course seemed to belie these
+lofty hopes. A tinge of scorn coloured her remarks concerning him at that
+time, but here also her heart had its share.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Pompey, to whom her father owed his restoration to the throne, she
+considered a lucky man, rather than a great and wise one. Of Julius
+Cæsar, on the contrary, long before she met him, she spoke with ardent
+enthusiasm, though she knew that he would gladly have made Egypt a Roman
+province. The greatest deed which she expected from the energetic Julius
+was that he would abolish the republic, which she hated, and soar upward
+to tyrannize over the arrogant rulers of the world&mdash;only she would
+fain have seen Antony in his place. How often in those days she used magic
+art to assure herself of his future! Her father was interested in these
+things, especially as, through them, and the power of the mighty Isis, he
+expected to obtain relief from his many and severe sufferings.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cleopatra&rsquo;s brothers were still mere boys, completely dependent upon
+their guardian, Pothinus, to whom the King left the care of the
+government, and their tutor, Theodotus, a clever but unprincipled
+rhetorician. These two men and Achillas, the commander of the troops,
+would gladly have aided Dionysus, the King&rsquo;s oldest male heir, to obtain
+the control of the state, in order afterwards to rule him, but the
+flute-player baffled their plans. You know that in his last will he made
+Cleopatra, his favourite child, his successor, but her brother Dionysus
+was to share the throne as her husband. This caused much scandal in Rome,
+though it was an old custom of the house of Ptolemy, and suited the
+Egyptians.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The flute-player died. Cleopatra became Queen, and at the same time the
+wife of a husband ten years old, for whom she did not even possess the
+natural gift of sisterly tenderness. But with the obstinate child who had
+been told by his counsellors that the right to rule should be his alone,
+she also married the former governors of the country.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then began a period of sore suffering. Her life was a perpetual battle
+against notorious intrigues, the worst of which owed their origin to her
+sister. Arsinoë had surrounded herself with a court of her own, managed by
+the eunuch Ganymedes, an experienced commander, and at the same time a
+shrewd adviser, wholly devoted to her interest. He understood how to bring
+her into close relations with Pothinus and other rulers of the state, and
+thus at last united all who possessed any power in the royal palace in an
+endeavour to thrust Cleopatra from the throne. Pothinus, Theodotus, and
+Achillas hated her because she saw their failings and made them feel the
+superiority of her intellect. Their combined efforts might have succeeded
+in overthrowing her before, had not the Alexandrians, headed by the
+Ephebi, over whom I still had some influence, stood by her so steadfastly.
+Whoever could still be classed as a &lsquo;youth&rsquo; glowed with enthusiasm for her,
+and most of the Macedonian nobles in the body-guard would have gone to
+death for her sake, though she had forced them to gaze hopelessly up to
+her as if she were some unapproachable goddess.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When her father died she was seventeen, but she knew how to resist
+oppressors and foes as if she were a man. My sister, Charmian, whom she
+had appointed to a place in her service, loyally aided her. At that time
+she was a beautiful and lovable girl, but the spell exerted by the Queen
+fettered her like chains and bonds. She voluntarily resigned the love of a
+noble man&mdash;he afterwards became your husband, Berenike&mdash;in order
+not to leave her royal friend at a time when she so urgently needed her.
+Since then my sister has shut her heart against love. It belonged to
+Cleopatra. She lives, thinks, cares for her alone. She is fond of you,
+Barine, because your father was so dear to her. Iras, whose name is so
+often associated with hers, is the daughter of my oldest sister, who was
+already married when the King entrusted the princesses to our father&rsquo;s
+care. She is thirteen years younger than Cleopatra, but her mistress holds
+the first place in her heart also. Her father, the wealthy Krates, made
+every effort to keep her from entering the service of the Queen, but in
+vain. A single conversation with this marvellous woman had bound her
+forever.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But I must be brief. You have doubtless heard how completely Cleopatra
+bewitched Pompey&rsquo;s son during his visit to Alexandria. She had not been so
+gracious to any man since her meeting with Antony, and it was not from
+affection, but to maintain the independence of her beloved native land. At
+that time the father of Gnejus was the man who possessed the most power,
+and statecraft commanded her to win him through his son. The young Roman
+also took his leave &lsquo;full of her,&rsquo; as the Egyptians say. This pleased her,
+but the visit greatly aided her foes. There was no slander which was not
+disseminated against her. The commanders of the body-guard, whom she had
+always treated as a haughty Queen, had seen her associate with Pompey&rsquo;s
+son in the theatre as if he were a friend of equal rank; and on many other
+occasions the Alexandrians saw her repay his courtesies in the same coin.
+But in those days hatred of Rome surged high. The regents, leagued with
+Arsinoë, spread the rumour that Cleopatra would deliver Egypt up to
+Pompey, if the senate would secure to her the sole sovereignty of the new
+province, and leave her free to rid herself of her royal brother and
+husband.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She was compelled to fly, and went first to the Syrian frontier, to gain
+friends for her cause among the Asiatic princes. My brother Straton&mdash;you
+remember the noble youth who won the prize for wrestling at Olympia,
+Berenike&mdash;and I were commissioned to carry the treasure to her. We
+doubtless exposed ourselves to great peril, but we did so gladly, and left
+Alexandria with a few camels, an ox-cart, and some trusted slaves. We were
+to go to Gaza, where Cleopatra was already beginning to collect an army,
+and had disguised ourselves as Nabatæan merchants. The languages which I
+had learned, in order not to be distanced by Cleopatra, were now of great
+service.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Those were stirring times. The names of Cæsar and Pompey were in every
+mouth. After the defeat at Dyrrachium the cause of Julius seemed lost, but
+the Pharsalian battle again placed him uppermost, unless the East rose in
+behalf of Pompey. Both seemed to be favourites of Fortune. The question
+now was to which the goddess would prove most faithful.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My sister Charmian was with the Queen, but through one of Arsinoë&rsquo;s
+maids, who was devoted to her, we had learned from the palace that
+Pompey&rsquo;s fate was decided. He had come a fugitive from the defeat of
+Pharsalus, and begged the King of Egypt&mdash;that is, the men who were
+acting in his name&mdash;for a hospitable reception. Pothinus and his
+associates had rarely confronted a greater embarrassment. The troops and
+ships of the victorious Cæsar were close at hand; many of Gabinius&rsquo; men
+were serving in the Egyptian army. To receive the vanquished Pompey kindly
+was to make the victorious Cæsar a foe. I was to witness the terrible
+solution of this dilemma. The infamous words of Theodotus, &lsquo;Dead dogs no
+longer bite,&rsquo; had turned the scale.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My brother and I reached Mount Casius with our precious freight, and
+pitched our tents to await a messenger, when a large body of armed men
+approached from the city. At first we feared that we were pursued; but a
+spy reported that the King himself was among the soldiery, and at the same
+time a large Roman galley drew near the coast. It must be Pompey&rsquo;s. So
+they had changed their views, and the King was coming in person to receive
+their guest. The troops encamped on the flat shore on which stood the
+Temple of the Casian Amon.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The September sun shone brightly, and was reflected from the weapons.
+From the high bank of the dry bed of the river, where we had pitched our
+tent, we saw something scarlet move to and fro. It was the King&rsquo;s mantle.
+The waves, stirred by the autumn breeze, rippled lightly, blue as
+cornflowers, over the yellow sand of the dunes; but the King stood still,
+shading his eyes with his hand as he gazed at the galley. Meanwhile,
+Achillas, the commander of the troops, and Septimius, the tribune, who
+belonged to the Roman garrison in Alexandria, and who, I knew, had served
+under Pompey and owed him many favours, had entered a boat and put off to
+the vessel, which could not come nearer the land on account of the shallow
+water.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The conference now began, and Achillas&rsquo;s offer of hospitality must have
+been very warm and well calculated to inspire confidence, for a tall lady&mdash;it
+was Cornelia, the wife of the Imperator&mdash;waved her hand to him in
+token of gratitude.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here the speaker paused, drew a long breath, and, pressing his hand to his
+brow, continued:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;What follows&mdash;alas, that it was my fate to witness
+the dreadful scene! How often a garbled account has been given, and yet
+the whole was so terribly simple!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Fortune makes her favourites confiding. Pompey was also. Though more than
+fifty years old&mdash;he lacked two years of sixty&mdash;he sprang into
+the boat quickly enough, with merely a little assistance from a freedman.
+A sailor&mdash;he was a negro&mdash;shoved the skiff off from the side of
+the huge ship as violently as if the pole he used for the purpose was a
+spear, and the galley his foe. The boat, urged by his companions&rsquo; oars,
+had already moved forward, and he stumbled, the brown cap falling from his
+woolly head in the act. It seems as if I could still see him. Ere I
+clearly realized that this was an evil omen, the boat stopped.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The water was shallow. I saw Achillas point to the shore. It could be
+reached by a single bound. Pompey looked towards the King. The freedman
+put his hand under his arm to help him rise. Septimius also stood up. I
+thought he intended to assist him. But no! What did this mean? Something
+flashed by the Imperator&rsquo;s silver-grey hair as if a spark had fallen from
+the sky. Would Pompey defend himself, or why did he raise his hand? It was
+to draw around him the toga, with which he silently covered his face. The
+tribune&rsquo;s arm was again raised high into the air, and then&mdash;what
+confusion! Here, there, yonder, hands suddenly appeared aloft, bright
+flashes darted through the clear air. Achillas, the general, dealt blows
+with his dagger as if he were skilled in murder. The Imperator&rsquo;s stalwart
+figure sank forward. The freedman supported him.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then shouts arose, here a cry of fury, yonder a wail of grief, and,
+rising above all, a woman&rsquo;s shriek of anguish. It came from the lips of
+Cornelia, the murdered man&rsquo;s wife. Shouts of applause from the King&rsquo;s camp
+followed, then the blast of a trumpet; the Egyptians drew back from the
+shore. The scarlet cloak again appeared. Septimius, bearing in his hand a
+bleeding head, went towards it and held the ghastly trophy aloft. The
+royal boy gazed into the dull eyes of the victim, who had guided the
+destinies of many a battlefield, of Rome, of two quarters of the globe.
+The sight was probably too terrible for the child upon the throne, for he
+averted his head. The ship moved away from the land, the Egyptians formed
+into ranks and marched off. Achillas cleansed his blood-stained hands in
+the sea-water. The freedman beside him washed his master&rsquo;s headless trunk.
+The general shrugged his shoulders as the faithful fellow heaped
+reproaches on him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Archibius paused, drawing a long breath. Then he continued more
+calmly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Achillas did not lead the troops back to Alexandria, but eastward,
+towards Pelusium, as I learned later.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My brother and I stood on the rocky edge of the ravine. It was long ere
+either spoke. A cloud of dust concealed the King and his body-guard, the
+sails of the galley disappeared. Twilight closed in, and Straton pointed
+westward towards Alexandria. Then the sun set. Red! red! It seemed as if a
+torrent of blood was pouring over the city.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Night followed. A scanty fire was glimmering on the strand. Where had the
+wood been gathered in this desert? How had it been kindled? A wrecked,
+mouldering boat had lain close beside the scene of the murder. The
+freedman and his companions had broken it up and fed the flames with
+withered boughs, the torn garments of the murdered man, and dry sea-weed.
+A blaze soon rose, and a body was carefully placed upon the wretched
+funeral pyre. It was the corpse of the great Pompey. One of the
+Imperator&rsquo;s veterans aided the faithful servant.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Archibius sank back again among the cushions, adding in explanation:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cordus, the man&rsquo;s name was Servius Cordus. He fared well later. The Queen
+provided for him. The others? Fate overtook them all soon enough.
+Theodotus was condemned by Brutus to a torturing death. Amid his loud
+shrieks of agony one of Pompey&rsquo;s veterans shouted, &lsquo;Dead dogs no longer
+bite, but they howl when dying!&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It was worthy of Cæsar that he averted his face in horror from the head
+of his enemy, which Theodotus sent to him. Pothinus, too, vainly awaited
+the reward of his infamous deed.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Julius Cæsar had cast anchor before Alexandria shortly after the King&rsquo;s
+return. Not until after his arrival in Egypt did he learn how Pompey had
+been received there. You know that he remained nine months. How often I
+have heard it said that Cleopatra understood how to chain him here! This
+is both true and false. He was obliged to stay half a year; the following
+three months he did indeed give to the woman whom he loved. Ay, the heart
+of the man of fifty-four had again opened to a great passion. Like all
+wounds, those inflicted by the arrows of Eros heal more slowly when youth
+lies behind the stricken one. It was not only the eyes and the senses
+which attracted a couple so widely separated by years, but far more the
+mental characteristics of both. Two winged intellects had met. The genius
+of one had recognized that of the other. The highest type of manhood had
+met perfect womanhood. They could not fail to attract each other. I
+expected it; for Cleopatra had long watched breathlessly the flight of
+this eagle who soared so far above the others, and she was strong enough
+to keep at his side.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We succeeded in joining Cleopatra, and heard that, spite of the hostility
+of our citizens, Cæsar had occupied the palace of the Ptolemies and was
+engaged in restoring order.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We knew in what way Pothinus, Achillas, and Arsinoë would seek to
+influence him. Cleopatra had good reason to fear that her foes might
+deliver Egypt unconditionally to Rome, if Cæsar should leave the reins of
+government in their hands and shut her out. She had cause to dread this,
+but she also had the courage to act in person in her own behalf.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The point now was to bring her into the city, the palace&mdash;nay, into direct
+communication with the dictator. Children tell the tale of the strong man
+who bore Cleopatra in a sack through the palace portals. It was not a sack
+which concealed her, but a Syrian carpet. The strong man was my brother
+Straton. I went first, to secure a free passage.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Julius Cæsar and she saw and found each other. Fate merely drew the
+conclusion which must result from such premises. Never have I seen
+Cleopatra happier, more exalted in mind and heart, yet she was menaced on
+all sides by serious perils. It required all the military genius of Cæsar
+to conquer the fierce hostility which he encountered here. It was this,
+not the thrall of Cleopatra, I repeat, which first bound him to Egypt.
+What would have prevented him&mdash;as he did later&mdash;from taking the
+object of his love to Rome, had it been possible at that time? But this
+was not the case. The Alexandrians provided for that.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He had recognized the flute-player&rsquo;s will, nay, had granted more to the
+royal house than could have been given to the former. Cleopatra and her
+brother-husband, Dionysus, were to share the government, and he also
+bestowed on Arsinoë and her youngest brother the island of Cyprus, which
+had been wrested from their uncle Ptolemy by the republic. Rome was, of
+course, to remain the guardian of the brothers and sisters.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This arrangement was unendurable to Pothinus and the former rulers of the
+state. Cleopatra as Queen, and Rome&mdash;that is Cæsar, the dictator,
+her friend, as guardian&mdash;meant their removal from power, their
+destruction, and they resisted violently.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The Egyptians and even the Alexandrians supported them. The young King
+hated nothing more than the yoke of the unloved sister, who was so greatly
+his superior. Cæsar had come with a force by no means equal to theirs,
+and it might be possible to draw the mighty general into a snare. They
+fought with all the power at their command, with such passionate
+eagerness, that the dictator had never been nearer succumbing to peril.
+But Cleopatra certainly did not paralyze his strength and cautious
+deliberation. No! He had never been greater; never proved the power of his
+genius so magnificently. And against what superior power, what hatred he
+contended! I myself saw the young King, when he heard that Cleopatra had
+succeeded in entering the palace and meeting Cæsar, rush into the street,
+fairly crazed by rage, tear the diadem from his head, hurl it on the
+pavement, and shriek to the passers-by that he was betrayed, until
+Cæsar&rsquo;s soldiers forced him back into the palace, and dispersed the mob.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Arsinoë had received more than she could venture to expect; but she was
+again most deeply angered. After Cæsar&rsquo;s entry into the palace, she had
+received him as Queen, and hoped everything from his favour. Then her
+hated sister had come and, as so often happened, she was forgotten for
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s sake.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This was too much, and with the eunuch Ganymedes, her confidant, and&mdash;as
+I have already said&mdash;an able warrior, she left the palace and joined
+the dictator&rsquo;s foes.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;There were severe battles on land and sea; in the streets of the city,
+for the drinkable water excavated by the foe; and against the
+conflagration which destroyed part of the Bruchium and the library of the
+museum. Yet, half dead with thirst, barely escaped from drowning,
+threatened on all sides by fierce hatred, he stood firm, and remained
+victor also in the open field, after the young King had placed himself at
+the head of the Egyptians and collected an army.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You know that the boy was drowned in the flight.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In battle and mortal peril, amid blood and the clank of arms, Cæsar and
+Cleopatra spent half a year ere they were permitted to pluck the fruit of
+their common labour. The dictator now made her Queen of Egypt, and gave
+her, as co-regent, her youngest brother, a boy not half her own age. To
+Arsinoë he granted the life she had forfeited, but sent her to Italy.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Peace followed the victory. Now, it is true, grave duties must have
+summoned the statesman back to Rome, but he tarried three full months
+longer.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whoever knows the life of the ambitious Julius, and is aware what this
+delay might have cost him, may well strike his brow with his hand, and
+ask, &lsquo;Is it true and possible that he used this precious time to take a
+trip with the woman he loved up the Nile, to the island of Isis, which is
+so dear to the Queen, to the extreme southern frontier of the country?&rsquo;
+Yet it was so, and I myself went in the second ship, and not only saw them
+together, but more than once shared their banquets and their conversation.
+It was giving and taking, forcing down and elevating, a succession of
+discords, not unpleasant to hear, because experience taught that they
+would finally terminate in the most beautiful harmony. It was a festal day
+for all the senses.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I imagine the whole Nile journey,&rdquo; interrupted Barine, &ldquo;to be like the
+fairy voyage, when the purple silk sails of Cleopatra&rsquo;s galley bore Antony
+along the Cydnus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No, no,&rdquo; replied Archibius, &ldquo;she first learned from Antony the art of
+filling this earthly existence with fleeting pleasures. Cæsar demanded
+more. Her intellect offered him the highest enjoyment.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here he hesitated.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;True, the skill with which, to please Antony, she daily offered him for
+years fresh charms for every sense, was not a matter of accident.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And this,&rdquo; cried Barine, &ldquo;this was undertaken by the woman who had
+recognized the chief good in peace of mind!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ay,&rdquo; replied Archibius thoughtfully, &ldquo;yet this was the inevitable result.
+Pleasure had been the young girl&rsquo;s object in life. Ere passion awoke in
+her soul, peace of mind was the chief good she knew. When the hour arrived
+that this proved unattainable, the firmly rooted yearning for happiness
+still remained the purpose of her existence. My father would have been
+wiser to take her to the Stoa and impress it upon her that, if life must
+have a goal, it should be only to live in accordance with the sensibly
+arranged course of the world, and in harmony with one&rsquo;s own nature. He
+should have taught her to derive happiness from virtue. He should have
+stamped goodness upon the soul of the future Queen as the fundamental law
+of her being. He omitted to do this, because in his secluded life he had
+succeeded in finding the happiness which the master promises to his
+disciples. From Athens to Cyrene, from Epicurus to Aristippus, is but a
+short step, and Cleopatra took it when she forgot that the master was far
+from recognizing the chief good in the enjoyment of individual pleasure.
+The happiness of Epicurus was not inferior to that of Zeus, if he had only
+barley bread and water to appease his hunger and thirst.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet she still considered herself a follower of Epicurus, and later, when
+Antony had gone to the Parthian war, and she was a long time alone, she
+once more began to strive for freedom from pain and peace of mind, but the
+state, her children, the marriage of Antony&mdash;who had long been her
+lover&mdash;to Octavia, the yearning of her own heart, Anubis, magic, and
+the Egyptian teachings of the life after death, above all, the burning
+ambition, the unresting desire to be loved, where she herself loved, to be
+first among the foremost&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here he was interrupted by the messenger, who informed him that the ship
+was ready.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch07">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER VII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Archibius had buried himself so deeply in the past that it was several
+minutes ere he could bring himself back to the present. When he did so, he
+hastily discussed with the two ladies the date of their departure.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was hard for Berenike to leave her injured brother, and Barine longed
+to see Dion once more before the journey. Both were reluctant to quit
+Alexandria ere decisive news had arrived from the army and the fleet. So
+they requested a few days&rsquo; delay; but Archibius cut them short, requiring
+them, with a resolution which transformed the amiable friend into a stern
+master, to be ready for the journey the next day at sunset. His Nile boat
+would await them at the Agathodæmon harbour on Lake Mareotis, and his
+travelling chariot would convey them thither, with as much luggage and as
+many female slaves as they desired to take with them. Then softening his
+tone, he briefly reminded the ladies of the great annoyances to which a
+longer stay would expose them, excused his rigour on the plea of haste,
+pressed the hands of the mother and daughter, and retired without heeding
+Barine, who called after him, yet could desire nothing save to plead for a
+longer delay. The carriage bore him swiftly to the great harbour.
+</p>
+<p>
+The waxing moon was mirrored like a silver column, now wavering and
+tremulous, now rent by the waves tossing under a strong southeast wind,
+and illumined the warm autumn night. The sea outside was evidently running
+high. This was apparent by the motion of the vessels lying at anchor in
+the angle which the shore in front of the superb Temple of Poseidon formed
+with the Choma. This was a tongue of land stretched like a finger into the
+sea, on whose point stood a little palace which Cleopatra, incited by a
+chance remark of Antony, had had built there to surprise him.
+</p>
+<p>
+Another, of white marble, glimmered in the moonlight from the island of
+Antirrhodus; and farther still a blazing fire illumined the darkness. Its
+flames flared from the top of the famous lighthouse on the island of
+Pharos at the entrance of the harbour, and, swayed to and fro by the wind,
+steeped the horizon and the outer edge of the dark water in the harbour
+with moving masses of light which irradiated the gloomy distance,
+sometimes faintly, anon more brilliantly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Spite of the late hour, the harbour was full of bustle, though the wind
+often blew the men&rsquo;s cloaks over their heads, and the women were obliged
+to gather their garments closely around them. True, at this hour commerce
+had ceased; but many had gone to the port in search of news, or even to
+greet before others the first ship returning from the victorious fleet;
+for that Antony had defeated Octavianus in a great battle was deemed
+certain.
+</p>
+<p>
+Guards were watching the harbour, and a band of Syrian horsemen had just
+passed from the barracks in the southern part of the Lochias to the Temple
+of Poseidon.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here the galleys lay at anchor, not in the harbour of Eunostus, which was
+separated from the other by the broad, bridge-like dam of the
+Heptastadium, that united the city and the island of Pharos. Near it were
+the royal palaces and the arsenal, and any tidings must first reach this
+spot. The other harbour was devoted to commerce, but, in order to prevent
+the spread of false reports, newly arrived ships were forbidden to enter.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, even at the great harbour, news could scarcely be expected, for a
+chain stretching from the end of the Pharos to a cliff directly opposite
+in the Alveus Steganus, closed the narrow opening. But it could be raised
+if a state galley arrived with an important message, and this was expected
+by the throng on the shore.
+</p>
+<p>
+Doubtless many came from banquets, cookshops, taverns, or the nocturnal
+meeting-places of the sects that practised the magic arts, yet the weight
+of anxious expectation seemed to check the joyous activity, and wherever
+Archibius glanced he beheld eager, troubled faces. The wind forced many to
+bow their heads, and, wherever they turned their eyes, flags and clouds of
+dust were fluttering in the air, increasing the confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the galley put off from the shore, and the flutes summoned the oarsmen
+to their toil, its owner felt so disheartened that he did not even venture
+to hope that he was going in quest of good tidings.
+</p>
+<p>
+Long-vanished days had, as it were, been called from the grave, and many a
+scene from the past rose before him as he lay among the cushions on the
+poop, gazing at the sky, across which dark, swiftly sailing clouds
+sometimes veiled the stars and again revealed them.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How much we can conceal by words without being guilty of falsehood!&rdquo; he
+murmured, while recalling what he had told the women.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ay, he had been Cleopatra&rsquo;s confidant in his early youth, but how he had
+loved her, how, even as a boy, he had been subject to her, body and soul!
+He had allowed her to see it, displayed, confessed it; and she had
+accepted it as her rightful due. She had repelled with angry pride his
+only attempt to clasp her, in his overflowing affection, in his arms; but
+to show his love for her is a crime for which the loftiest woman pardons
+the humblest suitor, and a few hours later Cleopatra had met him with the
+old affectionate familiarity.
+</p>
+<p>
+Again he recalled the torments which he had endured when compelled to
+witness how completely she yielded to the passion which drew her to
+Antony. At that time the Roman had merely swept through her life like a
+swiftly passing meteor, but many things betrayed that she did not forget
+him; and while Archibius had seen without pain her love for the great
+Cæsar bud and grow, the torturing feeling of jealousy again stirred in
+his heart, though youth was past, when at Tarsus, on the river Cydnus, she
+renewed the bond which still united her to Antony.
+</p>
+<p>
+Now his hair had grown grey, and though nothing had clouded his friendship
+for the Queen, though he had always been ready to serve her, this foolish
+feeling had not been banished, and again and again mastered his whole
+being. He by no means undervalued Antony&rsquo;s attractions; but he saw his
+foibles no less clearly. All in all, whenever he thought of this pair, he
+felt like the lover of art who entrusts the finest gem in his collection
+to a rich man who knows not how to prize its real value, and puts it in
+the wrong place.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet he wished the Roman the most brilliant victory; for his defeat would
+have been Cleopatra&rsquo;s also, and would she endure the consequences of such
+a disaster?
+</p>
+<p>
+The galley was approaching the flickering circle of light at the foot of
+the Pharos, and Archibius was just producing the token which was to secure
+the lifting of the chain, when his name echoed through the stillness of
+the night.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was Dion hailing him from a boat tossing near the mouth of the harbour
+on the waves surging in from the turbulent sea. He had recognized
+Archibius&rsquo;s swift galley from the bust of Epicurus which was illumined by
+the light of the lantern in the prow. Cleopatra had had it placed upon the
+ship which, by her orders, had been built for her friend.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion now desired to join him, and was soon standing on the deck at his
+side. He had landed on the island of Pharos, and entered a sailors&rsquo; tavern
+to learn what was passing. But no one could give him any definite
+information, for the wind was blowing from the land and allowed large
+vessels to approach the Egyptian coast only by the aid of oars. Shortly
+before the breeze had veered from south to southeast, and an experienced
+Rhodian would &ldquo;never again lift cup of wine to his lips&rdquo; if it did not
+blow from the north to-morrow or the day after. Then ships bearing news
+might reach Alexandria by the dozen&mdash;that is, the greybeard added
+with a defiant glance at the daintily clad city gentleman&mdash;if they
+were allowed to pass the Pharos or go through the Poseidon basin into the
+Eunostus. He had fancied that he saw sails on the horizon at sunset, but
+the swiftest galley became a hedgehog when the wind blew against its prow,
+and even checked the oars.
+</p>
+<p>
+Others, too, had fancied that they had seen sails, and Dion would gladly
+have gone out to sea to investigate, but he was entirely alone in a frail
+hired boat, and this would not have been permitted to pass beyond the
+harbour. The expectation that every road would be open to Archibius had
+not deceived him, and the harbour chain was drawn aside for the Epicurus.
+With swelling sails, urged by the strong wind blowing from the southeast,
+its keel cut the rolling waves.
+</p>
+<p>
+Soon a faint, tremulous light appeared in the north. It must be a ship;
+and though the helmsman in the tavern at Pharos, who looked as though he
+had not always steered peaceful trading-vessels, had spoken of some which
+did not let the ships they caught pass unscathed, the men on the
+well-equipped, stately Epicurus did not fear pirates, especially as
+morning was close at hand, and it had just shot by two clumsy men-of-war
+which had been sent out by the Regent.
+</p>
+<p>
+The strong wind filled every sail, rowing would have been useless labour,
+and the light in front seemed to be coming nearer.
+</p>
+<p>
+A wan glimmer was already beginning to brighten the distant east when the
+Epicurus approached the vessel with the light, but it seemed to wish to
+avoid the Alexandrian, and turned suddenly towards the northeast.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius and Dion now discussed whether it would be worth while to pursue
+the fugitive. It was a small ship, which, as the dark masses of clouds
+became bordered with golden edges, grew more distinct and appeared to be a
+Cilician pirate of the smallest size.
+</p>
+<p>
+As to its crew, the tried sailors on the Epicurus, a much larger vessel,
+which lacked no means of defence, showed no signs of alarm, the helmsman
+especially, who had served in the fleet of Sextus Pompey, and had sprung
+upon the deck of many a pirate ship.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius deemed it foolish to commence a conflict unnecessarily. But Dion
+was in the mood to brave every peril.
+</p>
+<p>
+If life and death were at stake, so much the better!
+</p>
+<p>
+He had informed his friend of Iras&rsquo;s fears.
+</p>
+<p>
+The fleet must be in a critical situation, and if the little Cilician had
+had nothing to conceal she would not have shunned the Epicurus.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was worth while to learn what had induced her to turn back just before
+reaching the harbour.
+</p>
+<p>
+The warlike helmsman also desired to give chase, and Archibius yielded,
+for the uncertainty was becoming more and more unbearable. Dion&rsquo;s
+soul was deeply burdened too. He could not banish Barine&rsquo;s image;
+and since Archibius had told him that he had found her resolved to shut
+her house against guests, and how willingly she had accepted his
+invitation to the country, again and again he pondered over the question
+what should prevent his marrying the quiet daughter of a distinguished
+artist, whom he loved?
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius had remarked that Barine would be glad to greet her most
+intimate friends&mdash;among whom he was included&mdash;in her quiet
+country home.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion did not doubt this, but he was equally sure that the greeting would
+bind him to her and rub him of his liberty, perhaps forever. But would the
+Alexandrian possess the lofty gift of freedom, if the Romans ruled his
+city as they governed Carthage or Corinth? If Cleopatra were defeated, and
+Egypt became a Roman province, a share in the business of the council,
+which was still addressed as &ldquo;Macedonian men,&rdquo; and which was dear to Dion,
+could offer nothing but humiliation, and no longer afford satisfaction.
+</p>
+<p>
+If a pirate&rsquo;s spear put an end to bondage under the Roman yoke and to this
+unworthy yearning and wavering, so much the better!
+</p>
+<p>
+On this autumn morning, under this grey sky, from which sank a damp, light
+fog, with these hopes and fears in his heart, he beheld in both the
+present and future naught save shadows.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Epicurus overtook and captured the fugitive. The slight resistance the
+vessel might have offered was relinquished when Archibius&rsquo;s helmsman
+shouted that the Epicurus did not belong to the royal navy, and had come
+in search of news.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Cilician took in his oars; Archibius and Dion entered the vessel and
+questioned the commander.
+</p>
+<p>
+He was an old, weather-beaten seaman, who would give no information until
+after he had learned what his pursuers really desired.
+</p>
+<p>
+At first he protested that he had witnessed on the Peloponnesian coast a
+great victory gained by the Egyptian galleys over those commanded by
+Octavianus; but the queries of the two friends involved him in
+contradictions, and he then pretended to know nothing, and to have spoken
+of a victory merely to please the Alexandrian gentlemen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion, accompanied by a few men from the crew of the Epicurus, searched the
+ship, and found in the little cabin a man bound and gagged, guarded by one
+of the pirates.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was a sailor from the Pontus, who spoke only his native language.
+Nothing intelligible could be obtained from him; but there were important
+suggestions in a letter, found in a chest in the cabin, among clothing,
+jewels, and other stolen articles.
+</p>
+<p>
+The letter&mdash;Dion could scarcely believe his own eyes&mdash;was addressed to his
+friend, the architect Gorgias. The pirate, being ignorant of writing, had
+not opened it, but Dion tore the wax from the cord without delay.
+Aristocrates, the Greek rhetorician, who had accompanied Antony to the
+war, had written from Tænarum, in the south of the Peloponnesus,
+requesting the architect, in the general&rsquo;s name, to set the little palace
+at the end of the Choma in order, and surround it on the land side with a
+high wall.
+</p>
+<p>
+No door would be necessary. Communication with the dwelling could be had
+by water. He must do his utmost to complete the work speedily.
+</p>
+<p>
+The friends gazed at each other in astonishment, as they read this
+commission.
+</p>
+<p>
+What could induce Antony to give so strange an order? How did it fall into
+the hands of the pirates?
+</p>
+<p>
+This must be understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Archibius, whose gentle nature, so well adapted to inspire
+confidence, quickly won friends, burst into passionate excitement, the
+unexpected transition rarely failed to produce its effect, especially as
+his tall, strong figure and marked features made a still more threatening
+impression.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even the captain gazed at him with fear, when the Alexandrian threatened
+to recall all his promises of consideration and mercy if the pirate
+withheld even the smallest trifle connected with this letter. The man
+speedily perceived that it would be useless to make false statements; for
+the captive from Pontus, though unable to speak Greek, understood the
+language, and either confirmed every remark of the other with vehement
+gestures, or branded it in the same manner as false.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thus it was discovered that the pirate craft, in company with a much
+larger vessel, owned by a companion, had lurked behind the promontory of
+Crete for a prize. They had neither seen nor heard aught concerning the
+two fleets, when a dainty galley, &ldquo;the finest and fleetest that ever
+sailed in the sea&rdquo;&mdash;it was probably the &ldquo;Swallow,&rdquo; Antony&rsquo;s
+despatch-boat&mdash;had run into the snare. To capture her was an easy task. The
+pirates had divided their booty, but the lion&rsquo;s share of goods and men had
+fallen to the larger ship.
+</p>
+<p>
+A pouch containing letters and money had been taken from a gentleman of
+aristocratic appearance&mdash;probably Antony&rsquo;s messenger&mdash;who had
+received a severe wound, died, and had been flung into the sea. The former
+had been used to light the fire, and only the one addressed to the
+architect remained.
+</p>
+<p>
+The captured sailors had said that the fleet of Octavianus had defeated
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s, and the Queen had fled, but that the land forces were still
+untouched, and might yet decide the conflict in Antony&rsquo;s favour. The
+pirate protested that he did not know the position of the army&mdash;it
+might be at Tænarum, whence the captured ship came. It was a sin and a
+shame, but his own crew had set it on fire, and it sank before his eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+This report seemed to be true, yet the Acharnanian coast, where the battle
+was said to have been fought, was so far from the southern point of the
+Peloponnesus, whence Antony&rsquo;s letter came, that it must have been written
+during the flight.
+</p>
+<p>
+One thing appeared to be certain&mdash;the fleet had been vanquished
+and dispersed on the 2d or 3d of September.
+</p>
+<p>
+Where would the Queen go now? What had become of the magnificent galleys
+which had accompanied her to the battle?
+</p>
+<p>
+Even the contrary winds would not have detained them so long, for they
+were abundantly supplied with rowers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Had Octavianus taken possession of them?
+</p>
+<p>
+Were they burned or sunk?
+</p>
+<p>
+But in that case how had Antony reached Tænarum?
+</p>
+<p>
+The pirate could give no answer to these questions, which stirred both
+heart and brain. Why should he conceal what had reached his ears?
+</p>
+<p>
+At last Archibius ordered the property stolen from Antony&rsquo;s ship, and the
+liberated sailor to be brought on board the Epicurus, but the pirate was
+obliged to swear not to remain in the waters between Crete and Alexandria.
+Then he was suffered to pursue his way unmolested.
+</p>
+<p>
+This adventure had occupied many hours, and the return against the wind
+was slow; for, during the chase the Epicurus had been carried by the
+strong breeze far out to sea. Yet, when still several miles from the mouth
+of the harbour at the Pharos, it was evident that the Rhodian helmsman in
+the island tavern had predicted truly; for the weather changed with
+unusual speed, and the wind now blew from the north. The sea fairly
+swarmed with ships, some belonging to the royal fleet, some to curious
+Alexandrians, who had sailed out to take a survey. Archibius and Dion had
+spent a sleepless night and day. The heavy air, pervaded by a fine mist,
+had grown cool. After refreshing themselves by a repast, they paced up and
+down the deck of the Epicurus.
+</p>
+<p>
+Few words were exchanged, and they wrapped their cloaks closer around
+them. Both had quaffed large draughts of the fiery wine with which the
+Epicurus was well supplied, but it would not warm them. Even the fire,
+blazing brightly in the richly furnished cabin, could scarcely do so.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius&rsquo;s thoughts lingered with his beloved Queen, and his vivid power
+of imagination conjured before his mind everything which could distress
+her. No possible chance, not even the most terrible, was forgotten, and
+when he saw her sinking in the ship, stretching her beautiful arms
+imploringly towards him, to whom she had so long turned in every perilous
+position, when he beheld her a captive in the presence of the hostile,
+cold-hearted Octavianus, the blood seemed to freeze in his veins. At last
+he dropped his felt mantle and, groaning aloud, struck his brow with his
+clenched hand. He had fancied her walking with gold chains on her slender
+wrists before the victor&rsquo;s four-horse chariot, and heard the exulting
+shouts of the Roman populace.
+</p>
+<p>
+That would have been the most terrible of all.
+</p>
+<p>
+To pursue this train of thought was beyond the endurance of the faithful
+friend, and Dion turned in surprise as he heard him sob and saw the tears
+which bedewed his face.
+</p>
+<p>
+His own heart was heavy enough, but he knew his companion&rsquo;s warm devotion
+to the Queen; so, passing his arm around his shoulder, he entreated him to
+maintain that peace of soul and mind which he had so often admired. In the
+most critical situations he had seen him stand high above them, as yonder
+man who fed the flames on the summit of the Pharos stood above the wild
+surges of the sea. If he would reflect over what had happened as
+dispassionately as usual, he could not fail to see that Antony must be
+free and in a position to guide his own future, since he directed the
+palace in the Choma to be put in order. He did not understand about the
+wall, but perhaps he was bringing home some distinguished captive whom he
+wished to debar from all communication with the city. It might prove that
+everything was far better than they feared, and they would yet smile at
+these grievous anxieties. His heart, too, was heavy, for he wished the
+Queen the best fortune, not only for her own sake, but because with her
+and her successful resistance to the greed of Rome was connected the
+liberty of Alexandria.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My love and anxiety, like yours,&rdquo; he concluded, &ldquo;have ever been given to
+her, the sovereign of this country. The world will be desolate, life will
+no longer be worth living, if the iron foot of Rome crushes our
+independence and freedom.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The words had sounded cordial and sincere, and Archibius followed Dion&rsquo;s
+counsel. Calm thought convinced him that nothing had yet happened which
+compelled belief in the worst result; and, as one who needs consolation
+often finds relief in comforting another, Archibius cheered his own
+heart by representing to his younger friend that, even if Octavianus were
+the victor and should deprive Egypt of her independence, he would scarcely
+venture to take from the citizens of Alexandria the free control of their
+own affairs. Then he explained to Dion that, as a young, resolute,
+independent man, he might render himself doubly useful if it were
+necessary to guard the endangered liberty of the city, and told him how
+many beautiful things life still held in store.
+</p>
+<p>
+His voice expressed anxious tenderness for his young friend. No one had
+spoken thus to Dion since his father&rsquo;s death.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Epicurus would soon reach the mouth of the harbour, and after landing
+he must again leave Archibius.
+</p>
+<p>
+The decisive hour which often unites earnest men more firmly than many
+previous years had come to both. They had opened their hearts to each
+other. Dion had withheld only the one thing which, at the first sight of
+the houses in the city, filled his soul with fresh uneasiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was long since he had sought counsel from others. Many who had asked
+his, had left him with thanks, to do exactly the opposite of what he had
+advised, though it would have been to their advantage. More than once he,
+too, had done the same, but now a powerful impulse urged him to confide in
+Archibius. He knew Barine, and wished her the greatest happiness. Perhaps
+it would be wise to let another person, who was kindly disposed, consider
+what his own heart so eagerly demanded and prudence forbade.
+</p>
+<p>
+Hastily forming his resolution, he again turned to his friend, saying:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You have shown yourself a father to me. Imagine that I am indeed your
+son, and, as such wished to confess that a woman had become dear to my
+heart, and to ask whether you would be glad to greet her as a daughter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Archibius interrupted him with the exclamation: &ldquo;A ray of light amid
+all this gloom? Grasp what you have too long neglected as soon as
+possible! It befits a good citizen to marry. The Greek does not attain
+full manhood till he becomes husband and father. If I have remained
+unwedded, there was a special reason for it, and how often I have envied
+the cobbler whom I saw standing before his shop in the evening, holding
+his child in his arms, or the pilot, to whom large and small hands were
+stretched in greeting when he returned home! When I enter my dwelling only
+my dogs rejoice. But you, whose beautiful palace stands empty, to whose
+proud family it is due that you should provide for its continuance&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That is just what brings me into a state of indecision, which is usually
+foreign to my nature,&rdquo; interrupted Dion. &ldquo;You know me and my position in
+the world, and you have also known from her earliest childhood the woman
+to whom I allude.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Iras?&rdquo; asked his companion, hesitatingly. His sister, Charmian, had told
+him of the love felt by the Queen&rsquo;s younger waiting-woman.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Dion eagerly denied this, adding: &ldquo;I am speaking of Barine, the daughter
+of your dead friend Leonax. I love her, yet my pride is sensitive, and I
+know that it will extend to my future wife. The contemptuous glances which
+others might cast at her I should scorn, for I know her worth. Surely you
+remember my mother: she was a very different woman. Her house, her child,
+the slaves, her loom, were everything to her. She rigidly exacted from
+other women the chaste reserve which was a marked trait in her own
+character. Yet she was gentle, and loved me, her only son, beyond aught
+else. I think she would have opened her arms to Barine, had she believed
+that she was necessary to my happiness. But would the young beauty,
+accustomed to gay intercourse with distinguished men, have been able to
+submit to her demands? When I consider that she cannot help taking into
+her married life the habit of being surrounded and courted; when I think
+that the imprudence of a woman accustomed to perfect freedom might set
+idle tongues in motion, and cast a shadow upon the radiant purity of my
+name; when I even&mdash;&rdquo; and he raised his clenched right hand. But
+Archibius answered soothingly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That anxiety is groundless if Barine warmly and joyfully gives you her
+whole heart. It is a sunny, lovable, true woman&rsquo;s heart, and therefore
+capable of a great love. If she bestows it on you&mdash;and I believe she
+will&mdash;go and offer sacrifices in your gratitude; for the immortals
+desired your happiness when they guided your choice to her and not to
+Iras, my own sister&rsquo;s child. If you were really my son, I would now
+exclaim, &lsquo;You could not bring me a dearer daughter, if&mdash;I repeat it&mdash;if
+you are sure of her love.&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion gazed into vacancy a short time, and then cried firmly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I am!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch08">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER VIII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The Epicurus anchored before the Temple of Poseidon. The crew had been
+ordered to keep silence, though they knew nothing, except that a letter
+from Antony, commanding the erection of a wall, had been found on board
+the pirate. This might be regarded as a good omen, for people do not think
+of building unless they anticipate a time of peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+The light rain had ceased, but the wind blew more strongly from the north,
+and the air had grown cool. A dense throng still covered the quay from the
+southern end of the Heptastadium to the promontory of Lochias. The
+strongest pressure was between the peninsula of the Choma and the
+Sebasteum; for this afforded a view of the sea, and the first tidings must
+reach the residence of the Regent, which was connected with the palace.
+</p>
+<p>
+A hundred contradictory rumours had been in circulation that morning; and
+when, at the third hour in the afternoon, the Epicurus arrived, it was
+surrounded by a dense multitude eager to hear what news the ship had
+brought from without. Other vessels shared the same fate, but none could
+give reliable tidings.
+</p>
+<p>
+Two swift galleys from the royal fleet reported meeting a Samian trireme,
+which had given news of a great victory gained by Antony on the land and
+Cleopatra on the sea, and, as men are most ready to believe what they
+desire, throngs of exulting men and women moved to and fro along the
+shore, strengthening by their confidence many a timorous spirit. Prudent
+people, who had regarded the long delay of the first ships of the fleet
+with anxiety, had opened their ears to the tales of evil, and looked
+forward to the future with uneasiness. But they avoided giving expression
+to their fears, for the overseer of an establishment for gold embroidery,
+who had ventured to warn the people against premature rejoicing, had
+limped home badly beaten, and two other pessimists who had been flung in
+the sea had just been dragged out dripping wet.
+</p>
+<p>
+Nor could the multitude be blamed for this confidence; for at the
+Serapeum, the theatre of Dionysus, the lofty pylons of the Sebasteum, the
+main door of the museum, in front of the entrance of the palace in the
+Bruchium, and before the fortress-like palaces in the Lochias, triumphal
+arches had been erected, adorned with gods of victory and trophies hastily
+constructed of plaster, inscriptions of congratulations and thanks to the
+deities, garlands of foliage and flowers. The wreathing of the Egyptian
+pylons and obelisks, the principal temple, and the favourite statues in
+the city had been commenced during the night. The last touches were now
+being given to the work.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias, like his friend Dion, had not closed his eyes since the night
+before; for he had had charge of all the decorations of the Bruchium,
+where one superb building adjoined another.
+</p>
+<p>
+Sleep had also fled from the couches of the occupants of the Sebasteum,
+the royal palace where Iras lived during the absence of the Queen, and the
+prætorium, facing its southern front, which contained the official
+residence of the Regent.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Archibius was conducted to the Queen&rsquo;s waiting-woman, her appearance
+fairly startled him. She had been his guest in Kanopus only the day before
+yesterday, and how great was the alteration within this brief time! Her
+oval face seemed to have lengthened, the features to have grown sharper;
+and this woman of seven-and-twenty years, who had hitherto retained all
+the charms of youth, appeared suddenly to have aged a decade. There was a
+feverish excitement in her manner, as, holding out her hand to her uncle,
+in greeting, she exclaimed hastily, &ldquo;You, too, bring no good tidings?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Nor any evil ones,&rdquo; he answered quietly. &ldquo;But, child, I do not like your
+appearance&mdash;the dark circles under your keen eyes. You have had news
+which rouses your anxiety?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Worse than that,&rdquo; she answered in a low tone.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Read!&rdquo; gasped Iras, her lips and nostrils quivering as she handed
+Archibius a small tablet.
+</p>
+<p>
+With a gesture of haste very unusual in him, he snatched it from her hand
+and, as his eyes ran over the words traced upon it, every vestige of
+colour vanished from his cheeks and lips.
+</p>
+<p>
+They were written by Cleopatra&rsquo;s own hand, and contained the following
+lines:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The naval battle was lost&mdash;and by my fault. The land forces might
+still save us, but not under his command. He is with me, uninjured, but
+apparently exhausted; like a different being, bereft of courage, listless
+as if utterly crushed. I foresee the beginning of the end. As soon as this
+reaches you, arrange to have some unpretending litters ready for us every
+evening at sunset. Make the people believe that we have conquered until
+trustworthy intelligence arrives concerning the fate of Canidius and the
+army. When you kiss the children in my name, be very tender with them. Who
+knows how soon they may be orphaned? They already have an unhappy mother;
+may they be spared the memory of a cowardly one! Trust no one except those
+whom I left in authority, and Archibius, not even Cæsarion or Antyllus.
+Provide for having every one whose aid may be valuable to me within reach
+when I come. I cannot close with the familiar &lsquo;Rejoice&rsquo;&mdash;the &lsquo;Fresh
+Courage&rsquo; placed on many a tombstone seems more appropriate. You who did
+not envy me in my happiness will help me to bear misfortune. Epicurus, who
+believes that the gods merely watch the destiny of men inactively from
+their blissful heights, is right. Were it otherwise, how could the love
+and loyalty which cleave to the hapless, defeated woman, be repaid with
+anguish of heart and tears? Yet&mdash;continue to love her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius, pale and silent, let the tablet fall. It was long ere he gasped
+hoarsely: &ldquo;I foresaw it; yet now that it is here&mdash;&rdquo; His voice failed,
+and violent, tearless sobs shook his powerful frame.
+</p>
+<p>
+Sinking on a couch he buried his face amid the cushions.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras gazed at the strong man and shook her head.
+</p>
+<p>
+She, too, loved the Queen; the news had brought tears to her eyes also;
+but even while she wept, a host of plans coping with this disaster had
+darted through her restless brain. A few minutes after the arrival of the
+message of misfortune she had consulted with the members of Cleopatra&rsquo;s
+council, and adopted measures for sustaining the people&rsquo;s belief in
+the naval victory.
+</p>
+<p>
+What was she, the delicate, by no means courageous girl, compared to this
+man of iron strength who, she was well aware, had braved the greatest
+perils in the service of the Queen? Yet there he lay with his face hidden
+in the pillows as if utterly overwhelmed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Did a woman&rsquo;s soul rebound more quickly after being crushed beneath the
+burdens of the heaviest suffering, or was hers of a special character, and
+her slender body the casket of a hero&rsquo;s nature?
+</p>
+<p>
+She had reason to believe so when she recalled how the Regent and the
+Keeper of the Seal had received the terrible news. They had rushed
+frantically up and down the vast hall as if desperate; but Mardion the
+eunuch had little manhood, and Zeno was a characterless old author who had
+won the Queen&rsquo;s esteem, and the high office which he occupied solely by
+the vivid power of imagination, that enabled him constantly to devise new
+exhibitions, amusements, and entertainments, and present them with magical
+splendour.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Archibius, the brave, circumspect counsellor and helper?
+</p>
+<p>
+His shoulders again quivered as if they had received a blow, and Iras
+suddenly remembered what she had long known, but never fully realized&mdash;that
+yonder grey-haired man loved Cleopatra, loved her as she herself loved
+Dion; and she wondered whether she would have been strong enough to
+maintain her composure if she had learned that a cruel fate threatened to
+rob him of life, liberty, and honour.
+</p>
+<p>
+Hour after hour she had vainly awaited the young Alexandrian, yet he had
+witnessed her anxiety the day before. Had she offended him? Was he
+detained by the spell of Didymus&rsquo;s granddaughter?
+</p>
+<p>
+It seemed a great wrong that, amid the unspeakably terrible misfortune
+which had overtaken her mistress, she could not refrain from thinking
+continually of Dion. Even as his image filled her heart, Cleopatra&rsquo;s ruled
+her uncle&rsquo;s mind and soul, and she said to herself that it was not alone
+among women that love paid no heed to years, or whether the locks were
+brown or tinged with grey.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Archibius now raised himself, left the couch, passed his hand across
+his brow, and in the deep, calm tones natural to his voice, began with a
+sorrowful smile: &ldquo;A man stricken by an arrow leaves the fray to have his
+wound bandaged. The surgeon has now finished his task. I ought to have
+spared you this pitiable spectacle, child. But I am again ready for the
+battle. Cleopatra&rsquo;s account of Antony&rsquo;s condition renders a piece of news
+which we have just received somewhat more intelligible.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We?&rdquo; replied Iras. &ldquo;Who was your companion?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Dion,&rdquo; answered Archibius; but when he was about to describe the
+incidents of the preceding night, she interrupted him with the question
+whether Barine had consented to leave the city. He assented with a curt
+&ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; but Iras assumed the manner of having expected nothing different,
+and requested him to continue his story.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius now related everything which they had experienced, and their
+discovery in the pirate ship. Dion was even now on the way to carry
+Antony&rsquo;s order to his friend Gorgias.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Any slave might have attended to that matter equally well,&rdquo; Iras remarked
+in an irritated tone. &ldquo;I should think he would have more reason to expect
+trustworthy tidings here. But that&rsquo;s the way with men!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here she hesitated but, meeting an inquiring glance from her uncle, she
+went on eagerly; &ldquo;Nothing, I believe, binds them more firmly to one
+another than mutual pleasure. But that must now be over. They will seek
+other amusements, whether with Heliodora or Thais I care not. If the woman
+had only gone before! When she caught young Cæsarion&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Stay, child,&rdquo; her uncle interrupted reprovingly. &ldquo;I know how much she
+would rejoice if Antyllus had never brought the boy to her house.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now&mdash;because the poor deluded lad&rsquo;s infatuation alarms her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No, from his first visit. Immature boys do not suit the distinguished men
+whom she receives.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If the door is always kept open, thieves will enter the house.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She received only old acquaintances, and the friends whom they presented.
+Her house was closed to all others. So there was no trouble with thieves.
+But who in Alexandria could venture to refuse admittance to a son of the
+Queen?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;There is a wide difference between quiet admittance and fanning a passion
+to madness. Wherever a fire is burning, there has certainly been a spark
+to kindle it. You men do not detect such women&rsquo;s work. A glance, a
+pressure of the hand, even the light touch of a garment, and the flame
+blazes, where such inflammable material lies ready.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We lament the violence of the conflagration. You are not well disposed
+towards Barine.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I care no more for her than this couch here cares for the statue of
+Mercury in the street!&rdquo; exclaimed Iras, with repellent arrogance. &ldquo;There
+could be no two things in the world more utterly alien than we. Between
+the woman whose door stands open, and me, there is nothing in common save
+our sex.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And,&rdquo; replied Archibius reprovingly, &ldquo;many a beautiful gift which the
+gods bestowed upon her as well as upon you. As for the open door, it was
+closed yesterday. The thieves of whom you spoke spoiled her pleasure in
+granting hospitality. Antyllus forced himself with noisy impetuosity into
+her house. This made her dread still more unprecedented conduct in the
+future. In a few hours she will be on the way to Irenia. I am glad for
+Cæsarion&rsquo;s sake, and still more for his mother&rsquo;s, whom we have wronged by
+forgetting so long for another.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To think that we should be forced to do so!&rdquo; cried Iras excitedly&mdash;&ldquo;now,
+at this hour, when every drop of blood, every thought of this poor brain
+should belong to the Queen! Yet it could not be avoided. Cleopatra is
+returning to us with a heart bleeding from a hundred wounds, and it is
+terrible to think that a new arrow must strike her as soon as she steps
+upon her native soil. You know how she loves the boy, who is the living
+image of the great man with whom she shared the highest joys of love. When
+she learns that he, the son of Cæsar, has given his young heart to the
+cast-off wife of a street orator, a woman whose home attracted men as ripe
+dates lure birds, it will be&mdash;I know&mdash;like rubbing salt into her
+fresh wounds. Alas! and the <i>one</i> sorrow will not be all. Antony, her
+husband, also found the way to Barine. He sought her more than once. You
+cannot know it as I do; but Charmian will tell you how sensitive she has
+become since the flower of her youthful charms&mdash;you don&rsquo;t perceive it&mdash;is
+losing one leaf after another. Jealousy will torture her, and&mdash;I know
+her well&mdash;perhaps no one will ever render the siren a greater service
+than I did when I compelled her to leave the city.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The eyes of Archibius&rsquo;s clever niece had glittered with such hostile
+feeling as she spoke that he thought with just anxiety of his dead
+friend&rsquo;s daughter. What did not yet threaten Barine as serious danger Iras
+had the power to transform into grave peril.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion had begged him to maintain strict secrecy; but even had he been
+permitted to speak, he would not have done so now. From his knowledge of
+Iras&rsquo;s character she might be expected, if she learned that some one had
+come between her and the friend of her youth, to shrink from no means of
+spoiling her game. He remembered the noble Macedonian maiden whom the
+Queen had begun to favour, and who was hunted to death by Iras&rsquo;s hostile
+intrigues. Few were more clever, and&mdash;if she once loved&mdash;more
+loyal and devoted, more yielding, pliant, and in happy hours more
+bewitching, yet even in childhood she had preferred a winding path to a
+straight one. It seemed as if her shrewdness scorned to attain the end
+desired by the simple method lying close at hand. How willingly his mother
+and his younger sister Charmian had cared for the slaves and nursed them
+when they were ill; nay, Charmian had gained in her Nubian maid Aniukis a
+friend who would have gone to death for her sake! Cleopatra, too, when a
+child, had found sincere delight in taking a bouquet to his parents&rsquo; sick
+old housekeeper and sitting by her bedside to shorten the time for her
+with merry talk. She had gone to her unasked, while Iras had often been
+punished because she had made the lives of numerous slaves in her parents&rsquo;
+household still harder by unreasonable harshness. This trait in her
+character had roused her uncle&rsquo;s anxiety and, in after-years, her
+treatment of her inferiors had been such that he could not number her
+among the excellent of her sex. Therefore he was the more joyfully
+surprised by the loyal, unselfish love with which she devoted herself to
+the service of the Queen. Cleopatra had gratified Charmian&rsquo;s wish to have
+her niece for an assistant; and Iras, who had never been a loving daughter
+to her own faithful mother, had served her royal mistress with the utmost
+tenderness.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius valued this loyalty highly, but he knew what awaited any one who
+became the object of her hatred, and the fear that it would involve Barine
+in urgent peril was added to his still greater anxiety for Cleopatra.
+</p>
+<p>
+When about to depart, burdened by the sorrowful conviction that he was
+powerless against his niece&rsquo;s malevolent purpose, he was detained by the
+representation that every fresh piece of intelligence would first reach
+the Sebasteum and her. Some question might easily arise which his calm,
+prudent mind could decide far better than hers, whose troubled condition
+resembled a shallow pool disturbed by stones flung into the waves.
+</p>
+<p>
+The apartments of his sister Charmian, which were connected with his by a
+corridor, were empty, and Iras begged him to remain there a short time.
+The anxiety and dread that oppressed her heart would kill her. To know
+that he was near would be the greatest comfort.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Archibius hesitated because he deemed it his duty to urge Cæsarion,
+over whom he possessed some influence, to give up his foolish wishes for
+his mother&rsquo;s sake, Iras assured him that he would not find the youth. He
+had gone hunting with Antyllus and some other friends. She had approved
+the plan, because it removed him from the city and Barine&rsquo;s dangerous
+house.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As the Queen does not wish him to know the terrible news yet,&rdquo; she
+concluded, &ldquo;his presence would only have caused us embarrassment. So stay,
+and when it grows dark go with us to the Lochias. I think it will please
+the sorrowing woman, when she lands, to see your familiar face, which will
+remind her of happier days. Do me the favour to stay.&rdquo; She held out both
+hands beseechingly as she spoke, and Archibius consented.
+</p>
+<p>
+A repast was served, and he shared it with his niece; but Iras did not
+touch the carefully chosen viands, and Archibius barely tasted them. Then,
+without waiting for dessert, he rose to go to his sister&rsquo;s apartments. But
+Iras urged him to rest on the divan in the adjoining room, and he yielded.
+Yet, spite of the softness of the pillows and his great need of sleep, he
+could not find it; anxiety kept him awake, and through the curtain which
+divided the room in which Iras remained from the one he occupied he
+sometimes heard her light footsteps pacing restlessly to and fro,
+sometimes the coming and going of messengers in quest of news.
+</p>
+<p>
+All his former life passed before his mind. Cleopatra had been his sun,
+and now black clouds were rising which would dim its light, perchance
+forever. He, the disciple of Epicurus, who had not followed the doctrines
+of other masters until later in life, held the same view of the gods as
+his first master. To him also they had seemed immortal beings sufficient
+unto themselves, dwelling free from anxiety in blissful peace, to whom
+mortals must look upward on account of their supreme grandeur, but who
+neither troubled themselves about the guidance of the world, which was
+fixed by eternal laws, nor the fate of individuals. Had he been convinced
+of the contrary, he would have sacrificed everything he possessed in
+order, by lavish offerings, to propitiate the immortals in behalf of her
+to whom he had devoted his life and every faculty of his being.
+</p>
+<p>
+Like Iras, he, too, could find no rest upon his couch, and when she heard
+his step she called to him and asked why he did not recover the sleep
+which he had lost. No one knew the demands the next night might make upon
+him.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You will find me awake,&rdquo; he answered quietly.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then he went to the window which, above the pylons that rose before the
+main front of the Sebasteum, afforded a view of the Bruchium and the sea.
+The harbour was now swarming with vessels of every size, garlanded with
+flowers and adorned with gay flags and streamers. The report of the
+successful issue of the first naval battle was believed, and many desired
+to greet the victorious fleet and hail their sovereign as she entered the
+harbour.
+</p>
+<p>
+Many people, equipages, and litters had also gathered on the shore,
+between the lofty pylons and the huge door of the Sebasteum. They were
+representatives of the aristocracy of the city; for the majority were
+attended by richly attired slaves. Many wore costly garlands, and numerous
+chariots and litters were adorned with gold or silver ornaments, gems, and
+glittering paste. The stir and movement in front of the palace were
+ceaseless, and Iras, who was now standing beside her uncle, waved her hand
+towards it, saying: &ldquo;The wind of rumour! Yesterday only one or two came;
+to-day every one who belongs to the &lsquo;Inimitable Livers&rsquo; flocks hither in
+person to get news. The victory was proclaimed in the market-place, at the
+theatre, the gymnasium, and the camp. Every one who wears garlands or
+weapons heard of a battle won. Yesterday, among all the thousands, there
+was scarcely a single doubter; but to-day&mdash;how does it happen? Even among
+those who as &lsquo;Inimitables&rsquo; have shared all the pleasures, entertainments,
+and festivities of our noble pair, faith wavers; for if they were firmly
+convinced of the brilliant victory which was announced loudly enough, they
+would not come themselves to watch, to spy, to listen. Just look down!
+There is the litter of Diogenes&mdash;yonder that of Ammonius. The chariot
+beyond belongs to Melampous. The slaves in the red bombyx garments serve
+Hermias. They all belong to the society of &lsquo;Inimitables,&rsquo; and shared
+our banquets. That very Apollonius who, for the last half hour, has been
+trying to question the palace servants, day before yesterday ordered fifty
+oxen to be slaughtered to Ares, Nike, and the great Isis, as the Queen&rsquo;s
+goddess, and when I met him in the temple he exclaimed that this was the
+greatest piece of extravagance he had ever committed; for even without the
+cattle Cleopatra and Antony would be sure of victory. But now the wind of
+rumour has swept away his beautiful confidence also. They are not
+permitted to see me. The doorkeepers say that I am in the country. The
+necessity of showing every one a face radiant with the joy of victory
+would kill me. There comes Apollonius. How his fat face beams! He believes
+in the victory, and after sunset none of yonder throng will appear here;
+he is already giving orders to his slaves. He will invite all his friends
+to a banquet, and won&rsquo;t spare his costly wines. Capital! At least no one
+from that company can disturb us. Dion is his cousin, and will be present
+also. We shall see what these pleasure-lovers will do when they are forced
+to confront, the terrible reality.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I think,&rdquo; replied Archibius, &ldquo;they will afford the world a remarkable
+spectacle; friends won in prosperity who remain constant in adversity.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do you?&rdquo; asked Iras, with sparkling eyes. &ldquo;If that proves true, how I
+would praise and value men&mdash;the majority of whom without their wealth
+would be poorer than beggars. But look at yonder figure in the white robe
+beside the left obelisk&mdash;is it not Dion? The crowd is bearing him
+away&mdash;I think it was he.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+But she had been deceived; the man whom she fancied she had seen, because
+her heart so ardently yearned for him, was not near the Sebasteum, and his
+thoughts were still farther away.
+</p>
+<p>
+At first he had intended to give the architect the letter which was
+addressed to him. He would be sure to find him at the triumphal arch which
+was being erected on the shore of the Bruchium. But on reaching the former
+place he learned that Gorgias had gone to remove the statues of Cleopatra
+and Antony from the house of Didymus, and erect them in front of the
+Theatre of Dionysus. The Regent, Mardion, had ordered it. Gorgias was
+already superintending the erection of the foundation.
+</p>
+<p>
+The huge hewn stones which he required for this purpose had been taken
+from the Temple of Nemesis, which he was supervising. Whatever number of
+government slaves he needed were at his disposal, so Gorgias&rsquo;s foreman
+reported, proudly adding that before the sun went down, the architect
+would have shown the Alexandrians the marvel of removing the twin statues
+from one place to another in a single day, and yet establishing them as
+firmly as the Colossus which had been in Thebes a thousand years.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion found the piece of sculpture in front of Didymus&rsquo;s garden, ready for
+removal, but the slaves who had placed before the platform the rollers on
+which it was to be moved had already been kept waiting a long time by the
+architect.
+</p>
+<p>
+This was his third visit to the old philosopher&rsquo;s house. First, he had
+been obliged to inform him and his family that their property was no
+longer in danger; then he had come to tell them at what hour he would
+remove the statues, which still attracted many curious spectators; and,
+finally, he had again appeared, to announce that they were to be taken
+away at once. His foreman or a slave could probably have done this, but
+Helena&mdash;Didymus&rsquo;s granddaughter, Barine&rsquo;s sister&mdash;drew him again
+and again to the old man&rsquo;s home. He would gladly have come still more
+frequently, for at every meeting he had discovered fresh charms in the
+beautiful, quiet, thoughtful maiden, who cared so tenderly for her aged
+grandparents. He believed that he loved her, and she seemed glad to
+welcome him. But this did not entitle him to seek her hand, though his
+large, empty house so greatly needed a mistress. His heart had glowed with
+love for too many. He wished first to test whether this new fancy would
+prove more lasting. If he succeeded in remaining faithful even a few days,
+he would, as it were, reward himself for it, and appear before Didymus as
+a suitor.
+</p>
+<p>
+He excused his frequent visits to himself on the pretext of the necessity
+of becoming acquainted with his future wife, and Helena made the task
+easier for him. The usual reserve of her manner lessened more and more;
+nay, the great confidence with which he at first inspired her was
+increased by his active assistance. When he entered just now, she had even
+held out her hand to him, and inquired about the progress of his work.
+</p>
+<p>
+He was overwhelmed with business, but so great was his pleasure in talking
+with her that he lingered longer than he would have deemed right under any
+other circumstances, and regarded it as an unpleasant interruption when
+Barine&mdash;for whom his heart had throbbed so warmly only yesterday&mdash;entered
+the tablinum.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young beauty was by no means content with a brief greeting; but drew
+Helena entirely away from him. Never had he seen her embrace and kiss her
+sister so passionately as while hurriedly telling her that she had come to
+bid farewell to the loved ones in her grandparents&rsquo; house.
+</p>
+<p>
+Berenike had arrived with her, but went first to the old couple.
+</p>
+<p>
+While Barine was telling Helena and Gorgias, also, why all this plan had
+been formed so hastily, Gorgias was silently comparing the two sisters. He
+found it natural that he had once believed that he loved Barine; but she
+would not have been a fitting mistress of his house. Life at her side
+would have been a chain of jealous emotions and anxieties, and her
+stimulating remarks and searching questions, which demanded absolute
+attention, would not have permitted him, after his return home, wearied by
+arduous toil, to find the rest for which he longed. His eye wandered from
+her to her sister, as if testing the space between two newly erected
+pillars; and Barine, who had noticed his strange manner, suddenly laughed
+merrily, and asked whether they might know what building was occupying his
+thoughts, while a good friend was telling him that the pleasant hours in
+her house were over.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias started, and the apology he stammered showed so plainly how
+inattentively he had listened, that Barine would have had good reason to
+feel offended. But one glance at her sister and another at him enabled her
+speedily to guess the truth. She was pleased; for she esteemed Gorgias,
+and had secretly feared that she might be forced to grieve him by a
+refusal, but he seemed as if created for her sister. Her arrival had
+probably interrupted them so, turning to Helena, she exclaimed: &ldquo;I must
+see my mother and our grandparents. Meanwhile entertain our friend here.
+We know each other well. He is one of the few men who can be trusted. That
+is my honest opinion, Gorgias, and I say it to you also, Helena.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she nodded to both, and Gorgias was again alone with the
+maiden whom he loved.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was difficult to begin the conversation anew, and when, spite of many
+efforts, it would not flow freely, the shout of the overseer, which
+reached his ear through the opening of the roof, urging the men to work,
+was like a deliverance. Promising to return again soon, as eagerly as if
+he had been requested to do so, he took his leave and opened the door
+leading into the adjoining room. But on the threshold he started back, and
+Helena, who had followed him, did the same, for there stood his friend
+Dion, and Barine&rsquo;s beautiful head lay on his breast, while his hand rested
+as if in benediction on her fair hair. And&mdash;no, Gorgias was not
+mistaken&mdash;the slender frame of the lovely woman, whose exuberant vivacity
+had so often borne him and others away with it, trembled as if shaken by
+deep and painful emotion.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Dion perceived his friend, and Barine raised her head, turning her
+face towards him, it was indeed wet with tears, but their source could not
+be sorrow; for her blue eyes were sparkling with a happy light.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet Gorgias found something in her features which he was unable to express
+in words&mdash;the reflection of the ardent gratitude that had taken
+possession of her soul and filled it absolutely.
+</p>
+<p>
+While seeking the architect, Dion had met Barine, who was on her way to
+her grandparents, and what he had dreaded the day before happened.
+</p>
+<p>
+The first glance from her eyes which met his forced the decisive question
+from his lips.
+</p>
+<p>
+In brief, earnest words he confessed his love for her, and his desire to
+make her his own, as the pride and ornament of his house.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, in the intensity of her bliss, her eyes overflowed and, under the
+spell of a great miracle wrought in her behalf, she found no words to
+answer; but Dion had approached, clasped her right hand in both of his,
+and frankly acknowledged how, with the image of his strict mother before
+his eyes, he had wavered and hesitated until love had overmastered him.
+Now, full of the warmest confidence, he asked whether she would consent to
+rule as mistress of his home, the honour and ornament of his ancient name?
+He knew that her heart was his, but he must hear one thing more from her
+lips&mdash;&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here she had interrupted him with the cry, &ldquo;This one thing&mdash;that your
+wife, in joy and in sorrow, will live for you and you alone? The whole
+world can vanish for her, now that you have raised her to your side and
+she is yours.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+After this assurance, which sounded like an oath, Dion felt as if a heavy
+burden had fallen from his heart, and clasping her in his arms with
+passionate tenderness, he repeated, &ldquo;In joy and in sorrow!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Thus Gorgias and Helena had surprised them, and the architect felt for the
+first time that there is no distinction between our own happiness and that
+of those whom we love.
+</p>
+<p>
+His friend Helena seemed to have the same feeling, when she saw what this
+day had given her sister; and the philosopher&rsquo;s house, so lately shadowed
+by anxiety, and many a fear, would soon ring with voices uttering joyous
+congratulations.
+</p>
+<p>
+The architect no longer felt that he had a place in this circle, which
+was now pervaded by a great common joy, and after Dion made a brief
+explanation, Gorgias&rsquo;s voice was soon heard outside loudly issuing
+orders to the workmen.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch09">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER IX.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Gorgias went to his work without delay. When the twin statues were only
+waiting to be erected in front of the Theatre of Dionysus, Dion sought
+him. Some impulse urged him to talk to his old friend before leaving the
+city with his betrothed bride. Since they parted the latter had
+accomplished the impossible; for the building of the wall on the Choma,
+ordered by Antony, was commenced, the restoration of the little palace at
+the point, and many other things connected with the decoration of the
+triumphal arches, were arranged. His able and alert foreman found it
+difficult to follow him as he dictated order after order in his
+writing-tablet.
+</p>
+<p>
+The conversation with his friend was not a long one, for Dion had promised
+Barine and her mother to accompany them to the country. Notwithstanding
+the betrothal, they were to start that very day; for Cæsarion had called
+upon Barine twice that morning. She had not received him, but the
+unfortunate youth&rsquo;s conduct induced her to hasten the preparations for her
+departure.
+</p>
+<p>
+To avoid attracting attention, they were to use Archibius&rsquo;s large
+travelling chariot and Nile boat, although Dion&rsquo;s were no less
+comfortable.
+</p>
+<p>
+The marriage was to take place in the &ldquo;abode of peace.&rdquo; The young
+Alexandrian&rsquo;s own ship, which was to convey the newly wedded pair to
+Alexandria, bore the name of Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, for Dion
+liked to be reminded of his oratorical powers in the council. Henceforward
+it would be called the <i>Barine</i>, and was to receive many an embellishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion confided to his friend what he had learned in relation to the fate of
+the Queen and the fleet, and, notwithstanding the urgency of the claims
+upon Gorgias&rsquo;s time, he lingered to discuss the future destiny of the city
+and her threatened liberty; for these things lay nearest to his heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Fortunately,&rdquo; cried Dion, &ldquo;I followed my inclination; now it seems to me
+that duty commands every true man to make his own house a nursery for the
+cultivation of the sentiments which he inherited from his forefathers and
+which must not die, so long as there are Macedonian citizens in
+Alexandria. We must submit if the superior might of Rome renders Egypt a
+province of the republic, but we can preserve to our city and her council
+the lion&rsquo;s share of their freedom. Whatever may be the development of
+affairs, we are and shall remain the source whence Rome draws the largest
+share of the knowledge which enriches her brain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And the art which adorns her rude life,&rdquo; replied Gorgias. &ldquo;If she is free
+to crush us without pity, she will fare, I think, like the maiden who
+raises her foot to trample on a beautiful, rare flower, and then withdraws
+it because it would be a crime to destroy so exquisite a work of the
+Creator.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And what does the flower owe to your maiden,&rdquo; cried Dion, &ldquo;or our city to
+Rome? Let us meet her claims with dignified resolution, then I think we
+shall not have the worst evils to fear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let us hope so. But, my friend, keep your eyes open for other than Roman
+foes. Now that it will become known that you do not love her, beware of
+Iras. There is something about her which reminds me of the jackal.
+Jealousy!&mdash;I believe she would be capable of the worst&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet,&rdquo; Dion interrupted, &ldquo;Charmian will soften whatever injury Iras plans
+to do me, and, though I cannot rely much upon my uncle, Archibius is above
+both and favours us and our marriage.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias uttered a sigh of relief, and exclaimed, &ldquo;Then on to happiness!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And you must also begin to provide for yours,&rdquo; replied Dion warmly.
+&ldquo;Forbid your heart to continue this wandering, nomad life. The tent which
+the wind blows down is not fit for the architect&rsquo;s permanent residence.
+Build yourself a fine house, which will defy storms, as you built my
+palace. I shall not grudge it, and have already said, the times demand
+it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I will remember the advice,&rdquo; replied Gorgias. &ldquo;But six eyes are again
+bent upon me for direction. There are so many important things to be done
+while we waste the hours in building triumphal arches for the defeated&mdash;trophies
+for an overthrow. But your uncle has just issued orders to complete the
+work in the most magnificent style. The ways of destiny and the great are
+dark; may the brightest sunshine illumine yours! A prosperous journey! We
+shall hear, of course, when you celebrate the wedding, and if I can I
+shall join you in the Hymenæus. Lucky fellow that you are! Now I&rsquo;m
+summoned from over yonder! May Castor and Pollux, and all the gods
+favourable to travel, Aphrodite, and all the Loves attend your trip to
+Irenia, and protect you in the realm of Eros and Hymen!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words the warm-hearted man clasped his friend to his breast for
+the first time. Dion cordially responded, and at last shook his hard right
+hand with the exclamation:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Farewell, then, till we meet in Irenia on the wedding day, you dear,
+faithful fellow.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then he entered the chariot which stood waiting, and Gorgias gazed after
+him thoughtfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+The hyacinthine purple cloak which Dion wore that day had not vanished
+from his sight when a loud crashing, rattling, and roaring arose behind
+him. A hastily erected scaffold, which was to support the pulleys for
+raising the statues, had collapsed. The damage could be easily repaired,
+but the accident aroused a troubled feeling in the architect&rsquo;s mind.
+He was a child of his time, a period when duty commanded the prudent man
+to heed omens. Experience also taught him that when such a thing happened
+in his work something unpleasant was apt to occur within the circle of
+his friends. The veil of the future concealed what might be in store for
+the beloved couple; but he resolved to keep his eyes open on Dion&rsquo;s
+behalf and to request Archibius to do the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+The pressure of work, however, soon silenced the sense of uneasiness. The
+damage was speedily repaired, and later Gorgias, sometimes with one,
+sometimes with another tablet or roll of MS. in his hand, issued the most
+varied orders.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gradually the light of this dismal day faded.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ere the night, which threatened to bring rain and storm, closed in, he
+again rode on his mule to the Bruchium to overlook the progress of the
+work in the various buildings and give additional directions, for the
+labour was to be continued during the night.
+</p>
+<p>
+The north wind was now blowing so violently from the sea that it was
+difficult to keep the torches and lamps lighted. The gale drove the drops
+of rain into his face, and a glance northward showed him masses of black
+clouds beyond the harbour and the lighthouse. This indicated a bad night,
+and again the boding sense of coming misfortune stole over him. Yet he set
+to work swiftly and prudently, helping with his own hands when occasion
+required.
+</p>
+<p>
+Night closed in. Not a star was visible in the sky, and the air, chilled
+by the north wind, grew so cold that Gorgias at last permitted his body
+slave to wrap his cloak around him. While drawing the hood over his head,
+he gazed at a procession of litters and men moving towards Lochias.
+</p>
+<p>
+Perhaps the Queen&rsquo;s children were returning home from some expedition. But
+probably they were rather private citizens on their way to some festival
+celebrating the victory; for every one now believed in a great battle and
+a successful issue of the war. This was proved by the shouts and cheers of
+the people, who, spite of the storm, were still moving to and fro near the
+harbour.
+</p>
+<p>
+The last of the torch-bearers had just passed Gorgias, and he had told
+himself that a train of litters belonging to the royal family would not
+move through the darkness so faintly lighted, when a single man, bearing
+in his hand a lantern, whose flickering rays shone on his wrinkled face,
+approached rapidly from the opposite direction. It was old Phryx,
+Didymus&rsquo;s house slave, with whom the architect had become acquainted,
+while the aged scholar was composing the inscription for the Odeum which
+Gorgias had erected. The aged servant had brought him many alterations of
+his master&rsquo;s first sketch, and Gorgias had reminded him of it the previous
+day.
+</p>
+<p>
+The workmen by whom the statues had been raised to the pedestal, amid the
+bright glare of torches, to the accompaniment of a regular chant, had just
+dropped the ropes, windlasses, and levers, when the architect recognized
+the slave.
+</p>
+<p>
+What did the old man want at so late an hour on this dark night? The fall
+of the scaffold again returned to his mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+Was the slave seeking for a member of the family? Did Helena need
+assistance? He stopped the gray-haired man, who answered his question with
+a heavy sigh, followed by the maxim, &ldquo;Misfortunes come in pairs, like
+oxen.&rdquo; Then he continued: &ldquo;Yesterday there was great anxiety. Today, when
+there was so much rejoicing on account of Barine, I thought directly,
+&lsquo;Sorrow follows joy, and the second misfortune won&rsquo;t be spared us.&rsquo; And so
+it proved.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias anxiously begged him to relate what had happened, and the old man,
+drawing nearer, whispered that the pupil and assistant of Didymus&mdash;young
+Philotas of Amphissa, a student, and, moreover, a courteous young man of
+excellent family&mdash;had gone to a banquet to which Antyllus, the son of
+Antony, had invited several of his classmates. This had already happened
+several times, and he, Phryx, had warned him, for, when the lowly
+associate with the lofty, the lowly rarely escape kicks and blows. The
+young fellow, who usually had behaved no worse than the other Ephebi, had
+always returned from such festivities with a flushed face and unsteady
+steps, but to-night he had not even reached his room in the upper story.
+He had darted into the house as though pursued by the watch, and, while
+trying to rush up the stairs&mdash;it was really only a ladder&mdash;he had made
+a misstep and fell. He, Phryx, did not believe that he was hurt, for none
+of his limbs ached, even when they were pulled and stretched, and Dionysus
+kindly protected drunkards; but some demon must have taken possession of
+him, for he howled and groaned continually, and would answer no questions.
+True, he was aware, from the festivals of Dionysus, that the young man was
+one of those who, when intoxicated, weep and lament; but this time
+something unusual must have occurred, for in the first place his handsome
+face was coloured black and looked hideous, since his tears had washed
+away the soot in many places, and then he talked nothing but a confused
+jargon. It was a pity.
+</p>
+<p>
+When an attempt was made, with the help of the garden slave, to carry him
+to his room, he dealt blows and kicks like a lunatic. Didymus now also
+believed that he was possessed by demons, as often happens to those who,
+in falling, strike their heads against the ground, and thus wake the
+demons in the earth. Well, yes, they might be demons, but only those of
+wine. The student was just &ldquo;crazy drunk,&rdquo; as people say. But the old
+gentleman was very fond of his pupil, and had ordered him, Phryx, to go
+to Olympus, who, ever since he could remember, had been the family
+physician.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The Queen&rsquo;s leech?&rdquo; asked Gorgias, disapprovingly, and when the slave
+assented, the architect exclaimed in a positive tone: &ldquo;It is not right to
+force the old man out of doors in such a north wind. Age is not specially
+considerate to age. Now that the statues stand yonder, I can leave my post
+for half an hour and will go with you. I don&rsquo;t think a leech is needed to
+drive out <i>these</i> demons.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;True, my lord, true!&rdquo; cried the slave, &ldquo;but Olympus is our friend. He
+visits few patients, but he will come to our house in any weather. He has
+litters, chariots, and splendid mules. The Queen gives him whatever is
+best and most comfortable. He is skilful, and perhaps can render speedy
+help. People must use what they have.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Only where it is necessary,&rdquo; replied the architect. &ldquo;There are my two
+mules; follow me on the second. If I don&rsquo;t drive out the demons, you will
+have plenty of time to trot after Olympus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+This proposal pleased the old slave, and a short time after Gorgias
+entered the venerable philosopher&rsquo;s tablinum.
+</p>
+<p>
+Helena welcomed him like an intimate friend. Whenever he appeared she
+thought the peril was half over. Didymus, too, greeted him warmly, and
+conducted him to the little room where the youth possessed by demons lay
+on a divan.
+</p>
+<p>
+He was still groaning and whimpering. Tears were streaming down his
+cheeks, and, whenever any member of the household approached, he pushed
+him away.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Gorgias held his hands and sternly ordered him to confess what wrong
+he had done, he sobbed out that he was the most ungrateful wretch on
+earth. His baseness would ruin his kind parents, himself, and all his
+friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then he accused himself of having caused the destruction of Didymus&rsquo;s
+granddaughter. He would not have gone to Antyllus again had not his recent
+generosity bound him to him, but now he must atone&mdash;ay, atone. Then, as if
+completely crushed, he continued to mumble the word, &ldquo;atone!&rdquo; and for a
+time nothing more could be won from him.
+</p>
+<p>
+Didymus, however, had the key to the last sentence. A few weeks before,
+Philotas and several other pupils of the rhetorician whose lectures in the
+museum he attended had been invited to breakfast with Antyllus. When the
+young student loudly admired the beautiful gold and silver beakers in
+which the wine was served, the reckless host cried: &ldquo;They are yours; take
+them with you.&rdquo; When the guests departed the cup-bearer asked Philotas,
+who had been far from taking the gift seriously, to receive his property.
+Antyllus had intended to bestow the goblets; but he advised the youth to
+let him pay their value in money, for among them were several ancient
+pieces of most artistic workmanship, which Antony, the extravagant young
+fellow&rsquo;s father, might perhaps be unwilling to lose.
+</p>
+<p>
+Thereupon several rolls of gold <i>solidi</i> were paid to the astonished student&mdash;and
+they had been of little real benefit, since they had made it possible for
+him to keep pace with his wealthy and aristocratic classmates and share
+many of their extravagances. Yet he had not ceased to fulfil his duty to
+Didymus.
+</p>
+<p>
+Though he sometimes turned night into day, he gave no serious cause for
+reproof. Small youthful errors were willingly pardoned; for he was a
+good-looking, merry young fellow, who knew how to make himself agreeable
+to the entire household, even to the women.
+</p>
+<p>
+What had befallen the poor youth that day? Didymus was filled with
+compassion for him, and, though he gladly welcomed Gorgias, he gave him to
+understand that the leech&rsquo;s absence vexed him.
+</p>
+<p>
+But, during a long bachelor career in Alexandria, a city ever gracious to
+the gifts of Bacchus, Gorgias had become familiar with attacks like those
+of Philotas and their treatment, and after several jars of water had been
+brought and he had been left alone a short time with the sufferer, the
+philosopher secretly rejoiced that he had not summoned the grey-haired
+leech into the stormy night for Gorgias led forth his pupil with dripping
+hair, it is true, but in a state of rapid convalescence.
+</p>
+<p>
+The youth&rsquo;s handsome face was freed from soot, but his eyes were bent in
+confusion on the ground, and he sometimes pressed his hand upon his aching
+brow. It needed all the old philosopher&rsquo;s skill in persuasion to induce
+him to speak, and Philotas, before he began, begged Helena to leave the
+room.
+</p>
+<p>
+He intended to adhere strictly to the truth, though he feared that the
+reckless deed into which he had suffered himself to be drawn might have a
+fatal effect upon his future life.
+</p>
+<p>
+Besides, he hoped to obtain wise counsel from the architect, to whom he
+owed his speedy recovery, and whose grave, kindly manner inspired him with
+confidence; and, moreover, he was so greatly indebted to Didymus that duty
+required him to make a frank confession&mdash;yet he dared not acknowledge
+one of the principal motives of his foolish act.
+</p>
+<p>
+The plot into which he had been led was directed against Barine, whom he
+had long imagined he loved with all the fervour of his twenty years. But,
+just before he went to the fatal banquet, he had heard that the young
+beauty was betrothed to Dion. This had wounded him deeply; for in many a
+quiet hour it had seemed possible to win her for himself and lead her as
+his wife to his home in Amphissa. He was very little younger than she, and
+if his parents once saw her, they could not fail to approve his choice.
+And the people in Amphissa! They would have gazed at Barine as if she were
+a goddess.
+</p>
+<p>
+And now this fine gentleman had come to crush his fairest hopes. No word
+of love had ever been exchanged between him and Barine, but how kindly she
+had always looked at him, how willingly she had accepted trivial services!
+Now she was lost.
+</p>
+<p>
+At first this had merely saddened him, but after he had drunk the wine,
+and Antyllus, Antony&rsquo;s son, in the presence of the revellers, over
+whom Cæsarion presided as &ldquo;symposiarch&rdquo;* had accused Barine of
+capturing hearts by magic spells, he had arrived at the conviction that
+he, too, had been shamefully allured and betrayed.
+</p>
+<div class="footnote"><p>
+* Director of a banquet.
+</p></div>
+<p>
+He had served for a toy, he said to himself, unless she had really loved
+him and merely preferred Dion on account of his wealth. In any case, he
+felt justified in cherishing resentment against Barine, and with the
+number of goblets which he drained his jealous rage increased.
+</p>
+<p>
+When urged to join in the escapade which now burdened his conscience he
+consented with a burning brain in order to punish her for the wrong which,
+in his heated imagination, she had done him.
+</p>
+<p>
+All this he withheld from the older men and merely briefly described the
+splendid banquet which Cæsarion, pallid and listless as ever, had
+directed, and Antyllus especially had enlivened with the most reckless
+mirth.
+</p>
+<p>
+The &ldquo;King of kings&rdquo; and Antony&rsquo;s son had escaped from their tutors on the
+pretext of a hunting excursion, and the chief huntsman had not grudged
+them the pleasure&mdash;only they were obliged to promise him that they
+would be ready to set out for the desert early the next morning.
+</p>
+<p>
+When, after the banquet, the mixing-vessels were brought out and the
+beakers were filled more rapidly, Antyllus whispered several times to
+Cæsarion and then turned the conversation upon Barine, the fairest of the
+fair, destined by the immortals for the greatest and highest of mankind.
+This was the &ldquo;King of kings,&rdquo; Cæsarion, and he also claimed the favour of
+the gods for himself. But everybody knew that Aphrodite deemed herself
+greater than the highest of kings, and therefore Barine ventured to close
+her doors upon their august symposiarch in a manner which could not fail
+to be unendurable, not only to him but to all the youth of Alexandria.
+Whoever boasted of being one of the Ephebi might well clench his fist with
+indignation, when he heard that the insolent beauty kept young men at a
+distance because she considered only the older ones worthy of her notice.
+This must not be! The Ephebi of Alexandria must make her feel the power of
+youth. This was the more urgently demanded, because Cæsarion would
+thereby be led to the goal of his wishes.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine was going into the country that very evening. Insulted Eros himself
+was smoothing their way. He commanded them to attack the arrogant fair
+one&rsquo;s carriage and lead her to him who sought her in the name of youth, in
+order to show her that the hearts of the Ephebi, whom she disdainfully
+rejected, glowed more ardently than those of the older men on whom she
+bestowed her favours.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Gorgias interrupted the speaker with a loud cry of indignation, but
+old Didymus&rsquo;s eyes seemed to be fairly starting from their sockets as he
+hoarsely shouted an impatient&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Go on!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+And Philotas, now completely sobered, described with increasing animation
+the wonderful change that had taken place in the quiet Cæsarion, as if
+some magic spell had been at work; for scarcely had the revellers greeted
+Antyllus&rsquo;s words with shouts of joy, declaring themselves ready to avenge
+insulted youth upon Barine, than the &ldquo;King of kings&rdquo; suddenly sprang from
+the cushions on which he had listlessly reclined, and with flashing eyes
+shouted that whoever called himself his friend must aid him in the attack.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here he was urged to still greater haste by another impatient &ldquo;Go on!&rdquo;
+from his master, and hurriedly continued his story, describing how they
+had blackened their faces and armed themselves with Antyllus&rsquo;s swords and
+lances. As the sun was setting they went in a covered boat through the
+Agathodæmon Canal to Lake Mareotis. Everything must have been arranged in
+advance; for they landed precisely at the right hour.
+</p>
+<p>
+As, during the trip, they had kept up their courage by swallowing the most
+fiery wine, Philotas had staggered on shore with difficulty and then been
+dragged forward by the others. After this he knew nothing more, except
+that he had rushed with the rest upon a large <i>harmamaxa</i>, and in so
+doing fell. When he rose from the earth all was over.
+</p>
+<p>
+As if in a dream he saw Scythians and other guardians of the peace seize
+Antyllus, while Cæsarion was struggling on the ground with another man.
+If he was not mistaken it was Dion, Barine&rsquo;s betrothed husband.
+</p>
+<p>
+These communications were interrupted by many exclamations of impatience
+and wrath; but now Didymus, fairly frantic with alarm, cried:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And the child&mdash;Barine?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+But when Philotas&rsquo;s sole reply to this question was a silent shake of the
+head, indignation conquered the old philosopher, and clutching his pupil&rsquo;s
+<i>chiton</i> with both hands, he shook him violently, exclaiming furiously:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t know, scoundrel? Instead of defending her who should be dear to
+you as a child of this household, you joined the rascally scorners of
+morality and law as the accomplice of this waylayer in purple!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here the architect soothed the enraged old man with expostulations, and
+the assertion that everything must now yield to the necessity of searching
+for Barine and Dion. He did not know which way to turn, in the amount of
+labour pressing upon him, but he would have a hasty talk with the foreman
+and then try to find his friend.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And I,&rdquo; cried the old man, &ldquo;must go at once to the unfortunate child.&mdash;My
+cloak, Phryx, my sandals!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+In spite of Gorgias&rsquo;s counsel to remember his age and the inclement
+weather, he cried angrily:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I am going, I say! If the tempest hurls me to the earth, and the bolts of
+Zeus strike me, so be it. One misfortune more or less matters little in a
+life which has been a chain of heavy blows of Fate. I buried three sons in
+the prime of manhood, and two have been slain in battle. Barine, the joy
+of my heart, I myself, fool that I was, bound to the scoundrel who blasted
+her joyous existence; and now that I believed she would be protected from
+trouble and misconstruction by the side of a worthy husband, these
+infamous rascals, whose birth protects them from vengeance, have wounded,
+perhaps killed her betrothed lover. They trample in the dust her fair name
+and my white hair!&mdash;Phryx, my hat and staff.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The storm had long been raging around the house, which stood close by the
+sea, and the sailcloth awning which was stretched over the impluvium
+noisily rattled the metal rings that confined it. Now so violent a gust
+swept from room to room that two of the flames in the three-branched lamp
+went out. The door of the house had been opened, and drenched with rain, a
+hood drawn over his black head, Barine&rsquo;s Nubian doorkeeper crossed the
+threshold.
+</p>
+<p>
+He presented a pitiable spectacle and at first could find no answer to the
+greetings and questions of the men, who had been joined by Helena, her
+grandmother leaning on her arm; his rapid walk against the fury of the
+storm had fairly taken away his breath.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had little, however, to tell. Barine merely sent a message to her
+relatives that, no matter what tales rumour might bring, she and her
+mother were unhurt. Dion had received a wound in the shoulder, but it was
+not serious. Her grandparents need have no anxiety; the attack had
+completely failed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Doris, who was deaf, had listened vainly, holding her hand to her ear, to
+catch this report; and Didymus now told his granddaughter as much as he
+deemed it advisable for her to know, that she might communicate it to her
+grandmother, who understood the movements of her lips.
+</p>
+<p>
+The old man was rejoiced to learn that his granddaughter had escaped so
+great a peril uninjured, yet he was still burdened by sore anxiety. The
+architect, too, feared the worst, but by dint of assuring him that he
+would return at once with full details when he had ascertained the fate of
+Dion and his betrothed bride, he finally persuaded the old man to give up
+the night walk through the tempest.
+</p>
+<p>
+Philotas, with tears in his eyes, begged them to accept his services as
+messenger or for any other purpose; but Didymus ordered him to go to bed.
+An opportunity would be found to enable him to atone for the offence so
+recklessly committed.
+</p>
+<p>
+The scholar&rsquo;s peaceful home was deprived of its nocturnal repose, and when
+Gorgias had gone and Didymus had refused Helena&rsquo;s request to have the aged
+porter take her to her sister, the old man remained alone with his wife in
+the tablinum.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had been told nothing except that thieves had attacked her
+granddaughter, Barine, and slightly wounded her lover; but her own heart
+and the manner of the husband, at whose side she had grown grey, showed
+that many things were being concealed. She longed to know the story more
+fully, but it was difficult for Didymus to talk a long time in a loud
+tone, so she silenced her desire to learn the whole truth. But, in order
+to await the architect&rsquo;s report, they did not go to rest.
+</p>
+<p>
+Didymus had sunk into an armchair, and Doris sat near at her spindle, but
+without drawing any threads from her distaff. When she heard her husband
+sigh and saw him bury his face in his hands, she limped nearer to him,
+difficult as it was for her to move, and stroked his head, now nearly
+bald, with her hand. Then she uttered soothing words, and, as the anxious,
+troubled expression did not yet pass from his wrinkled face, she reminded
+him in faltering yet tender tones how often they had thought they must
+despair, and yet everything had resulted well.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ah! husband,&rdquo; she added, &ldquo;I know full well that the clouds hanging over
+us are very black, and I cannot even see them clearly, because you show
+them at such a distance. Yet I feel that they threaten us with sore
+tribulation. But, after all, what harm can they do us, if we only keep
+close together, we two old people and the children of the children whom
+Hades rent from us? We need only to grow old to perceive that life has a
+head with many faces. The ugly one of to-day can last no longer than you
+can keep that deeply furrowed brow. But you need not coerce yourself for
+my sake, husband. Let it be so. I need merely close my eyes to see how
+smooth and beautiful it was in youth, and how pleasant it will look when
+better days say, &lsquo;Here we are!&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Didymus, with a mournful smile, kissed her grey hair and shouted into her
+left ear, which was a little less deaf than the other:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How young you are still, wife!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch10">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER X.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The tempest swept howling from the north across the island of Pharos, and
+the shallows of Diabathra in the great harbour of Alexandria. The water,
+usually so placid, rose in high waves, and the beacon on the lighthouse of
+Sastratus sent the rent abundance of its flames with hostile impetuosity
+towards the city. The fires in the pitch-pans and the torches on the shore
+sometimes seemed on the point of being extinguished, at others burst with
+a doubly brilliant blaze through the smoke which obscured them.
+</p>
+<p>
+The royal harbour, a fine basin which surrounded in the form of a
+semicircle the southern part of the Lochias and a portion of the northern
+shore of the Bruchium, was brightly illuminated every night; but this
+evening there seemed to be an unusual movement among the lights on its
+western shore, the private anchorage of the royal fleet.
+</p>
+<p>
+Was it the storm that stirred them? No. How could the wind have set one
+torch in the place of another, and moved lights or lanterns in a direction
+opposite to its violent course? Only a few persons, however, perceived
+this; for, though joyous anticipation or anxious fears urged many thither,
+who would venture upon the quay on such a tempestuous night? Besides, no
+one would have found admittance to the royal port, which was closed on all
+sides. Even the mole which, towards the west, served as the string to the
+bow of land surrounding it, had but a single opening and&mdash;as every
+one knew&mdash;that was closed by a chain in the same way as the main
+entrance to the harbour between the Pharos and Alveus Steganus.
+</p>
+<p>
+About two hours before midnight, spite of the increasing fury of the
+tempest, the singular movement of the lights diminished, but rarely had
+the hearts of those for whom they burned throbbed so anxiously. These were
+the dignitaries and court officials who stood nearest to Cleopatra&mdash;about
+twenty men and a single woman, Iras. Mardion and she had summoned them
+because the Queen&rsquo;s letter permitted those to whom she had given authority
+to offer her a quiet reception. After a long consultation they had not
+invited the commanders of the little Roman garrison left behind. It was
+doubtful whether those whom they expected would return that night, and the
+Roman soldiers who were loyal to Antony had gone with him to the war.
+</p>
+<p>
+The hall in the centre of the private roadstead of the royal harbour,
+where they had assembled, was furnished with regal magnificence; for it
+was a favourite resort of the Queen. The spacious apartment lacked no
+requisite of comfort, and most of those who were waiting used the
+well-cushioned couches, while others, harassed by mental anxiety, paced to
+and fro.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the room had remained unused for months, bats had made nests there, and
+now that it was lighted, dazzled by the glare of the lamps and candles,
+they darted to and fro above the heads of the assembly. Iras had ordered
+the commander of the Mellakes, or youths, a body-guard composed of the
+sons of aristocratic Macedonian families, to expel the troublesome
+creatures, and it diverted the thoughts of these devoted soldiers of the
+Queen to strike at them with their swords.
+</p>
+<p>
+Others preferred to watch this futile battle rather than give themselves
+up to the anxiety which filled their minds. The Regent was gazing mutely
+at the ground; Iras, pale and absent-minded, was listening to Zeno&rsquo;s
+statements; and Archibius had gone out of doors, and, unheeding the storm,
+was looking across the tossing waves of the harbour for the expected
+ships.
+</p>
+<p>
+In a wooden shed, whose roof was supported by gaily painted pillars,
+through which the wind whistled, the servants, from the porters to the
+litter-bearers, had gathered in groups under the flickering light of the
+lanterns. The Greeks sat on wooden stools, the Egyptians upon mats on the
+floor. The largest circle contained the parties who attended to the
+Queen&rsquo;s luggage and the upper servants, among whom were several maids.
+</p>
+<p>
+They had been told that the Queen was expected that night, because it was
+possible that the strong north wind would bear her ship home with
+unexpected speed after the victory. But they were better informed: palaces
+have chinks in doors and curtains, and are pervaded by a very peculiar
+echo which bears even a whisper distinctly from ear to ear.
+</p>
+<p>
+The body-slave of the commander-in-chief Seleukus was the principal
+spokesman. His master had reached Alexandria but a few hours ago from the
+frontier fortress of Pelusium, which he commanded. A mysterious order from
+Lucilius, Antony&rsquo;s most faithful friend, brought from Tænarum by a swift
+galley, had summoned him hither.
+</p>
+<p>
+The freedman Beryllus, a loquacious Sicilian, who, as an actor, had seen
+better days ere pirates robbed him of his liberty, had heard many new
+things, and his hearers listened eagerly; for ships coming from the north,
+which touched at Pelusium, had confirmed and completed the evil tidings
+that had penetrated the Sebasteum.
+</p>
+<p>
+According to his story, he was as well informed as if he had been an
+eye-witness of the naval battle; for he had been present during his
+master&rsquo;s conversation with many ship-captains and messengers from Greece.
+He even assumed the air of a loyal, strictly silent servant, who would
+only venture to confirm and deny what the Alexandrians had already
+learned. Yet his knowledge consisted merely of a confused medley of false
+and true occurrences. While the Egyptian fleet had been defeated at
+Actium, and Antony, flying with Cleopatra, had gone first to Tænarum at
+the end of the Peloponnesian coast, he asserted that the army and fleet
+had met on the Peloponnesian coast and Octavianus was pursuing Antony, who
+had turned towards Athens, while Cleopatra was on her way to Alexandria.
+</p>
+<p>
+His &ldquo;trustworthy intelligence&rdquo; had been patched together from a few words
+caught from Seleukus at table, or while receiving and dismissing
+messengers. In other matters his information was more accurate.
+</p>
+<p>
+While for several days the harbour of Alexandria had been closed, vessels
+were permitted to enter Pelusium, and all captains of newly arrived ships
+and caravans were compelled to report to Beryllus&rsquo;s master, the commandant
+of the important frontier fortress.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had quitted Pelusium the night before. The strong wind had driven the
+trireme before it so swiftly that it was difficult for even the sea gulls
+to follow. It was easy for the listeners to believe this; for the storm
+outside howled louder and louder, whistling through the open hall where
+the servants had gathered. Most of the lamps and torches had been blown
+out, the pitch-pans only sent forth still blacker clouds of smoke, lit by
+red and yellow flames, and the closed lanterns alone continued to diffuse
+a flickering light. So the wide space, dim with smoke, was illumined only
+by a dull, varying glimmer.
+</p>
+<p>
+One of the porters had furnished wine to shorten the hours of waiting; but
+it could only be drunk in secret, so there were no goblets. The jars
+wandered from mouth to mouth, and every sip was welcome, for the wind blew
+keenly, and besides, the smoke irritated their throats.
+</p>
+<p>
+The freedman, Beryllus, was often interrupted by paroxysms of coughing,
+especially from the women, while relating the evil omens which were told
+to his master in Pelusium. Each was well authenticated and surpassed its
+predecessor in significance.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here one of Iras&rsquo;s maids interrupted him to tell the story of the swallows
+on the &ldquo;Antonius,&rdquo; Cleopatra&rsquo;s admiral galley. He could scarcely report
+from Pelusium an omen of darker presage.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Beryllus gazed at her with a pitying smile, which so roused the
+expectations of the others that the overseer of the litter and baggage
+porters, who were talking loudly together, hoarsely shouted, &ldquo;Silence!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Soon no sound was heard in the open space save the shrill whistling of the
+wind, a word of command to the harbour-guards, and the freedman&rsquo;s voice,
+which he lowered to increase the charm of the mysterious events he was
+describing.
+</p>
+<p>
+He began with the most fulsome praise of Cleopatra and Antony, reminding
+his hearers that the Imperator was a descendant of Herakles. The
+Alexandrians especially were aware that their Queen and Antony claimed and
+desired to be called &ldquo;The new Isis&rdquo; and &ldquo;The new Dionysus.&rdquo; But every one
+who beheld the Roman must admit that in face and figure he resembled a god
+far more than a man.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Imperator had appeared as Dionysus, especially to the Athenians. In
+the proscenium of the theatre in that city was a huge bas-relief of the
+Battle of the Giants, the famous work of an ancient sculptor&mdash;he,
+Beryllus, had seen it&mdash;and from amid the numerous figures in this
+piece of sculpture the tempest had torn but a single one&mdash;which?
+Dionysus, the god as whose mortal image Antony had once caroused in a
+vine-clad arbour in the presence of the Athenians. The storm to-night was
+at the utmost like the breath of a child, compared with the hurricane
+which could wrest from the hard marble the form of Dionysus. But Nature
+gathers all her forces when she desires to announce to short-sighted
+mortals the approach of events which are to shake the world.
+</p>
+<p>
+The last words were quoted from his master who had studied in Athens. They
+had escaped from his burdened soul when he heard of another portent, of
+which a ship from Ostia had brought tidings. The flourishing city Pisaura&mdash;&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here, however, he was interrupted, for several of those present had
+learned, weeks before, that this place had sunk in the sea, but merely
+pitied the unfortunate inhabitants.
+</p>
+<p>
+Beryllus quietly permitted them to free themselves from the suspicion that
+people in Alexandria had had tidings of so remarkable an event later than
+those in Pelusium, and at first answered their query what this had to do
+with the war merely by a shrug of the shoulders; but when the overseer of
+the porters also put the question, he went on &ldquo;The omen made a specially
+deep impression upon our minds, for we know what Pisaura is, or rather how
+it came into existence. The hapless city which dark Hades ingulfed really
+belonged to Antony, for in the days of its prosperity he was its founder.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+He measured the group with a defiant glance, and there was no lack of
+evidences of horror; nay, one of the maid-servants shrieked aloud, for the
+storm had just snatched a torch from the iron rings in the wall and hurled
+it on the floor close beside the listener.
+</p>
+<p>
+Suspense seemed to have reached its height. Yet it was evident that
+Beryllus had not yet drawn his last arrow from the quiver.
+</p>
+<p>
+The maid-servant, whose scream had startled the others, had regained her
+composure and seemed eager to hear some other new and terrible omen, for,
+with a beseeching glance, she begged the freedman not to withhold the
+other things he knew.
+</p>
+<p>
+He pointed to the drops of perspiration which, spite of the wind sweeping
+through the hall, covered her brow: &ldquo;You must use your handkerchief.
+Merely listening to my tale will dampen your skin. Stone statues are made
+of harder material, but a soul dwells within them too. Their natures may
+be harsher or more gentle; they bring us woe or heal heavy sorrows,
+according to their mood. Every one learns this who raises his hands to
+them in prayer. One of these statues stands in Alba. It represents Mark
+Antony, in whose honour it was erected by the city. And it foresaw what
+menaced the man whose stone double it is. Ay, open your ears! About four
+days ago a ship&rsquo;s captain came to my master and in my presence this man
+reported&mdash;he grew as pale as ashes while he spoke&mdash;what he
+himself had witnessed. Drops of perspiration had oozed from the statue of
+Antony in Alba. Horror seized all the citizens; men and women came to wipe
+the brow and cheeks of the statue, but the drops of perspiration did not
+cease to drip, and this continued several days and nights. The stone image
+had felt what was impending over the living Mark Antony. It was a horrible
+spectacle, the man said.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here the speaker paused, and the group of listeners started, for the clang
+of a gong was heard outside, and the next instant all were on their feet
+hastening to their posts.
+</p>
+<p>
+The officials in the magnificent hall had also risen. Here the silence had
+been interrupted only by low whispers. The colour had faded from most of
+the grave, anxious faces, and their timid glances shunned one another.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius had first perceived, by the flames of the Pharos, the red
+glimmer which announced the approach of the royal galley. It had not been
+expected so early, but was already passing the islands into the great
+harbour. It was probably the Antonius, the ship on which the old swallows
+had pecked the young ones to death.
+</p>
+<p>
+Though the waves were running high, even in the sheltered harbour, they
+scarcely rocked the massive vessel. An experienced pilot must have steered
+it past the shallows and cliffs on the eastern side of the roadstead, for
+instead of passing around the island of Antirrhodus as usual, it kept
+between the island and the Lochias, steering straight towards the entrance
+into the little royal harbour. The pitch-pans on both sides had been
+filled with fresh resin and tow to light the way. The watchers on the
+shore could now see its outlines distinctly.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was the Antonius, and yet it was not.
+</p>
+<p>
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, who was standing beside Iras, wrapped his
+cloak closer around his shivering limbs, pointed to it, and whispered,
+&ldquo;Like a woman who leaves her parents&rsquo; house in the rich array of a bride,
+and returns to it an impoverished widow.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras drew herself up, and with cutting harshness replied, &ldquo;Like the sun
+veiled by mists, but which will soon shine forth again more radiantly than
+ever.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Spoken from the depths of my soul,&rdquo; said the old courtier eagerly, &ldquo;so
+far as the Queen is concerned. Of course, I did not allude to her Majesty,
+but to the ship. You were ill when it left the harbour, garlanded with
+flowers and adorned with purple sails. And now! Even this flickering light
+shows the wounds and rents. I am the last person whom you need tell that
+our sun Cleopatra will soon regain its old radiance, but at present it is
+very chilly and cold here by the water&rsquo;s edge in this stormy air; and when
+I think of our first moment of meeting&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Would it were over!&rdquo; murmured Iras, wrapping herself closer in her cloak.
+Then she drew back shivering, for the rattle of the heavy chain, which was
+drawn aside from the opening of the harbour, echoed with an uncanny sound
+through the silence of the night. A mountain seemed to weigh upon the
+watchers&rsquo; breasts, for the wooden monster which now entered the little
+harbour moved forward as slowly and silently as a spectral ship. It seemed
+as if life were extinct on the huge galley usually swarming with a
+numerous crew; as if a vessel were about to cast anchor whose sailors had
+fallen victims to the plague. Nothing was heard save an occasional word of
+command, and the signal whistles of the fluteplayer who directed the
+rowers. A few lanterns burned with a wavering light on the vast length of
+her decks. The brilliant illumination which usually shone through the
+darkness would have attracted the attention of the Alexandrians.
+</p>
+<p>
+Now it was close to the landing. The group on shore watched every inch of
+its majestic progress with breathless suspense, but when the first rope
+was flung to the slaves on shore several men in Greek robes pressed
+forward hurriedly among the courtiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+They had come with a message, whose importance would permit no delay, to
+the Regent Mardion, who stood between Zeno and Iras, gazing gloomily at
+the ground with a frowning brow. He was pondering over the words in which
+to address the Queen, and within a few minutes the ship would have made
+her landing, and Cleopatra might cross the bridge. To disturb him at that
+moment was an undertaking few who knew the irritable, uncertain temper of
+the eunuch would care to risk. But the tall Macedonian, who for a short
+time attracted the eyes of most of the spectators from the galley,
+ventured to do so. It was the captain of the nightwatch, the aristocratic
+commander of the police force of the city.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Only a word, my lord,&rdquo; he whispered to the Regent, &ldquo;though the time may
+be inopportune.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As inopportune as possible,&rdquo; replied the eunuch with repellent harshness.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We will say as inopportune as the degree of haste necessary for its
+decision. The King Cæsarion, with Antyllus and several companions,
+attacked a woman. Blackened faces. A fight. Cæsarion and the woman&rsquo;s
+companion&mdash;an aristocrat, member of the Council&mdash;slightly
+wounded. Lictors interfered just in time. The young gentlemen were
+arrested. At first they refused to give their names&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cæsarion slightly, <i>really</i> only slightly wounded?&rdquo; asked the eunuch with
+eager haste.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Really and positively. Olympus was summoned at once. A knock on the head.
+The man who was attacked flung him on the pavement in the struggle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Dion, the son of Eumenes, is the man,&rdquo; interrupted Iras, whose quick ear
+had caught the officer&rsquo;s report. &ldquo;The woman&mdash;is Barine, the daughter of the
+artist Leonax.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then you know already?&rdquo; asked the Macedonian in surprise.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;So it seems,&rdquo; answered Mardion, gazing into the girl&rsquo;s face with a
+significant glance. Then, turning to her rather than to the Macedonian, he
+added, &ldquo;I think we will have the young rascals set free and brought to
+Lochias with as little publicity as possible.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To the palace?&rdquo; asked the Macedonian.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Of course,&rdquo; replied Iras firmly. &ldquo;Each to his own apartments, where they
+must remain until further orders.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Everything else must be deferred until after the reception,&rdquo; added the
+eunuch, and the Macedonian, with a slight, haughty nod, drew back.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Another misfortune,&rdquo; sighed the eunuch.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A boyish prank,&rdquo; Iras answered quickly, &ldquo;but even a still greater
+misfortune is less than nothing so long as we are not conscious of it.
+This unpleasant occurrence must be concealed for the present from the
+Queen. Up to this time it is a vexation, nothing more&mdash;and it can and
+must remain so; for we have it in our power to uproot the poisonous tree
+whence it emanates.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You look as if no one could better perform the task,&rdquo; the Regent
+interrupted, with a side glance at the galley, &ldquo;so you shall have the
+commission. It is the last one I shall give, during the Queen&rsquo;s absence,
+in her name.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I shall not fail,&rdquo; she answered firmly.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Iras again looked towards the landing-place she saw Archibius
+standing alone, with his eyes fixed upon the ground. Impulse prompted her
+to tell her uncle what had happened; but at the first step she paused, and
+her thin lips uttered a firm &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Her friend had become a stone in her path. If necessary, she would find
+means to thrust him also aside, spite of his sister Charmian and the old
+tie which united him to Cleopatra. He had grown weak, Charmian had always
+been so.
+</p>
+<p>
+She would have had time enough now to consider what step to take first,
+had not her heart ached so sorely.
+</p>
+<p>
+After the huge galley lay moored, several minutes elapsed ere two
+<i>pastophori</i> of the goddess Isis, who guarded the goblet of Nektanebus,
+taken from the temple treasures and borne along in a painted chest,
+stepped upon the bridge, followed by Cleopatra&rsquo;s first chamberlain, who in
+a low tone announced the approach of the Queen and commanded the waiting
+groups to make way. A double line of torch-bearers had been stationed from
+the landing to the gate leading into the Bruchium, and the other on the
+north, which was the entrance to the palaces on the Lochias, since it was
+not known where Cleopatra would desire to go. The chamberlain, however,
+said that she would spend the night at Lochias, where the children lived,
+and ordered all the flickering, smoking torches, save a few, to be
+extinguished.
+</p>
+<p>
+Mardion, the Keeper of the Seal, Archibius, and Iras were standing by the
+bridge a little in advance of the others, when voices were heard on the
+ship, and the Queen appeared, preceded by several lantern-bearers and
+followed by a numerous train of court officials, pages, maids, and female
+slaves. Cleopatra&rsquo;s little hand rested on Charmian&rsquo;s arm, as, with a
+haughty carriage of the head, she moved towards the shore. A thick veil
+covered her face, and a large, dark cloak concealed her figure. How
+elastic her step was still! how proud yet graceful was the gesture with
+which she waved a greeting to Mardion and Zeno!
+</p>
+<p>
+Extending her hand to raise Iras, who had sunk prostrate before her, she
+kissed her on the forehead, whispering, &ldquo;The children?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;All is well with them,&rdquo; replied the girl.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the returning sovereign greeted the others with a gracious gesture,
+but vouchsafed a word to no one until the eunuch stepped before her to
+deliver his address of welcome. She motioned him aside with a curt
+&ldquo;Later&rdquo;; and when Zeno held open the door of the litter, she said in a
+stifled tone: &ldquo;I will walk. After the rocking of the galley in this
+tempest, I feel reluctant to enter the litter. There are many things to be
+considered to-day. An idea came to me on the way home. Summon the captain
+of the harbour and his chief counsellors, the heads of the war office, the
+superintendent of the fortifications on land and water, especially the
+Aristarch and Gorgias&mdash;I want to see them. Time presses. They must be
+here in two hours&mdash;no, in an hour and a half. I wish to examine all their
+plans and charts of the eastern frontier, especially the river channels
+and canals in the Delta.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she turned to Archibius, who had approached the litter, laid her hand
+upon his arm, and though her veil prevented him from seeing her sparkling
+eyes, he felt them shining deep into his heart, as the voice whose melody
+had often enthralled his soul cried, &ldquo;We will take it as a favourable omen
+that it is again <i>you</i> who lead me to this palace in a time of trouble.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+His overflowing heart found expression in the warm reply, &ldquo;Whenever it may
+be, forever and ever this arm and this life are yours!&rdquo; And the Queen
+answered in a tone of earnest belief, &ldquo;I know it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, with her hand still resting on his arm, she moved forward; but when
+he began to ask whether she really had cause to speak of a time of
+trouble, she cut him short with the entreaty &ldquo;Not now. Let us say nothing.
+It is worse than bad&mdash;as evil as possible. Yet no. Few are permitted,
+in an hour of trouble, to lean on the arm of a faithful friend.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The words were accompanied with a light pressure of her little hand, and
+it seemed as if his old heart was growing young.
+</p>
+<p>
+He dared not speak, for her wish was law; but while moving silently at her
+side, first along the shore, then through the gate, and finally over the
+marble flagstones which led to the palace portal, it seemed as if he
+beheld, instead of the veiled head of the hapless Queen, the soft,
+light-brown locks which floated around the face of a happy child. Before
+his mental vision rose the little mistress of the garden of Epicurus. He
+saw the sparkle of her large blue eyes, which never ceased to question,
+yet appeared to contain the mystery of the world. He fancied he heard once
+more the silvery cadence of her voice and the bewitching magic of her
+pure, childlike laughter, and it was hard to remember what she had become.
+</p>
+<p>
+Snatched away from the present, yet conscious that Fate had granted him a
+great boon in this sorrowful hour, he moved on at her side and led her
+through the main entrance, the spacious inner court-yard of the palace. At
+the rear was the great door opening into the Queen&rsquo;s apartments, before
+which Mardion, Iras, and their companions had already stationed
+themselves. At the left was a smaller one leading into the wing occupied
+by the children.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius was about to conduct Cleopatra across the lighted court-yard,
+but she motioned towards the children&rsquo;s rooms, and he understood her.
+</p>
+<p>
+At the threshold her hand fell from his arm, and when he bowed as if to
+retire, she said kindly: &ldquo;There is Charmian. You both deserve to accompany
+me to the spot where childhood is dreaming and peace of mind and
+painlessness have their abode. But respect for the Queen has prevented the
+brother and sister from greeting each other after so long a separation. Do
+so now! Then, follow me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While speaking, she hastened with the swift step of youth into the atrium
+and up the staircase which led to the sleeping-rooms of the princes and
+princesses.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius and Charmian obeyed her bidding; the brother clasped his sister
+affectionately in his arms, and in hurried tones, with tears streaming
+from her eyes, she informed him that to her all seemed lost.
+</p>
+<p>
+Antony had behaved in a manner for which no words of condemnation or
+regret were adequate. Probably he would follow Cleopatra; the fleet, and
+perhaps the army also, were destroyed. Her fate lay in the hands of
+Octavianus.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she preceded him towards the staircase, where Iras was standing with
+a tall Syrian, who bore a striking resemblance to Philostratus, Barine&rsquo;s
+former husband. It was his brother Alexas, the trusted favourite of Mark
+Antony. His place should now have been with him, and Archibius asked his
+sister with a hasty look how this man chanced to be in the Queen&rsquo;s train.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;His skill in reading the stars,&rdquo; was the reply. &ldquo;His flattering tongue.
+He is a parasite of the worst kind, but he tells her many things, he
+diverts her, and she tolerates him near her person.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+As soon as Iras saw the direction in which Cleopatra had turned, she had
+hastened after her to accompany her to the children. The Syrian Alexas had
+stopped her to express his joy in meeting her again. Even before the
+outbreak of the war he had devoted himself zealously to her, and he now
+plainly showed that during the long period of separation his feelings had
+by no means cooled. Like his brother, he had a head too small for his
+body, but his well-formed features were animated by a pair of eyes
+sparkling with a keen, covetous expression.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras, too, seemed glad to welcome the favourite, but ere the brother and
+sister reached the staircase she left him to embrace Charmian, her aunt
+and companion, with the affection of a daughter.
+</p>
+<p>
+They found the Queen in the anteroom of the children&rsquo;s apartments.
+Euphronion, their tutor, had awaited her there, and hurriedly gave, in the
+most rapturous terms, his report of them and the wonderful gifts which
+became more and more apparent in each, now as a heritage from their
+mother, now from their father.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra had interrupted the torrent of his enthusiastic speech with many
+a question, meanwhile endeavouring to loose the veil wound about her head;
+but the little hands, unaccustomed to the task, failed. Iras noticed it
+from the stairs and, hastening up the last steps, skilfully released her
+from the long web of lace.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen acknowledged the service by a gracious nod, but when the chief
+eunuch opened the door leading into the children&rsquo;s rooms, she called
+joyously to the brother and sister, &ldquo;Come!&rdquo; The tutor, who was obliged to
+leave the charge of his pupils&rsquo; sleeping apartments to the eunuchs and
+nurses, drew back, but Iras felt it a bitter affront to be excluded from
+this visit. Her cheeks flushed and paled; her thin lips were more firmly
+compressed, and she gazed intently at the basket of fruit in the mosaic
+floor at her feet as if she were counting the cherries that filled it. But
+she suddenly pushed the little curls back from her forehead, darted
+swiftly down the stairs, and called to Alexas just as he was about to
+leave the atrium.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Syrian hastened towards her, extolling the good fortune that made his
+sun rise for him a second time that night, but she cut him short with the
+words: &ldquo;Cease this foolish love-making. It would be far better for us both
+to become allies in serious, bitter earnest. I am ready.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;So am I!&rdquo; cried the Syrian rapturously, pressing his hand upon his heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Meanwhile Cleopatra had entered the chamber where the children lay
+sleeping. Deep silence pervaded the lofty hall hung with bright-hued
+carpets, and softly lighted by three lamps with rose-colored globes. An
+arch, supported by pillars of Libyan marble, divided the wide space. In
+the first, near a window closely muffled with draperies, stood two ivory
+beds, surmounted with crowns of gold and silver set with pearls and
+turquoises. Around the edge, carved by the hands of a great artist, ran a
+line of happy children dancing to the songs of birds in blossoming bushes.
+</p>
+<p>
+The couches were separated by a heavy curtain which the eunuchs had raised
+at the approach of the Queen. Cleopatra could now see them all at a single
+glance, and the picture was indeed one of exquisite charm; for on these
+beautiful couches slept the twins, the ten-year-old children of Cleopatra
+and Antony&mdash;Antonius Helios and Cleopatra Selene. The girl was pink
+and white, fair and wonderfully lovely; the boy no less beautiful, but
+with ebon-black hair, like his father. Both curly heads were turned
+towards the side, and rested on a dimpled hand pressed upon the silken
+pillow.
+</p>
+<p>
+Upon a third bed, beyond the arch, was Alexander, the youngest prince, a
+lovely boy of six, the Queen&rsquo;s darling.
+</p>
+<p>
+After gazing a long while at the twins, and pressing a light kiss upon
+cheeks flushed with slumber, she turned to the youngest child and sank
+beside his couch as if forced to bend the knee before some apparition
+which Heaven had vouchsafed to her. Tears streamed from her eyes as,
+drawing the child carefully towards her, she kissed his mouth, eyes, and
+cheeks, and then laid him gently back upon the pillows. The boy, however,
+did not instantly relapse into slumber, but threw his little plump arms
+around his mother&rsquo;s neck, murmuring incomprehensible words. She joyously
+submitted to his caresses, till sleep again overpowered him, and his
+little hands fell back upon the bed.
+</p>
+<p>
+She lingered a short time longer, with her brow resting on the ivory of
+the couch, praying for this child and his brother and sister. When she
+rose again her cheeks were wet with tears, and she pressed her hand upon
+her breast. Then, beckoning to Charmian and Archibius, she motioned
+towards Alexander and the twins, saying, as she saw tears glittering in
+the eyes of both: &ldquo;I know you have lost this happiness for my sake. For
+each one of these children a great empire would not be too high a price;
+for them all&mdash;&mdash; What does earth contain that I would not bestow?
+Yet what can I still call my own?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Her smiling face clouded as she asked the question. The vision of the lost
+battle again rose before her mind. Her own power was lost, forfeited, and
+with it the independence of the native land which she loved. Rome was
+already stretching out her hand to add it to the others as a new province.
+But this should not be! Her twin children yonder, sleeping beneath crowns,
+must <i>wear</i> them! And the boy slumbering on the pillows? How many kingdoms
+Antony had bestowed! What remained for her to give?
+</p>
+<p>
+Again she bent to the child. A beautiful dream must have hovered over him,
+for he was smiling in his sleep. A flood of maternal love welled up in her
+agitated heart, and, as she saw the companions of her childhood also
+gazing tenderly at the little steeper, she remembered the days of her own
+youth, and the quiet happiness which she had enjoyed in her garden of
+Epicurus.
+</p>
+<p>
+Power and splendour had begun for her beyond its confines, but the greater
+the heights of worldly grandeur she attained, the more distant, the more
+irrecoverable became the consciousness of the happiness which she had once
+gratefully enjoyed, and for which she had never ceased to long. And as she
+now gazed once more at the peaceful, smiling face, whence all pain and
+anxiety seemed worlds away, and all the love which her heart contained
+appeared to be pouring towards him, the question arose in her mind whether
+this boy, for whom she possessed no crown, might not be the only happy
+mortal of them all&mdash;happy in the sense of the master. Deeply moved by this
+thought, she turned to Archibius and Charmian, exclaiming in a subdued
+tone, in order not to rouse the sleeper: &ldquo;Whatever destiny may await us, I
+commend this child to your special love and care. If Fate denies him the
+lustre of the crown and the elation of power, teach him to enjoy that
+other happiness, which&mdash;how long ago it is!&mdash;your father
+unfolded to his mother.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius kissed her robe, and Charmian her hands; but Cleopatra, drawing
+a long breath, said: &ldquo;The mother has already taken too much time from the
+Queen. I have ordered the news of my arrival to be kept from Cæsarion.
+This was well. The most important matters will be settled before our
+meeting. Everything relating to me and to the state must be decided within
+an hour. But, first, I am something more than mother and Queen. The woman
+also asserts her claim. I will find time for you, my friend, to-morrow!&mdash;To
+my chamber first, Charmian. But you need rest still more than I. Go with
+your brother. Send Iras to me. She will be glad to use her skilful fingers
+again in her mistress&rsquo;s service.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch11">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XI.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The Queen had left her bath. Iras had arranged the still abundant waves of
+her hair, now dark-brown in hue, and robed her magnificently to receive
+the dignitaries whom, spite of the late hour of the night, she expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+How wonderfully she had retained her beauty! It seemed as if Time had not
+ventured to touch this masterpiece of feminine loveliness; yet the Greek&rsquo;s
+keen eye detected here and there some token of the vanishing spell of
+youth. She loved her mistress, yet her inmost soul rejoiced whenever she
+detected in her the same changes which began to appear in herself, the
+woman of seven-and-twenty, so many years her sovereign&rsquo;s junior. She would
+gladly have given Cleopatra everything at her command, yet she felt as if
+she must praise Nature for an act of justice, when she perceived that even
+her royal favourite was not wholly relieved from the law which applied to
+all.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cease your flattery,&rdquo; said Cleopatra, smiling mournfully. &ldquo;They say that
+the works of the Pharaohs here on the Nile flout Time. The inexorable
+destroyer is less willing to permit this from the Queen of Egypt. These
+are grey hairs, and they came from this head, however eagerly you may deny
+it. Whose save my own are these lines around the corners of the eyes and
+on the brow? What say you to the tooth which my lips do not hide so kindly
+as you assert? It was injured the night before the luckless battle. My
+dear, faithful, skilful Olympus, the prince of leeches, is the only one
+who can conceal such things. But it would not do to take the old man to
+the war, and Glaucus is far less adroit. How I missed Olympus during those
+fatal hours! I seemed a monster even to myself, and he&mdash;Antony&rsquo;s eye
+is only too keen for such matters. What <i>is</i> the love of men? A blackened
+tooth may prove its destruction. An aspect obnoxious to the gaze will pour
+water on the fiercest fire. What hours I experienced, Iras! Many a glance
+from him seemed an insult, and, besides, my heart was filled with
+torturing anxiety.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Something had evidently come between us! I felt it. The trouble began
+soon after he left Alexandria. It gnawed my soul like a worm, and now that
+I am here again I must see clearly. He will follow me in a few days, I
+know. Pinarius Scarpus, with his untouched legions, is in Parætonium,
+whither he went. At Tænarum he resolved to retire from the world which
+he, on whom it had bestowed so much that is great, hates because he has
+given it cause for many a shake of the head. But the old spirit woke
+again, and if Fortune, usually so faithful, still aids him, a large force
+will soon join the new African army. The Asiatic princes&mdash;&mdash; But the
+ruler of the state must be silent. I entered this room to give the woman
+her just rights, and the woman shall have them. He will soon be here. He
+cannot live without me. It is not alone the beaker of Nektanebus which
+draws him after me!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When the greatest of the great, Julius Cæsar, sued for your love in
+Alexandria, and Antony on the Cydnus, you did not possess the goblet,&rdquo;
+observed Iras. &ldquo;It is two years since Anubis permitted you to borrow the
+masterpiece from the temple treasures, and within a few days you will be
+obliged to restore it. That a mysterious spell emanates from the cup is
+certain, but one still more powerful dwells in the magic of your own
+nature.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Would that it might assert itself to-day!&rdquo; cried the Queen. &ldquo;At any rate
+the power of the beaker impelled Antony to do many things. I am not vain
+enough to believe that it was love, that it was solely the spell of my own
+personality which drew him to me in that disastrous hour. That battle,
+that incomprehensible, disgraceful battle! You were ill, and could not see
+our fleet when it set sail; but even experienced spectators said that
+handsomer, larger vessels were never beheld. I was right in insisting that
+the decision of the conflict should be left to them. I was entitled to
+call them mine. Had we conquered, what a proud delight it would have been
+to say, &lsquo;The weapons which you gave to the man you loved gained him the
+sovereignty of the world!&rsquo; Besides, the stars had assured me that good
+fortune would attend us on the sea. They had given the same message to
+Anubis here and to Alexas upon Antony&rsquo;s galley. I also trusted the spell
+of the goblet, which had already compelled Antony to do many things he
+opposed. So I succeeded in having the decision of the conflict left to the
+fleet, but the prediction was false, false, false!&mdash;how utterly, was
+to be proved only too soon.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If I had only been told in time what I learned later! After the defeat
+people were more loquacious. That one remark of a veteran commander of the
+foot-soldiers would probably have sufficed to open my eyes. He had asked
+Mark Antony why he fixed his hopes on miserable wood, exclaiming, &lsquo;Let the
+Phœnician&rsquo;s and Egyptians war on the water, but leave <i>us</i> the land where
+we are accustomed, with our feet firmly set upon the earth, to fight,
+conquer, or die!&rsquo; This alone, I am sure, would have changed my resolve in
+a happy hour. But it was kept from me.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The conflict began. Our troops had lost patience. The left wing of the
+fleet advanced. At first I watched the battle eagerly, with a throbbing
+heart. How proudly the huge galleys moved forward! Everything was going
+admirably. Antony had made an address, assuring the warriors that, even
+without soldiers, our ships would destroy the foe by their mere height and
+size. What orator can so carry his hearers with him! I, too, was still
+fearless. Who cherishes anxiety when confidently expecting victory? When
+he went on board his own ship, after bidding me farewell far less
+cordially than usual, I became more troubled. I thought it was evident
+that his love was waning. What had I become since we left Alexandria, and
+Olympus no longer attended me! Matters could not continue in this way. I
+would leave the direction of the war to him, and vanish from his eyes.
+After he had looked into the beaker of Nektanebus, he yielded to my will,
+but often with indignation. The unconcealed, ineffaceable lines, and the
+years, the cruel years!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;What thoughts are these?&rdquo; cried Iras. &ldquo;Let me take oath, my sovereign
+mistress, that as you stand before me&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Thanks to this toilet-table and the new compounds of Olympus in these
+boxes! At that time, I tell you, I was fairly startled at the sight of my
+own face. Trouble does not enhance beauty, and what condemnation the
+Romans had heaped on the woman who meddled with war, the craft of man! I
+had answers for them, but I would not endure it longer. I had previously
+determined to hold aloof from the battle on land; but even at the
+commencement of the conflict, spite of its favourable promise, I longed to
+leave Antony and return to the children. They do not heed the colour of
+their mother&rsquo;s hair, nor her wrinkles; and he, when he had looked for and
+called me in vain, would feel for the first time what he possessed in me,
+would miss me, and with the longing the old love would awaken with fresh
+ardour. As soon as the fleet had gained the victory I would have the prow
+of my galley turned southward and, without a farewell, exclaiming only,
+&lsquo;We will meet in Alexandria!&rsquo; set sail for Egypt.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I summoned Alexas, who had remained with me, and ordered him to give me a
+signal as soon as the battle was decided in our favour. I remained on
+deck. Then I saw the ships of the foe describing a wide circle. The
+<i>nauarch</i> told me that Agrippa was trying to surround us. This roused a
+feeling of discomfort. I began to repent having meddled with men&rsquo;s work.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antony looked across at me from his galley. I waved my hand to point out
+the peril, but instead of eagerly and lovingly answering the greeting, as
+of yore, he turned his back, and in a short time after the wildest uproar
+arose around me. One ship became entangled with another, planks and poles
+shattered with a loud crash. Shouts, the cries and moans of the combatants
+and the wounded, mingled with the thunder of the stones hurled by the
+catapults, and the sharp notes of the signals which sounded like calls for
+help. Two soldiers, stricken by arrows, fell beside me. It was horrible!
+Yet my courage remained steadfast, even when a squadron&mdash;it was
+commanded by Aruntius&mdash;pressed upon the fleet. I saw another line of
+galleys steering directly towards us, and a Roman vessel assailed by one
+of mine&mdash;I had named her the Selene&mdash;turn on her side and sink.
+This pleased me and seemed like the first presage of victory. I again
+ordered Alexas to have the ship&rsquo;s prow turned as soon as the result of the
+battle was decided. Ere I had ceased speaking, Jason, the steward&mdash;you
+know him&mdash;appeared with refreshments. I took the beaker, but, ere I
+could raise it to my lips, he fell to the deck with a cloven skull,
+mingling his blood with the spilled juice of the grape. My blood seemed
+fairly to freeze in my veins, and Alexas, trembling and deadly pale,
+asked, &lsquo;Do you command us to quit the battle?&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Every fibre of my being urged me to give the order, but I controlled
+myself, and asked the <i>nauarch</i>, who was standing on the bridge before me,
+&lsquo;Are we gaining the advantage?&rsquo; The reply was a positive &lsquo;Yes.&rsquo; I thought
+the fitting time had come, and called to him to steer the galley
+southward. But the man did not seem to understand. Meanwhile the noise of
+the conflict had grown louder and louder. So, in spite of Charmian, who
+besought me not to interfere in the battle, I sent Alexas to the commander
+on the bridge, and while he talked with the grey-bearded seaman, who
+wrathfully answered I know not what, I glanced at the nearest ship&mdash;I
+no longer knew whether it was friend or foe&mdash;and as I saw the rows of
+restless oars moving in countless numbers to and fro, it seemed as if
+every ship had become a huge spider, and the long wooden handles of the
+oars were its legs and feet. Each of these monsters appeared to be seeking
+to snare me in a horrible net, and when the <i>nauarch</i> came to beseech me to
+wait, I imperiously commanded him to obey my orders.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The luckless man bowed, and performed his Queen&rsquo;s behest. The giant was
+turned, and forced a passage through the maze.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I breathed more freely.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;What had threatened me like the legs of huge spiders became oars once
+more. Alexas led me under a roof, where no missiles could reach me. My
+desire was fulfilled. I had escaped Antony&rsquo;s eyes, and we were going
+towards Alexandria and my children. When I at last looked around I saw
+that my other ships were following. I had not given this order, and was
+terribly startled. When I sought Alexas, he had vanished. The centurion
+whom I sent to order the <i>nauarch</i> to give the signal to the other ships to
+return to the battle, reported that the captain&rsquo;s dead body has just been
+borne away, but that the command should be given. How this was done I do
+not know, but it produced no effect, and no one noticed the anxious waving
+of my handkerchief.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We had left Antony&rsquo;s galley&mdash;he was standing on the bridge&mdash;far
+behind.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I had waved my hand as we passed close by, and he hurried down to bend
+far over the bulwark and shout to me. I can still see his hands raised to
+his bearded lips. I did not understand what he said, and only pointed
+southward and in spirit wished him victory and that this separation might
+tend to the welfare of our love. But he shook his head, pressed his hand
+despairingly to his brow, and waved his arms as though to give me a sign,
+but the Antonias swept far ahead of his ship and steered straight towards
+the south.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I breathed more freely, in the pleasant consciousness of escaping a
+two-fold danger. Had I remained long before Antony&rsquo;s eyes, looking as I
+did then, it might&mdash;&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Wretched blunder of a wretched woman, I say now. But at that time I could
+not suspect what a terrible doom I had brought down in that hour upon
+ourselves, my children, perhaps the whole world; so I remained under the
+thrall of these petty fears and thoughts until wounded men were carried
+past me. The sight distressed me; you know how sensitive I am, and with
+what difficulty I endure and witness suffering.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Charmian led me to the cabin. There I first realized what I had done. I
+had hoped to aid in crushing the hated foe, and now perhaps it was I who
+had built for him the bridge to victory, to sovereignty, to our
+destruction. Pursued by such thoughts, as if by the Furies, I paced
+restlessly to and fro.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Suddenly I heard a loud noise on deck. A crashing blow seemed to shake
+the huge ship. We were pursued! A Roman galley had boarded mine! This was
+my thought as I grasped the dagger Antony had given me.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But Charmian came back with tidings which seemed scarcely less terrible
+than the baseless fear. I had angrily commanded her to leave me because
+she had urged me to revoke the command to turn back. Now, deadly pale, she
+announced that Mark Antony had left his galley, followed me in a little
+five-oared boat, and come on board our ship.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My blood froze in my veins.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He had come, I imagined, to force me to return to the battle and, drawing
+a long breath, my defiant pride urged me to show him that I was the Queen
+and would obey only my own will, while my heart impelled me to sink at his
+feet and beseech him, without heeding me, to issue any order which
+promised to secure a victory.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But he did not come.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I sent Charmian up again. Antony had been unable to continue the conflict
+when parted from me. Now he sat in front of the cabin with his head
+resting on his hands, staring at the planks of the deck like one
+distraught. He, he&mdash;Antony! The bravest horseman, the terror of the
+foe, let his arms fall like a shepherd-boy whose sheep are stolen by the
+wolves. Mark Antony, the hero who had braved a thousand dangers, had flung
+down his sword. Why, why? Because a woman had yielded to idle fears,
+obeyed the yearning of a mother&rsquo;s heart, and fled? Of all human
+weaknesses, not one had been more alien than cowardice to the man whose
+recklessness had led him to many an unprecedented venture. And now? No, a
+thousand times no! Fire and water would unite sooner than Mark Antony and
+cowardice! He had been under the coercive power of a demon; a mysterious
+spell had forced him&mdash;&mdash;.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The mightiest power, love,&rdquo; interrupted Iras with enthusiastic warmth&mdash;&ldquo;a
+love as great and overmastering as ever subjugated the soul of man.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ay, love,&rdquo; repeated Cleopatra, in a hollow tone. Then her lips curled
+with a faint tinge of derision, and her voice expressed the very
+bitterness of doubt, as she continued: &ldquo;Had it been merely the love which
+makes two mortals one, transfers the heart of one to the other, it might
+perchance have borne my timorous soul into the hero&rsquo;s breast! But no.
+Violent tempests had raged before the battle. It had not been possible
+always to appear before him in the guise in which we would fain be seen by
+those whom we love. Even now, when your skilful hands have served
+me&mdash;there is the mirror&mdash;the image it reflects&mdash;seems to
+me like a carefully preserved wreck&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;O my royal mistress,&rdquo; cried Iras, raising her hands beseechingly, &ldquo;must I
+again declare that neither the grey hairs which are again brown, nor the
+few lines which Olympus will soon render invisible, nor whatever else
+perhaps disturbs you in the image you behold reflected, impairs your
+beauty? Unclouded and secure of victory, the spell of your godlike nature&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cease, cease!&rdquo; interrupted Cleopatra. &ldquo;I know what I know. No mortal can
+escape the great eternal laws of Nature. As surely as birth commences
+life, everything that exists moves onward to destruction and decay.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet the gods,&rdquo; Iras persisted, &ldquo;give to their works different degrees of
+existence. The waterlily blooms but a single day, yet how full of vigour
+is the sycamore in the garden of the Paneum, which has flourished a
+thousand years! Not a petal in the blossoms of your youth has faded, and
+is it conceivable that there is even the slightest diminution in the love
+of him who cast away all that man holds dearest because he could not
+endure to part, even for days or weeks, from the woman whom he
+worshipped?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Would that he had done so!&rdquo; cried Cleopatra mournfully. &ldquo;But are you so
+sure that it was love which made him follow me? I am of a different
+opinion. True love does not paralyze, but doubles the high qualities of
+man. I learned this when Cæsar was prisoned by a greatly superior force
+within this very palace, his ships burned, his supply of water cut off. In
+him also, in Antony, I was permitted to witness this magnificent spectacle
+twenty&mdash;what do I say?&mdash;a hundred times, so long as he loved me with
+all the ardour of his fiery soul. But what happened at Actium? That
+shameful flight of the cooing dove after his mate, at which generations
+yet unborn will point in mockery! He who does not see more deeply will
+attribute to the foolish madness of love this wretched forgetfulness of
+duty, honour, fame, the present and the future; but I, Iras&mdash;and this
+is the thought which whitens one hair after another, which will speedily
+destroy the remnant of your mistress&rsquo;s former beauty by the exhaustion of
+sleepless nights&mdash;I know better. It was not love which drew Antony
+after me, not love that trampled in the dust the radiant image of reckless
+courage, not love that constrained the demigod to follow the pitiful track
+of a fugitive woman.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here her voice fell, and seizing the girl&rsquo;s wrist with a painful pressure,
+she drew her closer to her side and whispered:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The goblet of Nektanebus is connected with it. Ay, tremble! The powers
+that emanate from the glittering wonder are as terrible as they are
+unnatural. The magic spell exerted by the beaker has transformed the
+heroic son of Herakles, the more than mortal, into the whimpering coward,
+the crushed, broken nonentity I found upon the galley&rsquo;s deck. You are
+silent? Your nimble tongue finds no reply. How could you have forgotten
+that you aided me to win the wager which forced Antony to gaze into the
+beaker before I filled it for him? How grateful I was to Anubis when he
+finally consented to trust to my care this marvel of the temple treasures,
+when the first trial succeeded, and Antony, at my bidding, placed the
+magnificent wreath which he wore upon the bald brow of that crabbed old
+follower of Aristoteles, Diomedes, whom he detested in his inmost soul! It
+was scarcely a year ago, and you know how rarely at first I used the power
+of the terrible vessel. The man whom I loved obeyed my slightest glance,
+without its aid. But later&mdash;before the battle&mdash;I felt how gladly
+he would have sent me, who might ruin all, back to Egypt. Besides, I felt&mdash;I
+have already said so&mdash;that something had come between us. Yet, often
+as he was on the point of sacrificing me to the importunate Romans, I need
+only bid him gaze into the beaker, and exclaim &lsquo;You will not send me
+hence. We belong together. Whither one goes, the other will follow!&rsquo; and
+he besought me not to leave him. The very morning before the battle I gave
+him the drinking cup, urging him, whatever might happen, never, never to
+leave me. And he obeyed this time also, though the person to whom a magic
+spell bound him was a fleeing woman. It is terrible. And yet, have I a
+right to execrate the thrall of the beaker? Scarcely! For without the
+Magian&rsquo;s glittering vessel&mdash;a secret voice in my soul has whispered
+the warning a thousand times during the sleepless nights&mdash;he would
+have taken another on the galley. And I believe I know this other&mdash;I
+mean the woman whose singing enthralled my heart too at the Adonis
+festival just before our departure. I noticed the look with which his eyes
+sought hers. Now I know that it was not merely my old deceitful foe,
+jealousy, which warned me against her. Alexas, the most faithful of his
+friends, also confirmed what I merely feared&mdash;ah! and he told me
+other things which the stars had revealed to him. Besides, he knows the
+siren, for she was the wife of his own brother. To protect his honour, he
+cast off the coquettish Circe.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Barine!&rdquo; fell in resolute tones from the lips of Iras.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;So you know her?&rdquo; asked Cleopatra, eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+The girl raised her clasped hands beseechingly to the Queen, exclaiming:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I know this woman only too well, and how my heart rages against her! O my
+mistress, that I, too, should aid in darkening this hour! Yet it must be
+said. That Antony visited the singer, and even took his son there more
+than once, is known throughout the city. Yet that is not the worst. A
+Barine entering into rivalry with you! It would be too ridiculous. But
+what bounds can be set to the insatiate greed of these women? No rank, no
+age is sacred. It was dull in the absence of the court and the army. There
+were no men who seemed worth the trouble of catching, so she cast her net
+for boys, and the one most closely snared was the King Cæsarion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cæsarion!&rdquo; exclaimed Cleopatra, her pale cheeks flushing. &ldquo;And his tutor
+Rhodon? My strict commands?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antyllus secretly presented him to her,&rdquo; replied Iras. &ldquo;But I kept my
+eyes open. The boy clung to the singer with insensate passion. The only
+expedient was to remove her from the city. Archibius aided me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then I shall be spared sending her away.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Nay, that must still be done; for, on the journey to the country
+Cæsarion, with several comrades, attacked her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And the reckless deed was successful?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No, my royal mistress. I wish it had been. A love-sick fool who
+accompanied her drew his sword in her defence, raised his hand against the
+son of Cæsar, and wounded him. Calm yourself, I beseech you, I conjure
+you&mdash;the wound is slight. The boy&rsquo;s mad passion makes me far more
+anxious.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen&rsquo;s pouting scarlet lips closed so firmly that her mouth lost the
+winning charm which was peculiar to it, and she answered in a firm,
+resolute tone: &ldquo;It is the mother&rsquo;s place to protect the son against the
+temptress. Alexas is right. Her star stands in the path of mine. A woman
+like this casts a deep shadow on her Queen&rsquo;s course. I will defend myself.
+It is she who has placed herself between us; she has won Antony. But no!
+Why should I blind myself? Time and the charms he steals from women are
+far more powerful than twenty such little temptresses. Then, there are the
+circumstances which prevented my concealing the defects that wounded the
+eyes of this most spoiled of all spoiled mortals. All these things aided
+the singer. I feel it. In her pursuit of men she had at her command all
+the means which aid us women to conceal what is unlovely and enhance what
+is beautiful in a lover&rsquo;s eyes, while I was at a disadvantage, lacking
+your aid and the long-tested skill of Olympus. The divinity on the ship,
+amid the raging of the storm, was forced more than once to appear before
+the worshipper ungarlanded, without ornament for the head, or incense.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But though she used all the combined arts of Aphrodite and Isis, she
+could not vie with you, my royal mistress!&rdquo; cried Iras. &ldquo;How little is
+required to delude the senses of one scarcely more than a child!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Poor boy!&rdquo; sighed the Queen, gently. &ldquo;Had he not been wounded, and were
+it not so hard to resign what we love, I should rejoice that he, too,
+understands how to plan and act. Perhaps&mdash;O Iras, would that it might
+be so!&mdash;now that the gate is burst open, the brain and energy of the
+great Cæsar will enter his living image. As the Egyptians call Horus &lsquo;the
+avenger of his father,&rsquo; perhaps he may become his mother&rsquo;s defender and
+avenger. If Cæsar&rsquo;s spirit wakes within him, he will wrest from the
+dissembler Octavianus the heritage of which the nephew robbed the son. You
+swear that the wound is but a slight one?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The physicians have said so.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Well, then we will hope so. Let him enter the conflict of life. We will
+afford him ample opportunity to test his powers. No foolish passion shall
+prevent the convalescent youth from following his father upward along the
+pathway of fame. But send for the woman who ensnared him, the audacious
+charmer whose aspirations mount to those I hold dearest. We will see how
+she appears beside me!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;These are grievous times,&rdquo; said Iras, who saw in amazement the Queen&rsquo;s
+eyes sparkle with the confident light of victory. &ldquo;Grant your foot its
+right. Let it crush her! Monsters enough, on whom you cannot set your
+foot, throng your path. Hence to Hades, in these days of conflict, with
+all who can be quickly removed!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Murder?&rdquo; asked Cleopatra, her noble brow contracting in a frown.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If it must be, ay,&rdquo; replied Iras, sharply. &ldquo;If possible, banishment to an
+island, an oasis. If necessity requires, to the mines with the siren!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If necessity requires?&rdquo; repeated the Queen. &ldquo;I think that means, if it
+proves that she has deserved the harshest punishment.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She has brought it upon herself by every hour of my sovereign&rsquo;s life
+clouded through her wiles. In the mines the desire to set snares for
+husbands and sons soon vanishes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And people languish in the most terrible torture till death ends their
+suffering,&rdquo; added Cleopatra, in a tone of grave reproof. &ldquo;No, girl, this
+victory is too easy. I will not send even my foe to death without a
+hearing, especially at this time, which teaches me what it is to await the
+verdict of one who is more powerful. This woman who, as it were, summons
+me to battle, shall have her wish. I am curious to see the singer again,
+and to learn the means by which she has succeeded in chaining to her
+triumphal car so many captives, from boys up to the most exacting men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;What do you intend, my royal mistress?&rdquo; cried Iras in horror.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I intend,&rdquo; said Cleopatra imperiously, &ldquo;to see the daughter of Leonax,
+the granddaughter of Didymus, two men whom I hold in high esteem, ere I
+decide her destiny. I wish to behold, test, and judge my rival, heart and
+mind, ere I condemn her. I will engage in the conflict to which she
+challenged the loving wife and mother! But&mdash;this is my right&mdash;I
+will compel her to show herself to me as Antony so often saw me during the
+past few weeks, unaided and unimproved by the arts which we both have at
+command.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, without paying any further heed to her attendant, she went to a
+window, and, after a swift glance at the sky, added quietly: &ldquo;The first
+hour after midnight is drawing to a close. The council will begin
+immediately. The matter to be under discussion is a venture which might
+save much from the wreck. The council will last two hours, perchance only
+one. The singer can wait. Where does she live?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In the house which belonged to her father, the artist Leonax, in the
+garden of the Paneum,&rdquo; replied Iras hoarsely. &ldquo;But, O my Queen, if ever my
+opinion had the slightest weight with you&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I desire no counsel now, but demand the fulfilment of my orders!&rdquo; cried
+Cleopatra resolutely. &ldquo;As soon as those whom I expect are here&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen was interrupted by a chamberlain, who announced the arrival of
+the men whom she had summoned, and Cleopatra bade him tell them that she
+was on her way to the council chamber. Then she turned again to Iras and
+in rapid words commanded her to go at once in a closed carriage,
+accompanied by a reliable person, to Barine&rsquo;s house. She must be brought
+to the palace without the least delay&mdash;Iras would understand&mdash;even
+if it should be necessary to rouse her from her sleep. &ldquo;I wish to see her
+as if a storm had forced her suddenly upon the deck of a ship,&rdquo; she said
+in conclusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then snatching a small tablet from the dressing-table, she scrawled upon
+the wax with a rapid hand: &ldquo;Cleopatra, the Queen, desires to see Barine,
+the daughter of Leonax, without delay. She must obey any command of Iras,
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s messenger, and her companion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, closing the diptychon, she handed it to her attendant, asking:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whom will you take?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She answered without hesitation, &ldquo;Alexas.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Very well,&rdquo; answered Cleopatra. &ldquo;Do not allow her a moment for
+preparations, whatever they may be. But do not forget&mdash;I command you&mdash;that
+she is a woman.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she turned to follow the chamberlain, but Iras hurried
+after her to adjust the diadem upon her head and arrange some of the folds
+of her robe.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra submitted, saying kindly, &ldquo;Something else, I see, is weighing on
+your heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;O my mistress!&rdquo; cried the girl. &ldquo;After these tempests of the soul, these
+harassing months, you are turning night into day and assuming fresh
+labours and anxieties. If the leech Olympus&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It must be,&rdquo; interrupted Cleopatra kindly. &ldquo;The last two weeks seemed
+like a single long and gloomy night, during which I sometimes left my
+couch for a few hours. One who seeks to drag what is dearest from the
+river does not consider whether the cold bath is agreeable. If we succumb,
+it does not matter whether we are well or ill; if, on the contrary, we
+succeed in gathering another army and saving Egypt, let it cost health and
+life. The minutes I intend to grant to the woman will be thrown into the
+bargain. Whatever may come, I shall be ready to meet my fate. I am at one
+of life&rsquo;s great turning points. At such a time we fulfil our obligations
+and demands, both great and small.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+A few minutes later Cleopatra entered the throne-room and saluted the men
+whom she had roused from their slumber in order to lay before them a bold
+plan which, in the lowest depths of misfortune, her yearning to offer
+fresh resistance to the victorious foe had caused her vigorous, restless
+mind to evoke.
+</p>
+<p>
+When, many years before, the boy with whom, according to her father&rsquo;s
+will, she shared the throne, and his guardian Pothinus, had compelled her
+to fly from Alexandria, she had found in the eastern frontier of the
+Delta, on the isthmus which united Egypt to Asia, the remains of the canal
+which the energetic Pharaohs of former times had constructed to connect
+the Mediterranean with the Red Sea.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even at that period she had deemed this ruinous work worthy of notice, had
+questioned the Ænites who dwelt there about the remains, and even visited
+some of them herself during the leisure hours of waiting.
+</p>
+<p>
+From this survey it had seemed possible, by a great expenditure of labour,
+to again render navigable the canal which the Pharaohs had used to reach
+both seas in the same galleys, and by which, less than five hundred years
+before, Darius, the founder of the Persian Empire, had brought his fleet
+to his support.
+</p>
+<p>
+With the tireless desire for knowledge characteristic of her, Cleopatra
+had sought information concerning all these matters, and in quiet hours
+had more than once pondered over plans for again uniting the Grecian and
+Arabian seas.
+</p>
+<p>
+Clearly, plainly, fully, with more thorough knowledge of many details than
+even the superintendent of the water works, she explained her design to
+the assembled professionals. If it proved practicable, the rescued ships
+of the fleet, with others lying in the roadstead of Alexandria, could be
+conveyed across the isthmus into the Red Sea, and thus saved to Egypt and
+withdrawn from the foe. Supported by this force, many things might be
+attempted, resistance might be considerably prolonged, and the time thus
+gained used in gathering fresh aid and allies.
+</p>
+<p>
+If the opportunity to make an attack arrived, a powerful fleet would be at
+her disposal, for which smaller ships also should now be built at Klysma,
+on the basis of the experience gained at Actium.
+</p>
+<p>
+The men who had been robbed of their night&rsquo;s rest listened in amazement
+to the melodious words of this woman who, in the deepest disaster, had
+devised a plan of escape so daring in its grandeur, and understood how to
+explain it better than any one of their number could have done. They
+followed every sentence with the keenest attention, and Cleopatra&rsquo;s
+language grew more impassioned, gained greater power and depth, the more
+plainly she perceived the unfeigned, enthusiastic admiration paid her by
+her listeners.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even the oldest and most experienced men did not consider the surprising
+proposal utterly impossible and impracticable. Some, among them Gorgias,
+who during the restoration of the Serapeum had helped his father on the
+eastern frontier of the Delta, and thus became familiar with the
+neighbourhood of Heroonopolis, feared the difficulties which an elevation
+of the earth in the centre of the isthmus would place in the way of the
+enterprise. Yet, why should an undertaking which was successful in the
+days of Sesostris appear unattainable?
+</p>
+<p>
+The shortness of the time at their disposal was a still greater source of
+anxiety, and to this was added the information that one hundred and twenty
+thousand workmen had perished during the restoration of the canal which
+Pharaoh Necho nearly completed. The water way was not finished at that
+period, because an oracle had asserted that it would benefit only the
+foreigners, the Phœnicians.
+</p>
+<p>
+All these points were duly considered, but could not shake the opinion
+that, under specially favourable conditions, the Queen&rsquo;s plan would be
+practicable; though, to execute it, obstacles mountain-high were to be
+conquered. All the labourers in the fields, who had not been pressed into
+the army, must be summoned to the work.
+</p>
+<p>
+Not an hour&rsquo;s delay was permitted. Where there was no water to bear the
+ships, an attempt must be made to convey them across the land. There was
+no lack of means. The mechanics who had understood how to move the
+obelisks and colossi from the cataract to Alexandria, could here again
+find opportunity to test their brains and former skill.
+</p>
+<p>
+Never had Cleopatra&rsquo;s kindling spirit roused more eager, nay, more
+passionate sympathy, in any counsellors gathered around her than during
+this nocturnal meeting, and when at last she paused, the loud acclamations
+of excited men greeted her. The Queen&rsquo;s return, and the tidings of the
+lost battle which she had communicated, were to be kept secret.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias had been appointed one of the directors of the enterprise, and the
+intellect, voice, and winning charm of Cleopatra had so enraptured him
+that he already fancied he saw the commencement of a new love which would
+be fatal to his regard for Helena.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was foolish to raise his wishes so high, but he told himself that he
+had never beheld a woman more to be desired. Yet he cherished a very warm
+memory of the philosopher&rsquo;s granddaughter, and lamented that he would
+scarcely find it possible to bid her farewell.
+</p>
+<p>
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, Dion&rsquo;s uncle, had questioned him about his
+nephew in a very mysterious manner as soon as he entered the council
+chamber, and received the reply that the wound in the shoulder, which
+Cæsarion had dealt with a short Roman sword, though severe, was&mdash;so
+the physicians assured them&mdash;not fatal.
+</p>
+<p>
+This seemed to satisfy Zeno, and ere Gorgias could urge him to extend a
+protecting hand over his nephew, he excused himself and, with a message to
+the wounded man, turned his back upon him.
+</p>
+<p>
+The courtier had not yet learned what view the Queen would take of this
+unfortunate affair, and besides, he was overloaded with business. The new
+enterprise required the issue of a large number of documents conferring
+authority, which all passed through his hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra addressed a few kind, encouraging words to each one of the
+experts who had been entrusted with the execution of her plan. Gorgias,
+too, was permitted to kiss her robe, which stirred his blood afresh. He
+would fain have flung himself at the feet of this marvellous woman and,
+with his services, place his life at her disposal. And Cleopatra noticed
+the enthusiastic ardour of his glance.
+</p>
+<p>
+He, too, had been mentioned in the list of Barine&rsquo;s admirers. There must
+be something unusual about this woman! But could she have fired a body of
+grave men in behalf of a great, almost impossible deed, roused them to
+such enthusiastic admiration as she, the vanquished, menaced Queen?
+Certainly not.
+</p>
+<p>
+She felt in the right mood to confront Barine as judge and rival.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the midst of the deepest misery she had spent one happy hour. She had
+again felt, with joyous pride, that her intellect, fresh and unclouded,
+would be capable of outstripping the best powers, and in truth she needed
+no magic goblet to win hearts.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch12">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Barine had been an hour in the palace. The magnificently furnished room to
+which she was conducted was directly above the council chamber, and
+sometimes, in the silence of the night, the voice of the Queen or the loud
+cheers of men were distinctly heard.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine listened without making the slightest effort to catch the meaning
+of the words which reached her ears. She longed only for something to
+divert her thoughts from the deep and bitter emotion which filled her
+soul. Ay, she was roused to fury, and yet she felt how completely this
+passionate resentment contradicted her whole nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, the shameless conduct of Philostratus during their married life had
+often stirred the inmost depths of her placid, kindly spirit, and
+afterwards his brother Alexas had come to drive her, by his disgraceful
+proposals, to the verge of despair; rage was added to the passionate
+agitation of her soul, and for this she had cause to rejoice&mdash;but for
+this mighty resentment during the time of struggle she might have,
+perhaps, succumbed from sheer weariness and the yearning desire to rest.
+</p>
+<p>
+At last, at last, she and her friends, by means of great sacrifices, had
+succeeded in releasing her from these tortures. Philostratus&rsquo;s consent to
+liberate her was purchased. Alexas&rsquo;s persecution had ceased long before;
+he had first been sent away as envoy by his patron Antony, and afterwards
+been compelled to accompany him to the war.
+</p>
+<p>
+How she had enjoyed the peaceful days in her mother&rsquo;s house! How quickly
+the bright cheerfulness which she had supposed lost had returned to her
+soul!&mdash;and to-day Fate had blessed her with the greatest happiness
+life had ever offered. True, she had had only a few brief hours in which
+to enjoy it, for the attack of the unbridled boys and the wound inflicted
+upon her lover had cast a heavy shadow on her bliss.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her mother had again proved to be in the right when she so confidently
+predicted a second misfortune which would follow the first only too soon.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine had been torn at midnight from her peaceful home and her wounded
+lover&rsquo;s bedside. This was done by the Queen&rsquo;s command, and, full of angry
+excitement, she said to herself that the men were right who cursed tyranny
+because it transformed free human beings into characterless chattels.
+</p>
+<p>
+There could be nothing good awaiting her; that was proved by the
+messengers whom Cleopatra had sent to summon her at this unprecedented
+hour. They were her worst enemies: Iras, who desired to wed her lover&mdash;Dion
+had told her so after the assault&mdash;and Alexas, whose suit she had
+rejected in a way which a man never forgives.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had already learned Iras&rsquo;s feelings. The slender figure with the
+narrow head, long, delicate nose, small chin, and pointed fingers, seemed
+to her like a long, sharp thorn. This strange comparison had entered her
+head as Iras stood rigidly erect, reading aloud in a shrill, high voice
+the Queen&rsquo;s command. Everything about this hard, cold face appeared as
+sharp as a sting, and ready to destroy her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her removal from her mother&rsquo;s house to the royal palace had been swift and
+simple.
+</p>
+<p>
+After the attack&mdash;of which she saw little, because, overpowered by
+fear and horror, she closed her eyes&mdash;she had driven home with her
+lover, where the leech had bandaged his injuries, and Berenike had quickly
+and carefully transformed her own sleeping chamber into a sick-room.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine, after changing her dress, did not leave Dion&rsquo;s side. She had
+attired herself carefully, for she knew his delight in outward adornment.
+When she returned from her grandparents, before sunset, she was alone with
+him, and he, kissing her arm, had murmured that wherever the Greek tongue
+was spoken there was not one more beautiful. The gem was worthy of its
+loveliness. So she had opened her baggage to take out the circlet which
+Antony had given, and it again enclasped her arm when she entered the
+sick-room.
+</p>
+<p>
+Because Dion had told her that he deemed her fairest in the simple white
+robe she had worn a few days before, when there were no guests save
+himself and Gorgias, and she had sung until after midnight his favourite
+songs as though all were intended for him alone, her choice had fallen
+upon this garment. And she rejoiced that she had worn it&mdash;the wounded
+man&rsquo;s eyes rested upon her so joyously when she sat down opposite to him.
+</p>
+<p>
+The physician had forbidden him to talk, and urged him to sleep if
+possible. So Barine only held his hand in silence, whispering, whenever he
+opened his eyes, a tender word of love and encouragement.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had remained with him for hours, leaving her place at his side merely
+to give him his medicine, or, with her mother&rsquo;s aid, place poultices on
+his wounds.
+</p>
+<p>
+When his manly face was distorted by suffering, she shared his pain; but
+during most of the time a calm, pleasant sense of happiness pervaded her
+mind. She felt safe and sheltered in the possession of the man whom she
+loved, though fully aware of the perils which threatened him, and,
+perhaps, her also. But the assurance of his love completely filled her
+heart and cast every care entirely into the shade. Many men had seemed
+estimable and agreeable, a few even desirable husbands, but Dion was the
+first to awaken love in her ardent but by no means passionate soul. She
+regarded the experiences of the past few days as a beautiful miracle. How
+she had yearned and pined until the most fervent desire of her heart was
+fulfilled! Now Dion had offered her his love, and nothing could rob her of
+it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias and the sons of her uncle Arius had disturbed her a short time.
+After they had gone with a good report, Berenike had entreated her
+daughter to lie down and let her take her place. But Barine would not
+leave her lover&rsquo;s couch, and had just loosed her hair to brush it again
+and fasten the thick, fair braids around her head, when, two hours after
+midnight, some one knocked loudly on the window shutters. Berenike was in
+the act of removing the poultice, so Barine herself went into the atrium
+to wake the doorkeeper.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the old man was not asleep, and had anticipated her. She recognized,
+with a low cry of terror, the first person who entered the lighted
+vestibule&mdash;Alexas. Iras followed, her head closely muffled, for the
+storm was still howling through the streets. Last of all a lantern-bearer
+crossed the threshold.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Syrian saluted the startled young beauty with a formal bow, but Iras,
+without a greeting or even a single word of preparation, delivered the
+Queen&rsquo;s command, and then read aloud, by the light of the lantern, what
+Cleopatra had scrawled upon the wax tablet.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Barine, pallid and scarcely able to control her emotion, requested
+the messengers who had arrived at so late an hour to enter, in order to
+give her time to prepare for the night drive and take leave of her mother,
+Iras vouchsafed no reply, but, as if she had the right to rule the house,
+merely ordered the doorkeeper to bring his mistress&rsquo;s cloak without delay.
+</p>
+<p>
+While the old man, with trembling knees, moved away, Iras asked if the
+wounded Dion was in the dwelling; and Barine, her self-control restored by
+the question, answered, with repellent pride, that the Queen&rsquo;s orders did
+not command her to submit to an examination in her own house.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras shrugged her shoulders and said, sneeringly, to Alexas:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In truth, I asked too much. One who attracts so many men of all ages can
+scarcely be expected to know the abode of each individual.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The heart has a faithful memory,&rdquo; replied the Syrian in a tone of
+correction, but Iras echoed, contemptuously, &ldquo;The heart!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then all were silent until, instead of the doorkeeper, Berenike herself
+came hurrying in, bringing the cloak. With pallid face and bloodless lips
+she wrapped it around her daughter&rsquo;s shoulders, whispering, amid floods of
+tears, almost inaudible words of love and encouragement, which Iras
+interrupted by requesting Barine to follow her to the carriage.
+</p>
+<p>
+The mother and daughter embraced and kissed each other, then the closed
+equipage bore the persecuted woman through the storm and darkness to
+Lochias.
+</p>
+<p>
+Not a word was exchanged between Barine and the Queen&rsquo;s messengers until
+they reached the room where the former was to await Cleopatra; but here
+Iras again endeavoured to induce her to speak. At the first question,
+however, Barine answered that she had no information to give.
+</p>
+<p>
+The room was as bright as if it were noonday, though the lights flickered
+constantly, for the wind found its way through the thin shutters closing
+the windows on both sides of the corner room, and a strong, cold draught
+swept in. Barine wrapped her cloak more closely around her; the storm
+which howled about the sea-washed palace harmonized with the vehement
+agitation of her soul. Whether she had looked within or without, there was
+nothing which could have soothed her save the assurance of being loved&mdash;an
+assurance that held fear at bay. Now, indignation prevented dread from
+overpowering her, yet calm consideration could not fail to show her that
+danger threatened on every hand. The very manner in which Iras and Alexas
+whispered together, without heeding her presence, boded peril, for
+courtiers show such contempt only to those whom they know are threatened
+with the indifference or resentment of the sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine, during her married life with a man devoid of all delicacy of
+feeling, and with a disposition as evil as his tongue was ready, had
+learned to endure many things which were hard to bear; yet when, after
+a remark from Iras evidently concerning her, she heard Alexas laugh, she
+was compelled to exert the utmost self-restraint to avoid telling her
+enemy how utterly she despised the cowardly cruelty of her conduct. But
+she succeeded in keeping silent. Still, the painful constraint she
+imposed on herself must find vent in some way, and, as the tortured
+anguish of her soul reached its height, large tears rolled down her
+cheeks.
+</p>
+<p>
+These, too, were noticed by her enemy and made the target of her wit; but
+this time the sarcasm failed to produce its effect upon the Syrian, for,
+instead of laughing, he grew grave, and whispered something which seemed
+to Barine a reproof or a warning. Iras&rsquo;s reply was merely a contemptuous
+shrug of the shoulders.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine had noticed long before that her mother, in her fear and
+bewilderment, had brought her own cloak instead of her daughter&rsquo;s, and
+this circumstance also did not seem to her foe too trivial for a sneer.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the childish insolence that seemed to have taken possession of one who
+usually by no means lacked dignity, was merely the mask beneath which she
+concealed her own suffering. A grave motive was the source of the mirth by
+which she affected to be moved at the sight of her enemy&rsquo;s cloak. The
+grey, ill-fitting garment disfigured Barine, and she desired that the
+Queen should feel confident of surpassing her rival even in outward
+charms. No one, not even Cleopatra, could dispense with a protecting wrap
+in this cold draught, and nothing suited her better than the purple mantle
+in whose delicate woollen fabric black and gold dragons and griffins were
+embroidered. Iras had taken care that it lay ready. Barine could not fail
+to appear like a beggar in comparison, though Alexas said that her blue
+kerchief was marvellously becoming.
+</p>
+<p>
+He was a base-minded voluptuary, who, aided by rich gifts of mind and wide
+knowledge, had shunned no means of ingratiating himself with Antony, the
+most lavish of patrons. The repulse which this man, accustomed to success,
+had received from Barine had been hard to forget, yet he did not resign
+the hope of winning her. Never had she seemed more desirable than in her
+touching weakness. Even base natures are averse to witnessing the torture
+of the defenceless, and when Iras had aimed another poisoned shaft at her,
+he ventured, at the risk of vexing his ally, to say, under his breath:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Condemned criminals are usually granted, before their end, a favourite
+dish. I have no cause to wish Barine anything good; but I would not grudge
+that. You, on the contrary, seem to delight in pouring wormwood on her
+last mouthful.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; she answered, her eyes sparkling brightly. &ldquo;Malice is the
+purest of pleasures; at least to me, when exercised on this woman.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Syrian, with a strange smile, held out his hand, saying:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Keep your good-will towards me, Iras.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Because,&rdquo; she retorted with a sneer, &ldquo;evil may follow my enmity. I think
+so, too. I am not especially sensitive concerning myself, but whoever
+dares&rdquo;&mdash;here she raised her voice&mdash;&ldquo;to harm one whom I&mdash; Just
+listen to the cheers! How she carries all hearts with her! Though Fate had
+made her a beggar, she would still be peerless among women. She is like
+the sun. The clouds which intrude upon her pathway of radiance are
+consumed and disappear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While uttering the last sentence she had turned towards Barine, whose ear
+the sharp voice again pierced like a thorn, as she commanded her to
+prepare for the examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+Almost at the same moment the door, caught by the wind, closed with a loud
+bang. The &ldquo;introducer&rdquo;* had opened it, and, after a hasty glance,
+exclaimed:
+</p>
+<div class="footnote"><p>
+* Marshal of the court.
+</p></div>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The audience will not be given in this meeting place for all the winds of
+heaven! Her Majesty desires to receive her late visitor in the Hall of
+Shells.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words he bowed courteously to Barine, and ushered her and her
+two companions through several corridors and apartments into a well-heated
+anteroom.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here even the windows were thoroughly protected from the storm. Several
+body-guards and pages belonging to the corps of the &ldquo;royal boys&rdquo; stood
+waiting to receive them.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This is comfortable,&rdquo; said Alexas, turning to Iras. &ldquo;Was the winter we
+have just experienced intended to fill us with twofold gratitude for the
+delights of the mild spring in this blessed room?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Perhaps so,&rdquo; she answered sullenly, and then added in a low tone: &ldquo;Here
+at Lochias the seasons do not follow their usual course. They change
+according to the pleasure of the supreme will. Instead of four, the
+Egyptians, as you know, have but three; in the palaces on the Nile they
+are countless. What is the meaning of this sudden entry of summer? Winter
+would have pleased me better.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen&mdash;Iras knew not why&mdash;had changed her arrangements for
+Barine&rsquo;s reception. This vexed her, and her features assumed a gloomy,
+threatening expression as the young beauty, casting aside her cloak and
+kerchief, stood awaiting Cleopatra in a white robe of fine material and
+perfect fit. The thick, fair braids, wound simply around her shapely head,
+gave her an appearance of almost childish youth, and the sight made Iras
+feel as if she, and Cleopatra also, were outwitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+In the dimly lighted atrium of the house near the Paneum garden, she had
+noticed only that Barine wore something white. Had it been merely a night
+robe, so much the better. But she might have appeared in her present garb
+at the festival of Isis. The most careful deliberation could have selected
+nothing more suitable or becoming. And did this vain woman go to rest with
+costly gold ornaments? Else how did the circlet chance to be on her arm?
+Each of Cleopatra&rsquo;s charms seemed to Iras, who knew them all, like a
+valuable possession of her own. To see even the least of them surpassed by
+another vexed her; and to behold in yonder woman a form which she could
+not deny was no less beautiful, enraged, nay, pierced her to the heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Since she had known that because of Barine she could hope for nothing more
+from the man to whose love she believed she possessed a claim dating from
+their childhood, she had hated the young beauty. And now to the many
+things which contributed to increase her hostile mood, was added the
+disagreeable consciousness that during the last few hours she had treated
+her contemptibly. Had she only seen earlier what her foe&rsquo;s cloak
+concealed, she would have found means to give her a different appearance.
+But she must remain as she was; for Chairman had already entered. Other
+hours, however, would follow, and if the next did not decide the fate of
+the woman whom she hated, future ones should.
+</p>
+<p>
+For this purpose she did not need the aid of Charmian, her uncle
+Archibius&rsquo;s sister, who had hitherto been a beloved associate and maternal
+friend. But what had happened? Iras fancied that her pleasant features
+wore a repellent expression which she had never seen before. Was this also
+the singer&rsquo;s fault? And what was the cause?
+</p>
+<p>
+The older woman&rsquo;s manner decided the question whether she should still
+bestow upon her returned relative the love of a grateful niece. No, she
+would no longer put any restraint upon herself. Charmian should feel that
+she (Iras) considered any favour shown to her foe an insult. To work
+against her secretly was not in her nature. She had courage to show an
+enemy her aversion, and she did not fear Charmian enough to pursue a
+different course. She knew that the artist Leonax, Barine&rsquo;s father, had
+been Charmian&rsquo;s lover; but this did not justify her favouring the woman
+who had robbed her niece of the heart of the man whom she&mdash;as
+Charmian knew&mdash;had loved from childhood.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian had just had a long conversation with her brother, and had also
+learned in the palace that Barine had been summoned to the Queen&rsquo;s
+presence in the middle of the night; so, firmly persuaded that evil was
+intended to the young woman who had already passed through so many
+agitating scenes of joy and sorrow, she entered the waiting-room, and her
+pleasant though no longer youthful face, framed in smooth, grey hair, was
+greeted by Barine as the shipwrecked mariner hails the sight of land.
+</p>
+<p>
+All the emotions which had darkened and embittered her soul were soothed.
+She hastened towards her friend&rsquo;s sister, as a frightened child seeks its
+mother, and Charmian perceived what was stirring in her heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+It would not do, under existing circumstances, to kiss her in the palace,
+but she drew Leonax&rsquo;s daughter towards her to show Iras that she was ready
+to extend a protecting hand over the persecuted woman. But Barine gazed at
+her with pleading glances, beseeching aid, whispering amid her tears:
+&ldquo;Help me, Charmian. She has tortured, insulted, humiliated me with looks
+and words&mdash;so cruelly, so spitefully! Help me; I can bear no more.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian shook her kind head and urged her in a whisper to calm herself.
+She had robbed Iras of her lover; she should remember that. Cost what it
+might, she must not shed another tear. The Queen was gracious. She,
+Charmian, would aid her. Everything would depend on showing herself to
+Cleopatra as she was, not as slander represented her. She must answer her
+as she would Archibius or herself.
+</p>
+<p>
+The kindly woman, as she spoke, stroked her brow and eyes with maternal
+tenderness, and Barine felt as if goodness itself had quelled the tempest
+in her soul. She gazed around her as though roused from a troubled dream,
+and now for the first time perceived the richly adorned room in which she
+stood, the admiring glances of the boys in the Macedonian corps of pages,
+and the bright fire blazing cheerily on the hearth. The howling of the
+storm increased the pleasant sense of being under a firm roof, and Iras,
+who had whispered to the &ldquo;introducer&rdquo; at the door, no longer seemed like a
+sharp thorn or a spiteful demon, but a woman by no means destitute of
+charm, who repulsed her, but on whom she had inflicted the keenest pang a
+woman&rsquo;s heart can suffer. Then she again thought of her wounded lover at
+home, and remembered that, whatever might happen, his heart did not belong
+to Iras, but to her alone. Lastly, she recalled Archibius&rsquo;s description of
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s childhood, and this remembrance was followed by the conviction
+that the omnipotent sovereign would be neither cruel nor unjust, and that
+it would depend upon herself to win her favour. Charmian, too, was the
+Queen&rsquo;s confidante; and if the manner of Iras and Alexas had alarmed her,
+Charmian&rsquo;s might well inspire confidence.
+</p>
+<p>
+All these thoughts darted through her brain with the speed of lightning.
+Only a brief time for consideration remained; for, even as she bowed her
+head on the bosom of her friend, the &ldquo;introducer&rdquo; entered the room,
+crying, &ldquo;Her illustrious Majesty will expect those whom she summoned in a
+few minutes!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Soon after a chamberlain appeared, waving a fan of ostrich feathers and,
+preceded by the court official, they passed through several brilliantly
+lighted, richly furnished rooms.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine again breathed freely and moved with head erect; and when the wide,
+lofty folding doors of ebony, against whose deep black surface the inlaid
+figures of Tritons, mermaids, shells, fish, and sea monsters were sharply
+relieved, she beheld a glittering, magnificent scene, for the hall which
+Cleopatra had chosen for her reception was completely covered with various
+marine forms, from the shells to coral and starfish.
+</p>
+<p>
+A wide, lofty structure, composed of masses of stalactites and unhewn
+blocks of stone, formed a deep grotto at the end of the hall, whence
+peered the gigantic head of a monster whose open jaws formed the fireplace
+of the chimney. Logs of fragrant Arabian wood were blazing brightly on the
+hearth, and the dragon&rsquo;s ruby glass eyes diffused a red light through the
+apartment which, blended with the rays of the white and pink lamps in the
+shape of lotus flowers fastened among gold and silver tendrils and groups
+of sedges on the walls and ceiling, filling the spacious apartment with
+the soft light whose roseate hue was specially becoming to Cleopatra&rsquo;s
+waxen complexion.
+</p>
+<p>
+Several stewards and cup-bearers, the master of the hunt, chamberlains,
+female attendants, eunuchs, and other court officials were awaiting the
+Queen, and pages who belonged to the Macedonian cadet corps of royal boys
+stood sleepily, with drooping heads, around the small throne of gold,
+coral, and amber which, placed opposite to the chimney, awaited the
+sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine had already seen this magnificent hall, and others still more
+beautiful in the Sebasteum, and the splendour therefore neither excited
+nor abashed her; only she would fain have avoided the numerous train of
+courtiers. Could it be Cleopatra&rsquo;s intention to question her before the
+eyes of all these men, women, and boys?
+</p>
+<p>
+She no longer felt afraid, but her heart still throbbed quickly. It had
+beat in the same way in her girlhood, when she was asked to sing in the
+presence of strangers.
+</p>
+<p>
+At last she heard doors open, and an invisible hand parted the heavy
+curtains at her right. She expected to see the Regent, the Keeper of the
+Seal, and the whole brilliantly adorned train of attendants who always
+surrounded the Queen on formal occasions, enter the magnificent hall. Else
+why had it been selected as the scene of this nocturnal trial?
+</p>
+<p>
+But what was this?
+</p>
+<p>
+While she was still recalling the display at the Adonis festival, the
+curtains began to close again. The courtiers around the throne
+straightened their bowed figures, the pages forgot their fatigue, and all
+joined in the Greek salutation of welcome, and the &ldquo;Life! happiness!
+health!&rdquo; with which the Egyptians greeted their sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+The woman of middle height who now appeared before the curtain, and who,
+as she crossed the wide hall alone and unattended, seemed to Barine even
+smaller than when surrounded by the gay throng at the Adonis festival,
+must be the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ay, it was she!
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras was already standing by her side, and Charmian was approaching with
+the &ldquo;introducer.&rdquo; The women rendered her various little services: thus Iras
+took from her shoulders the purple mantle, with its embroidery of black
+and gold dragons. What an exquisite masterpiece of the loom it must be!
+</p>
+<p>
+All the dangers against which she must defend herself flashed swiftly
+through Barine&rsquo;s mind; yet, for an instant, she felt the foolish feminine
+desire to see and handle the costly mantle.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Iras had already laid it on the arm of one of the waiting maids, and
+Cleopatra now glanced around her, and with a youthful, elastic step
+approached the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Once more the feeling of timidity which she had had in her girlhood
+overpowered Barine, but with it came the memory of the garden of Epicurus,
+and Archibius&rsquo;s assurance that she, too, would have left the Queen with
+her heart overflowing with warm enthusiasm had not a disturbing influence
+interposed between them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet, had this disturbing influence really existed?
+</p>
+<p>
+No. It was created solely by Cleopatra&rsquo;s jealous imagination. If
+she would only permit her to speak freely now, she should hear that Antony
+cared as little for her as she, Barine, for the boy Cæsarion. What
+prevented her from confessing that her heart was another&rsquo;s? Iras had
+no one to blame save herself if she spoke the truth pitilessly in her
+presence.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra now turned to the &ldquo;introducer,&rdquo; waving her hand towards the
+throne and those who surrounded it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ay, she was indeed beautiful. How bright and clear was the light of her
+large eyes, in spite of the harassing days through which she had passed
+and the present night of watching!
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s heart was still elated by the reception of her bold idea of
+escape, and she approached Barine with gentler feelings and intentions.
+She had chosen a pleasanter room for the interview than the one Iras had
+selected. She desired a special environment to suit each mood, and as soon
+as she saw the group of courtiers who surrounded the throne she ordered
+their dismissal. The &ldquo;introducer,&rdquo; to carry out the usual ceremonial,
+had commanded their presence in the audience chamber, but their attendance
+had given the meeting a form which was now distasteful to the Queen. She
+wished to question, not to condemn.
+</p>
+<p>
+At so happy an hour it was a necessity of her nature to be gracious.
+Perhaps she had been unduly anxious concerning this singer. It even seemed
+probable; for a man who loved her like Antony could scarcely yearn for the
+favour of another woman. This view had been freshly confirmed by a brief
+conversation with the chief Inspector of Sacrifices, an estimable old man,
+who, after hearing how Antony had hurried in pursuit of her at Actium,
+raised his eyes and hands as if transported with rapture, exclaiming:
+&ldquo;Unhappy Queen! Yet happiest of women! No one was ever so ardently
+beloved; and when the tale is told of the noble Trojan who endured such
+sore sufferings for a woman&rsquo;s sake, future generations will laud the woman
+whose resistless spell constrained the greatest man of his day, the hero
+of heroes, to cast aside victory, fame, and the hope of the world&rsquo;s
+sovereignty, as mere worthless rubbish.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Posterity, whose verdict she dreaded&mdash;this wise old reader of the
+future was right&mdash;must extol her as the most fervently beloved, the
+most desirable of women.
+</p>
+<p>
+And Mark Antony? Even had the magic power of Nektanebus&rsquo;s goblet forced
+him to follow her and to leave the battle, there still remained his will,
+a copy of which&mdash;received from Rome&mdash;Zeno, the Keeper of the
+Seal, had showed to her at the close of the council. &ldquo;Wherever he might
+die,&rdquo; so ran the words, &ldquo;he desired to be buried by the side of
+Cleopatra.&rdquo; Octavianus had wrested it from the Vestal Virgins, to whose
+care it had been entrusted, in order to fill the hearts of Roman citizens
+and matrons with indignation against his foe. The plot had succeeded, but
+the document had reminded Cleopatra that her heart had given this man the
+first of its flowers, that love for him had been the sunshine of her life.
+So, with head erect, she had crossed the threshold where she was to meet
+the woman who had ventured to sow tares in her garden. She intended to
+devote only a short time to the interview, which she anticipated with the
+satisfaction of the strong who are confident of victory.
+</p>
+<p>
+As she approached the throne, her train left the hall; the only persons
+who remained were Charmian, Iras, Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, and the
+&ldquo;introducer.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra cast a rapid glance at the throne, to which an obsequious
+gesture of the courtier&rsquo;s hand invited her; but she remained standing,
+gazing keenly at Barine.
+</p>
+<p>
+Was it the coloured rays from the ruby eyes of the dragon in the fireplace
+which shed the roseate glow on Cleopatra&rsquo;s cheeks? It certainly enhanced
+the beauty of a face now only too frequently pallid and colourless, when
+rouge did not lend its aid; but Barine understood Archibius&rsquo;s ardent
+admiration for this rare woman, when Cleopatra, with a faint smile,
+requested her to approach.
+</p>
+<p>
+Nothing more winning could be imagined than the frank kindness, wholly
+untinged by condescending pride, of this powerful sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+The less Barine had expected such a reception the more deeply it moved
+her; nay, her eyes grew dim with grateful emotion, which lent them so
+beautiful a lustre, she looked so lovely in her glad surprise, that
+Cleopatra thought the months which had elapsed since her first meeting
+with the singer had enhanced her charms. And how young she was! The Queen
+swiftly computed the years which Barine must have lived as the wife of
+Philostratus, and afterwards as the attractive mistress of a hospitable
+house, and found it difficult to reconcile the appearance of this blooming
+young creature with the result of the calculation.
+</p>
+<p>
+She was surprised, too, to note the aristocratic bearing whose possession
+no one could deny the artist&rsquo;s daughter. This was apparent even in her
+dress, yet Iras had roused her in the middle of the night, and certainly
+had given her no time for personal adornment.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had expected lack of refinement and boldness, in the woman who was
+said to have attracted so many men, but even the most bitter prejudice
+could have detected no trace of it. On the contrary, the embarrassment
+which she could not yet wholly subdue lent her an air of girlish timidity.
+All in all, Barine was a charming creature, who bewitched men by her
+vivacity, her grace, and her exquisite voice, not by coquetry and
+pertness. That she possessed unusual mental endowments Cleopatra did not
+believe. Barine had only one advantage over her&mdash;youth.
+</p>
+<p>
+Time had not yet robbed the former of a single charm, while from the Queen
+he had wrested many; their number was known only to herself and her
+confidantes, but at this hour she did not miss them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine, with a low, modest bow, advanced towards the Queen, who commenced
+the conversation by graciously apologizing for the late hour at which she
+had summoned her. &ldquo;But,&rdquo; she added, &ldquo;you belong to the ranks of the
+nightingales, who during the night most readily and exquisitely reveal to
+us what stirs their hearts&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine gazed silently at the floor a moment, and when she raised her eyes
+her voice was faint and timid. &ldquo;I sing, it is true, your Majesty, but I
+have nothing else in common with the birds. The wings which, when a child,
+bore me wherever I desired, have lost their strength. They do not wholly
+refuse their service, but they now require favourable hours to move.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I should not have expected that in the time of your youth, your most
+beautiful possession,&rdquo; replied the Queen. &ldquo;Yet it is well. I too&mdash;how
+long ago it seems!&mdash;was a child, and my imagination outstripped even
+the flight of the eagle. It could dare the risk unpunished. Now&mdash;&mdash; Whoever
+has reached mature life is wise to let these wings remain idle. The mortal
+who ventures to use them may easily approach too near the sun, and, like
+Icarus, the wax will melt from his pinions. Let me tell you this: To the
+child the gift of imagination is nourishing bread. In later years we need
+it only as salt, as spice, as stimulating wine. Doubtless it points out
+many paths, and shows us their end; but, of a hundred rambles to which it
+summons him, scarcely one pleases the mature man. No troublesome parasite
+is more persistently and sharply rebuffed. Who can blame the ill-treated
+friend if it is less ready to serve us as the years go on? The wise man
+will keep his ears ever open, but rarely lend it his active hand. To
+banish it from life is to deprive the plant of blossoms, the rose of its
+fragrance, the sky of its stars.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I have often said the same things to myself, though in a less clear and
+beautiful form, when life has been darkened,&rdquo; replied Barine, with a faint
+blush; for she felt that these words were doubtless intended to warn her
+against cherishing too aspiring wishes. &ldquo;But, your Majesty, here also the
+gods place you, the great Queen, far above us. We should often find
+existence bare indeed but for the fancy which endows us with imaginary
+possessions. You have the power to secure a thousand things which to us
+common mortals only the gift of imagination pictures as attainable.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You believe that happiness is like wealth, and that the happiest person
+is the one who receives the largest number of the gifts of fortune,&rdquo;
+answered the Queen. &ldquo;The contrary, I think, can be easily proved. The
+maxim that the more we have the less we need desire, is also false, though
+in this world there are only a certain number of desirable things. He who
+already possesses one of ten solidi which are to be divided, ought really
+to desire only nine, and therefore would be poorer by a wish than another
+who has none. True, it cannot be denied that the gods have burdened or
+endowed me with a greater number of perishable gifts than you and many
+others. You seem to set a high value upon them. Doubtless there may be one
+or another which you could appropriate only by the aid of the imagination.
+May I ask which seems to you the most desirable?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Spare me the choice, I beseech you,&rdquo; replied Barine in an embarrassed
+tone. &ldquo;I need nothing from your treasures, and, as for the other
+possessions&mdash;&mdash; I lack many things; but it is uncertain how the noblest and
+highest gifts in the possession of the marvellously endowed favourite of
+the gods would suit the small, commonplace ones I call mine, and I know
+not&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A sensible doubt!&rdquo; interrupted the Queen. &ldquo;The lame man, who desired a
+horse, obtained one, and on his first ride broke his neck. The only
+blessing&mdash;the highest of all&mdash;which surely bestows happiness can
+neither be given away nor transferred from one to another. He who has
+gained it may be robbed of it the next moment.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The last sentence had fallen from the Queen&rsquo;s lips slowly and
+thoughtfully, but Barine, remembering Archibius&rsquo;s tale, said modestly,
+&ldquo;You are thinking of the chief good mentioned by Epicurus&mdash;perfect
+peace of mind.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s eyes sparkled with a brighter light as she asked eagerly, &ldquo;Do
+you, the granddaughter of a philosopher, know the system of the master?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Very superficially, your Majesty. My intellect is far inferior to yours.
+It is difficult for me thoroughly to comprehend all the details of any
+system of philosophy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet you have attempted it?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Others endeavoured to introduce me into the doctrines of the Stoics. I
+have forgotten most of what I learned; only one thing lingered in my
+memory, and I know why&mdash;because it pleased me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And <i>that?</i>&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Was the wise law of living according to the dictates of our own natures.
+The command to shun everything contradictory to the simple fundamental
+traits of our own characters pleased me, and wherever I saw affectation,
+artificiality, and mannerism I was repelled, while from my grandfather&rsquo;s
+teaching I drew the principle that I could do nothing better than to
+remain, so far as life would permit, what I had been as a child ere I had
+heard the first word of philosophy, or felt the constraint which society
+and its forms impose.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;So the system of the Stoics leads to this end also!&rdquo; cried the Queen
+gaily, and, turning to the companion of her own studies, she added: &ldquo;Did
+you hear, Charmian? If we had only succeeded in perceiving the wisdom and
+calm, purposeful order of existence which the Stoics, amid so much that is
+perverse, unhealthy, and provocative of contradiction, nevertheless set
+above everything else! How can I, in order to live wisely, imitate Nature,
+when in her being and action I encounter so much that is contradictory to
+my human reason, which is a part of the divine?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here she hesitated, and the expression of her face suddenly changed.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had advanced close to Barine and, while standing directly in front of
+her, her eyes had rested on the gem which adorned her arm above the elbow.
+</p>
+<p>
+Was it this which agitated Cleopatra so violently that her voice lost its
+bewitching melody, as she went on in a harsh, angry tone?&mdash;&ldquo;So that
+is the source of all this misfortune. Even as a child I detested that sort
+of arbitrary judgment which passes under the mask of stern morality. There
+is an example! Do you hear the howling of the storm? In human nature, as
+well as in the material world, there are tempests and volcanoes which
+bring destruction, and, if the original character of any individual is
+full of such devastating forces, like the neighbourhood of Vesuvius or
+Etna, the goal to which his impulses would lead him is clearly visible.
+Ay, the Stoic is not allowed to destroy the harmony and order of things in
+existence, any more than to disturb those which are established by the
+state. But to follow our natural impulses wherever they lead us is so
+perilous a venture, that whoever has the power to fix a limit to it
+betimes is in duty bound to do so. This power is mine, and I will use it!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, with iron severity, she asked: &ldquo;As it seems to be one of the demands
+of your nature, woman, to allure and kindle the hearts of all who bear the
+name of man, even though they have not yet donned the garb of the Ephebi,
+so, too, you seem to appear to delight in idle ornaments. Or,&rdquo;&mdash;and as she
+spoke she touched Barine&rsquo;s shoulder&mdash;&ldquo;or why should you wear, during
+the hours of slumber, that circlet on your arm?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine had watched with increasing anxiety the marked change in the manner
+and language of the Queen. She now beheld a repetition of what she had
+experienced at the Adonis festival, but this time she knew what had roused
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s jealousy. She, Barine, wore on her arm a gift from Antony.
+With pallid face she strove to find a fitting answer, but ere she could do
+so Iras advanced to the side of the incensed Queen, saying: &ldquo;That circlet
+is the counterpart of the one your august husband bestowed upon you. The
+singer&rsquo;s must also be a gift from Mark Antony. Like every one else in the
+world, she deems the noble Imperator the greatest man of his day. Who can
+blame her for prizing it so highly that she does not remove it even while
+she sleeps?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Again Barine felt as if a thorn had pierced her; but though the resentment
+which she had previously experienced once more surged hotly within her
+heart, she forced herself to maintain seemly external composure, and
+struggled for some word in answer; but she found none suitable, and
+remained silent.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had told the truth. From early youth she had followed the impulses of
+her own nature without heeding the opinion of mortals, as the teachings of
+the Stoics directed, and she had been allowed to do so because this nature
+was pure, truthful, alive to the beautiful, and, moreover, free from those
+unbridled, volcanic impulses to which the Queen alluded. The cheerful
+patience of her soul had found ample satisfaction in the cultivation of
+her art, and in social intercourse with men who permitted her to share
+their own intellectual life. Today she had learned that the first great
+passion of her heart had met with a response. Now she was bound to her
+lover, and knew herself to be pure and guiltless, far better entitled to
+demand respect from sterner judges of morality than the woman who
+condemned her, or the spiteful Iras, who had not ceased to offer her love
+to Dion.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sorrowful feeling of being misunderstood and unjustly condemned,
+mingled with fear of the terrible fate to which she might be sentenced by
+the omnipotent sovereign, whose clear intellect was clouded by jealousy
+and the resentment of a mother&rsquo;s wounded heart, paralyzed her tongue.
+Besides, she was confused by the angry emotion which the sight of Iras
+awakened. Twice, thrice she strove to utter a few words of explanation,
+defence, but her voice refused to obey her will.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Charmian at last approached to encourage her, it was too late; the
+indignant Queen had turned away, exclaiming to Iras: &ldquo;let her be taken
+back to Lochias. Her guilt is proved; but it does not become the injured
+person, the accuser, to award the punishment. This must be left to the
+judges before whom we will bring her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Barine once more recovered the power of speech. How dared Cleopatra
+assert that she was convicted of a crime, without hearing her defence?
+As surely as she felt her own innocence she must succeed in proving it,
+and with this consciousness she cried out to the Queen in a tone of
+touching entreaty: &ldquo;O your Majesty, do not leave me without hearing me! As
+truly as I believe in your justice, I can ask you to listen to me once
+more. Do not give me up to the woman who hates me because the man whom she&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Cleopatra interrupted her. Royal dignity forbade her to hear one
+woman&rsquo;s jealous accusation of another, but, with the subtle discernment
+with which women penetrate one another&rsquo;s moods, she heard in Barine&rsquo;s
+piteous appeal a sincere conviction that she was too severely condemned.
+Doubtless she also had reason to believe in Iras&rsquo;s hate, and Cleopatra
+knew how mercilessly she pursued those who had incurred her displeasure.
+She had rejected and still shuddered at her advice to remove the singer
+from her path; for an inner voice warned her not to burden her soul now
+with a fresh crime, which would disturb its peace. Besides, she had at
+first been much attracted by this charming, winning creature; but the
+irritating thought that Antony had bestowed the same gift upon the
+sovereign and the artist&rsquo;s daughter still so incensed her, that it taxed
+to the utmost her graciousness and self-control as, without addressing any
+special person, she exclaimed, glancing back into the hall: &ldquo;This
+examination will be followed by another. When the time comes, the accused
+must appear before the judges; therefore she must remain at Lochias and in
+custody. It is my will that no harm befalls her.&mdash;You are her friend,
+Charmian. I will place her in your charge. Only&rdquo;&mdash;here she raised her
+voice&mdash;&ldquo;on pain of my anger, do not allow her by any possibility to
+leave the palace, even for a moment, or to hold intercourse with any
+person save yourself.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she passed out of the hall and went into her own
+apartments. She had turned the night into day, not only to despatch
+speedily matters which seemed to her to permit of no delay, but even more
+because, since the battle of Actium, she dreaded the restless hours upon
+her lonely couch. They seemed endless; and though before she had
+remembered with pleasure the unprecedented display and magnificence with
+which she had surrounded her love-life with Antony, she now in these hours
+reproached herself for having foolishly squandered the wealth of her
+people. The present appeared unbearable, and from the future a host of
+black cares pressed upon her.
+</p>
+<p>
+The following days were overcrowded with business details.
+</p>
+<p>
+Half of her nights were spent in the observatory. She had not asked again
+for Barine. On the fifth night she permitted Alexas to conduct her once
+more to the little observatory which had been erected for her father at
+Lochias, and Antony&rsquo;s favourite knew how to prove that a star which had
+long threatened her planet was that of the woman whom she seemed to have
+forgotten as completely as she had ignored his former warning against this
+very foe.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen denied this, but Alexas eagerly continued: &ldquo;The night after your
+return home your kindness was again displayed in its inexhaustible and&mdash;to
+us less noble souls&mdash;incomprehensible wealth. Deeply agitated, we
+watched during the memorable examination the touching spectacle of the
+greatest heart making itself the standard by which to measure what is
+petty and ignoble. But ere the second trial takes place the wanderers
+above, who know the future, bid me warn you once more; for that woman&rsquo;s
+every look was calculated, every word had its fixed purpose, every tone of
+her voice was intended to produce a certain effect. Whatever she said or
+may yet say had no other design than to deceive my royal mistress. As yet
+there have been no definite questions and answers. But you will have her
+examined, and then&mdash;&mdash; What may she not make of the story of Mark
+Antony, Barine, and the two armlets? Perhaps it will be a masterpiece.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do you know its real history?&rdquo; asked Cleopatra, clasping her fingers more
+closely around the pencil in her hand.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If I did,&rdquo; replied Alexas, smiling significantly, &ldquo;the receiver of stolen
+goods should not betray the thief.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Not even if the person who has been robbed&mdash;the Queen&mdash;commands
+you to give up the dishonestly acquired possession?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Unfortunately, even then I should be forced to withhold obedience; for
+consider, my royal mistress, there are but two great luminaries around
+which my dark life revolves. Shall I betray the moon, when I am sure of
+gaining nothing thereby save to dim the warm light of the sun?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That means that your revelations would wound me, the sun?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Unless your lofty soul is too great to be reached by shadows which
+surround less noble women with an atmosphere of indescribable torture.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do you intend to render your words more attractive by the veil with which
+you shroud them? It is transparent, and dims the vision very little. My
+soul, you think, should be free from jealousy and the other weaknesses of
+my sex. There you are mistaken. I am a woman, and wish to remain one. As
+Terence&rsquo;s Chremes says he is a human being, and nothing human is unknown
+to him, I do not hesitate to confess all feminine frailties. Anubis told
+me of a queen in ancient times who would not permit the inscriptions to
+record &lsquo;she,&rsquo; but &lsquo;he came,&rsquo; or &lsquo;he, the ruler, conquered.&rsquo; Fool! Whatever
+concerns me, my womanhood is not less lofty than the crown. I was a woman
+ere I became Queen. The people prostrate themselves before my empty
+litters; but when, in my youth, I wandered in disguise with Antony through
+the city streets and visited some scene of merrymaking, while the men
+gazed admiringly at me, and we heard voices behind us murmur, &lsquo;A handsome
+couple!&rsquo; I returned home full of joy and pride. But there was something
+greater still for the woman to learn, when the heart in the breast of the
+Queen forgot throne and sceptre and, in the hours consecrated to Eros,
+tasted joys known to womanhood alone. How can you men, who only command
+and desire, understand the happiness of sacrifice? I am a woman; my birth
+does not exalt me above any feeling of my sex; and what I now ask is not
+as Queen but as woman.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If that is the case,&rdquo; Alexas answered with his hand upon his heart, &ldquo;you
+impose silence upon me; for were I to confess to the woman Cleopatra what
+agitates my soul, I should be guilty of a double crime&mdash;I would
+violate a promise and betray the friend who confided his noble wife to my
+protection.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now the darkness is becoming too dense for me,&rdquo; replied Cleopatra,
+raising her head with repellent pride. &ldquo;Or, if I choose to raise the veil,
+I must point out to you the barriers&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Which surround the Queen,&rdquo; replied the Syrian with an obsequious bow.
+&ldquo;There you behold the fact. It is an impossibility to separate the woman
+from the princess. So far as I am concerned, I do not wish to anger the
+former against the presumptuous adorer, and I desire to yield to the
+latter the obedience which is her due. Therefore I entreat you to forget
+the armlet and its many painful associations, and pass to the
+consideration of other matters. Perhaps the fair Barine will voluntarily
+confess everything, and even add how she managed to ensnare the amiable
+son of the greatest of men, and the most admirable of mothers, the young
+King Cæsarion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s eyes flashed more brightly, and she angrily exclaimed: &ldquo;I
+found the boy just now as though he were possessed by demons. He was ready
+to tear the bandage from his wound, if he were refused the woman whom he
+loved. A magic potion was the first thought, and his tutor of course
+attributes everything to magic arts. Charmian, on the contrary, declares
+that his visits annoyed and even alarmed Barine. Nothing except a rigid
+investigation can throw light upon this subject. We will await the
+Imperator&rsquo;s return. Do you think that he will again seek the singer? You
+are his most trusted confidant. If you desire his best good, and care for
+my favour, drop your hesitation and answer this question.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Syrian assumed the manner of a man who had reached a decision, and
+answered firmly: &ldquo;Certainly he will, unless you prevent him. The simplest
+way would be&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To inform him, as soon as he lands, that she is no longer to be found. I
+should be especially happy to receive this commission from my royal sun.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And do you think it would dim the light of your moon a little, were he to
+seek her here in vain?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;As surely as that the contrary would be the case if he were always as
+gratefully aware of the peerless brilliancy of his sun as it deserves.
+Helios suffers no other orb to appear so long as he adorns the heavens.
+His lustre quenches all the rest. Let my sun so decree, and Barine&rsquo;s
+little star will vanish.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Enough! I know your aim now. But a human life is no small thing, and this
+woman, too, is the child of a mother. We must consider, earnestly
+consider, whether our purpose cannot be gained without proceeding to
+extremes. This must be done with zeal and a kindly intention&mdash;&mdash; But I&mdash;&mdash; Now,
+when the fate of this country, my own, and the children&rsquo;s is hanging in
+the balance, when I have not fifteen minutes at my command, and there is
+no end of writing and consulting, I can waste no time on such matters.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The reflective mind must be permitted to use its mighty wings unimpeded,&rdquo;
+cried the Syrian eagerly. &ldquo;Leave the settlement of minor matters to
+trustworthy friends.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here they were interrupted by the &ldquo;introducer,&rdquo; who announced the eunuch
+Mardion. He had come on business which, spite of the late hour, permitted
+no delay.
+</p>
+<p>
+Alexas accompanied the Queen to the tablinum, where they found the eunuch.
+A slave attended him, carrying a pouch filled with letters which had just
+been brought by two messengers from Syria. Among them were some which must
+be answered without delay. The Keeper of the Seal and the Exegetus were
+also waiting. Their late visit was due to the necessity of holding a
+conference in relation to the measures to be adopted to calm the excited
+citizens. All the galleys which had escaped from the battle had entered
+the harbour the day before, wreathed with garlands as if a great victory
+had been won. Loud acclamations greeted them, yet tidings of the defeat at
+Actium spread with the swiftness of the wind. Crowds were now gathering,
+threatening demonstrations had been made in front of the Sebasteum, and on
+the square of the Serapeum the troops had been compelled to interfere, and
+blood had flowed.
+</p>
+<p>
+There lay the letters. Zeno remarked that more papers conferring authority
+were required for the work on the canal, and the Exegetus earnestly
+besought definite instruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It is much&mdash;much,&rdquo; murmured Cleopatra. Then, drawing herself up to
+her full height, she exclaimed, &ldquo;Well, then, to work!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+But Alexas did not permit her to do this at once. Humbly advancing as she
+took her seat at the large writing-table, he whispered: &ldquo;And with all
+this, must my royal mistress devote time and thought to the destroyer of
+her peace. To disturb your Majesty with this trifle is a crime; yet it
+must be committed, for should the affair remain unheeded longer, the
+trickling rivulet may become a mountain torrent&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Cleopatra, whose glance had just rested upon a fateful letter from
+King Herod, turned her face half towards her husband&rsquo;s favourite,
+exclaiming curtly, with glowing cheeks, &ldquo;Presently.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she glanced rapidly over the letter, pushed it excitedly aside, and
+dismissed the waiting Syrian with the impatient words: &ldquo;Attend to the
+trial and the rest. No injustice, but no untimely mildness. I will look
+into this unpleasant matter myself before the Imperator returns.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And the authority?&rdquo; asked the Syrian, with another low bow.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You have it. If you need a written one, apply to Zeno. We will discuss
+the affair further at some less busy hour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Syrian retired; but Cleopatra turned to the eunuch and, flushed with
+emotion, cried, pointing to the King of Judea&rsquo;s letter: &ldquo;Did you ever
+witness baser ingratitude? The rats think the ship is sinking, and it is
+time to leave it. If we succeed in keeping above water, they will return
+in swarms; and this must, must, <i>must</i> be done, for the sake of this beloved
+country and her independence. Then the children, the children! All our
+powers must now be taxed, every expedient must be remembered and used. We
+will hammer each feeble hope until it becomes the strong steel of
+certainty. We will transform night into day. The canal will save the
+fleet. Mark Antony will find in Africa Pinarius Scarpus with untouched
+loyal legions. The gladiators are faithful to us. We can easily make them
+ours, and my brain is seething with other plans. But first we will attend
+to the Alexandrians. No violence!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+This exclamation was followed by order after order, and the promise that,
+if necessary, she would show herself to the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Exegetus was filled with admiration as he received the clear,
+sagacious directions. After he had retired with his companions, the Queen
+again turned to the Regent, saying: &ldquo;We did wisely to make the people
+happy at first with tidings of victory. The unexpected news of terrible
+disaster might have led them to some unprecedented deed of madness.
+Disappointment is a more common pain, for which less powerful remedies
+will suffice. Besides, many things could be arranged ere they knew that I
+was here. How much we have accomplished already, Mardion! But I have not
+even granted myself the joy of seeing my children. I was forced to defer
+the pleasure of the companionship of my oldest friends, even Archibius.
+When he comes again he will be admitted. I have given the order. He knows
+Rome thoroughly. I must hear his opinion of pending negotiations.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She shivered as she spoke, and pressing her hand upon her brow, exclaimed:
+&ldquo;Octavianus victor, Cleopatra vanquished! I, who was everything to Cæsar,
+beseeching mercy from his heir. I, a petitioner to Octavia&rsquo;s brother! Yet,
+no, no! There are still a hundred chances of avoiding the horrible doom.
+But whoever wishes to compel the field to bear fruits must dig sturdily,
+draw the buckets from the well, plough, and sow the seed. To work, then,
+to work! When Antony returns he must find all things ready. The first
+success will restore his lost energy. I glanced through yonder letter
+while talking with the Exegetus; now I will dictate the answer.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+So she sat reading, writing, and dictating, listening, answering, and
+giving orders, until the east brightened with the approach of dawn, the
+morning star grew pale, and the Regent, utterly exhausted, entreated her
+to consider her own health and his years, and permit him a few hours&rsquo;
+rest.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she, too, allowed herself to be led into her darkened chamber, and
+this time a friendly, dreamless slumber closed her weary eyes and held her
+captive until roused by the loud shouts of the multitude, who had heard of
+the Queen&rsquo;s return and flocked to Lochias.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch13">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XIII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+During these hours of rest Iras and Charmian had watched in turn beside
+Cleopatra. When she rose, the younger attendant rendered her the necessary
+services. She was to devote herself to her mistress until the evening; for
+her companion, who now stood in her way, was not to return earlier. Before
+Charmian left, she had seen that her apartments&mdash;in which Barine,
+since the Queen had placed her in her charge, had been a welcome guest&mdash;were
+carefully watched. The commander of the Macedonian guard, who years before
+had vainly sought her favour, and finally had become the most loyal of her
+friends, had promised to keep them closely.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet Iras knew how to profit by her mistress&rsquo;s sleep and the absence of her
+aunt. She had learned that she would be shut out of her apartments, and
+therefore from Barine also. Ere any step could be taken against the
+prisoner, she must first arrange the necessary preliminaries with Alexas.
+The failure of her expectation of seeing her rival trampled in the dust
+had transformed her jealous resentment into hatred, and though she was her
+niece, she even transferred a portion of it to Charmian, who had placed
+herself between her and her victim.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had sent for the Syrian, but he, too, had gone to rest at a late hour
+and kept her waiting a long time. The reception which the impatient girl
+bestowed was therefore by no means cordial, but her manner soon grew more
+friendly.
+</p>
+<p>
+First Alexas boasted of having induced the Queen to commit Barine&rsquo;s fate
+to him. If he should try her at noon and find her guilty, there was
+nothing to prevent him from compelling her to drink the poisoned cup or
+having her strangled before evening. But the matter would be dangerous,
+because the singer&rsquo;s friends were numerous and by no means powerless. Yet,
+in the depths of her heart, Cleopatra desired nothing more ardently than
+to rid herself of her dangerous rival. But he knew the great ones of the
+earth. If he acted energetically and brought matters to a speedy close,
+the Queen, to avoid evil gossip, would burden him with her own act.
+Antony&rsquo;s mood could not be predicted, and the Syrian&rsquo;s weal or woe
+depended on his favour. Besides, the execution of the singer at the last
+Adonis festival might have a dangerous effect upon the people of
+Alexandria. They were already greatly excited, and his brother, who knew
+them, said that some were overwhelmed with sorrow, and others ready, in
+their fury, to rise in a bloody rebellion. Everything was to be feared
+from this rabble, but Philostratus understood how to persuade them to many
+things, and Alexas had just secured his aid.
+</p>
+<p>
+Alexas had really succeeded in the work of reconciliation. During the
+orator&rsquo;s married life with Barine she had forbidden her brother-in-law the
+house, and her husband had quarrelled with the brother who sought his
+wife. But after the latter had risen to a high place in Antony&rsquo;s favour,
+and been loaded with gold by his lavish hand, Philostratus had again
+approached him to claim his share of the new wealth. And the source from
+which Alexas drew flowed so abundantly that his favourite did not find it
+difficult to give. Both men were as unprincipled as they were lavish, and
+experience taught them that base natures always have at their disposal a
+plank with which to bridge chasms. If it is of gold, it will be crossed
+the more speedily. Such was the case here, and of late it had become
+specially firm; for each needed the other&rsquo;s aid.
+</p>
+<p>
+Alexas loved Barine, while Philostratus no longer cared for her. On the
+other hand, he hated Dion with so ardent a thirst for revenge that, to
+obtain it, he would have resigned even the hope of fresh gains. The
+humiliation inflicted upon him by the arrogant Macedonian noble, and the
+derision which through his efforts had been heaped upon him, haunted him
+like importunate pursuers; and he felt that he could only rid himself of
+them with the source of his disgrace. Without his brother&rsquo;s aid, he would
+have been content to assail Dion with his slandering tongue; with his
+powerful assistance he could inflict a heavier injury upon him, perhaps
+even rob him of liberty and life. They had just made an agreement by which
+Philostratus pledged himself to reconcile the populace to any punishment
+that might be inflicted upon Barine, and Alexas promised to help his
+brother take a bloody vengeance upon Dion the Macedonian.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine&rsquo;s death could be of no service to Alexas. The sight of her beauty
+had fired his heart a second time, and he was resolved to make her his
+own. In the dungeon, perhaps by torture, she should be forced to grasp his
+helping hand. All this would permit no delay. Everything must be done
+before the return of Antony, who was daily expected. Alexas&rsquo;s lavish
+patron had made him so rich that he could bear to lose his favour for the
+sake of this object. Even without it, he could maintain a household with
+royal magnificence in some city of his Syrian home.
+</p>
+<p>
+On receiving the favourite&rsquo;s assurance that he would remove Barine from
+Charmian&rsquo;s protection on the morrow, Iras became more gracious. She could
+make no serious objection to his statement that the new trial might not,
+it is true, end in a sentence of death, but the verdict would probably be
+transportation to the mines, or something of the sort.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Alexas cautiously tested Iras&rsquo;s feelings towards his brother&rsquo;s mortal
+foe. They were hostile; yet when the favourite intimated that he, too,
+ought to be given up to justice, she showed so much hesitation, that
+Alexas stopped abruptly and turned the conversation upon Barine. Here she
+promised assistance with her former eager zeal, and it was settled that
+the arrest should be made the following morning during the hours of
+Charmian&rsquo;s attendance upon the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras had valuable counsel to offer. She was familiar with one of the
+prisons, whose doors she had opened to many a hapless mortal whose
+disappearance, in her opinion, might be of service to the Queen. She had
+deemed it a duty, aided by the Keeper of the Seal, to anticipate her
+mistress in cases where her kind heart would have found it difficult to
+pronounce a severe sentence, and Cleopatra had permitted it, though
+without commendation or praise. What happened within its walls&mdash;thanks
+to the silence of the warder&mdash;never passed beyond the portals. If
+Barine cursed her life there, she would still fare better than she, Iras,
+who during the past few nights had been on the brink of despair whenever
+she thought of the man who had disdained her love and abandoned her for
+another.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the Syrian held out his hand to take leave, she asked bluntly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And Dion?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He cannot be set free,&rdquo; was the reply, &ldquo;for he loves Barine; nay, the
+fool was on the eve of leading her home to his beautiful palace as its
+mistress.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Is that true, really true?&rdquo; asked Iras, whose cheeks and lips lost every
+tinge of colour, though she succeeded in maintaining her composure.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He confessed it yesterday in a letter to his uncle, the Keeper of the
+Seal, in which he entreated him to do his utmost for his chosen bride,
+whom he would never resign. But Zeno has no liking for this niece. Do you
+wish to see the letter?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then, of course, he cannot be set at liberty,&rdquo; replied Iras, and there
+was additional shrillness in her voice. &ldquo;He will do everything in his
+power for the woman he loves, and that is much&mdash;far more than you,
+who are half a stranger here, suspect. The Macedonian families stand by
+each other. He is a member of the council. The bands of the Ephebi will
+support him to a man. And the populace?&mdash;He lately spoiled the game
+of your brother, who was acting for me, in a way.&mdash;He was finally dragged
+out of the basin of the fountain, dripping with water and overwhelmed with
+shame.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;For that very reason his mouth must be closed.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras nodded assent, but after a short pause she exclaimed angrily: &ldquo;I will
+help you to silence him, but not forever. Do you hear? Theodotus&rsquo;s saying
+about the dead dogs which do not bite brought no blessing to any one who
+followed it. There are other ways of getting rid of this man.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A bird sang that you were not unfriendly to him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A bird? Then it was probably an owl, which cannot see in the daylight.
+His worst enemy, your brother, would probably sacrifice himself for his
+welfare sooner than I.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then I shall begin to feel sympathy for this Dion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I saw recently that your compassion surpassed mine. Death is not the
+hardest punishment.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Is that the cause of this gracious respite?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Perhaps so. But there are other matters to be considered here. First, the
+condition of the times. Everything is tottering, even the royal power,
+which a short time ago was a wall which concealed many things and afforded
+shelter from every assault. Then Dion himself. I have already numbered
+those who will support him. Since the defeat at Actium, the Queen can no
+longer exclaim to that many-headed monster, the people, &lsquo;You must,&rsquo; but &lsquo;I
+entreat.&rsquo; The others&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The first considerations are enough; but may I be permitted to know what
+my wise friend has awarded to the hapless wight from whom she withdrew her
+favour?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;First, imprisonment here at Lochias. He has stained his hands with the
+blood of Cæsarion, the King of kings. That is high treason, even in the
+eyes of the people. Try to obtain the order for the arrest this very day.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whenever I can disturb the Queen with such matters.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Not for <i>my</i> sake, but to save <i>her</i> from injury. Away with everything which
+can cloud her intellect in these decisive days! First, away with Barine,
+who spoiled her return home; and then let us take care of the man who
+would be capable, for this woman&rsquo;s sake, of causing an insurrection in
+Alexandria. The great cares associated with the state and the throne are
+hers; for the minor ones of the toilet and the heart I will provide.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here she was interrupted by one of Cleopatra&rsquo;s waiting-maids. The Queen
+had awakened, and Iras hastened to her post.
+</p>
+<p>
+As she passed Charmian&rsquo;s apartments and saw two handsome soldiers,
+belonging to the Macedonian body-guard, pacing to and fro on duty before
+them, her face darkened. It was against her alone that Charmian was
+protecting Barine. She had been harshly reproved by the older woman on
+account of the artist&rsquo;s daughter, who had been the source of so many
+incidents which had caused her pain, and Iras regretted that she had ever
+confided to her aunt her love for Dion. But, no matter what might happen,
+the upas-tree whence emanated all these tortures, anxieties, and
+vexations, must be rooted out&mdash;stricken from the ranks of the living.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ere she entered the Queen&rsquo;s anteroom she had mentally pronounced sentence
+of death on her enemy. Her inventive brain was now busy in devising means
+to induce the Syrian to undertake its execution. If this stone of offence
+was removed it would again be possible to live in harmony with Charmian.
+Dion would be free, and then, much as he had wounded her, she would defend
+him from the hatred of Philostratus and his brother.
+</p>
+<p>
+She entered the Queen&rsquo;s presence with a lighter heart. The death of a
+condemned person had long since ceased to move her deeply. While rendering
+the first services to her mistress, who had been much refreshed by her
+sleep, her face grew brighter and brighter; for Cleopatra voluntarily told
+her that she was glad to have her attendance, and not be constantly
+annoyed by the same disagreeable matter, which must soon be settled.
+</p>
+<p>
+In fact, Charmian, conscious that no one else at court would have ventured
+to do so, had never grown weary, spite of many a rebuff, of pleading
+Barine&rsquo;s cause until, the day before, Cleopatra, in a sudden fit of anger,
+had commanded her not to mention the mischief-maker again.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Charmian soon after requested permission to let Iras take her place
+the following day, the Queen already regretted the harsh reproof she had
+given her friend, and, while cordially granting the desired leave, begged
+her to attribute her angry impatience to the cares which burdened her.
+&ldquo;And when you show me your kind, faithful face again,&rdquo; she concluded, &ldquo;you
+will have remembered that a true friend withholds from an unhappy woman
+whom she loves whatever will shadow more deeply her already clouded life.
+This Barine&rsquo;s very name sounds like a jeer at the composure I maintain
+with so much difficulty. I do not wish to hear it again.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The words were uttered in a tone so affectionate and winning, that
+Charmian&rsquo;s vexation melted like ice in the sun. Yet she left the Queen&rsquo;s
+presence anxious and troubled; for ere she quitted the room Cleopatra
+remarked that she had committed the singer&rsquo;s affairs to Alexas. She was
+now doubly eager to obtain a day&rsquo;s freedom, for she knew the unprincipled
+favourite&rsquo;s feelings towards the young beauty, and longed to discuss with
+Archibius the best means of guarding her from the worst perils.
+</p>
+<p>
+When at a late hour she went to rest, she was served by the Nubian maid,
+who had accompanied her to the court from her parents&rsquo; home. She came from
+the Cataract, where she had been bought when the family of Alypius
+accompanied the child Cleopatra to the island of Philæ. Anukis was given
+to Charmian, who at the time was just entering womanhood, as the first
+servant who was her sole property, and she had proved so clever, skilful,
+apt to learn, and faithful, that her mistress took her, as her personal
+attendant, to the palace.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian&rsquo;s warm, unselfish love for the Queen was equalled by Anukis&rsquo;s
+devotion to the mistress who had long since made her free, and had become
+so strongly attached to her that the Nubian&rsquo;s interests were little less
+regarded than her own. Her sound, keen judgment and natural wit had gained
+a certain renown in the palace, and as Cleopatra often condescended to
+rouse her to an apt answer, Antony had done so, too; and since the slight
+crook in the back, which she had from childhood, had grown into a hump, he
+gave her the name of Aisopion&mdash;the female Æsop. All the Queen&rsquo;s
+attendants now used it, and though others of lower rank did the same, she
+permitted it, though her ready wit would have supplied her tongue with a
+retort sharp enough to respond to any word which displeased her.
+</p>
+<p>
+But she knew the life and fables of Æsop, who had also once been a slave,
+and deemed it an honour to be compared with him.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Charmian had left Cleopatra and sought her chamber, she found Barine
+sound asleep, but Anukis was awaiting her, and her mistress told her with
+what deep anxiety for Barine she had quitted the presence of the Queen.
+She knew that the Nubian was fond of the young matron, whom in her
+childhood she had carried in her arms, and whose father, Leonax, had often
+jested with her. The maid had watched her career with much interest, and
+while Barine had been her mistress&rsquo;s guest her efforts to amuse and soothe
+her were unceasing.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had gone every morning to Berenike to ask tidings of Dion&rsquo;s health,
+and always brought favourable news. Anukis knew Philostratus and his
+brother, too, and as she liked Antony, who jested with her so kindly, she
+grieved to see an unprincipled fellow like Alexas his chief confidant. She
+knew the plots with which the Syrian had persecuted Barine, and when
+Charmian told her that the Queen had committed the young beauty&rsquo;s fate to
+this man&rsquo;s keeping her dark face grew fairly livid; but she forced herself
+to conceal the terror which the news inspired. Her mistress was also aware
+what this choice meant to Barine. But Anukis would have thought it wrong
+to disturb Charmian&rsquo;s sleep by revealing her own distress. It was
+fortunate that she was going early the next morning to seek the aid of
+Archibius, whom Anukis believed to be the wisest of men; but this by no
+means soothed her. She knew the fable of the lion and the mouse, which had
+been told in her home long before the time of the author for whom she was
+nicknamed, and already more than once she had been in a position to render
+far greater and more powerful persons an important service. To soothe
+Charmian to sleep and turn her thoughts in another direction, she told her
+about Dion, whom she had found much better that day, how tenderly he
+seemed to love Barine, and how touchingly patient and worthy of her father
+the daughter of Leonax had been.
+</p>
+<p>
+After her mistress had fallen asleep she went to the hall where, spite of
+the late hour, she expected to meet some of the servants&mdash;sure of
+being greeted as a welcome guest. When, a short time later, Alexas&rsquo;s
+body-slave appeared, she filled his wine cup, sat down by his side, and
+tried with all the powers at her command to win his confidence. And so
+well did the elderly Nubian succeed that Marsyas, a handsome young
+Ligurian, after she had gone, declared that Aisopion&rsquo;s jokes and stories
+were enough to bring the dead to life, and it was as pleasant to talk
+seriously with the brown-skinned monster as to dally with a fair-haired
+sweetheart.
+</p>
+<p>
+After Charmian had left the palace the following morning, Anukis again
+sought Marsyas and learned from him for what purpose and at what hour Iras
+had summoned Alexas. His master was continually whispering with the
+languishing Macedonian.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Anukis returned, Barine seemed troubled because she brought no
+tidings from her mother and Dion; but the Nubian entreated her to have
+patience, and gave her some books and a spindle, that she might have
+occupation in her solitude. She, Anukis, must go to the kitchen, because
+she had heard yesterday that the cook had bought some mushrooms, which
+might be poisonous; she knew the fungi and wanted to see them.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, passing into Charmian&rsquo;s chamber, she glided through the corridor
+which connected the apartments of Cleopatra&rsquo;s confidential attendants, and
+slipped into Iras&rsquo;s room. When Alexas entered she was concealed behind one
+of the hangings which covered the walls of the reception-room.
+</p>
+<p>
+After the Syrian had retired and Iras had been called away, Anukis
+returned to Barine and said that the mushrooms had really been poisonous,
+and of the deadliest species. They had been cooked, and she must go out to
+seek an antidote. Since a precious human life might be at stake, Barine
+would not wish to keep her.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Go,&rdquo; said the latter, kindly. &ldquo;But if you are the old obliging Aisopion,
+you won&rsquo;t object to going a little farther.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And inquiring at the house near the Paneum garden,&rdquo; added Anukis. &ldquo;That
+was already settled. Longing is also a poison for a loving heart, and its
+antidote is good news.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these laughing words she left her favourite; but as soon as she was
+out of doors her black brow became lined with earnest thought, and she
+stood pondering a long time. At last she went to the Bruchium to hire a
+donkey to ride to Kanopus, where she hoped to find Archibius. It was
+difficult to reach the nearest stand; for a great crowd had assembled on
+the quay between the Lochias and the Corner of the Muses, and groups of
+the common people, sailors, and slaves were constantly flocking hither.
+But she at last forced her way to the spot and, while the driver was
+helping her to mount the animal she had chosen, she asked what had
+attracted the throng, and he answered:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;They are tearing down the house of the old Museum fungus, Didymus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How can that be?&rdquo; cried the startled woman. &ldquo;The good old man!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Good?&rdquo; repeated the driver, scornfully. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s a traitor, who has caused
+all the trouble. Philostratus, the brother of the great Alexas, a friend
+of Mark Antony, told us so. He wanted to prove it, so it must be true.
+Hear the shouts, and how the stones are flying! Yes, yes. His
+granddaughter and her lover set an ambush for the King Cæsarion. They
+would have killed him, but the watch interfered, and now he lies wounded
+on his couch. If mighty Isis does not lend her aid, the young prince&rsquo;s
+life will soon be over.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, turning to the donkey, he dealt him two severe blows on the right
+and left haunches, shouting: &ldquo;Hi, Grey! It does one good to hear that
+royal backs have room for the cudgel too.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Meanwhile, the Nubian was hesitating whether she should not first turn the
+donkey to the right and seek Didymus; but Barine was threatened by greater
+peril, and her life was of more value than the welfare of the aged pair.
+This decided the question, and she rode forward.
+</p>
+<p>
+The donkey and his driver did their best, but they came too late; for in
+the little palace at Kanopus, Anukis learned from the porter that
+Archibius had gone to the city with his old friend Timagenes, the
+historian, who lived in Rome, and seemed to have come to Alexandria as an
+envoy.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian, too, had been here, but also failed to find the master of the
+house, and followed him. Evil tidings&mdash;which, owing to the loss of time
+involved, might prove fatal. If the donkey had only been swifter! True,
+Archibius&rsquo;s stable was full of fine animals, but who was she that she
+should presume to use them? Yet she had gained something which rendered
+her the equal of many who were born free and occupied a higher station&mdash;the
+reputation for trustworthiness and wisdom; and relying upon this, she told
+the faithful old steward, as far as possible, what was at stake, and soon
+after he himself took her, both mounted on swift mules, to the city and
+the Paneum garden.
+</p>
+<p>
+He chose the nearest road thither through the Gate of the Sun and the
+Kanopic Way. Usually at this hour it was crowded with people, but to-day
+few persons were astir. All the idlers had thronged to the Bruchium and
+the harbour to see the returning ships of the vanquished fleet, hear
+something new, witness the demonstrations of joy, the sacrifices and
+processions, and&mdash;if Fortune favoured&mdash;meet the Queen and
+relieve their overflowing hearts by acclamations.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the carriage turned towards the left and approached the Paneum,
+progress for the first time became difficult. A dense crowd had gathered
+around the hill on whose summit the sanctuary of Pan dominated the
+spacious garden. Anukis&rsquo;s eye perceived the tall figure of Philostratus.
+Was the mischief-maker everywhere? This time he seemed to encounter
+opposition, for loud shouts interrupted his words. Just as the carriage
+passed he pointed to the row of houses in which the widow of Leonax lived,
+but violent resistance followed the gesture.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anukis perceived what restrained the crowd; for, as the equipage
+approached its destination, a body of armed youths stopped it. Their
+finely-formed limbs, steeled by the training of the Palæstra, and the
+raven, chestnut, and golden locks floating around their well-shaped heads,
+were indeed beautiful. They were a band of the Ephebi, formerly commanded
+by Archibius, and to whose leadership more recently Dion had been elected.
+The youths had heard what had occurred&mdash;that imprisonment, perhaps
+even worse disaster, threatened him. At any other time it would scarcely
+have been possible to oppose the decree of the Government and guard their
+imperilled friend, but in these dark days the rulers must deal with them.
+Though they were loyal to the Queen, and had resolved, spite of her
+defeat, to support her cause, as soon as she needed them, they would not
+suffer Dion to be punished for a crime which, in their eyes, was an
+honour. Their determination to protect him grew more eager with every
+vexatious delay on the part of the city council to deal with a matter
+which concerned one of their own body. They had not yet decided whether to
+demand a full pardon or only a mild sentence for the man who had wounded
+the &ldquo;King of kings,&rdquo; the son of the sovereign. Moreover, the quiet
+Cæsarion, still subject to his tutor, had not understood how to win the
+favour of the Ephebi. The weakling never appeared in the Palæstra, which
+even the great Mark Antony did not disdain to visit. The latter had more
+than once given the youths assembled there proofs of his giant strength,
+and his son Antyllus also frequently shared their exercises. Dion had
+merely dealt Cæsarion with his clenched fist one of the blows which every
+one must encounter in the arena.
+</p>
+<p>
+Philotas of Amphissa, the pupil of Didymus, had been the first to inform
+them of the attack and, with fiery zeal, had used his utmost power to
+atone for the wrong done to his master&rsquo;s granddaughter. His appeal had
+roused the most eager sympathy. The Ephebi believed themselves strong
+enough to defend their friend against any one and, if the worst should
+come, they knew they would be sustained by the council, the Exegetus, the
+captain of the guard&mdash;a brave Macedonian, who had once been an
+ornament of their own band&mdash;and the numerous clients of Dion and his
+family. There was not a single weakling among them. They had already found
+an opportunity to prove this; for, though they had arrived too late to
+protect Didymus&rsquo;s property from injury, they had checked the fury of the
+mob whose passions Philostratus had aroused, and forced back the crowd
+whom the Syrian led to Barine&rsquo;s dwelling to devote it to the same fate.
+</p>
+<p>
+Another equipage was already standing before the door of Berenike&rsquo;s house&mdash;one
+of the carriages which were always at the disposal of the Queen&rsquo;s
+officials&mdash;when Anukis left Archibius&rsquo;s vehicle. Had some of Alexas&rsquo;s
+myrmidons arrived, or was he himself on the way to examine Dion, or even
+arrest him? The driver, like all the palace servants, knew Anukis, and she
+learned from him that he had brought Gorgias, the architect.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anukis had never met the latter, though, during the rebuilding of
+Cæsarion&rsquo;s apartments, she had often seen him, and heard much of him;
+among other things, that Dion&rsquo;s beautiful palace was his work. He was a
+friend of the wounded man, so she need not fear him.
+</p>
+<p>
+When she entered the atrium she heard that Berenike had gone out to drive
+with Archibius and his Roman friend. The leech had forbidden his patient
+to see many visitors. No one had been admitted except Gorgias and one of
+Dion&rsquo;s freedmen.
+</p>
+<p>
+But time pressed; people of the same rank and disposition understand one
+another; the old porter and the Nubian were both loyal to their employers,
+and, moreover, were natives of the same country; so it required only a few
+words to persuade the door-keeper to conduct her without delay to the
+bedside of the wounded man.
+</p>
+<p>
+The freedman, a tall, weather-beaten greybeard, simply clad, who looked
+like a pilot, was waiting outside the sick-room. He had not yet been
+admitted to Dion&rsquo;s presence, but this did not appear to vex him, for he
+stood leaning quietly against the wall beside the door, gazing at the
+broad-brimmed sailor&rsquo;s hat which he was slowly turning in his hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+Scarcely had Dion heard Anukis&rsquo;s name, when an eager &ldquo;Let her come in&rdquo;
+reached her ears through the half-open door.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Nubian waited to be summoned, but her dark face must have showed
+distinctly that something important and urgent had brought her here, for
+the wounded man added to his first words of greeting the expression of a
+fear that she had no good news.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her reply was an eager nod of assent, accompanied by a doubtful glance at
+Gorgias; and Dion now curtly told the architect the name of the newcomer,
+and assured her that his friend might hear everything, even the greatest
+secret.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anukis uttered a sigh of relief and then, in a tone of the most earnest
+warning, poured forth the story of the impending danger. She would not be
+satisfied when he spoke of the Ephebi, who were ready to defend him, and
+the council, which would make the cause of one of its members its own, but
+entreated him to seek some safe place of refuge, no matter where; for
+powers against whom no resistance would avail were stretching their hands
+towards him. Even this statement, however, proved useless, for Dion was
+convinced that the influence of his uncle, the Keeper of the Seal, would
+guard him from any serious danger. Then Anukis resolved to confess what
+she had overheard; but she told the story without mentioning Barine, and
+the peril threatening her also. Finally, with all the warmth of a really
+anxious heart, she entreated him to heed her warning.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even while she was still speaking, the friends exchanged significant
+glances; but scarcely had the last words fallen from her lips when the
+giant figure of the freedman passed through the door, which had remained
+open.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You here, Pyrrhus?&rdquo; cried the wounded man kindly.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yes, master, it is I,&rdquo; replied the stalwart fellow, twirling his sailor
+hat still faster. &ldquo;Listening isn&rsquo;t exactly my trade, and I don&rsquo;t usually
+enter your presence uninvited; but I couldn&rsquo;t help hearing what came
+through the door, and the croaking of the old raven drew me in.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I wish you had heard more cheerful things,&rdquo; replied Dion; &ldquo;but the
+brown-skinned bird of ill omen usually sings pleasant songs, and they all
+come from a faithful heart. But when my silent Pyrrhus opens his mouth so
+far, something important must surely follow, and you can speak freely in
+her presence.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The sailor cleared his throat, gripped his coarse felt hat in his sinewy
+hands, and said, in such a tremulous, embarrassed tone that his heavy chin
+quivered and his voice sometimes faltered: &ldquo;If the woman is to be trusted,
+you must leave here, master, and seek some safe hiding-place. I came to
+offer one. On my way I heard your name. It was said that you had wounded
+the Queen&rsquo;s son, and it might cost you your life. Then I thought: &lsquo;No, no,
+not that, so long as Pyrrhus lives, who taught his young master Dion to
+use the oars and to set his first sail&mdash;Pyrrhus and his family.&rsquo; Why
+repeat what we both know well enough? From my first boat and the land on
+our island to the liberty you bestowed upon us, we owe everything to your
+father and to you, and a blessing has rested upon your gift and our
+labour, and what is mine is yours. No more words are needed. You know our
+cliff beyond the Alveus Steganus, north of the great harbour&mdash;the
+Isle of Serpents. It is quickly gained by any one who knows the course
+through the water, but is as inaccessible to others as the moon and stars.
+People are afraid of the mere name, though we rid the island of the vermin
+long ago. My boys Dionysus, Dionichus, and Dionikus&mdash;they all have
+&lsquo;Dion&rsquo; in their name&mdash;are waiting in the fish market, and when it
+grows dusk&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo; Here the wounded man interrupted the speaker by holding
+out his hand and thanking him warmly for his fidelity and kindness, though
+he refused the well-meant invitation. He admitted that he knew no safer
+hiding-place than the cliff surrounded by fluttering sea-gulls, where
+Pyrrhus lived with his family and earned abundant support by fishing and
+serving as pilot. But anxiety concerning his future wife prevented his
+leaving the city.
+</p>
+<p>
+The freedman however gave him no rest. He represented how quickly the
+harbour could be reached from his island, that fish were brought thence
+from it daily, and he would therefore always have news of what was
+passing. His sons were like him, and never used any unnecessary words;
+talking did not suit them. The women of the household rarely left the
+island. So long as it sheltered their beloved guest, they should not set
+foot away from it. If occasion should require, the master could be in
+Alexandria again quickly enough to put anything right.
+</p>
+<p>
+This suggestion pleased the architect, who joined in the conversation to
+urge the freedman&rsquo;s request. But Dion, for Barine&rsquo;s sake, obstinately
+refused, until Anukis, who had long been anxious to go in pursuit of
+Archibius, thought it time to give <i>her</i> opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Go with the man, my lord!&rdquo; she cried. &ldquo;I know what I know. I will tell
+our Barine of your faithful resolution; but how can she show her gratitude
+for it if you are a dead man?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+This question and the information which followed it turned the scale; and,
+as soon as Dion had consented to accompany the freedman, the Nubian
+prepared to continue her errands, but the wounded man detained her to give
+many messages for Barine, and then she was stopped by the architect, who
+thought he had found in her the right assistant for numerous plans he had
+in his mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had returned early that morning from Heroonpolis, where, with other
+members of his profession, he had inspected the newly constructed
+waterway. The result of the first investigation had been unfavourable to
+the verge of discouragement; and, in behalf of the others, he had gone to
+the Queen to persuade her to give up the enterprise which, though so full
+of promise, was impracticable in the short time at their disposal.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had travelled all night, and was received as soon as Cleopatra rose
+from her couch. He had driven from the Lochias in the carriage placed at
+his disposal because he had business at the arsenal and various points
+where building was going on, in order to inspect the wall erected for
+Antony on the Choma, and the Temple of Isis at the Corner of the Muses, to
+which Cleopatra desired to add a new building. But scarcely had he quitted
+the Bruchium when he was detained by the crowd assailing the house of
+Didymus with beams and rams, and at the same time keeping off the Ephebi
+who had attacked them.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had forced his way through the raging mob to aid the old couple and
+their granddaughter. The slave Phryx had been busily preparing the boats
+which lay moored in the harbour of the seawashed estate, but Gorgias had
+found it difficult to persuade the grey-haired philosopher to go with him
+and his family to the shore. He was ready to face the enraged rioters and&mdash;though
+it should cost his life&mdash;cry out that they were shamefully deceived
+and were staining themselves with a disgraceful crime. Not until the
+architect represented that it was unworthy of a Didymus to expose to
+bestial violence a life on which helpless women and the whole world&mdash;to
+whom his writings were guide-posts to the realms of truth&mdash;possessed
+a claim, could he be induced to yield. Nevertheless, the sage and his
+relatives almost fell into the hands of the furious rabble, for Didymus
+would not depart until he had saved this, that, and the other precious
+book, till the number reached twenty or thirty. Besides, his old deaf
+wife, who usually submitted quietly when her defective hearing prevented
+her comprehension of many things, insisted upon knowing what was
+occurring. She ordered everybody who came near her to explain what had
+happened, thus detaining her granddaughter Helena, who was trying to save
+the most valuable articles in the dwelling. So the departure was delayed,
+and only the brave defence of young Philotas, Didymus&rsquo;s assistant, and
+some of the Ephebi, who joined him, enabled them to escape unharmed.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Scythian guards, which at last put a stop to the frantic rage of the
+deluded populace, arrived too late to prevent the destruction of the
+house, but they saved Philotas and the other youths from the fists and
+stones of the rabble.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the boats had gone farther out into the harbour the question of
+finding a home for the philosopher and his family was discussed.
+Berenike&rsquo;s house was also threatened, and the rules of the
+museum prevented the reception of women. Five servants had accompanied the
+family, and none of Didymus&rsquo;s learned friends had room for so many guests.
+When the old man and Helena began to enumerate the lodgings of which they
+could think, Gorgias interposed with an entreaty that they would come to
+his house.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had inherited the dwelling from his father. It was very large and
+spacious, almost empty, and they could reach it speedily, as it stood on
+the seashore, north of the Forum. The fugitives would be entirely at
+liberty there, since he had work on hand which would permit him to spend
+no time under his own roof except at night. He soon overcame the trivial
+objections made by the philosopher and, fifteen minutes after they had
+left the Corner of the Muses, he was permitted to open the door of his
+house to his guests, and he did so with genuine pleasure. The old
+housekeeper and the grey-haired steward, who had been in his father&rsquo;s
+service, looked surprised, but worked zealously after Gorgias had confided
+the visitors to their charge. The pressure of business forbade his
+fulfilling the duties of host in his own person.
+</p>
+<p>
+Didymus and his family had reason to be grateful; and when the old sage
+found in the large library which the architect placed at his disposal many
+excellent books and among them some of his own, he ceased his restless
+pacing to and fro and forced himself to settle down. Then he remembered
+that, by the advice of a friend, he had placed his property in the keeping
+of a reliable banker and, though life still seemed dark grey, it no longer
+looked as black as before.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias briefly related all this to the Nubian, and Dion added that she
+would find Archibius with his Roman friend at the house of Berenike&rsquo;s
+brother, the philosopher Arius. Like himself, the latter was suffering
+from an injury inflicted by a reckless trick of Antyllus. Barine&rsquo;s mother
+was there also, so Anukis could inform them of the fate of Didymus and his
+brother, and tell them that he, Dion, intended to leave her house and the
+city an hour after sunset.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But,&rdquo; interrupted Gorgias, &ldquo;no one, not even your hostess Berenike and
+her brother, must know your destination.&mdash;You look as if you could
+keep a secret, woman.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Though she owes her nickname Aisopion to her nimble tongue,&rdquo; replied
+Dion.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But this tongue is like the little silver fish with scarlet spots in the
+palace garden,&rdquo; said Anukis. &ldquo;They dart to and fro nimbly enough; but as
+soon as danger threatens they keep as quiet in the water as though they
+were nailed fast. And&mdash;by mighty Isis!&mdash;we have no lack of peril
+in these trying times. Would you like to see the lady Berenike and the
+others before your departure?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Berenike, yes; but the sons of Arius&mdash;they are fine fellows&mdash;would
+be wise to keep aloof from this house to-day.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yes indeed!&rdquo; the architect chimed in. &ldquo;It will be prudent for their
+father, too, to seek some hiding-place. He is too closely connected with
+Octavianus. It may indeed happen that the Queen will desire to make use of
+him. In that case he may be able to aid Barine, who is his sister&rsquo;s child.
+Timagenes, too, who comes from Rome as a mediator, may have some
+influence.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The same thoughts entered my poor brain also,&rdquo; said Anukis. &ldquo;I am now
+going to show the gentlemen the danger which threatens her, and if I
+succeed&mdash;&mdash; Yet what could a serving-woman of my appearance accomplish?
+Still&mdash;my house is nearer to the brink of the stream than the
+dwelling of most others, and if I fling in a loaf, perhaps the current
+will bear it to the majestic sea.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Wise Aisopion!&rdquo; cried Dion; but the worthy maid-servant shrugged her
+crooked shoulders, saying: &ldquo;We needn&rsquo;t be free-born to find pleasure in
+what is right; and if being wise means using one&rsquo;s brains to think, with
+the intention of promoting right and justice, you can always call me so.
+Then you will start after sundown?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she was about to leave the room, but the architect, who
+had watched her every movement, had formed a plan and begged her to follow
+him.
+</p>
+<p>
+When they reached the next room he asked for a faithful account of Barine
+and the dangers threatening her. After consulting her as if she were an
+equal, he held out his hand in farewell, saying: &ldquo;If it is possible to
+bring her to the Temple of Isis unseen, these clouds may scatter. I shall
+be in the sanctuary of the goddess from the first hour after sunset. I
+have some measurements to take there. When you say you know that the
+immortals will have pity on the innocent woman whom they have led to the
+verge of the abyss, perhaps you may be right. It seems as if matters here
+were combining in a way which would be apt to rob the story-teller of his
+listener&rsquo;s faith.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+After Aisopion had gone, Gorgias returned to Dion&rsquo;s room and asked the
+freedman to be ready with his boat at a place on the shore which he
+carefully described.
+</p>
+<p>
+The friends were again alone. Gorgias had his hands full of work, but he
+could not help expressing his surprise at the calm bearing which Dion
+maintained. &ldquo;You behave as if you were going to an oyster supper at
+Kanopus,&rdquo; he said, shaking his head as though perplexed by some
+incomprehensible problem.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;What else would you have me do?&rdquo; asked the Macedonian. &ldquo;The vivid
+imagination of you artists shows you the future according to your own
+varying moods. If you hope, you transform a pleasant garden into the
+Elysian fields; if you fear anything you behold in a burning roof the
+conflagration of a world. We, from whose cradle the Muse was absent, who
+use only sober reason to provide for the welfare of the household and the
+state, as well as for our own, see facts as they are and treat them like
+figures in a sum. I know that Barine is in danger. That might drive me
+frantic; but beyond her I see Archibius and Charmian spreading their
+protecting wings over her head; I perceive the fear of my faction,
+including the museum, of the council of which I am a member, of my clients
+and the conditions of the times, which precludes arousing the wrath of the
+citizens. The product which results from the correct addition of all these
+known quantities&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Will be correct,&rdquo; interrupted his friend, &ldquo;so long as the most
+incalculable of all factors, passion, does not blend with them&mdash;the
+passion of a woman&mdash;and the Queen belongs to the sex which is
+certainly more powerful in that domain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Granted! But as soon as Mark Antony returns it will be proved that her
+jealousy was needless.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We will hope so. It is only the misled, deceived, abused Cleopatra whom I
+fear; for she herself is matchless in divine goodness. The charm by which
+she ensnares hearts is indescribable, and the iron power of her intellect!
+I tell you, Dion&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Friend, friend,&rdquo; was the laughing interruption. &ldquo;How high your wishes
+soar! For three years I have kept an account of the conflagrations in your
+heart. I believe we had reached seventeen; but this last one is equal to
+two.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Folly!&rdquo; cried Gorgias in an irritated tone: &ldquo;May not a man admire what is
+magnificent, wonderful, unique? She is all these things! Just now&mdash;how
+long ago is it?&mdash;she appeared before me in a radiance of beauty&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Which should have made you shade both eyes. Yet you have been speaking so
+warmly of your young guest, her loving caution, her gentle calmness in the
+midst of peril&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do you suppose I wish to recall a single syllable?&rdquo; the architect
+indignantly broke in. &ldquo;Helena has no peer among the maidens of Alexandria&mdash;but
+the other&mdash;Cleopatra&mdash;is elevated in her divine majesty above
+all ordinary mortals. You might spare me and yourself that scornful curl
+of the lip. Had she gazed into your face with those tearful, sorrowful
+eyes, as she did into mine, and spoken of her misery, you would have gone
+through fire and water, hand in hand with me, for her sake. I am not a man
+who is easily moved, and since my father&rsquo;s death the only tears I have
+seen have been shed by others; but when she talked of the mausoleum I was
+to build for her because Fate, she knew not how soon, might force her to
+seek refuge in the arms of death, my calmness vanished. Then, when she
+cumbered me among the friends on whom she could rely and held out her hand&mdash;a
+matchless hand&mdash;oh! laugh if you choose&mdash;I felt I know not how,
+and kneeling at her feet I kissed it; it was wet with my tears. I am not
+ashamed of this emotion, and my lips seem consecrated since they touched
+the little white hand which spoke a language of its own and stands before
+my eyes wherever I gaze.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Pushing back his thick locks from his brow as he spoke, he shook his head
+as though dissatisfied with himself and, in an altered tone, hurriedly
+continued: &ldquo;But this is a time ill-suited for such ebullitions of feeling.
+I mentioned the mausoleum, whose erection the Queen desires. She will see
+the first hasty sketch to-morrow. It is already before my mind&rsquo;s eye. She
+wished to have it adjoin the Temple of Isis, her goddess&mdash;&mdash; I proposed
+the great sanctuary in the Rhakotis quarter, but she objected&mdash;she
+wished to have it close to the palace at Lochias. She had thought of the
+temple at the Corner of the Muses, but the house occupied by Didymus stood
+in the way of a larger structure. If this were removed it would be
+possible to carry the street through the old man&rsquo;s garden, perhaps even to
+the sea-shore, and we should have had space for a gigantic edifice and
+still left room for a fine garden. But we had learned how the philosopher
+loved his family estate. The Queen is unwilling to use violence towards
+the old man&mdash;&mdash; She is just, and perhaps other reasons, of which I am
+ignorant, influence her. So I promised to look for another site, though I
+saw how much she desired to have her tomb connected with the sanctuary of
+her favourite goddess&mdash;&mdash; Then&mdash;I have already told the clever brown
+witch&mdash;then the immortals, Divinity, Fate, or whatever we call the
+power which guides the world and our lives according to eternal laws and
+its own mysterious, omnipotent will, permitted a rascally deed, from which
+I think may come deliverance for you and a source of pleasure to the Queen
+in these days of trial.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Man, man! Where will this new passion lead you? The horses are stamping
+impatiently outside; duty summons the most faithful of men, and he stands
+like a prophet, indulging in mysterious sayings!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whose meaning and purport, spite of your calm calculations of existing
+circumstances, will soon seem no less wonderful to you than to me, whose
+unruly artist nature, according to your opinion, is playing me a trick,&rdquo;
+retorted the architect. &ldquo;Now listen to this explanation: Didymus&rsquo;s house
+will be occupied at once by my workmen, but I shall examine the lower
+rooms of the Temple of Isis. I have with me a document requiring obedience
+to my orders. Cleopatra herself laid the plans before me, even the secret
+portion showing the course of the subterranean chambers. It will cast some
+light upon my mysterious sayings if I bear you away from the enemy through
+one of the secret corridors. They were right in concealing from you by how
+slender a thread, spite of the power of your example in mathematics, the
+sword hangs above your head. Now that I see a possibility of removing it,
+I can show it to you. Tomorrow you would have fallen, without hope of
+rescue, into the hands of cruel foes and been shamefully abandoned by your
+own weak uncle, had not the most implacable of all your enemies permitted
+himself the infamous pleasure of laying hands on an old man&rsquo;s house, and
+the Queen, in consequence of an agitating message, had the idea suggested
+of building her own mausoleum. The corridor&rdquo;&mdash;here he lowered his
+voice&mdash;&ldquo;of which I spoke leads to the sea at a spot close beside
+Didymus&rsquo;s garden, and through it I will guide you, and, if possible,
+Barine also, to the shore. This could be accomplished in the usual way
+only by the greatest risk. If we use the passage we can reach a dark place
+on the strand unseen, and unless some special misfortune pursues us our
+flight will be unnoticed. The litters and your tottering gait would betray
+everything if we were to enter the boat anywhere else in the great
+harbour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And we, sensible folk, refuse to believe in miracles!&rdquo; cried Dion,
+holding out his wan hand to the architect. &ldquo;How shall I thank you, you
+dear, clever, most loyal of friends to your male friends, though your
+heart is so faithless to fair ones? Add that malicious speech to the
+former ones, for which I now crave your pardon. What you intend to
+accomplish for Barine and me gives you a right to do and say to me
+whatever ill you choose all the rest of my life. Anxiety for her would
+surely have bound me to this house and the city when the time came to make
+the escape, for without her my life would now be valueless. But when I
+think that she might follow me to Pyrrhus&rsquo;s cliff&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t flatter yourself with this hope,&rdquo; pleaded Gorgias. &ldquo;Serious
+obstacles may interpose. I am to have another talk with the Nubian later.
+With no offence to others, I believe her advice will be the best. She
+knows how matters stand with the lofty, and yet herself belongs to the
+lowly. Besides, through Charmian the way to the Queen lies open, and
+nothing which happens at court escapes her notice. She showed me that we
+must consider Barine&rsquo;s delivery to Alexas a piece of good fortune. How
+easily jealousy might have led to a fatal crime one whose wish promptly
+becomes action, unless she curbs the undue zeal of her living tools! Those
+on whom Fate inflicts so many blows rarely are in haste to spare others.
+Would the anxieties which weigh upon her like mountains interpose between
+the Queen and the jealous rancour which is too petty for her great soul?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;What is great or petty to the heart of a loving woman?&rdquo; asked Dion. &ldquo;In
+any case you will do what you can to remove Barine from the power of the
+enraged princess&mdash;I know.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias pressed his friend&rsquo;s hand closely, then, yielding to a sudden
+impulse, kissed him on the forehead and hurried to the door.
+</p>
+<p>
+On the threshold a faint moan from the wounded man stopped him. Would he
+be strong enough to follow the long passage leading to the sea?
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion protested that he confidently expected to do so, but his deeply
+flushed face betrayed that the fever which had once been conquered had
+returned.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias&rsquo;s eyes sought the floor in deep thought. Many sick persons were
+borne to the temple in the hope of cure; so Dion&rsquo;s appearance would cause
+no special surprise. On the other hand, to have strangers carry him
+through the passage seemed perilous. He himself was strong, but even the
+strongest person would have found it impossible to support the heavy
+burden of a grown man to the sea, for the gallery was low and of
+considerable length. Still, if necessary, he would try. With the
+comforting exclamation, &ldquo;If your strength does not suffice, another way
+will be found,&rdquo; he took his leave, gave Barine&rsquo;s maid and the wounded
+man&rsquo;s body-slave the necessary directions, commanded the door-keeper to
+admit no one save the physician, and stepped into the open air.
+</p>
+<p>
+A little band of Ephebi were pacing to and fro before the house. Others
+had flung themselves down in an open space surrounded by shrubbery in the
+Paneum garden, and were drinking the choice wine which Dion&rsquo;s cellarer, by
+his orders, had brought and was pouring out for the crowd.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was an animated scene, for the clients of the sufferer, who, after
+expressing their sympathy, had been dismissed by the porter, and bedizened
+girls had joined the youths. There was no lack of jests and laughter, and
+when some pretty young mother or female slave passed by leading children,
+with whom the garden was a favourite playground, many a merry word was
+exchanged.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias waved his hands gaily to the youths, pleased with the cheerfulness
+with which the brave fellows transformed duty into a festival, and many
+raised their wine-cups, shouting a joyous &ldquo;Io&rdquo; and &ldquo;Evoe,&rdquo; to drink the
+health of the famous artist who not long ago had been one of themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+The others were led by a slender youth, the student Philotas, from
+Amphissa, Didymus&rsquo;s assistant, whom the architect, a few days before, had
+helped to liberate from the demons of wine. Even while Gorgias was
+beckoning to him from the two-wheeled chariot, the thought entered his
+mind that yonder handsome youth, who had so deeply wronged Barine and
+Dion, would be the very person to help carry his friend through the
+low-roofed passage to the sea. If Philotas was the person Gorgias believed
+him to be, he would deem it a special favour to make amends for his crime
+to those whom he had injured, and he was not mistaken; for, after the
+youth had taken a solemn oath not to betray the secret to any one, the
+architect asked him to aid in Dion&rsquo;s rescue. Philotas, overflowing with
+joyful gratitude, protested his willingness to do so, and promised to wait
+at the appointed spot in the Temple of Isis at the time mentioned.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch14">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XIV.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+While Gorgias was examining the subterranean chambers in the Temple of
+Isis, Charmian returned to Lochias earlier than she herself had expected.
+She had met her brother, whom she did not find at Kanopus, at Berenike&rsquo;s,
+and after greeting Dion on his couch of pain, she told Archibius of her
+anxiety. She confided to him alone that the Queen had committed Barine&rsquo;s
+fate to Alexas, for the news might easily have led the mother of the
+endangered woman to some desperate venture; but even Archibius&rsquo;s
+composure, so difficult to disturb, was not proof against it. He would
+have sought the Queen&rsquo;s presence at once&mdash;if necessary, forced his
+way to it; but the historian Timagenes, who had just come from Rome, was
+expecting him, and he had not returned to his birthplace as a private
+citizen, but commissioned by Octavianus to act as mediator in putting an
+end to the struggle which had really been decided in his favour at the
+battle of Actium. The choice of this mediator was a happy one; for he had
+taught Cleopatra in her childhood, and was the self-same quick-witted man
+who had so often roused her to argument. His share in a popular
+insurrection against the Roman rule had led to his being carried as a
+slave to the Tiber. There he soon purchased his freedom, and attained such
+distinction that Octavianus entrusted this important mission to the man
+who was so well known in Alexandria. Archibius was to meet him at the
+house of Arius, who was still suffering from the wounds inflicted by the
+chariot-wheels of Antyllus, and Berenike had accompanied Timagenes to her
+brother.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian did not venture to go there; a visit to Octavianus&rsquo;s former
+teacher would have been misinterpreted, and it was repugnant to her own
+delicacy of feeling to hold intercourse at this time with the foe and
+conqueror of her royal mistress.
+</p>
+<p>
+She therefore let her brother drive with Berenike to the injured man&rsquo;s;
+but before his departure Archibius had promised, if the worst came, to
+dare everything to open the eyes of the Queen, who had forbidden her,
+Charmian, to speak in behalf of Barine and thwart the plans of Alexas.
+</p>
+<p>
+From the Paneum garden she was carried to the Kanopic Way and the Jewish
+quarter, where she had many important purchases to make for Cleopatra. It
+was long after noon when the litter was again borne to Lochias.
+</p>
+<p>
+On the way she had severely felt her own powerlessness. Without having
+accomplished anything herself, she was forced to wait for the success of
+others; and she had scarcely crossed the threshold of the palace ere fresh
+cares were added to those which already burdened her soul.
+</p>
+<p>
+She understood how to read the faces of courtiers, and the door-keeper&rsquo;s
+had taught her that since her departure something momentous had occurred.
+She disliked to question the slaves and lower officials, so she refrained,
+though the interior of the palace was crowded with guards, officials of
+every grade, attendants, and slaves. Many who saw her gazed at her with
+the timidity inspired by those over whom some disaster is impending.
+Others, whose relations were more intimate, pressed forward to enjoy the
+mournful satisfaction of being the first messengers of evil tidings. But
+she passed swiftly on, keeping them back with grave words and gestures,
+until, before the door of the great anteroom thronged with Greek and
+Egyptian petitioners, she met Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal. Charmian
+stopped him and inquired what had happened.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Since when?&rdquo; asked the old courtier. &ldquo;Every moment has brought some fresh
+tidings and all are mournful. What terrible times, Charmian, what
+disasters!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No messenger had arrived when I left the Lochias,&rdquo; replied Charmian. &ldquo;Now
+it seems as though the old monster of a palace, accustomed to so many
+horrors, is holding its breath in dread. Tell me the main thing, at least,
+before I meet the Queen.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The main thing? Pestilence or famine&mdash;which shall we call the
+worse?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Quick, Zeno! I am expected.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I, too, am in haste, and really there is nothing to relate over which the
+tongue would care to dwell. Candidus arrived first. Came himself straight
+from Actium. The fellow is bold enough.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Is the army defeated also?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Defeated, dispersed, deserted to the foe&mdash;King Herod with his
+legions in the van.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian covered her face with her hands and groaned aloud, but Zeno
+continued:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You were with her in the flight. When Mark Antony left you, he sailed
+with the ships which joined him for Parætonium. A large body of troops on
+which the Queen and Mardion had fixed their hopes was encamped there.
+Reinforcements could easily be gained and we should once more have a fine
+army at our disposal.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Pinarius Scarpus, a cautious soldier, was in command; and I, too,
+believed&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The more you trusted him, the greater would be your error. The shameless
+rascal&mdash;he owes everything to Antony&mdash;had received tidings of
+Actium ere the ships arrived, and had already made overtures to Octavianus
+when the Imperator came. The veterans who opposed the treachery were hewn
+down by the wretch&rsquo;s orders, but the brave garrison of the city could not
+be won over to the monstrous crime. It is due to these men that Mark
+Antony still lives and did not come to a miserable end at the hands of his
+own troops. The twice-defeated general&mdash;a courier brought the news&mdash;will
+arrive to-night. Strangely enough, he will not come to Lochias, but to the
+little palace on the Choma.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Poor, poor Queen!&rdquo; cried Charmian; &ldquo;how did she bear all this?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In the presence of the defeated Candidus and Antony&rsquo;s messenger like a
+heroine. But afterwards&mdash;&mdash; Her raving did not last long; but the
+mute, despairing silence!&mdash;&mdash; Ere she had fully recovered her self-command she
+sent us all away, and I have not seen her since. But all the thoughts and
+feelings which dwell here&rdquo;&mdash;he pointed to his brow and breast&mdash;&ldquo;have
+left their abode and linger with her. I totter from place to place like a
+soulless body. O Charmian! what has befallen us? Where are the days when
+care and trouble lay buried with the other dead&mdash;the days and nights
+when my brain united with that of the Queen to transform this desolate
+earth into the beautiful Elysian Fields, every-day life to a festival,
+festivals to the very air of Olympus? What unprecedented scenes of
+splendour had I not devised for the celebration of the victory, the
+triumph&mdash;nay, even the entry into Rome! Whole chests are filled with
+the sketches, programmes, drawings, and verses. All who handle brush and
+chisel, compose and execute music, would have lent their aid, and&mdash;you
+may believe me&mdash;the result would have been something which future
+generations would have discussed, lauded, and extolled in song. And now&mdash;now?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now we will double our efforts to save what is yet to be rescued!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Rescued?&rdquo; repeated the courtier in a hollow tone. &ldquo;The Queen, too, still
+clings to this fine word. When I saw her at work yesterday, it seemed as
+if I beheld her drawing water with the bottomless vessel of the Danaides.
+True, today, when I left her, her arms had fallen&mdash;and in this
+attitude she now stands before me with her tearful eyes. And besides, I
+can&rsquo;t get my nephew Dion out of my mind. Cares&mdash;nothing but cares
+concerning him! And my intentions towards him were so kind! My will gives
+him my entire fortune; but now he actually wants to marry the singer, the
+daughter of the artist Leonax. You have taken her under your protection,
+but surely your own niece, Iras, is dearer to you, so you will approve of
+my destroying the will if Dion insists upon his own way. He shall not have
+a solidus of my property if he does not give up the woman who is a thorn
+in the Queen&rsquo;s flesh. And his choice does not suit our ancient race. Iras,
+on the contrary, was Dion&rsquo;s playfellow, and I have long destined her for
+his wife. No better match, nor one more acceptable to the Queen, could be
+found for him. He cared for her until the singer bewitched him. Bring them
+together, and they shall be like my own children. If the fool resists his
+uncle, whose sole desire is to benefit him, I will withdraw my aid.
+Whatever intrigues his foes may weave, I shall fold my arms and not
+interfere. I stand in the place of his father, my dead brother, and demand
+obedience. The Queen is my universe, and her favour is of more value than
+twenty refractory nephews.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You will retain her Majesty&rsquo;s favour, even if you intercede for your
+brother&rsquo;s son.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And Iras? When she finds herself deceived&mdash;and she will soon
+discover it&mdash;she will not rest&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Until she has brought ruin upon him,&rdquo; interrupted Charmian, in a tone of
+sorrow rather than reproach as though she already beheld the impending
+disaster. &ldquo;But Iras has no greater influence with the Queen than I, and if
+you and I unite to protect the brave young fellow, who is of your own
+blood&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then, of course&mdash;no doubt, on account of your longer period of
+service, you have more influence with her Majesty than Iras&mdash;however&mdash;such
+matters must be considered&mdash;and I have already said&mdash;my mind
+leaves its abode to follow the Queen like her shadow. It heeds only what
+concerns her. Let everything else go as it will. The fleet the same as
+destroyed, Candidus defeated, Herod a deserter, treason on treason&mdash;the
+African legions lost! What in the name of the god who tried to roll back
+the wheel dashing down the mountain-side!&mdash;&mdash; And yet! Let us offer
+sacrifices, my friend, and hope for better days!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Zeno retired as he spoke, but Charmian moved forward with a drooping head
+to find Barine and her faithful Anukis, and weep her fill ere she went to
+perform the duty of consoling and sustaining her beloved mistress. Yet she
+herself so sorely needed comfort. Wherever she turned her eyes she beheld
+disaster, peril, treachery, and base intrigues. She felt as if she had
+lived long enough, and that her day was over. Hitherto her gentle nature,
+her intellect, which yearned to expand, gather new riches, and exchange
+what it had gained with others, had possessed much to offer to the Queen.
+She had not only been Cleopatra&rsquo;s confidante, but necessary to her to
+discuss questions far in advance of the demands of the times, which
+occupied her restless mind. Now the Queen&rsquo;s attention was wholly absorbed
+by events&mdash;hard, cruel facts&mdash;which she must resist or turn to
+her own advantage. Her life had become a conflict, and Charmian felt that
+she was by no means combative. The hard, supple, keenly polished intellect
+of Iras now asserted its value, and the elderly woman told herself that
+she was in danger of being held in less regard than her younger companion.
+To resign her office would have given her peace of mind, but she repelled
+the thought. For the very reason that these days were so full of misery
+and perhaps drawing nearer to the end, she must remain, first for the sake
+of the Queen, but also to watch over Barine.
+</p>
+<p>
+Now she longed to go to Cleopatra. Her mere presence, she knew, would do
+her sore heart good.
+</p>
+<p>
+The silvery laugh of a child reached her ears through the open gate of
+the garden which she was rapidly approaching. Little six-year-old
+Alexander ran towards her with open arms, hugged her closely, pressed his
+curly head against her, and gazed into her face with his large clear eyes.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian&rsquo;s heart swelled; and as she raised the child in her arms and
+kissed him, she thought of the sad fate impending, and the composure
+maintained with so much difficulty gave way; tears streamed from her eyes
+and, sobbing violently, she pressed the boy closer to her breast.
+</p>
+<p>
+The prince, accustomed to bright faces and tender caresses, broke away
+from her in terror to run back to his brother and sisters. But he had a
+kind little heart, and, knowing that no one weeps and sobs unless in pain,
+Alexander pitied Charmian, whom he loved, and hurried to her again.
+</p>
+<p>
+What he meant to show her had pleased his mother, too, and dried the tears
+in her eyes. So he took Charmian by the hand and drew her along, saying
+that he wanted her to see the prettiest thing. She willingly allowed
+herself to be led over the paths, strewn with red sand, of the little
+garden which Antony had had laid out for his children in the magnificent
+style which pleased his love of splendour, and filled with rare and
+beautiful things.
+</p>
+<p>
+There was a pond with tiny gold and silver fish, where the rare lotus
+flowers with pink blossoms arose from amid their smooth green leaves, and
+another where dwarf ducks of every colour, which seemed as if they had
+been created for children, swam to and fro. A bit of the sea which washed
+its shore had been enclosed by a gilded latticework, and on its surface
+floated a number of snow-white swans and black ones with scarlet bills.
+Native and Indian flowers of every hue adorned the beds, and the narrow
+paths were shaded by arbours made of gold wire, over which ran climbing
+vines filled with bright blossoms.
+</p>
+<p>
+A grotto of stalactites behind the dense foliage of an Indian tree offered
+a resting-place, and beside it was a little house where the children could
+stay. The interior lacked none of the requisites of living, not even the
+cooking utensils in the kitchen, and the family portraits in the tablinum,
+delicately painted by an artist on small ivory slabs. Everything was made
+to suit the size of children, but of the most costly material and careful
+workmanship.
+</p>
+<p>
+Behind the house was a little stable where four tiny horses with spotted
+skins, the rarest and prettiest creatures imaginable&mdash;a gift from the
+King of Media&mdash;were stamping the ground.
+</p>
+<p>
+In another place was an enclosure containing gazelles, ostriches, young
+giraffes, and other grass-eating animals. Bright-plumaged birds and
+monkeys filled the tops of the trees, gay balls rose and fell on the jets
+of the fountains, and child genii and images of the gods in bronze and
+marble peered from the foliage. This whole enchanted world was comprised
+within a narrow space, and, with its radiance of colour and wealth of
+form, its perfume, songs, and warbling, exerted a bewildering influence
+upon the excited imaginations of grown people as well as children.
+</p>
+<p>
+Little Alexander, without even casting a glance at all this, drew Charmian
+forward. He did not pause until he reached the shore of the lotus pond;
+then, putting his fingers on his lips, he said: &ldquo;There, now, I&rsquo;ll show
+you. Look here!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Rising cautiously upon tip-toe as he spoke, he pointed to the hollow in
+the trunk of a tree. A pair of finches had built their nest in it, and
+five young ones with big yellow beaks stretched their ugly little heads
+hungrily upward.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That&rsquo;s so pretty!&rdquo; cried the prince. &ldquo;And you must see the old ones come
+to feed them.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The beautiful boy&rsquo;s sweet face fairly beamed with delight, and Charmian
+kissed him tenderly. Yet, even as she did so, she thought of the young
+swallows hacked to death in his mother&rsquo;s galley, and a chill ran
+through her veins.
+</p>
+<p>
+Just at that moment voices were heard calling Alexander from a neglected
+spot behind the dainty little house built for the children, and the boy
+exclaimed peevishly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;There, now, I showed you the little nest, so I forgot. Agatha fell asleep
+and Smerdis went away, so we were alone. Then they sent me to Horus, the
+gate-keeper, to get some of his spelt bread. He never says no to anything,
+and it does taste so good. We&rsquo;re peasants, and have been using the axe and
+the hoe, so we want something to eat. Have you seen our house? We built it
+ourselves. Selene, Helios, Jotape, my future wife, and I&mdash;yes, I!
+They let me help, and we finished it alone, all alone! Everything is here.
+We shall build the shed for the cow to-morrow. The others mustn&rsquo;t see it,
+but I may show it to you.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While speaking, he drew her forward again, and Charmian obediently
+followed. The twins and little Jotape, who had been chosen for the future
+bride of the six-year-old Prince Alexander&mdash;a pretty, delicate, fair-haired
+child of his own age, the daughter of the Median king, who had been
+betrothed to the boy after the Parthian war, and now remained as a hostage
+at Cleopatra&rsquo;s court&mdash;welcomed her with joyous shouts. With the
+exception of the little Median princess, Charmian had witnessed their
+birth, and they all loved her dearly.
+</p>
+<p>
+The little royal labourers showed their work with proud delight, and it
+really was well done. They had toiled at it for weeks, paying no heed to
+the garden and all its costly rarities. They pointed with special pride
+to the two planks which Helios, aided by Alexander, had fished out of
+the sea after the last storm, when they were left alone, and to the lock
+on the door which they had secretly managed to wrench from an old gate.
+Selene herself had woven the curtain in front of the door. Now they were
+going to build a hearth too.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian praised their skill, while they&mdash;all talking merrily
+together&mdash;told her how they had conquered the greatest difficulties.
+Their bright eyes sparkled with pleasure while describing the work of
+their own hands, and they were so absorbed in eager delight that they did
+not notice the approach of a man until startled by his words: &ldquo;Enough of
+this idle sport now, your Highnesses. Too much time has already been
+wasted on it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, turning to the Queen, who had accompanied him, he continued in a
+tone of apology: &ldquo;This amusement might seem somewhat hazardous, yet there
+is much to be said in its favour. Besides, it appeared to afford the royal
+children so much pleasure that I permitted it for a short time. But if
+your Majesty commands&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let them have their pleasure,&rdquo; the Queen interrupted kindly; and as soon
+as the children saw their mother they rushed forward, crowded around her
+with fearless love, thanked her, and eagerly assured her that nothing in
+the whole garden was half so dear to them as their little house. They
+meant to build a stable too.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That might be too much,&rdquo; said the tutor Euphronion, a grey-haired man
+with a shrewd, kindly face. &ldquo;We must remember how many things are yet to
+be learned, that we may reach the goal fixed for your Majesty&rsquo;s birthday
+and pass the examination.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+But all the children now joined in the entreaty to be allowed to build the
+stable too, and it was granted.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the tutor at last began to lead them away, the royal mother stopped
+them, asking:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Suppose, instead of this garden, I should give you a bit of bare land,
+such as the peasants till, where, after your lessons, you might
+dig and build as much as you please?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Loud shouts of joy from the children answered the question; but the little
+Median girl, Jotape, said hesitatingly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Could I take my doll too&mdash;only the oldest, Atossa? She has lost one
+arm, yet I love her the best.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Deprive us of anything you choose!&rdquo; cried Helios, drawing little
+Alexander towards him, to show that they, the men, were of the same mind,
+&ldquo;only give us some ground and let us build.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We will consider whether it can be done,&rdquo; replied Cleopatra. &ldquo;Perhaps,
+Euphronion, you would be the right person&mdash;&mdash; But we will discuss the
+matter at a more quiet hour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The tutor withdrew and the children, who followed, looked back, waving
+their hands and calling to their mother for a long time.
+</p>
+<p>
+When they had disappeared behind the shrubbery in the garden Charmian
+exclaimed, &ldquo;However dark the sky may be, so long as you possess these
+little ones you can never lack sunshine.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If,&rdquo; replied Cleopatra, gazing pensively at the ground, &ldquo;with a thought
+of them another did not blend which makes the gloom become deeper still.
+You know the tidings this terrible day has brought?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;All,&rdquo; replied Charmian, sighing heavily.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then you know the abyss on whose verge we are walking; and to see them&mdash;them
+also dragged into the yawning gulf by their unhappy mother&mdash;O,
+Charmian, Charmian!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She sobbed aloud, threw her arms around the neck of her friend and
+playfellow, and laid her head upon her bosom like a child seeking
+consolation. Cleopatra wept for several minutes, and when she again raised
+her tear-stained face she said softly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That did me good! O, Charmian! no one needs love as I do. On your warm
+heart my own has already grown calmer.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Use it, nestle there whenever you need it, to the end,&rdquo; cried Charmian,
+deeply moved.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To the end,&rdquo; repeated Cleopatra, wiping her eyes. &ldquo;It began to-day, I
+think. I have just spent an hour alone. I meant to commit a crime, and you
+know how impatiently passion sweeps me along. But what misfortunes have
+assailed me! The army destroyed; the desertion of Herod and Pinarius;
+Antony&rsquo;s generous, trusting heart torn by base treachery, his soul
+darkened; the reconstruction of the canal, the last hope&mdash;Gorgias
+brought the news&mdash;the same as destroyed. Just then little Alexander
+came to show me his bird&rsquo;s nest. Everything else in the garden seemed to
+him worthless by comparison. This awakened new thoughts, and now here is
+the little house which the children have built with their own hands. All
+these things forced me by some mysterious power to look back along the
+course of my life to the distant days in your father&rsquo;s house&mdash;I&mdash;&mdash; These
+children! Upon what different foundations our lives have been built! I
+made them begin at the point I had gained when youth lay behind me. <i>My</i>
+childhood commenced among the disorders of the government, clouded by my
+father&rsquo;s exile and my mother&rsquo;s death, on the brink of ruin. That of the
+twins&mdash;they are ten years old&mdash;will soon be over&mdash;and now,
+after enjoying pleasures not one of which was bestowed on me, they must
+endure the same sorrow. But did not we have better ones? What they daily
+possessed we only dreamed of in our simple garden. How often I let you
+share the radiant visions which my soul revealed to me! You willingly
+accompanied me into the splendid fairy world of my dreams. All that my
+imagination conjured up during the years of quiet and repose accompanied
+me into my after-life. Again and again I have beheld them, rich and
+powerful, upon the throne. The means of rendering the vision a verity were
+at hand; and when I met the man whose own life resembled the realization
+of a dream, I recalled those childish fancies and made them facts. The
+marvels with which I adorned my lover&rsquo;s existence were childish dreams to
+which I gave tangible form. This garden is an image of the life to which I
+intended to rise; in reality, fell. We collected within the limits of this
+bit of earth everything which can delight the senses; not a single one is
+omitted in this narrow space, whose crowded maze of pleasures fairly
+impede freedom of movement. Yet in your home, and guided by your wise
+father, I had learned to be content with so little, and commenced the
+struggle to attain peace. That painless peace&mdash;our chief good&mdash;whence
+came it? Through me it was lost to you both&mdash;&mdash; But the children&mdash;I made
+them begin their lives in an arena of every disturbing influence; and now
+I see how their own healthy natures yearn to escape from the dazzling
+wealth of colour, the stupefying fragrance, the bewildering songs and
+twittering. They long to return to the untilled earth, where the life of
+struggling mortals began. The boy casts away the baubles, to test his own
+creative powers. The girl follows his example, and clings fast only to
+the doll in which she sees the living child, in order to do justice to
+the maternal instinct, the token of her sex. But what they so eagerly
+desire is right, and shall be granted. When I was ten years old, like the
+twins, my life and efforts were already directed towards one fixed goal.
+They are still blindly following the objects set before them. Let them
+return to the place whence their mother started, where she received
+everything good which is still hers. They shall go to the garden of
+Epicurus, no matter whether it is the old one in Kanopus or elsewhere.
+All that their mother beheld in vivid dreams, which she often strove with
+wanton extravagance to realize, has surrounded them from their birth and
+early satiated them. When they enter life, they will scorn what merely
+stirs and dazzles the senses, and cling to the aspiration for painless
+peace of mind, if a wise guide directs them and protects them from the
+dangers which the teachings of Epicurus contain for youth. I have found
+this guide, and you, too, will trust him&mdash;I mean your brother Archibius.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Archibius?&rdquo; asked Charmian in surprise.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yes, he who grew up in the garden of Epicurus, and in life and
+philosophy found the support which has preserved his peace of mind during
+all the conflicts of existence&mdash;he who loves the mother, and to whom
+the children are also dear&mdash;he to whom the boys and girls cling with
+affectionate confidence. I wish to place the children under his protection
+and, if he will consent to grant this desire of the most hapless of women,
+I shall look forward calmly to the end. It is approaching! I feel, I know
+it! Gorgias is already at work upon the plan for my tomb.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;O my Queen!&rdquo; cried Charmian sorrowfully. &ldquo;Whatever may happen, your
+illustrious life cannot be in danger! The generous heart of Mark Antony
+does not throb in Octavianus&rsquo;s breast, but he is not cruel, and for the
+very reason that cool calculation curbs ambition he will spare you. He
+knows that you are the idol of the city, the whole country; and if he
+really succeeds in adding fresh victories to this first conquest, if the
+immortals permit your throne and&mdash;may they avert it!&mdash;your
+sacred person, too, to fall into his power&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then,&rdquo; cried Cleopatra, her clear eyes flashing, &ldquo;then he shall learn
+which of us two is the greater&mdash;then I shall know how to maintain the
+right to despise him, though blind Fate should make the whole power of the
+world subject to him who robbed my son and Cæsar&rsquo;s of his heritage!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Her eyes had blazed with anger as she uttered the words; then, letting her
+little clenched hand fall, she went on in an altered tone:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Months may pass before he is strong enough to risk the attack, and the
+immortals themselves approved the erection of the monument. The only
+obstacle in the way, the house of the old philosopher Didymus, was
+destroyed. A messenger from Gorgias brought the news. It is to be the
+second monument in Alexandria worthy of notice. The other contains the
+body of the great Alexander, to whom the city owes its origin and name. He
+who subjected half the world to his power and the genius of the Greeks,
+was younger than I when he died. Whence do I, by whose miserable weakness
+the battle of Actium was lost, derive the right to walk longer beneath the
+sun? Perhaps Mark Antony will arrive in a few hours.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And will you meet the disheartened hero in this mood?&rdquo; interrupted
+Charmian.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He does not wish to be received,&rdquo; answered Cleopatra bitterly. &ldquo;He even
+refused to let me greet him, and I understand the denial. But what must
+have overwhelmed this joyous nature, so friendly to all mankind, that he
+longs for solitude and avoids meeting those who are nearest and dearest?
+Iras is now at the Choma&mdash;whither he wishes to retire&mdash;to see
+that everything is in order. She will also provide a supply of the flowers
+he loves. It is hard, cruelly hard, not to welcome him as usual. O,
+Charmian, what joy it was when, with open arms and overflowing heart, he
+swung his mighty figure ashore like a youth, while his handsome, heroic
+face beamed with ardent love for me! And then&mdash;you do not forget it
+either&mdash;when he raised his deep voice to shout the first greeting,
+why, it seemed as if the very fish in the water must join in, and the
+palm-trees on the shore wave their feathery tops in joyous sympathy. And
+here! The dreams of my childhood, which I made reality for him, received
+us, and our existence, wreathed with love and roses, became a fairy tale.
+Since the day he rode towards us at Kanopus and offered me the first
+bouquet, with his sunny glance wooing my love, his image has stood before
+my soul as the embodiment of the virile strength which conquers
+everything, and the bright, undimmed joy which renders the whole world
+happy. And now&mdash;now? Do you remember the dull dreamer whom we left
+ere he set forth for Parætonium? But no, no, a thousand times no, he must
+not remain so! Not with bowed head, but erect as in the days of happiness,
+must he cross the threshold of Hades, hand in hand with her whom he loved.
+And he does love me still. Else would he have followed me hither, though
+no magic goblet drew him after me? And I? The heart which, in the breast
+of the child, gave him its first young love, is still his, and will be
+forever. Might I not go to the harbour and await him there? Look me in the
+face, Charmian, and answer me as fearlessly as a mirror: did Olympus
+really succeed in effacing the wrinkles?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;They were scarcely visible before,&rdquo; was the reply, &ldquo;and even the keenest
+eye could no longer discover them. I have brought the pomade, too, and the
+prescription Olympus gave me for&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hush, hush!&rdquo; interrupted Cleopatra softly. &ldquo;There are many living
+creatures in this garden, and they say that even the birds are good
+listeners.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+A roguish smile deepened the dimples in her cheeks as she spoke, and
+delight in her bewitching grace forced from Charmian&rsquo;s lips the
+exclamation:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If Mark Antony could only see you now!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Flatterer!&rdquo; replied the Queen with a grateful smile. But Charmian felt
+that the time had now come to plead once more for Barine, and she began
+eagerly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No, I certainly do not flatter. No one in Alexandria, no matter what name
+she bears, could venture to vie even remotely with your charms. So cease
+the persecution of the unfortunate woman whom you confided to my care. It
+is an insult to Cleopatra&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+But here an indignant &ldquo;Again!&rdquo; interrupted her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s face, which during the conversation had mirrored every emotion
+of a woman&rsquo;s soul, from the deepest sorrow to the most mischievous mirth,
+assumed an expression of repellent harshness, and, with the curt remark,
+&ldquo;You are forgetting what I had good reason to forbid&mdash;I must go to my
+work,&rdquo; she turned her back upon the companion of her youth.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch15">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XV.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Charmain went towards her own apartments. How often she had had a similar
+experience! In the midst of the warmest admiration for this rare woman&rsquo;s
+depth of feeling, masculine strength of intellect, tireless industry,
+watchful care for her native land, steadfast loyalty, and maternal
+devotion, she had been sobered in the most pitiable way.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had been forced to see Cleopatra, for the sake of realizing a childish
+dream, and impressing her lover, squander vast sums, which diminished the
+prosperity of her subjects; place great and important matters below the
+vain, punctilious care of her own person; forget, in petty jealousy, the
+justice and kindness which were marked traits in her character; and,
+though the most kindly and womanly of sovereigns, suffer herself to be
+urged by angry excitement to inflict outrage on a subject whose acts had
+awakened her displeasure. The lofty ambition which had inspired her
+noblest and most praiseworthy deeds had more than once been the source of
+acts which she herself regretted. When a child, she could not endure to be
+surpassed in difficult tasks, and still deemed it a necessity to be first
+and peerless. Hence the unfortunate circumstance that Antony had given
+Barine the counterpart of an armlet which she herself wore as a gift from
+her lover, was perhaps the principal cause of her bitter resentment
+against the hapless woman.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian had seen Cleopatra forgive freely and generously many a wrong,
+nay, many an affront, inflicted upon her; but to see herself placed by her
+husband on the same plane as a Barine, even in the most trivial matter,
+might easily seem to her an unbearable insult; and the mishap which had
+befallen Cæsarion, in consequence of his foolish passion for the young
+beauty, gave her a right to punish her rival.
+</p>
+<p>
+Deeply anxious concerning the fate of the woman in her care&mdash;greatly
+agitated, moreover, and exhausted physically and mentally&mdash;Charmian
+sought her own apartments.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here she hoped to find solace in Barine&rsquo;s cheerful and equable nature;
+here the helpful hands of her dark-skinned maid and confidante awaited
+her.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sun was low in the western horizon when she entered the anteroom. The
+members of the body-guard who were on duty told her that nothing unusual
+had occurred, and with a sigh of relief she passed into the sitting-room.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the Ethiopian, who usually came to meet her with words of welcome,
+took her veil and wraps, and removed her shoes, was absent. Today no one
+greeted her. Not until she entered the second room, which she had assigned
+to her guest, did she find Barine, who was weeping bitterly.
+</p>
+<p>
+During Charmian&rsquo;s absence the latter had received a letter from Alexas, in
+which he informed her that he was ordered by the Queen to subject her to
+an examination the next morning. Her cause looked dark but, if she did not
+render his duty harder by the harshness which had formerly caused him much
+pain, he would do his utmost to protect her from imprisonment, forced
+labour in the mines, or even worse misfortunes. The imprudent game which
+she had played with King Cæsarion had unfortunately roused the people
+against her. The depth of their indignation was shown by the fury with
+which they had assailed the house of her grandfather, Didymus. Nothing
+could save Dion, who had audaciously attacked the illustrious son of their
+beloved Queen, from the rage of the populace. He, Alexas, knew that in
+this Dion she would lose a friend and protector, but he would be disposed
+to take his place if her conduct did not render it impossible for him to
+unite mercy with justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+This shameful letter, which promised Barine clemency in return for her
+favour without unmasking him in his character of judge, explained to
+Charmian the agitation in which she found her friend&rsquo;s daughter.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was doubtless a little relief to Barine to express her loathing and
+abhorrence of Alexas as eagerly as her gentle nature would permit, but
+fear, grief, and indignation continued to struggle for the mastery in her
+oppressed soul.
+</p>
+<p>
+It would have been expected that the keen-witted woman would have eagerly
+inquired what Charmian had accomplished with the Queen and Archibius, and
+what new events had happened to affect Cleopatra, the state, and the city;
+but she questioned her with far deeper interest concerning the welfare of
+her lover, desiring information in regard to many things of which her
+friend could give no tidings. In her brief visit to Dion&rsquo;s couch she had
+not learned how he bore his own misfortunes and Barine&rsquo;s, what view he
+took of the future, or what he expected from the woman he loved.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian&rsquo;s ignorance and silence in regard to these very matters increased
+the anxiety of the endangered woman, who saw not only her own life, but
+those dearest to her, seriously threatened. So she entreated her hostess
+to relieve her from the uncertainty which was harder to endure than the
+most terrible reality; but the latter either could not or would not give
+her any further details of Cleopatra&rsquo;s intentions, or the fate and present
+abode of her grandparents and Helena. This increased her anxiety, for if
+Alexas&rsquo;s information was correct, her family must be homeless. When
+Charmian at last admitted that she had seen Dion only a few minutes, the
+tortured Barine&rsquo;s power of quiet endurance gave way.
+</p>
+<p>
+She, whose nature was so hopeful that, when the glow of the sunset faded,
+she already anticipated with delight the rosy dawn of the next day, now
+beheld in Cleopatra&rsquo;s hand the reed which was to sign the death-sentence
+of Dion and herself. Her mental vision conjured up her relatives wounded
+by the falling house or bleeding under the stones hurled by the raging
+populace. She heard Alexas command the executioner to subject her to the
+rack, and fancied that Anukis had not returned because she had failed to
+find Dion. The Queen&rsquo;s soldiers had probably carried him to prison, loaded
+with chains, if Philostratus had not already instigated the mob to drag
+him through the streets.
+</p>
+<p>
+With feverish impetuosity, which alarmed Charmian the more because it was
+so unlike her old friend&rsquo;s daughter, Barine described all the spectres
+with which her imagination&mdash;agitated by terror, longing, love, and
+loathing&mdash;terrified her; but the former exerted all the power of
+eloquence she possessed, by turns reproving her and loading her with
+caresses, in order to soothe her and rouse her from her despair. But
+nothing availed. At last she succeeded in persuading the unhappy woman to
+go with her to the window, which afforded a most beautiful view. Westward,
+beyond the Heptastadium, the sun was sinking below the forests of masts in
+the harbour of the Eunostus; and Charmian, who had learned from her
+intercourse with the royal children how to soothe a troubled young heart,
+to divert Barine&rsquo;s thoughts, directed her attention to the crimson glow in
+the western sky, and told her how her father, the artist, had showed her
+the superb brilliancy which colours gained at this hour of the day, even
+when the west was less radiant than now. But Barine, who usually could
+never gaze her fill at such a spectacle, did not thank her, for this
+sunset reminded her of another which she had lately watched at Dion&rsquo;s
+side, and she again broke into convulsive sobs.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian, not knowing what to do, passed her arm around her. Just at that
+moment the door was hurriedly thrown open, and Anukis, the Nubian,
+entered.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her mistress knew that something unusual must have happened to detain her
+so long from her post at Barine&rsquo;s side, and her appearance showed that she
+had been attending to important matters which had severely taxed her
+strength. Her shining dark skin looked ashen grey, her high forehead,
+surrounded by tangled woolly locks, was dripping with perspiration, and
+her thick lips were pale. Although she must have undergone great fatigue,
+she did not seem in need of rest; for, after greeting the ladies,
+apologizing for her long absence, and telling Barine that this time Dion
+had seemed to her half on the way to recovery, a rapid side glance at her
+mistress conveyed an entreaty that she would follow her into the next
+room.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the language of the Nubian&rsquo;s eyes had not escaped the suspicious
+watchfulness of the anxious Barine and, overwhelmed with fresh terror, she
+begged that she might hear all.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian ordered her maid to speak openly; but Anukis, ere she began,
+assured them that she had received the news she brought from a most
+trustworthy source&mdash;only it would make a heavy demand upon the
+resolution and courage of Barine, whom she had hoped to find in a very
+different mood. There was no time to lose. She was expected at the
+appointed place an hour after sunset.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Charmian interrupted the maid with the exclamation &ldquo;Impossible!&rdquo; and
+reminded her of the guards which Alexas, aided by Iras, who was thoroughly
+familiar with the palace, had stationed the day before in the anteroom, at
+all the doors&mdash;nay, even beneath the windows.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Nubian replied that everything had been considered; but, to gain time,
+she must beg Barine to let her colour her skin and curl her hair while she
+was talking.
+</p>
+<p>
+The surprise visible in the young beauty&rsquo;s face caused her to exclaim:
+&ldquo;Only act with entire confidence. You shall learn everything directly.
+There is so much to tell! On the way here I had planned how to relate the
+whole story in regular order, but it can&rsquo;t be done now. No, no! Whoever
+wants to save a flock of sheep from a burning shed must lead out the
+bell-wether first&mdash;the main thing, I mean&mdash;so I will begin with
+that, though it really comes last. The explanation of how all this&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here, like a cry of joy, Barine&rsquo;s exclamation interrupted her:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I am to fly, and Dion knows it and will follow me! I see it in your
+face.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+In fact, every feature of the dusky maid-servant&rsquo;s ugly face betrayed that
+pleasant thoughts were agitating her mind. Her black eyes flashed with
+fearless daring, and a smile beautified her big mouth and thick lips as
+she replied:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A loving heart like yours understands the art of prophecy better than the
+chief priest of the great Serapis. Yes, my young mistress, he of whom you
+speak must disappear from this wicked city where so much evil threatens
+you both. He will certainly escape and, if the immortals aid us and we are
+wise and brave, you also. Whence the help comes can be told later. Now,
+the first thing is to transform you&mdash;don&rsquo;t be reluctant&mdash;into
+the ugliest woman in the world&mdash;black Anukis. You must escape from
+the palace in this disguise.&mdash;Now you know the whole plan, and while
+I get what is necessary from my chest of clothes, I beg you, mistress, to
+consider how we are to obtain the black stains for that ivory skin and
+golden hair.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she left the room, but Barine flung herself into her
+friend&rsquo;s arms, exclaiming, amid tears and laughter: &ldquo;Though I should be
+forced to remain forever as black and crooked as faithful Aisopion, if he
+did not withdraw his love, though I were obliged to go through fire and
+water&mdash;I would&mdash;&mdash; O Charmian! what changes so quickly as joy and sorrow?
+I would fain show some kindness to every one in the world, even to your
+Queen, who has brought all these troubles upon me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The new-born hope had transformed the despairing woman into a happy one,
+and Charmian perceived it with grateful joy, secretly wishing that
+Cleopatra had listened to her appeal.
+</p>
+<p>
+While examining the hair-dyes used by the Queen she saw, lurking in the
+background of what was still unexplained, and therefore confused her mind,
+fresh and serious perils. Barine, on the contrary, gazed across them to
+the anticipated meeting with her lover, and was full of the gayest
+expectation until the maid-servant&rsquo;s return.
+</p>
+<p>
+The work of disfigurement began without delay. Anukis moved her lips as
+busily as her hands, and described in regular order all that had befallen
+her during the eventful day.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine listened with rising excitement, and her joy increased as she
+beheld the path which had been smoothed for her by the care and wisdom of
+her friends. Charmian, on the contrary, became graver and more quiet the
+more distinctly she perceived the danger her favourite must encounter. Yet
+she could not help admitting that it would be a sin against Barine&rsquo;s
+safety, perhaps her very life, to withhold her from this well-considered
+plan of escape.
+</p>
+<p>
+That it must be tried was certain; but as the moment which was to endanger
+the woman she loved drew nearer, and she could not help saying to herself
+that she was aiding an enterprise in opposition to the express command of
+the Queen and helping to execute a plan which threatened to rouse the
+indignation, perhaps the fury, of Cleopatra, a feeling of sorrow
+overpowered her. She feared nothing for herself. Not for a single instant
+did she think of the unpleasant consequences which Barine&rsquo;s escape might
+draw upon her. The burden on her soul was due only to the consciousness of
+having, for the first time, opposed the will of the sovereign, to fulfil
+whose desires and to promote whose aims had been the beloved duty of her
+life. Doubtless the thought crossed her mind that, by aiding Barine&rsquo;s
+escape, she was guarding Cleopatra from future repentance; probably she
+felt sure that it was her duty to help rescue this beautiful young life,
+whose bloom had been so cruelly assailed by tempest and hoar-frost, and
+which now had a prospect of the purest happiness; yet, though in itself
+commendable, the deed brought her into sharp conflict with the loftiest
+aims and aspirations of her life. And how much nearer than the other was
+the woman&mdash;she shrank from the word&mdash;whom she was about to
+betray, how much greater was Cleopatra&rsquo;s claim to her love and gratitude!
+Could she have any other emotion than thankfulness if the plan of escape
+succeeded? Yet she was reluctant to perform the task of making Barine&rsquo;s
+beautiful, symmetrical figure resemble the hunch-backed Nubian&rsquo;s, or to
+dip her fingers into the pomade intended for Cleopatra; and it grieved her
+to mar the beauty of Barine&rsquo;s luxuriant tresses by cutting off part of her
+thick fair braids.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, these things could not be avoided, if the flight was to succeed, and
+the further Anukis advanced in her story, the fewer became her mistress&rsquo;s
+objections to the plan.
+</p>
+<p>
+The conversation between Iras and Alexas, which had been overheard by the
+maid, already made it appear necessary to withdraw Barine and her lover
+from the power of such foes. The faithful man whom Anukis had found with
+Dion, whose name she did not mention and of whose home she said only that
+no safer hiding-place could be found, even by the mole which burrowed in
+the earth, really seemed to have been sent with Gorgias to Dion&rsquo;s couch by
+Fate itself. The control of the subterranean chambers in the Temple of
+Isis which had been bestowed on the architect, also appeared like a
+miracle.
+</p>
+<p>
+Upon a small tablet, which the wise Aisopion had intentionally delayed
+handing to her mistress until now, were the lines:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Archibius greets his sister Charmian. If I know your heart, it will
+be as hard for you as for me to share this plot, yet it must be done for
+the sake of her father, to save the life and happiness of his child. So
+it must fall to your lot to bring Barine to the Temple of Isis at the
+Corner of the Muses. She will find her lover there and, if possible, be
+wedded to him. As the sanctuary is so near, you need leave the palace
+only a short time. Do not tell Barine what we have planned. The
+disappointment would be too great if it should prove impracticable.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+This letter and the arrangement it proposed transformed the serious
+scruples which shadowed Charmian&rsquo;s good-will into a joyous, nay,
+enthusiastic desire to render assistance. Barine&rsquo;s marriage to the man who
+possessed her heart was close at hand, and she was the daughter of Leonax,
+who had once been dear to her. Fear and doubt vanished as if scattered to
+the four winds, and when Aisopion&rsquo;s work of transformation was completed
+and Barine stood before her as the high-shouldered, dark-visaged, wrinkled
+maid, she could not help admitting that it would be easy to escape from
+the palace in that disguise.
+</p>
+<p>
+She now told Barine that she intended to accompany her herself; and though
+the former&rsquo;s stained face forced her to refrain from kissing her friend,
+she plainly expressed to her and the faithful freedwoman the overflowing
+gratitude which filled her heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anukis was left alone. After carefully removing all the traces of her
+occupation, as habit dictated, she raised her arms in prayer, beseeching
+the gods of her native land to protect the beautiful woman to whom she had
+loaned her own misshapen form, which had now been of genuine service, and
+who had gone forth to meet so many dangers, but also a happiness whose
+very hope had been denied to her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian had told her maid that if the Queen should inquire for her before
+Iras returned from the Choma to say that she had been obliged to leave the
+palace, and to supply her place. During their absence, when Charmian had
+been attacked by sickness, Cleopatra had often entrusted the care of her
+toilet to Aisopion, and had praised her skill.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen&rsquo;s confidential attendant was followed as usual when she went out
+by a dark-skinned maid. Lanterns and lamps had already been lighted in the
+corridors of the spacious palace, and the court-yards were ablaze with
+torches and pitch-pans; but, brilliantly as they burned in many places,
+and numerous as were the guards, officers, eunuchs, clerks, soldiers,
+cooks, attendants, slaves, door-keepers, and messengers whom they passed,
+not one gave them more than a careless glance.
+</p>
+<p>
+So they reached the last court-yard, and then came a moment when the
+hearts of both women seemed to stop beating&mdash;for the man whom they
+had most cause to dread, Alexas the Syrian, approached.
+</p>
+<p>
+And he did not pass the fugitives, but stopped Charmian, and courteously,
+even obsequiously, informed her that he wished to get rid of the
+troublesome affair of her favourite, which had been assigned to him
+against his will, and therefore had determined to bring Barine to trial
+early the following morning.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Syrian&rsquo;s body-servant attended his master, and while the former was
+talking with Charmian the latter turned to the supposed Nubian, tapped her
+lightly on the shoulder, and whispered: &ldquo;Come this evening, as you did
+yesterday. You haven&rsquo;t finished the story of Prince Setnau.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The fugitive felt as if she had grown dumb and could never more regain the
+power of speech. Yet she managed to nod, and directly after the favourite
+bowed a farewell to Charmian. The Ligurian was obliged to follow his
+master, while Charmian and Barine passed through the gateway between the
+last pylons into the open air.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here the sea-breeze seemed to waft her a joyous greeting from the realm of
+liberty and happiness, and the timid woman, amid all the perils which
+surrounded her, regained sufficient presence of mind to tell her friend
+what Alexas&rsquo;s slave had whispered&mdash;that Aisopion might remind him of
+it the same evening, and thus strengthen his belief that the Nubian had
+accompanied the Queen&rsquo;s confidante.
+</p>
+<p>
+The way to the Temple of Isis was short. The stars showed that they would
+reach their destination in time; but a second delay unexpectedly occurred.
+From the steps leading to the cella of the sanctuary a procession, whose
+length seemed endless, came towards them. At the head of the train marched
+eight pastophori, bearing the image of Isis. Then came the basket-bearers
+of the goddess with several other priestesses, followed by the reader with
+an open book-roll. Behind him appeared the quaternary number of prophets,
+whose head, the chief priest, moved with stately dignity beneath a canopy.
+The rest of the priestly train bore in their hands manuscripts, sacred
+vessels, standards, and wreaths. The priestesses&mdash;some of whom, with
+garlands on their flowing hair, were already shaking the sistrum of Isis&mdash;mingled
+with the line of priests, their high voices blending with the deep notes
+of the men. Neokori, or temple servants, and a large number of worshippers
+of Isis, closed the procession, all wearing wreaths and carrying flowers.
+Torch and lantern bearers lighted the way, and the perfume of the incense
+rising from the little pan of charcoal in the hand of a bronze arm, which
+the pastophori waved to and fro, surrounded and floated after the
+procession.
+</p>
+<p>
+The two women waiting for the train to pass saw it turn towards Lochias,
+and the conversation of the bystanders informed them that its object was
+to convey to &ldquo;the new Isis,&rdquo; the Queen, the greeting of the goddess, and
+assure the sovereign of the divinity&rsquo;s remembrance of her in the hour of
+peril.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra could not help accepting this friendly homage, and it was
+incumbent upon her to receive it wearing on her head the crown of Upper
+and Lower Egypt, and robed in all the ecclesiastical vestments which only
+her two most trusted attendants knew how to put on with the attention to
+details that custom required. This had never been entrusted to maids of
+inferior position like the Nubian; so Cleopatra would miss Charmian.
+</p>
+<p>
+The thought filled her with fresh uneasiness and, when the steps were at
+last free, she asked herself anxiously how all this would end.
+</p>
+<p>
+It seemed as if the fugitive and her companion had exposed themselves to
+this great peril in vain; for some of the temple servants were forcing
+back those who wished to enter the sanctuary, shouting that it would be
+closed until the return of the procession. Barine gazed timidly into
+Charmian&rsquo;s face; but, ere she could express her opinion, the tall figure
+of a man appeared on the temple steps. It was Archibius, who with grave
+composure bade them follow him, and silently led them around the sanctuary
+to a side door, through which, a short time before, a litter had passed,
+accompanied by several attendants.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ascending a flight of steps within the long building, they reached the
+dimly lighted cella.
+</p>
+<p>
+As in the Temple of Osiris at Abydos seven corridors, here three led to
+the same number of apartments, the holy place of the sanctuary. The
+central one was dedicated to Isis, that on the left to her husband Osiris,
+and that on the right to Horus, the son of the great goddess. Before it,
+scarcely visible in the dim light, stood the altars, loaded with
+sacrifices by Archibius.
+</p>
+<p>
+Beside that of Horus was the litter which had been borne into the temple
+before the arrival of the women. From it, supported by two friends,
+descended a slender young man.
+</p>
+<p>
+A hollow sound echoed through the pillared hall. The iron door at the main
+entrance of the temple had been closed. The shrill rattle that followed
+proceeded from the metal bolts which an old servant of the sanctuary had
+shot into the sockets.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine started, but neither inquired the cause of the noise nor perceived
+the wealth of objects here presented to the senses; for the man who,
+leaning on another&rsquo;s arm, approached the altar, was Dion, the lover who
+had perilled his life for her sake. Her eyes rested intently on his
+figure, her whole heart yearned towards him and, unable to control
+herself,&mdash;she called his name aloud.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian gazed anxiously around the group, but soon uttered a sigh of
+relief; for the tall man whose arm supported Dion was Gorgias, the worthy
+architect, his best friend, and the other, still taller and stronger, her
+own brother Archibius. Yonder figure, emerging from the disguise of wraps,
+was Berenike, Barine&rsquo;s mother. All trustworthy confidants! The only person
+whom she did not know was the handsome young man standing at her brother&rsquo;s
+side.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine, whose arm she still held, had struggled to escape to rush to her
+mother and lover; but Archibius had approached, and in a whisper warned
+her to be patient and to refrain from any greeting or question,
+&ldquo;supposing,&rdquo; he added, &ldquo;that you are willing to be married at this altar
+to Dion, the son of Eumenes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian felt Barine&rsquo;s arm tremble in hers at this suggestion, but the
+young beauty obeyed her friend&rsquo;s directions. She did not know what had
+befallen her, or whether, in the excess of happiness which overwhelmed
+her, to shout aloud in her exultant joy, or melt into silent tears of
+gratitude and emotion.
+</p>
+<p>
+No one spoke. Archibius took a roll of manuscript from Dion&rsquo;s hand,
+presented himself before the assembled company as the bride&rsquo;s kyrios, or
+guardian, and asked Barine whether she so recognized him. Then he returned
+to Dion the marriage contract, whose contents he knew and approved, and
+informed those present that, in the marriage about to be solemnized, they
+must consider him the paranymphos, or best man, and Berenike as the
+bridesmaid, and they instantly lighted a torch at the fires burning on one
+of the altars. Archibius, as kyrios, joined the lovers&rsquo; hands in the
+Egyptian&mdash;Barine&rsquo;s mother, as bridesmaid, in the Greek&mdash;manner, and
+Dion gave his bride a plain iron ring. It was the same one which his
+father had bestowed at his own wedding, and he whispered: &ldquo;My mother
+valued it; now it is your turn to honour the ancient treasure.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+After stating that the necessary sacrifices had been offered to Isis and
+Serapis, Zeus, Hera, and Artemis, and that the marriage between Dion, son
+of Eumenes, and Barine, daughter of Leonax, was concluded, Archibius shook
+hands with both.
+</p>
+<p>
+Haste seemed necessary, for he permitted Berenike and his sister only time
+for a brief embrace, and Gorgias to clasp her hand and Dion&rsquo;s. Then he
+beckoned, and the newly made bride&rsquo;s mother followed him in tears,
+Charmian bewildered and almost stupefied. She did not fully realize the
+meaning of the event she had just witnessed until an old neokori had
+guided her and the others into the open air.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine felt as if every moment might rouse her from a blissful dream, and
+yet she gladly told herself that she was awake, for the man walking before
+her, leaning on the arm of a friend, was Dion. True, she saw, even in the
+faint light of the dim temple corridor, that he was suffering. Walking
+appeared to be so difficult that she rejoiced when, yielding to Gorgias&rsquo;s
+entreaties, he entered the litter.
+</p>
+<p>
+But where were the bearers?
+</p>
+<p>
+She was soon to learn; for, even while she looked for them, the architect
+and the youth, in whom she had long since recognized Philotas, her
+grandfather&rsquo;s assistant, seized the poles.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Follow us,&rdquo; said Gorgias, under his breath, and she obeyed, keeping close
+behind the litter, which was borne first down a broad and then a narrow
+staircase, and finally along a passage. Here a door stopped the fugitives;
+but the architect opened it and helped his friend out of the litter, which
+before proceeding farther he placed in a room filled with various articles
+discovered during his investigation of the subterranean temple chambers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Hitherto not a word had been spoken. Now Gorgias called to Barine: &ldquo;This
+passage is low&mdash;you must stoop. Cover your head, and don&rsquo;t be afraid
+if you meet bats. They have long been undisturbed. We might have taken you
+from the temple to the sea, and waited there, but it would probably have
+attracted attention and been dangerous. Courage, young wife of Dion! The
+corridor is long, and walking through it is difficult; but compared with
+the road to the mines, it is as smooth and easy as the Street of the King.
+If you think of your destination, the bats will seem like the swallows
+which announce the approach of spring.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine nodded gratefully to him; but she kissed the hand of Dion, who was
+moving forward painfully, leaning on the arm of his friend. The light of
+the torch carried by Gorgias&rsquo;s faithful foreman, who led the way, had
+fallen on her blackened arm, and when the little party advanced she kept
+behind the others. She thought it might be unpleasant for her lover to see
+her thus disfigured, and spared him, though she would gladly have remained
+nearer. As soon as the passage grew lower, the wounded man&rsquo;s friends took
+him in their arms, and their task was a hard one, for they were not only
+obliged to move onward bending low under the heavy burden, but also to
+beat off the bats which, frightened by the foreman&rsquo;s torch, flew up in
+hosts.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine&rsquo;s hair was covered, it is true, but at any other time the hideous
+creatures, which often brushed against her head and arms, would have
+filled her with horror and loathing. Now she scarcely heeded them; her
+eyes were fixed on the recumbent figure in the bearers&rsquo; arms, the man to
+whom she belonged, body and soul, and whose patient suffering pierced her
+inmost heart. His head rested on the breast of Gorgias, who walked
+directly in front of her; the architect&rsquo;s stooping posture concealed his
+face, but his feet were visible and, whenever they twitched, she fancied
+he was in pain. Then she longed to press forward to his side, wipe the
+perspiration from his brow in the hot, low corridor, and whisper words of
+love and encouragement.
+</p>
+<p>
+This she was sometimes permitted to do when the friends put down their
+heavy burden. True, they allowed themselves only brief intervals of rest,
+but they were long enough to show her how the sufferer&rsquo;s strength was
+failing. When they at last reached their destination, Philotas was forced
+to exert all his strength to support the exhausted man, while Gorgias
+cautiously opened the door. It led to a flight of sea-washed steps close
+to the garden of Didymus, which as a child she had often used with her
+brother to float a little boat upon the water.
+</p>
+<p>
+The architect opened the door only a short distance; he was expected, for
+Barine soon heard him whisper, and suddenly the door was flung wide. A
+tall man raised Dion and bore him into the open air. While she was still
+gazing after him, a second figure of equal size approached her and,
+hastily begging her permission, lifted her in his arms like a child, and
+as she inhaled the cool night air and felt the water through which her
+bearer waded splash up and wet her feet, her eyes sought her new-made
+husband&mdash;but in vain; the night was very dark, and the lights on the
+shore did not reach this spot so far below the walls of the quay.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine was frightened; but a few minutes after the outlines of a large
+fishing boat loomed through the darkness, dimly illumined by the harbour
+lights, and the next instant the giant who carried her placed her on the
+deck, and a deep voice whispered: &ldquo;All&rsquo;s well. I&rsquo;ll bring some wine at
+once.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Barine saw her husband lying motionless on a couch which had been
+prepared for him in the prow of the boat. Bending over him, she perceived
+that he had fainted, and while rubbing his forehead with the wine, raising
+his head on her lap, cheering him, and afterwards by the light of a small
+lantern carefully renewing the bandage on his shoulder, she did not notice
+that the vessel was moving through the water until the boatman set the
+triangular sail.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had not been told where the boat was bearing her, and she did not ask.
+Any spot that she could share with Dion was welcome. The more lonely the
+place, the more she could be to him. How her heart swelled with gratitude
+and love! When she bent over him, kissed his forehead, and felt how
+feverishly it burned, she thought, &ldquo;I will nurse you back to health,&rdquo; and
+raised her eyes and soul to her favourite god, to whom she owed the gift
+of song, and who understood everything beautiful and pure, to thank
+Phœbus Apollo and beseech him to pour his rays the next morning on a
+convalescent man. While she was still engaged in prayer the boat touched
+the shore. Again strong arms bore her and Dion to the land, and when her
+foot touched the solid earth, her rescuer, the freedman Pyrrhus, broke the
+silence, saying: &ldquo;Welcome, wife of Dion, to our island! True, you must be
+satisfied to take us as we are. But if you are as content with us as we
+are glad to serve you and your lord, who is ours also, the hour of
+leave-taking will be far distant.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, leading the way to the house, he showed her as her future apartments
+two large whitewashed rooms, whose sole ornament was their exquisite
+neatness.
+</p>
+<p>
+On the threshold stood Pyrrhus&rsquo;s grey-haired wife, a young woman, and
+a girl scarcely beyond childhood; but the older one modestly welcomed
+Barine, and also begged her to accept their hospitality. Recovery was
+rapid in the pure air of the Serpent Isle. She herself, and&mdash;she
+pointed to the others&mdash;her oldest son&rsquo;s wife, and her own daughter,
+Dione, would be ready to render her any service.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch16">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XVI.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Brothers and sisters are rarely talkative when they are together. As
+Charmian went to Lochias with Archibius, it was difficult for her to find
+words, the events of the past few hours had agitated her so deeply.
+Archibius, too, could not succeed in turning his thoughts in any other
+direction, though important and far more momentous things claimed his
+attention.
+</p>
+<p>
+They walked on silently side by side. In reply to his sister&rsquo;s inquiry
+where the newly wedded pair were to be concealed, he had answered that,
+spite of her trustworthiness, this must remain a secret. To her second
+query, how had it been possible to use the interior of the Temple of Isis
+without interruption, he also made a guarded reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+In fact, it was the control of the subterranean corridors of the sanctuary
+which had suggested to Gorgias the idea of carrying Dion through them to
+Pyrrhus&rsquo;s fishing-boat. To accomplish this it was only necessary to have
+the Temple of Isis, which usually remained open day and night, left to the
+fugitive&rsquo;s friends for a short time; and this was successfully managed.
+</p>
+<p>
+The historian Timagenes, who had come from Rome as ambassador and claimed
+the hospitality of his former pupil Archibius, had been empowered to offer
+Cleopatra recognition of her own and her children&rsquo;s right to the throne,
+and a full pardon, if she would deliver Mark Antony into the hands of
+Octavianus, or have him put to death.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Alexandrian Timagenes considered this demand both just and desirable,
+because it promised to deliver his native city from the man whose despotic
+arrogance menaced its freedom, and whose lavish generosity and boundless
+love of splendour diminished its wealth. To Rome, as whose representative
+the historian appeared, this man&rsquo;s mere existence meant constant turmoil
+and civil war. At the restoration of the flute-player by Gabinius and Mark
+Antony, Timagenes had been carried into slavery. Later, when, after his
+freedom had been purchased by the son of Sulla, he succeeded in attaining
+great influence in Rome, he still remained hostile to Mark Antony, and it
+had been a welcome charge to work against him in Alexandria. He hoped to
+find an ally in Archibius, whose loyal devotion to the Queen he knew.
+Arius, Barine&rsquo;s uncle and Octavianus&rsquo;s former tutor, would also aid him.
+The most powerful support of his mission, however, could be rendered by
+the venerable chief priest, the head of the whole Egyptian hierarchy. He
+had shown the latter that Antony, in any case, was a lost man, and Egypt
+was in the act of dropping like a ripe fruit into the lap of Octavianus.
+It would soon be in his power to give the country whatever degree of
+liberty and independence he might choose. The Cæsar had the sole disposal
+of the Queen&rsquo;s fate also, and whoever desired to see her remain on the
+throne must strive to gain the good-will of Octavianus.
+</p>
+<p>
+The wise Anubis had considered all these things, but he owed to Timagenes
+the hint that Arius was the man whom Octavianus most trusted. So the
+august prelate secretly entered into communication with Barine&rsquo;s uncle.
+But the dignity of his high office, and the feebleness of extreme age,
+forbade Anubis to seek the man who was suspected of friendship for the
+Romans. He had therefore sent his trusted secretary, the young Serapion,
+to make a compact as his representative with the friend of Octavianus,
+whose severe injuries prevented his leaving the house to go to the chief
+priest.
+</p>
+<p>
+During Timagenes&rsquo;s negotiations with the secretary and Arius, Archibius
+came to entreat Barine&rsquo;s uncle to do everything in his power to save his
+niece; and, as all the Queen&rsquo;s friends were anxious to prevent an act
+which, in these times of excitement, could not fail, on account of its
+connection with Dion, a member of the Council, to rouse a large number of
+the citizens against her, Serapion, as soon as he was made aware of the
+matter, eagerly protested his readiness to do his best to save the
+imperilled lovers. He cared nothing for Barine or Dion as individuals, but
+he doubtless would have been ready to make a still greater sacrifice to
+win the influential Archibius, and especially Arius, who would have great
+power through Octavianus, the rising sun.
+</p>
+<p>
+The men had just begun to discuss plans for saving Barine, when the Nubian
+appeared and told Archibius what had been arranged beside Dion&rsquo;s sick-bed
+by the freedman and Gorgias. The escape of the fugitives depended solely
+upon their reaching the boat unseen, and the surest way to accomplish this
+was to use the subterranean passage which the architect had again opened.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius, to whom the representative of the chief priest had offered his
+aid, now took the others into his confidence, and Arius proposed that
+Barine should marry Dion in the Temple of Isis, and the couple should
+afterwards be guided through the secret passage to the boat. This proposal
+was approved, and Serapion promised to reserve the sanctuary for the
+wedding of the fugitives for a short time after the departure of the
+procession, which was to take place at sunset. In return for this service
+another might perhaps soon be requested from the friend of Octavianus, who
+greeted his promise with grateful warmth.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The priesthood,&rdquo; said Serapion, &ldquo;takes sides with all who are unjustly
+persecuted, and in this case bestows aid the more willingly on account of
+its great anxiety to guard the Queen from an act which would be difficult
+to approve.&rdquo; As for the fugitives, so far as he could see, only two
+possibilities were open to them: Cleopatra would cleave to Mark Antony and
+go&mdash;would that the immortals might avert it!&mdash;to ruin, or she
+would sacrifice him and save her throne and life. In both cases the
+endangered lovers could soon return uninjured&mdash;the Queen had a
+merciful heart, and never retained anger long if no guilt existed.
+</p>
+<p>
+The details of the plan were then settled by Archibius, Anukis, and
+Berenike, who was with the family of Arius, and the decision was
+communicated to the architect. Archibius had maintained the same silence
+concerning the destination of the fugitives towards the men composing the
+council and Barine&rsquo;s mother as to his sister. With regard to the mission
+of Timagenes and the political questions which occupied his mind, he gave
+Charmian only the degree of information necessary to explain the plan she
+so lovingly promoted; but she had no desire to know more. On the way home
+her mind was wholly absorbed by the fear that Cleopatra had missed her
+services and discovered Barine&rsquo;s flight. True, she mentioned the Queen&rsquo;s
+desire to place her children in Archibius&rsquo;s charge, but she could not give
+him full particulars until she reached her own apartments.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her absence had not been noticed. The Regent Mardion had received the
+procession in the Queen&rsquo;s name, for Cleopatra had driven into the city, no
+one knew where.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian entered her apartments with a lighter heart. Anukis opened the
+door to them. She had remained undisturbed, and it was a pleasure to
+Archibius to give the faithful, clever freedwoman an account of the matter
+with his own lips. He could have bestowed no richer reward upon the modest
+servant, who listened to his words as if they were a revelation. When she
+disclaimed the thanks with which he concluded, protesting that she was the
+person under obligation, the expression was sincere. Her keen intellect
+instantly recognized the aristocrat&rsquo;s manner of addressing an equal or an
+inferior; and he who, in her eyes, was the first of men, had described the
+course of events as though she had stood on the same level. The Queen
+herself might have been satisfied with the report.
+</p>
+<p>
+When she left Charmian&rsquo;s rooms to join the other servants, she told
+herself that she was an especially favoured mortal; and when a young cook
+teased her about her head being sunk between her shoulders, she answered,
+laughing: &ldquo;My shoulders have grown so high because I shrug them so
+often at the fools who jeer at me and yet are not half so happy and
+grateful.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian, sorely wearied, had flung herself into an arm-chair, and
+Archibius took his place opposite to her. They were happy in each other&rsquo;s
+society, even when silent; but to-day the hearts of both were so full that
+they fared like those who are so worn out by fatigue that they cannot
+sleep. How much they had to tell each other!&mdash;yet it was long ere
+Charmian broke the silence and returned to the subject of the Queen&rsquo;s
+wish, describing to her brother Cleopatra&rsquo;s visit to the house which the
+children had built, how kind and cordial she had been; yet, a few minutes
+later, incensed by the mere mention of Barine&rsquo;s name, she had dismissed
+her so ungraciously.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I do not know what you intend,&rdquo; she said in conclusion, &ldquo;but,
+notwithstanding my love for her, I must perhaps decide in favour of what
+is most difficult, for&mdash;when she learns that it was I who withdrew
+the daughter of Leonax from her and the base Alexas&mdash;what treatment
+can I expect, especially as Iras no longer gives me the same affection,
+and shows that she has forgotten my love and care? This will increase, and
+the worst of the matter is, that if the Queen begins to favour her, I
+cannot justly reproach her, for Iras is keener-witted, and has a more
+active brain. Statecraft was always odious to me. Iras, on the contrary,
+is delighted with the opportunity to speak on subjects connected with the
+government of the country, and especially the ceaseless, momentous game
+with Rome and the men who guide her destiny.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That game is lost,&rdquo; Archibius broke in with so much earnestness that
+Charmian started, repeating in a low, timid tone:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Lost?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Forever,&rdquo; said Archibius, &ldquo;unless&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The Olympians be praised&mdash;that there is still a doubt.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Unless Cleopatra can decide to commit an act which will force her to be
+faithless to herself, and destroy her noble image through all future
+generations.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whenever you learn it, will be too soon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And suppose she should do it, Archibius? You are her most trusted
+confidant. She will place in your charge what she loves more than she does
+herself.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;More? You mean, I suppose, the children?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The children! Yes, a hundred times yes. She loves them better than aught
+else on earth. For them, believe me, she would be ready to go to her
+death.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let us hope so.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And you&mdash;were she to commit the horrible deed&mdash;I can only
+suspect what it is. But should she descend from the height which she has
+hitherto occupied&mdash;would you still be ready&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;With me,&rdquo; he interrupted quietly, &ldquo;what she does or does not do matters
+nothing. She is unhappy and will be plunged deeper and deeper into misery.
+I know this, and it constrains me to exert my utmost powers in her
+service. I am hers as the hermit consecrated to Serapis belongs to the
+god. His every thought must be devoted to him. To the deity who created
+him he dedicates body and soul until the death to which he dooms him. The
+bonds which unite me to this woman&mdash;you know their origin&mdash;are
+not less indestructible. Whatever she desires whose fulfilment will not
+force me to despise myself is granted in advance.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She will never require such things from the friend of her childhood,&rdquo;
+cried Charmian. Then, approaching him with both arms extended joyfully,
+she exclaimed: &ldquo;Thus you ought to speak and feel, and therein is the
+answer to the question which has agitated my soul since yesterday.
+Barine&rsquo;s flight, the favour and disfavour of Cleopatra, Iras, my poor
+head, which abhors politics, while at this time the Queen needs
+keen-sighted confidants&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;By no means,&rdquo; her brother interrupted. &ldquo;It is for men alone to give
+counsel in these matters. Accursed be women&rsquo;s gossip over their toilet
+tables. It has already scattered to the four winds many a well-considered
+plan of the wisest heads, and an Iras could never be more fatal to
+statecraft than just at the present moment, had not Fate already uttered
+the final verdict.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then hence with these scruples,&rdquo; cried Charmian eagerly; &ldquo;my doubts are
+at an end! As usual, you point out the right path. I had thought of
+returning to the country estate we call Irenia&mdash;the abode of peace&mdash;or
+to our beloved little palace at Kanopus, to spend the years which may
+still be allotted to me, and return to everything that made my childhood
+beautiful. The philosophers, the flowers in the garden, the poets&mdash;even
+the new Roman ones, of whose works Timagenes sent us such charming
+specimens&mdash;would enliven the solitude. The child, the daughter of the
+man whose love I renounced, and afterwards perhaps her sons and daughters,
+would fill the place of my own. As they would have been dear to Leonax, I,
+too, would have loved them! This is the guise in which the future has
+appeared to me in many a quiet hour. But shall Charmian&mdash;who, when
+her heart throbbed still more warmly and life lay fair before her, laid
+her first love upon the altar of sacrifice for her royal playfellow&mdash;abandon
+Cleopatra in misfortune from mere selfish scruples? No, no!&mdash;Like
+you, I too belong&mdash;come what may&mdash;to the Queen.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She gazed into her brother&rsquo;s face, sure of his approval but, waving his
+uplifted hand, he answered gravely: &ldquo;No, Charmian! What I, a man, can
+assume, might be fatal to you, a woman. The present is not sweet enough
+for me to embitter it with wormwood from the future. And yet&mdash;&mdash; You must cast
+one glance into its gloomy domain, in order to understand me. You can be
+silent, and what you now learn will be a secret between us. Only one
+thing&rdquo;&mdash;here he lowered the loud tones of his deep voice&mdash;&ldquo;only
+one thing can save her: the murder of Antony, or an act of shameless
+treachery which would deliver him into Octavianus&rsquo;s power. This is the
+proposal Timagenes brought.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This?&rdquo; she asked in a hollow tone, her grey head drooping.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This,&rdquo; he repeated firmly. &ldquo;And if she succumbs to the temptation, she
+will be faithless to the love which has coursed through her whole life as
+the Nile flows through the land of her ancestors. Then, Charmian, stay,
+stay under any circumstances, cling to her more firmly than ever, for
+then, then, my sister, she will be more wretched&mdash;ten, a hundred fold
+more wretched than if Octavianus deprives her of everything, perhaps even
+life itself.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Nor will I leave her, come what may. I will remain at her side until the
+end,&rdquo; cried Charmian eagerly. But Archibius, without noticing the
+enthusiastic ardor, so unusual to his sister&rsquo;s quiet nature, calmly
+continued: &ldquo;She won your heart also, and it seems impossible for you to
+desert her. Many have shared our feelings; and it is no disgrace to any
+one. Misfortune is a weapon which cleaves base natures like a sword, yet
+like a hammer welds noble ones more closely. To you, therefore, it now
+seems doubly difficult to leave her, but you need love. The right to live
+and guard yourself from the most pitiable retrogression is your due, as
+much as that of the rare woman on the throne. So long as you are sure of
+her love, remain with her, and show your devotion in every situation until
+the end. But the motives which were drawing you away to books, flowers,
+and children, weigh heavily in the balance, and if you lack the anchor of
+her favour and love, I shall see you perish miserably. The frost emanating
+from Cleopatra, if her heart grew cold to you, the pin-pricks with which
+Iras would assail you, were you defenceless, would kill you. This must not
+be, sister; we will guard against it&mdash;&mdash; Do not interrupt me. The counsel I
+advise you to follow has been duly weighed. If you see that the Queen
+still loves you as in former days, cling to her; but should you learn the
+contrary, bid her farewell to-morrow. My Irenia is yours&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But she <i>does</i> love me, and even should she no longer&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The test is at hand. We will leave the decision to her. You shall confess
+that you were the culprit who aided Barine to escape her power to punish.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Archibius!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If you did not, a series of falsehoods must ensue. Try whether the petty
+qualities in her nature, which urged her to commit the fate of Leonax&rsquo;s
+daughter to unworthy hands, are more powerful than the nobler ones. Try
+whether she is worthy of the self-sacrificing fidelity which you have
+given her all your life. If she remains the same as before, spite of this
+admission&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here he was interrupted by Anukis, who asked if her mistress would see
+Iras at this late hour.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Admit her,&rdquo; replied Archibius, after hastily exchanging glances
+with his sister, whose face had paled at his demand. He perceived it and,
+as the servant withdrew, he clasped her hand, saying with earnest
+affection: &ldquo;I gave you my opinion, but at our age we must take
+counsel with ourselves, and you will find the right path.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I have already found it,&rdquo; she answered softly with downcast eyes. &ldquo;This
+visitor brought a speedy decision. I must not feel ashamed in Iras&rsquo;s
+presence.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She had scarcely finished speaking when the Queen&rsquo;s younger confidante
+entered. She was excited and, after casting a searching glance around the
+familiar room, she asked, after a curt greeting: &ldquo;No one knows where the
+Queen has gone. Mardion received the procession in her place. Did she take
+you into her confidence?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian answered in the negative, and inquired whether Antony had
+arrived, and how she had found him.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In a pitiable state,&rdquo; was the reply. &ldquo;I hastened hither to prevent the
+Queen from visiting him, if possible. She would have received a rebuff. It
+is horrible.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The disappointment of Parætonium is added to the other burdens,&rdquo;
+observed Archibius.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A feather compared with the rest,&rdquo; cried Iras indignantly. &ldquo;What a
+spectacle! A shrivelled soul, never too large, in the body of a powerful
+giant. Disaster crushes the courage of the descendant of Herakles. The
+weakling will drag the Queen&rsquo;s splendid courage with him into the dust.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We will do our best to prevent it,&rdquo; replied Archibius firmly. &ldquo;The
+immortals have placed you and Charmian at her side to sustain her, if her
+own strength fails. The time to test your powers has arrived.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I know my duty,&rdquo; replied Iras austerely.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Prove it!&rdquo; said Archibius earnestly. &ldquo;You think you have cause for anger
+against Charmian.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whoever treats my foes so tenderly can doubtless dispense with my
+affection. Where is your ward?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That you shall learn later,&rdquo; replied Charmian advancing. &ldquo;But when you do
+know, you will have still better reason to doubt my love; yet it was only
+to save one dear to me from misery, certainly not to grieve you, that I
+stepped between you and Barine. And now let me say&mdash;had you wounded
+me to the quick, and everything dear to the Greek heart called to me for
+vengeance&mdash;I should impose upon myself whatever constraint might be
+necessary to deny the impulse, because this breast contains a love
+stronger, more powerful, than the fiercest hate. And this love we both
+share. Hate me, strive to wound and injure one at whose side you have
+hitherto stood like a daughter, but beware of robbing me of the strength
+and freedom which I need, to be and to offer to my royal mistress all the
+assistance in my power. I have just been consulting my brother about
+leaving Cleopatra&rsquo;s service.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now?&rdquo; Iras broke in vehemently. &ldquo;No, no! Not that! It must not be! She
+cannot spare you now.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;More easily, perhaps, than you,&rdquo; replied Charmian; &ldquo;yet in many things my
+services might be hard to replace.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Nothing under the sun <i>could</i> do it,&rdquo; cried Iras eagerly. &ldquo;If, in these
+days of trouble, she should lose you too&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Still darker ones are approaching,&rdquo; interrupted Archibius positively.
+&ldquo;Perhaps you will learn all to-morrow. Whether Charmian yields to her
+desire for rest, or continues in the service of the Queen, depends on you.
+If you wish her to remain you must not render it too hard for her to do
+so. We three, my child, are perhaps the only persons at this court to whom
+the Queen&rsquo;s happiness is more than their own, and therefore we should
+permit no incident, whatever name it may bear, to cloud our harmony.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras threw back her head with angry pride, exclaiming passionately: &ldquo;Was
+it I who injured you? I do not know in what respect. But you and Charmian&mdash;though
+you have so long been aware that this heart was closed against every love
+save one&mdash;stepped between me and the man for whom I have yearned
+since childhood, and built the bridge which united Dion and Barine. I held
+the woman I hated in my grasp, and thanked the immortals for the boon; but
+you two&mdash;it is not difficult to guess the secret you are still trying
+to keep from me&mdash;you aided her to escape. You have robbed me of my
+revenge; you have again placed the singer in the path where she must find
+the man to whom I have a better and older claim, and who perhaps may still
+be considering which of us two will be the better mistress of his house,
+if Alexas and his worthy brother do not arrange matters so that we must
+both content ourselves with thinking tenderly of a dead man. That is why I
+believe that I am no longer indebted to you, that Charmian has more than
+repaid herself for all the kindness she has ever showed me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she hurried to the door, but paused on the threshold,
+exclaiming: &ldquo;This is the state of affairs; yet I am ready to serve the
+Queen hand in hand with you as before; for you two&mdash;as I have said&mdash;are
+necessary to her. In other respects&mdash;I shall follow my own path.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch17">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XVII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Cleopatra had sought the venerable Anubis, who now, as the priest of
+Alexander, at the age of eighty, ruled the whole hierarchy of the country.
+It was difficult for him to leave his arm-chair, but he had been carried
+to the observatory to examine the adverse result of the observation made
+by the Queen herself. The position of the stars, however, had been so
+unfavourable that the more deeply Cleopatra entered into these matters,
+the less easy he found it to urge the mitigating influences of distant
+planets, which he had at first pointed out.
+</p>
+<p>
+In his reception-hall, however, the chief priest had assured her that the
+independence of Egypt and the safety of her own person lay in her hands;
+only&mdash;the planets showed this&mdash;a terrible sacrifice was required&mdash;a
+sacrifice of which his dignity, his eighty years, and his love for her
+alike forbade him to speak. Cleopatra was accustomed to hear these
+mysterious sayings from his lips, and interpreted them in her own way.
+Many motives had induced her to seek the venerable prelate at this late
+hour. In difficult situations he had often aided her with good counsel;
+but this time she was not led to him by the magic cup of Nektanebus, which
+the eight pastophori who accompanied it had that day restored to the
+temple, for since the battle of Actium the superb vessel had been a source
+of constant anxiety to her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra had now asked the teacher of her childhood the direct question
+whether the cup&mdash;a wide, shallow vessel, with a flat, polished
+bottom&mdash;could really have induced Antony to leave the battle and follow
+her ere the victory was decided. She had used it just before the conflict
+between the galleys, and this circumstance led Anubis to answer positively
+in the affirmative.
+</p>
+<p>
+Long ago the marvellous chalice had been exhibited to her among the temple
+treasures, and she was told that every one who induced another person to
+be reflected from its shining surface obtained the mastery over his will.
+Her wish to possess it, however, was not gratified, and she did not ask
+for it again until the limitless devotion and ardent love of Antony had
+seemed less fervent than of yore. From that time she had never ceased to
+urge her aged friend to place the wondrous cup in her keeping. At first he
+had absolutely refused, predicting that its use would bring misfortune
+upon her; but when her request was followed by an imperative command, and
+the goblet was entrusted to her, Anubis himself believed that this <i>one</i>
+vessel did possess the magic power attributed to it. He deemed that the
+drinking-cup afforded the strongest proof of the magic art, far
+transcending human ability, of the great goddess by whose aid King
+Nektanebus&mdash;who, according to tradition, was the father of Alexander
+the Great&mdash;was said to have made the vessel in the Isis island of
+Philæ.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anubis had intended to remind Cleopatra of his refusal, and show her the
+great danger incurred by mortals who strove to use powers beyond their
+sphere. It had been his purpose to bid her remember Phaeton, who had
+almost kindled a conflagration in the world, when he attempted, in the
+chariot of his father, Phœbus Apollo, to guide the horses of the sun. But
+this was unnecessary, for he had scarcely assented to the question ere,
+with passionate vehemence, she ordered him to destroy before her eyes the
+cup which had brought so much misfortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+The priest feigned that her desire harmonized with a resolution which he
+had himself formed.
+</p>
+<p>
+In fact, before her arrival, he had feared that the goblet might be used
+in some fatal manner if Octavianus should take possession of the city and
+country, and the wonder-working vessel should fall into his hands.
+Nektanebus had made the cup for Egypt. To wrest it from the foreign ruler
+was acting in the spirit of the last king in whose veins had flowed the
+blood of the Pharaohs, and who had toiled with enthusiastic devotion for
+the independence and liberty of his people. To destroy this man&rsquo;s
+marvellous work rather than deliver it to the Roman conqueror seemed to
+the chief priest, after the Queen&rsquo;s command, a sacred duty, and as
+such he represented it to be when he commanded the smelting furnace to be
+fired and the cup transformed into a shapeless mass before the eyes of
+Cleopatra.
+</p>
+<p>
+While the metal was melting he eagerly told the Queen how easily she could
+dispense with the vessel which owed its magic power to the mighty Isis.
+</p>
+<p>
+The spell of woman&rsquo;s charms was also a gift of the goddess. It would
+suffice to render Antony&rsquo;s heart soft and yielding as the fire melted the
+gold. Perhaps the Imperator had forfeited, with the Queen&rsquo;s respect, her
+love&mdash;the most priceless of blessings. He, Anubis, would regard this
+as a great boon of the Deity; &ldquo;for,&rdquo; he concluded, &ldquo;Mark Antony is the
+cliff which will shatter every effort to secure to my royal mistress
+undiminished the heritage which has come to her and her children from
+their ancestors, and preserve the independence and prosperity of this
+beloved land. This cup was a costly treasure. The throne and prosperity of
+Egypt are worthy of greater sacrifices. But I know that there is none
+harder for a woman to make than her love.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The meaning of the old man&rsquo;s words Cleopatra learned the following
+morning, when she granted the first interview to Timagenes, Octavianus&rsquo;s
+envoy.
+</p>
+<p>
+The keen-witted, brilliant man, who had been one of her best teachers and
+with whom, when a pupil, she had had many an argument, was kindly
+received, and fulfilled his commission with consummate skill.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen listened attentively to his representations, showed him that her
+own intellect had not lost in flexibility, though it had gained power; and
+when she dismissed him, with rich gifts and gracious words, she knew that
+she could preserve the independence of her beloved native land and retain
+the throne for herself and her children if she would surrender Antony to
+the conqueror or to him, as &ldquo;the person acting,&rdquo; or&mdash;these were
+Timagenes&rsquo;s own words&mdash;&ldquo;remove him forever from the play whose end
+she had the power to render either brilliant or fateful.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+When she was again alone her heart throbbed so passionately and her soul
+was in such a tumult of agitation that she felt unable to attend the
+appointed meeting of the Council of the crown. She deferred the session
+until the following day, and resolved to go out upon the sea, to endeavour
+to regain her composure.
+</p>
+<p>
+Antony had refused to see her. This wounded her. The thought of the goblet
+and its evil influences had by no means passed from her memory with the
+destruction of the vessel caused by one of those outbursts of passion to
+which, in these days of disaster, she yielded more frequently than usual.
+On the contrary, she felt the necessity of being alone, to collect her
+thoughts and strive to dispel the clouds from her troubled soul.
+</p>
+<p>
+The beaker had been one of the treasures of Isis, and the memory of it
+recalled hours during which, in former days, she had often found composure
+in the temple of the goddess. She wished to seek the sanctuary unnoticed
+and, accompanied only by Iras and the chief Introducer, went, closely
+veiled, to the neighbouring temple at the Corner of the Muses.
+</p>
+<p>
+But she failed to find the object of her pilgrimage. The throng which
+filled it to pray and offer sacrifices, and the fear of being recognized,
+destroyed her calmness.
+</p>
+<p>
+She was in the act of retiring, when Gorgias, the architect, followed by
+an assistant carrying surveying instruments, advanced towards her. She
+instantly called him to her side, and he informed her how wonderfully Fate
+itself seemed to favour her plan of building. The mob had destroyed the
+house of the old philosopher Didymus, and the grey-haired sage, to whom he
+had offered the shelter of his home, was now ready to transfer the
+property inherited from his ancestors, if her Majesty would assure him and
+his family of her protection.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she asked to see the architect&rsquo;s plan for joining the museum to the
+sanctuary, and became absorbed in the first sketch, to which he had
+devoted part of the night and morning. He showed it, and with eager
+urgency Cleopatra commanded him to begin the building as soon as possible
+and pursue the work night and day. What usually required months must be
+completed in weeks.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras and the &ldquo;Introducer,&rdquo; clad in plain garments, had waited for her in
+the temple court and, joined by the architect, accompanied her to the
+unpretending litter standing at one of the side gates but, instead of
+entering it, she ordered Gorgias to attend her to the garden.
+</p>
+<p>
+The inspection proved that the architect was right and, even if the
+mausoleum occupied a portion of it, and the street which separated it from
+the Temple of Isis were continued along the shore of the sea, the
+remainder would still be twice as large as the one belonging to the palace
+at Lochias.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s thorough examination showed Gorgias that she had some definite
+purpose in view. Her inquiry whether it would be possible to connect it
+with the promontory of Lochias indicated what she had in mind, and the
+architect answered in the affirmative. It was only necessary to tear down
+some small buildings belonging to the Crown and a little temple of
+Berenike at the southern part of the royal harbour. The arm of the
+Agathodæmon Canal which entered here had been bridged long ago.
+</p>
+<p>
+The new scene which would result from this change had been conjured before
+the Queen&rsquo;s mental vision with marvellous celerity, and she described it
+in brief, vivid language to the architect. The garden should remain, but
+must be enlarged from the Lochias to the bridge. Thence a covered
+colonnade would lead to the palace. After Gorgias had assured her that all
+this could easily be arranged, she gazed thoughtfully at the ground for a
+time, and then gave orders that the work should be commenced at once, and
+requested him to spare neither means nor men.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias foresaw a period of feverish toil, but it did not daunt him. With
+such a master builder he was ready to roof the whole city. Besides, the
+commission delighted him because it proved that the woman whose mausoleum
+was to rise from the earth so swiftly still thought of enhancing the
+pleasures of existence; for, though she wished the garden to remain
+unchanged, she desired to see the colonnade and the remainder of the work
+constructed of costly materials and in beautiful forms. When she bade him
+farewell, Gorgias kissed her robe with ardent enthusiasm.
+</p>
+<p>
+What a woman! True, she had not even raised her veil, and was attired in
+plain dark clothing, but every gesture revealed the most perfect grace.
+The arm and hand with which she pointed now here, now there, again seemed
+to him fairly instinct with life; and he, who deemed perfection of form of
+so much value, found it difficult to avert his eyes from her marvellous
+symmetry. And her whole figure! What lines, what genuine aristocratic
+elegance, and warm, throbbing life!
+</p>
+<p>
+That morning when Helena, now an inmate of his own home, greeted him, he
+had essayed to compare her, mentally, with Cleopatra, but speedily
+desisted. The man to whom Hebe proffers nectar does not ask for even the
+best wine of Byblus. A feeling of grateful, cheerful satisfaction,
+difficult to describe, stole over him when the reserved, quiet Helena
+addressed him so warmly and cordially; but the image of Cleopatra
+constantly thrust itself between them, and it was difficult for him to
+understand himself. He had loved many women in succession, and now his
+heart throbbed for two at once, and the Queen was the brighter of the two
+stars whose light entranced him. Therefore his honest soul would have
+considered it a crime to woo Helena now.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra knew what an ardent admirer she had won in the able architect,
+and the knowledge pleased her. She had used no goblet to gain <i>him</i>.
+Doubtless he would begin to build the mausoleum the next morning. The
+vault must have space for several coffins. Antony had more than once
+expressed the desire to be buried beside her, wherever he might die, and
+this had occurred ere she possessed the beaker. She must in any case grant
+him the same favour, no matter in what place or by whose hand he met
+death, and the bedimmed light of his existence was but too evidently
+nearing extinction. If she spared him, Octavianus would strike him from
+the ranks of the living, and she&mdash;&mdash; Again she was overpowered by
+the terrible, feverish restlessness which had induced her to command the
+destruction of the goblet, and had brought her to the temple. She could
+not return in this mood to meet her councillors, receive visitors, greet
+her children. This was the birthday of the twins; Charmian had reminded
+her of it and undertaken to provide the gifts. How could she have found
+time and thought for such affairs?
+</p>
+<p>
+She had returned from the chief priest late in the evening, yet had asked
+for a minute description of the condition in which they found Mark Antony.
+The report made by Iras harmonized with the state in which she had herself
+seen him during and after the battle. Ay, his brooding gloom seemed to
+have deepened. Charmian had helped her dress in the morning, and had been
+on the point of making her difficult confession, and owning that she had
+aided Barine to escape the punishment of her royal mistress; but ere she
+could begin, Timagenes was announced, for Cleopatra had not risen from
+her couch until a late hour.
+</p>
+<p>
+The object for which the Queen had sought the temple had not been gained;
+but the consultation with Gorgias had diverted her mind, and the emotions
+which the thought of her last resting-place had evoked now drowned
+everything else, as the roar of the surf dominates the twittering of the
+swallows on the rocky shore.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ay, she needed calmness! She must weigh and ponder over many things in
+absolute quietude, and this she could not obtain at Lochias. Then her
+glance rested upon the little sanctuary of Berenike, which she had ordered
+removed to make room for a garden near at hand, where the children could
+indulge their love of creative work. It was empty. She need fear no
+interruption there. The interior contained only a single, quiet, pleasant
+chamber, with the image of Berenike. The &ldquo;Introducer&rdquo; commanded the guard
+to admit no other visitors, and soon the little white marble, circular
+room with its vaulted roof received the Queen. She sank down on one of the
+bronze benches opposite to the statue. All was still; in this cool silence
+her mind, trained to thought, could find that for which it longed&mdash;clearness
+of vision, a plain understanding of her own feelings and position in the
+presence of the impending decision.
+</p>
+<p>
+At first her thoughts wandered to and fro like a dove ere it chooses the
+direction of its flight; but after the question why she was having a tomb
+built so hurriedly, when she would be permitted to live, her mind found
+the right track. Among the Scythian guards, the Mauritanians, and Blemmyes
+in the army there were plenty of savage fellows whom a word from her lips
+and a handful of gold would have set upon the vanquished Antony, as the
+huntsman&rsquo;s &ldquo;Seize him!&rdquo; urges the hounds. A hint, and among the wretched
+magicians and Magians in the Rhakotis, the Egyptian quarter of the city,
+twenty men would have assassinated him by poison or wily snares; one
+command to the Macedonians in the guard of the Mellakes or youths, and he
+would be a captive that very day, and to-morrow, if she so ordered, on the
+way to Asia, whither Octavianus, as Timagenes told her, had gone.
+</p>
+<p>
+What prevented her from grasping the gold, giving the hint, issuing the
+command?
+</p>
+<p>
+Doubtless she thought of the magic goblet, now melted, which had
+constrained him to cast aside honour, fame, and power, as worthless
+rubbish, in order to obey her behest not to leave her; but though this
+remembrance burdened her soul, it had no decisive influence. It was no one
+thing which prisoned her hand and lips, but every fibre of her being,
+every pulsation of her heart, every glance back into the past to the
+confines of childhood.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet she listened to other thoughts also. They reminded her of her
+children, the elation of power, love for the land of her ancestors, and
+the peril which menaced it without her, the bliss of seeing the light, and
+the darkness, the silence, the dull rigidity of death, the destruction of
+the body and the mind cherished and developed with so much care and toil,
+the horrible torture which might be associated with the transition from
+life to death&mdash;the act of dying. And what lay before her in the
+existence which lasted an eternity? When she no longer breathed beneath
+the sun, even if the death hour was deferred, and she found that not
+Epicurus, who believed that with death all things ended, had been right,
+but the ancient teachings of the Egyptians, what would await her in that
+world beyond the grave if she purchased a few more years of life by the
+murder or betrayal of her lover, her husband?
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet perhaps the punishments inflicted upon the condemned were but bugbears
+invented by the priesthood, which guarded the regulation of the state in
+order to curb the unruly conduct of the populace and terrify the turbulent
+transgressors of the law. And, whispered the daring Greek spirit, in the
+abode of the condemned, not in the Garden of Aalu, the Elysian Fields of
+the Egyptians, she would meet her father and mother and all her wicked
+ancestors down to Euergetes I, who was succeeded by the infamous
+Philopater. Thus the thought of the other world became an antecedent so
+uncertain as to permit no definite inference, and might therefore be left
+out of the account. How would&mdash;this must be the form of the question&mdash;the
+years purchased by the murder or betrayal of one whom she loved shape
+themselves for her?
+</p>
+<p>
+During the night the image of the murdered man would drive sleep from her
+couch, and the Furies, the Diræ, as the Roman Antony called them, who
+pursue murderers with the serpent scourge, were no idle creations of
+poetic fancy, but fully symbolized the restlessness of the criminal,
+driven to and fro by the pangs of conscience. The chief good, the painless
+happiness of the Epicureans, was forever lost to those burdened by such
+guilt.
+</p>
+<p>
+And during the hours of the day and evening?
+</p>
+<p>
+Ay, then she would be free to heap pleasure on pleasure. But for whom
+were the festivals to be celebrated; with whom could she share them? For
+many a long year no banquet, no entertainment had given her enjoyment
+without Mark Antony. For whom did she adorn herself or strive to stay the
+vanishing charm? And how soon would anguish of soul utterly destroy the
+spell, which was slowly, slowly, yet steadily diminishing, and, when the
+mirror revealed wrinkles which the skill of no Olympus could efface, when
+she&mdash;&mdash; No, she was not created to grow old! Did the few years of
+life which must contain so much misery really possess a value great enough
+to surrender the right of being called by present and future generations
+the bewitching Cleopatra, the most irresistible of women?
+</p>
+<p>
+And the children?
+</p>
+<p>
+Yes, it would have been delightful to see them grow up and occupy the
+throne, but serious, decisive doubts soon blended even with an idea so
+rich in joy.
+</p>
+<p>
+How glorious to greet Cæsarion as sovereign of the world in Octavianus&rsquo;s
+place! But how could the dreamer, whose first love affair had caused the
+total sacrifice of dignity and violation of the law, and who now seemed to
+have once more relapsed into the old state of torpor, attain the position?
+</p>
+<p>
+The other children inspired fair hopes, and how beautiful it appeared to
+the mother&rsquo;s heart to see Antonius Helios as King of Egypt; Cleopatra
+Selene with her first child in her arms; and little Alexander a noble
+statesman and hero, rich in virtue and talents! Yet, what would they,
+Antony&rsquo;s children, whose education she hoped Archibius would direct, feel
+for the mother who had been their father&rsquo;s murderess?
+</p>
+<p>
+She shuddered at the thought, remembering the hours when her childish
+heart had shed tears of blood over the infamous mother whom her father had
+execrated. And Queen Tryphœna, whom history recorded as a monster, had
+not killed her husband, but merely thrust him from the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+Arsinoë&rsquo;s execrations of her mother and sister came back to her memory,
+and the thought that the rosy lips of the twins and her darling Alexander
+could ever open to curse her,&mdash;the idea that the children would ever
+raise their beloved hands to point at her, the wicked murderess of their
+father, with horror and scorn&mdash;&mdash; No, no, and again no! She would not
+purchase a few more years of valueless life at the cost of this
+humiliation and shame.
+</p>
+<p>
+Purchase of whom?
+</p>
+<p>
+Of that Octavianus who had robbed her son of the heritage of his father,
+Cæsar, and whose mention in the will was like an imputation on her
+fidelity&mdash;the cold-hearted, calculating upstart, whose nature from
+their first meeting in Rome had repelled, rebuffed, chilled her; of the
+man by whose cajolery and power her husband&mdash;for in her own eyes and
+those of the Egyptians Antony held this position&mdash;had been induced to
+wed his sister, Octavia, and thereby stamp her, Cleopatra, as merely his
+love, cast a doubt upon the legitimate birth of her children; of the false
+friend of the trusting Antony who, before the battle of Actium, had most
+deeply humiliated and insulted both!
+</p>
+<p>
+On the contrary, her royal pride rebelled against obeying the command of
+such a man to commit the most atrocious deed; and from childhood this
+pride had been as much a part of her nature as her breath and the
+pulsation of her heart. And yet, for her children&rsquo;s sake, she might
+perhaps have incurred this disgrace, had it not been at the same time the
+grave of the best and noblest things which she desired to implant in the
+young souls of the twins and Alexander.
+</p>
+<p>
+While thinking of the children&rsquo;s curses she had risen from her seat. Why
+should she reflect and consider longer? She had found the clear perception
+she sought. Let Gorgias hasten the building of the tomb. Should Fate
+demand her life, she would not resist if she were permitted to preserve it
+only at the cost of murder or base treachery. Her lover&rsquo;s was already
+forfeited. At his side she had enjoyed a radiant, glowing, peerless bliss,
+of which the world still talked with envious amazement. At his side, when
+all was over, she would rest in the grave, and compel the world to
+remember with respectful sympathy the royal lovers, Antony and Cleopatra.
+Her children should be able to think of her with untroubled hearts, and
+not even the shadow of a bitter feeling, a warning thought, should deter
+them from adorning their parents&rsquo; grave with flowers, weeping at its foot,
+invoking and offering sacrifices to their spirits.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she glanced at the statue of Berenike, who had also once worn on her
+brow the double crown of Egypt. She, too, had early died a violent death;
+she, too, had known how to love. The vow to sacrifice her beautiful hair
+to Aphrodite if her husband returned uninjured from the Syrian war had
+rendered her name illustrious. &ldquo;Berenike&rsquo;s Hair&rdquo; was still to be seen as a
+constellation in the night heavens.
+</p>
+<p>
+Though this woman had sinned often and heavily, one act of loyal love had
+made her an honoured, worshipped princess. She&mdash;Cleopatra&mdash;would do
+something still greater. The sacrifice which she intended to impose upon
+herself would weigh far more heavily in the balance than a handful of
+beautiful tresses, and would comprise sovereignty and life.
+</p>
+<p>
+With head erect and a sense of proud self-reliance she gazed at the noble
+marble countenance of the Cyrenian queen. Ere entering the sanctuary she
+had imagined that she knew how the criminals whom she had sentenced to
+death must feel. Now that she herself had done with life, she felt as if
+she were relieved from a heavy burden, and yet her heart ached, and&mdash;especially
+when she thought of her children&mdash;she was overwhelmed with the
+emotion which is the most painful of all forms of compassion&mdash;pity
+for herself.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch18">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+When Cleopatra left the temple, Iras marvelled at the change in her
+appearance. The severe tension which had given her beautiful face a shade
+of harshness had yielded to an expression of gentle sadness that enhanced
+its charm, yet her features quickly brightened as her attendant pointed to
+the procession which was just entering the forecourt of the palace.
+</p>
+<p>
+In Alexandria and throughout Egypt birthdays were celebrated as far as
+possible. Therefore, to do honour to the twins, the children of the city
+had been sent to offer their congratulations, and at the same time to
+assure their royal mother of the love and devotion of the citizens.
+</p>
+<p>
+The return to the palace occupied only a few minutes, and as Cleopatra,
+hastily donning festal garments, gazed down at the bands of children, it
+seemed as if Fate by this fair spectacle had given her a sign of approval
+of her design.
+</p>
+<p>
+She was soon standing hand in hand with the twins upon the balcony before
+which the procession had halted. Hundreds of boys and girls of the same
+age as the prince and princess had flocked thither, the former bearing
+bouquets, the latter small baskets filled with lilies and roses. Every
+head was crowned with a wreath, and many of the girls wore garlands of
+flowers. A chorus of youths and maidens sang a festal hymn, beseeching the
+gods to grant the royal mother and children every happiness; the leader of
+the chorus of girls made a short address in the name of the city, and
+during this speech the children formed in ranks, the tallest in the rear,
+the smallest in the front, and the others between according to their
+height. The scene resembled a living garden, in which rosy faces were the
+beautiful flowers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra thanked the citizens for the charming greeting sent to her by
+those whom they held dearest, and assured them that she returned their
+love. Her eyes grew dim with tears as she went with her three children to
+the throng who offered their congratulations, and an unusually pretty
+little girl whom she kissed threw her arms around her as tenderly as if
+she were her own mother. And how beautiful was the scene when the girls
+strewed the contents of their little baskets on the ground before her, and
+the boys, with many a ringing shout and loving wish, offered the bouquets
+to her and the twins!
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian had not forgotten to provide the gifts; and when the chamberlains
+and waiting-women led the children into a large hall to offer them
+refreshments, the Queen&rsquo;s eyes sparkled so brightly that the companion of
+her childhood ventured to make her difficult confession.
+</p>
+<p>
+And, as so often happens, the event we most dread shows, when it actually
+occurs, a friendly or indifferent aspect; this was the case now. Nothing
+in life is either great or small&mdash;the one may be transformed to the
+other, according to the things with which it is compared. The tallest man
+becomes a dwarf beside a rocky giant of the mountain chain, the smallest
+is a Titan to the swarming ants in the forest. The beggar seizes as a
+treasure what the rich man scornfully casts aside. That which the day
+before yesterday seemed to Cleopatra unendurable, roused her keenest
+anxiety, robbed her of part of her night&rsquo;s repose, and induced her to
+adopt strenuous measures, now appeared trivial and scarcely worthy of
+consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yesterday and to-day had brought events and called up questions which
+forced Barine&rsquo;s disappearance into the realm of unimportant matters.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian&rsquo;s confession was preceded by the statement that she longed for
+rest yet, nevertheless, was ready to remain with her royal friend, in
+every situation, until she no longer desired her services and sent her
+away. But she feared that this moment had come.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra interrupted her with the assurance that she was speaking of
+something utterly impossible; and when Charmian disclosed Barine&rsquo;s escape,
+and admitted that it was she who had aided the flight of the innocent and
+sorely threatened granddaughter of Didymus, the Queen started up angrily
+and frowned, but it was only for a moment. Then, with a smile, she shook
+her finger at her friend, embraced her, and gravely but kindly assured her
+that, of all vices, ingratitude was most alien to her nature. The
+companion of her childhood had bestowed so many proofs of faithfulness,
+love, self-sacrifice, and laborious service in her behalf that they could
+not be long outweighed by a single act of wilful disobedience. An abundant
+supply would still remain, by virtue of which she might continue to sin
+without fearing that Cleopatra would ever part from her Charmian.
+</p>
+<p>
+The latter again perceived that nothing on earth could be hostile or sharp
+enough to sever the bond which united her to this woman. When her lips
+overflowed with the gratitude which filled her heart, Cleopatra admitted
+that it seemed as if, in aiding Barine&rsquo;s escape, she had rendered her a
+service. The caution with which Charmian had concealed Barine&rsquo;s refuge had
+not escaped her notice, and she did not ask to learn it. It was enough for
+her that the dangerous beauty was out of Cæsarion&rsquo;s reach. As for Antony,
+a wall now separated him from the world, and consequently from the woman
+who, spite of Alexas&rsquo;s accusations, had probably never stood closer to his
+heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian now eagerly strove to show the Queen what had induced the Syrian
+to pursue Barine so vindictively. It was evident&mdash;and scarcely needed
+proof&mdash;that Mark Antony&rsquo;s whole acquaintanceship with the old
+scholar&rsquo;s granddaughter had been far from leading to any tender relation.
+But Cleopatra gave only partial attention. The man whom she had loved with
+every pulsation of her heart already seemed to her only a dear memory. She
+did not forget the happiness enjoyed with and through him, or the wrong
+she had done by the use of the magic goblet; yet with the wall on the
+Choma, which divided him from her and the rest of the world, and her
+command to have the mausoleum built, she imagined that the season of love
+was over. Any new additions to this chapter of the life of her heart were
+but the close. Even the jealousy which had clouded the happiness of her
+love like a fleeting, rapidly changing shadow, she believed she had now
+renounced forever.
+</p>
+<p>
+While Charmian protested that no one save Dion had ever been heard with
+favour by Barine, and related many incidents of her former life,
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s thoughts were with Antony. Like the image of the beloved dead,
+the towering figure of the Roman hero rose before her mind, but she
+recalled him only as he was prior to the battle of Actium. She desired and
+expected nothing more from the broken-spirited man, whose condition was
+perhaps her own fault. But she had resolved to atone for her guilt, and
+would do so at the cost of throne and life. This settled the account.
+Whatever her remaining span of existence might add or subtract, was part
+of the bargain.
+</p>
+<p>
+The entrance of Alexas interrupted her. With fiery passion he expressed
+his regret that he had been defrauded by base intrigues of the right
+bestowed upon him to pass sentence upon a guilty woman. This was the more
+difficult to bear because he was deprived of the possibility of providing
+for the pursuit of the fugitive. Antony had honoured him with the
+commission to win Herod back to his cause. He was to leave Alexandria that
+very night. As nothing could be expected in this matter from the
+misanthropic Imperator, he hoped that the Queen would avenge such an
+offence to her dignity, and adopt severe measures towards the singer and
+her last lover, Dion, who with sacrilegious hands had wounded the son of
+Cæsar.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Cleopatra, with royal dignity, kept him within the limits of his
+position, commanded him not to mention the affair to her again, and then,
+with a sorrowful smile, wished him success with Herod, in whose return to
+the lost cause of Antony, however, much as she prized the skill of the
+mediator, she did not believe.
+</p>
+<p>
+When he had retired, she exclaimed to Charmian: &ldquo;Was I blind? This man is
+a traitor! We shall discover it. Wherever Dion has taken his young wife,
+let her be carefully concealed, not from me, but from this Syrian. It is
+easier to defend one&rsquo;s self against the lion than the scorpion. You, my
+friend, will see that Archibius seeks me this very day. I must talk with
+him, and&mdash;you no longer have any thought of a parting? Another will
+come soon enough, which will forever forbid these lips from kissing your
+dear face.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+As she spoke, she again clasped the companion of her childhood in her
+arms, and when Iras entered to request an audience for Lucilius, Antony&rsquo;s
+most faithful friend, Cleopatra, who had noticed the younger woman&rsquo;s
+envious glance at the embrace, said: &ldquo;Was I mistaken in fancying that you
+imagined yourself slighted for Charmian, who is an older friend? That
+would be wrong; for I love and need you both. You are her niece, and
+indebted to her for much kindness from your earliest childhood. So, even
+though you will lose the joy of revenge upon a hated enemy, forget what
+has happened, as I did, and maintain your former affectionate
+companionship. I will reward you for it with the only thing that the
+daughter of the wealthy Krates cannot purchase, yet which she probably
+rates at no low value&mdash;the love of her royal friend.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she clasped Iras also in a close embrace, and when the
+latter left the room to summon Lucilius, she thought: &ldquo;No woman has ever
+won so much love; perhaps that is why she possesses so great a treasure of
+it, and can afford such unspeakable happiness by its bestowal. Or is she
+so much beloved because she entered the world full of its wealth, and
+dispenses it as the sun diffuses light? Surely that must be the case. I
+have reason to believe it, for whom did I ever love save the Queen? No
+one, not even myself, and I know no one in whose love for me I can
+believe. But why did Dion, whom I loved so fervently, disdain me? Fool!
+Why did Mark Antony prefer Cleopatra to Octavia, who was not less fair,
+whose heart was his, and whose hand held the sovereignty of half the
+world?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Passing on as she spoke, she soon returned, ushering the Roman Lucilius
+into the presence of the Queen. A gallant deed had bound this man to
+Antony. After the battle of Philippi, when the army of the republicans
+fled, Brutus had been on the point of being seized by the enemy&rsquo;s
+horsemen; but Lucilius, at the risk of being cut down, had personated him,
+and thereby, though but for a short time, rescued him. This had seemed to
+Antony unusual and noble and, in his generous manner, he had not only
+forgiven him, but bestowed his favour upon him. Lucilius was grateful, and
+gave him the same fidelity he had showed to Brutus. At Actium he had
+risked Antony&rsquo;s favour to prevent his deserting Cleopatra after the
+battle, and then accompanied him in his flight. Now he was bearing him
+company in his seclusion on the Choma.
+</p>
+<p>
+The grey-haired man who, but a short time before, had retained all the
+vigour of youth, approached the Queen with bowed head and saddened heart.
+His face, so regular in its contours, had undergone a marked change within
+the past few weeks. The cheeks were sunken, the features had grown
+sharper, and there was a sorrowful expression in the eyes, which, when
+informing Cleopatra of his friend&rsquo;s condition, glittered with tears.
+</p>
+<p>
+Before the hapless battle he was one of Cleopatra&rsquo;s most enthusiastic
+admirers; but since he had been forced to see his friend and benefactor
+risk fame, happiness, and honour to follow the Queen, he had cherished a
+feeling of bitter resentment towards her. He would certainly have spared
+himself this mission, had he not been sure that she who had brought her
+lover to ruin was the only person who could rouse him from spiritless
+languor to fresh energy and interest in life.
+</p>
+<p>
+From motives of friendship, urged by no one, he came unbidden to the woman
+whom he had formerly so sincerely admired, to entreat her to cheer the
+unfortunate man, rouse him, and remind him of his duty. He had little news
+to impart; for on the voyage she had herself witnessed long enough the
+pitiable condition of her husband. Now Antony was beginning to be content
+in it, and this was what most sorely troubled the faithful friend.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Imperator had called the little palace which he occupied on the Choma
+his Timonium, because he compared himself with the famous Athenian
+misanthrope who, after fortune abandoned him, had also been betrayed by
+many of his former friends. Even at Tænarum he had thought of returning
+to the Choma, and by means of a wall, which would separate it from the
+mainland, rendering it as inaccessible as&mdash;according to rumour&mdash;the
+grave of Timon at Halæ near Athens. Gorgias had erected it, and whoever
+wished to visit the hermit was forced to go by sea and request admittance,
+which was granted to few.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra listened to Lucilius with sympathy, and then asked whether there
+was no way of cheering or comforting the wretched man.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No, your Majesty,&rdquo; he replied. &ldquo;His favourite occupation is to recall
+what he once possessed, but only to show the uselessness of these
+memories. &lsquo;What joys has life not offered me?&rsquo; he asks, and then adds:
+&lsquo;But they were repeated again and again, and after being enjoyed for the
+tenth time they became monotonous and lost their charm. Then they caused
+satiety to the verge of loathing.&rsquo; Only necessary things, such as bread
+and water, he says, possess real value; but he desires neither, because he
+has even less taste for them than for the dainties which spoil a man&rsquo;s
+morrow. Yesterday in a specially gloomy hour, he spoke of gold. This was
+perhaps most worthy of desire. The mere sight of it awakened pleasant
+hopes, because it might afford so many gratifications. Then he laughed
+bitterly, exclaiming that those joys were the very ones which produced the
+most disagreeable satiety. Even gold was not worth the trouble of
+stretching out one&rsquo;s hand.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He is fond of enlarging upon such fancies, and finds images to make his
+meaning clear.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo; &lsquo;In the snow upon the highest mountain-peak the feet grow cold,&rsquo; he said.
+&lsquo;In the mire they are warm, but the dark mud is ugly and clings to them.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then I remarked that between the morass and the mountain-snows lie sunny
+valleys where life would be pleasant; but he flew into a rage, vehemently
+protesting that he would never be content with the pitiable middle course
+of Horace. Then he exclaimed: &lsquo;Ay, I am vanquished. Octavianus and his
+Agrippa are the conquerors; but if a rock mutilates or an elephant&rsquo;s
+clumsy foot crushes me, I am nevertheless of a higher quality than
+either.&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;There spoke the old Mark Antony!&rdquo; cried Cleopatra; but again Lucilius&rsquo;s
+loyal heart throbbed with resentment against the woman who had fostered
+the recklessness which had brought his powerful friend to ruin, and he
+continued:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But he often sees himself in a different light. &lsquo;No writer could invent a
+more unworthy life than mine,&rsquo; he exclaimed recently. &lsquo;A farce ending in a
+tragedy.&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Lucilius might have added still harsher sayings, but the sorrowful
+expression in the tearful eyes of the afflicted Queen silenced them upon
+his lips.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet Cleopatra&rsquo;s name blended with most of the words uttered by the
+broken-spirited man. Sometimes it was associated with the most furious
+reproaches, but more frequently with expressions of boundless delight and
+wild outbursts of fervent longing, and this was what inspired Lucilius
+with the hope that the Queen&rsquo;s influence would be effectual with his
+friend. Therefore he repeated some especially ardent words, to which
+Cleopatra listened with grateful joy.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet, when Lucilius paused, she remarked that doubtless the misanthropist
+had spoken of her, and probably of Octavia also, in quite a different way.
+She was prepared for the worst, for she was one of the rocks against which
+his greatness had been shattered.
+</p>
+<p>
+This reminded Lucilius of the comment Antony had made upon the three women
+whom he had wedded, and he answered reluctantly: &ldquo;Fulvia, the wife of his
+youth&mdash;I knew the bold, hot-blooded woman, the former wife of Clodius&mdash;he
+called the tempest which swelled his sails.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yes, Yes!&rdquo; cried Cleopatra. &ldquo;So she did. He owes her much; but I, too, am
+indebted to the dead Fulvia. She taught him to recognize and yield to
+woman&rsquo;s power.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Not always to his advantage,&rdquo; retorted Lucilius, whose resentment was
+revived by the last sentence and, without heeding the faint flush on the
+Queen&rsquo;s cheek, he added: &ldquo;Of Octavia he said that she was the straight
+path which leads to happiness, and those who are content to walk in it are
+acceptable to gods and men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then why did he not suffer it to content him?&rdquo; cried Cleopatra
+wrathfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Fulvia&rsquo;s school,&rdquo; replied the Roman, &ldquo;was probably the last where he
+would learn the moderation which&mdash;as you know&mdash;is so alien to
+his nature. His opinion of the quiet valleys and middle course you have
+just heard.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But I, what have <i>I</i> been to him?&rdquo; urged the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Lucilius bent his gaze for a short time on the floor, then answered
+hesitatingly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You asked to hear, and the Queen&rsquo;s command must be obeyed. He compared
+your Majesty to a delicious banquet given to celebrate a victory, at which
+the guests, crowned with garlands, revel <i>before</i> the battle&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Which is lost,&rdquo; said the Queen hurriedly, in a muffled voice. &ldquo;The
+comparison is apt. Now, after the defeat, it would be absurd to prepare
+another feast. The tragedy is closing, so the play (doubtless he said so)
+which preceded it would be but a wearisome repetition if performed a
+second time. One thing, it is true, seems desirable&mdash;a closing act of
+reconciliation. If you think it is in my power to recall my husband to
+active life, rely upon me. The banquet of which he spoke occupied long
+years. The dessert will consume little time, but I am ready to serve it.
+When I asked permission to visit him he refused. What plan of meeting have
+you arranged?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That I will leave to your feminine delicacy of feeling,&rdquo; replied
+Lucilius. &ldquo;Yet I have come with a request whose fulfilment will perhaps
+contain the answer. Eros, Mark Antony&rsquo;s faithful body-slave, humbly
+petitions your Majesty to grant him a few minutes&rsquo; audience. You know the
+worthy fellow. He would die for you and his master, and he&mdash;I once
+heard from your lips the remark of King Antiochus, that no man was great
+to his body-slave&mdash;thus Eros sees his master&rsquo;s weaknesses and lofty
+qualities from a nearer point of view than we, and he is shrewd. Antony
+gave him his freedom long ago, and if your Majesty does not object to
+receiving a man so low in station&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let him come,&rdquo; replied Cleopatra. &ldquo;Your demand upon me is just.
+Unhappily, I am but too well aware of the atonement due your friend.
+Before you came, I was engaged in making preparations for the fulfilment
+of one of his warmest wishes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+With these words she dismissed the Roman. Her feelings as she watched his
+departure were of very mingled character. The yearning for the happiness
+of which she had been so long deprived had again awaked, while the unkind
+words which he had applied to her still rankled in her heart. But the door
+had scarcely closed behind Lucilius when the usher announced a deputation
+of the members of the museum.
+</p>
+<p>
+The learned gentlemen came to complain of the wrong which had been done to
+their colleague, Didymus, and also to express their loyalty during these
+trying times. Cleopatra assured them of her favour, and said that she had
+already offered ample compensation to the old philosopher. In a certain
+sense she was one of themselves. They all knew that, from early youth, she
+had honoured and shared their labours. In proof of this, she would present
+to the library of the museum the two hundred thousand volumes from
+Pergamus, one of the most valuable gifts Mark Antony had ever bestowed
+upon her, and which she had hitherto regarded merely as a loan. This she
+hoped would repay Didymus for the injury which, to her deep regret, had
+been inflicted upon him, and at least partially repair the loss sustained
+by the former library of the museum during the conflagration in the
+Bruchium.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sages, eagerly assuring her of their gratitude and devotion, retired.
+Most of them were personally known to Cleopatra who, to their mutual
+pleasure and advantage, had measured her intellectual powers with the most
+brilliant minds of their body.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sun had already set, when a procession of the priests of Serapis, the
+chief god of the city, whose coming had been announced the day before,
+appeared at Lochias. Accompanied by torch and lantern bearers, it moved
+forward with slow and solemn majesty. In harmony with the nature of
+Serapis, there were many reminders of death.
+</p>
+<p>
+The meaning of every image, every standard, every shrine, every
+peculiarity of the music and singing, was familiar to the Queen. Even the
+changing colours of the lights referred to the course of growth and decay
+in the universe and in human life, and the magnificent close of the chant
+of homage which represented the reception of the royal soul into the
+essence of the deity, the apotheosis of the sovereign, was well suited to
+stir the heart; for a sea of light unexpectedly flooded the whole
+procession and, while its glow irradiated the huge pile of the palace, the
+sea with its forest of ships and masts, and the shore with its temples,
+pylons, obelisks, and superb buildings, all the choruses, accompanied by
+the music of sackbuts, cymbals, and lutes, blended in a mighty hymn, whose
+waves of sound rose to the star-strewn sky and reached the open sea beyond
+the Pharos.
+</p>
+<p>
+Many a symbolical image suggested death and the resurrection, defeat and a
+victory following it by the aid of great Serapis; and when the torches
+retired, vanishing in the darkness, with the last, notes of the chanting
+of the priests, Cleopatra, raised her head, feeling as if the vow she had
+made during the gloomy singing of the aged men and the extinguishing of
+the torches had received the approval of the deity brought by her
+forefathers to Alexandria and enthroned there to unite in his own person
+the nature of the Greek and the Egyptian gods.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her tomb was to be built and, if destiny was fulfilled, to receive her
+lover and herself. She had perceived from Antony&rsquo;s bitter words, as well
+as the looks and tones of Lucilius, that he, as well as the man to whom
+her heart still clung with indissoluble bonds, held her responsible for
+Actium and the fall of his greatness.
+</p>
+<p>
+The world, she knew, would imitate them, but it should learn that if love
+had robbed the greatest man of his day of fame and sovereignty, that love
+had been worthy of the highest price.
+</p>
+<p>
+The belief which had just been symbolically represented to her&mdash;that
+it was allotted to the vanishing light to rise again in new and radiant
+splendour&mdash;she would maintain for the present, though the best
+success could scarcely lead to anything more than merely fanning the
+glimmering spark and deferring its extinction.
+</p>
+<p>
+For herself there was no longer any great victory to win which would be
+worth the conflict. Yet the weapons must not rest until the end. Antony
+must not perish, growling, like a second Timon, or a wild beast caught in
+a snare. She would rekindle, though but for the last blaze, the fire of
+his hero-nature, which blind love for her and the magic spell that had
+enabled her to bind his will had covered for a time with ashes.
+</p>
+<p>
+While listening to the resurrection hymn of the priests of Serapis, she
+had asked herself if it might not be possible to give Antony, when he had
+been roused to fresh energy, the son of Cæsar as a companion in arms.
+True, she had found the boy in a mood far different from the one for which
+she had hoped. If he had once been carried on to a bold deed, it seemed to
+have exhausted his energy; for he remained absorbed in the most pitiable
+love-sickness. Yet he had not recovered from his illness. When he was
+better he would surely wake to active interest in the events which
+threatened to exert so great an influence on his own existence and, like
+the humblest slave, lament the defeat of Actium. Hitherto he had listened
+to the tidings of battle which had reached his ears with an indifference
+that seemed intelligible and pardonable only when attributed to his wound.
+</p>
+<p>
+His tutor Rhodon had just requested a leave of absence, remarking that
+Cæsarion would not lack companions, since he was expecting Antyllus and
+other youths of his own age. A flood of light streamed from the windows of
+the reception hall of the &ldquo;King of kings.&rdquo; There was still time to seek
+him and make him understand what was at stake. Ah! if she could but
+succeed in awaking his father&rsquo;s spirit! If that culpable attack should
+prove the harbinger of future deeds of manly daring!
+</p>
+<p>
+No interview with him as yet had encouraged this expectation, but a
+mother&rsquo;s heart easily sees, even in disappointment, a step which leads to
+a new hope. When Charmian entered to announce Antony&rsquo;s body-slave, she
+sent word to him to wait, and requested her friend to accompany her to her
+son.
+</p>
+<p>
+As they approached the apartments occupied by Cæsarion, Antyllus&rsquo;s loud
+voice reached them through the open door, whose curtain was only half
+drawn. The first word which the Queen distinguished was her own name; so,
+motioning to her companion, she stood still. Barine was again the subject
+of conversation.
+</p>
+<p>
+Antony&rsquo;s son was relating what Alexas had told him. Cleopatra, the Syrian
+had asserted, intended to send the young beauty to the mines or into
+exile, and severely punish Dion; but both had made their escape. The
+Ephebi had behaved treacherously by taking sides with their foe. But this
+was because they were not yet invested with their robes. He hoped to
+induce his father to do this as soon as he shook off his pitiable
+misanthropy. And he must also be persuaded to direct the pursuit of the
+fugitives. &ldquo;This will not be difficult,&rdquo; he cried insolently, &ldquo;for the old
+man appreciates beauty, and has himself cast an eye on the singer. If they
+capture her, I&rsquo;ll guarantee nothing, you &lsquo;King of kings!&rsquo; for, spite of
+his grey beard, he can cut us all out with the women, and Barine&mdash;as
+we have heard&mdash;doesn&rsquo;t think a man of much importance until his locks
+begin to grow thin. I gave Derketæus orders to send all his men in
+pursuit. He&rsquo;s as cunning as a fox, and the police are compelled to obey
+him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If I were not forced to lie here like a dead donkey, I would soon find
+her,&rdquo; sighed Cæsarion. &ldquo;Night or day, she is never out of my mind. I have
+already spent everything I possessed in the search. Yesterday I sent for
+the steward Seleukus. What is the use of being my mother&rsquo;s son, and the
+fat little fellow isn&rsquo;t specially scrupulous! He will do nothing, yet
+there must be gold enough. The Queen has sunk millions in the sand on the
+Syrian frontier of the Delta. There is to be a square hole or something of
+the sort dug there to hide the fleet. I only half understand the absurd
+plan. The money might have paid hundreds of spies. So talents are thrown
+away, and the strong-box is locked against the son. But I&rsquo;ll find one that
+will open to me. I must have her, though I risk the crown. It always
+sounds like a jeer when they call me the King of kings. I am not fit for
+sovereignty. Besides, the throne will be seized ere I really ascend it. We
+are conquered, and if we succeed in concluding a peace, which will secure
+us life and a little more, we must be content. For my part, I shall be
+satisfied with a country estate on the water, a sufficient supply of money
+and, above all, Barine. What do I care for Egypt? As Cæsar&rsquo;s son I ought
+to have ruled Rome; but the immortals knew what they were doing when they
+prompted my father to disinherit me. To govern the world one must have
+less need of sleep. Really&mdash;you know it&mdash;I always feel tired,
+even when I am well. People must let me alone! Your father, too, Antyllus,
+is laying down his arms and letting things go as they will.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ah, so he is!&rdquo; cried Antony&rsquo;s son indignantly. &ldquo;But just wait! The
+sleeping lion will wake again, and, when he uses his teeth and paws&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My mother will run away, and your father will follow her,&rdquo; replied
+Cæsarion with a melancholy smile, wholly untinged by scorn. &ldquo;All is lost.
+But conquered kings and queens are permitted to live. Cæsar&rsquo;s son will
+not be exhibited to the Quirites in the triumphal procession. Rhodon says
+that there would be an insurrection if I appeared in the Forum. If I go
+there again, it certainly will not be in Octavianus&rsquo;s train. I am not
+suited for that kind of ignominy. It would stifle me and, ere I would
+grant any man the pleasure of dragging the son of Cæsar behind him to
+increase his own renown, I would put an end&mdash;ten, nay, a hundred
+times over, in the good old Roman fashion, to my life, which is by no
+means especially attractive. What is sweeter than sound sleep, and who
+will disturb and rouse me when Death has lowered his torch before me? But
+now I think I shall be spared this extreme. Whatever else they may inflict
+upon me will scarcely exceed my powers of endurance. If any one has
+learned contentment it is I. The King of kings and Co-Regent of the Great
+Queen has been trained persistently, and with excellent success, to be
+content. What should I be, and what <i>am</i> I? Yet I do not complain, and wish
+to accuse no one. We need not summon Octavianus, and when he is here let
+him take what he will if he only spares the lives of my mother, the twins,
+and little Alexander, whom I love, and bestows on me the estate&mdash;the
+main thing is that it must be full of fishponds&mdash;of which I spoke.
+The private citizen Cæsarion, who devotes his time to fishing and the
+books he likes to read, will gladly be allowed to choose a wife to suit
+his own taste. The more humble her origin, the more easily I shall win the
+consent of the Roman guardian.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do you know, Cæsarion,&rdquo; interrupted Antony&rsquo;s unruly son, leaning back on
+the cushions and stretching his feet farther in front of him, &ldquo;if you were
+not the King of kings I should be inclined to call you a base,
+mean-natured fellow! One who has the good fortune to be the son of Julius
+Cæsar ought not to forget it so disgracefully. My gall overflows at your
+whimpering. By the dog! It was one of my most senseless pranks to take you
+to the singer. I should think there would be other things to occupy the
+mind of the King of kings. Besides, Barine cares no more for you than the
+last fish you caught. She showed that plainly enough. I say once more, if
+Derketæus&rsquo;s men succeed in capturing the beauty who has robbed you of
+your senses, she won&rsquo;t go with you to your miserable estate to cook the
+fish you catch, for if we have her again, and my father holds out his hand
+to her, all your labour will be in vain. He saw the fair enchantress only
+twice, and had no time to become better acquainted, but she captured his
+fancy and, if I remind him of her, who knows what will happen?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here Cleopatra beckoned to her companion and returned to her apartments
+with drooping head. On reaching them, she broke the silence, saying:
+&ldquo;Listening, Charmian, is unworthy of a Queen; but if all listeners heard
+things so painful, one need no longer guard keyholes and chinks of doors.
+I must recover my calmness ere I receive Eros. One thing more. Is Barine&rsquo;s
+hiding-place secure?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know&mdash;Archibius says so.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Very well. They are searching for her zealously enough, as you heard, and
+she must not be found. I am glad that she did not set a snare for the boy.
+How a jealous heart leads us astray! Were she here, I would grant her
+anything to make amends for my unjust suspicion of her and Antony. And to
+think that Alexas&mdash;but for your interposition he would have succeeded&mdash;meant
+to send her to the mines! It is a terrible warning to be on my guard.
+Against whom? First of all, my own weakness. This is a day of recognition.
+A noble aim, but on the way the feet bleed, and the heart&mdash;ah!
+Charmian, the poor, weak, disappointed heart!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She sighed heavily, and supported her head on the arm resting upon the
+table at her side. The polished, exquisitely grained surface of thya-wood
+was worth a large estate; the gems in the rings and bracelets which
+glittered on her hand and arm would have purchased a principality. This
+thought entered her mind and, overpowered by a feeling of angry disgust,
+she would fain have cast all the costly rubbish into the sea or the
+destroying flames.
+</p>
+<p>
+She would gladly have been a beggar, content with the barley bread of
+Epicurus, she said to herself, if in return she could but have inspired
+her son even with the views of the reckless blusterer Antyllus. Her worst
+fears had not pictured Cæsarion so weak, so insignificant. She could no
+longer rest upon her cushions; and while, with drooping head, she gazed
+backward over the past, the accusing voice in her own breast cried out
+that she was reaping what she had sowed. She had repressed, curbed the
+boy&rsquo;s awakening will to secure his obedience; understood how to prevent
+any exercise of his ability or efforts in wider circles.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, it had been done on many a pretext. Why should not her son taste the
+quiet happiness which she had enjoyed in the garden of Epicurus? And was
+not the requirement that whoever is to command must first learn to obey,
+based upon old experiences?
+</p>
+<p>
+But this was a day of reckoning and insight, and for the first time she
+found courage to confess that her own burning ambition had marked out the
+course of Cæsarion&rsquo;s education. She had not repressed his talents from
+cool calculation, but it had been pleasant to her to see him grow up free
+from aspirations. She had granted the dreamer repose without arousing him.
+How often she had rejoiced over the certainty that this son, on whom
+Antony, after his victory over the Parthians, had bestowed the title of
+Co-Regent, would never rebel against his mother&rsquo;s guardianship! The
+welfare of the state had doubtless been better secured in her trained
+hands than in those of an inexperienced boy. And the proud consciousness
+of power! Her heart swelled. So long as she lived she would remain Queen.
+To transfer the sovereignty to another, whatever name he might bear, had
+seemed to her impossible. Now she knew how little her son yearned for
+lofty things. Her heart contracted. The saying &ldquo;You reap what you sowed&rdquo;
+gave her no peace, and wherever she turned in her past life she perceived
+the fruit of the seeds which she had buried in the ground. The field was
+sinking under the burden of the ears of misfortune. The harvest was ripe
+for the reaper; but, ere he raised the sickle, the owner&rsquo;s claim must be
+preserved. Gorgias must hasten the building of the tomb; the end could not
+be long deferred. How to shape this worthily, if the victor left her no
+other choice, had just been pointed out by the son of whom she was
+ashamed. His father&rsquo;s noble blood forbade him to bear the deepest ignominy
+with the patience his mother had inculcated.
+</p>
+<p>
+It had grown late ere she admitted Antony&rsquo;s body-slave, but for her the
+business of the night was just commencing. After he had gone she would be
+engaged for hours with the commanders of the army, the fleet, the
+fortifications. The soliciting of allies, too, must be carried on by means
+of letters containing the most stirring appeals to the heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eros, Antony&rsquo;s body-slave, appeared. His kind eyes filled with tears at
+the sight of the Queen. Grief had not lessened the roundness of his
+handsome face, but the expression of mischievous, often insolent, gaiety
+had given place to a sorrowful droop of the lips, and his fair hair had
+begun to turn grey.
+</p>
+<p>
+Lucilius&rsquo;s information that Cleopatra had consented to make advances to
+Antony had seemed like the rising of the sun after a long period of
+darkness. In his eyes, not only his master, but everything else, must
+yield to the power of the Queen. He had heard Antony at Tarsus inveigh
+against &ldquo;the Egyptian serpent,&rdquo; protesting that he would make her pay so
+dearly for her questionable conduct towards himself and the cause of
+Cæsar that the treasure-houses on the Nile should be like an empty
+wine-skin; yet, a few hours after, body and soul had been in her toils. So
+it had continued till the battle of Actium. Now there was nothing more to
+lose; but what might not Cleopatra bestow upon his master? He thought of
+the delightful years during which his face had grown so round, and every
+day fresh pleasures and spectacles, such as the world would never again
+witness, had satiated eye and ear, palate and nostril,&mdash;nay, even
+curiosity. If they could be repeated, even in a simpler form, so much the
+better. His main&mdash;nay, almost his sole&mdash;desire was to release his lord
+from this wretched solitude, this horrible misanthropy, so ill suited to
+his nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra had kept him waiting two hours, but he would willingly have
+loitered in the anteroom thrice as long if she only determined to follow
+his counsel. It was worth considering, and Eros did not hesitate to give
+it. No one could foresee how Antony would greet Cleopatra herself, so he
+proposed that she should send Charmian&mdash;not alone, but with her
+clever hunch-backed maid, to whom the Imperator himself had given the name
+&ldquo;Aisopion.&rdquo; He liked Charmian, and could never see the dusky maid without
+jesting with her. If his master could once be induced to show a cheerful
+face to others besides himself, Eros, and perceived how much better it was
+to laugh than to lapse into sullen reverie and anger, much would be
+gained, and Charmian would do the rest, if she brought a loving message
+from her royal mistress.
+</p>
+<p>
+Hitherto Cleopatra had not interrupted him; but when she expressed the
+opinion that a slave&rsquo;s nimble tongue would have little power to change the
+deep despondency of a man overwhelmed by the most terrible disaster, Eros
+waved his short, broad hand, saying:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I trust your Majesty will pardon the frankness of a man so humble in
+degree, but those in high station often permit us to see what they hide
+from one another. Only the loftiest and the lowliest, the gods and the
+slaves, behold the great without disguise. May my ears be cropped if the
+Imperator&rsquo;s melancholy and misanthropy are so intense! All this is a
+disguise which pleases him. You know how, in better days, he enjoyed
+appearing as Dionysus, and with what wanton gaiety he played the part of
+the god. Now he is hiding his real, cheerful face behind the mask of
+unsocial melancholy, because he thinks the former does not suit this time
+of misfortune. True, he often says things which make your skin creep, and
+frequently broods mournfully over his own thoughts. But this never lasts
+long when we are alone. If I come in with a very funny story, and he
+doesn&rsquo;t silence me at once, you can rely on his surpassing it with a still
+more comical one. A short time ago I reminded him of the fishing party
+when your Majesty had a diver fasten a salted herring on his hook. You
+ought to have heard him laugh, and exclaim what happy days those were. The
+lady Charmian need only remind him of them, and Aisopion spice the
+allusion with a jest. I&rsquo;ll give my nose&mdash;true, it&rsquo;s only a small one,
+but everybody values that feature most&mdash;if they don&rsquo;t persuade him to
+leave that horrible crow&rsquo;s nest in the middle of the sea. They must remind
+him of the twins and little Alexander; for when he permits me to talk
+about them his brow smooths most speedily. He still speaks very often to
+Lucilius and his other friends of his great plans of forming a powerful
+empire in the East, with Alexandria as its principal city. His warrior
+blood is not yet calm. A short time ago I was even ordered to sharpen the
+curved Persian scimitar he likes to wield. One could not know what service
+it might be, he said. Then he swung his mighty arm. By the dog! The
+grey-haired giant still has the strength of three youths. When he is once
+more with you, among warriors and battle chargers, all will be well.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let us hope so.&rdquo; replied Cleopatra kindly, and promised to follow his
+advice.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Iras, who had taken Charmian&rsquo;s place, accompanied the Queen to her
+chamber after several hours of toil, she found her silent and sad. Lost in
+thought, she accepted her attendant&rsquo;s aid, breaking her silence only after
+she had gone to her couch. &ldquo;This has been a hard day, Iras,&rdquo; she said; &ldquo;it
+brought nothing save the confirmation of an old saying, perhaps the most
+ancient in the world: &lsquo;Every one wilt reap only what he sows. The plant
+which grows from the seed you place in the earth may be crushed, but no
+power in the world will compel the seed to develop differently or produce
+fruit unlike what Nature has assigned to it.&rsquo; My seed was evil. This now
+appears in the time of harvest. But we will yet bring a handful of good
+wheat to the storehouses. We will provide for that while there is time. I
+will talk with Gorgias early to-morrow morning. While we were building,
+you showed good taste and often suggested new ideas. When Gorgias brings
+the plans for the mausoleum you shall examine them with me. You have a
+right to do so, for, if I am not mistaken, few will visit the finished
+structure more frequently than my Iras.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The girl started up and, raising her hand as if taking a vow, exclaimed:
+&ldquo;Your tomb will vainly wait my visit; your end will be mine also.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;May the gods preserve your youth from it!&rdquo; replied the Queen in a tone of
+grave remonstrance. &ldquo;We still live and will do battle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch19">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XIX.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Night brought little sleep to Cleopatra. Memory followed memory, plan was
+added to plan. The resolve made the day before was the right one. To-day
+she would begin its execution. Whatever might happen, she was prepared for
+every contingency.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ere she went to her work she granted a second audience to the Roman envoy.
+Timagenes exerted all his powers of eloquence, skill in persuasion, wit,
+and ingenuity. He again promised to Cleopatra life and liberty, and to her
+children the throne; but when he insisted upon the surrender or death of
+Mark Antony as the first condition of any further negotiations, Cleopatra
+remained steadfast, and the ambassador set forth on his way home without
+any pledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+After he had gone, the Queen and Iras looked over the plans for the tomb
+brought by Gorgias, but the intense agitation of her soul distracted
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s attention, and she begged him to come again at a later hour.
+When she was alone, she took out the letters which Cæsar and Antony had
+written to her. How acute, subtle, and tender were those of the former;
+how ardent, impassioned, yet sincere were those of the mighty and fiery
+orator, whose eloquence swept the listening multitudes with him, yet whom
+her little hand had drawn wherever she desired!
+</p>
+<p>
+Her heart throbbed faster when she thought of the meeting with Antony, now
+close at hand; for Charmian had gone with the Nubian to invite him to join
+her again. They had started several hours ago, and she awaited their
+return with increasing impatience. She had summoned him for their last
+mutual battle. That he would come she did not doubt. But could she succeed
+in rekindling his courage? Two persons so closely allied should sink and
+perish, still firmly united, in the final battle, if victory was denied.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius was now announced.
+</p>
+<p>
+It soothed her merely to gaze into the faithful countenance, which
+recalled so many of her happiest memories.
+</p>
+<p>
+She opened her whole soul to him without reserve, and he drew himself up
+to his full height, as if restored to youth; while when she told him that
+she would never sully herself by treachery to her lover and husband, and
+had resolved to die worthy of her name, the expression of his eyes
+revealed that she had chosen the right path.
+</p>
+<p>
+Ere she had made the request that he should undertake the education and
+guidance of the children, he voluntarily proposed to devote his best
+powers to them. The plan of uniting Didymus&rsquo;s garden with the Lochias and
+giving it to the little ones also met with his approval. His sister had
+already told him that Cleopatra had determined to build her tomb. He
+hoped, he added, that its doors would not open to her for many years.
+</p>
+<p>
+She shook her head sorrowfully, exclaiming: &ldquo;Would that I could read every
+face as I do yours! My friend Archibius wishes me a long life, if any one
+does; but he is as wise as he is faithful, and therefore will consider
+that earthly life is by no means a boon in every case. Besides, he says to
+himself: &lsquo;Events are impending over this Queen and woman, my friend, which
+will perhaps render it advisable to make use of the great privilege which
+the immortals bestow on human beings when it becomes desirable for them to
+leave the stage of life. So let her build her tomb.&rsquo; Have I read the old
+familiar book aright?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;On the whole, yes,&rdquo; he answered gravely. &ldquo;But it is inscribed upon its
+pages that a great princess and faithful mother can be permitted to set
+forth on the last journey, whence there is no return, only when&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When,&rdquo; she interrupted, &ldquo;a shameful end threatens to fall upon the fair
+beginning and brilliant middle period, as a swarm of locusts darkens the
+air and devours and devastates the fields. I know it, and will act
+accordingly.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And,&rdquo; added Archibius, &ldquo;this end also (faithful to your nature) you will
+shape regally.&mdash;On my way here I met my sister near the Choma. You
+sent her to your husband. He will grasp the proffered hand. Now that it is
+necessary to stake everything or surrender, the grandson of Herakles will
+again display his former heroic power. Perhaps, stimulated and encouraged
+by the example of the woman he loves, he will even force hostile Fate to
+show him fresh favour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Destiny will pursue its course,&rdquo; interrupted Cleopatra firmly. &ldquo;But
+Antony must help me to heap fresh obstacles in the pathway, and when he
+wishes to use his giant strength, what masses of rock his mighty arm can
+hurl!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And if your lofty spirit smooths the path for him, then, my royal
+mistress&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Even then the close of the tragedy will be death, and every scene a
+disappointment. Was not the plan of bringing the fleet across the isthmus
+bold and full of promise? Even the professional engineers greeted it with
+applause, and yet it proved impracticable. Destiny dug its grave. And the
+terrible omens before and after Actium, and the stars&mdash;the stars!
+Everything points to speedy destruction, everything! Every hour brings
+news of the desertion of some prince or general. As if from a watch-tower,
+I now overlook what is growing from the seed I sowed. Sterile ears or
+poisonous vegetation, wherever I turn my eyes. And yet! You, who know my
+life from its beginning, tell me&mdash;must I veil my head in shame when
+the question is asked, what powers of intellect, what talents industry,
+and desire for good Cleopatra displayed?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;No, my royal mistress, a thousand times no!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet the fruit of every tree I planted degenerated and decayed. Cæsarion
+is withering in the flower of his youth&mdash;by whose fault I know only
+too well. You will now take charge of the education of the other children.
+So it is for you to consider what brought me where I now stand, and how to
+guard their life-bark from wandering and shipwreck.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let me train them to be human beings,&rdquo; replied Archibius gravely, &ldquo;and
+preserve them from the desire to enter the lists with the gods. From the
+simple Cleopatra in the garden of Epicurus, who was a delight to the good
+and wise, you became the new Isis, to whom the multitude raised hearts,
+eyes, and hands, dazzled and blinded. We will transfer the twins, Helios
+and Selene, the sun and the moon, from heaven to earth; they must become
+mortals&mdash;Greeks. I will not transplant them to the garden of
+Epicurus, but to another, where the air is more bracing. The inscription
+on its portals shall not be, &lsquo;Here pleasure is the chief good,&rsquo; but &lsquo;This
+is an arena for character.&rsquo; He who leaves this garden shall not owe to it
+the yearning for happiness and comfort, but an immovably steadfast moral
+discipline. Your children, like yourself, were born in the East, which
+loves what is monstrous, superhuman, exaggerated. If you entrust them to
+me, they must learn to govern themselves. At the helm stands moral
+earnestness, which, however, does not exclude the joyous cheerfulness
+natural to our people; the sails will be trimmed by moderation, the
+noblest quality of the Greek nation.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I understand,&rdquo; Cleopatra interrupted, with drooping head. &ldquo;Interwoven
+with the means of securing the children&rsquo;s welfare, you set before the
+mother&rsquo;s eyes the qualities she has lacked. I know that long ago you
+abandoned the teachings of Epicurus and the Stoa, and with an earnest aim
+before your eyes sought your own paths. The tempest of life swept me far
+away from the quiet garden where we sought the purest delight. Now I have
+learned to know the perils which threaten those who see the chief good in
+happiness. It stands too high for mortals, for in the changeful stir of
+life it remains unattainable, and yet it is too low an aim for their
+struggles, for there are worthier objects. Yet one saying of Epicurus we
+both believed, and it has always stood us in good stead: &lsquo;Wisdom can
+obtain no more precious contribution to the happiness of mortal life than
+the possession of friendship.&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She held out her hand as she spoke, and while, deeply agitated, he raised
+it to his lips, she went on: &ldquo;You know I am on the eve of the last
+desperate battle&mdash;if the gods will&mdash;shoulder to shoulder with
+Antony. Therefore I shall not be permitted to watch your work of
+education; yet I will aid it. When the children question you about their
+mother, you will be obliged to restrain yourself from saying: &lsquo;Instead of
+striving for the painless peace of mind, the noble pleasure of Epicurus,
+which once seemed to her the highest good, she constantly pursued fleeting
+amusements. The Oriental recklessly squandered her once noble gifts of
+intellect and the wealth of her people, yielded to the hasty impulses of
+her passionate nature.&rsquo; But you shall also say to them: &lsquo;Your mother&rsquo;s
+heart was full of ardent love, she scorned what was base, strove for the
+highest goal, and when she fell, preferred death to treachery and
+disgrace.&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here she paused, for she thought she heard footsteps approaching, and then
+exclaimed anxiously: &ldquo;I am waiting&mdash;expecting. Perhaps Antony cannot
+escape from the paralyzing grasp of despair. To fight the last battle
+without him, and yet under the gaze of his wrathful, gloomy eyes, once so
+full of sunshine, would be the greatest sorrow of my life. Archibius, I
+may confess this to you, the friend who saw love for this man develop in
+the breast of the child&mdash;&mdash; But what does this mean? An uproar! Have the
+people rebelled? Yesterday the representatives of the priesthood, the
+members of the museum, and the leaders of the army assured me of their
+changeless fidelity and love. Dion belonged to the Macedonian men of the
+Council; yet I have already declared, in accordance with the truth, that I
+never intended to persecute him on Cæsarion&rsquo;s account. I do not even know&mdash;and
+do not desire to know&mdash;the refuge of the lately wedded pair. Or has the new
+tax levied, the command to seize the treasures of the temple, driven them
+to extremities? What am I to do? We need gold to bid the foe defiance, to
+preserve the independence of the throne, the country, and the people. Or
+have tidings from Rome&mdash;&mdash;? It is becoming serious&mdash;and the noise is
+growing louder.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let me see what they want,&rdquo; Archibius anxiously interrupted, hastening to
+the door; but just at that moment the Introducer opened it, crying, &ldquo;Mark
+Antony is approaching the Lochias, attended by half Alexandria!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The noble Imperator is returning!&rdquo; fell from the bearded lips of the
+commander of the guard, ere the courtier&rsquo;s words had died away; and even
+while he spoke Iras pressed past him, shrieking as if half frantic: &ldquo;He is
+coming! He is here! I knew he would come! How they are shouting and
+cheering! Out with you, men! If you are willing, my royal mistress, we
+will greet him from the balcony of Berenike. If we only had&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The twins&mdash;little Alexander!&rdquo; interrupted Cleopatra, with blanched
+face and faltering voice. &ldquo;Put on their festal garments.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Quick&mdash;the children, Zoe!&rdquo; cried Iras, completing the order and
+clapping her hands. Then she turned to the Queen with the entreaty: &ldquo;Be
+calm, my royal mistress, be calm, I beseech you. We have ample time. Here
+is the vulture crown of Isis, and here the other. Antony&rsquo;s slave, Eros,
+has just come in, panting for breath. The Imperator, he says, will appear
+as the new Dionysus. It would certainly please his master&mdash;though he
+had not commissioned him to request it&mdash;if you greeted him as the new
+Isis.&mdash;Help me, Hathor. Nephoris, tell the usher to see that the
+fan-bearers and the other attendants, women and men, are in their places.&mdash;Here
+are the pearl and diamond necklaces for your throat and bosom. Take care
+of the robe. The transparent bombyx is as delicate as a cobweb, and if you
+tear it&mdash;&mdash; No, you must not refuse. We all know how it pleases him to see his
+goddess in divine majesty and beauty.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra, with glowing cheeks and throbbing heart, made no further
+objection to donning the superb festal robe, strewn with glimmering
+pearls and glittering gems. It would have been more in harmony with her
+feelings to meet the returning Antony in the plain, dark garb which,
+since her arrival at home, she had exchanged for a richer one only on
+festal occasions; but Antony was coming as the new Dionysus, and Eros
+knew what would please his master.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eight nimble hands, which were often aided by Iras&rsquo;s skilful fingers,
+toiled busily, and soon the latter could hold up the mirror before
+Cleopatra, exclaiming from the very depths of her heart, &ldquo;Like the
+foam-born Aphrodite and the golden Hathor!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then Iras, who, in adorning her beloved mistress, had forgotten love,
+hate, and envy, and amid her eager haste barely found time for a brief,
+fervent prayer for a happy issue of this meeting, threw the broad
+folding-doors as wide as if she were about to reveal to the worshippers in
+the temple the image of the god in the innermost sanctuary.
+</p>
+<p>
+A long, echoing shout of surprise and delight greeted the Queen, for the
+courtiers, hastily summoned, were already awaiting her without, from the
+grey-haired epistolograph to the youngest page. Regally attired women in
+her service raised the floating train of her cloak; others, in sacerdotal
+robes, were testing the ease of movement of the rings on the sistrum rods,
+men and boys were forming into lines according to the rank of each
+individual, and the chief fan-bearer gave the signal for departure. After
+a short walk through several halls and corridors, the train reached the
+first court-yard of the palace, and there ascended the few steps leading
+to the broad platform at the entrance-gate which overlooked the whole
+Bruchium and the Street of the King, down which the expected hero would
+approach.
+</p>
+<p>
+The distant uproar of the multitude had sounded threatening, but now, amid
+the deafening din, they could distinguish every shout of welcome, every
+joyous greeting, every expression of delight, surprise, applause,
+admiration, and homage, known to the Greek and Egyptian tongues.
+</p>
+<p>
+Only the centre and end of the procession were visible. The head had
+reached the Corner of the Muses, where, concealed by the old trees in the
+garden, it moved on between the Temple of Isis and the land owned by
+Didymus. The end still extended to the Choma, whence it had started.
+</p>
+<p>
+All Alexandria seemed to have joined it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Men large and small, of high and low degree, old and young, the lame and
+the crippled, mingled with the throng, sweeping onward among horses and
+carriages, carts and beasts of burden, like a mountain torrent dashing
+wildly down to the valley. Here a loud shriek rang from an overturned
+litter, whose bearers had fallen. Yonder a child thrown to the ground
+screamed shrilly, there a dog trodden under the feet of the crowd howled
+piteously. So clear and resonant were the shouts of joy that they rose
+high above the flutes and tambourines, the cymbals and lutes of the
+musicians, who followed the man approaching in the robes of a god.
+</p>
+<p>
+The head of the procession now passed beyond the Corner of the Muses and
+came within view of the platform.
+</p>
+<p>
+There could be no doubt to whom this ovation was given, for the returning
+hero was in the van, high above all the other figures. From the golden
+throne borne on the shoulders of twelve black slaves he waved his long
+thyrsus in greeting to the exulting multitude. Before the bacchanalian
+train which accompanied him, and behind the musicians who followed, moved
+two elephants bearing between them, as a light burden, some unrecognizable
+object covered with a purple cloth. Now the column had passed between the
+pylons through the lofty gateway which separated the palace from the
+Street of the King, and stopped opposite to the platform.
+</p>
+<p>
+While officials, Scythians, and body-guards of all shades of complexion,
+on foot and on horseback, kept back the throng by force where friendly
+warning did not avail, Cleopatra saw her lover descend from the throne and
+give a signal to the Indian slave who guided the elephants. The cloth was
+flung aside, revealing to the astonished eyes of the spectators a bouquet
+of flowers such as no Alexandrian had ever beheld. It consisted entirely
+of blossoming rose-bushes. The red flowers formed a circle in the centre,
+surrounded by a broad light garland of white ones. The whole gigantic work
+rested like an egg in its cup in a holder of palm fronds which, as it
+were, framed it in graceful curving outlines. More than a thousand
+blossoms were united in this peerless bouquet, and the singular gigantic
+gift was characteristic of its giver.
+</p>
+<p>
+He advanced on foot to the platform, his figure towering above the brown,
+light-hued, and black freedmen and slaves who followed as, on the
+monuments of the Pharaohs, the image of the sovereign dominates those of
+the subjects and foes.
+</p>
+<p>
+He could look down upon the tallest men, and the width of his shoulders
+was as remarkable as his colossal height. A long, gold-broidered purple
+mantle, floating to his ancles, increased his apparent stature. Powerful
+arms, with the swelling muscles of an athlete, were extended from his
+sleeveless robe towards the beloved Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+The well-formed head, thick dark hair, and magnificent beard corresponded
+with the powerful figure. Formerly these locks had adorned the head of the
+youth with the blue-black hue of the raven&rsquo;s plumage; now the threads of
+grey scattered abundantly through them were concealed by the aid of dye. A
+thick wreath of vine leaves rested on the Imperator&rsquo;s brow, and leafy vine
+branches, to which clung several dark bunches of grapes, fell over his
+broad shoulders and down his back, which was covered like a cloak, not by
+a leopard-skin, but that of a royal Indian tiger of great size&mdash;he
+had slain it himself in the arena. The head and paws of the animal were
+gold, the eyes two magnificent sparkling sapphires. The clasp of the
+chain, by which the skin was suspended, as well as that of the gold belt
+which circled the Imperator&rsquo;s body above the hips, was covered with rubies
+and emeralds. The wide armlets above his elbows, the ornaments on his
+broad breast, nay, even his red morocco boots, glittered and flashed with
+gems.
+</p>
+<p>
+Radiant magnificent as his former fortunes seemed the attire of this
+mighty fallen hero, who but yesterday had shrunk timidly and sadly from
+the eyes of his fellow-men. His features, too, were large, noble, and
+beautiful in outline; but, though his pale cheeks were adorned with the
+borrowed crimson of youth, half a century of the maddest pursuit of
+pleasure and the torturing excitement of the last few weeks had left
+traces only too visible; for the skin hung in loose bags beneath the large
+eyes; wrinkles furrowed his brow and radiated in slanting lines from the
+corners of his eyes across his temples.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet not one of those whom this bedizened man of fifty was approaching
+thought of seeing in him an aged, bedecked dandy; it was an instinct of
+his nature to surround himself with pomp and splendour and, moreover, his
+whole appearance was so instinct with power that scorn and mockery shrank
+abashed before it.
+</p>
+<p>
+How frank, gracious, and kindly was this man&rsquo;s face, how sincere the
+heart-felt emotion which sparkled in his eyes, still glowing with the fire
+of youth, at the sight of the woman from whom he had been so long parted!
+Every feature beamed with the most ardent tenderness for the royal wife
+whom he was approaching, and the expression on the lips of the giant
+varied so swiftly from humble, sorrowful anguish of mind to gratitude and
+delight, that even the hearts of his foes were touched. But when, pressing
+his hand on his broad breast, he advanced towards the Queen, bending so
+low that it seemed as if he would fain kiss her feet, when in fact the
+colossal figure did sink kneeling before her, and the powerful arms were
+outstretched with fervent devotion like a child beseeching help, the woman
+who had loved him throughout her whole life with all the ardour of her
+passionate soul was overpowered by the feeling that everything which stood
+between them, all their mutual offences, had vanished. He saw the sunny
+smile that brightened her beloved, ever-beautiful face, and then&mdash;then
+his own name reached his ears from the lips to which he owed the greatest
+bliss love had ever offered. At last, as if intoxicated by the tones of
+her voice, which seemed to him more musical than the songs of the Muses;
+half smiling at the jest which, even in the most serious earnest, he could
+not abandon; half moved to the depths of his soul by the power of his
+newly awakening happiness after such sore sorrow, he pointed to the
+gigantic bouquet, which three slaves had lifted down from the elephant and
+were bearing to the Queen. Cleopatra, too, was overwhelmed with emotion.
+</p>
+<p>
+This floral gift imitated, on an immense scale, the little bouquet which
+the famous young general had taken from her father&rsquo;s hand before the gate
+of the garden of Epicurus to present to her as his first gift. That had
+also been composed of red roses, surrounded by white ones. Instead of palm
+fronds, it had been encircled only by fern leaves. This was one of the
+beautiful offerings which Antony&rsquo;s gracious nature so well understood how
+to choose. The bouquet was a symbol of the unprecedented generosity
+natural to this large-minded man. No magic goblet had compelled him to
+approach her thus and with such homage. Nothing had constrained him, save
+his overflowing heart, his constant, fadeless love.
+</p>
+<p>
+As if restored to youth, transported by some magic spell to the happy days
+of early girlhood, she forgot her royal dignity and the hundreds of eyes
+which rested upon him as if spell-bound; and, obedient to an irresistible
+impulse of the heart, she sank upon the broad, heaving breast of the
+kneeling hero. Laughing joyously in the clear, silvery tones which are
+usually heard only in youth, he clasped her in his strong arms, raised her
+slender figure in its floating royal mantle from the ground, kissed her
+lips and eyes, held her aloft in the soaring attitude of the Goddess of
+Victory, as if to display his happiness to the eyes of all, and at last
+placed her carefully on her feet again like some treasured jewel.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, turning to the children, who were waiting at their mother&rsquo;s side, he
+lifted first little Alexander, then the twins, to kiss them; and, while
+holding Helios and Selene in his arms, as if the joy of seeing them again
+had banished their weight, the shouts which had arisen when the Queen sank
+on his breast again burst forth.
+</p>
+<p>
+The ancient walls of the Lochias palace had never heard such acclamations.
+They passed from lip to lip, from hundreds to hundreds and, though those
+more distant did not know the cause, they joined in the shouts. Along the
+whole vast stretch from the Lochias to the Choma the cheers rang out like
+a single, heart-stirring, inseparable cry, echoing across the harbour, the
+ships lying at anchor, the towering masts, to the cliff amid the sea where
+Barine was nursing her new-made husband.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch20">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XX.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part
+of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner
+of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.
+It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since
+rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the
+neighbouring cliffs. Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so
+hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring
+even the drinking-water from the continent.
+</p>
+<p>
+This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had
+been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine. They
+still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their
+arrival. During the day the sun beat fiercely down upon the yellow chalky
+rock. There was no shade save in the house and at the foot of a towering
+cliff in the southern part of the island, the fishermen&rsquo;s watch-tower.
+</p>
+<p>
+There were no works of human hands save a little Temple of Poseidon, an
+altar of Isis, the large house owned by Pyrrhus, solidly constructed by
+Alexandrian masons, and a smaller one for the freedman&rsquo;s married sons and
+their families. A long wooden frame, on which nets were strung to dry,
+rose on the shore. Near it, towards the north, in the open sea, was the
+anchorage of the larger sea-going ships and the various skiffs and boats
+of the fisher folk. Dionikos, Pyrrhus&rsquo;s youngest son, who was still
+unmarried, built new boats and repaired the old ones.
+</p>
+<p>
+His two strong, taciturn brothers, with their wives and children, his
+father Pyrrhus, his wife and their youngest child, a daughter, Dione, a
+few dogs, cats, and chickens, composed the population of the Serpent
+Island.
+</p>
+<p>
+Such were the surroundings of the newly wedded pair, who had been reared
+in the capital. At first many things were strange to them, but they
+accommodated themselves to circumstances with a good grace, and both had
+admitted to each other, long before, that life had never been so equable
+and peaceful.
+</p>
+<p>
+During the first week Dion&rsquo;s wound and fever still harassed him, but the
+prediction of Pyrrhus that the pure, fresh sea-air would benefit the
+sufferer had been fulfilled, and the monotonous days had passed swiftly
+enough to the young bride in caring for the invalid.
+</p>
+<p>
+The wife of Pyrrhus&mdash;&ldquo;mother,&rdquo; as they all called her&mdash;had
+proved to be a skilful nurse, and her daughters-in-law and young Dione
+were faithful and nimble assistants. During the time of anxiety and
+nursing, Barine had formed a warm friendship for them. If the taciturn men
+avoided using a single unnecessary word, the women were all the more ready
+to gossip; and it was a pleasure to talk to pretty Dione, who had grown up
+on the island and was eager to hear about the outside world.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion had long since left his couch and the house, and each day looked
+happier, more content with himself and his surroundings. At first his
+feverish visions had shown him his dead mother, pointing anxiously at his
+new-made wife, as if to warn him against her. During his convalescence he
+remembered them and they conjured up the doubt whether Barine could endure
+the solitude of this desolate cliff, whether she would not lose the bright
+serenity of soul whose charm constantly increased. Would it be any marvel
+if she should pine with longing in this solitude, and even suffer
+physically from their severe privations?
+</p>
+<p>
+The perception that love now supplied the place of all which she had lost
+pleased him, but he forbade himself to expect that this condition of
+affairs could be lasting. Nothing save exaggerated self-conceit would
+induce the hope. But he must have undervalued his own power of attraction&mdash;or
+Barine&rsquo;s love&mdash;for with each passing week the cheerful serenity of
+her disposition gained fresh steadfastness and charm. He, too, had the
+same experience; it was long since he had felt so vigorous, untrammelled,
+and free from care. His sole regret was the impossibility of sharing the
+political life of the city at this critical period; and at times he felt
+some little anxiety concerning the fate and management of his property,
+though, even if his estates were confiscated, he would still retain a
+competence which he had left in the hands of a trustworthy money-changer.
+Barine shared everything that concerned him, even these moods, and this
+led him to tell her about the affairs of the city and the state, in which
+she had formerly taken little interest, his property in Alexandria and the
+provinces. With what glad appreciation she listened, when she went out
+with him from the northern anchorage on the open sea, or sat during long
+winter evenings making nets, an art which she had learned from Dione!
+</p>
+<p>
+Her lute had been sent to her from the city, and what pleasure her singing
+afforded her husband and herself; how joyously their hosts, old and young,
+listened to the melody!
+</p>
+<p>
+A few book-rolls had also come, and Dion enjoyed discussing their contents
+with Barine. He himself read very little, for he was rarely indoors during
+the day. The fourth week after his arrival he was able to aid, with arms
+whose muscles had been steeled in the palæstra, the men in their fishing,
+and Dionikos in his boat-building.
+</p>
+<p>
+The close, constant, uninterrupted companionship of the married pair
+revealed to each unexpected treasures in the other, which, perhaps, might
+have remained forever concealed in city life. Here each was everything to
+the other, and this undisturbed mutual life soon inspired that blissful
+consciousness of inseparable union which usually appears only after years,
+as the fairest fruit of a marriage founded on love.
+</p>
+<p>
+Doubtless there were hours when Barine longed to see her mother and others
+who were dear to her, but the letters which arrived from time to time
+prevented this yearning from becoming a source of actual pain.
+</p>
+<p>
+Prudence required them to restrict their intercourse with the city. But,
+whenever Pyrrhus went to market, letters reached the island delivered at
+the fish auction in the harbour by Anukis, Charmian&rsquo;s Nubian maid, to the
+old freedman, who had become her close friend.
+</p>
+<p>
+So the time came when Dion could say without self-deception that Barine
+was content in this solitude, and that his love and companionship supplied
+the place of the exciting, changeful life of the capital. Though letters
+came from her mother, sister, or Charmian, her grandfather, Gorgias, or
+Archibius, not one transformed the wish to leave her desolate hiding-place
+into actual homesickness, but each brought fresh subjects for
+conversation, and among them many which, by arousing the interest of both,
+united them more firmly.
+</p>
+<p>
+The second month of their flight a letter arrived from Archibius, in which
+he informed them that they might soon form plans for their return, for
+Alexas, the Syrian, had proved a malicious traitor. He had not performed
+the commission entrusted to him of winning Herod to Antony&rsquo;s cause, but
+treacherously deserted his patron and remained with the King of the Jews.
+When, with unprecedented shamelessness, he sought Octavianus to sell the
+secrets of his Egyptian benefactor, he was arrested and executed in his
+own home, Laodicea.
+</p>
+<p>
+Now, their friend continued, Cleopatra&rsquo;s eyes as well as her husband&rsquo;s
+were opened to the true character of Barine&rsquo;s most virulent accuser. The
+influence of Philostratus, too, was of course destroyed by his brother&rsquo;s
+infamous deed. Yet they must wait a little longer; for Cæsarion had
+joined the Ephebi, and Antyllus had been invested with the <i>toga virilis</i>.
+They could now undertake many things independently, and Cæsarion often
+made remarks which showed that he would not cease to lay plots for Barine.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion feared nothing from the royal boy on his own account, but for his
+wife&rsquo;s sake he dared not disregard his friend&rsquo;s warning. This was hard;
+for though he still felt happy on the island, he longed to install the
+woman he loved in his own house, and every impulse of his nature urged him
+to be present at the meetings of the Council in these fateful times.
+Therefore he was more than ready to risk returning to the city, but Barine
+entreated him so earnestly not to exchange the secure happiness they
+enjoyed here for a greater one, behind which might lurk the heaviest
+misfortune, that he yielded. Another letter from Charmian soon proved the
+absolute necessity of continuing to exercise caution.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even from the island they could perceive that everything known as festal
+pleasure was rife in Alexandria, and bore along in its mad revelry the
+court and the citizens. When the wind blew from the south, it brought
+single notes of inspiring music or indistinct sounds of the wildest
+popular rejoicing.
+</p>
+<p>
+The fisherman&rsquo;s daughter, Dione, often called them to the strand to admire
+the galleys adorned with fabulous splendour, garlanded with flowers, and
+echoing with the music of lutes and the melody of songs. Sails of purple
+embroidered silk bore the vessels over the smooth tide. Once the watchers
+even distinguished, upon a barge richly adorned with gilded carving, young
+female slaves who, with floating hair and transparent sea-green robes,
+handled, in the guise of Nereids, light sandal-wood oars with golden
+blades. Often the breeze bore to the island the perfumes which surrounded
+the galleys, and on calm nights the magnificent ships, surrounded by the
+magical illumination of many-hued lamps, swept across the mirror-like
+surface of the waves, Among the voyagers were gods, goddesses, and heroes
+who, standing or reclining in beautiful groups, represented scenes from
+the myths and history. On the deck of the Queen&rsquo;s superb vessel guests
+crowned with wreaths lay on purple couches, under garlands of flowers,
+eating choice viands and draining golden wine-cups.
+</p>
+<p>
+On other nights the illumination of the shore of the Bruchium rendered it
+as bright as day. The huge dome of the Serapeum on the Rhakotis, covered
+with lamps, towered above the flat roofs of the city like the starry
+firmament of a smaller world which had descended to earth. Every temple
+and palace was transformed into a giant candelabrum, and the rows of lamps
+on the quay stretched like tendrils of light from the dazzlingly
+illuminated marble Temple of Poseidon to the palace at Lochias, steeped in
+radiance.
+</p>
+<p>
+When Pyrrhus or one of his sons returned from market they described the
+festivals and shows, banquets, races, and endless pleasure excursions
+arranged by the court, which made the citizens fairly hold their breath.
+It was a prosperous time for the fishermen; the Queen&rsquo;s cooks took all
+their wares and paid a liberal price.
+</p>
+<p>
+January had come, when another letter arrived from Charmian. Dion and
+Barine had watched in vain for any unusual events on Cleopatra&rsquo;s birth
+day, but on Antony&rsquo;s, a few days later, there was plenty of music and
+shouting, and in the evening an unusually magnificent illumination.
+</p>
+<p>
+Two days after, this letter was delivered to Pyrrhus by his dusky friend
+Anukis.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her inquiry whether he thought it prudent to convey visitors to his guests
+was answered in the negative, for since Octavianus had been in Asia, the
+harbour swarmed with the boats of spies, and a single act of imprudence
+might bring ruin.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian&rsquo;s letter, too, was even better calculated to curb Dion&rsquo;s
+increasing desire to return home than the fisherman&rsquo;s warning.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, the beginning contained good news of Barine&rsquo;s relatives, and then
+informed Dion that his uncle, the Keeper of the Seal, was fairly revelling
+in bliss. His inventive gifts were taxed more than ever. Every day brought
+a festival, every night magnificent banquets. One spectacle, excursion, or
+hunting party followed another. In the theatres, the Odeum, the
+Hippodrome, no more brilliant performances, races, naval battles,
+gladiatorial struggles, and combats between beasts had been given, even
+before Actium. Dion himself had formerly attended the entertainments of
+those who belonged to the court circle, the society of &ldquo;Inimitable
+Livers.&rdquo; It had been revived again, but Antony called them the &ldquo;Comrades
+of Death.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+This was significant. Every one knows that the end is drawing near, and
+imitates the Pharaoh to whom the oracle promised six years of life, and
+who convicted it of falsehood and made them twelve by carousing during
+the night also.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen&rsquo;s meeting with her husband, which she had previously reported,
+had been magnificent. &ldquo;At that time,&rdquo; she wrote, &ldquo;we hoped that a more
+noble life would begin, and Mark Antony, awakened and elevated by his
+rekindled love, would regain his former heroic power; but we were
+mistaken; Cleopatra, it is true, toiled unceasingly, but her lover with
+his enormous bunch of roses gave the signal for the maddest revelry which
+the imagination of the wildest devotee of pleasure could conceive. The
+performances of the &lsquo;Inimitable Livers&rsquo; were far surpassed by those of the
+&lsquo;Comrades of Death&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antony is at their head, and he, whose giant frame resists even the most
+unprecedented demands, succeeds in stupefying himself and forgetting the
+impending ruin. When he comes to us after a night of revelry his eyes
+sparkle as brightly, his deep voice has as clear a ring, as at the
+beginning of the banquet. The Queen is his goddess; and who could remain
+unmoved when the giant bows obediently to the nod of his delicate
+sovereign, and devises and offers the most unprecedented things to win a
+smile from her lips? The changeful, impetuous wooing of youth lies far
+behind him, but his homage, which the Ephebi of today would perhaps term
+antiquated, has always seemed to me as if a mountain were bending before a
+star. The stranger who sees her in his company believes her a happy woman.
+Amid the fabulous radiance of the festal array, when all who surround her
+admire, worship, and strew flowers in her path, one might believe that the
+old sunny days had returned; but when we are alone, how rarely I see her
+smile! Then she plans for the tomb which, under Gorgias&rsquo;s direction, is
+rapidly rising, and considers with him the best method of rendering it an
+inaccessible place of retreat.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;She decided everything, down to the carving on the stone sarcophagi. In
+addition, there are to be rooms and chambers in the lower story for the
+reception of her treasures. Beneath them she has had corridors made for
+the pitch and straw which, if the worst should come, are to be lighted.
+She will then give to the flames the gold and silver, gems and jewels,
+ebony and ivory, the costly spices&mdash;in short, all her valuables. The
+pearls alone are worth many kingdoms. Who can blame her if she prefers to
+destroy them rather than leave them for the foe.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The garden in which you grew up, Barine, is now the scene of the happy,
+busy life led by Alexander and the twins. There, under my brother&rsquo;s
+guidance, they frolic, build, and dig. Cleopatra goes to it whenever she
+longs for repose after the pursuit of pleasures which have lost their
+zest.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When, the day before yesterday, Antony, crowned with ivy as the new
+Dionysus, drove up the Street of the King in the golden chariot drawn by
+tamed lions, to bring her, the new Isis, from the Lochias in a lotus
+flower made of silver and white paste, drawn by four snow-white steeds,
+she pointed to the glittering train and said: &lsquo;Between the quiet of the
+philosopher&rsquo;s garden, where I began my life and still feel most at ease,
+and the grave, where nothing disturbs my last repose, stretches the Street
+of the King, with this deafening tumult, this empty splendour. It is
+mine.&rsquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;O child, it was very different in former days! She loved Mark Antony with
+passionate ardour. He was the first man in the world, and yet he bowed
+before the supremacy of her will. The longing of the awakening heart, the
+burning ambition which already kindled the soul of the child, had alike
+found satisfaction, and the world beheld how the mortal woman, Cleopatra,
+for her lover and herself, could steep this meagre life with the joys of
+the immortals. He was grateful for them, and the most generous of men laid
+at the feet of the &lsquo;Great Queen of the East&rsquo; the might of Rome and the
+kings of two quarters of the globe.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;These years were spent by both in one long revel. His marriage with
+Octavia brought the first awakening. It was hard and painful. He had not
+deserted Cleopatra for a woman&rsquo;s sake, but on account of his endangered
+power and sovereignty. But the unloved Octavia constrained him to look up
+to her with respectful admiration&mdash;nay, she became dear to him.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A fierce battle for him and his heart arose between the two. It was
+fought with very different weapons, and Cleopatra conquered. The revel,
+the dream began again. Then came Actium, the disenchantment, the
+awakening, the fall, the flight from the world. Our object was not to let
+him relapse into intoxication, to rouse the hero&rsquo;s strength and courage
+from their slumber, render him for love&rsquo;s sake a fellow-combatant in the
+common cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But he had become accustomed to see in her the giver of ecstasy. The only
+thing that he still desired was to drain the cup of pleasure in her
+society till all was over. She sees this, grieves over it, and leaves no
+means of rousing him to fresh energy untried; yet how rarely he rallies
+his powers to earnest labour!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;While she is fortifying the mouths of the Nile and the frontiers of the
+country, building ship after ship, arming and negotiating, she can not
+resist him when he summons her to new pleasures.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Though so many of the traits which rendered him great and noble have
+vanished, she can not give up the old love and clings steadfastly to him
+because, because&mdash;I know not why. A woman&rsquo;s loving heart does not
+question motives and laws. Besides, he is the father of her children and,
+in playing with them, he regains the old joyousness of mood so enthralling
+to the heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Since Archibius has taken charge of them, they can dispense with
+Euphronion, their tutor. The clever man knows Rome, Octavianus, and those
+who surround him, so he was chosen as an envoy. His object was to induce
+the conqueror to transfer the sovereignty of Egypt to the boys Antonius
+Helios, and Alexander, but Cæsar vouchsafed no answer to the mediator in
+Antony&rsquo;s affairs&mdash;nay, did not even grant him an audience.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To Cleopatra Octavianus promised friendly treatment, and the fulfilment
+of her wish concerning the boys if&mdash;and now came the repetition of
+the old demand&mdash;she would put Antony out of the world or deliver him
+into his hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;This demand, which contains base treachery, was impossible for her noble
+soul. Since she had resolved to build the tomb, granting it became
+impossible, yet Octavianus made every effort to tempt her to the base
+deed. True, the death of this one man would have spared much bloodshed.
+The Cæsar knows how to choose his tools. He sent here as negotiator a
+clever young man, who possessed great charms of mind and person. No plan
+to prejudice the Queen against her husband and persuade her to commit the
+treachery was left untried. He went so far as to assure Cleopatra that in
+former years she had won the Cæsar&rsquo;s heart, and that he still loved her.
+She accepted these assurances at their true value and remained steadfast.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antony at first paid no heed to the intriguer. But when he learned what
+means he employed, and especially how he made use of the surrender of one
+of Cæsar&rsquo;s murderers, which he himself had long regretted, to brand him
+as an ungrateful traitor, he would not have been Mark Antony if he had
+accepted it quietly. He was completely his old self when he ordered the
+smooth fellow&mdash;who, however, had come as the ambassador of the mighty
+victor&mdash;to be scourged, sent him back to Rome, and wrote a letter to
+Octavianus, in which he complained of the man&rsquo;s arrogance and presumption,
+adding&mdash;spite of my heavy heart I can not help smiling when I think
+of it&mdash;that misfortune had rendered him unusually irritable; yet if
+his action perhaps displeased Cæsar, he might treat his freedman
+Hipparchus, who was in his power, as he had served Thyrsus!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You see that his gay arrogance has not deserted him. Trouble slips away
+from him as rain is shaken from the coarse military cloak which he wore in
+the Parthian war, and therefore it cannot exert its purifying power.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;When we consider that, a few years ago, this man, as it were, doubled
+himself when peril was most threatening, his conduct now, on the eve of
+the decisive struggle, is intelligible only to those who know him as we
+do. If he fights, he will no longer do so to save himself, or even to
+conquer, but to die an honourable death. If he still enjoys the pleasures
+offered, he believes that he can thus mitigate for himself the burden of
+defeat, and diminish the grandeur of the conqueror&rsquo;s victory. In the eyes
+of the world, at least, a man who can still revel like Antony is only half
+vanquished. Yet the lofty tone of his mind was lowered. The surrender of
+the murderer of Cæsar&mdash;his name was Turullius&mdash;proves it.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And this, Barine&mdash;tell your husband so&mdash;this is what fills me
+with anxiety and compels me to entreat you not to think of returning home
+yet.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Antony is now the jovial companion of his son, and permits Antyllus to
+share all his own pleasures. Of course, he heard of Cæsarion&rsquo;s passion,
+and is disposed to help the poor fellow. He has often said that nothing
+would better serve to rouse the dreamer from torpor than your charming
+vivacity. As the earth could scarcely have swallowed you up, you would be
+found; he, too, should be glad to hear you sing again. I know that search
+will be made for you.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How imperiously this state of affairs requires you to exercise caution
+needs no explanation. On the other hand, you may find comfort in the
+tidings that Cleopatra intends to send Cæsarion with his tutor Rhodon to
+Ethiopia, by way of the island of Philæ. Archibius heard through
+Timagenes that Octavianus considers the son of Cæsar, whose face so
+wonderfully resembles his father&rsquo;s, a dangerous person, and this opinion
+is the boy&rsquo;s death-warrant. Antyllus, too, is going on a journey. His
+destination is Asia, where he is to seek to propitiate Octavianus and make
+him new offers. As you know, he was betrothed to his daughter Julia. The
+Queen ceased long ago to believe in the possibility of victory, yet, spite
+of all the demands of the &lsquo;Comrades of Death&rsquo; and her own cares, she toils
+unweariedly in preparing for the defence of the country. She is doubtless
+the only member of that society who thinks seriously of the approaching
+end.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now that the tomb is rising, she ponders constantly upon death. She, who
+was taught by Epicurus to strive for freedom from pain and is so sensitive
+to the slightest bodily suffering, is still seeking a path which, with the
+least agony, will lead to the eternal rest for which she longs. Iras and
+the younger pupils of Olympus are aiding her. The old man furnishes all
+sorts of poisons, which she tries upon various animals&mdash;nay, recently
+even on criminals sentenced to death. All these experiments seem to prove
+that the bite of the uræus serpent, whose image on the Egyptian crown
+symbolizes the sovereign&rsquo;s instant power over life and death, stills the
+heart most swiftly and with the least suffering.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;How terrible these things are! What pain it causes to see the being one
+loves most, the mother of the fairest children, so cruelly heighten the
+anguish of parting, choose death, as it were, for a constant companion,
+amid the whirl of the gayest amusements! She daily looks all his terrors
+in the face, yet with proud contempt turns her back upon the bridge which
+might perhaps enable her for a time to escape the monster. This is grand,
+worthy of her, and never have I loved her more tenderly.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You, too, must think of her kindly. She deserves it. A noble heart which
+sees itself forced to pity a foe, easily forgives; and was she ever your
+enemy?
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I have written a long, long letter to solace your seclusion from the
+world and relieve my own heart. Have patience a little while longer. The
+time is not far distant when Fate itself will release you from exile. How
+often your relatives, Archibius and Gorgias, whom I now see frequently in
+the presence of the Queen, long to visit you!&mdash;but they, too, believe
+that it might prove a source of danger.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The warnings in this letter were confirmed by another from Archibius, and
+soon after they heard that Cæsarion had really sailed up the Nile for
+Ethiopia with his tutor Rhodon, and Antyllus had been sent to Asia to
+visit Octavianus. The latter had received him, it is true; but sent him
+home without making any pledges.
+</p>
+<p>
+These tidings were not brought by letter, but by Gorgias himself, whose
+visit surprised them one evening late in March.
+</p>
+<p>
+Rarely had a guest received a more joyous welcome. When he entered the
+bare room, Barine was making a net and telling the fisherman&rsquo;s daughter
+Dione the story of the wanderings of Ulysses. Dion, too, listened
+attentively, now and then correcting or explaining her descriptions, while
+carving a head of Poseidon for the prow of a newly built boat.
+</p>
+<p>
+As Gorgias unexpectedly crossed the threshold, the dim light of the lamp
+fed by kiki-oil seemed transformed into sunshine. How brightly their eyes
+sparkled, how joyous were their exclamations of welcome and surprise! Then
+came questions, answers, news! Gorgias was obliged to share the family
+supper, which had only waited the return of the father who had brought the
+guest.
+</p>
+<p>
+The fresh oysters, langustæ, and other dishes served tasted more
+delicious to the denizen of the city than the most delicious banquets of
+the &ldquo;Comrades of Death&rdquo; to which he was now frequently invited by the
+Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+All that Pyrrhus said voluntarily and told his sons in reply to their
+questions was so sensible and related to matters which, because they were
+new to Gorgias, seemed so fascinating that, when Dion&rsquo;s good wine was
+served, he declared that if Pyrrhus would receive him he, too, would
+search for pursuers and be banished here.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the three again sat alone before the plain clay mixing vessel it
+seemed to the lonely young couple as if the best part of the city life
+which they had left behind had found its way to them, and what did they
+not have to say to one another! Dion and Barine talked of their hermit
+life, Gorgias of the Queen and the tomb, which was at the same time a
+treasure chamber. The slanting walls were built as firmly as if they were
+intended to last for centuries and defy a violent assault. The centre of
+the lower story was formed by a lofty hall of vast dimensions, in whose
+midst were the large marble sarcophagi. Men were working busily upon the
+figures in relief intended for the decoration of the sides and lids. This
+hall, whose low arched ceiling was supported by three pairs of heavy
+columns, was furnished like a reception-room. The couches, candelabra, and
+altars were already being made. Charmian had kept the fugitives well
+informed. In the subterranean chambers at the side of the hall, and in the
+second story, which could not be commenced until the ceiling was
+completed, store-rooms were to be made, and below and beside them were
+passages for ventilation and the storage of combustible materials.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias regretted that he could not show his friend the hall, which was
+perhaps the handsomest and most costly he had ever created. The noblest
+material&mdash;brown porphyry, emerald-green serpentine, and the dark varieties
+of marble&mdash;had been used, and the mosaic and brass doors, which were
+nearing completion, were masterpieces of Alexandrian art. To have all this
+destroyed was a terrible thought, but even more unbearable was that of its
+object&mdash;to receive the body of the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Again rapturous admiration of this greatest and noblest of women led
+Gorgias to enthusiastic rhapsodies, until Dion exercised his office of
+soberer, and Barine asked tidings of her mother, her grandparents, and her
+sister. There was nothing but good news to be told. True, the architect
+had to wage a daily battle with the old philosopher, who termed it an
+abuse of hospitality to remain so long at his friend&rsquo;s with his whole
+family; but thus far Gorgias had won the victory, even against Berenike,
+who wished to take her father and his household to her own home.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra had purchased the house and garden of Didymus at thrice their
+value, the architect added. He was now a wealthy man, and had commissioned
+him to build a new mansion. The land facing the sea and near the museum
+had been found, but the handsome residence would not be completed until
+summer. The dry Egyptian air would have permitted him to roof it sooner,
+but there were many of Helena&rsquo;s wishes&mdash;most of them very sensible
+ones&mdash;to be executed.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine and Dion glanced significantly at each other; but the architect,
+perceiving it, exclaimed: &ldquo;Your mute language is intelligible enough, and
+I confess that for five months Helena has seemed to me the most attractive
+of maidens. I see, too, that she has some regard for me. But as soon as I
+stand before <i>her</i>&mdash;the Queen, I mean&mdash;and hear her voice, it
+seems as if a tempest swept away every thought of Helena, and it is not in
+my nature to deceive any one. How can I woo a girl whom I so deeply honour&mdash;your
+sister, Barine&mdash;when the image of another rules my soul?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion reminded him of his own words that the Queen was loved only as a
+goddess and, without waiting for his reply, turned the conversation to
+other topics.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was three hours after midnight when Pyrrhus warned Gorgias that it was
+time for departure. When the fisherman&rsquo;s fleetest boat was at last bearing
+him back to the city he wondered whether girls who, before marriage, lived
+like Helena in undisturbed seclusion, would really be better wives and
+more content with every lot than the much-courted Barine, whom Dion had
+led from the gayest whirl of life in the capital to the most desolate
+solitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+This delightful evening was followed by a day of excitement and grave
+anxiety. It had been necessary to conceal the young couple from the
+collector&rsquo;s officials, who took from Pyrrhus part of his last year&rsquo;s
+savings, and the large new boat which he used to go out on the open sea.
+The preparations for war required large sums; all vessels suitable for the
+purpose were seized for the fleet, and all residents of the city and
+country shared the same fate as Pyrrhus.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even the temple treasures were confiscated, and yet no one could help
+saying to himself that the vast sums which, through these pitiless
+extortions, flowed into the treasury, were used for the pleasures of the
+court as well as for the equipment of the fleet and the army.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet so great was the people&rsquo;s love for the Queen, so high their regard for
+the independence of Egypt, so bitter their hate of Rome, that there was no
+rebellion.
+</p>
+<p>
+How earnestly Cleopatra, amid all the extravagant revels, from which she
+could not too frequently absent herself, toiled to advance the military
+preparations, could be seen even by the exiles from their cliff; for work
+in two dock-yards was continued day and night, and the harbour was filled
+with vessels. Ships of war were continually moving to and fro, and from
+the Serpent Island they witnessed constantly, often by starlight, the
+drilling of the oarsmen and of whole squadrons upon the open sea.
+Sometimes a magnificent state galley appeared, on whose deck was Antony,
+who inspected the hastily equipped fleet to make the newly recruited
+sailors one of those kindling speeches in which he was a master hard to
+surpass. Two sons of Pyrrhus were now numbered in the crews of the
+recently built war ships. They had been impressed into the service in
+April, and though Dion had placed a large sum at their father&rsquo;s disposal
+to secure their release, the attempt was unsuccessful.
+</p>
+<p>
+So there had been sorrow and tears in the contented little colony of human
+beings on the lonely cliff, and when Dionysus and Dionichos had a day&rsquo;s
+leave of absence to visit their relatives, they complained of the cruel
+haste with which the young men were drilled and wearied to exhaustion, and
+spoke of the sons of citizens and peasants who had been dragged from their
+villages, their parents, and their business to be trained for seamen.
+There was great indignation among them, and they listened only too readily
+to the agitators who whispered how much better they would have fared on
+the galleys of Octavianus.
+</p>
+<p>
+Pyrrhus entreated his sons not to join any attempt at mutiny; the women,
+on the contrary, would have approved anything which promised to release
+the youths from their severe service, and their bright cheerfulness was
+transformed into anxious depression. Barine, too, was no longer the same.
+She had lost her joyous activity, her eyes were often wet with tears, and
+she moved with drooping head as if some heavy care oppressed her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Was it the heat of April, with its desert winds, which had brought the
+transformation? Had longing for the changeful, exciting life of former
+days at last overpowered her? Was solitude becoming unendurable? Was her
+husband&rsquo;s love no longer sufficient to replace the many pleasures she had
+sacrificed?&mdash;No! It could not be that; never had she gazed with more
+devoted tenderness into Dion&rsquo;s face than when entirely alone with him in
+shady nooks. She who in such hours looked the very embodiment of happiness
+and contentment, certainly was neither ill nor sorrowful.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion, on the contrary, held his head high early and late, and appeared as
+proud and self-conscious as though life was showing him its fairest face.
+Yet he had heard that his estates had been sequestrated, and that he owed
+it solely to the influence of Archibius and his uncle, that his property,
+like that of so many others, had not been added to the royal treasures.
+But what disaster could he not have speedily vanquished in these days?
+</p>
+<p>
+A great joy&mdash;the greatest which the immortals can bestow upon human
+beings&mdash;was dawning for him and his young wife, and in May the women
+on the island shared her blissful hope.
+</p>
+<p>
+Pyrrhus brought from the city an altar and a marble statue of Ilythyia,
+the Goddess of Birth, called by the Romans Lucina, which his friend Anukis
+had given him, in Charmian&rsquo;s name, for the young wife. She had again
+spoken of the serpents which lived in such numbers in the neighbouring
+islands, and her question whether it would be difficult to capture one
+alive was answered by the freedman in the negative.
+</p>
+<p>
+The image of the goddess and the altar were erected beside the other
+sanctuaries, and how often the stone was anointed by Barine and the women
+of the fisherman&rsquo;s family!
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion vowed to the goddess a beautiful temple on the cliff and in the city
+if she would be gracious to his beloved young wife.
+</p>
+<p>
+When, in June, the noonday sun blazed most fiercely, the fisherman brought
+to the cliff Helena, Barine&rsquo;s sister, and Chloris, Dion&rsquo;s nurse, who had
+been a faithful assistant of his mother, and afterwards managed the female
+slaves of the household.
+</p>
+<p>
+How joyously and gratefully Barine held out her arms to her sister! Her
+mother had been prevented from coming only by the warning that her
+disappearance would surely attract the attention of the spies. And the
+latter were very alert; for Mark Antony had not yet given up the pursuit
+of the singer, nor had the attorney Philostratus recalled the proclamation
+offering two talents for the capture of Dion, and both the latter&rsquo;s palace
+and Berenike&rsquo;s house were constantly watched.
+</p>
+<p>
+It seemed more difficult for the quiet Helena to accommodate herself to
+this solitude than for her gayer-natured sister. Plainly as she showed her
+love for Barine, she often lapsed into reverie, and every evening she went
+to the southern side of the cliff and gazed towards the city, where her
+grandparents doubtless sorely missed her, spite of the careful attention
+bestowed upon them in Gorgias&rsquo;s house.
+</p>
+<p>
+Eight days had passed since her arrival, and life in this wilderness
+seemed more distasteful than on the first and the second; the longing for
+her grandparents, too, appeared to increase; for that day she had gone to
+the shore, even under the burning rays of the noonday sun, to gaze towards
+the city.
+</p>
+<p>
+How dearly she loved the old people!
+</p>
+<p>
+But Dion&rsquo;s conjecture that the tears sparkling in Helena&rsquo;s eyes when she
+entered their room at dusk were connected with another resident of the
+capital, spite of his wife&rsquo;s indignant denial, appeared to be correct;
+for, a short time after, clear voices were heard in front of the house,
+and when a deep, hearty laugh rang out, Dion started up, exclaiming,
+&ldquo;Gorgias never laughs in that way, except when he has had some unusual
+piece of good fortune!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+He hurried out as he spoke, and gazed around; but, notwithstanding the
+bright moonlight, he could see nothing except Father Pyrrhus on his way
+back to the anchorage.
+</p>
+<p>
+But Dion&rsquo;s ears were keen, and he fancied he heard subdued voices on the
+other side of the dwelling. He followed the sound without delay and, when
+he turned the corner of the building, stopped short in astonishment,
+exclaiming as a low cry rose close before him:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Good-evening, Gorgias! I&rsquo;ll see you later. I won&rsquo;t interrupt you.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+A few rapid steps took him back to Barine, and as he whispered, &ldquo;I saw
+Helena out in the moonlight, soothing her longing for her grandparents in
+Gorgias&rsquo;s arms,&rdquo; she clapped her hands and said, smiling:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the way one loses good manners in this solitude. To disturb the
+first meeting of a pair of lovers! But Gorgias treated us in the same way
+in Alexandria, so he is now paid in his own coin.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The architect soon entered the room, with Helena leaning on his arm. Hour
+by hour he had missed her more and more painfully, and on the eighth day
+found it impossible to endure life&rsquo;s burden longer without her. He now
+protested that he could approach her mother and grandparents as a suitor
+with a clear conscience; for on the third day after Helena&rsquo;s departure the
+relation between him and the Queen had changed. In Cleopatra&rsquo;s presence
+the image of the granddaughter of Didymus became even more vivid than that
+of the peerless sovereign had formerly been in Helena&rsquo;s. Outside of the
+pages of poetry he had never experienced longing like that which had
+tortured him during the past few days.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch21">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XXI.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+This time the architect could spend only a few hours on the Serpent
+Island, for affairs in the city were beginning to wear a very serious
+aspect, and the building of the monument was pushed forward even during
+the night. The interior of the first story was nearly completed and the
+rough portion of the second was progressing. The mosaic workers, who were
+making the floor of the great hall, had surpassed themselves. It was
+impossible to wait longer for the sculptures which were to adorn the
+walls. At present slabs of polished black marble were to occupy the places
+intended for bronze reliefs; the utmost haste was necessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+Octavianus had already reached Pelusium; even if Seleukus, the commander
+of the garrison, held the strong fortress a long time, a part of the
+hostile army might appear before Alexandria the following week.
+</p>
+<p>
+A considerable force, however, was ready to meet him. The fleet seemed
+equal to that of the enemy; the horsemen whom Antony had led before the
+Queen would delight the eye of any one versed in military affairs; and the
+Imperator hoped much from the veterans who had served under him in former
+times, learned to know his generosity and open hand in the hour of
+prosperity, and probably had scarcely forgotten the eventful days when he
+had cheerfully and gaily shared their perils and privations.
+</p>
+<p>
+Helena remained on the cliff, and her longing for the old couple had
+materially diminished. Her hands moved nimbly, and her cheerful glance
+showed that the lonely life on the island was beginning to unfold its
+charms to her.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young husband, however, had grown very uneasy. He concealed it before
+the women, but old Pyrrhus often had much difficulty in preventing his
+making a trip to the city which might imperil, on the eve of the final
+decision, the result of their long endurance and privation. Dion had often
+wished to set sail with his wife for a great city in Syria or Greece, but
+fresh and mighty obstacles had deterred him. A special danger lay in the
+fact that every large vessel was thoroughly searched before it left the
+harbour, and it was impossible to escape from it without passing through
+the narrow straits east of the Pharos or the opening in the Heptastadium,
+both of which were easily guarded. The calm moderation that usually
+distinguished the young counsellor had been transformed into feverish
+restlessness, and the heart of his faithful old monitor had also lost its
+poise; for an encounter between the fleet in which his sons served and
+that of Octavianus was speedily expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+One day he returned from the city greatly excited. Pelusium was said to
+have fallen.
+</p>
+<p>
+When he ascended the cliff he found everything quiet. No one, not even
+Dione, came to meet him.
+</p>
+<p>
+What had happened here?
+</p>
+<p>
+Had the fugitives been discovered and dragged with his family to the city
+to be thrown into prison, perhaps sent to the stone quarries?
+</p>
+<p>
+Deadly pale, but erect and composed, he walked towards the house. He owed
+to Dion and his father the greatest blessing in life, liberty, and the
+foundation of everything else he possessed. But if his fears were
+verified, if he was bereft of friends and property, even as a lonely
+beggar he might continue to enjoy his freedom. If, for the sake of those
+to whom he owed his best possession, he must surrender the rest, it was
+his duty to bear fate patiently.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was still light.
+</p>
+<p>
+Even when he had approached very near the house he heard no sound save the
+joyous barking of his wolf-hound, Argus, which leaped upon him.
+</p>
+<p>
+He now laid his hand upon the lock of the door&mdash;but it was flung open
+from the inside.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion had seen him coming and, enraptured by the new happiness with which
+this day had blessed him, he flung himself impetuously on the breast of
+his faithful friend, exclaiming: &ldquo;A boy, a splendid boy! We will call him
+Pyrrhus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Bright tears of joy streamed down the freedman&rsquo;s face and fell on his grey
+beard; and when his wife came towards him with her finger on her lips, he
+whispered in a tremulous voice: &ldquo;When I brought them here you were afraid
+that the city people would drag us into ruin, but nevertheless you
+received them as they deserved to be, and&mdash;he&rsquo;s going to name him
+Pyrrhus&mdash;and now!&mdash;What has a poor fellow like me done to have
+such great and beautiful blessings fall to my lot?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And I&mdash;I?&rdquo; sobbed his wife. &ldquo;And the child, the darling little
+creature!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+This day of sunny happiness was followed by others of quiet joy, of the
+purest pleasure, yet mingled with the deepest anxiety. They also brought
+many an hour in which Helena found an opportunity to show her prudence,
+while old Chloris and the fisherman&rsquo;s wife aided her by their experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+Every one, down to the greybeard whose name the little one bore, declared
+that there had never been a lovelier young mother than Barine or a
+handsomer child than the infant Pyrrhus; but Dion could no longer endure
+to remain on the cliff.
+</p>
+<p>
+A thousand things which he had hitherto deemed insignificant and allowed
+to pass unheeded now seemed important and imperatively in need of his
+personal attention. He was a father, and any negligence might be harmful
+to his son.
+</p>
+<p>
+With his bronzed complexion and long hair and beard he required little aid
+to disguise him from his friends. In the garments shabby by long use, and
+with his delicate hands calloused by work in the dock-yard, any one would
+have taken him for a real fisherman.
+</p>
+<p>
+Perhaps it was foolish, but the desire to show himself in the character of
+a father to Barine&rsquo;s mother and grandparents and to Gorgias seemed worth
+risking a slight danger; so, without informing Barine, who was now able to
+walk about her room, he set out for the city after sunset on the last day
+of July.
+</p>
+<p>
+He knew that Octavianus was encamped in the Hippodrome east of Alexandria.
+The white mounds which had risen there had been recognized as tents, even
+from the Serpent Island. Pyrrhus had returned in the afternoon with
+tidings that Antony&rsquo;s mounted troops had defeated those of Octavianus.
+This time the news of victory could be trusted, for the palace at Lochias
+was illuminated for a festival and when Dion landed there was a great
+bustle on the quay. One shouted to another that all would be well. Mark
+Antony was his old self again. He had fought like a hero.
+</p>
+<p>
+Many who yesterday had cursed him, to-day mingled their voices in the
+shouts of &ldquo;Evoë!&rdquo; which rang out for the new Dionysus, who had again
+proved his claim to godship.
+</p>
+<p>
+The late visitor found the grandparents alone in the house of Gorgias.
+They had been informed of Barine&rsquo;s new happiness long before. Now they
+rejoiced with Dion, and wanted to send at once for their host and future
+son-in-law, who was in the city attending a meeting of the Ephebi,
+although he had ceased some time ago to be a member of their company. But
+Dion wished to greet him among the youths who had invited the architect to
+give them his aid in deciding the question of the course they were to
+pursue in the impending battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet he did not leave the old couple immediately; he was expecting two
+visitors&mdash;Barine&rsquo;s mother and Charmian&rsquo;s Nubian maid who, since the
+birth of little Pyrrhus, had come to the philosopher&rsquo;s every evening. The
+former&rsquo;s errand was to ask whether any news of the mother and child had
+been received during the day; the latter, to get the letters which she
+delivered the next morning at the fish-market to her friend Pyrrhus or his
+sons.
+</p>
+<p>
+Anukis was the first to appear. She relieved her sympathizing heart by a
+brief expression of congratulations; but, gladly as she would have
+listened to the most minute details concerning the beloved young mother
+from the lips of Dion himself, she repressed her own wishes for her
+mistress&rsquo;s sake, and returned to Charmian as quickly as possible to inform
+her of the arrival of the unexpected guest.
+</p>
+<p>
+Berenike bore her new dignity of grandmother with grateful joy, yet
+to-night she came oppressed by a grave anxiety, which was not solely due
+to her power of imagining gloomy events. Her brother Arius and his sons
+were concealed in the house of a friend, for they seemed threatened by a
+serious peril. Hitherto Antony had generously borne the philosopher no
+ill-will on the score of his intimate relations with Octavianus; but now
+that Octavianus was encamped outside the city, the house of the man who,
+during the latter&rsquo;s years of education, had been his mentor and
+counsellor, and later a greatly valued friend, was watched, by Mardion&rsquo;s
+orders, by the Scythian guard. He and his family were forbidden to enter
+the city, and his escape to his friend had been effected under cover of
+the darkness and with great danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+The anxious woman feared the worst for her brother if Mark Antony should
+conquer, and yet, with her whole heart, she wished the Queen to gain the
+victory. She, who always feared the worst, saw in imagination the fortunes
+of war change&mdash;and there was reason for the belief. The bold general
+who had gained so many victories, and whom the defeat of Actium had only
+humbled, was said to have regained his former elasticity. He had dashed
+forward at the head of his men with the heroic courage of former days&mdash;nay,
+with reckless impetuosity. Rumour reported that, with the huge sword he
+wielded, he had dealt from his powerful charger blows as terrible as those
+inflicted five-and-twenty years before when, not far from the same spot,
+he struck Archelaus on the head. The statement that, in his golden armour,
+with the gold helmet framing his bearded face, he resembled his ancestor
+Herakles, was confirmed by Charmian, who had been borne quickly hither by
+a pair of the Queen&rsquo;s swift horses. Cleopatra might need her soon, yet she
+had left the Lochias to question the father about many things concerning
+the young mother and her boy, who was already dear to her as the first
+grandson of the man whose suit, it is true, she had rejected, but to whom
+she owed the delicious consciousness of having loved and been loved in the
+springtime of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion found her changed. The trying months which she had described in her
+letters to Barine had completely blanched her grey hair, her cheeks were
+sunken, and a deep line between her mouth and nose gave her pleasant face
+a sorrowful expression. Besides, she seemed to have been weeping and, in
+fact, heart-rending events had just occurred.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had stolen away from Lochias in the midst of a revel.
+</p>
+<p>
+Antony&rsquo;s victory was being celebrated. He himself presided at the banquet.
+Again his head and breast were wreathed with a wealth of fresh leaves and
+superb flowers. At his side reclined Cleopatra, robed in light-blue
+garments adorned with lotus-flowers which, like the little coronet on her
+head, glittered with sapphires and pearls. Charmian said she had rarely
+looked more beautiful. But she did not add that the Queen had been obliged
+to have rouge applied to her pale, bloodless cheeks.
+</p>
+<p>
+It was touching to see Antony after his return from the battle, still in
+his suit of mail, clasp her in his arms as joyously as if he had won her
+back, a prize of victory, and with his vanished heroic power regained her
+and their mutual love. Her eyes, too, had been radiant with joy and, in
+the elation of her heart, she had given the horseman who, for a deed of
+special daring, was presented to her, a helmet and coat of mail of solid
+gold.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet, even before the revel began, she had been forced to acknowledge to
+herself that the commencement of the end was approaching; for, a few hours
+after she had so generously rewarded the man, he had deserted to the foe.
+Then Antony had challenged Octavianus to a duel, and received the
+unfeeling reply that he would find many roads to death open.
+</p>
+<p>
+This was the language of the cold-hearted foe, secure of superior power.
+How sadly, too, she had been disappointed in the hope&mdash;that the
+veterans who had served under Antony would desert their new commander at
+the first summons and flock to his standard!&mdash;for all her husband&rsquo;s
+efforts in this direction, spite of the bewitching power of his eloquence,
+failed, while every hour brought tidings of the treacherous desertion from
+his army of individual warriors and whole maniples. His foe deemed his
+cause so weak that he did not even resist Mark Antony&rsquo;s attempts to win
+the soldiers by promises.
+</p>
+<p>
+From all these signs Cleopatra now saw plainly, in her lover&rsquo;s victory,
+only the last flicker of a dying fire; but so long as it burned he should
+see her follow its light.
+</p>
+<p>
+Therefore she had entered the festal hall with the victor of the day. She
+had witnessed a strange festival. It began with tears and reminded
+Cleopatra of the saying that she herself resembled a banquet served to
+celebrate a victory before the battle was won. The cup-bearers had
+scarcely advanced to the guests with their golden vessels when Antony
+turned to them, exclaiming: &ldquo;Pour generously, men; perhaps to-morrow you
+will serve another master!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, unlike his usual self, he grew thoughtful and murmured under his
+breath, &ldquo;And I shall probably be lying outside a corpse, a miserable
+nothing.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Loud sobs from the cup-bearers and servants followed these words; but he
+addressed them calmly, assuring them that he would not take them into a
+battle from which he expected an honourable death rather than rescue and
+victory.
+</p>
+<p>
+At this Cleopatra&rsquo;s tears flowed also. If this reckless man of pleasure,
+this notorious spendthrift and disturber of the public peace, with his
+insatiate desires, had inspired bitter hostility, few had gained the warm
+love of so many hearts. One glance at his heroic figure; one memory of the
+days when even his foes conceded that he was never greater than in the
+presence of the most imminent peril, never more capable of awakening in
+others the hope of brighter times than amid the sorest privations; one
+tone of the orator&rsquo;s deep, resonant voice, which so often came from the
+heart and therefore gained hearts with such resistless power; the
+recollection of numberless instances of the bright cheerfulness of his
+nature and his boundless generosity sufficiently explained the
+lamentations which burst forth at that banquet, the tears which flowed&mdash;tears
+of genuine feeling. They were also shed for the beautiful Queen who,
+unmindful of the spectators, rested her noble brow, with its coronal of
+pearls, upon his mighty shoulder.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the grief did not last long, for Mark Antony, shouted: &ldquo;Hence with
+melancholy! We do not need the larva!* We know, without its aid, that
+pleasure will soon be over!&mdash;Xuthus, a joyous festal song!&mdash;And you,
+Metrodor, lead the dancers! The first beaker to the fairest, the best,
+the wisest, the most cherished, the most fervently beloved of women!&rdquo;
+As he spoke he waved his goblet aloft, the flute-player, Xuthus, beckoned
+to the chorus, and the dancer Metrodor, in the guise of a butterfly, led
+forth a bevy of beautiful girls, who, in the cloud of ample robes of
+transparent coloured bombyx which floated around them, executed the most
+graceful figures and now hovered like mists, now flitted to and fro as if
+borne on wings, affording the most charming variety to the delighted
+spectators.
+</p>
+<div class="footnote"><p>
+* At the banquets of the Egyptians a small figure in the shape of a
+mummy was passed around to remind the guests that they, too, would
+soon be in the same condition, and have no more time to enjoy life
+and its pleasures. The Romans imitated this custom by sending the
+larva, a statuette in the form of a skeleton, to make the round of
+the revellers. The Greek love of beauty converted this ugly
+scarecrow into a winged genius.
+</p></div>
+<p>
+The &ldquo;Comrades of Death&rdquo; had again become companions in pleasure; and when
+Charmian, who did not lose sight of her mistress, noticed the sorrowful
+quiver of her lips and glided out of the circle of guests, the faithful
+Nubian had approached to inform her of Dion&rsquo;s arrival.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then&mdash;but this she concealed from her friends&mdash;she hastened to
+her own apartments to prepare to go out, and when Iras opened the door to
+enter her rooms she went to speak to her about the night attendance upon
+the Queen. But her niece had not perceived her; shaken by convulsive sobs,
+she had pressed her face among the cushions of a couch, and there suffered
+the fierce anguish which had stirred the inmost depths of her being to
+rave itself out with the full vehemence of her passionate nature. Charmian
+called her name and, weeping herself, ripened her arms to her, and for the
+first time since her return from Actium her sister&rsquo;s daughter again sank
+upon her breast, and they held each other in a close embrace until
+Charmian&rsquo;s exclamation, &ldquo;With her, for her unto death!&rdquo; was answered by
+Iras&rsquo;s &ldquo;To the tomb!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+This was a word which, in many an hour of the silent night, had stirred
+the soul of the woman who had been the youthful playmate of the Queen who,
+with bleeding heart, sat below among the revellers at the noisy banquet
+and forced her to ask the question: &ldquo;Is not your fate bound to hers? What
+can life offer you without her?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Now, this word was spoken by other lips, and, like an echo of Iras&rsquo;s
+exclamation, came the answer: &ldquo;Unto death, like you, if she precedes us to
+the other world. Whatever may follow dying, nowhere shall she lack
+Charmian&rsquo;s hand and heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Nor the love and service of Iras,&rdquo; was the answering assurance.
+</p>
+<p>
+So they had parted, and the agitation of this fateful moment was still
+visible in the features of the woman who had formerly sacrificed to her
+royal playfellow her love, and now offered her life.
+</p>
+<p>
+When, ere leaving Gorgias&rsquo;s house, she bade her friend farewell, she
+pressed Dion&rsquo;s hand with affectionate warmth and, as he accompanied her to
+the carriage, she informed him that, before the first encounter of the
+troops, Archibius had taken the royal children to his estate of Irenia,
+where they were at present.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Rarely has it been my fate to experience a more sorrowful hour than when
+I beheld the Queen, her heart torn with anguish, bid them farewell. What
+fate is impending over the dear ones, who are so worthy of the greatest
+happiness? To see the twins and little Alexander recognized and saved from
+death and insult, and your boy in Barine&rsquo;s arms, is the last wish which I
+still cherish.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+On returning to Lochias, Charmian had a long time to wait ere the Queen
+retired. She dreaded the mood in which she would leave the banquet. For
+months past Cleopatra had returned from the revels of the &ldquo;Comrades of
+Death&rdquo; saddened to tears, or in a blaze of indignation. How must this last
+banquet, which began so mournfully and continued with such reckless mirth,
+affect her?
+</p>
+<p>
+At last, the second hour after midnight, Cleopatra appeared.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian believed that she must be the sport of some delusion, for the
+Queen&rsquo;s eyes which, when she had left her, were full of tears, now
+sparkled with the radiant light of joy and, as her friend took the crown
+from her head, she exclaimed:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Why did you depart from the banquet so early? Perhaps it was the last,
+but I remember no festival more brilliant. It was like the springtime of
+my love. Mark Antony would have touched the heart of a stone statue by
+that blending of manly daring and humble devotion which no woman can
+resist. As in former days, hours shrivelled into moments. We were again
+young, once more united. We were together here at Lochias to-night, and
+yet in distant years and other places. The notes of the singers, the
+melodies of the musicians, the figures executed by the dancers, were lost
+upon us. We soared back, hand in hand, to a magic world, and the fairy
+drama in the realms of the blessed, which passed before us in dazzling
+splendour and blissful joy, was the dream which I loved best when a child,
+and at the same time the happiest portion of the life of the Queen of
+Egypt.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It began before the gate of the garden of Epicurus, and continued on the
+river Cydnus. I again beheld myself on the golden barge, garlanded with
+wreaths of flowers, reclining on the purple couch with roses strewn around
+me and beneath my jewelled sandals. A gentle breeze swelled the silken
+sails; my female companions raised their clear voices in song to the
+accompaniment of lutes; the perfumes floating around us were borne by the
+wind to the shore, conveying the tidings that the bliss believed by
+mortals to be reserved for the gods alone was drawing near. And even as
+his heart and his enraptured senses yielded to my sway, his mind, as he
+himself confessed, was under the thrall of mine. We both felt happy,
+united by ties which nothing, not even misfortune, could sever. He, the
+ruler of the world, was conquered, and delighted to obey the behests of
+the victor, because he felt that she before whom he bowed was his own
+obedient slave. And no magic goblet effected all this. I breathed more
+freely, as if relieved from the oppressive delusion&mdash;the fire had
+consumed it also&mdash;which had burdened my soul until a few hours ago.
+No magic spell, only the gifts of mind and soul which the vanquished
+victor, the woman Cleopatra, owed to the favour of the immortals, had
+compelled his lofty manhood to yield.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;From the Cydnus he brought me hither to the blissful days which we were
+permitted to pass in my city of Alexandria. A thousand sunny hours,
+musical, echoing surges which long since dashed down the stream of Time,
+he recalled to life, and I&mdash;I did the same, and our memories blended
+into one. What never-to-be-forgotten moments we experienced when, with
+reckless mirth, we mingled unrecognized among the joyous throng! What
+Olympic delight elated our hearts when the plaudits of thousands greeted
+us! What joys satiated our minds and senses in our own apartments! What
+pure, unalloyed nectar of the soul was bestowed upon us by our children&mdash;bliss
+which we shared with and imparted to each other until neither knew which
+was the giver and which the receiver! Everything sad and painful seemed to
+be effaced from the book of memory; and the child&rsquo;s dream, the fairy-tale
+woven by the power of imagination, stood before my soul as a reality&mdash;the
+same reality, I repeat, which I call my past life.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And, Charmian, if death comes to-morrow, should I say that he appeared
+too early&mdash;summoned me ere he permitted life to bestow all its best
+gifts upon me? No, no, and again no! Whoever, in the last hour of
+existence, can say that the fairest dreams of childhood were surpassed by
+a long portion of actual life, may consider himself happy, even in the
+deepest need and on the verge of the grave.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The aspiration to be first and highest among the women of her own time,
+which had already thrilled the young girl&rsquo;s heart, was fulfilled. The
+ardent longing for love which, even at that period, pervaded my whole
+being, was satisfied when I became a loving wife, mother, and Queen, and
+friendship, through the favour of Destiny, also bestowed upon me its
+greatest blessings by the hands of Archibius, Charmian, and Iras.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now I care not what may happen. This evening taught me that life had
+fulfilled its pledges. But others, too, must be enabled to remember the
+most brilliant of queens, who was also the most fervently beloved of
+women. For this I will provide: the mausoleum which Gorgias is erecting
+for me will stand like an indestructible wall between the Cleopatra who
+to-day still proudly wears the crown and her approaching humiliation and
+disgrace.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now I will go to sleep. If my awakening brings defeat, sorrow, and death,
+I have no reason to accuse my fate. It denied me one thing only: the
+painless peace which the child and the young girl recognized as the chief
+good; yet Cleopatra will possess that also. The domain of death, which, as
+the Egyptians say, loves silence, is opening its doors to me. The most
+absolute peace begins upon its threshold&mdash;who knows where it ends?
+The vision of the intellect does not extend far enough to discover the
+boundary where, at the end of eternity&mdash;which in truth is endless&mdash;it
+is replaced by something else.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While speaking, the Queen had motioned to her friend to accompany her into
+her chamber, from which a door led into the children&rsquo;s room. An
+irresistible impulse constrained her to open it and gaze into the dark,
+empty apartment.
+</p>
+<p>
+She felt an icy chill run through her veins. Taking a light from the hand
+of one of the maids who attended her, she went to little Alexander&rsquo;s
+couch. Like the others, it was empty, deserted. Her head sank on her
+breast, the courageous calmness with which she had surveyed her whole past
+life failed and, like the luxuriant riot in the sky of the most brilliant
+hues, ere the glow of sunset suddenly yields to darkness, Cleopatra&rsquo;s
+soul, after the lofty elation of the last few hours, underwent a sudden
+transition and, overwhelmed by deep, sorrowful depression, she threw
+herself down before the twins&rsquo; bed, where she lay weeping softly until
+Charmian, as day began to dawn, urged her to retire to rest. Cleopatra
+slowly rose, dried her eyes, and said: &ldquo;My past life seemed to me just now
+like a magnificent garden, but how many serpents suddenly stretched out
+their flat heads with glittering eyes and forked tongues! Who tore away
+the flowers beneath which they lay concealed? I think, Charmian, it was a
+mysterious power which here, in the children&rsquo;s apartment, rules so
+strongly the most trivial as well as the strongest emotions, it was&mdash;when
+did I last hear that ominous word?&mdash;it was conscience. Here, in this
+abode of innocence and purity, whatever resembles a spot stands forth
+distinctly before the eyes. Here, O Charmian!&mdash;if the children were
+but here! If I could only&mdash;yet, no, no! It is fortunate, very
+fortunate that they have gone. I must be strong; and their sweet grace
+would rob me of my energy. But the light grows brighter and brighter.
+Dress me for the day. It would be easier for me to sleep in a falling
+house than with such a tumult in my heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While she was being attired in the dark robes she had ordered, loud shouts
+arose from the royal harbour below, blended with the blasts of the tuba
+and other signals directing the movements of the fleet and the army, a
+large body of troops having been marched during the night to the
+neighbouring hills overlooking the sea.
+</p>
+<p>
+The notes sounded bold and warlike. The well-armed galleys presented a
+stately appearance. How often Cleopatra had seen unexpected events occur,
+apparent impossibilities become possible! Had not the victory of
+Octavianus at Actium been a miracle? What if Fate, like a capricious
+ruler, now changed from frowns to smiles? What if Antony proved himself
+the hero of yesterday, the general he had been in days of yore?
+</p>
+<p>
+She had refused to see him again before the battle, that she might not
+divert his thoughts from the great task approaching. But now, as she
+beheld him, clad in glittering armour like the god of war himself, ride
+before the troops on his fiery Barbary charger, greeting them with the gay
+salutation whose warmth sprung from the heart and which had so often
+kindled the warriors to glowing enthusiasm, she was forced to do violence
+to her own feelings to avoid calling him and saying that her thoughts
+would follow his course. But she refrained, and when his purple cloak
+vanished from her sight her head drooped again. How different in former
+days were the cheers of the troops when he showed himself to them! This
+lukewarm response to his gay, glad greeting was no omen of victory.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch22">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XXII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+Dion, too, witnessed the departure of the troops. Gorgias, whom he had
+found among the Ephebi, accompanied him and, like the Queen, they saw, in
+the cautious manner with which the army greeted the general, a bad omen
+for the result of the battle. The architect had presented Dion to the
+youths as the ghost of a dead man, who, as soon as he was asked whence he
+came or whither he was going, would be compelled to vanish in the form of
+a fly. He could venture to do this; he knew the Ephebi&mdash;there was no
+traitor in their ranks.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion, the former head of the society, had been welcomed like a beloved
+brother risen from the dead, and he had the gratification, after so long a
+time, of turning the scale as speaker in a debate. True, he had
+encountered very little opposition, for the resolve to hold aloof from the
+battle against the Romans had been urged upon the Ephebi by the Queen
+herself through Antyllus, who, however, had already left the meeting when
+Dion joined it. It had seemed to Cleopatra a crime to claim the blood of
+the noblest sons of the city for a cause which she herself deemed lost.
+She knew the parents of many, and feared that Octavianus would inflict a
+terrible punishment upon them if, not being enrolled in the army, they
+fell into his power with arms in their hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+The stars were already setting when the Ephebi accompanied their friend,
+singing in chorus the Hymenæus, which they had been unable to chant on
+his wedding day. The melody of lutes accompanied the voices, and this
+nocturnal music was the source of the rumour that the god Dionysus, to
+whom Mark Antony felt specially akin, and in whose form he had so often
+appeared to the people, had abandoned him amid songs and music.
+</p>
+<p>
+The youths left Dion in front of the Temple of Isis. Gorgias alone
+remained with him. The architect led his friend to the Queen&rsquo;s mausoleum
+near the sanctuary, where men were toiling busily by torchlight. Alight
+scaffolding still surrounded it, but the lofty first story, containing the
+real tomb, was completed, and Dion admired the art with which the exterior
+of the edifice suggested its purpose. Huge blocks of dark-grey granite
+formed the walls. The broad front&mdash;solemn, almost gloomy in aspect&mdash;rose,
+sloping slightly, above the massive lofty door, surmounted by a moulding
+bearing the winged disk of the sun. On either side were niches containing
+statues of Antony and Cleopatra cast in dark bronze, and above the cornice
+were brazen figures of Love and Death, Fame and Silence, ennobling the
+Egyptian forms with exquisite works of Hellenic art.
+</p>
+<p>
+The massive door, adorned with brass figures in relief, would have
+resisted a battering-ram. On the side of the steps leading to it lay
+Sphinxes of dark-green diorite. Everything connected with this building,
+dedicated to death, was grave and massive, suggesting by its
+indestructibility the idea of eternity.
+</p>
+<p>
+The second story was not yet finished; masons and stone-cutters were
+engaged in covering the strong walls with dark serpentine and black
+marble. The huge windlass stood ready to raise a masterpiece of
+Alexandrian art. This was intended for the pediment, and represented Venus
+Victrix with helmet, shield, and lance, leading a band of winged gods of
+love, little archers at whose head Eros himself was discharging arrows,
+and victoriously fighting against the three-headed Cerberus, death,
+already bleeding from many wounds.
+</p>
+<p>
+There was no time to see the interior of the building, for Pyrrhus
+expected his guest to join him at the harbour at sunrise, and the eastern
+sky was already brightening with the approach of dawn.
+</p>
+<p>
+As the friends reached the landing-place the brass dome of the Serapeum,
+which towered above everything, was glittering with dazzling splendour.
+The pennons and masts of the fleet which was about to set sail from the
+harbour seemed steeped in a sea of golden light. Tremulous reflections of
+the brazen and gilded figures on the prows of the vessels were mirrored in
+the undulating surface of the sea, and the long shadows of the banks of
+oars united galley after galley on the surface of the water like the
+meshes of a net.
+</p>
+<p>
+Here the friends parted, and Dion walked down the quay alone to meet the
+freedman, who must have found it difficult to guide his boat out of this
+labyrinth of vessels. The inspection of the mausoleum had detained the
+young father too long and, though disguised beyond recognition, he
+reproached himself for having recklessly incurred a danger whose
+consequences&mdash;he felt this to-day for the first time&mdash;would not
+injure himself alone. The whole fleet was awaiting the signal for
+departure. The vessels which did not belong to it had been obliged to moor
+in front of the Temple of Poseidon, and all were strictly forbidden to
+leave the anchorage.
+</p>
+<p>
+Pyrrhus&rsquo;s fishing-boat was in the midst, and return to the Serpent Island
+was impossible at present.
+</p>
+<p>
+How vexatious! Barine was ignorant of his trip to the city, and to be
+compelled to leave her alone while a naval battle was in progress directly
+before her eyes distressed him as much as it could not fail to alarm her.
+</p>
+<p>
+In fact, the young mother had waited from early dawn with increasing
+anxiety for her husband. As the sun rose higher, and the strokes of the
+oars propelling two hundred galleys, the shrill whistle of the flutes
+marking the time, the deep voices of the captains shouting orders, and the
+blasts of the trumpets filling the air, were heard far and near around the
+island, she became so overwhelmed with uneasiness that she insisted upon
+going to the shore, though hitherto she had not been permitted to take the
+air except under the awning stretched for the purpose on the shady side of
+the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+In vain the women urged her not to let her fears gain the mastery and to
+have patience. But she would have resisted even force in order to look for
+him who, with her child, now comprised her world.
+</p>
+<p>
+When, leaning on Helena&rsquo;s arm, she reached the shore, no boat was in
+sight. The sea was covered with ships of war, floating fortresses, moving
+onward like dragons with a thousand legs whose feet were the countless
+rowers arranged in three or five sets. Each of the larger galleys was
+surrounded by smaller ones, from most of which darted dazzling flashes of
+light, for they were crowded with armed men, and from the prows of the
+strong boarding vessels the sunbeams glittered on the large shining metal
+points whose office was to pierce the wooden sides of the foe. The gilded
+statues in the prows of the large galleys shone and sparkled in the broad
+radiance of the day-star, and flashes of light also came from the low
+hills on the shore. Here Mark Antony&rsquo;s soldiers were stationed, and the
+sunbeams reflected from the helmets, coats of mail, and lance-heads of the
+infantry, and the armour of the horsemen quivered with dazzling brilliancy
+in the hot air of the first day of an Egyptian August.
+</p>
+<p>
+Amid this blazing, flashing, and sparkling in the morning air, so steeped
+in warmth and radiance, the sounds of warlike preparations from the land
+and fleet constantly grew louder. Barine, exhausted, had just sunk into a
+chair which Dione, the fisherman&rsquo;s daughter, had placed in the shade of
+the highest rock on the northwestern shore of the flat island, when a
+crashing blast of the tuba suddenly echoed from all the galleys in the
+Egyptian fleet, and the whole array of vessels filed past the Pharos at
+the opening of the harbour into the open sea.
+</p>
+<p>
+There the narrow ranks of the wooden giants separated and moved onward in
+broader lines. This was done quietly and in the same faultless order as a
+few days before, when a similar manœuvre had been executed under the eyes
+of Mark Antony.
+</p>
+<p>
+The longing for combat seemed to urge them steadily forward.
+</p>
+<p>
+The hostile fleet, lying motionless, awaited the attack. But the Egyptian
+assailants had advanced majestically only a few ships lengths towards the
+Roman foe when another signal rent the air. The women whose ears caught
+the waves of sound said afterwards that it seemed like a cry of agony&mdash;it
+had given the signal for a deed of unequalled treachery. The slaves,
+criminals, and the basest of the mercenaries on the rowers&rsquo; benches in the
+hold had doubtless long listened intently for it, and, when it finally
+came, the men on the upper benches raised their long oars and held them
+aloft, which stopped the work of those below, and every galley paused,
+pointing at the next with the wooden oars outstretched like fingers, as if
+seized with horror. The celerity and faultless order with which the
+raising of the oars was executed and vessel after vessel brought to a
+stand would have been a credit to an honourable captain, but the manœuvre
+introduced one of the basest acts ever recorded in history; and the women,
+who had witnessed many a <i>naumachia</i> and understood its meaning, exclaimed
+as if with a single voice: &ldquo;Treachery! They are going over to the enemy!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Mark Antony&rsquo;s fleet, created for him by Cleopatra, surrendered, down to
+the last galley, to Cæsar&rsquo;s heir, the victor of Actium; and the man to
+whom the sailors had vowed allegiance, who had drilled them, and only
+yesterday had urged them to offer a gallant resistance, saw from one of
+the downs on the shore the strong weapons on which he had based the
+fairest hopes, not shattered, but delivered into the hands of the enemy!
+</p>
+<p>
+The surrender of the fleet to the foe&mdash;he knew it&mdash;sealed his
+destruction; and the women on the shore of the Serpent Island, who were so
+closely connected with those on whom this misfortune fell, suspected the
+same thing. The hearts of both were stirred, and their eyes grew dim with
+tears of indignation and sorrow. They were Alexandrians, and did not
+desire to be ruled by Rome.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra, daughter of the Macedonian house of the Ptolemies, had the
+sole right to govern the city of her ancestors, founded by the great
+Macedonian. The sorrow they had themselves endured through her sank
+into insignificance beside the tremendous blow of Fate which in this
+hour reached the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Roman and Egyptian fleet returned to the harbour as one vast squadron
+under the same commander, and anchored in the roadstead of the city, which
+was now its precious booty.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine had seen enough, and returned to the house with drooping head. Her
+heart was heavy, and her anxiety for the man she loved hourly increased.
+</p>
+<p>
+It seemed as if the very day-star shrank from illuminating so infamous a
+deed with friendly light; for the dazzling, searching sun of the first of
+August veiled its radiant face with a greyish-white mist, and the
+desecrated sea wrinkled its brow, changed its pure azure robe to yellowish
+grey and blackish green, while the white foam hissed on the crests of the
+angry waves.
+</p>
+<p>
+As twilight began to approach, the anxiety of the deserted wife became
+unendurable. Not only Helena&rsquo;s wise words of caution, but the sight of her
+child, failed to exert their usual influence; and Barine had already
+summoned the son of Pyrrhus to persuade him to take her in his boat to the
+city, when Dione saw a boat approaching the Serpent Island from the
+direction of the sea.
+</p>
+<p>
+A short time after, Dion sprang on shore and kissed from his young wife&rsquo;s
+lips the reproaches with which she greeted him.
+</p>
+<p>
+He had heard of the treachery of the fleet while entering a hired boat
+with the freedman in the harbour of Eunostus, Pyrrhus&rsquo;s having been
+detained with the other craft before the Temple of Poseidon.
+</p>
+<p>
+The experienced pilot had been obliged to steer the boat in a wider curve
+against the wind through the open sea, and was delayed a long time by a
+number of the war vessels of the fleet.
+</p>
+<p>
+Danger and separation were now passed, and they rejoiced in the happiness
+of meeting, yet could not feel genuine joy. Their souls were oppressed by
+anxiety concerning the fate of the Queen and their native city.
+</p>
+<p>
+As night closed in the dogs barked violently, and they heard loud voices
+on the shore. Dion, with a presentiment that misfortune was threatening
+himself and his dear ones, obeyed the summons.
+</p>
+<p>
+No star illumined the darkness. Only the wavering light of a lantern on
+the strand and another on the nearest island illumined the immediate
+vicinity, while southward the lights in the city shone as brightly as
+ever.
+</p>
+<p>
+Pyrrhus and his youngest son were just pushing a boat into the water to
+release from the sands another which had run aground in a shallow near the
+neighbouring island.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion sprang in with them, and soon recognized in the hail the voice of the
+architect Gorgias.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young father shouted a joyous greeting to his friend, but there was no
+reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+Soon after, Pyrrhus landed his belated guest on the shore. He had escaped&mdash;as
+the fisherman explained&mdash;a great danger; for had he gone to the other
+island, which swarmed with venomous serpents, he might easily have fallen
+a victim to the bite of one of the reptiles.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias grasped Dion&rsquo;s hand but, in reply to his gay invitation to
+accompany him to the house at once, he begged him to listen to his story
+before joining the ladies.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion was startled. He knew his friend. When his deep voice had such a tone
+of gloomy discouragement, and his head drooped so mournfully, some
+terrible event had befallen him.
+</p>
+<p>
+His foreboding had been correct. The first tidings pierced his own soul
+deeply.
+</p>
+<p>
+He was not surprised to learn that the Romans ruled Alexandria; but a
+small band of the conquerors, who had been ordered to conduct themselves
+as if they were in a friendly country, had forced their way into the
+architect&rsquo;s large house to occupy the quarters assigned to them. The deaf
+grandmother of Helena and Barine, who had but half comprehended what
+threatened the citizens, terrified by the noisy entrance of the soldiers,
+had had another attack of apoplexy, and closed her eyes in death before
+Gorgias set out for the island.
+</p>
+<p>
+But it was not only this sad event, which must grieve the hearts of the
+two sisters, that had brought the architect in a stranger&rsquo;s boat to the
+Serpent Island at so late an hour. His soul was so agitated by the
+horrible incidents of the day that he needed to seek consolation among
+those from whom he was sure to find sympathy.
+</p>
+<p>
+Nor was it wholly the terrible things Fate had compelled him to witness
+which induced him to venture out upon the sea so recklessly, but still
+more the desire to bring to the fugitives the happy news that they might
+return with safety to their native city.
+</p>
+<p>
+Deeply agitated&mdash;nay, confused and overpowered by all he had seen and
+experienced&mdash;the architect, usually so clear and, with all his mental
+vivacity, so circumspect, began his story. A remonstrance from Dion
+induced him to collect his thoughts and describe events in the order in
+which they had befallen him.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch23">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+After accompanying Dion to the harbour, the architect had gone to the
+Forum to converse with the men he met there, and learn what they feared
+and expected in regard to the future fate of the city.
+</p>
+<p>
+All news reached this meeting-place first, and he found a large number of
+Macedonian citizens who, like himself, wished to discuss passing events in
+these decisive hours.
+</p>
+<p>
+The scene was very animated, for the most contradictory messages were
+constantly arriving from the fleet and the army.
+</p>
+<p>
+At first they were very favourable; then came the news of the treason, and
+soon after of the desertion of the cavalry and foot soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+A distinguished citizen had seen Mark Antony, accompanied by several
+friends, dashing down the quay. The goal of their flight was the little
+palace on the Choma.
+</p>
+<p>
+Grave men, whose opinion met with little opposition, thought that it was
+the duty of the Imperator&mdash;now that Fate had decided against him, and
+nothing remained save a life sullied by disgrace&mdash;to put himself to
+death with his own hand, like Brutus and so many other noble Romans.
+Tidings soon came that he had attempted to do what the best citizens
+expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+Gorgias could not endure to remain longer in the Forum, but hastened to
+the Choma, though it was difficult to force his way to the wall, where a
+breach had been made. He had found the portion of the shore from which the
+promontory ran densely crowded with people&mdash;from whom he learned that
+Antony was no longer in the palace&mdash;and the sea filled with boats.
+</p>
+<p>
+A corpse was just being borne out of the little palace on the Street of
+the King and, among those who followed, Gorgias recognized one of Antony&rsquo;s
+slaves. The man&rsquo;s eyes were red with weeping. He readily obeyed the
+architect&rsquo;s sign and, sobbing bitterly, told him that the hapless general,
+after his army had betrayed him, fled hither. When he heard in the palace
+that Cleopatra had preceded him to Hades, he ordered his body-slave Eros
+to put an end to his life also. The worthy man drew back, pierced his own
+breast with his sword, and sank dying at his master&rsquo;s feet; but Antony,
+exclaiming that Eros&rsquo;s example had taught him his duty, thrust the short
+sword into his breast with his own hand. Yet deep and severe as was the
+wound, it did not destroy the tremendous vitality of the gigantic Roman.
+With touching entreaties he implored the bystanders to kill him, but no
+one could bring himself to commit the deed. Meanwhile Cleopatra&rsquo;s name,
+coupled with the wish to follow her, was constantly on the lips of the
+Imperator.
+</p>
+<p>
+At last Diomedes, the Queen&rsquo;s private secretary, appeared, to bring him,
+by her orders, to the mausoleum where she had taken refuge.
+</p>
+<p>
+Antony, as if animated with fresh vigour, assented, and while being
+carried thither gave orders that Eros should have a worthy burial. Even
+though dying, it would have been impossible for the most generous of
+masters to permit any kindness rendered to pass unrequited.
+</p>
+<p>
+The slave again wept aloud as he uttered the words, but Gorgias hastened
+at once to the tomb.
+</p>
+<p>
+The nearest way, the Street of the King, had become so crowded with
+people who had been forced back by Roman soldiers, between the
+Theatre of Dionysus and the Corner of the Muses, that he had been
+compelled to reach the building through a side street.
+</p>
+<p>
+The quay was already unrecognizable, and even in the other streets the
+populace showed a foreign aspect. Instead of peaceful citizens, Roman
+soldiers in full armour were met everywhere. Instead of Greek, Egyptian,
+and Syrian faces, fair and dark visages of alien appearance were seen.
+</p>
+<p>
+The city seemed transformed into a camp. Here he met a cohort of
+fair-haired Germans; yonder another with locks of red whose home he did
+not know; and again a <i>vexil</i> of Numidian or Pannonian horsemen.
+</p>
+<p>
+At the Temple of the Dioscuri he was stopped. A Hispanian maniple had just
+seized Antony&rsquo;s son Antyllus and, after a hasty court-martial, killed him.
+His tutor, Theodotus, had betrayed him to the Romans, but the infamous
+fellow was being led with bound hands after the corpse of the hapless
+youth, because he was caught in the act of hiding in his girdle a costly
+jewel which he had taken from his neck. Before his departure for the
+island Gorgias heard that the scoundrel had been sentenced to crucifixion.
+</p>
+<p>
+At last he succeeded in forcing a passage to the tomb, which he found
+surrounded on all sides by Roman lictors and the Scythian guards of the
+city, who, however, permitted him, as the architect, to pass.
+</p>
+<p>
+The numerous obstacles by which he had been delayed spared him from
+becoming an eye-witness of the most terrible scenes of the tragedy which
+had just ended; but he received a minute description from the Queen&rsquo;s
+private secretary, a well-disposed Macedonian, who had accompanied the
+wounded Antony, and with whom Gorgias had become intimately acquainted
+during the building of the mausoleum.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra had fled to the tomb as soon as the fortune of war turned in
+favour of Octavianus. No one was permitted to accompany her except
+Charmian and Iras, who had helped her close the heavy brazen door of the
+massive building. The false report of her death, which had induced Antony
+to put an end to his life, had perhaps arisen from the fact that the Queen
+was literally in the tomb.
+</p>
+<p>
+When, borne in the arms of his faithful servants, he reached the
+mausoleum, mortally wounded, the Queen and her attendants vainly
+endeavoured to open the heavy brazen portal. But Cleopatra ardently longed
+to see her dying lover. She wished to have him near to render the last
+services, assure him once more of her devotion, close his eyes, and, if it
+was so ordered, die with him.
+</p>
+<p>
+So she and her attendants had searched the place, and when Iras spoke of
+the windlass which stood on the scaffold to raise the heavy brass plate
+bearing the bas-relief of Love conquering Death, the Queen and her friends
+hastened up the stairs, the bearer below fastened the wounded man to the
+rope, and Cleopatra herself stood at the windlass to raise him, aided by
+her faithful companions.
+</p>
+<p>
+Diomedes averred that he had never beheld a more piteous spectacle than
+the gigantic man hovering between heaven and earth in the agonies of death
+and, while suffering the most terrible torture, extending his arms
+longingly towards the woman he loved. Though scarcely able to speak, he
+tenderly called her name, but she made no reply; like Iras and Charmian,
+she was exerting her whole strength at the windlass in the most passionate
+effort to raise him. The rope running over the pulley cut her tender
+hands; her beautiful face was terribly distorted; but she did not pause
+until they had succeeded in lifting the burden of the dying man higher and
+higher till he reached the floor of the scaffolding. The frantic exertion
+by which the three women had succeeded in accomplishing an act far beyond
+their strength, though it was doubled by the power of the most earnest
+will and ardent longing, would nevertheless have failed in attaining its
+object had not Diomedes, at the last moment, come to their assistance. He
+was a strong man, and by his aid the dying Roman was seized, drawn upon
+the scaffolding, and carried down the staircase to the tomb in the first
+story.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the wounded general had been laid on one of the couches with which
+the great hall was already furnished, the private secretary retired, but
+remained on the staircase, an unnoticed spectator, in order to be at hand
+in case the Queen again needed his assistance. Flushed from the terrible
+exertion which she had just made, with tangled, dishevelled locks, gasping
+and moaning, Cleopatra, as if out of her senses, tore open her robe, beat
+her breast, and lacerated it with her nails. Then, pressing her own
+beautiful face on her lover&rsquo;s wound to stanch the flowing blood, she
+lavished upon him all the endearing names which she had bestowed on their
+love.
+</p>
+<p>
+His terrible suffering made her forget her own and the sad fate impending.
+Tears of pity fell like the refreshing drops of a shower upon the still
+unwithered blossoms of their love, and brought those which, during the
+preceding night, had revived anew, to their last magnificent unfolding.
+</p>
+<p>
+Boundless, limitless as her former passion for this man, was now the grief
+with which his agonizing death filled her heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+All that Mark Antony had been to her in the heyday of life, all their
+mutual experiences, all that each had received from the other, had
+returned to her memory in clear and vivid hues during the banquet which
+had closed a few hours ago. Now these scenes, condensed into a narrow
+compass, again passed before her mental vision, but only to reveal more
+distinctly the depth of misery of this hour. At last anguish forced even
+the clearest memories into oblivion: she saw nothing save the tortures of
+her lover; her brain, still active, revealed solely the gulf at her feet,
+and the tomb which yawned not only for Antony, but for herself.
+</p>
+<p>
+Unable to think of the happiness enjoyed in the past or to hope for it in
+the future, she gave herself up to uncontrolled despair, and no woman of
+the people could have yielded more absolutely to the consuming grief which
+rent her heart, or expressed it in wilder, more frantic language, than did
+this great Queen, this woman who as a child had been so sensitive to the
+slightest suffering, and whose after-life had certainly not taught her to
+bear sorrow with patience. After Charmian, at the dying man&rsquo;s request, had
+given him some wine, he found strength to speak coherently, instead of
+moaning and sighing.
+</p>
+<p>
+He tenderly urged Cleopatra to secure her own safety, if it could be done
+without dishonour, and mentioned Proculejus as the man most worthy of her
+confidence among the friends of Octavianus. Then he entreated her not to
+mourn for him, but to consider him happy; for he had enjoyed the richest
+favours of Fortune. He owed his brightest hours to her love; but he had
+also been the first and most powerful man on earth. Now he was dying in
+the arms of Love, honourable as a Roman who succumbed to Romans.
+</p>
+<p>
+In this conviction he died after a short struggle.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra had watched his last breath, closed his eyes, and then thrown
+herself tearlessly on her lover&rsquo;s body. At last she fainted, and lay
+unconscious with her head upon his marble breast.
+</p>
+<p>
+The private secretary had witnessed all this, and then returned with
+tearful eyes to the second story. There he met Gorgias, who had climbed
+the scaffolding, and told him what he had seen and heard from the stairs.
+But his story was scarcely ended when a carriage stopped at the Corner of
+the Muses and an aristocratic Roman alighted.
+</p>
+<p>
+This was the very Proculejus whom the dying Antony had recommended to the
+woman he loved as worthy of her confidence.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;In fact,&rdquo; Gorgias continued, &ldquo;he seemed in form and features one of the
+noblest of his haughty race. He came commissioned by Octavianus, and is
+said to be warmly devoted to the Cæsar, and a well-disposed man. We have
+also heard him mentioned as a poet and a brother-in-law of Mæcenas. A
+wealthy aristocrat, he is a generous patron of literature, and also holds
+art and science in high esteem. Timagenes lauds his culture and noble
+nature. Perhaps the historian was right; but where the object in question
+is the state and its advantage, what we here regard as worthy of a free
+man appears to be considered of little moment at the court of Octavianus.
+The lord to whom he gives his services intrusted him with a difficult
+task, and Proculejus doubtless considered it his duty to make every effort
+to perform it&mdash;and yet&mdash;&mdash; If I see aright, a day will come
+when he will curse this, and the obedience with which he, a free man,
+aided Cæsar&mdash;&mdash; But listen.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Erect and haughty in his splendid suit of armour, he knocked at the door
+of the tomb. Cleopatra had regained consciousness and asked&mdash;she must
+have known him in Rome&mdash;what he desired.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;He had come, he answered courteously, by the command of Octavianus, to
+negotiate with her, and the Queen expressed her willingness to listen, but
+refused to admit him into the mausoleum.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;So they talked with each other through the door. With dignified
+composure, she asked to have the sons whom she had given to Antony&mdash;not
+Cæsarion&mdash;acknowledged as Kings of Egypt.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Proculejus instantly promised to convey her wishes to Cæsar, and gave
+hopes of their fulfilment.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;While she was speaking of the children and their claims&mdash;she did not
+mention her own future&mdash;the Roman questioned her about Mark Antony&rsquo;s
+death, and then described the destruction of the dead man&rsquo;s army and other
+matters of trivial importance. Proculejus did not look like a babbler, but
+I felt a suspicion that he was intentionally trying to hold the attention
+of the Queen. This proved to be his design; he had been merely waiting for
+Cornelius Gallus, the commander of the fleet, of whom you have heard. He,
+too, ranks among the chief men in Rome, and yet he made himself the
+accomplice of Proculejus.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The latter retired as soon as he had presented the new-comer to the
+hapless woman.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I remained at my post and now heard Gallus assure Cleopatra of his
+master&rsquo;s sympathy. With the most bombastic exaggeration he described how
+bitterly Octavianus mourned in Mark Antony the friend, the brother-in-law,
+the co-ruler and sharer in so many important enterprises. He had shed
+burning tears over the tidings of his death. Never had more sincere ones
+coursed down any man&rsquo;s cheeks.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Gallus, too, seemed to me to be intentionally prolonging the
+conversation.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then, while I was listening intently to understand Cleopatra&rsquo;s brief
+replies, my foreman, who, when the workmen were driven away by the Romans,
+had concealed himself between two blocks of granite, came to me and said
+that Proculejus had just climbed a ladder to the scaffold in the rear of
+the monument. Two servants followed, and they had all stolen down into the
+hall.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I hastily started up. I had been lying on the floor with my head
+outstretched to listen.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Cost what it might, the Queen must be warned. Treachery was certainly at
+work here.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But I came too late.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;O Dion! If I had only been informed a few minutes before, perhaps
+something still more terrible might have happened, but the Queen would
+have been spared what now threatens her. What can she expect from the
+conqueror who, in order to seize her alive, condescends to outwit a noble,
+defenceless woman, who has succumbed to superior power?
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Death would have released the unhappy Queen from sore trouble and
+horrible shame. And she had already raised the dagger against her life.
+Before my eyes she flung aloft her beautiful arm with the flashing steel,
+which glittered in the light of the candles in the many-branched
+candelabra beside the sarcophagi. But I will try to remain calm! You shall
+hear what happened in regular order. My thoughts grow confused as the
+terrible scene recurs to my memory. To describe it as I saw it, I should
+need to be a poet, an artist in words; for what passed before me happened
+on a stage&mdash;you know, it was a tomb. The walls were of dark
+stone&mdash;dark, too, were the pillars and ceiling&mdash;all dark and
+glittering; most portions were smoothly polished stone, shining like a
+mirror. Near the sarcophagi, and around the candelabra as far as the
+vicinity of the door, where the rascally trick was played, the light was
+brilliant as in a festal hall. Every blood-stain on the hand, every
+scratch, every wound which the desperate woman had torn with her own nails
+on her bosom, which gleamed snow-white from her black robes, was
+distinctly visible. Farther away, on the right and left, the light was
+dim, and near the side walls the darkness was as intense as in a real
+tomb. On the smooth porphyry columns, the glittering black marble and
+serpentine&mdash;here, there, and everywhere&mdash;flickered the wavering
+reflection of the candlelight. The draught kept it continually in motion,
+and it wavered to and fro in the hall, like the restless souls of the
+damned. Wherever the eye turned it met darkness. The end of the hall
+seemed black&mdash;black as the anteroom of Hades&mdash;yet through it
+pierced a brilliant moving bar; sunbeams which streamed from the stairway
+into the tomb and amid which danced tiny motes. How the scene impressed
+the eye! The home of gloomy Hecate! And the Queen and her impending fate.
+A picture flooded with light, standing forth in radiant relief against the
+darkness of the heavy, majestic forms surrounding it in a wide circle.
+This tomb in this light would be a palace meet for the gloomy rule of the
+king of the troop of demons conjured up by the power of a magician&mdash;if
+they have a ruler. But where am I wandering? &lsquo;The artist!&rsquo; I hear you
+exclaim again, &lsquo;the artist! Instead of rushing forward and interposing, he
+stands studying the light and its effects in the royal tomb.&rsquo; Yes, yes; I
+had come too late, too late&mdash;far too late! On the stairs leading to
+the lower story of the building I saw it, but I was not to blame for the
+delay&mdash;not in the least!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;At first I had been unable to see the men&mdash;or even a shadow; but I
+beheld plainly in the brightest glare of the light the body of Mark Antony
+on the couch and, in the dusk farther towards the right, Iras and Charmian
+trying to raise a trapdoor. It was the one which closed the passage
+leading to the combustible materials stored in the cellar. A sign from the
+Queen had commanded them to fire it. The first steps of the staircase,
+down which I was hastening, were already behind me&mdash;then&mdash;then
+Proculejus, with two men, suddenly dashed from the intense darkness on the
+other side. Scarcely able to control myself, I sprang down the remaining
+steps, and while Iras&rsquo;s shrill cry, &lsquo;Poor Cleopatra, they will capture
+you!&rsquo; still rang in my ears, I saw the betrayed Queen turn from the door
+through which, resolved on death, she was saying something to Gallus,
+perceive Proculejus close behind her, thrust her hand into her girdle, and
+with the speed of lightning&mdash;you have already heard so&mdash;throw up
+her arm with the little dagger to bury the sharp blade in her breast. What
+a picture! In the full radiance of the brilliant light, she resembled a
+statue of triumphant victory or of noble pride in great deeds
+accomplished; and then, then, only an instant later, what an outrage was
+inflicted!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Like a robber, an assassin, Proculejus rushed upon her, seized her arm,
+and wrested the weapon from her grasp. His tall figure concealed her from
+me. But when, struggling to escape from the ruffian&rsquo;s clutch, she again
+turned her face towards the hall, what a transformation had occurred! Her
+eyes&mdash;you know how large they are&mdash;were twice their usual size,
+and blazed with scorn, fury, and hatred for the traitor. The cheering
+light had become a consuming fire. So I imagine the vengeance, the curse
+which calls down ruin upon the head of a foe. And Proculejus, the great
+lord, the poet whose noble nature is praised by the authors on the banks
+of the Tiber, held the defenceless woman, the worthy daughter of a
+brilliant line of kings, in a firm grasp, as if it required the exertion
+of all his strength to master this delicate embodiment of charming
+womanhood. True, the proud blood of the outwitted lioness urged her to
+resist this profanation, and Proculejus&mdash;an enviable honour&mdash;made
+her feel the superior strength of his arm. I am no prophet, but Dion, I
+repeat, this shameful struggle and the glances which flashed upon him will
+be remembered to his dying hour. Had they been darted at me, I should have
+cursed my life. They blanched even the Roman&rsquo;s cheeks. He was lividly
+pale as he completed what he deemed his duty. His own aristocratic hands
+were degraded to the menial task of searching the garments of a woman, the
+Queen, for forbidden wares, poisons or weapons. He was aided by one of
+Cæsar&rsquo;s freedmen, Epaphroditus, who is said to stand so high in the
+favour of Octavianus.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The scoundrel also searched Iras and Charmian, yet all the time both
+Romans constantly spoke in cajoling terms of Cæsar&rsquo;s favour; and his
+desire to grant Cleopatra everything which was due a Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;At last she was taken back to Lochias, but I felt like a madman; for the
+image of the unfortunate woman pursued me like my shadow. It was no longer
+a vision of the bewitching sovereign&mdash;nay, it resembled the incarnation of
+despair, tearless anguish, wrath demanding vengeance. I will not describe
+it; but those eyes, those flashing, threatening eyes, and the tangled hair
+on which Antony&rsquo;s blood had flowed&mdash;terrible, horrible! My heart grew
+chill, as if I had seen upon Athene&rsquo;s shield the head of the Medusa with
+its serpent locks.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It had been impossible for me to warn her in time, or even to seize the
+traitor&rsquo;s arm&mdash;I have already said so&mdash;and yet, yet her shining
+image gazed reproachfully at me for my cowardly delay. Her glance still
+haunts me, robbing me of calmness and peace. Not until I gaze into
+Helena&rsquo;s pure, calm eyes will that terrible vision of the face, flooded by
+light in the midst of the tomb, cease to haunt me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+His friend laid his hand on his arm, spoke soothingly to him, and reminded
+him of the blessings which this terrible day&mdash;he had said so himself&mdash;had
+brought.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion was right to give this warning; for Gorgias&rsquo;s bearing and the very
+tone of his voice changed as he eagerly declared that the frightful events
+had been followed by more than happy ones for the city, his friend, and
+Barine.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, with a sigh of relief, he continued: &ldquo;I pursued my way home like a
+drunken man. Every attempt to approach the Queen or her attendants was
+baffled, but I learned from Charmian&rsquo;s clever Nubian that Cleopatra had
+been permitted, in Cæsar&rsquo;s name, to choose the palace she desired to
+occupy, and had selected the one at Lochias.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I did not make much progress towards my house; the crowd in front of the
+great gymnasium stopped me. Octavianus had gone into the city, and the
+people, I heard, had greeted him with acclamations and flung themselves on
+their knees before him. Our stiff-necked Alexandrians in the dust before
+the victor! It enraged me, but my resentment was diminished.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The members of the gymnasium all knew me. They made way and, ere I was
+aware of it, I had passed through the door. Tall Phryxus had drawn my arm
+through his. He appears and vanishes at will, is as alert as he is rich,
+sees and hears everything, and manages to secure the best places. This
+time he had again succeeded; for when he released me we were standing
+opposite to a newly erected tribune.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;They were waiting for Octavianus, who was still in the hypostyle of
+Euergetes receiving the homage of the epitrop, the members of the Council,
+the gymnasiarch, and I know not how many others.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Phryxus said that on Cæsar&rsquo;s entry he had held out his hand to his
+former tutor, bade him accompany him, and commanded that his sons should
+be presented. The philosopher had been distinguished above every one else,
+and this will benefit you and yours; for he is Berenike&rsquo;s brother, and
+therefore your wife&rsquo;s uncle. What he desires is sure to be granted. You
+will hear at once how studiously the Cæsar distinguishes him. I do not
+grudge it to the man; he interceded boldly for Barine; he is lauded as an
+able scholar, and he does not lack courage. In spite of Actium and the
+only disgraceful deed with which, to my knowledge, Mark Antony could be
+reproached&mdash;I mean the surrender of Turullius&mdash;Arius remained
+here, though the Imperator might have held the friend of Julius Cæsar&rsquo;s
+nephew as a hostage as easily as he gave up the Emperor&rsquo;s assassin.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Since Octavianus encamped before the city, your uncle has been in serious
+danger, and his sons shared his peril. Surely you must know the handsome,
+vigorous young Ephebi.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;We were not obliged to wait long in the gymnasium ere the Cæsar appeared
+on the platform; and now&mdash;if your hand clenches, it is only what I
+expect&mdash;now all fell on their knees. Our turbulent, rebellious rabble
+raised their hands like pleading beggars, and grave, dignified men
+followed their example. Whoever saw me and Phryxus will remember us among
+the kneeling lickspittles; for had we remained standing we should
+certainly have been dragged down. So we followed the example of the
+others.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And Octavianus?&rdquo; asked Dion eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;A man of regal bearing and youthful aspect; beardless face of the finest
+chiselling, a profile as beautiful as if created for the coin-maker; all
+the lines sharp and yet pleasing; every inch an aristocrat; but the very
+mirror of a cold nature, incapable of any lofty aspiration, any warm
+emotion, any tenderness of feeling. All in all, a handsome, haughty,
+calculating man, whose friendship would hardly benefit the heart, but from
+whose enmity may the immortals guard all we love!
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Again he led Arius by the hand. The philosopher&rsquo;s sons followed the pair.
+When he stood on the stage, looking down upon the thousands kneeling
+before him, not a muscle of his noble face&mdash;it is certainly that&mdash;betrayed
+the slightest emotion. He gazed at us like a farmer surveying his flocks
+and, after a long silence, said curtly in excellent Greek that he absolved
+the Alexandrians from all guilt towards him: first&mdash;he counted as if
+he were summoning individual veterans to reward them&mdash;from respect
+for the illustrious founder of our city, Alexander, the conqueror of the
+world; secondly, because the greatness and beauty of Alexandria filled him
+with admiration; and, thirdly&mdash;he turned to Arius as he spoke&mdash;to
+give pleasure to his admirable and beloved friend.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then shouts of joy burst forth.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Every one, from the humblest to the greatest, had had a heavy burden
+removed from his mind, and the throng had scarcely left the gymnasium when
+they were again laughing saucily enough, and there was no lack of biting
+and innocent jests. The fat carpenter, Memnon&mdash;who furnished the
+wood-work for your palace&mdash;exclaimed close beside me that formerly a
+dolphin had saved Arius from the pirates; now Arius was saving marine
+Alexandria from the robbers. So the sport went on. Philostratus,
+Barine&rsquo;s first husband, offered the best butt for jests. The agitator
+had good reason to fear the worst; and now, clad in black mourning robes,
+ran after Arius, whom but a few months ago he persecuted with the most
+vindictive hatred, continually repeating this shallow bit of verse:
+</p>
+<div class="quote">
+&ldquo; &lsquo;If he is a wise man, let the wise aid the wise.&rsquo;
+</div>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Reaching home was not easy. The street was swarming with Roman soldiers.
+They fared well enough; for in the joy of their hearts many a prosperous
+citizen who saw his property saved invited individual warriors, or even a
+whole maniple, to the taverns or cook-shops, and the stock of wine in
+Alexandrian cellars will be considerably diminished to-night.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Many, as I have already said, had been quartered in the houses, with
+orders to spare the property of the citizens; and it was in this way that
+the misfortune with which I commenced my narrative befell the grandmother.
+She died before my departure.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;All the gates of the city will now stand open to you, and the niece of
+Arius and her husband will be received with ovations. I don&rsquo;t grudge
+Barine the good fortune; for the way in which your noble wife, who had
+cast her spell over me too, flung aside what is always dear to the admired
+city beauty and found on the loneliest of islands a new world in love, is
+worthy of all admiration and praise. For yourself, I dread new happiness
+and honours; if they are added to those which Fate bestowed upon you in
+such a wife and your son Pyrrhus, the gods would not be themselves if they
+did not pursue you with their envy. I have less reason to fear them.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ungrateful fellow!&rdquo; interrupted his friend. &ldquo;There will be numerous
+mortals to grudge you Helena. As for me, I have already felt many a slight
+foreboding; but we have already paid by no means a small tribute to the
+divine ones. The lamp is still burning in the sitting-room. Inform the
+sisters of their grandmother&rsquo;s death, and tell them the pleasant tidings
+you have brought us, but reserve until the morning a description of the
+terrible scenes you witnessed. We will not spoil their sleep. Mark my
+words! Helena&rsquo;s silent grief and her joy at our escape will lighten your
+heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+And so it proved. True, Gorgias lived over again in his dreams the
+frightful spectacle witnessed the day before; but when the sun of the 2d
+day of August rose in full radiance over Alexandria and, early in the
+morning, boat after boat reached the Serpent Island, landing first
+Berenike and her nephews, the sons of the honoured philosopher Arius, then
+clients, officials, and friends of Dion, and former favourite guests of
+Barine, to greet the young pair and escort them from the refuge which had
+so long sheltered them back to the city and their midst, new and pleasant
+impressions robbed the gloomy picture of a large portion of its terrors.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Tall Phryxus&rdquo; had rapidly spread the news of the place where Dion and
+Barine had vanished, and that they had long been happily wedded. Many
+deemed it well worth a short voyage to see the actors in so strange an
+adventure and be the first to greet them. Besides, those who knew Barine
+and her husband were curious to learn how two persons accustomed to the
+life of a great capital had endured for months such complete solitude.
+Many feared or expected to see them emaciated and careworn, haggard or
+sunk in melancholy, and hence there were a number of astonished faces
+among those whose boats the freedman Pyrrhus guided as pilot through the
+shallows which protected his island.
+</p>
+<p>
+The return of this rare couple to their home would have afforded an
+excellent opportunity for gay festivities. Sincerely as the majority of
+the populace mourned the fate of the Queen, and gravely as the more
+thoughtful feared for Alexandria&rsquo;s freedom under Roman rule, all rejoiced
+over the lenient treatment of the city. Their lives and property were
+safe, and the celebration of festivals had become a life habit with all
+classes. But the news of the death of Didymus&rsquo;s wife and the illness of
+the old man, who could not bear up under the loss of his faithful
+companion, gave Dion a right to refuse any gay welcome at his home.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine&rsquo;s sorrow was his also, and Didymus died a few days after his wife,
+with whom he had lived in the bonds of love for more than half a century&mdash;people
+said, &ldquo;of a broken heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+So Dion and his young wife entered his beautiful palace with no noisy
+festivities. Instead of the jubilant hymenæus, the voice of his own child
+greeted him on the threshold.
+</p>
+<p>
+The mourning garments in which Barine welcomed him in the women&rsquo;s
+apartment reminded him of the envy of the gods which his friend had feared
+for him. But he often fancied that his mother&rsquo;s statue in the tablinum
+looked specially happy when the young mistress of the house entered it.
+</p>
+<p>
+Barine, too, felt that her happiness as wife and mother in her magnificent
+home would have been overwhelming had not a wise destiny imposed upon her,
+just at this time, grief for those whom she loved.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion instantly devoted himself again to the affairs of the city and his
+own business. He and the woman he loved, who had first become really his
+own during a time of sore privation, had run into the harbour and gazed
+quietly at the storms of life. The anchor of love, which moored their ship
+to the solid earth, had been tested in the solitude of the Serpent Island.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch24">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The fisherman and his family had watched the departure of their beloved
+guests with sorrowful hearts, and the women had shed many tears, although
+the sons of Pyrrhus had been dismissed from the fleet and were again
+helping their father at home, as in former times.
+</p>
+<p>
+Besides, Dion had made the faithful freedman a prosperous man, and given
+his daughter, Dione, a marriage dowry. She was soon to become the wife of
+the captain of the Epicurus, Archibius&rsquo;s swift galley, whose acquaintance
+she had made when the vessel, on several occasions, brought Charmian&rsquo;s
+Nubian maid to the island. Anukis&rsquo;s object in making these visits was not
+only to see her friend, but to induce him to catch one of the poisonous
+serpents in the neighbouring island and keep it ready for the Queen.
+</p>
+<p>
+Since Cleopatra had ascertained that no poison caused a less painful death
+than the fangs of the asp, she had resolved that the bite of one of these
+reptiles should release her from the burden of life. The clever Ethiopian
+had thought of inducing her friend Pyrrhus to procure the adder, but it
+had required all Aisopion&rsquo;s skill in persuasion, and the touching manner
+in which she understood how to describe the Queen&rsquo;s terrible situation and
+severe suffering, to conquer the reluctance of the upright man. At last
+she succeeded in persuading him to measure a queen by a different standard
+from a woman of the people, and inducing him to arrange the manner and
+time of conveying the serpent into the well-guarded palace. A signal was
+to inform him when the decisive hour arrived. After that he was to be
+ready with the asp in the fish-market every day. Probably his service
+would soon be claimed; for Octavianus&rsquo;s delay was scarcely an indication
+of a favourable decision of Cleopatra&rsquo;s fate.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, she was permitted to live in royal state at Lochias, and had even
+been allowed to have the children, the twins, and little Alexander sent
+back to her with the promise that life and liberty would be granted them;
+but Cæsarion&mdash;whose treacherous tutor Rhodon lured him from the
+journey southward back to Alexandria by all sorts of representations,
+among them the return of Barine&mdash;was held prisoner in his father&rsquo;s
+temple, where he had sought refuge. This news, and the fact that
+Octavianus had condemned to death the youth who bore so striking a
+resemblance to Cæsar, had not remained concealed from the unhappy mother.
+She was also informed of the words in which the philosopher Arius had
+encouraged Cæsar&rsquo;s desire to rid himself of the son of his famous uncle.
+They referred to the Homeric saying concerning the disadvantage of having
+many rulers.
+</p>
+<p>
+Everything which Cleopatra desired to know concerning events in the city
+reached her ears; for she was allowed much liberty&mdash;only she was closely
+watched day and night, and all the servants and officials to whom she
+granted an audience were carefully searched to keep from her all means of
+self-destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+True, it was very evident that she had closed her account with life. Her
+attempt to take no food and die of starvation must have been noticed.
+Threats directed against the children, through whom she could be most
+easily influenced, finally induced her to eat again. Octavianus was
+informed of all these things, and his conduct proved his anxiety to keep
+her from suicide.
+</p>
+<p>
+Several Asiatic princes vied with each other in the desire to honour Mark
+Antony by a magnificent funeral, but Octavianus had allowed Cleopatra to
+provide the most superb obsequies. In the time of her deepest anguish it
+afforded her comfort and satisfaction to arrange everything herself, and
+even perform some offices with her own hands. The funeral had been as
+gorgeous as the dead man&rsquo;s love of splendour could have desired.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras and Charmian were often unable to understand how the Queen&mdash;who,
+since Antony&rsquo;s death, had suffered not only from the wounds she had
+inflicted upon herself in her despair, but also after her baffled attempt
+at starvation from a slow fever&mdash;had succeeded in resisting the
+severe exertions and mental agitation to which she had been subjected by
+Antony&rsquo;s funeral.
+</p>
+<p>
+The return of Archibius with the children, however, had visibly reanimated
+her flagging energy.
+</p>
+<p>
+She often went to Didymus&rsquo;s garden, which was now connected with the
+palace at Lochias, to watch their work and share whatever interested their
+young hearts.
+</p>
+<p>
+But the gayest of mothers, who had understood how to enter so thoroughly
+into her children&rsquo;s pursuits, had now become a sorrowful, grave monitor.
+Though the lessons she urged upon them were often beautiful and wise, they
+were little suited to the ages of Archibius&rsquo;s pupils, for they usually
+referred to death and to questions of philosophy not easily understood by
+children.
+</p>
+<p>
+She herself felt that she no longer struck the right key; but whenever she
+tried to change it and jest with them as usual, she could endure the
+forced gaiety only a short time; a painful revulsion, frequently
+accompanied by tears, followed, and she was obliged to leave her darlings.
+</p>
+<p>
+The life her foe granted her seemed like an intrusive gift, an oppressive
+debt, which we desire to pay a troublesome creditor as soon as possible.
+</p>
+<p>
+She seemed calmer and apparently content only when permitted to talk with
+the companions of her youth concerning bygone days, or with them and Iras
+of death, and how it would be possible to put an end to an unwelcome
+existence.
+</p>
+<p>
+After such conversations Iras and Charmian left her with bleeding hearts.
+They had long since resolved to share the fate of their royal mistress,
+whatever it might be. Their common suffering was the bond which again
+united them in affection. Iras had provided poisoned pins which had
+speedily destroyed the animals upon which they had been tried. Cleopatra
+knew of their existence, but she herself preferred the painless death
+bestowed by the serpent&rsquo;s bite, and it was long since her friends had seen
+the eyes of their beloved sovereign sparkle so brightly as when Charmian
+told her that away had been found to obtain the uræus serpent as soon as
+it was needed. But it was not yet imperative to adopt the last expedient.
+Octavianus wished to be considered lenient, and perhaps might still be
+prevailed upon to grant the Queen and her children a future meet for their
+royal birth.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s reply was an incredulous smile, yet a faint hope which saved
+her from despair began to bud in her soul.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dolabella, an aristocratic Roman, a scion of the noble Cornelius family,
+was in the Cæsar&rsquo;s train, and had been presented to the Egyptian Queen.
+In former years his father was a friend of Cleopatra; nay, she had placed
+him under obligations by sending him, after the murder of Julius Cæsar,
+the military force at her command to be used against Cassius. True, her
+legions, by messengers from Dolabella himself, were despatched in another
+direction; but Cleopatra had not withdrawn her favour from Dolabella&rsquo;s
+father on that account. The latter had known her in Rome before the death
+of Cæsar, and had enthusiastically described the charms of the bewitching
+Egyptian sovereign. Though the youth found her only a mourning widow, ill
+in body and mind, he was so strongly attracted and deeply moved by her
+beauty, her brilliant intellect, her grace of bearing, her misfortunes and
+sufferings, that he devoted many hours to her, and would have considered
+it a happiness to render her greater services than circumstances
+permitted. He often accompanied her to the children, whose hearts had been
+completely won by his frank, cheerful nature; and so it happened that he
+soon became one of the most welcome guests at Lochias. He confided without
+reserve every feeling that stirred his soul to the warm-hearted woman who
+was so many years his senior, and through him she learned many things
+connected with Octavianus and his surroundings. Without permitting himself
+to be used as a tool, he became an advocate for the unfortunate woman whom
+he so deeply esteemed.
+</p>
+<p>
+In intercourse with her he made every effort to inspire confidence in
+Octavianus, who favoured him, enjoyed his society, and in whose
+magnanimity the youth firmly believed.
+</p>
+<p>
+He anticipated the best results from an interview between the Queen and
+the Cæsar; for he deemed it impossible that the successful conqueror
+could part untouched, and with no desire to mitigate her sad fate, from
+the woman who, in earlier years, had so fascinated his father, and whom he
+himself, though she might almost have been his mother, deemed peerless in
+her bewitching and gracious charm.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra, on the contrary, shrank from meeting the man who had brought so
+much misfortune upon Mark Antony and herself, and inflicted upon her
+insults which were only too well calculated to make her doubt his clemency
+and truth. On the other hand, she could not deny Dolabella&rsquo;s assertion
+that it would be far less easy for Octavianus to refuse her in person the
+wishes she cherished for her children&rsquo;s future than through mediators.
+Proculejus had learned that Antony had named him to the Queen as the
+person most worthy of her confidence, and more keenly felt the wrong
+which, as the tool and obedient friend of Octavianus, he had inflicted
+upon the hapless woman. The memory of his unworthy deed, which history
+would chronicle, had robbed the sensitive man, the author and patron of
+budding Roman poetry, of many an hour&rsquo;s sleep, and therefore he also now
+laboured zealously to oblige the Queen and mitigate her hard fate. He,
+like the freedman Epaphroditus, who by Cæsar&rsquo;s orders watched carefully
+to prevent any attempt upon her life, seemed to base great hopes on such
+an interview, and endeavoured to persuade her to request an audience from
+the Cæsar.
+</p>
+<p>
+Archibius said that, even in the worst case, it could not render the
+present state of affairs darker. Experience, he said to Charmian, proved
+that no man of any feeling could wholly resist the charm of her nature,
+and to him at least she had never seemed more winning than now. Who could
+have gazed unmoved into the beautiful face, so eloquent in its silent
+suffering, whose soul would not have been deeply touched by the sorrowful
+tones of her sweet voice? Besides, her sable mourning robes were so well
+suited to the slight tinge of melancholy which pervaded her whole aspect.
+When the fever flushed her cheeks, Archibius, spite of the ravages which
+grief, anxiety, and fear had made upon her charms, thought that he had
+never seen her look more beautiful. He knew her thoroughly, and was aware
+that her desire to follow the man she loved into the realm of death was
+sincere; nay, that it dominated her whole being. She clung to life only to
+die as soon as possible. The decision which, after her resolve to build
+the monument, she had recognized in the temple of Berenike as the right
+one, had become the rule of conduct of her life. Every thought, every
+conversation, led her back to the past. The future seemed to exist no
+longer. If Archibius succeeded in directing her thoughts to approaching
+days she occupied herself wholly with her children&rsquo;s fate. For herself she
+expected nothing, felt absolved from every duty except the one of
+protecting herself and her name from dishonour and humiliation.
+</p>
+<p>
+The fact that Octavianus, when he doomed Cæsarion to death, permitted the
+other children to return to her with the assurance that no harm should
+befall them, proved that he made a distinction between them and his
+uncle&rsquo;s son, and had no fears that they threatened his own safety. She
+might expect important results in their favour from an interview with
+Octavianus, so she at last authorized Proculejus to request an audience.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Imperator&rsquo;s answer came the very same day. It was his place to seek
+her&mdash;so ran the Cæsar&rsquo;s message. This meeting must decide her fate.
+Cleopatra was aware of this, and begged Charmian to remember the asp.
+</p>
+<p>
+Her attendants had been forbidden to leave Lochias, but Epaphroditus
+permitted them to receive visitors. The Nubian&rsquo;s merry, amusing talk had
+made friends for her among the Roman guards, who allowed her to pass in
+and out unmolested. On her return, of course, she was searched with the
+utmost care, like every one who entered Lochias.
+</p>
+<p>
+The decisive hour was close at hand. Charmian knew what she must do in any
+event, but there was still one desire for whose fulfilment she longed. She
+wished to greet Barine and see her boy.
+</p>
+<p>
+To spare Iras, she had hitherto refrained from sending for Dion&rsquo;s wife.
+The sight of the mother and child might have reopened wounds still
+unhealed, and she would not inflict this sorrow upon her niece, who for a
+long time had once more been loyally devoted to her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Octavianus did not hasten to fulfil his assurance. But, at the end of a
+week, Proculejus brought the news that he could promise a visit from the
+Cæsar that afternoon. The Queen was deeply agitated, and desired before
+the interview to pay a visit to her tomb. Iras offered to accompany her,
+and as Cleopatra intended to remain an hour or longer, Charmian thought it
+a favourable opportunity to see Barine and her boy.
+</p>
+<p>
+Dion&rsquo;s wife had been informed of her friend&rsquo;s wish, and Anukis, who was to
+take her to Lochias, did not wait long for the mother and child.
+</p>
+<p>
+Didymus&rsquo;s garden&mdash;now the property of the royal children&mdash;was
+the scene of the meeting. In the shade of the familiar trees the young
+mother sank upon the breast of her faithful friend, and Charmian could not
+gaze her fill at the boy, or weary of tracing in his features a
+resemblance to his grandfather Leonax.
+</p>
+<p>
+How much these two women, to whom Fate had allotted lives so widely
+different, found to tell each other! The older felt transported to the
+past, the younger seemed to have naught save a present rich in blessing
+and a future green with hope. She had good news to tell of her sister
+also. Helena had long been the happy wife of Gorgias who, however, spite
+of the love with which he surrounded the young mistress of his house,
+numbered among his most blissful hours those which were devoted to
+overseeing the progress of the work on the mausoleum, where he met
+Cleopatra.
+</p>
+<p>
+Time flew swiftly to the two women, and it was a painful surprise when one
+of the eunuchs on guard announced that the Queen had returned. Again
+Charmian embraced her lover&rsquo;s grandson, blessed him and the young mother,
+sent messages of remembrance to Dion, begged Barine to think of her
+affectionately when she had passed from earth and, if her heart prompted
+her to the act, to anoint or adorn with a ribbon or flower the tombstone
+of the woman who had no friend to render her such a service.
+</p>
+<p>
+Deeply moved by the firmness with which Charmian witnessed the approach of
+death, Barine listened in silence, but suddenly started as the sharp tones
+of a well-known voice called her friend&rsquo;s name and, as she turned, Iras
+stood before her. Pallid and emaciated, she looked in her long, floating
+black robes the very incarnation of misery.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sight pierced the heart of the happy wife and mother. She felt as if
+much of the joy which Iras lacked had fallen to her own lot, and all the
+grief and woe she had ever endured had been transferred to her foe. She
+would fain have approached humbly and said something very kind and
+friendly; but when she saw the tall, haggard woman gazing at her child,
+and noticed the disagreeable expression which had formerly induced her to
+compare her to a sharp thorn, a terrible dread of this woman&rsquo;s evil eye
+which might harm her boy seized the mother&rsquo;s heart and, overwhelmed by an
+impulse beyond control, she covered his face with her own veil.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras saw it, and after Barine had answered her question, &ldquo;Dion&rsquo;s child?&rdquo;
+in the affirmative, with a glance beseeching forbearance, the girl drew up
+her slender figure, saying with arrogant coldness &ldquo;What do I care for the
+child? We have more important matters on our hearts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she turned to Charmian to inform her, in the tone of an official
+announcement, that during the approaching interview the Queen desired her
+attendance also.
+</p>
+<p>
+Octavianus had appointed sunset for the interview, and it still lacked
+several hours of the time. The suffering Queen felt wearied by her visit
+to the mausoleum, where she had implored the spirit of Antony, if he had
+any power over the conqueror&rsquo;s heart, to induce him to release her from
+this torturing uncertainty and promise the children a happy fate.
+</p>
+<p>
+To Dolabella, who had accompanied her from the tomb to the palace, she
+said that she expected only one thing from this meeting, and then won from
+him a promise which strengthened her courage and seemed the most precious
+boon which could be granted at this time.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had expressed the fear that Octavianus would still leave her in doubt.
+The youth spoke vehemently in Cæsar&rsquo;s defence, and closed with the
+exclamation, &ldquo;If he should still keep you in suspense, he would be not
+only cool and circumspect&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then,&rdquo; Cleopatra interrupted, &ldquo;be nobler, be less cruel, and release your
+father&rsquo;s friend from these tortures. If he does not reveal to me what
+awaits me and you learn it, then&mdash;you will not say no, you cannot
+refuse me&mdash;then you, yes, you will inform me?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Promptly and firmly came the reply: &ldquo;What have I been able to do for you
+until now? But I will release you from <i>this</i> torture, if possible.&rdquo; Then he
+hastily turned his back, that he might not be compelled to see the eunuchs
+stationed at the palace gate search the garments of the royal captive.
+</p>
+<p>
+His promise sustained the failing courage of the wearied, anxious Queen,
+and she reclined upon the cushions of a lounge to recover from the
+exhausting expedition; but she had scarcely closed her eyes when the
+pavement of the court-yard rang under the hoofs of the four horses which
+bore the Cæsar to Lochias. Cleopatra had not expected the visit so early.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had just been consulting with her attendants about the best mode of
+receiving him. At first she had been disposed to do so on the throne, clad
+in her royal attire, but she afterwards thought that she was too ill and
+weak to bear the heavy ornaments. Besides, the man and successful
+conqueror would show himself more indulgent and gracious to the suffering
+woman than to the princess.
+</p>
+<p>
+There was much to palliate the course which she had pursued in former
+days, and she had carefully planned the defence by which she hoped to
+influence his calm but not unjust nature. Many things in her favour were
+contained in the letters from Cæsar and Antony which, after her husband&rsquo;s
+death, she had read again and again during so many wakeful nights, and
+they had just been brought to her.
+</p>
+<p>
+Both Archibius and the Roman Proculejus had counselled her not to receive
+him entirely alone. The latter did not express his opinion in words, but
+he knew that Octavianus was more readily induced to noble and lenient
+deeds when there was no lack of witnesses to report them to the world. It
+was advisable to provide spectators for the most consummate actor of his
+day.
+</p>
+<p>
+Therefore the Queen had retained Iras, Charmian, and some of the officials
+nearest to her person, among them the steward Seleukus, who could give
+information if any question arose concerning the delivery of the treasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+She had also intended, after she had somewhat recovered from the visit to
+the tomb, to be robed in fresh garments. This was prevented by the
+Cæsar&rsquo;s unexpected arrival. Now, even had time permitted, she would have
+been unable to have her hair arranged, she felt so weak and yet so
+feverishly excited.
+</p>
+<p>
+The blood coursed hotly through her veins and flushed her cheeks. When
+told that the Cæsar was close at hand, she had only time to raise herself
+a little higher on her cushions, push back her hair, and let Iras, with a
+few hasty touches, adjust the folds of her mourning robes. Had she
+attempted to advance to meet him, her limbs would have failed to support
+her.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the Cæsar at last entered, she could greet him only by a wave of her
+hand; but Octavianus, who had uttered the usual salutations from the
+threshold, quickly broke the painful silence, saying with a courteous bow:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You summoned me&mdash;I came. Every one is subject to beauty&mdash;even
+the victor.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s head drooped in shame as she answered distinctly, yet in a
+tone of modest denial:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I only asked the favour of an audience. I did not <i>summon</i>. I thank
+you for granting the request. If it is dangerous for man to bow to
+woman&rsquo;s charms, no peril threatens you here. Beauty cannot withstand
+tortures such as those which have been imposed on me&mdash;barely can
+life remain. But you prevented my casting it from me. If you are just,
+you will grant to the woman whom you would not permit to die an existence
+whose burden will not exceed her power to endure.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The Cæsar again bowed silently and answered courteously:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I intend to make it worthy of you.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then,&rdquo; cried Cleopatra impetuously, &ldquo;release me from this torturing
+uncertainty. You are not one of the men who never look beyond to-day and
+to-morrow.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You are thinking,&rdquo; said Octavianus harshly, &ldquo;of one who perhaps would
+still be among us, if with wiser caution&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra&rsquo;s eyes, which hitherto had met the victor&rsquo;s cold gaze with
+modest entreaty, flashed angrily, and a majestic: &ldquo;Let the past rest!&rdquo;
+interrupted him.
+</p>
+<p>
+But she soon mastered the indignation which had stirred her passionate
+blood, and in a totally different tone, not wholly free from gentle
+persuasion, she continued:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The provident intellect of the man whose nod the universe obeys grasps
+the future as well as the present. Must not he, therefore, have decided
+the children&rsquo;s fate ere he consented to see their mother? The only
+obstacle in your path, the son of your great uncle&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;His doom was a necessity,&rdquo; interrupted the conqueror in a tone of sincere
+regret. &ldquo;As I mourned Antony, I grieve for the unfortunate boy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;If that is true,&rdquo; replied Cleopatra eagerly, &ldquo;it does honour to the
+kindness of your heart. When Proculejus wrested the dagger from my grasp
+he blamed me because I attributed to the most clement of conquerors
+harshness and implacability.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Two qualities,&rdquo; the Cæsar protested, &ldquo;which are wholly alien to my
+nature.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And which&mdash;even if you possessed them&mdash;you neither could nor
+ought to use,&rdquo; cried Cleopatra, &ldquo;if you really mean the beautiful words
+you so often utter that, as the nephew and heir of the great Julius
+Cæsar, you intend to walk in his footsteps. Cæsarion&mdash;there is his
+bust&mdash;was the image in every feature of his father, your illustrious
+model. To me, the hapless woman now awaiting my sentence from his nephew&rsquo;s
+lips, the gods granted, as the most precious of all gifts, the love of
+your divine uncle. And what love! The world knew not what I was to his
+great heart, but my wish to defend myself from misconception bids me show
+it to you, his heir. From you I expect my sentence. You are the judge.
+These letters are my strongest defence. I rely upon them to show myself to
+you as I was and am, not as envy and slander describe me.&mdash;The little
+ivory casket, Iras! It contains the precious proofs of Cæsar&rsquo;s love, his
+letters to me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She raised the lid with trembling hands and, as these mementoes carried
+her back to the past, she continued in lower tones:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Among all my treasures this simple little coffer has been for half a
+lifetime my most valued jewel. He gave it to me. It was in the midst of
+the fierce contest here at the Bruchium.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Then, while unfolding the first roll, she directed Octavianus&rsquo;s attention
+to it and the remainder of the contents of the little casket, exclaiming:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Silent pages, yet how eloquent! Each one a peerless picture, the powerful
+thinker, the man of action, who permits his restless intellect to repose,
+and suffers his heart to overflow with the love of youth! Were I vain,
+Octavianus, I might call each one of these letters a trophy of victory, an
+Olympic garland. The woman to whom Julius Cæsar owned his subjugation
+might well hold her head higher than the unhappy, vanquished Queen who,
+save the permission to die&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do not part with the letters,&rdquo; said Octavianus kindly. &ldquo;Who can doubt
+that they are a precious treasure&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The most precious and at the same time the advocate of the accused,&rdquo;
+replied Cleopatra eagerly; &ldquo;on them&mdash;as you have already heard&mdash;rests
+my vindication. I will commence with their contents. How terrible it is to
+make what is sacred to us and intended only to elevate our own hearts
+serve a purpose, to do what has always been repugnant to us! But I need an
+advocate and, Octavianus, these letters will restore to the wretched,
+suffering beggar the dignity and majesty of the Queen. The world knows but
+two powers to which Julius Cæsar bowed&mdash;the thrall of the pitiable
+woman on this couch, and of all-conquering death. An unpleasant fellowship&mdash;but
+I do not shrink from it; for death robbed him of life, and from my hand&mdash;&mdash; I
+ask only a brief moment. How gladly I would spare myself my own praises,
+and you the necessity of listening to them! Yes, here it is: &lsquo;Through you,
+you irresistible woman,&rsquo; he writes, &lsquo;I learned for the first time, after
+youth was over, how beautiful life can be.&rsquo; &rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra, as she spoke, handed Cæsar the letter. But while she was still
+searching hastily for another he returned the first, saying:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I understand only too well your reluctance to allow such confidential
+effusions to play the part of defender. I can imagine their purport, and
+they shall influence me as if I had read them all. However eloquent they
+may be, they are needless witnesses. Is any written testimony required in
+behalf of charms whose magic is still potent?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+A bewitching smile, which seemed like a confirmation of the haughty young
+conqueror&rsquo;s flattering words, flitted over Cleopatra&rsquo;s face.
+</p>
+<p>
+Octavianus noticed it. This woman indeed possessed enthralling charms,
+and he felt the slight flush that suffused his cheeks.
+</p>
+<p>
+This unhappy captive, this suffering supplicant, could still draw into her
+net any man who did not possess the cool watchfulness which panoplied his
+soul. Was it the marvellous melody of her voice, the changeful lustre of
+her tearful eyes, the aristocratic grace of the noble figure, the
+exquisite symmetry of the hands and feet, the weakness of the prostrate
+sufferer, strangely blended with truly royal majesty, or the thought that
+love for her had found earth&rsquo;s greatest and loftiest men with indissoluble
+fetters, which lent this fragile woman, who had long since passed the
+boundaries of youth, so powerful a spell of attraction?
+</p>
+<p>
+At any rate, however certain of himself he might be, he must guard his
+feelings. He understood how to bridle passion far better than the uncle
+who was so greatly his superior.
+</p>
+<p>
+Yet it was of the utmost importance to keep her alive, and therefore to
+maintain her belief in his admiration. He wished to show the world and the
+Great Queen of the East, who had just boasted of conquering, like death,
+even the most mighty, its own supremacy as man and victor. But he must
+also be gentle, in order not to endanger the object for which he wanted
+her. She must accompany him to Rome. She and her children promised to
+render his triumph the most brilliant and memorable one which any
+conqueror had ever displayed to the senate and the people. In a light tone
+which, however, revealed the emotion of his soul, he answered: &ldquo;My
+illustrious uncle was known as a friend of fair women. His stern life was
+crowned with flowers by many hands, and he acknowledged these favours
+verbally and perhaps&mdash;as he did to you in all these letters&mdash;with
+the reed. His genius was greater, at any rate more many-sided and mobile,
+than mine. He succeeded, too, in pursuing different objects at the same
+time with equal devotion. I am wholly absorbed in the cares of state, of
+government, and war. I feel grateful when I can permit our poets to adorn
+my leisure for a brief space. Overburdened with toil, I have no time to
+yield myself captive, as my uncle did in these very rooms, to the most
+charming of women. If I could follow my own will, you would be the first
+from whom I would seek the gifts of Eros.&mdash;But it may not be! We Romans
+learn to curb even the most ardent wishes when duty and morality command.
+There is no city in the world where half so many gods are worshipped as
+here; and what strange deities are numbered among them! It needs a special
+effort of the intellect to understand them. But the simple duties of the
+domestic hearth!&mdash;they are too prosaic for you Alexandrians, who
+imbibe philosophy with your mothers&rsquo; milk. What marvel, if I looked for
+them in vain? True, they would find little satisfaction&mdash;our
+household gods I mean&mdash;here, where the rigid demands of Hymen are
+mute before the ardent pleadings of Eros. Marriage is scarcely reckoned
+among the sacred things of life. But this opinion seems to displease you.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Because it is false,&rdquo; cried Cleopatra, repressing with difficulty a fresh
+outburst of indignation. &ldquo;Yet, if I see aright, your reproach is aimed
+only at the bond which united me to the man who was called your sister&rsquo;s
+husband. But I will&mdash;&mdash; I would gladly remain silent, but you force me to
+speak, and I will do so, though your own friend, Proculejus, is signing to
+me to be cautious. I&mdash;I, Cleopatra, was the wife of Mark Antony
+according to the customs of this country, when you wedded him to the widow
+of Marcellus, who had scarcely closed his eyes. Not she, but I, was the
+deserted wife&mdash;I to whom his heart belonged until the hour of his
+death, not the wedded&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo; Here her voice fell. She had
+yielded to the passionate impulse which urged her to express her feelings
+in the matter, and now continued in a tone of gentle explanation: &ldquo;I know
+that you proposed this alliance solely for the peace and welfare of Rome&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;To guard both, and to spare the blood of tens of thousands,&rdquo; Octavianus
+added with proud decision. &ldquo;Your clear brain perceived the true state of
+affairs. If, spite of the grave importance of these motives, you&mdash;&mdash; But
+what voices would not that of the heart silence with you women! The man,
+the Roman, succeeded in closing his ears to its siren song. Were it
+otherwise, I would never have chosen for my sister a husband by whom I
+knew her happiness would be so ill-guarded&mdash;I would, as I have
+already said, be unable to master my own admiration of the loveliest of
+women. But I ought scarcely to boast of that. I fear that a heart like
+yours opens less quickly to the modest Octavianus than to a Julius Cæsar
+or the brilliant Mark Antony. Yet I may be permitted to confess that
+perhaps I might have avoided conducting this unhappy war against my friend
+to the end under my own guidance, and appearing myself in Egypt, had I not
+been urged by the longing to see once more the woman who had dazzled my
+boyish eyes. Now, in my mature manhood, I desired to comprehend those
+marvellous gifts of mind, that matchless sagacity&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Sagacity!&rdquo; interrupted the Queen, shrugging her shoulders mournfully.
+&ldquo;You possess a far greater share of what is commonly called by that name.
+My fate proves it. The pliant intellect which the gods bestowed on me
+would ill sustain the test in this hour of anguish. But if you really care
+to learn what mental power Cleopatra once possessed, relieve me of this
+terrible burden of uncertainty, and grant me a position in life which will
+permit my paralyzed soul to move freely once more.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;It depends solely on yourself,&rdquo; Octavian eagerly responded, &ldquo;to make your
+future life, not only free from care, but beautiful.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;On me?&rdquo; asked Cleopatra in astonishment. &ldquo;Our weal and woe are in your
+hands alone. I am modest and ask nothing save to know what you intend for
+our future, what you mean by the lot which you term beautiful.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Nothing less,&rdquo; replied the Cæsar quietly, &ldquo;than what seems to lie
+nearest to your own heart&mdash;a life of that freedom of soul to which
+you aspire.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+The breath of the agitated Queen began to come more quickly and, no longer
+able to control the impatience which overpowered her, she exclaimed, &ldquo;With
+the assurance of your favour on your lips, you refuse to discuss the
+question which interests, me beyond any other&mdash;for which, if any you
+must have been prepared when you came here&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Reproaches?&rdquo; asked Octavianus with we feigned surprise. &ldquo;Would it not
+rather be my place to complain? It is precisely because I am thoroughly
+sincere in the friendly disposition which you read aright from my words,
+that some of your measures cannot fail to wound me. Your treasures were to
+be committed to the flames. It would be unfair to expect tokens of
+friendship from the vanquished; but can you deny that even the bitterest
+hatred could scarcely succeed in devising anything more hostile?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let the past rest! Who would not seek in war to diminish the enemy&rsquo;s
+booty?&rdquo; pleaded the Queen in a soothing tone. But as Octavianus delayed
+his answer, she continued more eagerly: &ldquo;It is said that the ibex in the
+mountains, when in mortal peril, rushes upon the hunter and hurls him with
+it down the precipice. The same impulse is natural to human beings, and
+praiseworthy, I think, in both. Forget the past, as I will try to do, I
+repeat with uplifted hands. Say that you will permit the sons whom I gave
+to Antony to ascend the Egyptian throne, not under their mother&rsquo;s
+guardianship, but that of Rome, and grant me freedom wherever I may live,
+and I will gladly transfer to you, down to the veriest trifles, all the
+property and treasures I possess.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+She clenched her little hand impatiently under the folds of her robe as
+she spoke; but Octavianus lowered his eyes, saying carelessly: &ldquo;In war the
+victor disposes of the property of the vanquished; but my heart restrains
+me from applying the universal law to you, who are so far above ordinary
+mortals. Your wealth is said to be vast, though the foolish war which
+Antony, with your aid, so greatly prolonged, devoured vast sums. In this
+country squandered gold seems like the grass which, when mowed, springs up
+anew.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;You speak,&rdquo; replied Cleopatra, more and more deeply incensed, with proud
+composure, &ldquo;of the treasures which my ancestors, the powerful monarchs of
+a wealthy country, amassed during three hundred years for their noble race
+and for the adornment of the women of their line. Parsimony did not accord
+with the generosity and lofty nature of an Antony, yet avarice itself
+would not deem the portion still remaining insignificant. Every article is
+registered.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+While speaking, she took a manuscript from the hand of Seleukus and passed
+it to Octavianus who, with a slight bend of the head, received it in
+silence. But he had scarcely begun to read it when the steward, a little
+corpulent man with twinkling eyes half buried in his fat cheeks, raised
+his short forefinger, pointed insolently at the Queen, and asserted that
+she was trying to conceal some things, and had ordered him not to place
+them on the list. Every tinge of colour faded from the lips and cheeks of
+the agitated and passionate woman; tortured by feverish impatience and no
+longer able to control her emotions, she raised herself and, with her own
+dainty hand, struck the accuser&mdash;whom she had lifted from poverty and
+obscurity to his present high position&mdash;again and again in the face,
+till Octavianus, with a smile of superiority, begged her, much as the man
+deserved his punishment, to desist.
+</p>
+<p>
+The unfortunate woman, thus thrown off her guard, flung herself back on
+her couch and, panting for breath, with tears streaming from her eyes,
+sobbed aloud, declaring that in the presence of such unendurable insult,
+such contemptible baseness, she fairly loathed herself. Then pressing her
+clenched hands upon her temples, she exclaimed: &ldquo;Before the eyes of the foe
+my royal dignity, which I have maintained all my life, falls from me like
+a borrowed mantle. Yet what am I? What shall I be to-morrow, what later?
+But who beneath the sun who has warm blood in his veins can preserve his
+composure when juicy grapes are held before his thirsting lips to be
+withdrawn, as from Tantalus, ere he can taste them? You came hither with
+the assurance of your favour; but the flattering words of promise which
+you bestowed upon the unhappy woman were probably only the drops of
+poppy-juice given to soothe the ravings of fever. Was the favour which you
+permitted me to see and anticipate for the future merely intended to
+delude a miserable&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+But she went no further; Octavianus, with dignified bearing and loud,
+clear tones, interrupted &ldquo;Whoever believes the heir of Cæsar capable of
+shamefully deceiving a noble woman, a queen, the object of his illustrious
+uncle&rsquo;s love, insults and wounds him; but the just anger which
+overmastered you may serve as your apology. Ay,&rdquo; he added in a totally
+different tone, &ldquo;I might even have cause to be grateful for this
+indignation, and to wish for another opportunity to witness the outbreak
+of passion though in its unbridled fierceness&mdash;the royal lioness is
+scarcely aware of her own beauty when the tempest of wrath sweeps her
+away. What must she be when it is love that constrains the flame of her
+glowing soul to burst into a blaze?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Her glowing soul!&rdquo; Cleopatra eagerly repeated, and the desire awoke to
+subjugate this man who had so confidently boasted of his power of
+resistance. Though he might be stronger than many others, he certainly was
+not invincible. And aware of her still unbroken sway over the hearts of
+men, her eyes sparkled with the alluring radiance of love, and a
+bewitching smile brightened her face.
+</p>
+<p>
+The young Imperator&rsquo;s heart began to chafe under the curb and to beat more
+quickly, his cheeks flushed and paled by turns. How she gazed at him! What
+if she loved the nephew as she had once loved the uncle who, through her,
+had learned what bliss life can offer? Ay, it must be happiness to kiss
+those lips, to be clasped in those exquisite arms, to hear one&rsquo;s own name
+tenderly spoken by those musical tones. Even the magnificent marble statue
+of Ariadne, which he had seen in Athens, had not displayed to his gaze
+lines more beautiful than those of the woman reclining on yonder pillows.
+Who could venture to speak in her presence of vanished charms? Ah, no! The
+spell which had conquered Julius Cæsar was as vivid, as potent as ever.
+He himself felt its power; he was young, and after such unremitting
+exertions he too yearned to quaff the nectar of the noblest joys, to steep
+body and soul in peerless bliss.
+</p>
+<p>
+So, with a hasty movement, he took one step towards her couch, resolved to
+grasp her hands and raise them to his lips. His ardent gaze answered hers;
+but surprised by the power which, though so heavily burdened with physical
+and mental suffering, she still possessed over the strongest and coldest
+of men, she perceived what was passing in his soul, and a smile of
+triumph, blended with the most bitter contempt, hovered around her
+beautiful lips. Should she dupe him into granting her wishes by feigning
+love for the first time? Should she yield to the man who had insulted her,
+in order to induce him to accord the children their rights? Should she, to
+gratify her lover&rsquo;s foe, relinquish the sacred grief which was drawing her
+after him, give posterity and her children the right to call her, instead
+of the most loyal of the loyal, a dishonoured woman, who sold herself for
+power?
+</p>
+<p>
+To all these questions came a prompt denial. The single stride which
+Octavianus had made towards her, his eyes aflame with love, gave her the
+right to feel that she had vanquished the victor, and the proud delight of
+triumph was too plainly reflected in her mobile features to escape the
+penetrating, distrustful gaze of the subjugated Cæsar. But he had
+scarcely perceived what threatened him, and remembered her words
+concerning his famous uncle&rsquo;s surrender only to her and to death,
+when he succeeded in conquering his quickly kindled senses. Blushing at
+his own weakness, he averted his eyes from the Queen, and when he met
+those of Proculejus and the other witnesses of the scene, he realized the
+abyss on whose verge he stood. He had half succumbed to the danger of
+losing, by a moment&rsquo;s weakness, the fruit of great sacrifices and severe
+exertions.
+</p>
+<p>
+His expressive eyes, which had just rested rapturously upon a beautiful
+woman, now scanned the spectators with the stern glance of a monarch and,
+apparently wishing to moderate an excess of flattering recognition which
+might be misinterpreted, he said in an almost pedagogical tone:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yet we would rather see the noble lioness in the majestic repose which
+best suits all sovereigns. It is difficult for a calm, deliberate nature
+like mine to understand an ardent, quickly kindling heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra had watched this sudden transition with more surprise than
+disappointment. Octavianus had half surrendered to her, but recovered his
+self-command in time, and a man of his temperament does not readily
+succumb twice to a danger which he barely escaped. And this was well! He
+should learn that he had misunderstood the glance which fired his heart;
+so she answered distantly, with majestic dignity:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Misery such as mine quenches all ardour. And love? Woman&rsquo;s heart is ever
+open to it, save where it has lost the desire for power and pleasure. You
+are young and happy, therefore your soul still yearns for love&mdash;I
+know that&mdash;though not for mine. To me, on the contrary, one suitor
+only is welcome, he with the lowered torch, whom you keep aloof from me.
+With him alone is to be found the boon for which this soul has longed from
+childhood&mdash;painless peace! You smile. My past gives you the right to
+do so. I will not lessen it. Each individual lives his or her own life.
+Few understand the changes of their own existence, far less those of a
+stranger&rsquo;s. The world has witnessed how Peace fled from my path, or I from
+hers, and yet I see the possibility of finding the way. I am safe from the
+only things which would debar me from those joys&mdash;humiliation and
+disgrace.&rdquo; Here she hesitated; then, as if in explanation, continued in
+the sweetest tones at her command: &ldquo;Your generosity, I think, will guard
+from these two foes the woman whom just now&mdash;I did not fail to see it&mdash;you
+considered worthy of a more than gracious glance. I shall treasure it
+among memories which will never fade. But now, illustrious Imperator! tell
+me, what is your decision concerning me and the children? What may we hope
+from your favour?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That Octavianus will be more and more warmly animated by the desire to
+accord you and yours a worthy destiny, the more firmly you expect that he
+will attest his generosity.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And if I fulfil this desire and expect from you everything that is great
+and noble&mdash;the condition is not difficult&mdash;what proofs of your
+graciousness will then await us?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Paint them with all the fervour of that vivid power of imagination which
+interpreted even my glance in your favour, and devised the marvels by
+which you rendered the greatest and most brilliant man in Rome the
+happiest of mortals. But&mdash;by Zeus!&mdash;it is the fourth hour after
+noonday!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+A glance from the window had caused the exclamation. Then, pressing his
+hand upon his heart, he continued in a tone of the most sincere regret:
+&ldquo;How gladly I would prolong this fascinating conversation, but important
+matters which, unfortunately, cannot be deferred, summon me&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;And your answer?&rdquo; cried Cleopatra, panting for breath and gazing at him
+with eyes full of expectation.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Must I repeat it?&rdquo; he asked with impatient haste. &ldquo;Very well, then. In
+return for implicit confidence on your part, favour, forgiveness,
+cordiality, every consideration which you can justly desire. Your heart is
+so rich in warmth of feeling, grant me but a small share of it and ask
+tangible gifts in return. They are already bestowed.&rdquo; Then greeting her
+like a friend who is reluctant to say farewell, he hastily left the
+apartment.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Gone&mdash;gone!&rdquo; cried Iras as the door closed behind him. &ldquo;An eel that
+slips from the hand which strives to hold him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Northern ice,&rdquo; added Cleopatra gloomily as Charmian aided her to find a
+more comfortable position. &ldquo;As smooth as it is cold; there is nothing more
+to hope.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yes, my royal mistress, yes,&rdquo; Iras eagerly protested. &ldquo;Dolabella is
+waiting for him in the Philadelphus court-yard. From him&mdash;you have
+his promise&mdash;we shall learn what Octavianus has in store for you.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+In truth, the Cæsar did find the youth at the first gate of the palace,
+inspecting his superb Cyrenean horses.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Magnificent animals!&rdquo; cried Octavianus; &ldquo;a gift from the city! Will you
+drive with me?&mdash;A remarkable, a very remarkable woman!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t she?&rdquo; asked Dolabella eagerly.
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Undoubtedly,&rdquo; replied the Cæsar. &ldquo;But though she might almost be your
+mother, an uncommonly dangerous one for youths of your age. What a melting
+voice, what versatility, what fervour! And yet such regal grace in every
+movement! But I wish to stifle, not to fan, the spark which perhaps has
+already fallen into your heart. And the play, the farce which she just
+enacted before me in the midst of most serious matters!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+He uttered a low, short laugh; but Dolabella exclaimed expectantly: &ldquo;You
+rarely laugh, but this conversation&mdash;apparently&mdash;excites your
+mirth. So the result was satisfactory?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let us hope so. I was as gracious to her as possible.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;That is delightful. May I know in what manner your kindness and wisdom
+have shaped her future? Or, rather, what did you promise the vanquished
+Queen?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;My favour, if she will trust me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Proculejus and I will continue to strengthen her confidence. And if we
+succeed&mdash;&mdash;?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Then, as I have said, she will have my favour&mdash;a generous abundance
+of favour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;But her future destiny? What fate will you bestow on her and her
+children?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whatever the degree of her confidence deserves.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here he hesitated, for he met Dolabella&rsquo;s earnest, troubled gaze, which
+was blended with a shade of reproach.
+</p>
+<p>
+Octavianus desired to retain the enthusiastic admiration of the youth, who
+perhaps was destined to lofty achievements, so he continued in a
+confidential tone: &ldquo;To you, my young friend, I can venture to speak more
+frankly. I will gladly grant the most aspiring wishes of this fascinating
+and, I repeat, very remarkable woman, but first I need her for my triumph.
+The Romans would have cause to reproach me if I deprived them of the sight
+of this Queen, this peerless woman, in many respects the first of her
+time. We shall soon set out for Syria. The Queen and her children I shall
+send in three days to Rome. If, in the triumphal procession there, she
+creates the sensation I anticipate from a spectacle so worthy of
+admiration, she shall learn how I reward those who oblige me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Dolabella had listened in silence. When the Cæsar entered the carriage,
+he requested permission to remain behind.
+</p>
+<p>
+Octavianus drove alone eastward to the camp where, in the vicinity of the
+Hippodrome, men were surveying the ground on which the suburb of Nikopolis&mdash;city
+of victory&mdash;was to be built to commemorate for future generations the
+victory of the first Emperor over Antony and Cleopatra. It grew, but never
+attained any great importance.
+</p>
+<p>
+The noble Cornelius gazed indignantly after his sovereign&rsquo;s fiery steeds;
+then, drawing up his stately figure to its full height, he entered the
+palace with a firm step. The act might cost him his life, but he would do
+what he believed to be his duty to the noble woman who had honoured him
+with her friendship. This rare sovereign was too good to feast the eyes of
+the rabble.
+</p>
+<p>
+A few minutes later Cleopatra knew her impending ignominy.
+</p>
+
+
+<h3 id="ch25">
+<br/><br/><br/>
+CHAPTER XXV.
+</h3>
+
+<p>
+The next morning the Queen had many whispered conversations with Charmian,
+and the latter with Anukis. The day before, Archibius&rsquo;s gardener had
+brought to his master&rsquo;s sister some unusually fine figs, which grew in the
+old garden of Epicurus. This fruit was also mentioned, and Anukis went to
+Kanopus, and thence, in the steward&rsquo;s carriage, with a basket of the very
+best ones to the fish-market. There she had a great deal to say to
+Pyrrhus, and the freedman went to his boat with the figs.
+</p>
+<p>
+Shortly after the Nubian&rsquo;s return the Queen came back to the palace from
+the mausoleum. Her features bore an impress of resolution usually alien to
+them; nay, the firmly compressed lips gave them an expression of actual
+sternness. She knew what duty required, and regarded her approaching end
+as an inevitable necessity. Death seemed to her like a journey which she
+must take in order to escape the most terrible disgrace. Besides, life
+after the death of Antony was no longer the same; it had been only a
+tiresome delay and waiting for the children&rsquo;s sake.
+</p>
+<p>
+The visit to the tomb had been intended, as it were, to announce her
+coming to her husband. She had remained a long time in the silent hall,
+where she had garlanded the coffin with flowers, kissed it, talked to the
+dead man as if he were still alive, and told him that the day had come
+when what he had mentioned in his will as the warmest desire of his heart&mdash;to
+rest beside her in the same tomb&mdash;would be fulfilled. Among the
+thousand forms of suffering which had assailed her, nothing had seemed so
+hard to bear as to be deprived of his society and love.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then she had gone into the garden, embraced and kissed the children, and
+entreated them to remember her tenderly. Her purpose had not been
+concealed from Archibius, but Charmian had told him the menace of the
+future, and he approved her decision. By the exertion of all his innate
+strength of will, he succeeded in concealing the grief which rent his
+faithful heart. She must die. The thought of seeing her adorn the
+triumphal procession of Octavianus was unbearable to him also. Her thanks
+and entreaties to be an affectionate guardian to the children were
+received with an external calmness which afterwards seemed to him utterly
+incomprehensible.
+</p>
+<p>
+When she spoke of her approaching meeting with her lover, he asked whether
+she had entirely abandoned the teachings of Epicurus, who believed that
+death absolutely ended existence.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra eagerly assented, saying: &ldquo;Absence of pain has ceased to appear
+to me the chief earthly blessing, since I have known that love does not
+bring pleasure only, since I have learned that pain is the inseparable
+companion of love. I will not give it up, nor will I part from my lover.
+Whoever experiences what fate has allotted to me has learned to know other
+gods than those whom the master described as dwelling happily in
+undisturbed repose. Rather eternal torture in another world, united to the
+man I love, than painless, joyless mere existence in a desolate,
+incomprehensible, unknown region! You will be the last to teach the
+children to yearn for freedom from pain&mdash;&mdash;?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Because, like you,&rdquo; cried Archibius, &ldquo;I have learned how great a blessing
+is love, and that love is pain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+As he spoke he bent over her hand to kiss it, but she took his temples
+between her hands and, bending hastily, pressed her lips on his broad
+brow.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then his self-control vanished, and, sobbing aloud, he hurried back to the
+children.
+</p>
+<p>
+Cleopatra gazed after him with a sorrowful smile, and leaning on
+Charmian&rsquo;s arm, she entered the palace.
+</p>
+<p>
+There she was bathed and, robed in costly mourning garments, reclined
+among her cushions to take breakfast, which was usually served at this
+hour.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras and Charmian shared it.
+</p>
+<p>
+When dessert was carried in, the Nubian brought a basket filled with
+delicious figs. A peasant, she told Epaphroditus, who was watching the
+meal, had given them to her because they were so remarkably fine. Some had
+already been snatched by the guards.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Queen and her companions ate a little of the fruit, and Proculejus,
+who had come to greet Cleopatra, was also persuaded to taste one of the
+finest figs.
+</p>
+<p>
+At the end of the meal Cleopatra wished to rest.
+</p>
+<p>
+The Roman gentlemen and the guards retired.
+</p>
+<p>
+At last the women were alone, and gazed at each other silently.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian timidly lifted the upper layer of the fruit, but the Queen said
+mournfully:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The wife of Antony dragged through the streets of Rome behind the
+victor&rsquo;s chariot, a spectacle for the populace and envious matrons!&rdquo; Then,
+starting up, she exclaimed: &ldquo;What a thought! Was it too great for
+Octavianus, or too petty? He who so loudly boasts his knowledge of mankind
+expects this impossibility from the woman who revealed her inmost soul to
+him as fully as he concealed his from her. We will show him how small is
+his comprehension of human nature, and teach him modesty.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+A contemptuous smile flitted over her beautiful lips as, with rapid
+movements, she flung handful after handful of figs on the table, till she
+saw some thing stirring under the fruit, and with a sigh of relief
+exclaimed under her breath:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;There it is!&rdquo; as with hasty resolution she held out her arm towards the
+asp, which hissed at her.
+</p>
+<p>
+While gazing intently at the movements of the viper, which seemed afraid
+to fulfil the dread office, she said to her attendants:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;I thank you&mdash;thank you for everything. Be calm. You know, Iras, it will
+cause no pain. They say it is like falling asleep.&rdquo; Then she shuddered
+slightly, adding: &ldquo;Death is a solemn thing; yet it must be. Why does the
+serpent delay? There&mdash;there; I will keep firm. Ambition and love were the
+moving forces of my life. Men shall praise my memory.&mdash;I follow you,
+Mark Antony!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian bent over the left arm of her royal mistress, which hung
+loosely at her side, and, weeping aloud, covered it with kisses,
+while Cleopatra, watching the motions of the asp still more closely,
+added:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The peace of our garden of Epicurus will begin to-day. Whether it will be
+painless, who can tell? Yet&mdash;there I agree with Archibius&mdash;life&rsquo;s
+greatest joy&mdash;love&mdash;is blended with pain, as yonder branch of
+exquisite roses from Dolabella, the last gift of friendship, has its sharp
+thorns. I think you have both experienced this. The twins and my little
+darling&mdash;&mdash; When they think of their mother and her end, will not the
+children&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Here she uttered a low cry. The asp had struck its fangs into the upper
+part of her arm like an icy flash of lightning, and a few instants later
+Cleopatra sank back upon her pillows lifeless.
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras, pale but calm, pointed to her, saying &ldquo;Like a sleeping child.
+Bewitching even in death. Fate itself was constrained to do her will and
+fulfil the last desire of the great Queen, the victorious woman, whom no
+heart resisted. Its decree shatters the presumptuous plan of Octavianus.
+The victor will show himself to the Romans without thee, thou dear one.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Sobbing violently, she bent over the inanimate form, closed the eyes, and
+kissed the lips and brow. The weeping Charmian did the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+Then the footsteps of men were heard in the anteroom, and Iras, who was
+the first to notice them, cried eagerly:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;The moment is approaching! I am glad it is close at hand. Does it not
+seem to you also as if the very sun in the heavens was darkened?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian nodded assent, and whispered, &ldquo;The poison?&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Here!&rdquo; replied Iras calmly, holding out a plain pin. &ldquo;One little prick,
+and the deed will be done. Look! But no. You once inflicted the deepest
+suffering upon me. You know&mdash;Dion, the playmate of my childhood&mdash;&mdash; It
+is forgiven. But now&mdash;you will do me a kindness. You will spare my
+using the pin myself. Will you not? I will repay you. If you wish, my hand
+shall render you the same service.&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian clasped her niece to her heart, kissed her, pricked her arm
+lightly, and gave her the other pin, saying:
+</p>
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now it is your turn. Our hearts were filled with love for one who
+understood how to bestow it as none other ever did, and our love was
+returned. What matters all else that we sacrificed? Those on whom the sun
+shines need no other light. Love is pain,&rdquo; she said in dying, &ldquo;but this
+pain&mdash;especially that of renunciation for love&rsquo;s sake&mdash;bears
+with it a joy, an exquisite joy, which renders death easy. To me it seems
+as if it were merely following the Queen to&mdash;&mdash; Oh, that hurt!&rdquo;
+</p>
+<p>
+Iras&rsquo;s pin had pricked her.
+</p>
+<p>
+The poison did its work quickly. Iras was seized with giddiness, and could
+scarcely stand. Charmian had just sunk on her knees, when some one knocked
+loudly at the closed door, and the voices of Epaphroditus and Proculejus
+imperiously demanded admittance.
+</p>
+<p>
+When no answer followed, the lock was hastily burst open.
+</p>
+<p>
+Charmian was found lying pale and distorted at the feet of her royal
+mistress; but Iras, tottering and half stupefied by the poison, was
+adjusting the diadem, which had slipped from its place. To keep from her
+beloved Queen everything that could detract from her beauty had been her
+last care.
+</p>
+<p>
+Enraged, fairly frantic with wrath, the Romans rushed towards the women.
+Epaphroditus had seen Iras still occupied in arranging Cleopatra&rsquo;s
+ornaments. Now he endeavoured to raise her companion, saying
+reproachfully, &ldquo;Charmian, was this well done?&rdquo; Summoning her last
+strength, she answered in a faltering voice, &ldquo;Perfectly well, and worthy a
+descendant of Egyptian kings.&rdquo; Her eyes closed, but Proculejus, the
+author, who had gazed long with deep emotion into the beautiful proud face
+of the Queen whom he had so greatly wronged, said: &ldquo;No other woman on
+earth was ever so admired by the greatest, so loved by the loftiest. Her
+fame echoed from nation to nation throughout the world. It will continue
+to resound from generation to generation; but however loudly men may extol
+the bewitching charm, the fervour of the love which survived death, her
+intellect, her knowledge, the heroic courage with which she preferred the
+tomb to ignominy&mdash;the praise of these two must not be forgotten.
+Their fidelity deserves it. By their marvellous end they unconsciously
+erected the most beautiful monument to their mistress; for what genuine
+goodness and lovableness must have been possessed by the woman who, after
+the greatest reverses, made it seem more desirable to those nearest to her
+person to die than to live without her!&rdquo;*
+</p>
+<div class="footnote"><p>
+* The Roman&rsquo;s exclamation and the answer of the loyal dying Charmian
+are taken literally from Plutarch&rsquo;s narrative.
+</p></div>
+<p>
+The news of the death of their beloved, admired sovereign transformed
+Alexandria into a house of mourning. Obsequies of unprecedented
+magnificence and solemnity, at which many tears of sincere grief flowed,
+honoured her memory. One of Octavianus&rsquo;s most brilliant plans was
+frustrated by her death, and he had raved furiously when he read the
+letter in which Cleopatra, with her own hand, informed him of her
+intention to die. But he owed it to his reputation for generosity to grant
+her a funeral worthy of her rank. To the dead, who had ceased to be
+dangerous, he was ready to show an excess of magnanimity.
+</p>
+<p>
+The treatment which he accorded to Cleopatra&rsquo;s children also won the
+world&rsquo;s admiration. His sister Octavia received them into her own house
+and intrusted their education to Archibius.
+</p>
+<p>
+When the order to destroy the statues of Antony and Cleopatra was issued,
+Octavianus gave his contemporaries another proof of his disposition to be
+lenient, for he ordered that the numerous statues of the Queen in
+Alexandria and Egypt should be preserved. True, he had been influenced by
+the large sum of two thousand talents paid by an Alexandrian to secure
+this act of generosity. Archibius was the name of the rare friend who had
+impoverished himself to render this service to the memory of the beloved
+dead.
+</p>
+<p>
+In later times the statues of the unfortunate Queen adorned the places
+where they had been erected.
+</p>
+<p>
+The sarcophagi of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, by whose side rested Iras and
+Charmian, were constantly heaped with flowers and offerings to the dead.
+The women of Alexandria, especially, went to the tomb of their beloved
+Queen as if it were a pilgrimage; but in after-days faithful mourners also
+came from a distance to visit it, among them the children of the famous
+lovers whom death here united&mdash;Cleopatra Selene, now the wife of the
+learned Numidian Prince Juba, Helios Antony, and Alexander, who had
+reached manhood. Their friend and teacher, Archibius, accompanied them. He
+taught them to hold their mother&rsquo;s memory dear, and had so reared them
+that, in their maturity, he could lead them with head erect to the
+sarcophagus of the friend who had confided them to his charge.
+</p>
+<p class="end">
+[The End]
+</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr/>
+<p>
+<br/><br/>
+</p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Cleopatra, Complete, by Georg Ebers
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA, COMPLETE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 5482-h.htm or 5482-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/8/5482/
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase &ldquo;Project
+Gutenberg&rdquo;), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  &ldquo;Project Gutenberg&rdquo; is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (&ldquo;the Foundation&rdquo;
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase &ldquo;Project Gutenberg&rdquo; appears, or with which the phrase &ldquo;Project
+Gutenberg&rdquo; is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase &ldquo;Project Gutenberg&rdquo; associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+&ldquo;Plain Vanilla ASCII&rdquo; or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original &ldquo;Plain Vanilla ASCII&rdquo; or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+address specified in Section 4, &ldquo;Information about donations to
+the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.&rdquo;
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License.  You must require such a user to return or
+destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+&ldquo;Defects,&rdquo; such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the &ldquo;Right
+of Replacement or Refund&rdquo; described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you &lsquo;AS-IS&rsquo; WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm&rsquo;s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation&rsquo;s EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state&rsquo;s laws.
+
+The Foundation&rsquo;s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation&rsquo;s web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+Chief Executive and Director
+gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+</pre>
+<p>
+<br/><br/><br/><br/>
+</p>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c3aaa08
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #5482 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5482)
diff --git a/old/2006-10-16-5482-0.zip b/old/2006-10-16-5482-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f137c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/2006-10-16-5482-0.zip
diff --git a/old/2006-10-16-5482-h.zip b/old/2006-10-16-5482-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6bd3dc2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/2006-10-16-5482-h.zip
diff --git a/old/ge44v10.txt b/old/ge44v10.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f36d2e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/ge44v10.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,14864 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook Cleopatra, by Georg Ebers, Complete
+#44 in our series by Georg Ebers
+
+Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
+copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing
+this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook.
+
+This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project
+Gutenberg file.  Please do not remove it.  Do not change or edit the
+header without written permission.
+
+Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the
+eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file.  Included is
+important information about your specific rights and restrictions in
+how the file may be used.  You can also find out about how to make a
+donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved.
+
+
+**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts**
+
+**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971**
+
+*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers*****
+
+
+Title: Cleopatra, Complete
+
+Author: Georg Ebers
+
+Release Date: April, 2004  [EBook #5482]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on May 21, 2002]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+
+
+
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA, BY EBERS, COMPLETE ***
+
+
+
+This eBook was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
+
+
+
+[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of the
+file for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making an
+entire meal of them.  D.W.]
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+
+
+Translated from the German by Mary J. Safford
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+If the author should be told that the sentimental love of our day was
+unknown to the pagan world, he would not cite last the two lovers, Antony
+and Cleopatra, and the will of the powerful Roman general, in which he
+expressed the desire, wherever he might die, to be buried beside the
+woman whom he loved to his latest hour.  His wish was fulfilled, and the
+love-life of these two distinguished mortals, which belongs to history,
+has more than once afforded to art and poesy a welcome subject.
+
+In regard to Cleopatra, especially, life was surrounded with an
+atmosphere of romance bordering on the fabulous.  Even her bitterest foes
+admire her beauty and rare gifts of intellect.  Her character, on the
+contrary, presents one of the most difficult problems of psychology.  The
+servility of Roman poets and authors, who were unwilling frankly to
+acknowledge the light emanating so brilliantly from the foe of the state
+and the Imperator, solved it to her disadvantage.  Everything that bore
+the name of Egyptian was hateful or suspicious to the Roman, and it was
+hard to forgive this woman, born on the banks of the Nile, for having
+seen Julius Caesar at her feet and compelled Mark Antony to do her
+bidding.  Other historians, Plutarch at their head, explained the enigma
+more justly, and in many respects in her favour.
+
+It was a delightful task to the author to scan more closely the
+personality of the hapless Queen, and from the wealth of existing
+information shape for himself a creature in whom he could believe.  Years
+elapsed ere he succeeded; but now that he views the completed picture, he
+thinks that many persons might be disposed to object to the brightness of
+his colours.  Yet it would not be difficult for the writer to justify
+every shade which he has used.  If, during his creative work, he learned
+to love his heroine, it was because, the more distinctly he conjured
+before his mind the image of this wonderful woman, the more keenly he
+felt and the more distinctly he perceived how fully she merited not only
+sympathy and admiration, but, in spite of all her sins and weaknesses,
+the self-sacrificing affection which she inspired in so many hearts.
+
+It was an author of no less importance than Horace who called Cleopatra
+"non humilis mulier"--a woman capable of no baseness.  But the phrase
+gains its greatest importance from the fact that it adorns the hymn which
+the poet dedicated to Octavianus and his victory over Antony and
+Cleopatra.  It was a bold act, in such an ode, to praise the victor's
+foe.  Yet he did it, and his words, which are equivalent to a deed, are
+among this greatly misjudged woman's fairest claims to renown.
+
+Unfortunately it proved less potent than the opinion of Dio, who often
+distorted what Plutarch related, but probably followed most closely the
+farce or the popular tales which, in Rome, did not venture to show the
+Egyptian in a favourable light.
+
+The Greek Plutarch, who lived much nearer the period of our heroine than
+Dio, estimated her more justly than most of the Roman historians.  His
+grandfather had heard many tales of both Cleopatra and Antony from his
+countryman Philotas, who, during the brilliant days when they revelled in
+Alexandria, had lived there as a student.  Of all the writers who
+describe the Queen, Plutarch is the most trustworthy, but even his
+narrative must be used with caution.  We have closely followed the clear
+and comprehensive description given by Plutarch of the last days of our
+heroine.  It bears the impress of truth, and to deviate widely from it
+would be arbitrary.
+
+Unluckily, Egyptian records contain nothing which could have much weight
+in estimating the character of Cleopatra, though we have likenesses
+representing the Queen alone, or with her son Caesarion.  Very recently
+(in 1892) the fragment of a colossal double statue was found in
+Alexandria, which can scarcely be intended for any persons except
+Cleopatra and Antony hand in hand.  The upper part of the female figure
+is in a state of tolerable preservation, and shows a young and attractive
+face.  The male figure was doubtless sacrificed to Octavianus's command
+to destroy Antony's statues.  We are indebted to Herr Dr. Walther, in
+Alexandria, for an excellent photograph of this remarkable piece of
+sculpture.  Comparatively few other works of plastic art, in which we
+here include coins, that could render us familiar with our heroine's
+appearance, have been preserved.
+
+Though the author must especially desire to render his creation a work of
+art, it is also requisite to strive for fidelity.  As the heroine's
+portrait must reveal her true character, so the life represented here
+must correspond in every line with the civilization of the period
+described.  For this purpose we placed Cleopatra in the centre of a
+larger group of people, whom she influences, and who enable her
+personality to be displayed in the various relations of life.
+
+Should the author succeed in making the picture of the remarkable woman,
+who was so differently judged, as "lifelike" and vivid as it stamped
+itself upon his own imagination, he might remember with pleasure the
+hours which he devoted to this book.
+
+                                   GEORG EBERS
+
+TUTZING ON THE STARNBERGER SEE, October 5, 1893.
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA.
+
+Gorgias, the architect, had learned to bear the scorching sunbeams of the
+Egyptian noonday.  Though not yet thirty, he had directed--first as his
+late father's assistant and afterwards as his successor--the construction
+of the huge buildings erected by Cleopatra in Alexandria.
+
+Now he was overwhelmed with commissions; yet he had come hither ere the
+hours of work were over, merely to oblige a youth who had barely passed
+the confines of boyhood.
+
+True, the person for whom he made this sacrifice was Caesarion, the son
+whom Cleopatra had given to Julius Caesar.  Antony had honoured him with
+the proud title of "King of kings"; yet he was permitted neither to rule
+nor even to issue orders, for his mother kept him aloof from affairs of
+state, and he himself had no desire to hold the sceptre.
+
+Gorgias had granted his wish the more readily, because it was apparent
+that he wanted to speak to him in private, though he had not the least
+idea what Caesarion desired to confide, and, under any circumstances, he
+could give him only a brief interview.  The fleet, at whose head the
+Queen had set sail, with Mark Antony, for Greece, must have already met
+Octavianus's galleys, and doubtless a battle wherein the destiny of the
+world was decided had also been fought upon the land, Gorgias believed
+that the victory would fall to Antony and the Queen, and wished the noble
+pair success with his whole heart.  He was even obliged to act as if the
+battle had been already determined in their favour, for the architectural
+preparations for the reception of the conquerors were entrusted to his
+charge, and that very day must witness the decision of the location of
+the colossal statues which represented Antony hand in hand with his royal
+love.
+
+The epitrop Mardion, a eunuch, who as Regent, represented Cleopatra; and
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, who rarely opposed him, wished to have the
+piece of sculpture erected in a different place from the one he favoured.
+The principal objection to the choice made by the powerful head of the
+government was that it had fallen on land owned by a private individual.
+This might lead to difficulties, and Gorgias opposed it.  As an artist,
+too, he did not approve Mardion's plan; for though, on Didymus's land,
+the statues would have faced the sea, which the Regent and the Keeper of
+the Seal regarded as very important, no fitting background could have
+been obtained.
+
+At any rate, the architect could now avail himself of Caesarion's
+invitation to overlook from the appointed place of meeting--the lofty
+steps of the Temple of Isis--the Bruchium, and seek the best site for the
+twin statues.  He was anxious to select the most suitable one; the master
+who had created this work of art had been his friend, and had closed his
+eyes in death shortly after its completion.
+
+The sanctuary whence Gorgias commenced his survey was in one of the
+fairest portions of the Bruchium, the Alexandrian quarter, where stood
+the royal palace with its extensive annexes, the finest temples--except
+the Serapeum, situated in another part of the city-and the largest
+theatres; the Forum invited the council of Macedonian citizens to its
+assemblies, and the Museum afforded a resort for the scholars.
+
+The little square closed in the east by the Temple of Isis was called the
+"Corner of the Muses," on account of the two marble statues of women
+before the entrance of the house, which, with its large garden facing the
+square northward and extending along the sea, belonged to Didymus, an old
+and highly respected scholar and member of the Museum.
+
+The day had been hot, and the shade of the Temple of Isis was very
+welcome to the architect.
+
+This sanctuary rested upon a lofty foundation, and a long flight of steps
+led to the cella.  The spot afforded Gorgias a wide prospect.
+
+Most of the buildings within his vision belonged to the time of Alexander
+and his successors in the house of the Ptolemies, but some, and by no
+means the least stately, were the work of Gorgias himself or of his
+father.  The artist's heart swelled with enthusiastic delight at the
+sight of this portion of his native city.
+
+He had been in Rome, and visited many other places numbered among the
+world's fairest and most populous cities; but not one contained so many
+superb works of art crowded together in so small a space.
+
+"If one of the immortals themselves," he murmured, "should strive to
+erect for the inhabitants of Olympus a quarter meet for their grandeur
+and beauty, it could scarcely be much more superb or better fitted to
+satisfy the artistic needs which we possess as their gift, and it would
+surely be placed on the shore of such a sea."
+
+While speaking, he shaded his keen eyes with his hand.  The architect,
+who usually devoted his whole attention to the single object that claimed
+his notice, now permitted himself the pleasure of enjoying the entire
+picture in whose finishing touches he had himself borne a part; and, as
+his practised eye perceived in every temple and colonnade the studied and
+finished harmony of form, and the admirable grouping of the various
+buildings and statues, he said to himself, with a sigh of satisfaction,
+that his own art was the noblest and building the highest of royal
+pleasures.  No doubt this belief was shared by the princes who, three
+centuries before, had endeavoured to obtain an environment for their
+palaces which should correspond with their vast power and overflowing
+wealth, and at the same time give tangible expression to their reverence
+for the gods and their delight in art and beauty.  No royal race in the
+universe could boast of a more magnificent abode.  These thoughts passed
+through Gorgias's mind as the deep azure hue of sea and sky blended with
+the sunlight to bring into the strongest relief all that the skill and
+brains of man, aided by exhaustless resources, had here created.
+
+Waiting, usually a hard task for the busy architect, became a pleasure in
+this spot; for the rays streaming lavishly in all directions from the
+diadem of the sovereign sun flooded with dazzling radiance the thousands
+of white marble statues on the temples and colonnades, and were reflected
+from the surfaces of the polished granite of the obelisks and the equally
+smooth walls of the white, yellow, and green marble, the syenite, and the
+brown, speckled porphyry of sanctuaries and palaces.  They seemed to be
+striving to melt the bright mosaic pictures which covered every foot Of
+the ground, where no highway intersected and no tree shaded it, and
+flashed back again from the glimmering metal or the smooth glaze in the
+gay tiles on the roofs of the temples and houses.  Here they glittered on
+the metal ornaments, yonder they seemed to be trying to rival the
+brilliancy of the gilded domes, to lend to the superb green of the
+tarnished bronze surfaces the sparkling lustre of the emerald, or to
+transform the blue and red lines of the white marble temples into lapis-
+lazuli and coral and their gilded decorations into topaz.  The pictures
+in the mosaic pavement of the squares, and on the inner walls of the
+colonnades, were doubly effective against the light masses of marble
+surrounding them, which in their turn were indebted to the pictures for
+affording the eye an attractive variety instead of dazzling monotony.
+
+Here the light of the weltering sun enhanced the brilliancy of colour in
+the flags and streamers which fluttered beside the obelisks and Egyptian
+pylons, over the triumphal arches and the gates of the temples and
+palaces.  Yet even the exquisite purplish blue of the banner waving above
+the palace on the peninsula of Lochias, now occupied by Cleopatra's
+children, was surpassed by the hue of the sea, whose deep azure near the
+shore merged far away into bands of lighter and darker blue, blending
+with dull or whitish green.
+
+Gorgias was accustomed to grasp fully whatever he permitted to influence
+him, and though still loyal to his custom of associating with his art
+every remarkable work of the gods or man, he had not forgotten in his
+enjoyment of the familiar scene the purpose of his presence in this spot.
+
+No, the garden of Didymus was not the proper place for his friend's last
+work.
+
+While gazing at the lofty plane, sycamore, and mimosa trees which
+surrounded the old scholar's home, the quiet square below him suddenly
+became astir with noisy life, for all classes of the populace were
+gathering in front of the sequestered house, as if some unusual spectacle
+attracted them.
+
+What could they want of the secluded philosopher?
+
+Gorgias gazed earnestly at them, but soon turned away again; a gay voice
+from below called his name.
+
+A singular procession had approached the temple--a small body of armed
+men, led by a short, stout fellow, whose big head, covered with bushy
+curls, was crowned with a laurel wreath.  He was talking eagerly to a
+younger man, but had paused with the others in front of the sanctuary to
+greet the architect.  The latter shouted a few pleasant words in reply.
+The laurel-crowned figure made a movement as if he intended to join him,
+but his companion checked him, and, after a short parley, the older man
+gave the younger one his hand, flung his heavy head back, and strutted
+onward like a peacock, followed by his whole train.
+
+The other looked after him, shrugging his shoulders; then called to
+Gorgias, asking what boon he desired from the goddess.
+
+"Your presence," replied the architect blithely.
+
+"Then Isis will show herself gracious to you," was the answer, and the
+next instant the two young men cordially grasped each other's hands.
+
+Both were equally tall and well formed; the features bore witness to
+their Greek origin; nay, they might have been taken for brothers, had not
+the architect's whole appearance seemed sturdie and plainer than that of
+his companion, whom he called "Dion" and friend.  As the latter heaped
+merry sarcasms upon the figure wearing the laurel wreath who had just
+left him, Anaxenor, the famous zither-player, on whom Antony had bestowed
+the revenues of four cities and permission to keep body-guard, and
+Gorgias's deeper voice sometime assented, sometimes opposed with sensible
+objections, the difference between these two men of the same age and race
+became clearly apparent.
+
+Both showed a degree of self-reliance unusual, at their age; but the
+architect's was the assurance which a man gains by toil and his own
+merit, Dion's that which is bestowed by large possession and a high
+position in society.  Those who were ignorant that the weight of Dion's
+carefully prepared speech had more than once turned the scale in the city
+councils would probably have been disposed to take him for one of the
+careless worldlings who had no lack of representatives among the gilded
+youth of Alexandria; while the architect's whole exterior, from his keen
+eye to the stouter leather of his sandals, revealed earnest purpose and
+unassuming ability.
+
+Their friendship had commenced when Gorgias built a new palace for Dion.
+During long business association people become well acquainted, even
+though their conversations relate solely to direction and execution.
+But in this case, he who gave the orders had been only the inspirer and
+adviser, the architect the warm-hearted friend, eager to do his utmost to
+realize what hovered before the other's mind as the highest attainable
+excellence.  So the two young men became first dear, and finally almost
+indispensable to each other.  As the architect discovered in the wealthy
+man of the world many qualities whose existence he had not suspected, the
+latter was agreeably surprised to find in the artist, associated with his
+solidity of character, a jovial companion, who--this first made him
+really beloved by his friend--had no lack of weaknesses.
+
+When the palace was completed to Dion's satisfaction and became one of
+the most lauded ornaments of the city, the young men's friendship assumed
+a new form, and it would have been difficult to say which received the
+most benefit.
+
+Dion had just been stopped by the zither-player to ask for confirmation
+of the tidings that the united forces of Antony and Cleopatra had gained
+a great victory on sea and land.
+
+In the eating-house at Kanopus, where he had breakfasted, everyone was
+full of the joyful news, and rivers of wine had been drunk to the health
+of the victors and the destruction of the malicious foe.  "In these
+days," cried Dion, "not only weak-brained fellows, like the zither-
+player, believe me omniscient, but many sensible men also.  And why?
+Because, forsooth, I am the nephew of Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, who
+is on the brink of despair because he himself knows nothing, not even the
+veriest trifle."
+
+"Yet he stands nearest to the Regent," observed Gorgias, "and must learn,
+if any one does, how the fleet fares."
+
+"You too!" sighed his friend.  "Had I been standing so far above the
+ground as you, the architect--by the dog, I should not have failed to
+note the quarter whence the wind blew!  It has been southerly a whole
+fortnight, and keeps back the galleys coming from the north.  The Regent
+knows nothing, absolutely nothing, and my uncle, of course, no more.  But
+if they do learn anything they will be shrewd enough not to enrich me
+with it."
+
+"True, there are other rumours afloat," said the architect thoughtfully.
+"If I were in Mardion's place--"
+
+"Thank the Olympians that you are not," laughed his companion.  "He has
+as many cares as a fish has scales.  And one, the greatest.  That pert
+young Antyllus was over-ready with his tongue yesterday at Barine's.
+Poor fellow!  He'll have to answer for it to his tutor at home."
+
+"You mean the remark about the Queen's accompanying the fleet?"
+
+"St!" said Dion, putting his finger on his lips, for many men and women
+were now ascending the temple steps.  Several carried flowers and cakes,
+and the features of most expressed joyful emotion.  The news of the
+victory had reached their ears, and they wanted to offer sacrifices to
+the goddess whom Cleopatra, "the new Isis," preferred to all others.
+
+The first court-yard of the sanctuary was astir with life.  They could
+hear the ringing of the sistrum bells and the murmuring chant of the
+priests.  The quiet fore-court of the little temple of the goddess, which
+here, in the Greek quarter of palaces, had as few visitors as the great
+Temple of Isis in the Rhakotis was overcrowded, had now become the worst
+possible rendezvous for men who stood so near the rulers of the
+government.  The remark made about the Queen the evening before by
+Antyllus, Antony's nineteen-year-old son, at the house of Barine, a
+beautiful young woman who attracted all the prominent men in Alexandria,
+was the more imprudent because it coincided with the opinion of all the
+wisest heads.  The reckless youth enthusiastically reverenced his father,
+but Cleopatra, the object of Antony's love, and--in the Egyptians' eyes--
+his wife, was not Antyllus's mother.  He was the son of Fulvia, his
+father's first wife, and feeling himself a Roman, would have preferred a
+thousand times to live on the banks of the Tiber.  Besides, it was
+certain--Antony's stanchest friends made no attempt to conceal the fact--
+that the Queen's presence with the army exerted a disturbing influence,
+and could not fail to curb the daring courage of the brave general.
+Antyllus, with the reckless frankness inherited from his father, had
+expressed this view in the presence of all Barine's guests, and in a form
+which would be only too quickly spread throughout Alexandria, whose
+inhabitants relished such speeches.
+
+These remarks would be slow in reaching the plain people who were
+attracted to the temple by the news of the victory, yet many doubtless
+knew Caesarion, whom the architect was awaiting here.  It would be wiser
+to meet the prince at the foot of the steps.  Both men, therefore, went
+down to the square, though the crowds seeking the temple and thronging
+the space before Didymus's house made it more and more difficult to pace
+to and fro.
+
+They were anxious to learn whether the rumour that Didymus's garden was
+to be taken for the twin statues had already spread abroad, and their
+first questions revealed that this was the case.  It was even stated that
+the old sage's house was to be torn down, and within a few hours.  This
+was vehemently contradicted; but a tall, scrawny man seemed to have
+undertaken to defend the ruler's violence.
+
+The friends knew him well.  It was the Syrian Philostratus, a clever
+extempore speaker and agitator of the people, who placed his clever
+tongue at the disposal of the highest bidder.
+
+"The rascal is probably now in my uncle's employ," said Dion.  "The idea
+of putting the piece of sculpture there originated with him, and it is
+difficult to turn him from such plans.  There is some secret object to be
+gained here.  That is why they have brought Philostratus.  I wonder if
+the conspiracy is connected in any way with Barine, whose husband--
+unfortunately for her--he was before he cast her off."
+
+"Cast her off!" exclaimed Gorgias wrathfully.  "How that sounds!  True,
+he did it, but to persuade him the poor woman sacrificed half the fortune
+her father had earned by his brush.  You know as well as I that life with
+that scoundrel would be unbearable."
+
+"Very true," replied Dion quietly.  "But as all Alexandria melted into
+admiration after her singing of the 'yalemos' at the Adonis festival, she
+no longer needed her contemptible consort."
+
+"How can you take pleasure, whenever it is possible, in casting such
+slurs upon a woman, whom but yesterday you called blameless, charming,
+peerless?"
+
+"That the light she sheds may not dazzle your eyes.  I know how sensitive
+they are."
+
+"Then spare, instead of irritating them.  Besides, your suggestion gives
+food for thought Barine is the granddaughter of the man whose garden they
+want, and the advocate would probably be glad to injure both.  But I'll
+spoil his game.  It is my business to choose the site for the statues."
+
+"Yours?" replied Dion.  "Unless some on who is more powerful opposes you.
+I would try to win my uncle, but there are others superior to him.  The
+Queen has gone, it is true; but Iras, whose commands do not die away in
+empty air, told me this morning that she had her own ideas about the
+errection of the statue."
+
+"Then you bring Philostratus here!" cried the architect.
+
+"I?" asked the other in amazement.
+
+"Ay, you," asserted Gorgias.  "Did not you say that Iras, with whom you
+played when a boy is now becoming troublesome by watching your every
+step?  And then--you visit Barine constantly and she so evidently prefers
+you, that the fact might easily reach the ears of Iras."
+
+"As Argus has a hundred, jealousy has a thousand eyes," interrupted Dion,
+"yet I seek nothing from Barine, save two pleasant hours when the day is
+drawing towards its close.  No matter; Iras, I suppose, heard that I was
+favoured by this much-admired woman.  Iras herself has some little regard
+for me, so she bought Philostratus.  She is willing to pay something for
+the sake of injuring the woman who stands between us, or the old man who
+has the good or evil fortune of being her rival's grandfather.  No, no;
+that would be too base!  And believe me, if Iras desired to ruin Barine,
+she need not make so long a circuit.  Besides, she is not really a wicked
+woman.  Or is she?  All I know is that where any advantage is to be
+gained for the Queen, she does not shrink even from doubtful means, and
+also that the hours speed swiftly for any one in her society.  Yes, Iras,
+Iras--I like to utter the name.  Yet I do not love her, and she--loves
+only herself, and--a thing few can say--another still more.  What is the
+world, what am I to her, compared with the Queen, the idol of her heart?
+Since Cleopatra's departure, Iras seems like the forsaken Ariadne, or a
+young roe which has strayed from its mother.  But stop; she may have a
+hand in the game: the Queen trusted her as if she were her sister, her
+daughter.  No one knows what she and Charmian are to her.  They are
+called waiting-women, but are their sovereign's dearest friends.  When,
+on the departure of the fleet, Cleopatra was compelled to leave Iras
+here--she was ill with a fever--she gave her the charge of her children,
+even those whose beards were beginning to grow, the 'King of kings'
+Caesarion, whose tutor punishes him for every act of disobedience; and
+the unruly lad Antyllus, who has forced his way the last few evenings
+into our friend's house."
+
+"Antony, his own father, introduced him to her."
+
+"Very true, and Antyllus took Caesarion there.  This vexed Iras, like
+everything which may disturb the Queen.  Barine is troublesome on account
+of Cleopatra, whom she wishes to spare every, annoyance, and perhaps she
+dislikes her a little for my sake.  Now she wants to inflict on the old
+man, Barine's grandfather, whom she loves, some injury which the spoiled,
+imprudent woman will scarcely accept quietly, and which will rouse her to
+commit some folly that can be used against her.  Iras will hardly seek
+her life, but she may have in mind exile or something of that kind.  She
+knows people as well as I know her, my neighbour and playmate, whom many
+a time I was obliged to lift down from some tree into which the child had
+climbed as nimbly as a kitten."
+
+"I myself suggested this conjecture, yet I cannot credit her with such
+unworthy intrigues," cried Gorgias.
+
+"Credit her?" repeated Dion, shrugging his shoulders.  "I only transport
+myself in imagination to the court and to the soul of the woman who helps
+make rain and sunshine there.  You have columns rounded and beams hewed
+that they may afterwards support the roof to which in due time you wish
+to direct attention.  She and all who have a voice in the management of
+court affairs look first at the roof and then seek anything to raise and
+support it, though it should be corpses, ruined lives, and broken hearts.
+The point is that the roof shall stand until the architect, the Queen,
+sees and approves it.  As to the rest--But there is the carriage--It
+doubtless brings--You were--"
+
+He paused, laid his hand on his friend's arm, and whispered hastily:
+"Iras is undoubtedly at the bottom of this, and it is not Antyllus, but
+yonder dreaming lad, for whom she is moving.  When she spoke of the
+statues just now, she asked in the same breath where I had seen him on
+the evening of the day before yesterday, and that was the very time he
+called on Barine.  The plot was made by her, and Iras is doing all the
+work.  The mouse is not caught while the trap is closed, and she is just
+raising her little hand to open it."
+
+"If only she does not use some man's hand," replied the architect
+wrathfully, and then turned towards the carriage and the elderly man who
+had just left it, and was now approaching the two friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+When Caesarion's companion reached Dion and Gorgias, the former modestly
+made a movement to retire.  But Archibius was acquainted with both, and
+begged him to remain.  There was an air of precision and clearness in the
+voice and quiet movements of this big, broad-shouldered man, with his
+robust frame and well-developed limbs.  Though only a few years beyond
+forty, not merely his grey hair but the calm, impressive dignity of his
+whole manner indicated a more advanced age.
+
+"The young King yonder," he began in a deep, musical voice, motioning
+towards the equipage, "wished to speak to you here in person, Gorgias,
+but by my advice he refrained from mingling with the crowd.  I have
+brought him hither in a closed carriage.  If the plan suits you, enter it
+and talk with him while I keep watch here.  Strange things seem to be
+occurring, and yonder--or am I mistaken?  Has the monster dragged along
+there any connection with the twin statues of the Queen and her friend?
+Was it you who selected that place for them?"
+
+"No," replied the architect.  "The order was issued over my head and
+against my will."
+
+"I thought so," replied the other.  "This is the very matter of which
+Caesarion wishes to speak.  If you can prevent the erection of the
+statues on Didymus's land, so much the better.  I will do everything in
+my power to aid you, but in the Queen's absence that is little."
+
+"Then what can be said of my influence?"  asked the architect.  "Who, in
+these days, knows whether the sky will be blue or grey to-morrow?  I can
+guarantee one thing only: I will do my best to prevent this injury of an
+estimable citizen, interference with the laws of our city, and violation
+of good taste."
+
+"Say so to the young King, but express yourself cautiously," replied
+Archibius as the architect turned towards the carriage.
+
+As soon as Dion and the older man were alone, the latter inquired the
+cause of the increasing uproar, and as, like every well-disposed
+Alexandrian, he esteemed Archibius, and knew that he was intimately
+acquainted with the owner of the imperilled garden, and therefore with
+his granddaughter Barine, he confided his anxiety to him without reserve.
+
+"Iras is your niece, it is true," he said in his open-hearted manner,
+"but I know that you understand her character.  It suits her now to fling
+a golden apple into the path of a person whom she dislikes and believes
+incautious, that she may pick it up and thus afford her an opportunity to
+bring a charge of theft."
+
+Noting the inquiring glance Archibius fixed upon him as he made this
+comparison, he changed his tone and continued more earnestly: "Zeus is
+great, but destiny is superior even to him.  Zeus can accomplish much,
+but when Iras and your sister Charmian, who unfortunately is now with the
+Queen, wish to effect anything, he, like the Regent Mardion, must give
+way.  The more lovable Cleopatra is, the more surely every one prizes a
+position near her person above aught else, especially such trifles as law
+and justice."
+
+"These are harsh words," responded Archibius, and seem the more bitter in
+proportion to the germ of truth which they contain.  Our court shares the
+fate of every other in the East, and those to whom Rome formerly set the
+example of holding law and justice sacred--"
+
+"Can now go there," interrupted Dion, "to learn how rudely both are
+trampled under foot.  The sovereigns here and there may smile at one
+another like the augurs.  They are like brothers--"
+
+"But with the difference," Archibius broke in, "that the head of our
+public affairs is the very embodiment of affability and grace; while in
+Rome, on the contrary, harsh severity and bloody arrogance, or even
+repulsive servility, guide the reins."
+
+Here Archibius interrupted himself to point to the shouting throng
+advancing towards them.  "You are right," Dion answered.  "Let us defer
+this discussion till we can pursue it in the house of the charming
+Barine.  But I rarely meet you there, though by blood you are so nearly
+allied to her father.  I am her friend--at my age that might easily mean
+her lover.  But in our case the comparison would not suit.  Yet perhaps
+you will believe me, for you have the right to call yourself the friend
+of the most bewitching of women."
+
+A sorrowful smile flitted over the grave, set features of the older man,
+who, raising his hand as if in protest, answered carelessly: "I grew up
+with Cleopatra, but a private citizen loves a queen only as a divinity.
+I believe in your friendship for Barine, though I deem it dangerous."
+
+"If you mean that it might injure the lovely woman," replied Dion,
+raising his head more proudly as if to intimate that he required no
+warning, even from him, "perhaps you are right.  Only I beg you not to
+misunderstand me.  I am not vain enough to suppose that I could win her
+heart, but unfortunately there are many who cannot forgive the power of
+attraction which she exerts over me as well as upon all.  So many men
+gladly visit Barine's house that there are an equal number of women who
+would rejoice to close it.  Among them, of course, is Iras.  She dislikes
+my friend; nay, I fear that what you witness yonder is the apple she
+flung in order, if not to ruin, at least to drive her from the city, ere
+the Queen--may the gods grant her victory!--ere Cleopatra returns.  You
+know your niece Iras.  Like your sister Charmian, she will shrink from
+nothing to remove an annoyance from her mistress's pathway, and it will
+hardly please Cleopatra when she learns that the two youths whose welfare
+lies nearest her heart--Antyllus and Caesarion--seek Barine's house, no
+matter how stainless the latter's reputation may be."
+
+"I have just heard of it," replied Archibius, "and I, too, am anxious.
+Antony's son has inherited much of his father's insatiable love of
+pleasure.  But Caesarion!  He has not yet ventured out of the dreamland
+which surrounds him into actual life.  What others scarcely perceive
+deals him a serious blow.  I fear Eros is sharpening arrows for him which
+will pierce deep into his heart.  While talking with me he seemed
+strangely changed.  His dreamy eyes glittered like a drunkard's when he
+spoke of Barine.  I fear, I fear--"
+
+"Impossible!" cried Dion, in surprise, nay, almost terror.  "If that is
+the case, Iras is not wholly wrong, and we must deal with the matter
+differently.  But it is of the first importance to conceal the fact that
+Caesarion has any interest in the affairs of the old house-owner.  To
+seek to maintain the old man's right to his own property is a matter of
+course, and I will undertake to do this and try to get yonder orator home
+Just see how the braggart is swinging his arms in Iras's service!  As for
+Barine, it will be well to induce her to leave of her own free will a
+city where it will be made unpleasant for her.  Try to persuade her to
+pursue this course.  If I went to her with such a suggestion, I, who
+yesterday--No, no!  Besides, she might hear that Iras and I--She would
+imagine all sorts of absurdities.  You know what jealousy means.  To you,
+whom she esteems, she would surely listen, and she need not go far from
+the city.  If the heart of this enthusiastic boy--who might some day
+desire to be 'King of kings' not only in name--should really be fired
+with love for Barine, what serious misfortune might follow!  We must
+secure her from him.  She could not go to my country house among the
+papyrus plantations at Sebennys.  It would afford too much license for
+evil tongues.  But you--your villa at Kanopus is too near--but, if I am
+not mistaken, you have--"
+
+"My estate in the lake region is remote enough, and will be at her
+disposal," interrupted the other.  "The house is always kept ready for
+my reception.  I will do my best to persuade her, for your advice is
+prudent.  She must be withdrawn from the boy's eyes."
+
+"I shall learn the result of your mission tomorrow," cried Dion eagerly--
+"nay, this evening.  If she consents, I will tell Iras, as if by
+accident, that Barine has gone to Upper Egypt to drink new milk, or
+something of that kind.  Iras is a shrewd woman, and will be glad if she
+can keep aloof from such trifles during the time which will decide the
+fate of Cleopatra and of the world."
+
+"My thoughts, too, are always with the army," said Archibius.  "How
+trivial everything else seems compared with the result which will be
+determined in the next few days!  But life is made up of trifles.  They
+are food, drink, maintenance.  Should the Queen return triumphant, and
+find Caesarion in wrong paths--"
+
+"We must close them against him," exclaimed Dion.
+
+"That the boy may not follow Barine?" asked Archibius, shaking his head.
+"I think we need feel no anxiety on that score.  He will doubtless
+eagerly desire to do so, but with him there is a wide gulf between the
+wish and its fulfilment.  Antyllus is differently constituted.  He would
+be quite capable of ordering a horse to be saddled, or the sails of a
+boat to be spread in order to pursue her--beyond the Cataract if
+necessary.  So we must maintain the utmost secrecy concerning the place
+to which Barine voluntarily exiles herself."
+
+"But she is not yet on her way," replied Dion with a faint sigh.  "She is
+bound to this city by many ties."
+
+"I know it," answered Archibius, confirming his companion's fear.  The
+latter, pointing to the equipage, said in a rapid, earnest tone: "Gorgias
+is beckoning.  But, before we part, let me beseech you to do everything
+to persuade Barine to leave here.  She is in serious danger.  Conceal
+nothing from her, and say that her friends will not leave her too long in
+solitude."
+
+Archibius, with a significant glance, shook his finger at the young man
+in playful menace, and then went up to the carriage.
+
+Caesarion's clear-cut but pallid face, whose every feature resembled that
+of his father, the great Caesar, bent towards them from the opening above
+the door, as he greeted both with a formal bend of the head and a
+patronizing glance.  His eyes had sparkled with boyish glee when he first
+caught sight of the friend from whom he had been separated several weeks,
+but to the stranger he wished to assume the bearing which beseemed a
+king.  He desired to make him feel his superior position, for he was ill-
+disposed towards him.  He had seen him favoured by the woman whom he
+imagined he loved, and whose possession he had been promised by the
+secret science of the Egyptians, whose power to unveil the mysteries of
+the future he firmly believed.  Antyllus, Antony's son, had taken him to
+Barine, and she had received him with the consideration due his rank.
+Spite of her bright graciousness, boyish timidity had hitherto prevented
+any word of love to the young beauty whom he saw surrounded by so many
+distinguished men of mature years.  Yet his beaming, expressive eyes must
+have revealed his feelings to her.  Doubtless his glances had not been
+unobserved, for only a few hours before an Egyptian woman had stopped him
+at the temple of his father, Caesar, to which, according to the fixed
+rules governing the routine of his life, he went daily at a certain hour
+to pray, to offer sacrifices, to anoint the stone of the altar, or to
+crown the statue of the departed emperor.
+
+Caesarion had instantly recognized her as the female slave whom he had
+seen in Barine's atrium, and ordered his train to fall back.
+
+Fortunately his tutor, Rhodon, had not fulfilled his duty of accompanying
+him.  So the youth had ventured to follow the slave woman, and in the
+shadow of the mimosas, in the little grove beside the temple, he found
+Barine's litter.  His heart throbbed violently as, full of anxious
+expectation, he obeyed her signal to draw nearer.  Still, she had granted
+him nothing save the favour of gratifying one of her wishes.  But his
+heart had swelled almost to bursting when, resting her beautiful white
+arm on the door of her litter, she had told him that unjust men were
+striving to rob her grandfather Didymus of his garden, and she expected
+him, who bore the title of the "King of kings" to do his best to prevent
+such a crime.
+
+It had been difficult for him to grasp her meaning while she was
+speaking.  There was a roaring sound in his ears as if, instead of being
+in the silent temple grove, he was standing on a stormy day upon the
+surf-beaten promontory of Lochias.  He had not ventured to raise his eyes
+and look into her face.  Not until she closed with the question whether
+she might hope for his assistance did her gaze constrain him to glance
+up.  Ah, what had he not fancied he read in her imploring blue eyes!
+how unspeakably beautiful she had appeared!
+
+He had stood before her as if bereft of his senses.  His sole knowledge
+was that he had promised, with his hand on his heart, to do everything in
+his power to prevent what threatened to cause her pain.  Then her little
+hand, with its sparkling rings, was again stretched towards him, and he
+had resolved to kiss it; but while he glanced around at his train, she
+had already waved him a farewell, and the litter was borne away.
+
+He stood motionless, like the figure of a man on one of his mother's
+ancient vases, staring in bewilderment after the flying figure of
+Happiness, whom he might easily have caught by her floating locks.  How
+he raged over the miserable indecision which had defrauded him of so much
+joy!  Yet nothing was really lost.  If he succeeded in fulfilling her
+wishes, she could not fail to be grateful; and then--
+
+He pondered over the person to whom he should apply--Mardion, the Regent,
+or the Keeper of the Seal?  No, they had planned the erection of the
+group of sculpture in the philosopher's garden.  To Iras, his mother's
+confidante?  Nay, last of all to her.  The cunning woman would have
+perceived his purpose and betrayed it to the Regent.  Ah, if Charmian,
+his mother's other attendant, had been present!  but she was with the
+fleet, which perhaps was even now engaged in battle with the enemy.
+
+At this recollection his eyes again sought the ground--he had not been
+permitted to take the place in the army to which his birth entitled him,
+while his mother and Charmian--But he did not pursue this painful current
+of thought; for a serious reproach had forced itself upon him and sent
+the blood to his cheeks.  He wished to be considered a man, and yet, in
+these fateful days, which would determine the destiny of his mother, his
+native city, Egypt, and that Rome which he, the only son of Caesar, was
+taught to consider his heritage, he was visiting a beautiful woman,
+thinking of her, and of her alone.  His days and half the nights were
+passed in forming plans for securing her love, forgetful of what should
+have occupied his whole heart.
+
+Only yesterday Iras had sharply admonished him that, in times like these,
+it was the duty of every friend of Cleopatra, and every foe of her foes,
+to be with the army at least in mind.
+
+He had remembered this, but, instead of heeding the warning, the thought
+of her had merely recalled her uncle, Archibius, who possessed great
+influence, not merely on account of his wealth but because every one also
+knew his high standing in the regard of the Queen.  Besides, the clever,
+kindly man had always been friendly to him from childhood, and like a
+revelation came the idea of applying to him, and to the architect
+Gorgias, who had a voice in the matter, and by whom he had been strongly
+attracted during the period while he was rebuilding the wing assigned to
+the prince in the palace at Lochias.
+
+So one of the attendants was instantly despatched with the little tablet
+which invited Gorgias to the interview at the Temple of Isis.
+
+Then, in the afternoon, Caesarion went secretly in a boat to the little
+palace of Archibius, situated on the seashore at Kanopus, and now as the
+latter, with his friend, stood beside the carriage door, he explained to
+them that he was going with the architect to old Didymus to assure him of
+his assistance.
+
+This was unadvisable in every respect, but it required all the weight of
+the older man's reasons to induce the prince to yield.  The consequences
+which might ensue, should the populace discover that he was taking sides
+against the Regent, would be incalculable.  But submission and withdrawal
+were especially difficult to the young "King of kings."  He longed to
+pose as a man in Dion's presence, and as this could not be, he strove
+to maintain the semblance of independence by yielding his resolve
+only on the plea of not desiring to injure the aged scholar and his
+granddaughter.  Finally, he again entreated the architect to secure
+Didymus in the possession of his property.  When at last he drove away
+with Archibius, twilight was already gathering, torches were lighted in
+front of the temple and the little mausoleum adjoining the cella, and
+pitch-pans were blazing in the square.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+"The lad is in an evil plight," said Gorgias, shaking his head
+thoughtfully as the equipage rolled over the stone pavement of the
+Street of the King.
+
+"And over yonder, added Dion," "the prospect is equally unpleasing.
+Philostratus is setting the people crazy.  But the hired mischief-maker
+will soon wish he had been less ready to seize Iras's gold coins."
+
+"And to think," cried the architect, "that Barine was this scoundrel's
+wife!  How could it--"
+
+"She was but a child when they married her," interrupted Dion.  "Who
+consults a girl of fifteen in the choice of a husband?  And Philostratus
+--he was my classmate at Rhodus--at that time had the fairest prospects.
+His brother Alexas, Antony's favourite, could easily advance him.
+Barine's father was dead, her mother was accustomed to follow Didymus's
+counsel, and the clever fellow had managed to strew dust in the old man's
+eyes.  Long and lank as he is, he is not bad-looking even now.
+
+"When he appeared as an orator he pleased his hearers.  This turned his
+head, and a spendthrift's blood runs in his veins.  To bring his fair
+young bride to a stately mansion, he undertook the bad cause of the
+thievish tax-collector Pyrrhus, and cleared him."
+
+"He bought a dozen false witnesses."
+
+"There were sixteen.  Afterwards they became as numerous as the open
+mouths you see shouting yonder.  It is time to silence them.  Go to the
+old man's house and soothe him--Barine also, if she is there.  If you
+find messengers from the Regent, raise objections to the unprecedented
+decree.  You know the portions of the law which can be turned to
+Didymus's advantage."
+
+"Since the reign of Euergetes II, registered landed property has been
+unassailable, and his was recorded."
+
+"So much the better.  Tell the officials also, confidentially, that you
+know of objections just discovered which may perhaps change the Regent's
+views."
+
+"And, above all, I shall insist upon my right to choose the place for the
+twin statues.  The Queen herself directed the others to heed my opinion."
+
+"That will cast the heaviest weight into the scale.  We shall meet later.
+You will prefer to keep away from Barine to-night.  If you see her, tell
+her that Archibius said he would visit her later--for an object I will
+explain afterwards.  I shall probably go to Iras to bring her to reason.
+It will be better not to mention Caesarion's wish."
+
+"Certainly--and you will give nothing to yonder brawler."
+
+"On the contrary.  I feel very generous.  If Peitho will aid me, the
+insatiate fellow will get more than may be agreeable to him."
+
+Then grasping the architect's hand, Dion forced his way through the
+throng surrounding the high platform on wheels, upon which the closely
+covered piece of sculpture had been rolled up.  The gate of the scholar's
+house stood open, for an officer in the Regent's service had really
+entered a short time before, but the Scythian guards sent by the exegetus
+Demetrius, one of Barine's friends, were keeping back the throng of
+curious spectators.
+
+Their commander knew Gorgias, and he was soon standing in the impluvium
+of the scholar's house, an oblong, rootless space, with a fountain in the
+centre, whose spray moistened the circular bed of flowers around it.  The
+old slave had just lighted some three-branched lamps which burned on tall
+stands.  The officers sent by the Regent to inform Didymus that his
+garden would be converted into a public square had just arrived.
+
+When Gorgias entered, these magistrates, their clerks, and the witnesses
+accompanying them--a group of twenty men, at whose head was Apollonius,
+a distinguished officer of the royal treasury--were in the house.  The
+slave who admitted the architect informed him of it.
+
+In the atrium a young girl, doubtless a member of the household, stopped
+him.  He was not mistaken in supposing that she was Helena, Didymus's
+younger granddaughter, of whom Barine had spoken.  True, she resembled
+her sister neither in face nor figure, for while the young matron's hair
+was fair and waving, the young girl's thick black tresses were wound
+around her head in a smooth braid.  Very unlike Barine's voice, too, were
+the deep, earnest tones trembling with emotion, in which she confronted
+him with the brief question, concealing a faint reproach, "Another
+demand?"
+
+After first ascertaining that he was really speaking to Helena, his
+friend's sister, he hastily told her his name, adding that, on the
+contrary, he had come to protect her grandfather from a serious
+misfortune.
+
+When his glance first rested upon her in the dimly lighted room, the
+impression she made upon him was by no means favourable.  The pure brow,
+which seemed to him too high for a woman's face, wore an indignant frown;
+and though her mouth was beautiful in form, its outlines were often
+marred by a passionate tremor that lent the exquisitely chiselled
+features a harsh, nay, bitter expression.  But she had scarcely heard the
+motive of his presence ere, pressing her hand upon her bosom with a sigh
+of relief, she eagerly exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, do what you can to avert this terrible deed!  No one knows how the
+old man loves this house.  And my grandmother!  They will die if it is
+taken from them."
+
+Her large eyes rested upon him with a warm, imploring light; and the
+stern, almost repellent voice thrilled with love for her relatives.  He
+must lend his aid here, and how gladly he would do so!  He assured her of
+this; and Helena, who had heard him mentioned as a man of ability, saw in
+him a helper in need, and begged him, with touching fervour, to show her
+grandfather, when he came before the officers, that all was not lost.
+
+The astonished architect asked if Didymus did not know what was
+impending, and Helena hastily replied:
+
+"He is working in the summer-house by the sea.  Apollonius is a kind-
+hearted man, and will wait until I have prepared my grandfather.  I must
+go to him.  He has already sent Philotas--his pupil, who finds and
+unrolls his books--a dozen times to inquire the cause of the tumult
+outside; but I replied that the crowds were flocking to the harbour on
+account of the Queen.  There is often a mob shouting madly; but nothing
+disturbs my grandfather when he is absorbed in his work; and his pupil
+--a young student from Amphissa--loves him and does what I bid him.  My
+grandmother, too, knows nothing yet.  She is deaf, and the female slaves
+dare not tell her.  After her recent attack of giddiness, the doctor said
+that any sudden shock might injure her.  If only I can find the right
+words, that my grandfather may not be too sorely hurt!"
+
+"Shall  I  accompany you?" asked Gorgias kindly.
+
+"No," she answered hurriedly.  "He needs time ere he will trust
+strangers.  Only, if Apollonius discloses the terrible truth, and his
+grief threatens to overpower him, comfort him, and show him that we still
+have friends who are ready to protect us from such disaster."
+
+She waved her hand in token of gratitude, and hurried through the little
+side gate into the garden.  Gorgias looked after her with sparkling eyes,
+and drew a long breath.  How good this girl must be, how wisely she cared
+for her relatives!  How energetically the young creature behaved!  He had
+seen his new acquaintance only in the dim light, but she must be
+beautiful.  Her eyes, lips, and hair certainly were.  How his heart
+throbbed as he asked himself the question whether this young girl,
+who was endowed with every gift which constituted the true worth of
+womanhood, was not preferable to her more attractive sister Barine!--
+when the thought darted through his mind that he had cause to be grateful
+to the beard which covered his chin and cheeks, for he felt that he, a
+sedate, mature man, must have blushed.  And he knew why.  Only half an
+hour before he had felt and admitted to Dion that he considered Barine
+the most desirable of women, and now another's image cast a deep shadow
+over hers and filled his heart with new, perhaps stronger emotions.
+
+He had had similar experiences only too often, and his friends, Dion at
+their head, had perceived his weakness and spoiled many an hour for him
+by their biting jests.  The series of tall and short, fair and dark
+beauties who had fired his fancy was indeed of considerable length, and
+every one on whom he had bestowed his quickly kindled affections had
+seemed to him the one woman he must make his own, if he would be a happy
+man.  But ere he had reached the point of offering his hand, the question
+had arisen in his mind whether he might not love another still more
+ardently.  So he had begun to persuade himself that his heart yearned for
+no individual, but the whole sex--at least the portion which was young
+and could feel love--and therefore he would scarcely be wise to bind
+himself to any one.  True, he knew that he was capable of fidelity, for
+he clung to his friends with changeless loyalty, and was ready to make
+any sacrifice in their behalf.  With women, however, he dealt
+differently.  Was Helena's image, which now floated before him so
+bewitchingly, destined to fade as swiftly?  The contrary would have been
+remarkable.  Yet he firmly believed that this time Eros meant honestly by
+him.  The laughing loves who twined their rose garlands around him and
+Helena's predecessors had nothing to do with this grave maiden.
+
+These reflections darted through his brain with the speed of lightning,
+and still stirred his heart when he was ushered into the impluvium, where
+the magistrates were impatiently awaiting the owner of the house.  With
+the lucidity peculiar to him, he explained his reasons for hoping that
+their errand would be vain, and Apollonius replied that no one would
+rejoice more than he himself if the Regent should authorize him, on the
+morrow, to countermand his mission.  He would gladly wait there longer to
+afford the old man's granddaughter an opportunity to soften the tidings
+of the impending misfortune.
+
+The kind-hearted man's patience, however, was not tested too long; for
+when Helena entered the summer-house Didymus had already been informed
+of the disaster which threatened him and his family.  The philosopher
+Euphranor, an elderly member of the Museum, had reached him through the
+garden gate, and, spite of Philotas's warning sign, told him what was
+occurring.  But Didymus knew the old philosopher, who, a recluse from the
+world like himself, was devoting the remainder of his life and strength
+to the pursuit of science.  So he only shook his head incredulously,
+pushed back the thin locks of grey hair which hung down on his cheeks
+over the barest part of his skull, and exclaimed reproachfully, though as
+if the matter under discussion was of the most trivial importance: "What
+have you been hearing?  We'll see about it!"
+
+He had risen as he spoke, and too abruptly surprised by the news to
+remember the sandals on the mat and the upper robe which lay on a chest
+of drawers at the end of the room, he was in the act of quitting it, when
+his friend, who had silently watched his movements, stopped him, and
+Helena entered.
+
+The grey-haired sage turned to her, and, vexed by his friend's doubts,
+begged her to convince her grandfather that even matters which do not
+please us may nevertheless be of some importance.  She did so as
+considerately as possible, thinking meanwhile of the architect and his
+hopes.
+
+Didymus, with his eyes bent on the ground, shook his grey head again and
+again.  Then, suddenly raising it, he rushed to the door, and without
+heeding the upper garment which Helena still held in her hand, tore it
+open, shouting, "But things must and shall be changed!"
+
+Euphranor and his granddaughter followed.  Though his head was bowed, he
+crossed the little garden with a swift, firm tread, and, without noticing
+the questions and warnings of his companions, walked at once to the
+impluvium.  The bright light dazzled his weakened eyes, and his habit of
+gazing into vacancy or on the ground compelled him to glance from side to
+side for some time, ere he could accustom himself to it.  Apollonius
+approached, greeted him respectfully, and assured him that he deeply
+regretted having interrupted him in the work for which the whole world
+was waiting, but he had come on important business.
+
+"I know, I know," the old scholar answered with a smile of superiority.
+"What is all this ado about?"
+
+As he spoke he looked around the group of spectators, among whom he knew
+no one except Apollonius, who had charge of the museum accounts, and the
+architect, for whom he had composed the inscription on the Odeum, which
+he had recently built.  But when his eyes met only unfamiliar faces, the
+confidence which hitherto had sustained him began to waver, though still
+convinced that a demand such as the philosopher suggested could not
+possibly be made upon him, he continued: "It is stated that there is a
+plan for turning my garden into a public square.  And for what purpose?
+To erect a piece of sculpture.  But there can be nothing serious in the
+rumour, for my property is recorded in the land register, and the law--"
+
+"Pardon me," Apollonius broke in, "if I interrupt you.  We know the
+ordinance to which you refer, but this case is an exceptional one.
+The Regent desires to take nothing from you.  On the contrary, he offers,
+in the name of the Queen, any compensation you yourself may fix for the
+piece of land which is to be honoured by the statues of the highest
+personages in the country--Cleopatra and Antony, hand in hand.  The piece
+of sculpture has already been brought here.  A work by the admirable
+artist Lysander, who passed too early to the nether world, certainly will
+not disfigure your house.  The little summer-house by the sea must be
+removed to-morrow, it is true; you know that our gracious Queen may
+return any day-victorious if the immortals are just.  This piece of
+sculpture, which is created in her honour, to afford her pleasure, must
+greet her on her arrival, so the Regent send me to-day to communicate his
+wish, which, as he represents the Queen--"
+
+"Yet," interrupted the architect, who had again warmly assured the old
+man's granddaughter of his aid" yet your friends will endeavour to
+persuade the Regent to find another place for the statues."
+
+"They are at liberty to do so," said the officer.  "What will happen
+later the future will show.  My office merely requires me to induce the
+worthy owner of this house and garden to submit to-day to the Queen's
+command, which the Regent and my own heart bid me clothe in the form of a
+request."
+
+During this conversation the old man had at first listened silently to
+the magistrate's words, gazing intently into his face.  So it was true.
+The demand to yield up his garden, and even the little house, for fifty
+years the scene of his study and creative work, for the sake of a statue,
+would be made.  Since this had become a certainty, he had stood with his
+eyes fixed upon the ground.  Grief had paralyzed his tongue, and Helena,
+who felt this, for the aged head seemed as if it were bending under a
+heavy burden, had drawn close to his side.
+
+The shouts and howls of the throng outside echoed through the open roof
+of the impluvium, but the old man did not seem to hear them, and did not
+even notice his granddaughter.  Yet, no sooner did he feel her touch than
+he hurriedly shrank away, flung back his drooping head, and gazed around
+the circle of intruders.
+
+The dull, questioning eyes of the old commentator and writer of many
+books now blazed with the hot fire of youthful passion and, like a
+wrestler who seeks the right grip, he measured Apollonius and his
+companions with wrathful glances.  The fragile recluse seemed transformed
+into a warrior ready for battle.  His lips and the nostrils of his
+delicate nose quivered, and when Apollonius began to say that it would be
+wise to remove the contents of the summer-house that day, as it would be
+torn down early the next morning, Didymus raised his arms, exclaiming:
+
+"That will not be done.  Not a single roll shall be removed!  They will
+find me at work as usual early to-morrow morning, and if it is still your
+wish to rob me of my property you must use violence to attain your
+purpose."
+
+Calm yourself," replied Apollonius.  "Every one beneath the moon must
+submit to a higher power; the gods bow to destiny, we mortals to the
+sovereign.  You are a sage; I, merely mindful of the behests of duty,
+administer my office.  But I know life, and if I may offer my counsel,
+you will accept what cannot be averted, and I will wager ten to one that
+you will have the best of it; that the Queen will place in your hands
+means--"
+
+"Sufficient to build a palace on the site of the little house of which I
+was robbed," Didymus interrupted bitterly.  Then rage burst forth afresh
+"What do I care for your money?  I want my rights, my good, guaranteed
+rights.  I insist upon them, and whoever assails the ground which my
+grandfather and father bequeathed to me--"
+
+He hesitated, for the throng outside had burst into a loud shout of joy;
+and when it died away, and the old man began once more defiantly to claim
+his rights, he was interrupted by a woman's clear tones, addressing him
+with the Greek greeting, "Rejoice!"--a voice so gay and musical that it
+seemed to dispel the depression which rested like a grey fog on the whole
+company.
+
+While Didymus was listening to the excited populace, and the new-comer
+was gazing at the old man whose rigid obstinacy could scarcely be
+conquered by kindness, the younger men were looking at the beautiful
+woman who joined them.  Her haste had flushed her cheeks, and from
+beneath the turquoise-blue kerchief that covered her fair locks a
+bewitching face smiled at her sister, the architect, and her grandfather.
+
+Apollonius and many of his companions felt as if happiness in person had
+entered this imperilled house, and many an eye brightened when the
+infuriated old man exclaimed in an altered tone, "You here, Barine?" and
+she, without heeding the presence of the others, kissed his cheek with
+tender affection.
+
+Helena, Gorgias, and the old philosopher Euphranor, had approached her,
+and when the latter asked with  loving reproach, "Why, Barine, how did
+you get  through the howling mob?" she answered gaily: "That a learned
+member of the Museum may receive me with the query whether I am here,
+though from childhood a kind or--what do you think, grandfather?--a
+malign fate has preserved me from being overlooked, and some one else
+reprovingly asks how I passed through the shouting mob, as if it were a
+crime to wade into the water to hold out a helping hand to those we love
+best when it is up to their chins!  But, oh! dear, this howling is too
+hideous!"
+
+While speaking, she pressed her little hands on the part of the kerchief
+which concealed her ears, and said no more until the noise subsided,
+although she declared that she was in a hurry, and had only come to learn
+how matters were.  Meanwhile it seemed as if she was so full of quick,
+pulsing life, that it was impossible to leave even a moment unused,
+if it were merely to bestow or answer a friendly glance.
+
+The architect and her sister were obliged to return hurried answers to
+hasty questions; and as soon as she ascertained what had brought the
+strangers there she thanked Apollonius, and said that old friends would
+do their best to spare her grandfather such a sorrow.
+
+In reply to repeated inquiries from the two old men in regard to her
+arrival there, she answered: "Nobody will believe it, because in this
+hurry I could not keep my mouth shut; but I acted like a mute fish and
+reached the water."  Then, drawing her grandfather aside, she whispered
+to him that, when she left her boat at the harbour, Archibius had seen
+her from his carriage, and instantly stopped it to inform her of his
+intended visit that evening.  He was coming to discuss an important
+matter.  Therefore she must receive the worthy man, whom she sincerely
+liked, so she could not stay.  Then turning to the others still with her
+kerchief on her head ready for departure--she asked what the people
+meant by their outcries.  The architect replied that Philostratus had
+endeavoured to make the crowd believe that the only appropriate site for
+the statues of which she had heard was her grandfather's garden, and he
+thought he knew in whose behalf the fellow was acting.
+
+"Certainly not in the Regent's," said Apollonius, in a tone of sincere
+conviction; but Barine, over whose sunny brow a shadow had flitted when
+Gorgias uttered the orator's name, assented with a slight bend of the
+head, and then whispered hurriedly, yet earnestly, that she would answer
+for the old man's allowing himself to be persuaded, if he had only time
+to collect his thoughts.
+
+The next morning, when the market was crowded, the officer might commence
+his negotiations afresh, if the Regent insisted on his plan.  Meanwhile
+she would do her best to persuade her grandfather to yield, though he was
+not exactly one of the class who are easily guided.  Apollonius might
+remind the Regent that it would be advisable at this time to avoid a
+public scandal, to remember Didymus's age, and the validity of his claim.
+
+While Apollonius was talking with his companions, Barine beckoned to the
+architect, and hastily took leave of the others, protesting that she was
+in no danger, since she would slip away again like a fish, only this time
+she would use her tongue, and hoped by its means to win to the support of
+Didymus's just cause a man who would already have ended all the trouble
+had the Queen only been in Alexandria.
+
+Until now the eyes and ears of the whole company had been fixed upon
+Barine.  No one had desired anything better than to gaze at and listen to
+her.
+
+Not until she had quitted the room with Gorgias did the officials
+discuss the matter together, and soon after Apollonius went away with
+his companions, to hold another conference with the Regent about this
+unpleasant business.  This time the architect had followed the young
+beauty with very mingled feelings.  Only an hour before he would have
+rejoiced to be permitted to accompany and protect Barine; now he would
+have  gladly remained with her sister, who had returned his farewell
+greeting so gratefully and yet with such maidenly modesty.  But even the
+most vacillating man cannot change one fancy for another as he would
+replace a black piece on the draughtboard with a white one, and he still
+found it delightful to be so near Barine.  Only the thought that Helena
+might believe that he stood on very intimate terms with her sister had
+darted with a disquieting influence through his brain when the latter
+invited him to accompany her.
+
+In the garden Barine begged him, before they went to the landing-place
+where the boat was moored, to help her ascend the narrow flight of steps
+leading to the flat roof of the gatekeeper's little house.
+
+Here they could watch unseen the tumult in the square below, for it was
+surrounded by dense laurel bushes.  Bright flames were blazing in the
+pitch-pans before the two temples at the side of the Corner of the Muses,
+and their light was increased by the torches held in the hands of
+Scythians.  Yet no individuals could be distinguished in the throng.  The
+marble walls of the temples shimmered, the statues at Didymus's gate, and
+the hermae along the street of the King which passed the threatened house
+and connected the north of the Corner of the Muses with the sea-shore,
+loomed from the darkness in the brilliancy of the reflected light, but
+the smoke of the torches darkened the sky and dimmed the starlight.
+
+The only persons distinctly visible were Dion, who had stationed himself
+on the lofty framework of the platform on which the muffled statues had
+been drawn hither, and the attorney Philostratus, who stood on the
+pedestal of one of the dolphins which surrounded the fountain between the
+Temple of Isis and the street.  The space, a dozen paces wide, which
+divided them, permitted the antagonists to understand each other, and the
+attention of the whole throng was fixed upon the wranglers.
+
+These verbal battles were one of the greatest pleasures of the
+Alexandrians, and they greeted every clever turn of speech with shouts
+of applause, every word which displeased them with groans, hisses, and
+cat-calls.
+
+Barine could see and hear what was passing below.  She had pushed aside
+the foliage of the laurel bushes which concealed her, and, with her hand
+raised to her ear, stood listening to the two disputants.  When the
+scoundrel whom she had called husband, and for whom her contempt had
+become too deep for hate, sneeringly assailed her family as having been
+fed from generation to generation from the corn-bin of the Museum, she
+bit her lips.  But they soon curled, as if what she heard aroused her
+disgust, for the speaker now turned to Dion and accused him of preventing
+the kindly disposed Regent from increasing the renown of the great Queen
+and affording her noble heart a pleasure.
+
+"My tongue," he cried, "is the tool which supports me.  Why am I using it
+here till it is weary and almost paralyzed?  In honour of Cleopatra, our
+illustrious Queen, and her generous friend, to whom we all owe a debt of
+gratitude.  Let all who love her and the divine Antony, the new Herakles
+and Dionysus--both will soon make their entry among us crowned with the
+laurels of victory--join the Regent and every well-disposed person in
+seizing yonder bit of land so meanly withheld by base avarice and a
+sentiment--a sentiment, do you hear?--which I do not name more plainly,
+simply because wickedness is repulsive to me, and I do not stand here as
+an accuser.  Whoever upholds the word-monger who spouts forth books as
+the dolphin at my side does water, may do so.  I shall not envy him.  But
+first look at Didymus's ally and panegyrist.  There he stands opposite to
+me.  It would have been better for him had the dolphin at his feet taught
+him silence.  Then he might have remained in the obscurity which befits
+him.
+
+"But whether willing or not, I must drag him forth, and I will show you
+Dion, fellow-citizens, though I would far rather have you see things
+which arouse less ire.  The dim light prevents your distinguishing the
+colour of his robe, but I know it, for I saw it in the glare of day.  It
+is hyacinthine purple.  You know what that costs.  It would support the
+wives and children of many among you for ten long years.  'How heavy must
+be the purse which can expose such a treasure to sun and rain!' is the
+thought of every one who sees him strutting about as proudly as a
+peacock.  And his purse is loaded with many talents.  Only it is a pity
+that, day after day, most of you must give your children a little less
+bread and deprive yourselves of many a draught of wine to deck him out so
+bravely.  His father, Eumenes, was a tax-collector, and what the leech
+extorted from you and your children, the son now uses to drive, clad in
+hyacinthine purple, a four-horse chariot, which splashes the mire from
+the street into your faces as it rolls onward.  By the dog! the gentleman
+does  not weigh  so  very much, yet he needs four horses to drag him.
+And, fellow-citizens, do you know why?  I'll tell you.  He's afraid of
+sticking fast everywhere, even in his speech."
+
+Here Philostratus lowered his voice, for the phrase "sticking fast" had
+drawn a laugh from some of his hearers; but Dion, whose father had really
+amassed, in the high position of a receiver of taxes, the handsome
+fortune which his son possessed, did not delay his reply.
+
+"Yes, yes," he retorted scornfully, "yonder Syrian babbler hit the mark
+this time.  He stands before me, and who does not easily stick fast when
+marsh and mire are so near?  As for the hyacinthine purple cloak, I wear
+it because I like it.  His crocus-yellow one is less to my taste, though
+he certainly looks fine enough in it in the sunlight.  It shines like a
+buttercup in the grass.  You know the plant.  When it fades--and I ask
+whether you think Philostratus looks like a bud--when it fades, it leaves
+a hollow spiral ball which a child's breath could blow away.  Suppose in
+future we should call the round buttercup seed-vessels 'Philostratus
+heads'?  You like the suggestion?  I am glad, fellow-citizens, and I
+thank you.  It proves your good taste.  Then we will stick to the
+comparison.  Every head contains a tongue, and Philostratus says that his
+is the tool which supports him."
+
+"Hear the money-bag, the despiser of the people!"  interrupted
+Philostratus furiously.  "The honest toil by which a citizen earns a
+livelihood is a disgrace in his eyes."
+
+"Honest toil, my good friend," replied Dion, "is scarcely in question
+here.  I spoke only of your tongue.--You understand me, fellow-citizens.
+Or, if any of you are not yet acquainted with this worthy man, I will
+show him to you, for I know him well.  He is my foe, yet I can sincerely
+recommend him to many of you.  If any one has a very bad, shamefully
+corrupt cause to bring before the courts, I most earnestly counsel him
+to apply to the buttercup man perched on yonder fountain.  He will thank
+me for it.  Believe me, Didymus's cause is just, precisely because this
+advocate so eagerly assails it.  I told you just now the matter under
+discussion.  Which of you who owns a garden can say in future, 'It is
+mine,' if, during the absence of the Queen, it is allowable to take it
+away to be used for any other purpose?  But this is what threatens
+Didymus.  If this is to be the custom here, let every one beware of
+sowing a radish or planting a bush or a tree, for should the wife of
+some great noble desire to dry her linen there, he may be deprived
+of it ere the former can ripen or the latter give shade."
+
+Loud applause followed this sentence, but Philostratus shouted in a voice
+that echoed far and wide: "Hear me, fellow-citizens; do not allow your
+selves to be deceived!  No one is to be robbed here.  The project is to
+purchase, at a high price, the spot which the city needs for her
+adornment, and to honour and please the Queen.  Are the Regent and the
+citizens to lose this opportunity of expressing the gratitude of years,
+and the rejoicing over the greatest of victories, of which we shall soon
+hear, because an evil-disposed person--the word must be uttered--a foe
+to his country, opposes it?"
+
+"Now the mire is coming too near me," Dion angrily responded, "and I
+might really stick fast, as I was warned; for I do not envy the ready
+presence of mind of any person whose tongue would not falter when the
+basest slander scattered its venom over him.  You all know, fellow-
+citizens, through how many generations the Didymus family has lived to
+the honour of this city, doing praiseworthy work in yonder house.  You
+know that the good old man who dwells there was one of the teachers of
+the royal children."
+
+"And yet," cried Philostratus, "only the day before yesterday he walked
+arm in arm in the Paneum garden with Arius, the tutor of Octavianus, our
+own and our Queen's most hated foe.  In my presence, and before I know
+not how many others, Didymus distinguished this Arius as his most beloved
+pupil."
+
+"To give you that title," retorted Dion, "would certainly fill any
+teacher with shame and anger, no matter how far you had surpassed him in
+wisdom and knowledge.  Nay, had you been committed to the care of the
+herring dealers, instead of the rhetoricians, every honest man among them
+would disown you, for they sell only good wares for good money, while you
+give the poorest in exchange for glittering gold.  This time you trample
+under foot the fair name of an honourable man.  But I will not suffer it;
+and you hear, fellow-citizens, I now challenge this Syrian to prove that
+Didymus ever betrayed his native land, or I will brand him in your
+presence a base slanderer, an infamous, venal destroyer of character!"
+
+"An insult from such lips is easily borne," replied Philostratus in a
+tone of scornful superiority; but there was a pause ere he again turned
+to the listening throng, and with all the warmth he could throw into his
+voice continued: "What do I desire, then, fellow-citizens?  What is the
+sole object of my words?  I stand here with clean hands, impelled solely
+by the impulse of my heart, to plead for the Queen.  In order to secure
+the only suitable site for the statues to be erected to Cleopatra's
+honour and fame, I enter into judgment with her foes, expose myself to
+the insult with which boastful insolence is permitted to vent its wrath
+upon me.  But I am not dismayed, though, in pursuing this course, I am
+acting against the law of Nature; for the infamous man against whom I
+raise my voice was my teacher, too, and ere he turned from the path of
+right and virtue--under influences which I will not mention here--he
+numbered me also, in the presence of many witnesses, among his best
+pupils.  I was certainly one of the most grateful--I chose his
+granddaughter--the truth must be spoken--for my wife.  The possession--"
+
+"Possession!" interrupted Dion in a loud, excited tone.  "The corpse cast
+ashore by the waves might as well boast possession of the sea!"
+
+The dim torchlight was sufficient to reveal Philostratus's pallor to the
+bystanders.  For a moment the orator seemed to lose his self-control, but
+he quickly recovered himself, and shouted: "Fellow-citizens, dear
+friends!  I was about to make you witnesses of the misery which a woman,
+whose wickedness is even greater than her beauty, brought upon an
+inexperienced--"
+
+But he went no further; for his hearers--many of whom knew the brilliant,
+generous Dion, and Barine, the fair singer at the last Adonis festival--
+gave the orator tokens of their indignation, which were all the more
+pitiless because of the pleasure they felt in seeing an expert vanquished
+by an untrained foe.  The wordy war would not have ended so quickly,
+however, had not restlessness and alarm taken possession of the crowd.
+The shout, "Back! disperse!" ran through the multitude, and directly
+after the trampling of hoofs and the commands of the leader of a troop of
+Libyan cavalry were heard.  The matter at stake was not sufficiently
+important to induce the populace to offer an armed force resistance which
+might have entailed serious danger.  Besides, the blustering war of
+tongues had reached a merry close, and loud laughter blended with the
+shouts of fear and warning; for the surging throng had swept with
+unexpected speed towards the fountain and plunged Philostratus into the
+basin.  Whether this was due to the wrath of some enemy, or to mere
+accident, could not be learned; the vain efforts of the luckless man to
+crawl out of the water up the smooth marble were so comical, and his
+gestures, after helping hands had dragged him dripping upon the pavement
+of the square, were so irresistibly funny, that more laughing than angry
+voices were heard, especially when some one cried, "His hands were soiled
+by blackening Didymus, so the washing will do him good."  "Some wise
+physicians flung him into the water," retorted an other;  "he needed the
+cold application after the blows Dion dealt him."
+
+The Regent, who had sent the troop of horsemen to drive the crowd away
+from Didymus's house, might well be pleased that the violent measure
+encountered so little resistance.
+
+The throng quickly scattered, and was speedily attracted by something new
+at the Theatre of Dionysus--the zither-player Anaxenor had just announced
+from its steps that Cleopatra and Antony had won the most brilliant
+victory, and had sung to the accompaniment of his lute a hymn which had
+deeply stirred all hearts.  He had composed it long before, and seized
+the first opportunity--the report had reached his ears while breakfasting
+in Kanopus--to try its effect.
+
+As soon as the square began to empty, Barine left her post of
+observation.  It was long since her heart had throbbed so violently.
+Not one of the many suitors for her favour had been so dear to her as
+Dion; but she now felt that she loved him.
+
+What he had just done for her and her grandfather was worthy of the
+deepest gratitude; it proved that he did not come to her house, like most
+of her guests, merely to while away the evening hours.
+
+It had been no small matter for the young aristocrat, in the presence of
+the whole multitude, to enter into a debate with the infamous
+Philostratus, and how well he had succeeded in silencing the dreaded
+orator!  Besides, Dion had even taken her part against his own powerful
+uncle, and perhaps by his deed drawn upon himself the hostility of his
+enemy's brother, Alexas, Antony's powerful favourite.  Barine might
+assure herself that he, who was the peer of any Macedonian noble in the
+city, would have done this for no one else.
+
+She felt as if the act had ransomed her.
+
+When, after an unhappy marriage and many desolate days, she had regained
+her former bright cheerfulness and saw her house become the centre of the
+intellectual life of the city, she had striven until now to extend the
+same welcome to all her guests.  She had perceived that she ought not to
+give any one the power over her which is possessed by the man who knows
+that he is beloved, and even to Dion she had granted little more than to
+the others.  But now she saw plainly that she would resign the pleasure
+of being a universally admired woman, whose modest home attracted the
+most distinguished men in the city, for the far greater happiness which
+would be hers as Dion's beloved wife.
+
+With him, cherished by his love, she believed that she could find far
+greater joy in solitude than in the gay course of her present life.
+
+She knew now what she must do if Dion sought her, and the architect,
+for the first time, found her a silent companion.  He had willingly
+accompanied her back to her grandfather's house, where he had again met
+her sister Helena, while she had quitted it disappointed, because her
+brave defender had not returned there.
+
+After the interruption of the debate Dion had been in a very cheerful
+mood.  The pleasant sensation of having championed a good cause, and the
+delightful consciousness of success were not new to him, but he had
+rarely felt so uplifted as now.  He most ardently longed for his next
+meeting with Barine, and imagined how he would describe what had happened
+and claim her gratitude for his friendly service.  The scene had risen
+clearly before his mind, but scarcely had the radiant vision of the
+future faded when the unusually bright expression of his manly face was
+clouded by a grave and troubled one.
+
+The darkness of the night, illumined only by the flare of the pitch-pans,
+had surrounded him, yet it had seemed as if he were standing with Barine
+in the full light of noon in the blossoming garden of his own palace,
+and, after asking a reward for his sturdy championship, she had clung
+to him with deep emotion, and he had passionately kissed her tearful
+face.
+
+The face had quickly vanished, yet it had been as distinct as the most
+vivid picture in a dream.  Was Barine more to him than he supposed?  Had
+he not been drawn to her, during the past few months, by the mere charm
+of her pliant intellect and her bright beauty?  Had a new, strong passion
+awakened within him?  Was he in danger of seeing the will which urged him
+to preserve his freedom conquered?  Had he cause to fear that some day,
+constrained by a mysterious, invincible power, in defiance of the
+opposition of calm reason, he might perhaps bind himself for life to this
+Barine, the woman who had once been the wife of a Philostratus, and who
+bestowed her smiles on all who found admittance to her house seeking a
+feast for the eye, a banquet for the ear, a pleasant entertainment?
+
+Though her honor was as stainless as the breast of a swan--and he had no
+reason to doubt it--she would still be classed with Aspasia and other
+women whose guests sought more than songs and agreeable conversations.
+The gifts with which the gods had so lavishly endowed her had already
+been shared with too many to permit him, the last scion of a noble
+Macedonian house, to think of leading her, as mistress, to the palace
+whose erection he had so carefully and successfully planned with Gorgias.
+
+Surely it lacked nothing save the gracious rule of a mistress.
+
+But if she should consent to become his without the blessing of Hymen?
+No.
+
+He could not thus dishonor the granddaughter of Didymus, the man who had
+been his father's revered teacher, a woman whom he had always rejoiced
+that, spite of the gay freedom with which she received so many admirers,
+he could still esteem.  He would not do so, though his friends would have
+greeted such scruples with a smile of superiority.  Who revered the
+sacredness of marriage in a city whose queen was openly living for the
+second time with the husband of another?  Dion himself had formed many a
+brief connection, but for that very reason he could not place a woman
+like Barine on the same footing with those whose love he had perhaps owed
+solely to his wealth.  He had never lacked courage and resolution, but he
+felt that this time he would have to resist a power with which he had
+never coped.
+
+That accursed face!  Again and again it rose before his mental vision,
+smiling and beckoning so sweetly that the day must come when the yearning
+to realize the dream would conquer all opposition.  If he remained near
+her he would inevitably do what he might afterwards regret, and therefore
+he would fain have offered a sacrifice to Peitho to induce her to enhance
+Archibius's powers of persuasion and induce Barine to leave Alexandria.
+It would be hard for him to part from her, yet much would be gained if
+she went into the country.  Between the present and the distant period of
+a second meeting lay respite from peril, and perhaps the possibility of
+victory.  Dion did not recognize himself.  He seemed as unstable as a
+swaying reed, because he had conquered his wish to re-enter old Didymus's
+house and encourage him, and passed on to his own home.  But he would
+probably have found Barine still with her grandfather, and he would not
+meet her, though every fibre of his being longed for her face, her voice,
+and a word of gratitude from her beloved lips.  Instead of joy, he was
+filled with the sense of dissatisfaction which overpowers a man standing
+at a crossing in the roads, who sees before him three goals, yet can be
+fully content with neither.
+
+The Street of the King, along which he suffered himself to be carried by
+the excited throng, ran between the sea and the Theatre of Dionysus.  The
+thought darted through his mind that his friend the architect desired to
+erect the luckless statues of the royal lovers in front of this stately
+building.  He would divert his thoughts by examining the site which
+Gorgias had chosen.
+
+The zither-player finished his hymn just as Dion approached the theatre,
+and the crowd began to disperse.  Every one was full of the joyful
+tidings of victory, and one shouted to another what Anaxenor, the
+favourite of the great Antony, who must surely know, had just recited in
+thrilling verse.  Many a joyous Io and loud Evoe to Cleopatra, the new
+Isis, and Antony, the new Dionysus, resounded through the air, while
+bearded and smooth, delicate Greek and thick Egyptian lips joined in the
+shout, "To the Sebasteum!"  This was the royal palace, which faced the
+government building containing the Regent's residence.  The populace
+desired to have the delightful news confirmed, and to express, by a
+public demonstration, the grateful joy which filled every heart.
+
+Dion, too, was eager to obtain certainty, and, though usually averse to
+mingling with the populace during such noisy outbursts of feeling, he was
+preparing to follow the crowd thronging towards the Sebasteum, when the
+shouts of runners clearing a passage for a closed litter fell upon his
+ear.
+
+It was occupied by Iras, the Queen's trusted attendant.  If any one could
+give accurate information, it was she; yet it would hardly be possible to
+gain an opportunity of conversing with her in this throng.  But Iras must
+have had a different opinion; she had seen Dion, and now called him to
+her side.  There were hoarse tones in her voice, usually so clear and
+musical, which betrayed the emotion raging in her breast as she assailed
+the young Macedonian noble with a flood of questions.  Without giving him
+the usual greeting, she hastily desired to know what was exciting the
+people, who had brought the tidings of victory, and whither the multitude
+was flocking?
+
+Dion had found it difficult not to be forced from the litter while
+answering.  Iris perceived this, and as they were just passing the
+Maeander, the labyrinth, which was closed after sunset, she ordered her
+bearers to carry the litter to the entrance, made herself known to the
+watchman, ordered the outer court to be opened, the litter to be placed
+there, and the bearers and runners to wait outside for her summons, which
+would soon be given.
+
+This unusual haste and excitement filled Dion with just solicitude.  She
+refused his invitation to alight and walk up and down, declaring that
+life offered so many labyrinths that one need not seek them.  He, too,
+seemed to be following paths which were scarcely straight ones.  "Why,"
+she concluded, thrusting her head far out of the opening in the litter,
+"are you rendering it so difficult for the Regent and your own uncle to
+execute their plans, making common cause with the populace, like a paid
+agitator?"
+
+"Like Philostratus, you mean, on whom I bestowed a few blows in addition
+to the golden guerdon received from your hand?"
+
+"Ay, like him, for aught I care.  Probably it was you, too, who had him
+flung into the water, after you had vented your wrath on him?  You
+managed your cause well.  What we do for love's sake is usually
+successful.  No matter, if only his brother Alexas does not rouse Antony
+against you.  For my part, I merely desire to know why and for whom all
+this was done."
+
+"For whom save the good old man who was my father's preceptor, and his
+just claim?" replied Dion frankly.  "Moreover--for no site more
+unsuitable could be found than his garden-in behalf of good taste."
+
+Iras laughed a shrill, short laugh, and her narrow, regularly formed
+face, which might have been called beautiful, had not the bridge of the
+straight delicate nose been too long and the chin too small, darkened
+slightly, as she exclaimed, "That is frank at least."
+
+"You ought to be accustomed to that from me," replied Dion calmly.
+"In this case, however, the expert, Gorgias, fully shares my opinion."
+
+"I heard that too.  You are both the most constant visitors of--what is
+the woman's name?--the bewitching Barine."
+
+"Barine?"  repeated Dion, as if the mention of the name surprised him.
+"You take care, my friend, that our conversation does honour to its
+scene, the labyrinth.  I speak of works of the sculptor's art, and you
+pretend that I am referring to what is most certainly a very successful
+living work from the creative hands of the gods.  I was very far from
+thinking of the granddaughter of the old scholar for whom I interceded."
+
+"Ay," she scornfully retorted, "young gentlemen in your position, and
+with your habits of life, always think of their fathers estimable
+teachers rather than of the women who, ever since Pandora opened her box,
+have brought all sorts of misfortunes into the world.  But," she added,
+pushing back her dark locks from her high forehead, "I don't understand
+myself, how, with the mountain of care that now burdens my soul, I can
+waste even a single word upon such trifles.  I care as little for the
+aged scholar as I do for his legion of commentaries and books, though
+they are not wholly unfamiliar to me.  For any concern of mine he might
+have as many grandchildren as there are evil tongues in Alexandria, were
+it not that just at this time it is of the utmost importance to remove
+everything which might cast a shadow on the Queen's pathway.  I have just
+come from the palace of the royal children at Lochias, and what I learned
+there.  But that--I will not, I cannot believe it. It fairly stifles me!"
+
+"Have you received bad news from the fleet?"  questioned Dion, with
+sincere anxiety; but she only bent her head in assent, laying her fan of
+ostrich-plumes on her lips to enjoin silence, at the same time shivering
+so violently that he perceived it, even in the dusk.  It was evident that
+speech was difficult, as she added in a muffled tone: "It must be kept
+secret--Rhodian sailors--thank the gods, it is still very doubtful--it
+cannot, must not be true--and yet-the prattle of that zither-player,
+which has filled the multitude with joyous anticipation, is abominable--
+the great ones of the earth are often most sorely injured by those who
+owe them the most gratitude.  I know you can be silent, Dion.  You could
+as a boy, if anything was to be hidden from our parents.  Would you still
+be ready to plunge into the water for me, as in those days?  Scarcely.
+Yet you may be trusted, and, even in this labyrinth, I will do so.  My
+heart is heavy.  But not one word to any person.  I need no confidant and
+could maintain silence even towards you, but I am anxious that you should
+understand me, you who have just taken such a stand.  Before I entered my
+litter at Lochias, the boy returned, and I talked with him."
+
+"Young Caesarion loves Barine," replied Dion with grave earnestness.
+
+"Then this horrible folly is known?" asked Iras excitedly.  "A passion
+far deeper than I should ever have expected this dreamer to feel has
+taken possession of him.  And if the Queen should now return--perhaps
+less successful than we desire--if she looks to those from whom she still
+expects pleasure, satisfaction, lofty deeds, and learns what has befallen
+the boy--for what does not that sun-bright intellect learn and perceive?
+He is dear to her, dearer than any of you imagine.  How it will increase
+her anxiety, perhaps her suffering!  With what good reason she will be
+angered against those whom duty and love should have commanded to guard
+the boy!"
+
+"And therefore," added Dion, "the stone of offence must be removed.
+Your first step to secure this object was the attack on Didymus."
+
+He had judged correctly and perceived that, in her assault upon the old
+scholar, she had at first intended to play into the hands of the rulers,
+work against the old philosopher and his relatives, among whose number
+was Barine; for the Egyptian law permitted the relatives of those who
+were convicted of any crime against the sovereign or the government to be
+banished with the criminal.  This attack upon an innocent person was
+disgraceful, yet every word Iras uttered made Dion feel, every feature of
+her face betrayed, that it was not merely base jealousy, but a nobler
+emotion, that caused her to assail the guiltless sage--love for her
+mistress, the desire which dominated her whole being to guard Cleopatra
+from grief and trouble in these trying times.  He knew Iras's iron will
+and the want of consideration with which she had learned to pursue her
+purpose at the court.  His first object was to protect Barine from the
+danger which threatened her; but he also wished to relieve the anxiety of
+Iras, the daughter of Krates, his father's neighbour, with whom he had
+played in boyhood and for whom he had never ceased to feel a tender
+interest.
+
+His remark surprised her.  She saw that her plot was detected by the man
+whose esteem she most valued, and a loving woman is glad to recognize the
+superiority of her lover.  Besides, from her earliest childhood--and she
+was only two years younger than Dion--she had belonged to circles where
+no quality was more highly prized than mental pliancy and keenness.  Her
+dark eyes, which at first had glittered distrustfully and questioningly
+and afterwards glowed with a gloomy light, now gained a new expression.
+Her gaze sought her friend's with a tender, pleading look as, admitting
+his charge, she began: "Yes! Dion, the philosopher's granddaughter must
+not stay here.  Or do you see any other way to protect the unhappy boy
+from incalculable misfortune?  You know me well enough to be aware that,
+like you, I am reluctant to infringe another's rights, that except in
+case of necessity I am not cruel.  I value your esteem.  No one is more
+truthful, and yesterday you averred that Eros had no part in your visits
+to the much-admired young woman, that you joined her guests merely
+because the society you found at her house afforded a pleasant stimulus
+to the mind.  I have ceased to believe in many things, but not in you and
+your words, and if hearing that you had taken sides with the grandfather,
+I fancied that you were secretly seeking the thanks and gratitude of the
+granddaughter, why--surely the atrocious maxim that Zeus does not hear
+the vows of lovers comes from you men--why, suspicion again reared its
+head.  Now you seem to share my opinion--"
+
+"Like you," Dion interrupted, "I believe that Barine ought to be
+withdrawn from the boy's pursuit, which cannot be more unpleasant to you
+than to her.  As Caesarion neither can nor ought to leave Alexandria
+while affairs are so threatening, nothing is left except to remove the
+young woman--but, of course, in all kindness."
+
+"In a golden chariot, garlanded with roses, if you so desire," cried Iras
+eagerly.
+
+"That might attract attention," answered Dion, smiling and raising his
+hand as if to enjoin moderation.  "Your mode of action does not please
+me, even now that I know its purpose, but I will gladly aid you to attain
+your object.  Your crooked paths also lead to the goal, and perhaps one
+is less likely to stumble in them; but straight ways suit me better, and
+I think I have already found the right one.  A friend will invite Barine
+to an estate far away from here, perhaps in the lake regions."
+
+"You?" cried Iras, her narrow eyebrows suddenly contracting.
+
+"Do you imagine that she would go with me?" he asked, in a faintly
+reproachful tone.  "No.  Fortunately, we have older friends, and at their
+head is one who happens to be your uncle and at the same time is wax in
+the hands of the Queen."
+
+"Archibius?"  exclaimed  Iras.  "Ah!  if he could persuade her to do so!"
+
+"He will try.  He, too, is anxious about the lad.  While we are talking
+here, he is inviting Barine to his estate.  The country air will benefit
+her."
+
+"May she bloom there like a young shepherdess!"
+
+"You are right to wish her the best fortune; for if the Queen does not
+return victorious, the irritability of our Alexandrians will be doubled.
+When you laid hands on Didymus's garden, you were so busily engaged in
+building the triumphal arch that you forgot--"
+
+"Who would have doubted the successful issue of this war?" cried Iras.
+"And they will, they will conquer.  The Rhodian said that the fleet was
+scattered.  The disaster happened on the Acharnanian coast.  How positive
+it sounded!  But he had it only at second and third hand.  And what are
+mere rumours?  The source of the false tidings is discovered later.
+Besides, even if the naval battle were really lost, the powerful army,
+which is far superior to Octavianus's forces, still remains.  Which of
+the enemy's generals could cope with Antony on the land?  How he will
+fight when all is at stake-fame, honour, sovereignty, hate, and love!
+Away with this fear, based on mere rumour!  After Dyrrachium Caesar's
+cause was deemed lost, and how soon Pharsalus made him master of the
+world!  Is it worthy of a sensible person to suffer courage to be
+depressed by a sailor's gossip?  And yet--yet!  It began while I was ill.
+And then the swallows on the Antonias, the admiral's ship.  We have
+already spoken of it.  Mardiou and your uncle Zeno saw with their own
+eyes the strange swallows drive away those which had built their nest on
+the helm of the Antonias, and kill the young ones with their cruel beaks.
+An evil omen!
+
+"I cannot forget it.  And my dream, while I lay ill with fever far away
+from my mistress!  But I have already lingered here too long.  No, Dion,
+no.  I am grateful for the rest here--I can now feel at ease about
+Caesarion.  Place the monument where you choose.  The people shall see
+and hear that we respect their opposition, that we are just and friendly.
+Help me to turn this matter to the advantage of the Queen, and if
+Archibius succeeds in getting Barine away and keeping her in the country,
+then--if I had aught that seemed to you desirable it should be yours.
+But what does the petted Dion care for his fading playfellow?"
+
+"Fading?" he repeated in a tone of indignant reproach.  "Say rather the
+fully developed flower has learned from her royal friend the secret of
+eternal youth."
+
+With a swift impulse of gratitude Iras bent her face towards him in the
+dusk, extending the slender white hand--next to Cleopatra's famed as the
+most beautiful at court--for him to kiss, but when he merely pressed his
+lips lightly on it with no shadow of tenderness, she hastily withdrew it,
+exclaiming as if overwhelmed by sudden repentance: "This idle, hollow
+dalliance at such a time, with such a burden of anxiety oppressing the
+heart!  It is un worthy, shameful!  If Barine goes with Archibius, her
+time will scarcely hang heavy on his estates.  I think I know some one
+who will speedily follow to bear her company.--Here, Sasis! the bearers!
+To the Tower of Nilus, before the Gate of the Sun!"
+
+Dion gazed after her litter a short time, then passed his hand through
+his waving brown hair, walked swiftly to the shore and, without pausing
+long to choose, sprang into one of the boats which were rented for
+pleasure voyages.  Ordering the sailors who were preparing to accompany
+him to remain on shore, he stretched the sail with a practised hand, and
+ran out towards the mouth of the harbour.  He needed some strong
+excitement, and wished to go himself in search of news.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Contempt had become too deep for hate
+Jealousy has a thousand eyes
+Zeus does not hear the vows of lovers
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 2.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+The house facing the garden of the Paneum, where Barine lived, was the
+property of her mother, who had inherited it from her parents.  The
+artist Leonax, the young beauty's father, son of the old philosopher
+Didymus, had died long before.
+
+After Barine's unhappy marriage with Philostratus was dissolved, she had
+returned to her mother, who managed the affairs of the household.  She
+too, belonged to a family of scholars and had a brother who had won high
+repute as a philosopher, and had directed the studies of the young
+Octavianus.  This had occurred long before the commencement of the
+hostility which separated the heirs of Caesar and Mark Antony.  But even
+after the latter had deserted Octavia, the sister of Octavianus, to
+return to Cleopatra, the object of his love, and there was an open breach
+between the two rivals for the sovereignty of the world, Antony had been
+friendly to Arius and borne him no grudge for his close relations to his
+rival.  The generous Roman had even given his enemy's former tutor a fine
+house, to show him that he was glad to have him in Alexandria and near
+his person.
+
+The widow Berenike, Barine's mother, was warmly attached to her only
+brother, who often joined her daughter's guests.  She was a quiet, modest
+woman whose happiest days had been passed in superintending the education
+of her children, Barine, the fiery Hippias, and the quiet Helena, who for
+several years had lived with her grandparents and, with faithful
+devotion, assumed the duty of caring for them.  She had been more easily
+guided than the two older children; for the boy's aspiring spirit had
+often drawn him beyond his mother's control, and the beautiful, vivacious
+girl had early possessed charms so unusual that she could not remain
+unnoticed.
+
+Hippias had studied oratory, first in Alexandria and later in Athens and
+Rhodes.  Three years before, his uncle Arius had sent him with excellent
+letters of introduction to Rome to become acquainted with the life of the
+capital and try whether, in spite of his origin, his brilliant gifts of
+eloquence would forward his fortunes there.
+
+Two miserable years with an infamous, unloved husband had changed the
+wild spirits of Barine's childhood into the sunny cheerfulness now one of
+her special charms.  Her mother was conscious of having desired only her
+best good in uniting the girl of sixteen to Philostratus, whom the
+grandfather Didymus then considered a very promising young man, and whose
+advancement, in addition to his own talents, his brother Alexas, Antony's
+favourite, promised to aid.  She had believed that this step would afford
+the gay, beautiful girl the best protection from the perils of the
+corrupt capital; but the worthless husband had caused both mother and
+daughter much care and sorrow, while his brother Alexas, who constantly
+pursued his young sister-in-law with insulting attentions, was the source
+of almost equal trouble.  Berenike often gazed in silent astonishment at
+the child, who, spite of such sore grief and humiliation, had preserved
+the innocent light-heartedness which made her seem as if life had offered
+her only thornless roses.
+
+Her father, Leonax, had been one of the most distinguished artists of the
+day, and Barine had inherited from him the elastic artist temperament
+which speedily rebounds from the heaviest pressure.  To him also she owed
+the rare gift of song, which had been carefully cultivated and had
+already secured her the first position in the woman's chorus at the
+festival of the great goddesses of the city.  Every one was full of her
+praises, and after she had sung the Yalemos in the palace over the waxen
+image of the favourite of the gods, slain by the boar, her name was
+eagerly applauded.  To have heard her was esteemed a privilege, for she
+sang only in her own house or at religious ceremonials "for the honour of
+the gods."
+
+The Queen, too, had heard her, and, after the Adonis festival, her uncle
+Arius had presented her to Antony, who expressed his admiration with all
+the fervour of his frank nature, and afterwards came to her house a
+second time, accompanied by his son Antyllus.  Doubtless he would have
+called on her frequently and tested upon her heart his peculiar power
+over women, had he not been compelled to leave the city on the day after
+his last visit.
+
+Berenike had reproved her brother for bringing the Queen's lover to
+Barine, for her anxiety was increased by the repeated visits of Antony's
+son, and still more aroused by that of Caesarion, who was presented by
+Antyllus.
+
+These youths were not numbered among the guests whose presence she
+welcomed and whose conversation afforded her pleasure.  It was flattering
+that they should honour her simple home by their visits, but she knew
+that Caesarion came without his tutor's knowledge, and perceived, by the
+expression of his eyes, what drew him to her daughter.  Besides,
+Berenike, in rearing the two children, who had been the source of so much
+anxiety had lost the joyous confidence which had characterized her own
+youth.  Whenever life presented any new phase, she saw the dark side
+first.  If a burning candle stood before her, the shadow of the
+candlestick caught her eye before the light.  Her whole mental existence
+became a chain of fears, but the kind-hearted woman loved her children
+too tenderly to permit them to see it.  Only it was a relief to her heart
+when some of her evil forebodings were realized, to say that she had
+foreseen it all.
+
+No trace of this was legible in her face, a countenance still pretty and
+pleasing in its unruffled placidity.  She talked very little, but what
+she did say was sensible, and proved how attentively she understood how
+to listen.  So she was welcome among Barine's guests.  Even the most
+distinguished received something from her, because he felt that the quiet
+woman understood him.
+
+Before Barine had returned that evening, something had occurred which
+made her mother doubly regret the accident to her brother Arius the day
+before.  On his way home from his sister's he had been run over by a
+chariot darting recklessly along the Street of the King, and was carried,
+severely injured, to his home, where he now lay helpless and fevered.
+Nor did it lessen his sufferings to hear his two sons threaten to take
+vengeance on the reckless fellow who had wrought their father this
+mischief, for he had reason to believe Antyllus the perpetrator of the
+deed, and a collision between the youths and the son of Antony could only
+result in fresh disaster to him and his, especially as the young Roman
+seemed to have inherited little of his father's magnanimous generosity.
+Yet Arius could not be vexed with his sons for stigmatizing, in the
+harshest terms, the conduct of the man who had gone on without heeding
+the accident.  He had cautioned his sister against the utterly unbridled
+youth whose father he had himself brought to her house.  With what good
+reason he had raised his voice in warning was now evident.  At sunset
+that very day several guests had arrived as usual, followed by Antyllus,
+a youth of nineteen.  When the door-keeper refused to admit him, he had
+rudely demanded to see Barine, thrust aside the prudent old porter, who
+endeavoured to detain him, and, in spite of his protestations, forced his
+way into his dead master's work-room, where the ladies usually received
+their visitors.  Not until he found it empty would he retire, and then he
+first fastened a bouquet of flowers he had brought to a statue of Eros in
+burnt clay, which stood there.  Both the porter and Barine's waiting-maid
+declared that he was drunk; they saw it when he staggered away with the
+companions who had waited for him in the garden outside.
+
+This unseemly and insulting conduct filled Berenike with the deepest
+indignation.  It must not remain unpunished, and, while waiting for her
+daughter, she imagined what evil consequences might ensue if Antyllus
+were forbidden the house and accused to his tutor, and how unbearable,
+on the other hand, he might become if they omitted to do so.
+
+She was full of sad presentiments, and as, with such good reason, she
+feared the worst, she cherished a faint hope that her daughter might
+perhaps bring home some pleasant tidings; for she had had the experience
+that events which had filled her with the utmost anxiety sometimes
+resulted in good fortune.
+
+At last Barine appeared, and it was indeed long since she had clasped her
+mother in her arms with such joyous cheerfulness.
+
+The widow's troubled heart grew lighter.  Her daughter must have met with
+something unusually gratifying, she looked so happy, although she had
+surely heard what had happened here; for her cloak was laid aside and her
+hair newly arranged, so she must have been to her chamber, where she was
+dressed by her loquacious Cyprian slave, who certainly could not keep to
+herself anything that was worth mentioning.  The nimble maid had shown
+her skill that day.
+
+"Any stranger would take her for nineteen," thought her mother.  "How
+becoming the white robe and blue-bordered peplum are to her; how softly
+the azure bombyx ribbon is wound around the thick waves of her hair!  Who
+would believe that no curling-irons had touched the little golden locks
+that rest so gracefully on her brow, that no paint-brush had any share in
+producing the rose and white hues on her cheek, or the alabaster glimmer
+of her arms?  Such beauty easily becomes a Danae dower; but it is a
+magnificent gift of the gods!  Yet why did she put on the bracelet which
+Antony gave her after his last visit?  Scarcely on my account.  She can
+hardly expect Dion at so late an hour.  Even while I am rejoicing in the
+sight of her beauty, some new misfortune may be impending."
+
+So ran the current of her thoughts while her daughter was gaily
+describing what she had witnessed at her grandfather's.  Meanwhile she
+had nestled comfortably among the cushions of a lounge; and when she
+mentioned Antyllus's unseemly conduct, she spoke of it, with a
+carelessness that startled Berenike, as a vexatious piece of rudeness
+which must not occur again.
+
+"But who is to prevent it?" asked the mother anxiously.
+
+"Who, save ourselves?" replied Barine.  "He will not be admitted."
+
+"And if he forced his way in?"
+
+Barine's big blue eyes flashed angrily, and there was no lack of decision
+in her voice as she exclaimed, "Let him try it!"
+
+"But what power have we to restrain the son of Antony?" asked Berenike.
+"I do not know."
+
+"I do," replied her daughter.  "I will be brief, for a visitor is
+coming."
+
+"So late?" asked the mother anxiously.
+
+"Archibius wishes to discuss an important matter with us."
+
+The lines on the brow of the older woman smoothed, but it contracted
+again as she exclaimed inquiringly: "Important business at so unusual an
+hour!  Ah, I have expected nothing good since early morning!  On my way
+to my brother's a raven flew up before me and fluttered towards the left
+into the garden."
+
+"But I," replied Barine, after receiving, in reply to her inquiry, a
+favourable report concerning her uncle's health-"I met seven--there were
+neither more nor less; for seven is the best of numbers--seven snow-white
+doves, which all flew swiftly towards the right.  The fairest of all came
+first, bearing in its beak a little basket which contained the power that
+will keep Antony's son away from us.  Don't look at me in such amazement,
+you dear receptacle of every terror."
+
+"But, child, you said that Archibius was coming so late to discuss an
+important matter," rejoined the mother.
+
+"He must be here soon."
+
+"Then cease this talking in riddles; I do not guess them quickly."
+
+"You will solve this one," returned Barine; "but we really have no time
+to lose.  So-my beautiful dove was a good, wise thought, and what it
+carried in its basket you shall hear presently.  You see, mother, many
+will blame us, though here and there some one may pity; but this state of
+things must not continue.  I feel it more and more plainly with each
+passing day; and several years must yet elapse ere this scruple becomes
+wholly needless.  I am too young to welcome as a guest every one whom
+this or that man presents to me.  True, our reception-hall was my
+father's work-room and you, my own estimable, blameless mother, are the
+hostess here; but though superior to me in every respect, you are so
+modest that you shield yourself behind your daughter until the guests
+think of you only when you are absent.  So those who  seek us both merely
+say, 'I am going to visit Barine'--and there are too many who say this--
+I can no longer choose, and this thought--"
+
+"Child!  child!" interrupted her mother joyfully, "what god met you as
+you went out this morning?"
+
+"Surely you know," she answered gaily; "it was seven doves, and, when I
+took the little basket from the bill of the first and prettiest one, it
+told me a story.  Do you want to hear it?"
+
+"Yes, yes; but be quick, or we shall be interrupted."
+
+Then Barine leaned farther back among the cushions, lowered her long
+lashes, and began: "Once upon a time there was a woman who had a garden
+in the most aristocratic quarter of the city--here near the Paneum, if
+you please.  In the autumn, when the fruit was ripening, she left the
+gate open, though all her neighbours did the opposite.  To keep away
+unbidden lovers of her nice figs and dates, she fastened on the gate a
+tablet bearing the inscription: 'All may enter and enjoy the sight of the
+garden; but the dogs will bite any one who breaks a flower, treads upon
+the grass, or steals the fruit.'
+
+"The woman had nothing but a lap-dog, and that did not always obey her.
+But the tablet fulfilled its purpose; for at first none came except her
+neighbours in the aristocratic quarter.  They read the threat, and
+probably without it would have respected the property of the woman who so
+kindly opened the door to them.  Thus matters went on for a time, until
+first a beggar came, and then a Phoenician sailor, and a thievish
+Egyptian from the Rhakotis--neither of whom could read.  So the tablet
+told them nothing; and as, moreover, they distinguished less carefully
+between mine and thine, one trampled the turf and another snatched from
+the boughs a flower or fruit.  More and more of the rabble came, and you
+can imagine what followed.  No one punished them for the crime, for they
+did not fear the barking of the lap-dog, and this gave even those who
+could read, courage not to heed the warning.  So the woman's pretty
+garden soon lost its peculiar charm; and the fruit, too, was stolen.
+When the rain at last washed the inscription from the tablet, and saucy
+boys scrawled on it, there was no harm done; for the garden no longer
+offered any attractions, and no one who looked into it cared to enter.
+Then the owner closed her gate like the neighbours, and the next year she
+again enjoyed the green grass and the bright hues of the flowers.  She
+ate her fruit herself, and the lap-dog no longer disturbed her by its
+barking."
+
+"That is," said her mother, "if everybody was as courteous and as well
+bred as Gorgias, Lysias, and the others, we would gladly continue to
+receive them.  But since there are rude fellows like Antyllus--"
+
+"You have understood the story correctly," Barine interrupted.  "We are
+certainly at liberty to invite to our house those who have learned to
+read our inscription.  To-morrow visitors will be informed that we can no
+longer receive them as before."
+
+"Antyllus's conduct affords an excellent pretext," her mother added.
+"Every fair-minded person must understand--"
+
+"Certainly," said Barine, "and if you, shrewdest of women, will do your
+part--
+
+"Then for the first time we can act as we please in our own home.
+Believe me, child--if you only do not--"
+
+"No ifs!--not this time!" cried the young beauty, raising her hand
+beseechingly.  "It gives me such delight to think of the new life, and if
+matters come to pass as I hope and wish--then--do not you also believe,
+mother, that the gods owe me reparation?"
+
+"For what?" asked the deep voice of Archibius, who had entered
+unannounced, and was now first noticed by the widow and her daughter.
+
+Barine hastily rose and held out both hands to her old friend,
+exclaiming, "Since they bring you to us, they are already beginning the
+payment."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+An artist, especially a great artist, finds it easy to give his house an
+attractive appearance.  He desires comfort in it, and only the beautiful
+is comfortable to him.  Whatever would disturb harmony offends his eye,
+and to secure the noblest ornament of his house he need not invite any
+stranger to cross its threshold.  The Muse, the best of assistants, joins
+him unbidden.
+
+Leonax, Barine's father, had been thus aided to transform the interior of
+his house into a very charming residence.  He had painted on the walls of
+his own work-room incidents in the life of Alexander the Great, the
+founder of his native city, and on the frieze a procession of dancing
+Cupids.
+
+Here Barine now received her guests, and the renown of these paintings
+was not one of the smallest inducements which had led Antony to visit the
+young beauty and to take his son, in whom he wished to awaken at least a
+fleeting pleasure in art.  He also knew how to prize her beauty and her
+singing, but the ardent passion which had taken possession of him in his
+mature years was for Cleopatra alone.  He whose easily won heart and
+susceptible fancy had urged him from one commonplace love to another had
+been bound by the Queen with chains of indestructible and supernatural
+power.  By her side a Barine seemed to him merely a work of art endowed
+with life and a voice that charmed the ear.  Yet he owed her some
+pleasant hours, and he could not help bestowing gifts upon any one to
+whom he was indebted for anything pleasant.  He liked to be considered
+the most generous spendthrift on earth, and the polished bracelet set
+with a gem, on which was carved Apollo playing on his lyre, surrounded by
+the listening Muses, looked very simple, but was really an ornament of
+priceless value, for the artist who made it was deemed the best stone-
+cutter in Alexandria in the time of Philadelphus, and each one of the
+tiny figures sculptured on the bit of onyx scarcely three fingers wide
+was a carefully executed masterpiece of the most exquisite beauty.
+Antony had chosen it because he deemed it a fitting gift for the woman
+whose song had pleased him.  He had not thought of asking its value;
+indeed, only a connoisseur would have perceived it; and as the circlet
+was not showy and well became her beautiful arm, Barine liked to wear it.
+
+Had not the war taken him away, Antony's second visit would certainly not
+have been his last.  Besides the singing which enthralled him, the
+conversation had been gay and brilliant, and in addition to Leonax's
+paintings, he had seen other beautiful works of art which the former had
+obtained by exchanging with many distinguished companions.
+
+Nor was there any lack of plastic creations in the spacious apartment,
+to which the flashing of the water poured by a powerful man from the
+goatskin bottle on his shoulder into a shell lent a special charm.
+
+The master who had carved this stooping Nubian had also created the much-
+discussed statues of the royal lovers.  The clay Eros, who with bent knee
+was aiming at a victim visible to himself alone, was also his work.
+Antony, when paying his second visit, had laughingly laid the garland he
+wore before "the greatest of human conquerors," while a short time ago
+his son Antyllus had rudely thrust his bouquet of flowers into the
+opening of the curved right arm which was drawing the string.  In doing
+so the statue had been injured.  Now the flowers lay unheeded upon the
+little altar at the end of the large room, lighted only by a single lamp;
+for the ladies had left it with their guest.  They were in Barine's
+favourite apartment, a small room, where there were several pictures by
+her dead father.
+
+Antyllus's bouquet, and the damage to the clay statue of Eros, had played
+a prominent part in the conversation between the three, and rendered
+Archibius's task easier.
+
+Berenike had greeted the guest with a complaint of the young Roman's
+recklessness and unseemly conduct, to which Barine added the declaration
+that they had now sacrificed enough to Zeus Xenios, the god of
+hospitality.  She meant to devote her future life to the modest household
+gods and to Apollo, to whom she owed the gift of song.
+
+Archibius had listened silently in great surprise until she had finished
+her explanation and declared that henceforth she intended to live alone
+with her mother, instead of having her father's workshop filled with
+guests.
+
+The young beauty's vivid imagination transported her to this new and
+quieter life.  But, spite of the clear and glowing hues in which she
+described her anticipations, her grey-haired listener could not have
+believed in them fully.  A subtle smile sometimes flitted over his grave,
+somewhat melancholy face--that of a man who has ceased to wrestle in the
+arena of life, and after severe conflict now preferred to stand among the
+spectators and watch others win or lose the prize of victory.  Doubtless
+the wounds which he had received still ached, yet his sorrowful
+experiences did not prevent his being an attentive observer.  The
+expression of his clear eyes showed that he mentally shared whatever
+aroused his sympathy.  Whoever understood how to listen thus, and,
+moreover--the prominence of the brow above the nose showed it--was also a
+trained thinker, could not fail to be a good counsellor, and as such he
+was regarded by many, and first of all by the Queen.
+
+The wise deliberation, which was one of his characteristic traits, showed
+itself on this occasion; for though he had come to persuade Barine try a
+country residence, he refrained from doing until she had exhausted the
+story of her own affairs and inquired the important cause of his visit.
+
+In the principal matter his request was granted ere he made it.  So he
+could begin with the query whether the mother and daughter did not think
+that the transition to the new mode of life could be effected more easily
+if they were absent from the city a short time.  It would awaken comment
+they should close their house against guests on the morrow, and as the
+true reason could not be given, many would be offended.  If, on the
+contrary, they could resolve to quit the capital for a few weeks, many,
+it is true, would lament their decision, but what was alloted to all
+alike could be resented by no one.
+
+Berenike eagerly assented, but Barine grew thoughtful.  Then Archibius
+begged her to speak frankly, and after she had asked where they could he
+proposed his country estate.
+
+His keen grey eyes had perceived that something, bound her so firmly to
+the city that in the case of a true woman like Barine it must be an
+affair of the heart.  He had evidently judged correctly, for, at his
+prediction that there would be no lack of visits from her dearest
+friends, she raised her head, her blue eyes sparkled brightly, and when
+Archibius paused she to her mother, exclaiming gaily "We will go!"
+
+Again the vivid imagination daughter conjured the future before her in
+distinct outlines.  She alone knew whom she meant when she spoke of the
+visitor she expected at Irenia, Archibius's estate.  The name meant "The
+place of peace," and it pleased her.
+
+Archibius listened smilingly; but when she began to assign him also a
+part in driving the little Sardinian horses and pursuing the birds, he
+interrupted her with the statement that whether he could speedily allow
+himself a pleasure which he should so keenly enjoy--that of breathing the
+country air with such charming guests--would depend upon the fate of
+another.  Thank the gods, he had been able to come here with a lighter
+heart, because, just before his departure, he had heard of a splendid
+victory gained by the Queen.  The ladies would perhaps permit him to
+remain a little longer, as he was expecting confirmation of the news.
+
+It was evident that he awaited it in great suspense, and that his heart
+was by no means free from anxiety.
+
+Berenike shared it, and her pleasant face, which had hitherto reflected
+her delight at her daughter's sensible resolution, was now clouded with
+care as Archibius began: "The object of my presence here?  You are making
+it very easy for me to attain it.  If I deemed it honest, I could now
+conceal the fact that I had sought you to induce you to leave the city.
+I see no peril from the boyish insolence of the son of Antony.  The point
+in question, child, is merely to put yourself out of the reach of
+Caesarion."
+
+"If you could place me in the moon, it would please me best, as far as he
+is concerned," replied Barine eagerly.  "That is just what induced me to
+change our mode of life, since my door cannot be closed against the boy
+who, though still under a tutor, uses his rank as a key to open it.  And
+just think of being compelled to address that dreamer, with eyes pleading
+for help, by the title of 'king'!"
+
+"Yet what mighty impulse might not be slumbering in the breast of a son
+of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra?" said Archibius.  "And passion--I know,
+my child, that it is no fault of yours--has now awakened within him.
+Whatever the result may be, it must fill his mother's heart with anxiety.
+That is why it is needful to hasten your departure, and to keep your
+destination a secret.  He will attempt no violence; but--he is the child
+of his parents--and some unexpected act may be anticipated from him."
+
+"You startle me!"  cried Barine.  "You transform the cooing dove which
+entered my house into a dangerous griffin."
+
+"As such you may regard him," said the other, warningly.  "You will be a
+welcome guest, Barine, but I invited you, whom I have loved from your
+earliest childhood, the daughter of my dearest friend, not merely to do
+you a service at Irenia, but to save from grief or even annoyance the
+person to whom--who is not aware of it--I owe everything."
+
+The words conveyed to both ladies the knowledge that, though they were
+dear to Archibius, he would sacrifice them, and with them, perhaps, all
+the rest of the world, for the peace and happiness of the Queen.
+
+Barine had expected nothing else.  She knew that Cleopatra had made the
+philosopher's son a wealthy man and the owner of extensive estates; but
+she also felt that the source of his loyal devotion to the Queen, over
+whom he watched like a tender father, was due to other causes.  Cleopatra
+prized him also.  Had he been ambitious, he could have stood at the helm
+of the ship of state, as Epitrop long ago, but--the whole city knew it--
+he had more than once refused to accept a permanent office, because he
+believed that he could serve his mistress better as an unassuming,
+unnoticed counsellor.  Berenike had told Barine that the relations
+between Cleopatra and Archibius dated back to their childhood, but she
+had learned no particulars.  Various rumours were afloat which, in the
+course of time, had been richly adorned and interwoven with anecdotes,
+and Barine naturally lent the most ready credence to those which asserted
+that the princess, in her earliest youth, had cherished a childish love
+for the philosopher's son.  Now her friend's conduct led her to believe
+it.
+
+When Archibius paused, the young beauty assured him that she understood
+him; and as the alabaster hanging lamp and a three-branched light cast a
+brilliant glow upon the portrait which her father had painted of the
+nineteen-year-old Queen, and afterwards copied for his own household, she
+pointed to it, and, pursuing the current of her own thoughts, asked the
+question:
+
+"Was she not marvellously beautiful at that time?"
+
+"As your father's work represents her," was the reply.  "Leonax painted
+the portrait of Octavia, on the opposite side, the same year, and perhaps
+the artist deemed the Roman the fairer woman."  He pointed as he spoke to
+a likeness of Octavianus's sister, whom Barine's father had painted as
+the young wife of Marcellus, her first husband.
+
+"Oh, no!"  said Berenike.  "I still remember perfectly how Leonax
+returned in those days.  What woman might not have been jealous of his
+enthusiasm for the Roman Hera?  At that time I had not seen the portrait,
+and when I asked whether he thought Octavia more beautiful than the
+Queen, for whom Eros had inflamed his heart, as in the case of most of
+the beautiful women he painted, he exclaimed--you know his impetuous
+manner--'Octavia stands foremost in the ranks of those who are called
+"beautiful" or "less beautiful"; the other, Cleopatra, stands alone, and
+can be compared with no one.'"
+
+Archibius bent his head in assent, then said firmly, "But, as a child,
+when I first saw her, she would have been the fairest even in the dance
+of the young gods of love."
+
+"How old was she then?"  asked Barine, eagerly.
+
+"Eight years," he answered.  "How far in the past it is, yet I have not
+forgotten a single hour!  "Barine now earnestly entreated him to tell
+them the story of those days, but Archibius gazed thoughtfully at the
+floor for some time ere he raised his head and answered: "Perhaps it will
+be well if you learn more of the woman for whose sake I ask a sacrifice
+at your hands.  Arius is your brother and uncle.  He stands near to
+Octavianus, for he was his intellectual guide, and I know that he reveres
+the Roman's sister, Octavia, as a goddess.  Antony is now struggling with
+Octavianus for the sovereignty of the world.  Octavia succumbed in the
+conflict against the woman of whom you desire to hear.  It is not my
+place to judge her, but I may instruct and warn.  Roman nations burn
+incense to Octavia, and, when Cleopatra's name is uttered, they veil
+their faces indignantly.  Here in Alexandria many imitate them.  Whoever
+upholds shining purity may hope to win a share of the radiance emanating
+from it.  They call Octavia the lawful wife, and Cleopatra the criminal
+who robbed her of her husband's heart."
+
+"Not I!" exclaimed Barine eagerly.  "How often I have heard my uncle say
+that Antony and Cleopatra were fired with the most ardent love for each
+other!  Never did the arrows of Eros pierce two hearts more deeply.  Then
+it became necessary to save the state from civil war and bloodshed.
+Antony consented to form an alliance with his rival, and, as security for
+the sincerity of the reconciliation, he gave his hand in marriage to
+Octavia, whose first husband, Marcellus, had just died--his hand, I say,
+only his hand, for his heart was captive to the Queen of Egypt.  And if
+Antony was faithless to the wife to whom statecraft had bound him, he
+kept his pledge to the other, who had an earlier, better title.  If
+Cleopatra did not give up the man to whom she had sworn fidelity forever,
+she was right--a thousand times right!  In my eyes--no matter how often
+my mother rebukes me--Cleopatra, in the eyes of the immortals, is and
+always will be Antony's real wife; the other, though on her marriage day
+no custom, no word, no stroke of the stylus, no gesture was omitted, is
+the intruder in a bond of love which rejoices the gods, however it may
+anger mortals, and--forgive me, mother--virtuous matrons."
+
+Berenike had listened with blushing cheeks to her vivacious daughter; now
+with timid earnestness she interrupted: "I know that those are the views
+of the new times; that Antony in the eyes of the Egyptians, and probably
+also according to their customs, is the rightful husband of the Queen.
+I know, too, that you are both against me.  Yet Cleopatra is in reality a
+Greek, and therefore--eternal gods!--I can sincerely pity her; but the
+marriage has been solemnized, and I cannot blame Octavia.  She rears and
+cherishes, as if they were her own, the children of her faithless husband
+and Fulvia, his first wife, who have no claim upon her.  It is more than
+human to take the stones from the path of the man who became her foe, as
+she does.  No woman In Alexandria can pray more fervently than I that
+Cleopatra and her friend may conquer Octavianus.  His cold nature, highly
+as my brother esteems him, is repellent to me.  But when I gaze at
+Octavia's beautiful, chaste, queenly, noble countenance, the mirror of
+true womanly purity--"
+
+"You can rejoice," Archibius added, completing the sentence, and laying
+his right hand soothingly on the arm of the excited woman, "only it would
+be advisable at this time to put the portrait elsewhere, and rest
+satisfied with confiding your opinion of Octavia to your brother and a
+friend as reliable as myself.  If we conquer, such things may pass; if
+not--The messenger tarries long--"
+
+Here Barine again entreated him to use the time.  She had only once had
+the happiness of being noticed by the Queen--just after her song at the
+Adonis festival.  Then Cleopatra had advanced to thank her.  She said
+only a few kind words, but in a voice which seemed to penetrate the
+inmost depths of her heart and bind her with invisible threads.
+Meanwhile Barine's eyes met those of her sovereign, and at first they
+roused an ardent desire to press her lips even on the hem of her robe,
+but afterwards she felt as if a venomous serpent had crawled out of the
+most beautiful flower.
+
+Here Archibius interrupted her with the remark that he remembered
+perfectly how, after the song, Antony had addressed her at the same time
+as the Queen, and Cleopatra lacked no feminine weakness.
+
+"Jealousy?"  asked Barine, in astonishment.  "I was not presumptuous
+enough to admit it.  I secretly feared that Alexas, the brother of
+Philostratus, had prejudiced her.  He is as ill-disposed towards me as
+the man who was my husband.  But everything connected with those two is
+so base and shameful that I will not allow it to cloud this pleasant
+hour.  Yet the fear that Alexas might have slandered me to the Queen is
+not groundless.
+
+"He is as shrewd as his brother, and through Antony, into whose favour he
+ingratiated himself, is always in communication with Cleopatra.  He went
+to the war with him."
+
+"I learned that too late, and am utterly powerless against Antony,"
+replied Archibius.
+
+"But was it not natural that I should fear he had prejudiced the Queen?"
+asked Barine.  "At any rate, I imagined that I detected a hostile
+expression in her eyes, and it repelled me, though at first I had
+been so strongly attracted towards her."
+
+"And had not that other stepped between you, you could not have turned
+from her again!" said Archibius.  "The first time I saw her I was but a
+mere boy, and she--as I have already said--a child eight years old."
+
+Barine nodded gratefully to Archibius, brought the distaff to her mother,
+poured water into the wine in the mixing vessel, and after at first
+leaning comfortably back among the cushions, she soon bent forward in a
+listening attitude, with her elbow propped on her knee, and her chin
+supported by her hand.  Berenike drew the flax from the distaff, at first
+slowly, then faster and faster.
+
+"You know my country-house in the Kanopus," the guest began.  "It was
+originally a small summer palace belonging to the royal family, and
+underwent little change after we moved into it.  Even the garden is
+unaltered.  It was full of shady old trees.  Olympus, the leech, had
+chosen this place, that my father might complete within its walls the
+work of education entrusted to him.  You shall hear the story.  At that
+time Alexandria was in a state of turmoil, for Rome had not recognized
+the King, and ruled over us like Fate, though it had not acknowledged the
+will by which the miserable Alexander bequeathed Egypt to him like a
+field or a slave.
+
+"The King of Egypt, who called himself 'the new Dionysus,' was a weak
+man, whose birth did not give him the full right to the sovereignty.
+You know that the people called him the 'fluteplayer.'  He really had no
+greater pleasure than to hear music and listen to his own performances.
+He played by no means badly on more than one instrument, and, moreover,
+as a reveller did honour to the other name.  Whoever kept sober at the
+festival of Dionysus, whose incarnate second self he regarded himself,
+incurred his deepest displeasure.
+
+"The flute-player's wife, Queen Tryphoena, and her oldest daughter--she
+bore your name, Berenike--ruined his life.  Compared with them, the King
+was worthy and virtuous.  What had become of the heroes and the high-
+minded princes of the house of Ptolemy?  Every passion and crime had
+found a home in their palaces!
+
+"The flute-player, Cleopatra's father, was by no means the worst.
+He was a slave to his own caprices; no one had taught him to bridle his
+passions.  Where it served his purpose, even death was summoned to his
+aid; but this was a custom of the last sovereigns of his race.  In one
+respect he was certainly superior to most of them--he still possessed a
+capacity to feel a loathing for the height of crime, to believe in virtue
+and loftiness of soul, and the possibility of implanting them in youthful
+hearts.  When a boy, he had been under the influence of an excellent
+teacher, whose precepts had lingered in his memory and led him to
+determine to withdraw his favourite children--two girls--from their
+mother's sway, at least as far as possible.
+
+"I learned afterwards that it had been his desire to confide the
+princesses wholly to my parents' care.  But an invincible power opposed
+this.  Though Greeks might be permitted to instruct the royal children
+in knowledge, the Egyptians would not yield the right to their religious
+education.  The leech Olympus--you know the good old man--had insisted
+that the delicate Cleopatra must spend the coldest winter months in Upper
+Egypt, where the sky was never clouded, and the summer near the sea in a
+shady garden.  The little palace at Kanopus was devoted to this purpose.
+
+"When we moved there it was entirely unoccupied, but the princesses were
+soon to be brought to us.  During the winter Olympus preferred the island
+of Philae, on the Nubian frontier, because the famous Temple of Isis was
+there, and its priests willingly undertook to watch over the children.
+
+"The Queen would not listen to any of these plans.  Leaving Alexandria
+and spending the winter on a lonely island in the tropics was an utterly
+incomprehensible idea.  So she let the King have his way, and no doubt
+was glad to be relieved from the care of the children; for, even after
+her royal husband's exile from the city, she never visited her daughters.
+True, death allowed her only a short time to do so.
+
+"Her oldest daughter, Berenike, who became her successor, followed her
+example, and troubled herself very little about her sisters.  I heard
+after wards that she was very glad to know that they were in charge of
+persons who filled their minds with other thoughts than the desire to
+rule.  Her brothers were reared at Lochias by our countryman Theodotus,
+under the eyes of their guardian, Pothinus.
+
+"Our family life was of course wholly transformed by the reception of the
+royal children.  In the first place, we moved from our house in the
+Museum Square into the little palace at Kanopus, and the big, shady
+garden delighted us.  I remember, as though it were but yesterday, the
+morning--I was then a boy of fifteen--when my father told us that two of
+the King's daughters would soon become members of the household.  There
+were three of us children--Charmian, who went to the war with the Queen,
+because Iras, our niece, was ill; I myself; and Straton, who died long
+ago.  We were urged to treat the princesses with the utmost courtesy and
+consideration, and we perceived that their reception really demanded
+respect; for the palace, which we had found empty and desolate, was
+refurnished from roof to foundation.
+
+"The day before they were expected horses, chariots, and litters came,
+while boats and a splendid state galley, fully manned, arrived by sea.
+Then a train of male and female slaves appeared, among them two fat
+eunuchs.
+
+"I can still see the angry look with which my father surveyed all these
+people.  He drove at once to the city, and on his return his clear eyes
+were as untroubled as ever.  A court official accompanied him, and only
+that portion of the useless amount of luggage and number of persons that
+my father desired remained.
+
+"The princesses were to come the next morning--it was at the end of
+February--flowers were blooming in the grass and on the bushes, while the
+foliage of the trees glittered with the fresh green which the rising sap
+gives to the young leaves.  I was sitting on a strong bough of a
+sycamore-tree, which grew opposite to the house, watching for them.
+Their arrival was delayed and, as I gazed meanwhile over the garden,
+I thought it must surely please them, for not a palace in the city had
+one so beautiful.
+
+"At last the litters appeared; they had neither runners nor attendants,
+as my father had requested, and when the princesses alighted--both at the
+same moment--I knew not which way to turn my eyes first, for the creature
+that fluttered like a dragon-fly rather than stepped from the first
+litter, was not a girl like other mortals--she seemed like a wish, a
+hope.  When the dainty, beautiful creature turned her head hither and
+thither, and at last gazed questioningly, as if beseeching help, into the
+faces of my father and mother, who stood at the gate to receive her, it
+seemed to me that such must have been the aspect of Psyche when she stood
+pleading for mercy at the throne of Zeus.
+
+"But it was worth while to look at the other also.  Was that Cleopatra?
+She might have been the elder, for she was as tall as her sister, but how
+utterly unlike!  From the waving hair to every movement of the hands and
+body the former--it was Cleopatra--had seemed to me as if she were
+flying.  Everything about the second figure, on the contrary, was solid,
+nay, even seemed to offer positive resistance.  She sprang from the
+litter and alighted on the ground with both feet at once, clung firmly to
+the door, and haughtily flung back her head, crowned with a wealth of
+dark locks.  Her complexion was pink and white, and her blue eyes
+sparkled brightly enough; but the expression with which she gazed at my
+parents was defiant rather than questioning, and as she glanced around
+her red lips curled scornfully as though she deemed her surroundings
+despicable and unworthy of her royal birth.
+
+"This irritated me against the seven-year-old child, yet I said to myself
+that, though it was very beautiful here--thanks to my father's care--
+perhaps it appeared plain and simple when compared with the marble, gold,
+and purple of the royal palace whence she came.  Her features, too, were
+regular and beautiful, and she would have attracted attention by her
+loveliness among a multitude.  When I soon heard her issue imperious
+commands and defiantly insist upon the fulfilment of every wish, I
+thought, in my boyish ignorance, that Arsinoe must be the elder; for she
+was better suited to wield a sceptre than her sister.  I said so to my
+brother and Charmian; but we all soon saw which really possessed queenly
+majesty; for Arsinoe, if her will were crossed, wept, screamed, and raged
+like a lunatic, or, if that proved useless, begged and teased; while if
+Cleopatra wanted anything she obtained it in a different way.  Even at
+that time she knew what weapons would give her victory and, while using
+them, she still remained the child of a king.
+
+"No artisan's daughter could have been further removed from airs of
+majestic pathos than this embodiment of the most charming childlike
+grace; but if anything for which her passionate nature ardently longed
+was positively refused, she understood how to attain it by the melody of
+her voice, the spell of her eyes, and in extreme cases by a silent tear.
+When to such tears were added uplifted hands and a few sweet words, such
+as, 'It would make me happy,' or, 'Don't you see how it hurts me?'
+resistance was impossible; and in after-years also her silent tears and
+the marvellous music of her voice won her a victory in the decisive
+questions of life.
+
+"We children were soon playmates and friends, for my parents did not wish
+the princesses to begin their studies until after they felt at home with
+us.  This pleased Arsinoe, although she could already read and write; but
+Cleopatra more than once asked to hear something from my father's store
+of wisdom, of which she had been told.
+
+"The King and her former teacher had cherished the highest expectations
+from the brilliant intellect of this remarkable child, and Olympus once
+laid his hand on my curls and bade me take care that the princess did not
+outstrip the philosopher's son.  I had always occupied one of the
+foremost places, and laughingly escaped, assuring him that there was no
+danger.
+
+"But I soon learned that this warning was not groundless.  You will think
+that the old fool's heart has played him a trick, and in the magic garden
+of childish memories the gifted young girl was transformed into a
+goddess.  That she certainly was not; for the immortals are free
+from the faults and weaknesses of humanity."
+
+"And what robbed Cleopatra of the renown of resembling the gods?" asked
+Barine eagerly.
+
+A subtle smile, not wholly free from reproach, accompanied Archibius's
+reply: "Had I spoken of her virtues, you would hardly have thought of
+asking further details.  But why should I try to conceal what she has
+displayed to the world openly enough throughout her whole life?
+Falsehood and hypocrisy were as unfamiliar to her as fishing is to the
+sons of the desert.  The fundamental principles which have dominated this
+rare creature's life and character to the present day are two ceaseless
+desires: first, to surpass every one, even in the most difficult
+achievements; and, secondly, to love and to be loved in return.  From
+them emanated what raised her above all other women.  Ambition and love
+will also sustain her like two mighty wings on the proud height to which
+they have borne her, so long as they dwell harmoniously in her fiery
+soul.  Hitherto a rare favour of destiny has permitted this, and may the
+Olympians grant that thus it may ever be!"
+
+Here Archibius paused, wiped the perspiration from his brow, asked if the
+messenger had arrived, and ordered him to be admitted as soon as he
+appeared.  Then he went on as calmly as before:
+
+"The princesses were members of our household, and in the course of time
+they seemed like sisters.  During the first winter the King allowed them
+to spend only the most inclement months at Philae, for he was unwilling
+to live without them.  True, he saw them rarely enough; weeks often
+elapsed without a visit; but, on the other hand, he often came day after
+day to our garden, clad in plain garments, and borne in an unpretending
+litter, for these visits were kept secret from every one save the leech
+Olympus.
+
+"I often saw the tall, strong man, with red, bloated face, playing with
+his children like a mechanic who had just returned from work.  But he
+usually remained only a short time, seeming to be satisfied with having
+seen them again.  Perhaps he merely wished to assure himself that they
+were comfortable with us.  At any rate, no one was permitted to go near
+the group of plane-trees where he talked with them.
+
+"But it is easy to hide amid the dense foliage of these trees, so my
+knowledge that he questioned them is not solely hearsay.
+
+"Cleopatra was happy with us from the beginning; Arsinoe needed a longer
+time; but the King valued only the opinion of his older child, his
+darling, on whom he feasted his eyes and ears like a lover.  He often
+shook his heavy head at the sight of her, and when she gave him one of
+her apt replies, he laughed so loudly that the sound of his deep,
+resonant voice was heard as far as the house.
+
+"Once I saw tear after tear course down his flushed cheeks, and yet his
+visit was shorter than usual.  The closed 'harmamaxa' in which he came
+bore him from our house directly to the vessel which was to convey him to
+Cyprus and Rome.  The Alexandrians, headed by the Queen, had forced him
+to leave the city and the country.
+
+"He was indeed unworthy of the crown, but he loved his little daughter
+like a true father.  Still, it was terrible, monstrous for him to invoke
+curses upon the mother and sister of the children, in their presence, and
+in the same breath command them to hate and execrate them, but to love
+and never forget him.
+
+"I was then seventeen and Cleopatra ten years old.  I, who loved my
+parents better than my life, felt an icy chill run through my veins and
+then a touch upon my heart like balsam, as I heard little Arsinoe, after
+her father had gone, whisper to her sister, 'We will hate them--may the
+gods destroy them!' and when Cleopatra answered with tearful eyes, 'Let
+us rather be better than they, very good indeed, Arsinoe, that the
+immortals may love us and bring our father back.'
+
+"'Because then he will make you Queen,' replied Arsinoe sneeringly,
+still trembling with angry excitement.
+
+"Cleopatra gazed at her with a troubled look.
+
+"Her tense features showed that she was weighing the meaning of the words,
+and I can still see her as she suddenly drew up her small figure, and
+said proudly, 'Yes, I will be Queen!'
+
+"Then her manner changed, and in the sweetest tones of her soft voice,
+she said beseechingly, 'You won't say such naughty things again, will
+you?'
+
+"This was at the time that my father's instruction began to take
+possession of her mind.  The prediction of Olympus was fulfilled.  True,
+I attended the school of oratory, but when my father set the royal maiden
+a lesson, I was permitted to repeat mine on the same subject, and
+frequently I could not help admitting that Cleopatra had succeeded
+better than I.
+
+"Soon there were difficult problems to master, for the intellect of this
+wonderful child demanded stronger food, and she was introduced into
+philosophy.  My father himself belonged to the school of Epicurus, and
+succeeded far beyond his expectations in rousing Cleopatra's interest in
+his master's teachings.  She had been made acquainted with the other
+great philosophers also, but always returned to Epicurus, and induced the
+rest of us to live with her as a true disciple of the noble Samian.
+
+"Your father and brother have doubtless made you familiar with the
+precepts of the Stoa; yet you have certainly heard that Epicurus spent
+the latter part of his life with his friends and pupils in quiet
+meditation and instructive conversation in his garden at Athens.  We,
+too--according to Cleopatra's wish--were to live thus and call ourselves
+'disciples of Epicurus.'
+
+"With the exception of Arsinoe, who preferred gayer pastimes, into which
+she drew my brother Straton--at that time a giant in strength--we all
+liked the plan.  I was chosen master, but I perceived that Cleopatra
+desired the position, so she took my place.
+
+"During our next leisure afternoon we paced up and down the garden, and
+the conversation about the chief good was so eager, Cleopatra directed it
+with so much skill, and decided doubtful questions so happily, that we
+reluctantly obeyed the brazen gong which summoned us to the house, and
+spent the whole evening in anticipating the next afternoon.
+
+"The following morning my father saw several country people assembled
+before the secluded garden; but he did not have time to inquire what they
+wanted; for Timagenes, who shared the instruction in history--you know he
+was afterwards taken to Rome as a prisoner of war--rushed up to him,
+holding out a tablet which bore the inscription Epicurus had written on
+the gate of his garden: 'Stranger, here you will be happy; here is the
+chief good, pleasure.'
+
+"Cleopatra had written this notice in large letters on the top of a small
+table before sunrise, and a slave had secretly fastened it on the gate
+for her.
+
+"This prank might have easily proved fatal to our beautiful
+companionship, but it had been done merely to make our game exactly like
+the model.
+
+"My father did not forbid our continuing this pastime, but strictly
+prohibited our calling ourselves 'Epicureans' outside of the garden, for
+this noble name had since gained among the people a significance wholly
+alien.  Epicurus says that true pleasure is to be found only in peace of
+mind and absence of pain."
+
+"But every one," interrupted Barine, "believes that people like the
+wealthy Isidorus, whose object in life is to take every pleasure which
+his wealth can procure, are the real Epicureans.  My mother would not
+have confided me long to a teacher by whose associates 'pleasure' was
+deemed the chief good."
+
+"The daughter of a philosopher," replied Archibius, gently shaking his
+head, "ought to understand what pleasure means in the sense of Epicurus,
+and no doubt you do.  True, those who are further removed from these
+things cannot know that the master forbids yearning for individual
+pleasure.  Have you an idea of his teachings?  No definite one?  Then
+permit me a few words of explanation.  It happens only too often that
+Epicurus is confounded with Aristippus, who places sensual pleasure above
+intellectual enjoyment, as he holds that bodily pain is harder to endure
+than mental anguish.  Epicurus, on the contrary, considers intellectual
+pleasure to be the higher one; for sensual enjoyment, which he believes
+free to every one, can be experienced only in the present, while
+intellectual delight extends to both the past and the future.  To the
+Epicureans the goal of life, as has already been mentioned, is to attain
+the chief blessings, peace of mind, and freedom from pain.  He is to
+practise virtue only because it brings him pleasure; for who could remain
+virtuous without being wise, noble, and just?--and whoever is all these
+cannot have his peace of mind disturbed, and must be really happy in the
+exact meaning of the master.  I perceived long since the peril lurking in
+this system of instruction, which takes no account of moral excellence;
+but at that time it seemed to me also the chief good.
+
+"How all this charmed the mind of the thoughtful child, still untouched by
+passion!  It was difficult to supply her wonderfully vigorous intellect
+with sufficient sustenance, and she really felt that to enrich it was the
+highest pleasure.  And to her, who could scarcely endure to have a rude
+hand touch her, though a small grief or trivial disappointment could not
+be averted, the freedom from pain which the master had named as the first
+condition for the existence of every pleasure, and termed the chief good,
+seemed indeed the first condition of a happy life.
+
+"Yet this child, whom my father once compared to a thinking flower, bore
+without complaint her sad destiny--her father's banishment, her mother's
+death, her sister Berenike's profligacy.  Even to me, in whom she found a
+second brother and fully trusted, she spoke of these sorrowful things
+only in guarded allusions.  I know that she understood what was passing
+fully and perfectly, and how deeply she felt it; but pain placed itself
+between her and the 'chief good,' and she mastered it.  And when she sat
+at work, with what tenacious power the delicate creature struggled until
+she had conquered the hardest task and outstripped Charmian and even me!
+
+"In those days I understood why, among the gods, a maiden rules over
+learning, and why she is armed with the weapons of war.  You have heard
+how many languages Cleopatra speaks.  A remark of Timagenes had fallen
+into her soul like a seed.  'With every language you learn,' he had said,
+'you will gain a nation.'  But there were many peoples in her father's
+kingdom, and when she was Queen they must all love her.  True, she began
+with the tongue of the conquerors, not the conquered.  So it happened
+that we first learned Lucretius, who reproduces in verse the doctrines of
+Epicurus.  My father was our teacher, and the second year she read
+Lucretius as if it were a Greek book.  She had only half known Egyptian;
+now she speedily acquired it.  During our stay at Philae she found a
+troglodyte who was induced to teach her his language.  There were Jews
+enough here in Alexandria to instruct her in theirs, and she also learned
+its kindred tongue, Arabic.
+
+"When, many years later, she visited Antony at Tarsus, the warriors
+imagined that some piece of Egyptian magic was at work, for she addressed
+each commander in his own tongue, and talked with him as if she were a
+native of the same country.
+
+"It was the same with everything.  She outstripped us in every branch of
+study.  To her burning ambition it would have been unbearable to lag
+behind.
+
+"The Roman Lucretius became her favourite poet, although she was no more
+friendly to his nation than I, but the self-conscious power of the foe
+pleased her, and once I heard her exclaim 'Ah! if the Egyptians were
+Romans, I would give up our garden for Berenike's throne.'
+
+"Lucretius constantly led her back to Epicurus, and awakened a severe
+conflict in her unresting mind.  You probably know that he teaches that
+life in itself is not so great a blessing that it must be deemed a
+misfortune not to live.  It is only spoiled by having death appear to us
+as the greatest of misfortunes.  Only the soul which ceases to regard
+death as a misfortune finds peace.  Whoever knows that thought and
+feeling end with life will not fear death; for, no matter how many dear
+and precious things the dead have left here below, their yearning for
+them has ceased with life.  He declares that providing for the body is
+the greatest folly, while the Egyptian religion, in which Anubis strove
+to strengthen her faith, maintained precisely the opposite.
+
+"To a certain degree he succeeded, for his personality exerted a powerful
+influence over her; and besides, she naturally took great pleasure in
+mystical, supernatural things, as my brother Straton did in physical
+strength, and you, Barine, enjoy the gift of song.  You know Anubis by
+sight.  What Alexandrian has not seen this remarkable man? and whoever
+has once met his eyes does not easily forget him.  He does indeed rule
+over mysterious powers, and he used them in his intercourse with
+the young princess.  It is his work if she cleaves to the religious
+belief of her people, if she who is a Hellene to the last drop of blood
+loves Egypt, and is ready to make any sacrifice for her independence and
+grandeur.  She is called 'the new Isis,' but Isis presides over the magic
+arts of the Egyptians, and Anubis initiated Cleopatra into this secret
+science, and even persuaded her to enter the observatory and the
+laboratory--
+
+"But all these things had their origin in our garden of Epicurus, and my
+father did not venture to forbid it; for the King had sent a message from
+Rome to say that he was glad to have Cleopatra find pleasure in her own
+people and their secret knowledge.
+
+"The flute-player, during his stay on the Tiber, had given his gold to
+the right men or bound them as creditors to his interest.  After Pompey,
+Caesar, and Crassus had concluded their alliance, they consented at Lucca
+to the restoration of the Ptolemy.  Millions upon millions would not have
+seemed to him too large a price for this object.  Pompey would rather
+have gone to Egypt himself, but the jealousy of the others would not
+permit it.  Gabinius, the Governor of Syria, received the commission.
+
+"But the occupants of the Egyptian throne were not disposed to resign it
+without a struggle.  You know that meanwhile Queen Berenike, Cleopatra's
+sister, had been twice married.  She had her miserable first husband
+strangled--a more manly spouse had been chosen by the Alexandrians for
+her second consort.  He bravely defended his rights, and lost his life on
+the field of battle.
+
+"The senate learned speedily enough that Gabinius had brought the Ptolemy
+back to his country; the news reached us more slowly.  We watched for
+every rumour with the same passionate anxiety as now.
+
+"At that time Cleopatra was fourteen, and had developed magnificently.
+Yonder portrait shows the perfect flower, but the bud possessed, if
+possible, even more exquisite charm.  How clear and earnest was the gaze
+of her bright eyes!  When she was gay they could shine like stars, and
+then her little red mouth had an indescribably mischievous expression,
+and in each cheek came one of the tiny dimples which still delight every
+one.  Her nose was more delicate than it is now, and the slight curve
+which appears in the portrait, and which is far too prominent in the
+coins, was not visible.  Her hair did not grow dark until later in life.
+My sister Charmian had no greater pleasure than to arrange its wavy
+abundance.  It was like silk, she often said, and she was right.  I know
+this, for when at the festival of Isis, Cleopatra, holding the sistrum,
+followed the image of the goddess, she was obliged to wear it unconfined.
+On her return home she often shook her head merrily, and her hair fell
+about her like a cataract, veiling her face and figure.  Then, as now,
+she was not above middle height, but her form possessed the most
+exquisite symmetry, only it was still more delicate and pliant.
+
+"She had understood how to win all hearts.  Yet, though she seemed to
+esteem our father higher, trust me more fully, look up to Anubis with
+greater reverence, and prefer to argue with the keen-witted Timagenes,
+she still appeared to hold all who surrounded her in equal favour, while
+Arsinoe left me in the lurch if Straton were present, and whenever the
+handsome Melnodor, one of my father's pupils, came to us, she fairly
+devoured him with her glowing eyes.
+
+"As soon as it was rumoured that the Romans were bringing the King back,
+Queen Berenike came to us to take the young girls to the city.  When
+Cleopatra entreated her to leave her in our parents' care and not
+interrupt her studies, a scornful smile flitted over Berenike's face, and
+turning to her husband Archelaus, she said scornfully, 'I think books
+will prove to be the smallest danger.'
+
+"Pothinus, the guardian of the two princesses' brothers, had formerly
+permitted them at times to visit their sisters.  Now they were no longer
+allowed to leave Lochias, but neither Cleopatra nor Arsinoe made many
+inquiries about them.  The little boys always retreated from their
+caresses, and the Egyptian locks on their temples, which marked the age
+of childhood, and the Egyptian garments which Pothinus made them wear,
+lent them an unfamiliar aspect.
+
+"When it was reported that the Romans were advancing from Gaza, both
+girls were overpowered by passionate excitement.  Arsinoe's glittered in
+every glance; Cleopatra understood how to conceal hers, but her colour
+often varied, and her face, which was not pink and white like her
+sister's, but--how shall I express it?"
+
+"I know what you mean," Barine interrupted.  "When I saw her, nothing
+seemed to me more charming than that pallid hue through which the crimson
+of her cheeks shines like the flame through yonder alabaster lamp, the
+tint of the peach through the down.  I have seen it often in
+convalescents.  Aphrodite breathes this hue on the faces and figures of
+her favourites only, as the god of time imparts the green tinge to the
+bronze.  Nothing is more beautiful than when such women blush."
+
+"Your sight is keen," replied Archibius, smiling.  "It seemed indeed as
+if not Eos, but her faint reflection in the western horizon, was tinting
+the sky, when joy or shame sent the colour to her cheeks, But when wrath
+took possession of her--and ere the King's return this often happened--
+she could look as if she were lifeless, like a marble statue, with lips
+as colourless as those of a corpse.
+
+"My father said that the blood of Physkon and other degenerate ancestors,
+who had not learned to control their passions, was asserting itself in
+her also.  But I must continue my story, or the messenger will interrupt
+me too soon.
+
+"Gabinius was bringing back the King.  But from the time of his approach
+with the Roman army and the auxiliary troops of the Ethnarch of Judea,
+nothing more was learned of him or of Antipater, who commanded the forces
+of Hyrkanus; every one talked constantly of the Roman general Antony.  He
+had led the troops successfully through the deserts between Syria and the
+Egyptian Delta without losing a single man on the dangerous road by the
+Sirbonian Sea and Barathra, where many an army had met destruction.  Not
+to Antipater, but to him, had the Jewish garrison of Pelusium surrendered
+their city without striking a blow.  He had conquered in two battles; and
+the second, where, as you know, Berenike's husband fell after a brave
+resistance, had decided the destiny of the country.
+
+"From the time his name was first mentioned, neither of the girls could
+hear enough about him.  It was said that he was the most aristocratic of
+aristocratic Romans, the most reckless of the daring, the wildest of the
+riotous, and the handsomest of the handsome.
+
+"The waiting-maid from Mantua, with whom Cleopatra practised speaking the
+Roman language, had often seen him, and had heard of him still more
+frequently--for his mode of life was the theme of gossip among all
+classes of Roman men and women.  His house was said to have descended in
+a direct line from Hercules, and his figure and magnificent black beard
+recalled his ancestor.  You know him, and know that the things reported
+of him are those which a young girl cannot hear with indifference, and at
+that time he was nearly five lustra younger than he is to-day.
+
+"How eagerly Arsinoe listened when his name was uttered!  How Cleopatra
+flushed and paled when Timagenes condemned him as an unprincipled
+libertine!  True, Antony was opening her father's path to his home.
+
+"The flute-player had not forgotten his daughters.  He had remained aloof
+from the battle, but as soon as the victory was decided, he pressed on
+into the city.
+
+"The road led past our garden.
+
+"The King had barely time to send a runner to his daughters, fifteen
+minutes before his arrival, to say that he desired to greet them.  They
+were hurriedly attired in festal garments, and both presented an
+appearance that might well gladden a father's heart.
+
+"Cleopatra was not yet as tall as Arsinoe, but, though only fourteen, she
+looked like a full-grown maiden, while her sister's face and figure
+showed that in years she was still a child.  But she was no longer one in
+heart.  Bouquets for the returning sovereign had been arranged as well as
+haste permitted.  Each one of the girls held one in her hand when the
+train approached.
+
+"My parents accompanied them to the garden gate.  I could see what was
+passing, but could hear distinctly only the voices of the men.
+
+"The King alighted from the travelling chariot, which was drawn by eight
+white Median steeds.  The chamberlain who attended him was obliged to
+support him.  His face, reddened by his potations, fairly beamed as he
+greeted his daughters.  His joyful surprise at the sight of both, but
+especially of Cleopatra, was evident.  True, he kissed and embraced
+Arsinoe, but after that he had eyes and ears solely for Cleopatra.
+
+"Yet his younger daughter was very beautiful.  Away from her sister, she
+would have commanded the utmost admiration; but Cleopatra was like the
+sun, beside which every other heavenly body pales.  Yet, no; she should
+not be compared to the sun.  It was part of the fascination she exerted
+that every one felt compelled to gaze at her, to discover the source of
+the charm which emanated from her whole person.
+
+"Antony, too, was enthralled by the spell as soon as he heard the first
+words from her lips.  He had dashed up to the King's chariot, and seeing
+the two daughters by their father's side, he greeted them with a hasty
+salute.  When, in reply to the question whether he might hope for her
+gratitude for bringing her father back to her so quickly, she said that
+as a daughter she sincerely rejoiced, but as an Egyptian the task would
+be harder, he gazed more keenly at her.
+
+"I did not know her answer until later; but ere the last sound of her
+voice had died away, I saw the Roman spring from his charger and fling
+the bridle to Ammonius--the chamberlain who had assisted the King from
+the chariot--as if he were his groom.  The woman-hunter had met with
+rare game in his pursuit of the fairest, and while he continued his
+conversation with Cleopatra her father sometimes joined in, and his deep
+laughter was often heard.
+
+"No one would have recognized the earnest disciple of Epicurus.  We had
+often heard apt replies and original thoughts from Cleopatra's lips, but
+she had rarely answered Timagenes's jests with another.  Now she found--
+one could see it by watching the speakers--a witty answer to many of
+Antony's remarks.  It seemed as if, for the first time, she had met some
+one for whom she deemed it worth while to bring into the field every gift
+of her deep and quick intelligence.  Yet she did not lose for a moment
+her womanly dignity; her eyes did not sparkle one whit more brightly than
+during an animated conversation with me or our father.
+
+"It was very different with Arsinoe.  When Antony flung himself from his
+horse, she had moved nearer to her sister, but, as the Roman continued to
+overlook her, her face crimsoned, she bit her scarlet lips.  Her whole
+attitude betrayed the agitation that mastered her, and I, who knew her,
+saw by the expression of her eyes and her quivering nostrils that she was
+on the point of bursting into tears.  Though Cleopatra stood so much
+nearer to my heart, I felt sorry for her, and longed to touch the arm of
+the haughty Roman, who indeed looked like the god of war, and whisper to
+him to take some little notice of the poor child, who was also a daughter
+of the King.
+
+"But a still harder blow was destined to fall upon Arsinoe; for when the
+King, who had been holding both bouquets, warned Antony that it was time
+to depart, he took one, and I heard him say in his deep, loud tones,
+'Whoever calls such flowers his daughters does not need so many others.'
+Then he gave Cleopatra the blossoms and, laying his hand upon his heart,
+expressed the hope of seeing her in Alexandria, and swung himself upon
+the charger which the chamberlain, pale with fury, was still holding by
+the bridle.
+
+"The flute-player was delighted with his oldest daughter, and told my
+father he would have the young princess conveyed to the city on the day
+after the morrow.  The next day he had things to do of which he desired
+her to have no knowledge.  Our father, in token of his gratitude, should
+retain for himself and his heirs the summer palace and the garden.  He
+would see that the change of owner was entered in the land register.
+This was really done that very day.  It was, indeed, his first act save
+one--the execution of his daughter Berenike.
+
+"This ruler, who would have seemed to any one who beheld his meeting with
+his children a warm-hearted man and a tender father, at that time would
+have put half Alexandria to the sword, had not Antony interposed.  He
+forbade the bloodshed, and honoured Berenike's dead husband by a stately
+funeral.
+
+"As the steed bore him away, he turned back towards Cleopatra; he could
+not have saluted Arsinoe, for she had rushed into the garden, and her
+swollen face betrayed that she had shed burning tears.
+
+"From that hour she bitterly hated Cleopatra.
+
+"On the day appointed, the King brought the princesses to the city with
+regal splendour.  The Alexandrians joyously greeted the royal sisters,
+as, seated on a golden throne, over which waved ostrich-feathers, they
+were borne in state down the Street of the King, surrounded by
+dignitaries, army commanders, the body-guard, and the senate of the city.
+Cleopatra received the adulation of the populace with gracious majesty,
+as if she were already Queen.  Whoever had seen her as, with floods of
+tears, she bade us all farewell, assuring us of her gratitude and
+faithful remembrance, the sisterly affection she showed me--I had just
+been elected commander of the Ephebi--"  Here Archibius was interrupted
+by a slave, who announced the arrival of the messenger, and, rising
+hurriedly, he went to Leonax's workshop, to which the man had been
+conducted, that he might speak to him alone.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Shadow of the candlestick caught her eye before the light
+Soul which ceases to regard death as a misfortune finds peace
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 3.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The men sent by Archibius to obtain news had brought back no definite
+information; but a short time before, a royal runner had handed him a
+tablet from Iras, requesting him to visit her the next day.  Disquieting,
+but fortunately as yet unverified tidings had arrived.  The Regent was
+doing everything in his power to ascertain the truth; but he (Archibius)
+was aware of the distrust of the government, and everything connected
+with it, felt by the sailors and all the seafaring folk at the harbour.
+An independent person like himself could often learn more than the chief
+of the harbour police, with all his ships and men.
+
+The little tablet was accompanied by a second, which, in the Regent's
+name, authorized the bearer to have the harbour chains raised anywhere,
+to go out into the open sea and return without interference.
+
+The messenger, the overseer of Archibius's galley slaves, was an
+experienced man.  He undertook to have the "Epicurus"--a swift vessel,
+which Cleopatra had given to her friend--ready for a voyage to the open
+sea within two hours.  The carriage should be sent for his master, that
+no time might be lost.
+
+When Archibius had returned to the ladies and asked whether it would be
+an abuse of their hospitality, if--it was now nearly midnight--he should
+still delay his departure for a time, they expressed sincere pleasure,
+and begged him to continue his narrative.
+
+"I must hasten," he hurriedly began, after eating the lunch which
+Berenike had ordered while he was talking with the messenger, "but the
+events of the next few years are hardly worth mentioning.  Besides, my
+time was wholly occupied by my studies in the museum.
+
+"As for Cleopatra and Arsinoe, they stood like queens at the head of all
+the magnificence of the court.  The day on which they left our house was
+the last of their childhood.
+
+"Who would venture to determine whether her father's restoration, or the
+meeting with Antony, had wrought the great change which took place at
+that time in Cleopatra?
+
+"Just before  she  left  us, my  mother  had lamented that she must give
+her to a father like the flute-player, instead of to a worthy mother; for
+the best could not help regarding herself happy in the possession of such
+a daughter.  Afterwards her character and conduct were better suited to
+delight men than to please a mother.  The yearning for peace of mind
+seemed over.  Only the noisy festivals, the singing and music, of which
+there was never any cessation in the palace of the royal virtuoso, seemed
+to weary her and at such times she appeared at our house and spent
+several days beneath its roof.  Arsinoe never accompanied her; her heart
+was sometimes won by a golden-haired officer in the ranks of the German
+horsemen whom Gabinius had left among the garrison of Alexandria,
+sometimes by a Macedonian noble among the youths who, at that time,
+performed the service of guarding the palace.
+
+"Cleopatra lived apart from her, and Arsinoe openly showed her hostility
+from the time that she entreated her to put an end to the scandal caused
+by her love affairs.
+
+"Cleopatra held aloof from such things.
+
+"Though she had devoted much time to the magic arts of the Egyptians, her
+clear intellect had rendered her so familiar with the philosophy of the
+Hellenes that it was a pleasure to hear her converse or argue in the
+museum-as she often did-with the leaders of the various schools.  Her
+self-confidence had become very strong.  Though, while with us, she said
+that she longed to return to the days of the peaceful Garden of Epicurus,
+she devoted herself eagerly enough to the events occurring in the world
+and to statecraft.  She was familiar with everything in Rome, the desires
+and struggles of the contending parties, as well as the characters of the
+men who were directing affairs, their qualities, views, and aims.
+
+"She followed Antony's career with the interest of love, for she had
+bestowed on him the first affection of her young heart.  She had expected
+the greatest achievements, but his subsequent course seemed to belie
+these lofty hopes.  A tinge of scorn coloured her remarks concerning him
+at that time, but here also her heart had its share.
+
+"Pompey, to whom her father owed his restoration to the throne, she
+considered a lucky man, rather than a great and wise one.  Of Julius
+Caesar, on the contrary, long before she met him, she spoke with ardent
+enthusiasm, though she knew that he would gladly have made Egypt a Roman
+province.  The greatest deed which she expected from the energetic Julius
+was that he would abolish the republic, which she hated, and soar upward
+to tyrannize over the arrogant rulers of the world--only she would fain
+have seen Antony in his place.  How often in those days she used magic
+art to assure herself of his future!  Her father was interested in these
+things, especially as, through them, and the power of the mighty Isis, he
+expected to obtain relief from his many and severe sufferings.
+
+"Cleopatra's brothers were still mere boys, completely dependent upon
+their guardian, Pothinus, to whom the King left the care of the
+government, and their tutor, Theodotus, a clever but unprincipled
+rhetorician.  These two men and Achillas, the commander of the troops,
+would gladly have aided Dionysus, the King's oldest male heir, to obtain
+the control of the state, in order afterwards to rule him, but the flute-
+player baffled their plans.  You know that in his last will he made
+Cleopatra, his favourite child, his successor, but her brother Dionysus
+was to share the throne as her husband.  This caused much scandal in
+Rome, though it was an old custom of the house of Ptolemy, and suited the
+Egyptians.
+
+"The  flute-player  died.  Cleopatra  became Queen, and at the same time
+the wife of a husband ten years old, for whom she did not even possess
+the natural gift of sisterly tenderness.  But with the obstinate child
+who had been told by his counsellors that the right to rule should be his
+alone, she also married the former governors of the country.
+
+"Then began a period of sore suffering.  Her life was a perpetual battle
+against notorious intrigues, the worst of which owed their origin to her
+sister.  Arsinoe had surrounded herself with a court of her own, managed
+by the eunuch Ganymedes, an experienced commander, and at the same time a
+shrewd adviser, wholly devoted to her interest.  He understood how to
+bring her into close relations with Pothinus and other rulers of the
+state, and thus at last united all who possessed any power in the royal
+palace in an endeavour to thrust Cleopatra from the throne.  Pothinus,
+Theodotus, and Achillas hated her because she saw their failings and made
+them feel the superiority of her intellect.  Their combined efforts might
+have succeeded in overthrowing her before, had not the Alexandrians,
+headed by the Ephebi, over whom I still had some influence, stood by her
+so steadfastly.  Whoever could still be classed as a youth glowed with
+enthusiasm for her, and most of the Macedonian nobles in the body-guard
+would have gone to death for her sake, though she had forced them to gaze
+hopelessly up to her as if she were some unapproachable goddess.
+
+"When her father died she was seventeen, but she knew how to resist
+oppressors and foes as if she were a man.  My sister, Charmian, whom she
+had appointed to a place in her service, loyally aided her.  At that time
+she was a beautiful and lovable girl, but the spell exerted by the Queen
+fettered her like chains and bonds.  She voluntarily resigned the love of
+a noble man--he afterwards became your husband, Berenike--in order not to
+leave her royal friend at a time when she so urgently needed her.  Since
+then my sister has shut her heart against love.  It belonged to
+Cleopatra.  She lives, thinks, cares for her alone.  She is fond of you,
+Barine, because your father was so dear to her.  Iras, whose name is so
+often associated with hers, is the daughter of my oldest sister, who was
+already married when the King entrusted the princesses to our father's
+care.  She is thirteen years younger than Cleopatra, but her mistress
+holds the first place in her heart also.  Her father, the wealthy Krates,
+made every effort to keep her from entering the service of the Queen, but
+in vain.  A single conversation with this marvellous woman had bound her
+forever.
+
+"But I must be brief.  You have doubtless heard how completely Cleopatra
+bewitched Pompey's son during his visit to Alexandria.  She had not been
+so gracious to any man since her meeting with Antony, and it was not from
+affection, but to maintain the independence of her beloved native land.
+At that time the father of Gnejus was the man who possessed the most
+power, and statecraft commanded her to win him through his son.  The
+young Roman also took his leave 'full of her,' as the Egyptians say.
+This pleased her, but the visit greatly aided her foes.  There was no
+slander which was not disseminated against her.  The commanders of the
+body-guard, whom she had always treated as a haughty Queen, had seen her
+associate with Pompey's son in the theatre as if he were a friend of
+equal rank; and on many other occasions the Alexandrians saw her repay
+his courtesies in the same coin.  But in those days hatred of Rome surged
+high.  The regents, leagued with Arsinoe, spread the rumour that
+Cleopatra would deliver Egypt up to Pompey, if the senate would secure to
+her the sole sovereignty of the new province, and leave her free to rid
+herself of her royal brother and husband.
+
+"She was compelled to fly, and went first to the Syrian frontier, to gain
+friends for her cause among the Asiatic princes.  My brother Straton--you
+remember the noble youth who won the prize for wrestling at Olympia,
+Berenike--and I were commissioned to carry the treasure to her.  We
+doubtless exposed ourselves to great peril, but we did so gladly, and
+left Alexandria with a few camels, an ox-cart, and some trusted slaves.
+We were to go to Gaza, where Cleopatra was already beginning to collect
+an army, and had disguised ourselves as Nabataean merchants.  The
+languages which I had learned, in order not to be distanced by Cleopatra,
+were now of great service.
+
+"Those were stirring times.  The names of Caesar and Pompey were in every
+mouth.  After the defeat at Dyrrachium the cause of Julius seemed lost,
+but the Pharsalian battle again placed him uppermost, unless the East
+rose in behalf of Pompey.  Both seemed to be favourites of Fortune.  The
+question now was to which the goddess would prove most faithful.
+
+"My sister Charmian was with the Queen, but through one of Arsinoe's
+maids, who was devoted to her, we had learned from the palace that
+Pompey's fate was decided.  He had come a fugitive from the defeat of
+Pharsalus, and begged the King of Egypt--that is, the men who were acting
+in his name--for a hospitable reception.  Pothinus and his associates had
+rarely confronted a greater embarrassment.  The troops and ships of the
+victorious Caesar were close at hand; many of Gabinius' men were serving
+in the Egyptian army.  To receive the vanquished Pompey kindly was to
+make the victorious Caesar a foe.  I was to witness the terrible solution
+of this dilemma.  The infamous words of Theodotus, 'Dead dogs no longer
+bite,' had turned the scale.
+
+"My brother and I reached Mount Casius with our precious freight, and
+pitched our tents to await a messenger, when a large body of armed men
+approached from the city.  At first we feared that we were pursued; but a
+spy reported that the King himself was among the soldiery, and at the
+same time a large Roman galley drew near the coast.  It must be Pompey's.
+So they had changed their views, and the King was coming in person to
+receive their guest.  The troops encamped on the flat shore on which
+stood the Temple of the Casian Amon.
+
+"The September sun shone brightly, and was reflected from the weapons.
+From the high bank of the dry bed of the river, where we had pitched our
+tent, we saw something scarlet move to and fro.  It was the King's
+mantle.  The waves, stirred by the autumn breeze, rippled lightly, blue
+as cornflowers, over the yellow sand of the dunes; but the King stood
+still, shading his eyes with his hand as he gazed at the galley.
+Meanwhile, Achillas, the commander of the troops, and Septimius, the
+tribune, who belonged to the Roman garrison in Alexandria, and who, I
+knew, had served under Pompey and owed him many favours, had entered a
+boat and put off to the vessel, which could not come nearer the land on
+account of the shallow water.
+
+"The conference now began, and Achillas's offer of hospitality must have
+been very warm and well calculated to inspire confidence, for a tall
+lady--it was Cornelia, the wife of the Imperator--waved her hand to him
+in token of gratitude."
+
+Here the speaker paused, drew a long breath, and, pressing his hand to
+his brow, continued "What follows--alas, that it was my fate to witness
+the dreadful scene!  How often a garbled account has been given, and yet
+the whole was so terribly simple!
+
+"Fortune  makes  her  favourites  confiding.  Pompey was also.  Though
+more than fifty years old--he lacked two years of sixty--he sprang into
+the boat quickly enough, with merely a little assistance from a freedman.
+A sailor--he was a negro--shoved the skiff off from the side of the huge
+ship as violently as if the pole he used for the purpose was a spear, and
+the galley his foe.  The boat, urged by his companions' oars, had already
+moved forward, and he stumbled, the brown cap falling from his woolly
+head in the act.
+
+"It seems as if I could still see him.  Ere I clearly realized that this
+was an evil omen, the boat stopped.
+
+"The water was shallow.  I saw Achillas point to the shore.  It could be
+reached by a single bound.  Pompey looked towards the King.  The freedman
+put his hand under his arm to help him rise.  Septimius also stood up.  I
+thought he intended to assist him.  But no!  What did this mean?
+Something flashed  by the  Imperator's silver-grey hair as if a spark had
+fallen from the sky.  Would Pompey defend himself, or why did he raise
+his hand?  It was to draw around him the toga, with which he silently
+covered his face.  The tribune's arm was again raised high into the air,
+and then--what confusion!  Here, there, yonder, hands suddenly appeared
+aloft, bright flashes darted through the clear air.  Achillas, the
+general, dealt blows with his dagger as if he were skilled in murder.
+The Imperator's stalwart figure sank forward.  The freedman supported
+him.
+
+"Then shouts arose, here a cry of fury, yonder a wail of grief, and,
+rising above all, a woman's shriek of anguish.  It came from the lips of
+Cornelia, the murdered man's wife.  Shouts of applause from the King's
+camp followed, then the blast of a trumpet; the Egyptians drew back from
+the shore.  The scarlet cloak again appeared.  Septimius, bearing in his
+hand a bleeding head, went towards it and held the ghastly trophy aloft.
+
+"The royal boy gazed into the dull eyes of the victim, who had guided the
+destinies of many a battlefield, of Rome, of two quarters of the globe.
+The sight was probably too terrible for the child upon the throne, for he
+averted his head.  The ship moved away from the land, the Egyptians
+formed into ranks and marched off.  Achillas cleansed his blood-stained
+hands in the sea-water.  The freedman beside him washed his master's
+headless trunk.  The general shrugged his shoulders as the faithful
+fellow heaped reproaches on him."
+
+Here Archibius paused, drawing a long breath.  Then he continued more
+calmly:
+
+"Achillas did not lead the troops back to Alexandria, but eastward,
+towards Pelusium, as I learned later.
+
+"My brother and I stood on the rocky edge of the ravine.  It was long ere
+either spoke.  A cloud of dust concealed the King and his body-guard, the
+sails of the galley disappeared.  Twilight closed in, and Straton pointed
+westward towards Alexandria.  Then the sun set.  Red! red!  It seemed as
+if a torrent of blood was pouring over the city.
+
+"Night followed.  A scanty fire was glimmering on the strand.  Where had
+the wood been gathered in this desert?  How had it been kindled?  A
+wrecked, mouldering boat had lain close beside the scene of the murder.
+The freedman and his companions had broken it up and fed the flames with
+withered boughs, the torn garments of the murdered man, and dry sea-weed.
+A blaze soon rose, and a body was carefully placed upon the wretched
+funeral pyre.  It was the corpse of the great Pompey.  One of the
+Imperator's veterans aided the faithful servant."
+
+Here Archibius sank back again among the cushions, adding in explanation:
+
+"Cordus, the man's name was Servius Cordus.  He fared well later.  The
+Queen provided for him.  The others?  Fate overtook them all soon enough.
+Theodotus was condemned by Brutus to a torturing death.  Amid his loud
+shrieks of agony one of Pompey's veterans shouted, 'Dead dogs no longer
+bite, but they howl when dying!'
+
+"It was worthy of Caesar that he averted his face in horror from the head
+of his enemy, which Theodotus sent to him.  Pothinus, too, vainly awaited
+the reward of his infamous deed.
+
+"Julius Caesar had cast anchor before Alexandria shortly after the King's
+return.  Not until after his arrival in Egypt did he learn how Pompey had
+been received there.  You know that he remained nine months.  How often I
+have heard it said that Cleopatra understood how to chain him here!  This
+is both true and false.  He was obliged to stay half a year; the
+following three months he did indeed give to the woman whom he loved.
+Ay, the heart of the man of fifty-four had again opened to a great
+passion.  Like all wounds, those inflicted by the arrows of Eros heal
+more slowly when youth lies behind the stricken one.  It was not only the
+eyes and the senses which attracted a couple so widely separated by
+years, but far more the mental characteristics of both.  Two winged
+intellects had met.  The genius of one had recognized that of the other.
+The highest type of manhood had met perfect womanhood.  They could not
+fail to attract each other.  I expected it; for Cleopatra had long
+watched breathlessly the flight of this eagle who soared so far above the
+others, and she was strong enough to keep at his side.
+
+"We succeeded in joining Cleopatra, and heard that, spite of the
+hostility of our citizens, Caesar had occupied the palace of the
+Ptolemies and was engaged in restoring order.
+
+"We knew in what way Pothinus, Achillas, and Arsinoe would seek to
+influence him.  Cleopatra had good reason to fear that her foes might
+deliver Egypt unconditionally to Rome, if Caesar should leave the reins
+of government in their hands and shut her out.  She had cause to dread
+this, but she also had the courage to act in person in her own behalf.
+
+"The point now was to bring her into the city, the palace-nay, into
+direct communication with the dictator.  Children tell the tale of the
+strong man who bore Cleopatra in a sack through the palace portals.  It
+was not a sack which concealed her, but a Syrian carpet.  The strong man
+was my brother Straton.  I went first, to secure a free passage.
+
+"Julius Caesar and she saw and found each other.  Fate merely drew the
+conclusion which must result from such premises.  Never have I seen
+Cleopatra happier, more exalted in mind and heart, yet she was menaced on
+all sides by serious perils.  It required all the military genius of
+Caesar to conquer the fierce hostility which he encountered here.  It was
+this, not the thrall of Cleopatra, I repeat, which first bound him to
+Egypt.  What would have prevented him--as he did later--from taking the
+object of his love to Rome, had it been possible at that time?  But this
+was not the case.  The Alexandrians provided for that.
+
+"He had recognized the flute-player's will, nay, had granted more to the
+royal house than could have been given to the former.  Cleopatra and her
+brother-husband, Dionysus, were to share the government, and he also
+bestowed on Arsinoe and her youngest brother the island of Cyprus, which
+had been wrested from their uncle Ptolemy by the republic.  Rome was, of
+course, to remain the guardian of the brothers and sisters.
+
+"This arrangement was unendurable to Pothinus and the former rulers of
+the state.  Cleopatra as Queen, and Rome--that is Caesar, the dictator,
+her friend, as guardian--meant their removal from power, their
+destruction, and they resisted violently.
+
+"The Egyptians and even the Alexandrians supported them.  The young King
+hated nothing more than the yoke of the unloved sister, who was so
+greatly his superior.  Caesar had come with a force by no means equal to
+theirs, and it might be possible to draw the mighty general into a snare.
+They fought with all the power at their command, with such passionate
+eagerness, that the dictator had never been nearer succumbing to peril.
+But Cleopatra certainly did not paralyze his strength and cautious
+deliberation.  No!  He had never been greater; never proved the power of
+his genius so magnificently.  And against what superior power, what
+hatred he contended!  I myself saw the young King, when he heard that
+Cleopatra had succeeded in entering the palace and meeting Caesar, rush
+into the street, fairly crazed by rage, tear the diadem from his head,
+hurl it on the pavement, and shriek to the passers-by that he was
+betrayed, until Caesar's soldiers forced him back into the palace, and
+dispersed the mob.
+
+"Arsinoe had received more than she could venture to expect; but she was
+again most deeply angered.  After Caesar's entry into the palace, she had
+received him as Queen, and hoped everything from his favour.  Then her
+hated sister had come and, as so often happened, she was forgotten for
+Cleopatra's sake.
+
+"This  was  too much,  and with  the  eunuch Ganymedes, her confidant,
+and--as I have already said--an able warrior, she left the palace and
+joined the dictator's foes.
+
+"There were severe battles on land and sea; in the streets of the city,
+for the drinkable water excavated by the foe; and against the
+conflagration which destroyed part of the Bruchium and the library of the
+museum.  Yet, half dead with thirst, barely escaped from drowning,
+threatened on all sides by fierce hatred, he stood firm, and remained
+victor also in the open field, after the young King had placed himself at
+the head of the Egyptians and collected an army.
+
+"You know that the boy was drowned in the flight.
+
+"In battle and mortal peril, amid blood and the clank of arms, Caesar and
+Cleopatra spent half a year ere they were permitted to pluck the fruit of
+their common labour.  The dictator now made her Queen of Egypt, and gave
+her, as co-regent, her youngest brother, a boy not half her own age.  To
+Arsinoe he granted the life she had forfeited, but sent her to Italy.
+
+"Peace followed the victory.  Now, it is true, grave duties must have
+summoned the statesman back to Rome, but he tarried three full months
+longer.
+
+"Whoever knows the life of the ambitious Julius, and is aware what this
+delay might have cost him, may well strike his brow with his hand, and
+ask, 'Is it true and possible that he used this precious time to take a
+trip with the woman he loved up the Nile, to the island of Isis, which is
+so dear to the Queen, to the extreme southern frontier of the country?'
+Yet it was so, and I myself went in the second ship, and not only saw
+them together, but more than once shared their banquets and their
+conversation.  It was giving and taking, forcing down and elevating, a
+succession of discords, not unpleasant to hear, because experience taught
+that they would finally terminate in the most beautiful harmony.  It was
+a festal day for all the senses."
+
+"I imagine the whole Nile journey," interrupted Barine, "to be like the
+fairy voyage, when the purple silk sails of Cleopatra's galley bore
+Antony along the Cydnus."
+
+"No, no," replied Archibius, "she first learned from Antony the art of
+filling this earthly existence with fleeting pleasures.  Caesar demanded
+more.  Her intellect offered him the highest enjoyment."
+
+Here he hesitated.
+
+"True, the skill with which, to please Antony, she daily offered him for
+years fresh charms for every sense, was not a matter of accident."
+
+"And this," cried Barine, "this was undertaken by the woman who had
+recognized the chief good in peace of mind!"
+
+"Ay," replied Archibius thoughtfully, "yet this was the inevitable
+result.  Pleasure had been the young girl's object in life.  Ere passion
+awoke in her soul, peace of mind was the chief good she knew.  When the
+hour arrived that this proved unattainable, the firmly rooted yearning
+for happiness still remained the purpose of her existence.  My father
+would have been wiser to take her to the Stoa and impress it upon her
+that, if life must have a goal, it should be only to live in accordance
+with the sensibly arranged course of the world, and in harmony with one's
+own nature.  He should have taught her to derive happiness from virtue.
+He should have stamped goodness upon the soul of the future Queen as the
+fundamental law of her being.  He omitted to do this, because in his
+secluded life he had succeeded in finding the happiness which the master
+promises to his disciples.  From Athens to Cyrene, from Epicurus to
+Aristippus, is but a short step, and Cleopatra took it when she forgot
+that the master was far from recognizing the chief good in the enjoyment
+of individual pleasure.  The happiness of Epicurus was not inferior to
+that of Zeus, if he had only barley bread and water to appease his hunger
+and thirst.
+
+"Yet she still considered herself a follower of Epicurus, and later, when
+Antony had gone to the Parthian war, and she was a long time alone, she
+once more began to strive for freedom from pain and peace of mind, but
+the state, her children, the marriage of Antony--who had long been her
+lover--to Octavia, the yearning of her own heart, Anubis, magic, and the
+Egyptian teachings of the life after death, above all, the burning
+ambition, the unresting desire to be loved, where she herself loved, to
+be first among the foremost--"
+
+Here he was interrupted by the messenger, who informed him that the ship
+was ready.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Archibius had buried himself so deeply in the past that it was several
+minutes ere he could bring himself back to the present.  When he did so,
+he hastily discussed with the two ladies the date of their departure.
+
+It was hard for Berenike to leave her injured brother, and Barine longed
+to see Dion once more before the journey.  Both were reluctant to quit
+Alexandria ere decisive news had arrived from the army and the fleet.  So
+they requested a few days' delay; but Archibius cut them short, requiring
+them, with a resolution which transformed the amiable friend into a stern
+master, to be ready for the journey the next day at sunset.  His Nile
+boat would await them at the Agathodaemon harbour on Lake Mareotis, and
+his travelling chariot would convey them thither, with as much luggage
+and as many female slaves as they desired to take with them.  Then
+softening his tone, he briefly reminded the ladies of the great
+annoyances to which a longer stay would expose them, excused his rigour
+on the plea of haste, pressed the hands of the mother and daughter, and
+retired without heeding Barine, who called after him, yet could desire
+nothing save to plead for a longer delay.  The carriage bore him swiftly
+to the great harbour.
+
+The waxing moon was mirrored like a silver column, now wavering and
+tremulous, now rent by the waves tossing under a strong southeast wind,
+and illumined the warm autumn night.  The sea outside was evidently
+running high.  This was apparent by the motion of the vessels lying at
+anchor in the angle which the shore in front of the superb Temple of
+Poseidon formed with the Choma.  This was a tongue of land stretched like
+a finger into the sea, on whose point stood a little palace which
+Cleopatra, incited by a chance remark of Antony, had had built there to
+surprise him.
+
+Another, of white marble, glimmered in the moonlight from the island of
+Antirrhodus; and farther still a blazing fire illumined the darkness.
+Its flames flared from the top of the famous lighthouse on the island of
+Pharos at the entrance of the harbour, and, swayed to and fro by the
+wind, steeped the horizon and the outer edge of the dark water in the
+harbour with moving masses of light which irradiated the gloomy distance,
+sometimes faintly, anon more brilliantly.
+
+Spite of the late hour, the harbour was full of bustle, though the wind
+often blew the men's cloaks over their heads, and the women were obliged
+to gather their garments closely around them.  True, at this hour
+commerce had ceased; but many had gone to the port in search of news, or
+even to greet before others the first ship returning from the victorious
+fleet; for that Antony had defeated Octavianus in a great battle was
+deemed certain.
+
+Guards were watching the harbour, and a band of Syrian horsemen had just
+passed from the barracks in the southern part of the Lochias to the
+Temple of Poseidon.
+
+Here the galleys lay at anchor, not in the harbour of Eunostus, which was
+separated from the other by the broad, bridge-like dam of the
+Heptastadium, that united the city and the island of Pharos.  Near it
+were the royal palaces and the arsenal, and any tidings must first reach
+this spot.  The other harbour was devoted to commerce, but, in order to
+prevent the spread of false reports, newly arrived ships were forbidden
+to enter.
+
+True, even at the great harbour, news could scarcely be expected, for a
+chain stretching from the end of the Pharos to a cliff directly opposite
+in the Alveus Steganus, closed the narrow opening.  But it could be
+raised if a state galley arrived with an important message, and this was
+expected by the throng on the shore.
+
+Doubtless many came from banquets, cookshops, taverns, or the nocturnal
+meeting-places of the sects that practised the magic arts, yet the weight
+of anxious expectation seemed to check the joyous activity, and wherever
+Archibius glanced he beheld eager, troubled faces.  The wind forced many
+to bow their heads, and, wherever they turned their eyes, flags and
+clouds of dust were fluttering in the air, increasing the confusion.
+
+As the galley put off from the shore, and the flutes summoned the oarsmen
+to their toil, its owner felt so disheartened that he did not even
+venture to hope that he was going in quest of good tidings.
+
+Long-vanished days had, as it were, been called from the grave, and many
+a scene from the past rose before him as he lay among the cushions on the
+poop, gazing at the sky, across which dark, swiftly sailing clouds
+sometimes veiled the stars and again revealed them.
+
+"How much we can conceal by words without being guilty of falsehood!"
+he murmured, while recalling what he had told the women.
+
+Ay, he had been Cleopatra's confidant in his early youth, but how he had
+loved her, how, even as a boy, he had been subject to her, body and soul!
+He had allowed her to see it, displayed, confessed it; and she had
+accepted it as her rightful due.  She had repelled with angry pride his
+only attempt to clasp her, in his overflowing affection, in his arms; but
+to show his love for her is a crime for which the loftiest woman pardons
+the humblest suitor, and a few hours later Cleopatra had met him with the
+old affectionate familiarity.
+
+Again he recalled the torments which he had endured when compelled to
+witness how completely she yielded to the passion which drew her to
+Antony.  At that time the Roman had merely swept through her life like a
+swiftly passing meteor, but many things betrayed that she did not forget
+him; and while Archibius had seen without pain her love for the great
+Caesar bud and grow, the torturing feeling of jealousy again stirred in
+his heart, though youth was past, when at Tarsus, on the river Cydnus,
+she renewed the bond which still united her to Antony.
+
+Now his hair had grown grey, and though nothing had clouded his
+friendship for the Queen, though he had always been ready to serve her,
+this foolish feeling had not been banished, and again and again mastered
+his whole being.  He by no means undervalued Antony's attractions; but he
+saw his foibles no less clearly.  All in all, whenever he thought of this
+pair, he felt like the lover of art who entrusts the finest gem in his
+collection to a rich man who knows not how to prize its real value, and
+puts it in the wrong place.
+
+Yet he wished the Roman the most brilliant victory; for his defeat would
+have been Cleopatra's also, and would she endure the consequences of such
+a disaster?
+
+The galley was approaching the flickering circle of light at the foot of
+the Pharos, and Archibius was just producing the token which was to
+secure the lifting of the chain, when his name echoed through the
+stillness of the night.
+
+It was Dion hailing him from a boat tossing near the mouth of the harbour
+on the waves surging in from the turbulent sea.  He had recognized
+Archibius's swift galley from the bust of Epicurus which was illumined by
+the light of the lantern in the prow.  Cleopatra had had it placed upon
+the ship which, by her orders, had been built for her friend.
+
+Dion now desired to join him, and was soon standing on the deck at his
+side.  He had landed on the island of Pharos, and entered a sailors'
+tavern to learn what was passing.  But no one could give him any definite
+information, for the wind was blowing from the land and allowed large
+vessels to approach the Egyptian coast only by the aid of oars.  Shortly
+before the breeze had veered from south to southeast, and an experienced
+Rhodian would "never again lift cup of wine to his lips" if it did not
+blow from the north to-morrow or the day after.  Then ships bearing news
+might reach Alexandria by the dozen--that is, the greybeard added with a
+defiant glance at the daintily clad city gentleman--if they were allowed
+to pass the Pharos or go through the Poseidon basin into the Eunostus.
+He had fancied that he saw sails on the horizon at sunset, but the
+swiftest galley became a hedgehog when the wind blew against its prow,
+and even checked the oars.
+
+Others, too, had fancied that they had seen sails, and Dion would gladly
+have gone out to sea to investigate, but he was entirely alone in a frail
+hired boat, and this would not have been permitted to pass beyond the
+harbour.  The expectation that every road would be open to Archibius had
+not deceived him, and the harbour chain was drawn aside for the Epicurus.
+With swelling sails, urged by the strong wind blowing from the southeast,
+its keel cut the rolling waves.
+
+Soon a faint, tremulous light appeared in the north.  It must be a ship;
+and though the helmsman in the tavern at Pharos, who looked as though he
+had not always steered peaceful trading-vessels, had spoken of some which
+did not let the ships they caught pass unscathed, the men on the well-
+equipped, stately Epicurus did not fear pirates, especially as morning
+was close at hand, and it had just shot by two clumsy men-of-war which
+had been sent out by the Regent.
+
+The strong wind filled every sail, rowing would have been useless labour,
+and the light in front seemed to be coming nearer.
+
+A wan glimmer was already beginning to brighten the distant east when the
+Epicurus approached the vessel with the light, but it seemed to wish to
+avoid the Alexandrian, and turned suddenly towards the northeast.
+
+Archibius and Dion now discussed whether it would be worth while to
+pursue the fugitive.  It was a small ship, which, as the dark masses of
+clouds became bordered with golden edges, grew more distinct and appeared
+to be a Cilician pirate of the smallest size.
+
+As to its crew, the tried sailors on the Epicurus, a much larger vessel,
+which lacked no means of defence, showed no signs of alarm, the helmsman
+especially, who had served in the fleet of Sextus Pompey, and had sprung
+upon the deck of many a pirate ship.
+
+Archibius deemed it foolish to commence a conflict unnecessarily.  But
+Dion was in the mood to brave every peril.
+
+If life and death were at stake, so much the better!
+
+He had informed his friend of Iras's fears.
+
+The fleet must be in a critical situation, and if the little Cilician had
+had nothing to conceal she would not have shunned the Epicurus.
+
+It was worth while to learn what had induced her to turn back just before
+reaching the harbour.  The warlike helmsman also desired to give chase,
+and Archibius yielded, for the uncertainty was becoming more and more
+unbearable.  Dion's soul was deeply burdened too.  He could not banish
+Barine's image; and since Archibius had told him that he had found her
+resolved to shut her house against guests, and how willingly she had
+accepted his invitation to the country, again and again he pondered over
+the question what should prevent his marrying the quiet daughter of a
+distinguished artist, whom he loved?
+
+Archibius had remarked that Barine would be glad to greet her most
+intimate friends--among whom he was included--in her quiet country.
+
+Dion did not doubt this, but he was equally sure that the greeting would
+bind him to her and rub him of his liberty, perhaps forever.  But would
+the Alexandrian possess the lofty gift of freedom, if the Romans ruled
+his city as they governed Carthage or Corinth?  If Cleopatra were
+defeated, and Egypt became a Roman province, a share in the business of
+the council, which was still addressed as "Macedonian men," and which was
+dear to Dion, could offer nothing but humiliation, and no longer afford
+satisfaction.
+
+If a pirate's spear put an end to bondage under the Roman yoke and to
+this unworthy yearning and wavering, so much the better!
+
+On this autumn morning, under this grey sky, from which sank a damp,
+light fog, with these hopes and fears in his heart, he beheld in both the
+present and future naught save shadows.
+
+The Epicurus overtook and captured the fugitive.  The slight resistance
+the vessel might have offered was relinquished when Archibius's helmsman
+shouted that the Epicurus did not belong to the royal navy, and had come
+in search of news.
+
+The Cilician took in his oars; Archibius and Dion entered the vessel and
+questioned the commander.
+
+He was an old, weather-beaten seaman, who would give no information until
+after he had learned what his pursuers really desired.
+
+At first he protested that he had witnessed on the Peloponnesian coast
+a great victory gained by the Egyptian galleys over those commanded
+by Octavianus; but the queries of the two friends involved him in
+contradictions, and he then pretended to know nothing, and to have
+spoken of a victory merely to please the Alexandrian gentlemen.
+
+Dion, accompanied by a few men from the crew of the Epicurus, searched
+the ship, and found in the little cabin a man bound and gagged, guarded
+by one of the pirates.
+
+It was a sailor from the Pontus, who spoke only his native language.
+Nothing intelligible could be obtained from him; but there were important
+suggestions in a letter, found in a chest in the cabin, among clothing,
+jewels, and other stolen articles.
+
+The letter-Dion could scarcely believe his own eyes-was addressed to his
+friend, the architect Gorgias.  The pirate, being ignorant of writing,
+had not opened it, but Dion tore the wax from the cord without delay.
+Aristocrates, the Greek rhetorician, who had accompanied Antony to the
+war, had written from Taenarum, in the south of the Peloponnesus,
+requesting the architect, in the general's name, to set the little palace
+at the end of the Choma in order, and surround it on the land side with a
+high wall.
+
+No door would be necessary.  Communication with the dwelling could be had
+by water.  He must do his utmost to complete the work speedily.
+
+The friends gazed at each other in astonishment, as they read this
+commission.
+
+What could induce Antony to give so strange an order?  How did it fall
+into the hands of the pirates?
+
+This must be understood.
+
+When Archibius, whose gentle nature, so well adapted to inspire
+confidence, quickly won friends, burst into passionate excitement, the
+unexpected transition rarely failed to produce its effect, especially as
+his tall, strong figure and marked features made a still more threatening
+impression.
+
+Even the captain gazed at him with fear, when the Alexandrian threatened
+to recall all his promises of consideration and mercy if the pirate
+withheld even the smallest trifle connected with this letter.  The man
+speedily perceived that it would be useless to make false statements;
+for the captive from Pontus, though unable to speak Greek, understood the
+language, and either confirmed every remark of the other with vehement
+gestures, or branded it in the same manner as false.
+
+Thus it was discovered that the pirate craft, in company with a much
+larger vessel, owned by a companion, had lurked behind the promontory of
+Crete for a prize.  They had neither seen nor heard aught concerning the
+two fleets, when a dainty galley, "the finest and fleetest that ever
+sailed in the sea"--it was  probably the "Swallow," Antony's despatch-
+boat-had run into the snare.  To capture her was an easy task.  The
+pirates had divided their booty, but the lion's share of goods and men
+had fallen to the larger ship.
+
+A pouch containing letters and money had been taken from a gentleman of
+aristocratic appearance--probably Antony's messenger--who had received a
+severe wound, died, and had been flung into the sea.  The former had been
+used to light the fire, and only the one addressed to the architect
+remained.
+
+The captured sailors had said that the fleet of Octavianus had defeated
+Cleopatra's, and the Queen had fled, but that the land forces were still
+untouched, and might yet decide the conflict in Antony's favour.  The
+pirate protested that he did not know the position of the army--it might
+be at Taenarum, whence the captured ship came.  It was a sin and a shame,
+but his own crew had set it on fire, and it sank before his eyes.
+
+This report seemed to be true, yet the Acharnanian coast, where the
+battle was said to have been fought, was so far from the southern point
+of the Peloponnesus, whence Antony's letter came, that it must have been
+written during the flight.  One thing appeared to be certain--the fleet
+had been vanquished and dispersed on the 2d or 3d of September.
+
+Where would the Queen go now?  What had become of the magnificent galleys
+which had accompanied her to the battle?
+
+Even the contrary winds would not have detained them so long, for they
+were abundantly supplied with rowers.
+
+Had Octavianus taken possession of them?  Were they burned or sunk?
+
+But in that case how had Antony reached Taenarum?
+
+The pirate could give no answer to these questions, which stirred both
+heart and brain.  Why should he conceal what had reached his ears?
+
+At last Archibius ordered the property stolen from Antony's ship, and the
+liberated sailor to be brought on board the Epicurus, but the pirate was
+obliged to swear not to remain in the waters between Crete and
+Alexandria.  Then he was suffered to pursue his way unmolested.
+
+This adventure had occupied many hours, and the return against the wind
+was slow; for, during the chase the Epicurus had been carried by the
+strong breeze far out to sea.  Yet, when still several miles from the
+mouth of the harbour at the Pharos, it was evident that the Rhodian
+helmsman in the island tavern had predicted truly; for the weather
+changed with unusual speed, and the wind now blew from the north.  The
+sea fairly swarmed with ships, some belonging to the royal fleet, some to
+curious Alexandrians, who had sailed out to take a survey.  Archibius and
+Dion had spent a sleepless night and day.  The heavy air, pervaded by a
+fine mist, had grown cool.  After refreshing themselves by a repast, they
+paced up and down the deck of the Epicurus.
+
+Few words were exchanged, and they wrapped their cloaks closer around
+them.  Both had quaffed large draughts of the fiery wine with which the
+Epicurus was well supplied, but it would not warm them.  Even the fire,
+blazing brightly in the richly furnished cabin, could scarcely do so.
+
+Archibius's thoughts lingered with his beloved Queen, and his vivid power
+of imagination conjured before his mind everything which could distress
+her.  No possible chance, not even the most terrible, was forgotten, and
+when he saw her sinking in the ship, stretching her beautiful arms
+imploringly towards him, to whom she had so long turned in every perilous
+position, when he beheld her a captive in the presence of the hostile,
+cold-hearted Octavianus, the blood seemed to freeze in his veins.  At
+last he dropped his felt mantle and, groaning aloud, struck his brow with
+his clenched hand.  He had fancied her walking with gold chains on her
+slender wrists before the victor's four-horse chariot, and heard the
+exulting shouts of the Roman populace.
+
+That would have been the most terrible of all.  To pursue this train of
+thought was beyond the endurance of the faithful friend, and Dion turned
+in surprise as he heard him sob and saw the tears which bedewed his face.
+
+His own heart was heavy enough, but he knew his companion's warm devotion
+to the Queen; so, passing his arm around his shoulder, he entreated him
+to maintain that peace of soul and mind which he had so often admired.
+In the most critical situations he had seen him stand high above them, as
+yonder man who fed the flames on the summit of the Pharos stood above the
+wild surges of the sea.  If he would reflect over what had happened as
+dispassionately as usual, he could not fail to see that Antony must be
+free and in a position to guide his own future, since he directed the
+palace in the Choma to be put in order.  He did not understand about the
+wall, but perhaps he was bringing home some distinguished captive whom he
+wished to debar from all communication with the city.  It might prove
+that everything was far better than they feared, and they would yet smile
+at these grievous anxieties.  His heart, too, was heavy, for he wished
+the Queen the best fortune, not only for her own sake, but because with
+her and her successful resistance to the greed of Rome was connected the
+liberty of Alexandria.
+
+"My love and anxiety, like yours," he concluded, "have ever been given
+to her, the sovereign of this country.  The world will be desolate, life
+will no longer be worth living, if the iron foot of Rome crushes our
+independence and freedom."  The words had sounded cordial and sincere,
+and Archibius followed Dion's counsel.  Calm thought convinced him that
+nothing had yet happened which compelled belief in the worst result; and,
+as one who needs consolation often finds relief in comforting another,
+Archibius cheered his own heart by representing to his younger friend
+that, even if Octavianus were the victor and should deprive Egypt of her
+independence, he would scarcely venture to take from the citizens of
+Alexandria the free control of their own affairs.  Then he explained to
+Dion that, as a young, resolute, independent man, he might render himself
+doubly useful if it were necessary to guard the endangered liberty of the
+city, and told him how many beautiful things life still held in store.
+
+His voice expressed anxious tenderness for his young friend.  No one had
+spoken thus to Dion since his father's death.
+
+The Epicurus would soon reach the mouth of the harbour, and after landing
+he must again leave Archibius.
+
+The decisive hour which often unites earnest men more firmly than many
+previous years had come to both.  They had opened their hearts to each
+other.  Dion had withheld only the one thing which, at the first sight of
+the houses in the city, filled his soul with fresh uneasiness.
+
+It was long since he had sought counsel from others.  Many who had asked
+his, had left him with thanks, to do exactly the opposite of what he had
+advised, though it would have been to their advantage.  More than once
+he, too, had done the same, but now a powerful impulse urged him to
+confide in Archibius.  He knew Barine, and wished her the greatest
+happiness.  Perhaps it would be wise to let another person, who was
+kindly disposed, consider what his own heart so eagerly demanded and
+prudence forbade.
+
+Hastily forming his resolution, he again turned to his friend, saying:
+
+"You have shown yourself a father to me.  Imagine that I am indeed your
+son, and, as such wished to confess that a woman had become dear to my
+heart, and to ask whether you would be glad to greet her as a daughter."
+
+Here Archibius interrupted him with the exclamation: "A ray of light
+amid all this gloom?  Grasp what you have too long neglected as soon as
+possible!  It befits a good citizen to marry.  The Greek does not attain
+full manhood till he becomes husband and father.  If I have remained
+unwedded, there was a special reason for it, and how often I have envied
+the cobbler whom I saw standing before his shop in the evening, holding
+his child in his arms, or the pilot, to whom large and small hands were
+stretched in greeting when he returned home!  When I enter my dwelling
+only my dogs rejoice.  But you, whose beautiful palace stands empty,
+to whose proud family it is due that you should provide for its
+continuance--"
+
+"That is just what brings me into a state of indecision, which is usually
+foreign to my nature," interrupted Dion.  "You know me and my position in
+the world, and you have also known from her earliest childhood the woman
+to whom I allude."
+
+"Iras?"  asked  his  companion, hesitatingly.  His sister, Charmian, had
+told him of the love felt by the Queen's younger waiting-woman.
+
+But Dion eagerly denied this, adding  I am speaking of Barine, the
+daughter of your dead friend Leonax.  I love her, yet my pride is
+sensitive, and I know that it will extend to my future wife.  The
+contemptuous glances which others might cast at her I should scorn,
+for I know her worth.  Surely you remember my mother: she was a very
+different woman.  Her house, her child, the slaves, her loom, were
+everything to her.  She rigidly exacted from other women the chaste
+reserve which was a marked trait in her own character.  Yet she was
+gentle, and loved me, her only son, beyond aught else.  I think she would
+have opened her arms to Barine, had she believed that she was necessary
+to my happiness.  But would the young beauty, accustomed to gay
+intercourse with distinguished men, have been able to submit to her
+demands?  When I consider that she cannot help taking into her married
+life the habit of being surrounded and courted; when I think that the
+imprudence of a woman accustomed to perfect freedom might set idle
+tongues in motion, and cast a shadow upon the radiant purity of my name;
+when I even--" and he raised his clenched right hand.  But Archibius
+answered soothingly:
+
+"That anxiety is groundless if Barine warmly and joyfully gives you her
+whole heart.  It is a sunny, lovable, true woman's heart, and therefore
+capable of a great love.  If she bestows it on you--and I believe she
+will--go and offer sacrifices in your gratitude; for the immortals
+desired your happiness when they guided your choice to her and not to
+Iras, my own sister's child.  If you were really my son, I would now
+exclaim, 'You could not bring me a dearer daughter, if--I repeat it--
+if you are sure of her love.'"
+
+Dion gazed into vacancy a short time, and then cried firmly: "I am!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+The Epicurus anchored before the Temple of Poseidon.  The crew had been
+ordered to keep silence, though they knew nothing, except that a letter
+from Antony, commanding the erection of a wall, had been found on board
+the pirate.  This might be regarded as a good omen, for people do not
+think of building unless they anticipate a time of peace.
+
+The light rain had ceased, but the wind blew more strongly from the
+north, and the air had grown cool.  A dense throng still covered the quay
+from the southern end of the Heptastadium to the promontory of Lochias.
+The strongest pressure was between the peninsula of the Choma and the
+Sebasteum; for this afforded a view of the sea, and the first tidings
+must reach the residence of the Regent, which was connected with the
+palace.
+
+A hundred contradictory rumours had been in circulation that morning; and
+when, at the third hour in the afternoon, the Epicurus arrived, it was
+surrounded by a dense multitude eager to hear what news the ship had
+brought from without.
+
+Other vessels shared the same fate, but none could give reliable tidings.
+
+Two swift galleys from the royal fleet reported meeting a Samian trireme,
+which had given news of a great victory gained by Antony on the land and
+Cleopatra on the sea, and, as men are most ready to believe what they
+desire, throngs of exulting men and women moved to and fro along the
+shore, strengthening by their confidence many a timorous spirit.  Prudent
+people, who had regarded the long delay of the first ships of the fleet
+with anxiety, had opened their ears to the tales of evil, and looked
+forward to the future with uneasiness.  But they avoided giving
+expression to their fears, for the overseer of an establishment for
+gold embroidery, who had ventured to warn the people against premature
+rejoicing, had limped home badly beaten, and two other pessimists who had
+been flung in the sea had just been dragged out dripping wet.
+
+Nor could the multitude be blamed for this confidence; for at the
+Serapeum, the theatre of Dionysus, the lofty pylons of the Sebasteum, the
+main door of the museum, in front of the entrance of the palace in the
+Bruchium, and before the fortress-like palaces in the Lochias, triumphal
+arches had been erected, adorned with gods of victory and trophies
+hastily constructed of plaster, inscriptions of congratulations and
+thanks to the deities, garlands of foliage and flowers.  The wreathing of
+the Egyptian pylons and obelisks, the principal temple, and the favourite
+statues in the city had been commenced during the night.  The last
+touches were now being given to the work.
+
+Gorgias, like his friend Dion, had not closed his eyes since the night
+before; for he had had charge of all the decorations of the Bruchium,
+where one superb building adjoined another.
+
+Sleep had also fled from the couches of the occupants of the Sebasteum,
+the royal palace where Iras lived during the absence of the Queen, and
+the practorium, facing its southern front, which contained the official
+residence of the Regent.
+
+When Archibius was conducted to the Queen's waiting-woman, her appearance
+fairly startled him.  She had been his guest in Kanopus only the day
+before yesterday, and how great was the alteration within this brief
+time!  Her oval face seemed to have lengthened, the features to have
+grown sharper; and this woman of seven-and-twenty years, who had hitherto
+retained all the charms of youth, appeared suddenly to have aged a
+decade.  There was a feverish excitement in her manner, as, holding out
+her hand to her uncle, in greeting, she exclaimed hastily, "You, too,
+bring no good tidings?"
+
+"Nor any evil ones," he answered quietly.  "But, child, I do not like
+your appearance--the dark circles under your keen eyes.  You have had
+news which rouses your anxiety?"
+
+"Worse than that," she answered in a low tone.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Read!" gasped  Iras, her lips and nostrils quivering as she handed
+Archibius a small tablet.  With a gesture of haste very unusual in him,
+he snatched it from her hand and, as his eyes ran over the words traced
+upon it, every vestige of colour vanished from his cheeks and lips.
+
+They were written by Cleopatra's own hand, and contained the following
+lines:
+
+"The naval battle was lost--and by my fault.  The land forces might
+still save us, but not under his command.  He is with me, uninjured, but
+apparently exhausted; like a different being, bereft of courage, listless
+as if utterly crushed.  I foresee the beginning of the end.  As soon as
+this reaches you, arrange to have some unpretending litters ready for us
+every evening at sunset.  Make the people believe that we have conquered
+until trustworthy intelligence arrives concerning the fate of Canidius
+and the army.  When you kiss the children in my name, be very tender with
+them.  Who knows how soon they may be orphaned?  They already have an
+unhappy mother; may they be spared the memory of a cowardly one!  Trust
+no one except those whom I left in authority, and Archibius, not even
+Caesarion or Antyllus.  Provide for having every one whose aid may be
+valuable to me within reach when I come.  I cannot close with the
+familiar 'Rejoice'--the 'Fresh Courage' placed on many a tombstone seems
+more appropriate.  You who did not envy me in my happiness will help me
+to bear misfortune.  Epicurus, who believes that the gods merely watch
+the destiny of men inactively from their blissful heights, is right.
+Were it otherwise, how could the love and loyalty which cleave to the
+hapless, defeated woman, be repaid with anguish of heart and tears?  Yet
+continue to love her."
+
+Archibius, pale and silent, let the tablet fall.  It was long ere he
+gasped hoarsely: "I foresaw it; yet now that it is here--" His voice
+failed, and violent, tearless sobs shook his powerful frame.
+
+Sinking on a couch he buried his face amid the cushions.
+
+Iras gazed at the strong man and shook her head.  She, too, loved the
+Queen; the news had brought tears to her eyes also; but even while she
+wept, a host of plans coping with this disaster had darted through her
+restless brain.  A few minutes after the arrival of the message of
+misfortune she had consulted with the members of Cleopatra's council, and
+adopted measures for sustaining the people's belief in the naval victory.
+
+What was she, the delicate, by no means courageous girl, compared to this
+man of iron strength who, she was well aware, had braved the greatest
+perils in the service of the Queen?  Yet there he lay with his face
+hidden in the pillows as if utterly overwhelmed.
+
+Did a woman's soul rebound more quickly after being crushed beneath the
+burdens of the heaviest suffering, or was hers of a special character,
+and her slender body the casket of a hero's nature?
+
+She had reason to believe so when she recalled how the Regent and the
+Keeper of the Seal had received the terrible news.  They had rushed
+frantically up and down the vast hall as if desperate; but Mardion the
+eunuch had little manhood, and Zeno was a characterless old author who
+had won the Queen's esteem, and the high office which he occupied solely
+by the vivid power of imagination, that enabled him constantly to devise
+new exhibitions, amusements, and entertainments, and present them with
+magical splendour.
+
+But Archibius, the brave, circumspect counsellor and helper?
+
+His shoulders again quivered as if they had received a blow, and Iras
+suddenly remembered what she had long known, but never fully realized--
+that yonder grey-haired man loved Cleopatra, loved her as she herself
+loved Dion; and she wondered whether she would have been strong enough to
+maintain her composure if she had learned that a cruel fate threatened to
+rob him of life, liberty, and honour.
+
+Hour after hour she had vainly awaited the young Alexandrian, yet he had
+witnessed her anxiety the day before.  Had she offended him?  Was he
+detained by the spell of Didymus's granddaughter?
+
+It seemed a great wrong that, amid the unspeakably terrible misfortune
+which had overtaken her mistress, she could not refrain from thinking
+continually of Dion.  Even as his image filled her heart, Cleopatra's
+ruled her uncle's mind and soul, and she said to herself that it was not
+alone among women that love paid no heed to years, or whether the locks
+were brown or tinged with grey.
+
+But Archibius now raised himself, left the couch, passed his hand across
+his brow, and in the deep, calm tones natural to his voice, began with a
+sorrowful smile: "A man stricken by an arrow leaves the fray to have his
+wound bandaged.  The surgeon has now finished his task.  I ought to have
+spared you this pitiable spectacle, child.  But I am again ready for the
+battle.  Cleopatra's account of Antony's condition renders a piece of
+news which we have just received somewhat more intelligible."
+
+"We?"  replied Iras.  "Who was your companion?"
+
+"Dion," answered Archibius; but when he was about to describe the
+incidents of the preceding night, she interrupted him with the question
+whether Barine had consented to leave the city.  He assented with a curt
+"Yes," but Iras assumed the manner of having expected nothing different,
+and requested him to continue his story.
+
+Archibius now related everything which they had experienced, and their
+discovery in the pirate ship.  Dion was even now on the way to carry
+Antony's order to his friend Gorgias.
+
+"Any slave might have attended to that matter equally well," Iras
+remarked in an irritated tone.  "I should think he would have more reason
+to expect trustworthy tidings here.  But that's the way with men!"
+
+Here she hesitated but, meeting an inquiring glance from her uncle, she
+went on eagerly; "Nothing, I believe, binds them more firmly to one
+another than mutual pleasure.  But that must now be over.  They will seek
+other amusements, whether with Heliodora or Thais I care not.  If the
+woman had only gone before!  When she caught young Caesarion--"
+
+"Stay, child," her uncle interrupted reprovingly.  "I know how much she
+would rejoice if Antyllus had never brought the boy to her house."
+
+"Now--because the poor deluded lad's infatuation alarms her."
+
+"No, from his first visit.  Immature boys do not suit the distinguished
+men whom she receives."
+
+"If the door is always kept open, thieves will enter the house."
+
+"She received only old acquaintances, and the friends whom they
+presented.  Her house was closed to all others.  So there was no trouble
+with thieves.  But who in Alexandria could venture to refuse admittance
+to a son of the Queen?"
+
+"There is a wide difference between quiet admittance and fanning a
+passion to madness.  Wherever a fire is burning, there has certainly been
+a spark to kindle it.  You men do not detect such women's work.  A
+glance, a pressure of the hand, even the light touch of a garment, and
+the flame blazes, where such inflammable material lies ready."
+
+"We lament the violence of the conflagration.  You are not well disposed
+towards Barine."
+
+"I care no more for her than this couch here cares for the statue of
+Mercury in the street!" exclaimed Iras, with repellent arrogance.  "There
+could be no two things in the world more utterly alien than we.  Between
+the woman whose door stands open, and me, there is nothing in common save
+our sex."
+
+"And," replied Archibius reprovingly, "many a beautiful gift which the
+gods bestowed upon her as well as upon you.  As for the open door, it was
+closed yesterday.  The thieves of whom you spoke spoiled her pleasure in
+granting hospitality.  Antyllus forced himself with noisy impetuosity
+into her house.  This made her dread still more unprecedented conduct in
+the future.  In a few hours she will be on the way to Irenia.  I am glad
+for Caesarion's sake, and still more for his mother's, whom we have
+wronged by forgetting so long for another."
+
+"To think that we should be forced to do so!" cried Iras excitedly--"
+now, at this hour, when every drop of blood, every thought of this poor
+brain should belong to the Queen!  Yet it could not be avoided.
+Cleopatra is returning to us with a heart bleeding from a hundred wounds,
+and it is terrible to think that a new arrow must strike her as soon as
+she steps upon her native soil.  You know how she loves the boy, who is
+the living image of the great man with whom she shared the highest joys
+of love.  When she learns that he, the son of Caesar, has given his young
+heart to the cast-off wife of a street orator, a woman whose home
+attracted men as ripe dates lure birds, it will be--I know--like rubbing
+salt into her fresh wounds.  Alas!  and the one sorrow will not be all.
+Antony, her husband, also found the way to Barine.  He sought her more
+than once.  You cannot know it as I do; but Charmian will tell you how
+sensitive she has become since the flower of her youthful charms--you
+don't perceive it--is losing one leaf after another.  Jealousy will
+torture her, and--I know her well--perhaps no one will ever render the
+siren a greater service than I did when I compelled her to leave the
+city."
+
+The eyes of Archibius's clever niece had glittered with such hostile
+feeling as she spoke that he thought with just anxiety of his dead
+friend's daughter.  What did not yet threaten Barine as serious danger
+Iras had the power to transform into grave peril.
+
+Dion had begged him to maintain strict secrecy; but even had he been
+permitted to speak, he would not have done so now.  From his knowledge of
+Iras's character she might be expected, if she learned that some one had
+come between her and the friend of her youth, to shrink from no means of
+spoiling her game.  He remembered the noble Macedonian maiden whom the
+Queen had begun to favour, and who was hunted to death by Iras's hostile
+intrigues.  Few were more clever, and--if she once loved--more loyal and
+devoted, more yielding, pliant, and in happy hours more bewitching, yet
+even in childhood she had preferred a winding path to a straight one.
+It seemed as if her shrewdness scorned to attain the end desired by the
+simple method lying close at hand.  How willingly his mother and his
+younger sister Charmian had cared for the slaves and nursed them when
+they were ill; nay, Charmian had gained in her Nubian maid Aniukis a
+friend who would have gone to death for her sake!  Cleopatra, too, when a
+child, had found sincere delight in taking a bouquet to his parents' sick
+old housekeeper and sitting by her bedside to shorten the time for her
+with merry talk.  She had gone to her unasked, while Iras had often been
+punished because she had made the lives of numerous slaves in her
+parents' household still harder by unreasonable harshness.  This trait
+in her character had roused her uncle's anxiety and, in after-years, her
+treatment of her inferiors had been such that he could not number her
+among the excellent of her sex.  Therefore he was the more joyfully
+surprised by the loyal, unselfish love with which she devoted herself to
+the service of the Queen.  Cleopatra had gratified Charmian's wish to
+have her niece for an assistant; and Iras, who had never been a loving
+daughter to her own faithful mother, had served her royal mistress with
+the utmost tenderness.
+
+Archibius valued this loyalty highly, but he knew what awaited any one
+who became the object of her hatred, and the fear that it would involve
+Barine in urgent peril was added to his still greater anxiety for
+Cleopatra.
+
+When about to depart, burdened by the sorrowful conviction that he was
+powerless against his niece's malevolent purpose, he was detained by the
+representation that every fresh piece of intelligence would first reach
+the Sebasteum and her.  Some question might easily arise which his calm,
+prudent mind could decide far better than hers, whose troubled condition
+resembled a shallow pool disturbed by stones flung into the waves.
+
+The apartments of his sister Charmian, which were connected with his by a
+corridor, were empty, and Iras begged him to remain there a short time.
+The anxiety and dread that oppressed her heart would kill her.  To know
+that he was near would be the greatest comfort.
+
+When Archibius hesitated because he deemed it his duty to urge Caesarion,
+over whom he possessed some influence, to give up his foolish wishes for
+his mother's sake, Iras assured him that he would not find the youth.  He
+had gone hunting with Antyllus and some other friends.  She had approved
+the plan, because it removed him from the city and Barine's dangerous
+house.
+
+"As the Queen does not wish him to know the terrible news yet," she
+concluded, "his presence would only have caused us embarrassment.  So
+stay, and when it grows dark go with us to the Lochias.  I think it will
+please the sorrowing woman, when she lands, to see your familiar face,
+which will remind her of happier days.  Do me the favour to stay."  She
+held out both hands beseechingly as she spoke, and Archibius consented.
+
+A repast was served, and he shared it with his niece; but Iras did not
+touch the carefully chosen viands, and Archibius barely tasted them.
+Then, without waiting for dessert, he rose to go to his sister's
+apartments.  But Iras urged him to rest on the divan in the adjoining
+room, and he yielded.  Yet, spite of the softness of the pillows and his
+great need of sleep, he could not find it; anxiety kept him awake, and
+through the curtain which divided the room in which Iras remained from
+the one he occupied he sometimes heard her light footsteps pacing
+restlessly to and fro, sometimes the coming and going of messengers in
+quest of news.
+
+All his former life passed before his mind.  Cleopatra had been his sun,
+and now black clouds were rising which would dim its light, perchance
+forever.  He, the disciple of Epicurus, who had not followed the
+doctrines of other masters until later in life, held the same view of the
+gods as his first master.  To him also they had seemed immortal beings
+sufficient unto themselves, dwelling free from anxiety in blissful peace,
+to whom mortals must look upward on account of their supreme grandeur,
+but who neither troubled themselves about the guidance of the world,
+which was fixed by eternal laws, nor the fate of individuals.  Had he
+been convinced of the contrary, he would have sacrificed everything he
+possessed in order, by lavish offerings, to propitiate the immortals in
+behalf of her to whom he had devoted his life and every faculty of his
+being.
+
+Like Iras, he, too, could find no rest upon his couch, and when she heard
+his step she called to him and asked why he did not recover the sleep
+which he had lost.  No one knew the demands the next night might make
+upon him.
+
+"You will find me awake," he answered quietly.
+
+Then he went to the window which, above the pylons that rose before the
+main front of the Sebasteum, afforded a view of the Bruchium and the sea.
+The harbour was now swarming with vessels of every size, garlanded with
+flowers and adorned with gay flags and streamers.  The report of the
+successful issue of the first naval battle was believed, and many desired
+to greet the victorious fleet and hail their sovereign as she entered the
+harbour.
+
+Many people, equipages, and litters had also gathered on the shore,
+between the lofty pylons and the huge door of the Sebasteum.  They were
+representatives of the aristocracy of the city; for the majority were
+attended by richly attired slaves.  Many wore costly garlands, and
+numerous chariots and litters were adorned with gold or silver ornaments,
+gems, and glittering paste.  The stir and movement in front of the palace
+were ceaseless, and Iras, who was now standing beside her uncle, waved
+her hand towards it, saying: "The wind of rumour!  Yesterday only one or
+two came; to-day every one who belongs to the 'Inimitable Livers' flocks
+hither in person to get news.  The victory was proclaimed in the market-
+place, at the theatre, the gymnasium, and the camp.  Every one who wears
+garlands or weapons heard of a battle won.  Yesterday, among all the
+thousands, there was scarcely a single doubter; but to-day-how does it
+happen?  Even among those who as 'Inimitables' have shared all the
+pleasures, entertainments, and festivities of our noble pair, faith
+wavers; for if they were firmly convinced of the brilliant victory which
+was announced loudly enough, they would not come themselves to watch,
+to spy, to listen.  Just look down!  There is the litter of Diogenes--
+yonder that of Ammonius.  The chariot beyond belongs to Melampous.  The
+slaves in the red bombyx garments serve Hermias.  They all belong to the
+society of--'Inimitables,' and shared our banquets.  That very Apollonius
+who, for the last half hour, has been trying to question the palace
+servants, day before yesterday ordered fifty oxen to be slaughtered to
+Ares, Nike, and the great Isis, as the Queen's goddess, and when I met
+him in the temple he exclaimed that this was the greatest piece of
+extravagance he had ever committed; for even without the cattle Cleopatra
+and Antony would be sure of victory.  But now the wind of rumour has
+swept away his beautiful confidence also.  They are not permitted to see
+me.  The doorkeepers say that I am in the country.  The necessity of
+showing every one a face radiant with the joy of victory would kill me.
+There comes Apollonius.  How his fat face beams!  He believes in the
+victory, and after sunset none of yonder throng will appear here; he is
+already giving orders to his slaves.  He will invite all his friends to a
+banquet, and won't spare his costly wines.  Capital!  At least no one
+from that company can disturb us.  Dion is his cousin, and will be
+present also.  We shall see what these pleasure-lovers will do when they
+are forced to confront, the terrible reality."
+
+"I think," replied Archibius, "they will afford the world a remarkable
+spectacle; friends won in prosperity who remain constant in adversity."
+
+"Do you?"  asked Iras, with sparkling eyes.  "If that proves true, how I
+would praise and value men--the majority of whom without their wealth
+would be poorer than beggars.  But look at yonder figure in the white
+robe beside the left obelisk--is it not Dion?  The crowd is bearing him
+away--I think it was he."
+
+But she had been deceived; the man whom she fancied she had seen, because
+her heart so ardently yearned for him, was not near the Sebasteum, and
+his thoughts were still farther away.
+
+At first he had intended to give the architect the letter which was
+addressed to him.  He would be sure to find him at the triumphal arch
+which was being erected on the shore of the Bruchium.  But on reaching
+the former place he learned that Gorgias had gone to remove the statues
+of Cleopatra and Antony from the house of Didymus, and erect them in
+front of the Theatre of Dionysus.  The Regent, Mardion, had ordered it.
+Gorgias was already superintending the erection of the foundation.
+
+The huge hewn stones which he required for this purpose had been taken
+from the Temple of Nemesis, which he was supervising.  Whatever number of
+government slaves he needed were at his disposal, so Gorgias's foreman
+reported, proudly adding that before the sun went down, the architect
+would have shown the Alexandrians the marvel of removing the twin statues
+from one place to another in a single day, and yet establishing them as
+firmly as the Colossus which had been in Thebes a thousand years.
+
+Dion found the piece of sculpture in front of Didymus's garden, ready for
+removal, but the slaves who had placed before the platform the rollers on
+which it was to be moved had already been kept waiting a long time by the
+architect.
+
+This was his third visit to the old philosopher's house.  First, he had
+been obliged to inform him and his family that their property was no
+longer in danger; then he had come to tell them at what hour he would
+remove the statues, which still attracted many curious spectators; and,
+finally, he had again appeared, to announce that they were to be taken
+away at once.  His foreman or a slave could probably have done this, but
+Helena--Didymus's granddaughter, Barine's sister--drew him again and
+again to the old man's home.  He would gladly have come still more
+frequently, for at every meeting he had discovered fresh charms in the
+beautiful, quiet, thoughtful maiden, who cared so tenderly for her aged
+grandparents.  He believed that he loved her, and she seemed glad to
+welcome him.  But this did not entitle him to seek her hand, though his
+large, empty house so greatly needed a mistress.  His heart had glowed
+with love for too many.  He wished first to test whether this new fancy
+would prove more lasting.  If he succeeded in remaining faithful even a
+few days, he would, as it were, reward himself for it, and appear before
+Didymus as a suitor.
+
+He excused his frequent visits to himself on the pretext of the necessity
+of becoming acquainted with his future wife, and Helena made the task
+easier for him.  The usual reserve of her manner lessened more and more;
+nay, the great confidence with which he at first inspired her was
+increased by his active assistance.  When he entered just now, she had
+even held out her hand to him, and inquired about the progress of his
+work.
+
+He was overwhelmed with business, but so great was his pleasure in
+talking with her that he lingered longer than he would have deemed right
+under any other circumstances, and regarded it as an unpleasant
+interruption when Barine--for whom his heart had throbbed so warmly only
+yesterday--entered the tablinum.
+
+The young beauty was by no means content with a brief greeting; but drew
+Helena entirely away from him.  Never had he seen her embrace and kiss
+her sister so passionately as while hurriedly telling her that she had
+come to bid farewell to the loved ones in her grandparents' house.
+
+Berenike had arrived with her, but went first to the old couple.
+
+While Barine was telling Helena and Gorgias, also, why all this plan had
+been formed so hastily, Gorgias was silently comparing the two sisters.
+He found it natural that he had once believed that he loved Barine; but
+she would not have been a fitting mistress of his house.  Life at her
+side would have been a chain of jealous emotions and anxieties, and her
+stimulating remarks and searching questions, which demanded absolute
+attention, would not have permitted him, after his return home, wearied
+by arduous toil, to find the rest for which he longed.  His eye wandered
+from her to her sister, as if testing the space between two newly erected
+pillars; and Barine, who had noticed his strange manner, suddenly laughed
+merrily, and asked whether they might know what building was occupying
+his thoughts, while a good friend was telling him that the pleasant hours
+in her house were over.
+
+Gorgias started, and the apology he stammered showed so plainly how
+inattentively he had listened, that Barine would have had good reason to
+feel offended.  But one glance at her sister and another at him enabled
+her speedily to guess the truth.  She was pleased; for she esteemed
+Gorgias, and had secretly feared that she might be forced to grieve him
+by a refusal, but he seemed as if created for her sister.  Her arrival
+had probably interrupted them so, turning to Helena, she exclaimed:
+"I must see my mother and our grandparents.  Meanwhile entertain our
+friend here.  We know each other well.  He is one of the few men who can
+be trusted.  That is my honest opinion, Gorgias, and I say it to you
+also, Helena."
+
+With these words she nodded to both, and Gorgias was again alone with the
+maiden whom he loved.
+
+It was difficult to begin the conversation anew, and when, spite of many
+efforts, it would not flow freely, the shout of the overseer, which
+reached his ear through the opening of the roof, urging the men to work,
+was like a deliverance.  Promising to return again soon, as eagerly as if
+he had been requested to do so, he took his leave and opened the door
+leading into the adjoining room.  But on the threshold he started back,
+and Helena, who had followed him, did the same, for there stood his
+friend Dion, and Barine's beautiful head lay on his breast, while his
+hand rested as if in benediction on her fair hair.  And--no, Gorgias was
+not mistaken-the slender frame of the lovely woman, whose exuberant
+vivacity had so often borne him and others away with it, trembled as if
+shaken by deep and painful emotion.
+
+When Dion perceived his friend, and Barine raised her head, turning her
+face towards him, it was indeed wet with tears, but their source could
+not be sorrow; for her blue eyes were sparkling with a happy light.
+
+Yet Gorgias found something in her features which he was unable to
+express in words--the reflection of the ardent gratitude that had taken
+possession of her soul and filled it absolutely.  While seeking the
+architect, Dion had met Barine, who was on her way to her grandparents,
+and what he had dreaded the day before happened.  The first glance from
+her eyes which met his forced the decisive question from his lips.
+
+In brief, earnest words he confessed his love for her, and his desire to
+make her his own, as the pride and ornament of his house.
+
+Then, in the intensity of her bliss, her eyes overflowed and, under the
+spell of a great miracle wrought in her behalf, she found no words to
+answer; but Dion had approached, clasped her right hand in both of his,
+and frankly acknowledged how, with the image of his strict mother before
+his eyes, he had wavered and hesitated until love had overmastered him.
+Now, full of the warmest confidence, he asked whether she would consent
+to rule as mistress of his home, the honour and ornament of his ancient
+name?  He knew that her heart was his, but he must hear one thing more
+from her lips--
+
+Here she had interrupted him with the cry, "This one thing--that your
+wife, in joy and in sorrow, will live for you and you alone?  The whole
+world can vanish for her, now that you have raised her to your side and
+she is yours."
+
+After this assurance, which sounded like an oath, Dion felt as if a heavy
+burden had fallen from his heart, and clasping her in his arms with
+passionate tenderness, he repeated, "In joy and in sorrow!"
+
+Thus Gorgias and Helena had surprised them, and the architect felt for
+the first time that there is no distinction between our own happiness and
+that of those whom we love.
+
+His friend Helena seemed to have the same feeling, when she saw what this
+day had given her sister; and the philosopher's house, so lately shadowed
+by anxiety, and many a fear, would soon ring with voices uttering joyous
+congratulations.  The architect no longer felt that he had a place in
+this circle, which was now pervaded by a great common joy, and after Dion
+made a brief explanation, Gorgias's voice was soon heard outside loudly
+issuing orders to the workmen.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+From Epicurus to Aristippus, is but a short step
+Preferred a winding path to a straight one
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 4.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Gorgias went to his work without delay.  When the twin statues were only
+waiting to be erected in front of the Theatre of Dionysus, Dion sought
+him.  Some impulse urged him to talk to his old friend before leaving the
+city with his betrothed bride.  Since they parted the latter had
+accomplished the impossible; for the building of the wall on the Choma,
+ordered by Antony, was commenced, the restoration of the little palace at
+the point, and many other things connected with the decoration of the
+triumphal arches, were arranged.  His able and alert foreman found it
+difficult to follow him as he dictated order after order in his writing-
+tablet.
+
+The conversation with his friend was not a long one, for Dion had
+promised Barine and her mother to accompany them to the country.
+Notwithstanding the betrothal, they were to start that very day;
+for Caesarion had called upon Barine twice that morning.  She had not
+received him, but the unfortunate youth's conduct induced her to hasten
+the preparations for her departure.
+
+To avoid attracting attention, they were to use Archibius's large
+travelling chariot and Nile boat, although Dion's were no less
+comfortable.
+
+The marriage was to take place in the "abode of peace."  The young
+Alexandrian's own ship, which was to convey the newly wedded pair to
+Alexandria, bore the name of Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, for Dion
+liked to be reminded of his oratorical powers in the council.
+Henceforward it would be called the Barine, and was to receive many an
+embellishment.
+
+Dion confided to his friend what he had learned in relation to the fate
+of the Queen and the fleet, and, notwithstanding the urgency of the
+claims upon Gorgias's time, he lingered to discuss the future destiny of
+the city and her threatened liberty; for these things lay nearest to his
+heart.
+
+"Fortunately," cried Dion, "I followed my inclination; now it seems to me
+that duty commands every true man to make his own house a nursery for the
+cultivation of the sentiments which he inherited from his forefathers and
+which must not die, so long as there are Macedonian citizens in
+Alexandria.  We must submit if the superior might of Rome renders Egypt a
+province of the republic, but we can preserve to our city and her council
+the lion's share of their freedom.  Whatever may be the development of
+affairs, we are and shall remain the source whence Rome draws the largest
+share of the knowledge which enriches her brain."
+
+"And the art which adorns her rude life," replied Gorgias.  "If she is
+free to crush us without pity, she will fare, I think, like the maiden
+who raises her foot to trample on a beautiful, rare flower, and then
+withdraws it because it would be a crime to destroy so exquisite a work
+of the Creator."
+
+"And what  does  the  flower owe to your maiden," cried Dion, "or our
+city to Rome?  Let us meet her claims with dignified resolution, then I
+think we shall not have the worst evils to fear."
+
+"Let us hope so.  But, my friend, keep your eyes open for other than
+Roman foes.  Now that it will become known that you do not love her,
+beware of Iras.  There is something about her which reminds me of the
+jackal.  Jealousy!--I believe she would be capable of the worst--"
+
+"Yet," Dion interrupted, "Charmian will soften whatever injury Iras plans
+to do me, and, though I cannot rely much upon my uncle, Archibius is
+above both and favours us and our marriage."
+
+Gorgias uttered a sigh of relief, and exclaimed, "Then on to happiness!"
+
+"And you must also begin to provide for yours," replied Dion warmly.
+"Forbid your heart to continue this wandering, nomad life.  The tent
+which the wind blows down is not fit for the architect's permanent
+residence.  Build yourself a fine house, which will defy storms, as you
+built my palace.  I shall not grudge it, and have already said, the times
+demand it."
+
+"I will remember the advice," replied Gorgias.  "But six eyes are again
+bent upon me for direction.  There are so many important things to be
+done while we waste the hours in building triumphal arches for the
+defeated--trophies for an overthrow.  But your uncle has just issued
+orders to complete the work in the most magnificent style.  The ways of
+destiny and the great are dark; may the brightest sunshine illumine
+yours!  A prosperous journey!  We shall hear, of course, when you
+celebrate the wedding, and if I can I shall join you in the Hymenaeus.
+Lucky fellow that you are!  Now I'm summoned from over yonder!  May
+Castor and Pollux, and all the gods favourable to travel, Aphrodite, and
+all the Loves attend your trip to Irenia, and protect you in the realm of
+Eros and Hymen!"
+
+With these words the warm-hearted man clasped his friend to his breast
+for the first time.  Dion cordially responded, and at last shook his hard
+right hand with the exclamation:
+
+"Farewell, then, till we meet in Irenia on the wedding day, you dear,
+faithful fellow."
+
+Then he entered the chariot which stood waiting, and Gorgias gazed after
+him thoughtfully.  The hyacinthine purple cloak which Dion wore that day
+had not vanished from his sight when a loud crashing, rattling, and
+roaring arose behind him.  A hastily erected scaffold, which was to
+support the pulleys for raising the statues, had collapsed.  The damage
+could be easily repaired, but the accident aroused a troubled feeling in
+the architect's mind.  He was a child of his time, a period when duty
+commanded the prudent man to heed omens.  Experience also taught him that
+when such a thing happened in his work something unpleasant was apt to
+occur within the circle of his friends.  The veil of the future concealed
+what might be in store for the beloved couple; but he resolved to keep
+his eyes open on Dion's behalf and to request Archibius to do the same.
+
+The pressure of work, however, soon silenced the sense of uneasiness.
+The damage was speedily repaired, and later Gorgias, sometimes with one,
+sometimes with another tablet or roll of MS. in his hand, issued the most
+varied orders.
+
+Gradually the light of this dismal day faded.  Ere the night, which
+threatened to bring rain and storm, closed in, he again rode on his mule
+to the Bruchium to overlook the progress of the work in the various
+buildings and give additional directions, for the labour was to be
+continued during the night.
+
+The north wind was now blowing so violently from the sea that it was
+difficult to keep the torches and lamps lighted.  The gale drove the
+drops of rain into his face, and a glance northward showed him masses of
+black clouds beyond the harbour and the lighthouse.  This indicated a bad
+night, and again the boding sense of coming misfortune stole over him.
+Yet he set to work swiftly and prudently, helping with his own hands when
+occasion required.
+
+Night closed in.  Not a star was visible in the sky, and the air, chilled
+by the north wind, grew so cold that Gorgias at last permitted his body
+slave to wrap his cloak around him.  While drawing the hood over his
+head, he gazed at a procession of litters and men moving towards Lochias.
+
+Perhaps the Queen's children were returning home from some expedition.
+But probably they were rather private citizens on their way to some
+festival celebrating the victory; for every one now believed in a great
+battle and a successful issue of the war.  This was proved by the shouts
+and cheers of the people, who, spite of the storm, were still moving to
+and fro near the harbour.
+
+The last of the torch-bearers had just passed Gorgias, and he had told
+himself that a train of litters belonging to the royal family would not
+move through the darkness so faintly lighted, when a single man, bearing
+in his hand a lantern, whose flickering rays shone on his wrinkled face,
+approached rapidly from the opposite direction.  It was old Phryx,
+Didymus's house slave, with whom the architect had become acquainted,
+while the aged scholar was composing the inscription for the Odeum which
+Gorgias had erected.  The aged servant had brought him many alterations
+of his master's first sketch, and Gorgias had reminded him of it the
+previous day.
+
+The workmen by whom the statues had been raised to the pedestal, amid the
+bright glare of torches, to the accompaniment of a regular chant, had
+just dropped the ropes, windlasses, and levers, when the architect
+recognized the slave.
+
+What did the old man want at so late an hour on this dark night?  The
+fall of the scaffold again returned to his mind.
+
+Was the slave seeking for a member of the family?  Did Helena need
+assistance?  He stopped the gray-haired man, who answered his question
+with a heavy sigh, followed by the maxim, "Misfortunes come in pairs,
+like oxen."  Then he continued: "Yesterday there was great anxiety.
+Today, when there was so much rejoicing on account of Barine, I thought
+directly, 'Sorrow follows joy, and the second misfortune won't be spared
+us.'  And so it proved."
+
+Gorgias anxiously begged him to relate what had happened, and the old
+man, drawing nearer, whispered that the pupil and assistant of Didymus--
+young Philotas of Amphissa, a student, and, moreover, a courteous young
+man of excellent family--had gone to a banquet to which Antyllus, the son
+of Antony, had invited several of his classmates.  This had already
+happened several times, and he, Phryx, had warned him, for, when the
+lowly associate with the lofty, the lowly rarely escape kicks and blows.
+The young fellow, who usually had behaved no worse than the other Ephebi,
+had always returned from such festivities with a flushed face and
+unsteady steps, but to-night he had not even reached his room in the
+upper story.  He had darted into the house as though pursued by the
+watch, and, while trying to rush up the stairs--it was really only a
+ladder-he had made a misstep and fell.  He, Phryx, did not believe that
+he was hurt, for none of his limbs ached, even when they were pulled and
+stretched, and Dionysus kindly protected drunkards; but some demon must
+have taken possession of him, for he howled and groaned continually, and
+would answer no questions.  True, he was aware, from the festivals of
+Dionysus, that the young man was one of those who, when intoxicated, weep
+and lament; but this time something unusual must have occurred, for in
+the first place his handsome face was coloured black and looked hideous,
+since his tears had washed away the soot in many places, and then he
+talked nothing but a confused jargon.  It was a pity.
+
+When an attempt was made, with the help of the garden slave, to carry him
+to his room, he dealt blows and kicks like a lunatic.  Didymus now also
+believed that he was possessed by demons, as often happens to those who,
+in falling, strike their heads against the ground, and thus wake the
+demons in the earth.  Well, yes, they might be demons, but only those of
+wine.  The student was just "crazy drunk," as people say.  But the old
+gentleman was very fond of his pupil, and had ordered him, Pliryx, to go
+to Olympus, who, ever since he could remember, had been the family
+physician.
+
+"The Queen's leech?" asked Gorgias, disapprovingly, and when the slave
+assented, the architect exclaimed in a positive tone: "It is not right to
+force the old man out of doors in such a north wind.  Age is not
+specially considerate to age.  Now that the statues stand yonder, I can
+leave my post for half an hour and will go with you.  I don't think a
+leech is needed to drive out these demons."
+
+"True, my lord, true!" cried the slave, "but Olympus is our friend.  He
+visits few patients, but he will come to our house in any weather.  He
+has litters, chariots, and splendid mules.  The Queen gives him whatever
+is best and most comfortable.  He is skilful, and perhaps can render
+speedy help.  People must use what they have."
+
+"Only where it is necessary," replied the architect.  "There are my two
+mules; follow me on the second.  If I don't drive out the demons, you
+will have plenty of time to trot after Olympus."
+
+This proposal pleased the old slave, and a short time after Gorgias
+entered the venerable philosopher's tablinum.
+
+Helena welcomed him like an intimate friend.  Whenever he appeared she
+thought the peril was half over.  Didymus, too, greeted him warmly, and
+conducted him to the little room where the youth possessed by demons lay
+on a divan.
+
+He was still groaning and whimpering.  Tears were streaming down his
+cheeks, and, whenever any member of the household approached, he pushed
+him away.
+
+When Gorgias held his hands and sternly ordered him to confess what wrong
+he had done, he sobbed out that he was the most ungrateful wretch on
+earth.  His baseness would ruin his kind parents, himself, and all his
+friends.
+
+Then he accused himself of having caused the destruction of Didymus's
+granddaughter.  He would not have gone to Antyllus again had not his
+recent generosity bound him to him, but now he must atone-ay, atone.
+Then, as if completely crushed, he continued to mumble the word, "atone!"
+and for a time nothing more could be won from him.
+
+Didymus, however, had the key to the last sentence.  A few weeks before,
+Philotas and several other pupils of the rhetorician whose lectures in
+the museum he attended had been invited to breakfast with Antyllus.  When
+the young student loudly admired the beautiful gold and silver beakers in
+which the wine was served, the reckless host cried: "They are yours; take
+them with you."  When the guests departed the cup-bearer asked Philotas,
+who had been far from taking the gift seriously, to receive his property.
+Antyllus had intended to bestow the goblets; but he advised the youth to
+let him pay their value in money, for among them were several ancient
+pieces of most artistic workmanship, which Antony, the extravagant young
+fellow's father, might perhaps be unwilling to lose.
+
+Thereupon several rolls of gold solidi were paid to the astonished
+student--and they had been of little real benefit, since they had made it
+possible for him to keep pace with his wealthy and aristocratic
+classmates and share many of their extravagances.  Yet he had not ceased
+to fulfil his duty to Didymus.
+
+Though he sometimes turned night into day, he gave no serious cause for
+reproof.  Small youthful errors were willingly pardoned; for he was a
+good-looking, merry young fellow, who knew how to make himself agreeable
+to the entire household, even to the women.
+
+What had befallen the poor youth that day?  Didymus was filled with
+compassion for him, and, though he gladly welcomed Gorgias, he gave him
+to understand that the leech's absence vexed him.
+
+But, during a long bachelor career in Alexandria, a city ever gracious to
+the gifts of Bacchus, Gorgias had become familiar with attacks like those
+of Philotas and their treatment, and after several jars of water had been
+brought and he had been left alone a short time with the sufferer, the
+philosopher secretly rejoiced that he had not summoned the grey-haired
+leech into the stormy night for Gorgias led forth his pupil with dripping
+hair, it is true, but in a state of rapid convalescence.
+
+The youth's handsome face was freed from soot, but his eyes were bent in
+confusion on the ground, and he sometimes pressed his hand upon his
+aching brow.  It needed all the old philosopher's skill in persuasion to
+induce him to speak, and Philotas, before he began, begged Helena to
+leave the room.
+
+He intended to adhere strictly to the truth, though he feared that the
+reckless deed into which he had suffered himself to be drawn might have a
+fatal effect upon his future life.
+
+Besides, he hoped to obtain wise counsel from the architect, to whom he
+owed his speedy recovery, and whose grave, kindly manner inspired him
+with confidence; and, moreover, he was so greatly indebted to Didymus
+that duty required him to make a frank confession--yet he dared not
+acknowledge one of the principal motives of his foolish act.
+
+The plot into which he had been led was directed against Barine, whom he
+had long imagined he loved with all the fervour of his twenty years.
+But, just before he went to the fatal banquet, he had heard that the
+young beauty was betrothed to Dion.  This had wounded him deeply; for in
+many a quiet hour it had seemed possible to win her for himself and lead
+her as his wife to his home in Amphissa.  He was very little younger than
+she, and if his parents once saw her, they could not fail to approve his
+choice.  And the people in Amphissa!  They would have gazed at Barine as
+if she were a goddess.
+
+And now this fine gentleman had come to crush his fairest hopes.  No word
+of love had ever been exchanged between him and Barine, but how kindly
+she had always looked at him, how willingly she had accepted trivial
+services!  Now she was lost.  At first this had merely saddened him, but
+after he had drunk the wine, and Antyllus, Antony's son, in the presence
+of the revellers, over whom Caesarion presided as "symposiarch"--
+[Director of a banquet.]--had accused Barine of capturing hearts by magic
+spells, he had arrived at the conviction that he, too, had been
+shamefully allured and betrayed.
+
+He had served for a toy, he said to himself, unless she had really loved
+him and merely preferred Dion on account of his wealth.  In any case, he
+felt justified in cherishing resentment against Barine, and with the
+number of goblets which he drained his jealous rage increased.
+
+When urged to join in the escapade which now burdened his conscience he
+consented with a burning brain in order to punish her for the wrong
+which, in his heated imagination, she had done him.
+
+All this he withheld from the older men and merely briefly described the
+splendid banquet which Caesarion, pallid and listless as ever, had
+directed, and Antyllus especially had enlivened with the most reckless
+mirth.
+
+The "King of kings" and Antony's son had escaped from their tutors on the
+pretext of a hunting excursion, and the chief huntsman had not grudged
+them the pleasure--only they were obliged to promise him that they would
+be ready to set out for the desert early the next morning.
+
+When, after the banquet, the mixing-vessels were brought out and the
+beakers were filled more rapidly, Antyllus whispered several times to
+Caesarion and then turned the conversation upon Barine, the fairest of
+the fair, destined by the immortals for the greatest and highest of
+mankind.  This was the "King of kings," Caesarion, and he also claimed
+the favour of the gods for himself.  But everybody knew that Aphrodite
+deemed herself greater than the highest of kings, and therefore Barine
+ventured to close her doors upon their august symposiarch in a manner
+which could not fail to be unendurable, not only to him but to all the
+youth of Alexandria.  Whoever boasted of being one of the Ephebi might
+well clench his fist with indignation, when he heard that the insolent
+beauty kept young men at a distance because she considered only the older
+ones worthy of her notice.  This must not be!  The Ephebi of Alexandria
+must make her feel the power of youth.  This was the more urgently
+demanded, because Caesarion would thereby be led to the goal of his
+wishes.
+
+Barine was going into the country that very evening.  Insulted Eros
+himself was smoothing their way.  He commanded them to attack the
+arrogant fair one's carriage and lead her to him who sought her in the
+name of youth, in order to show her that the hearts of the Ephebi, whom
+she disdainfully rejected, glowed more ardently than those of the older
+men on whom she bestowed her favours.
+
+Here Gorgias interrupted the speaker with a loud cry of indignation, but
+old Didymus's eyes seemed to be fairly starting from their sockets as he
+hoarsely shouted an impatient:
+
+"Go on!"
+
+And Philotas, now completely sobered, described with increasing animation
+the wonderful change that had taken place in the quiet Caesarion, as if
+some magic spell had been at work; for scarcely had the revellers greeted
+Antyllus's words with shouts of joy, declaring themselves ready to avenge
+insulted youth upon Barine, than the "King of kings" suddenly sprang from
+the cushions on which he had listlessly reclined, and with flashing eyes
+shouted that whoever called himself his friend must aid him in the
+attack.
+
+Here he was urged to still greater haste by another impatient "Go on!"
+from his master, and hurriedly continued his story, describing how they
+had blackened their faces and armed themselves with Antyllus's swords and
+lances.  As the sun was setting they went in a covered boat through the
+Agathodamon Canal to Lake Mareotis.  Everything must have been arranged
+in advance; for they landed precisely at the right hour.
+
+As, during the trip, they had kept up their courage by swallowing the
+most fiery wine, Philotas had staggered on shore with difficulty and then
+been dragged forward by the others.  After this he knew nothing more,
+except that he had rushed with the rest upon a large harmamaxa,--[A
+closed Asiatic travelling-carriage with four wheels]--and in so doing
+fell.  When he rose from the earth all was over.
+
+As if in a dream he saw Scythians and other guardians of the peace seize
+Antyllus, while Caesarion was struggling on the ground with another man.
+If he was not mistaken it was Dion, Barine's betrothed husband.
+
+These communications were interrupted by many exclamations of impatience
+and wrath; but now Didymus, fairly frantic with alarm, cried:
+
+"And the child--Barine?"
+
+But when Philotas's sole reply to this question was a silent shake of the
+head, indignation conquered the old philosopher, and clutching his
+pupil's chiton with both hands, he shook him violently, exclaiming
+furiously:
+
+"You don't know, scoundrel?  Instead of defending her who should be dear
+to you as a child of this household, you joined the rascally scorners of
+morality and law as the accomplice of this waylayer in purple!"
+
+Here the architect soothed the enraged old man with expostulations,
+and the assertion that everything must now yield to the necessity of
+searching for Barine and Dion.  He did not know which way to turn, in the
+amount of labour pressing upon him, but he would have a hasty talk with
+the foreman and then try to find his friend.
+
+"And I," cried the old man, "must go at once to the unfortunate child.-My
+cloak, Phryx, my sandals!"
+
+In spite of Gorgias's counsel to remember his age and the inclement
+weather, he cried angrily:
+
+"I am going, I say!  If the tempest hurls me to the earth, and the bolts
+of Zeus strike me, so be it.  One misfortune more or less matters little
+in a life which has been a chain of heavy blows of Fate.  I buried three
+sons in the prime of manhood, and two have been slain in battle.  Barine,
+the joy of my heart, I myself, fool that I was, bound to the scoundrel
+who blasted her joyous existence; and now that I believed she would be
+protected from trouble and misconstruction by the side of a worthy
+husband, these infamous rascals, whose birth protects them from
+vengeance, have wounded, perhaps killed her betrothed lover.  They
+trample in the dust her fair name and my white hair!--Phryx, my hat and
+staff."
+
+The storm had long been raging around the house, which stood close by the
+sea, and the sailcloth awning which was stretched over the impluvium
+noisily rattled the metal rings that confined it.  Now so violent a gust
+swept from room to room that two of the flames in the three-branched lamp
+went out.  The door of the house had been opened, and drenched with rain,
+a hood drawn over his black head, Barine's Nubian doorkeeper crossed the
+threshold.
+
+He presented a pitiable spectacle and at first could find no answer to
+the greetings and questions of the men, who had been joined by Helena,
+her grandmother leaning on her arm; his rapid walk against the fury of
+the storm had fairly taken away his breath.
+
+He had little, however, to tell.  Barine merely sent a message to her
+relatives that, no matter what tales rumour might bring, she and her
+mother were unhurt.  Dion had received a wound in the shoulder, but it
+was not serious.  Her grandparents need have no anxiety; the attack had
+completely failed.
+
+Doris, who was deaf, had listened vainly, holding her hand to her ear, to
+catch this report; and Didymus now told his granddaughter as much as he
+deemed it advisable for her to know, that she might communicate it to her
+grandmother, who understood the movements of her lips.
+
+The old man was rejoiced to learn that his granddaughter had escaped so
+great a peril uninjured, yet he was still burdened by sore anxiety.  The
+architect, too, feared the worst, but by dint of assuring him that he
+would return at once with full details when he had ascertained the fate
+of Dion and his betrothed bride, he finally persuaded the old man to give
+up the night walk through the tempest.
+
+Philotas, with tears in his eyes, begged them to accept his services as
+messenger or for any other purpose; but Didymus ordered him to go to bed.
+An opportunity would be found to enable him to atone for the offence so
+recklessly committed.
+
+The scholar's peaceful home was deprived of its nocturnal repose, and
+when Gorgias had gone and Didymus had refused Helena's request to have
+the aged porter take her to her sister, the old man remained alone with
+his wife in the tablinum.
+
+She had been told nothing except that thieves had attacked her
+granddaughter, Barine, and slightly wounded her lover; but her own heart
+and the manner of the husband, at whose side she had grown grey, showed
+that many things were being concealed.  She longed to know the story more
+fully, but it was difficult for Didymus to talk a long time in a loud
+tone, so she silenced her desire to learn the whole truth.  But, in order
+to await the architect's report, they did not go to rest.
+
+Didymus had sunk into an armchair, and Doris sat near at her spindle, but
+without drawing any threads from her distaff.  When she heard her husband
+sigh and saw him bury his face in his hands, she limped nearer to him,
+difficult as it was for her to move, and stroked his head, now nearly
+bald, with her hand.  Then she uttered soothing words, and, as the
+anxious, troubled expression did not yet pass from his wrinkled face,
+she reminded him in faltering yet tender tones how often they had thought
+they must despair, and yet everything had resulted well.
+
+"Ah! husband," she added, "I know full well that the clouds hanging over
+us are very black, and I cannot even see them clearly, because you show
+them at such a distance.  Yet I feel that they threaten us with sore
+tribulation.  But, after all, what harm can they do us, if we only keep
+close together, we two old people and the children of the children whom
+Hades rent from us?  We need only to grow old to perceive that life has a
+head with many faces.  The ugly one of to-day can last no longer than you
+can keep that deeply furrowed brow.  But you need not coerce yourself for
+my sake, husband.  Let it be so.  I need merely close my eyes to see how
+smooth and beautiful it was in youth, and how pleasant it will look when
+better days say, 'Here we are!'"
+
+Didymus, with a mournful smile, kissed her grey hair and shouted into her
+left ear, which was a little less deaf than the other:
+
+"How young you are still, wife!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The tempest swept howling from the north across the island of Pharos, and
+the shallows of Diabathra in the great harbour of Alexandria.  The water,
+usually so placid, rose in high waves, and the beacon on the lighthouse
+of Sastratus sent the rent abundance of its flames with hostile
+impetuosity towards the city.  The fires in the pitch-pans and the
+torches on the shore sometimes seemed on the point of being extinguished,
+at others burst with a doubly brilliant blaze through the smoke which
+obscured them.
+
+The royal harbour, a fine basin which surrounded in the form of a
+semicircle the southern part of the Lochias and a portion of the northern
+shore of the Bruchium, was brightly illuminated every night; but this
+evening there seemed to be an unusual movement among the lights on its
+western shore, the private anchorage of the royal fleet.
+
+Was it the storm that stirred them?  No.  How could the wind have set
+one torch in the place of another, and moved lights or lanterns in a
+direction opposite to its violent course?  Only a few persons, however,
+perceived this; for, though joyous anticipation or anxious fears urged
+many thither, who would venture upon the quay on such a tempestuous
+night?  Besides, no one would have found admittance to the royal port,
+which was closed on all sides.  Even the mole which, towards the west,
+served as the string to the bow of land surrounding it, had but a single
+opening and--as every one knew--that was closed by a chain in the same
+way as the main entrance to the harbour between the Pharos and Alveus
+Steganus.
+
+About two hours before midnight, spite of the increasing fury of the
+tempest, the singular movement of the lights diminished, but rarely had
+the hearts of those for whom they burned throbbed so anxiously.  These
+were the dignitaries and court officials who stood nearest to Cleopatra
+--about twenty men and a single woman, Iras.  Mardion and she had
+summoned them because the Queen's letter permitted those to whom she had
+given authority to offer her a quiet reception.  After a long
+consultation they had not invited the commanders of the little Roman
+garrison left behind.  It was doubtful whether those whom they expected
+would return that night, and the Roman soldiers who were loyal to Antony
+had gone with him to the war.
+
+The hall in the centre of the private roadstead of the royal harbour,
+where they had assembled, was furnished with regal magnificence; for it
+was a favourite resort of the Queen.  The spacious apartment lacked no
+requisite of comfort, and most of those who were waiting used the well-
+cushioned couches, while others, harassed by mental anxiety, paced to and
+fro.
+
+As the room had remained unused for months, bats had made nests there,
+and now that it was lighted, dazzled by the glare of the lamps and
+candles, they darted to and fro above the heads of the assembly.  Iras
+had ordered the commander of the Mellakes, or youths, a body-guard
+composed of the sons of aristocratic Macedonian families, to expel the
+troublesome creatures, and it diverted the thoughts of these devoted
+soldiers of the Queen to strike at them with their swords.
+
+Others preferred to watch this futile battle rather than give themselves
+up to the anxiety which filled their minds.  The Regent was gazing mutely
+at the ground; Iras, pale and absent-minded, was listening to Zeno's
+statements; and Archibius had gone out of doors, and, unheeding the
+storm, was looking across the tossing waves of the harbour for the
+expected ships.
+
+In a wooden shed, whose roof was supported by gaily painted pillars,
+through which the wind whistled, the servants, from the porters to the
+litter-bearers, had gathered in groups under the flickering light of the
+lanterns.  The Greeks sat on wooden stools, the Egyptians upon mats on
+the floor.  The largest circle contained the parties who attended to the
+Queen's luggage and the upper servants, among whom were several maids.
+
+They had been told that the Queen was expected that night, because it was
+possible that the strong north wind would bear her ship home with
+unexpected speed after the victory.  But they were better informed:
+palaces have chinks in doors and curtains, and are pervaded by a very
+peculiar echo which bears even a whisper distinctly from ear to ear.
+
+The body-slave of the commander-in-chief Seleukus was the principal
+spokesman.  His master had reached Alexandria but a few hours ago from
+the frontier fortress of Pelusium, which he commanded.  A mysterious
+order from Lucilius, Antony's most faithful friend, brought from Taenarum
+by a swift galley, had summoned him hither.
+
+The freedman Beryllus, a loquacious Sicilian, who, as an actor, had seen
+better days ere pirates robbed him of his liberty, had heard many new
+things, and his hearers listened eagerly; for ships coming from the
+north, which touched at Pelusium, had confirmed and completed the evil
+tidings that had penetrated the Sebasteum.
+
+According to his story, he was as well informed as if he had been an eye-
+witness of the naval battle; for he had been present during his master's
+conversation with many ship-captains and messengers from Greece.  He even
+assumed the air of a loyal, strictly silent servant, who would only
+venture to confirm and deny what the Alexandrians had already learned.
+Yet his knowledge consisted merely of a confused medley of false and true
+occurrences.  While the Egyptian fleet had been defeated at Actium, and
+Antony, flying with Cleopatra, had gone first to Taenarum at the end of
+the Peloponnesian coast, he asserted that the army and fleet had met on
+the Peloponnesian coast and Octavianus was pursuing Antony, who had
+turned towards Athens, while Cleopatra was on her way to Alexandria.
+
+His  "trustworthy  intelligence"  had  been patched together from a few
+words caught from Seleukus at table, or while receiving and dismissing
+messengers.  In other matters his information was more accurate.
+
+While for several days the harbour of Alexandria had been closed, vessels
+were permitted to enter Pelusium, and all captains of newly arrived ships
+and caravans were compelled to report to Beryllus's master, the
+commandant of the important frontier fortress.
+
+He had quitted Pelusium the night before.  The strong wind had driven the
+trireme before it so swiftly that it was difficult for even the sea gulls
+to follow.  It was easy for the listeners to believe this; for the storm
+outside howled louder and louder, whistling through the open hall where
+the servants had gathered.  Most of the lamps and torches had been blown
+out, the pitch-pans only sent forth still blacker clouds of smoke, lit by
+red and yellow flames, and the closed lanterns alone continued to diffuse
+a flickering light.  So the wide space, dim with smoke, was illumined
+only by a dull, varying glimmer.
+
+One of the porters had furnished wine to shorten the hours of waiting;
+but it could only be drunk in secret, so there were no goblets.  The jars
+wandered from mouth to mouth, and every sip was welcome, for the wind
+blew keenly, and besides, the smoke irritated their throats.
+
+The freedman, Beryllus, was often interrupted by paroxysms of coughing,
+especially from the women, while relating the evil omens which were told
+to his master in Pelusium.  Each was well authenticated and surpassed its
+predecessor in significance.
+
+Here one of Iras's maids interrupted him to tell the story of the
+swallows on the "Antonius," Cleopatra's admiral galley.  He could
+scarcely report from Pelusium an omen of darker presage.
+
+But Beryllus gazed at her with a pitying smile, which so roused the
+expectations of the others that the overseer of the litter and baggage
+porters, who were talking loudly together, hoarsely shouted, "Silence!"
+
+Soon no sound was heard in the open space save the shrill whistling of
+the wind, a word of command to the harbour-guards, and the freedman's
+voice, which he lowered to increase the charm of the mysterious events he
+was describing.
+
+He began with the most fulsome praise of Cleopatra and Antony, reminding
+his hearers that the Imperator was a descendant of Herakles.  The
+Alexandrians especially were aware that their Queen and Antony claimed
+and desired to be called "The new Isis" and "The new Dionysus."  But
+every one who beheld the Roman must admit that in face and figure he
+resembled a god far more than a man.
+
+The Imperator had appeared as Dionysus, especially to the Athenians.  In
+the proscenium of the theatre in that city was a huge bas-relief of the
+Battle of the Giants, the famous work of an ancient sculptor--he,
+Beryllus, had seen it--and from amid the numerous figures in this piece
+of sculpture the tempest had torn but a single one--which?  Dionysus, the
+god as whose mortal image Antony had once caroused in a vine-clad arbour
+in the presence of the Athenians.  The storm to-night was at the utmost
+like the breath of a child, compared with the hurricane which could wrest
+from the hard marble the form of Dionysus.  But Nature gathers all her
+forces when she desires to announce to short-sighted mortals the approach
+of events which are to shake the world.
+
+The last words were quoted from his master who had studied in Athens.
+They had escaped from his burdened soul when he heard of another portent,
+of which a ship from Ostia had brought tidings.  The flourishing city
+Pisaura--
+
+Here, however, he was interrupted, for several of those present had
+learned, weeks before, that this place had sunk in the sea, but merely
+pitied the unfortunate inhabitants.
+
+Beryllus quietly permitted them to free themselves from the suspicion
+that people in Alexandria had had tidings of so remarkable an event later
+than those in Pelusium, and at first answered their query what this had
+to do with the war merely by a shrug of the shoulders; but when the
+overseer of the porters also put the question, he went on "The omen made
+a specially deep impression upon our minds, for we know what Pisaura is,
+or rather how it came into existence.  The hapless city which dark Hades
+ingulfed really belonged to Antony, for in the days of its prosperity he
+was its founder."
+
+He measured the group with a defiant glance, and there was no lack of
+evidences of horror; nay, one of the maid-servants shrieked aloud, for
+the storm had just snatched a torch from the iron rings in the wall and
+hurled it on the floor close beside the listener.
+
+Suspense seemed to have reached its height.  Yet it was evident that
+Beryllus had not yet drawn his last arrow from the quiver.
+
+The maid-servant, whose scream had startled the others, had regained her
+composure and seemed eager to hear some other new and terrible omen, for,
+with a beseeching glance, she begged the freedman not to withhold the
+knew.
+
+He pointed to the drops of perspiration which, spite of the wind sweeping
+through the hall, covered her brow: "You must use your handkerchief.
+Merely listening to my tale will dampen your skin.  Stone statues are
+made of harder material, but a soul dwells within them too.  Their
+natures may be harsher or more gentle; they bring us woe or heal heavy
+sorrows, according to their mood.  Every one learns this who raises his
+hands to them in prayer.  One of these statues stands in Alba.  It
+represents Mark Antony, in whose honour it was erected by the city.  And
+it foresaw what menaced the man whose stone double it is.  Ay, open your
+ears!  About four days ago a ship's captain came to my master and in my
+presence this man reported--he grew as pale as ashes while he spoke--what
+he himself had witnessed.  Drops of perspiration had oozed from the
+statue of Antony in Alba.  Horror seized all the citizens; men and women
+came to wipe the brow and cheeks of the statue, but the drops of
+perspiration did not cease to drip, and this continued several days and
+nights.  The stone image had felt what was impending over the living Mark
+Antony.  It was a horrible spectacle, the man said."
+
+Here the speaker paused, and the group of listeners started, for the
+clang of a gong was heard outside, and the next instant all were on their
+feet hastening to their posts.
+
+The officials in the magnificent hall had also risen.  Here the silence
+had been interrupted only by low whispers.  The colour had faded from
+most of the grave, anxious faces, and their timid glances shunned one
+another.
+
+Archibius had first perceived, by the flames of the Pharos, the red
+glimmer which announced the approach of the royal galley.  It had not
+been expected so early, but was already passing the islands into the
+great harbour.  It was probably the Antonius, the ship on which the old
+swallows had pecked the young ones to death.
+
+Though the waves were running high, even in the sheltered harbour, they
+scarcely rocked the massive vessel.  An experienced pilot must have
+steered it past the shallows and cliffs on the eastern side of the
+roadstead, for instead of passing around the island of Antirrhodus as
+usual, it kept between the island and the Lochias, steering straight
+towards the entrance into the little royal harbour.  The pitch-pans on
+both sides had been filled with fresh resin and tow to light the way.
+The watchers on the shore could now see its outlines distinctly.
+
+It was the Antonius, and yet it was not.
+
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, who was standing beside Iras, wrapped his
+cloak closer around his shivering limbs, pointed to it, and whispered,
+
+"Like a woman who leaves her parents' house in the rich array of a bride,
+and returns to it an impoverished widow."
+
+Iras drew herself up, and with cutting harshness replied, "Like the sun
+veiled by mists, but which will soon shine forth again more radiantly
+than ever."
+
+"Spoken from the depths of my soul," said the old courtier eagerly, "so
+far as the Queen is concerned.  Of course, I did not allude to her
+Majesty, but to the ship.  You were ill when it left the harbour,
+garlanded with flowers and adorned with purple sails.  And now!  Even
+this flickering light shows the wounds and rents.  I am the last person
+whom you need tell that our sun Cleopatra will soon regain its old
+radiance, but at present it is very chilly and cold here by the
+water's edge in this stormy air; and when I think of our first
+moment of meeting--
+
+"Would it were over!"  murmured Iras, wrapping herself closer in her
+cloak.  Then she drew back shivering, for the rattle of the heavy chain,
+which was drawn aside from the opening of the harbour, echoed with an
+uncanny sound through the silence of the night.  A mountain seemed to
+weigh upon the watchers' breasts, for the wooden monster which now
+entered the little harbour moved forward as slowly and silently as a
+spectral ship.  It seemed as if life were extinct on the huge galley
+usually swarming with a numerous crew; as if a vessel were about to cast
+anchor whose sailors had fallen victims to the plague.  Nothing was heard
+save an occasional word of command, and the signal whistles of the
+fluteplayer who directed the rowers.  A few lanterns burned with a
+wavering light on the vast length of her decks.  The brilliant
+illumination which usually shone through the darkness would have
+attracted the attention of the Alexandrians.
+
+Now it was close to the landing.  The group on shore watched every inch
+of its majestic progress with breathless suspense, but when the first
+rope was flung to the slaves on shore several men in Greek robes pressed
+forward hurriedly among the courtiers.
+
+They had come with a message, whose importance would permit no delay, to
+the Regent Mardion, who stood between Zeno and Iras, gazing gloomily at
+the ground with a frowning brow.  He was pondering over the words in
+which to address the Queen, and within a few minutes the ship would have
+made her landing, and Cleopatra might cross the bridge.  To disturb him
+at that moment was an undertaking few who knew the irritable, uncertain
+temper of the eunuch would care to risk.  But the tall Macedonian, who
+for a short time attracted the eyes of most of the spectators from the
+galley, ventured to do so.  It was the captain of the nightwatch, the
+aristocratic commander of the police force of the city.
+
+"Only a word, my lord," he whispered to the Regent, "though the time may
+be inopportune."
+
+"As inopportune as possible," replied the eunuch with repellent
+harshness.
+
+"We will say as inopportune as the degree of haste necessary for its
+decision.  The King Caesarion, with Antyllus and several companions,
+attacked a woman.  Blackened faces.  A fight.  Caesarion and the woman's
+companion--an aristocrat, member of the Council--slightly wounded.
+Lictors interfered just in time.  The young gentlemen were arrested.
+At first they refused to give their names--"
+
+"Caesarion slightly, really only slightly wounded?" asked the eunuch with
+eager haste.
+
+"Really and positively.  Olympus was summoned at once.  A knock on the
+head.  The man who was attacked flung him on the pavement in the
+struggle."
+
+"Dion, the son of Eumenes, is the man," interrupted Iras, whose quick ear
+had caught the officer's report.  "The woman is Barine, the daughter of
+the artist Leonax."
+
+"Then you know already?" asked the Macedonian in surprise.
+
+"So it seems," answered Mardion, gazing into the girl's face with a
+significant glance.  Then, turning to her rather than to the Macedonian,
+he added, "I think we will have the young rascals set free and brought to
+Lochias with as little publicity as possible."
+
+"To the palace?" asked the Macedonian.
+
+"Of course," replied Iras firmly.  "Each to his own apartments, where
+they must remain until further orders."
+
+"Everything else must be deferred until after the reception," added the
+eunuch, and the Macedonian, with a slight, haughty nod, drew back.
+
+"Another misfortune," sighed the eunuch.
+
+"A boyish prank," Iras answered quickly, "but even a still greater
+misfortune is less than nothing so long as we are not conscious of it.
+This unpleasant occurrence must be concealed for the present from the
+Queen.  Up to this time it is a vexation, nothing more--and it can and
+must remain so; for we have it in our power to uproot the poisonous tree
+whence it emanates."
+
+"You look as if no one could better perform the task," the Regent
+interrupted, with a side glance at the galley, "so you shall have the
+commission.  It is the last one I shall give, during the Queen's absence,
+in her name."
+
+"I shall not fail," she answered firmly.
+
+When Iras again looked towards the landing-place she saw Archibius
+standing alone, with his eyes fixed upon the ground.  Impulse prompted
+her to tell her uncle what had happened; but at the first step she
+paused, and her thin lips uttered a firm "No."
+
+Her friend had become a stone in her path.  If necessary, she would find
+means to thrust him also aside, spite of his sister Charmian and the old
+tie which united him to Cleopatra.  He had grown weak, Charmian had
+always been so.
+
+She would have had time enough now to consider what step to take first,
+had not her heart ached so sorely.
+
+After the huge galley lay moored, several minutes elapsed ere two
+pastophori of the goddess Isis, who guarded the goblet of Nektanebus,
+taken from the temple treasures and borne along in a painted chest,
+stepped upon the bridge, followed by Cleopatra's first chamberlain, who
+in a low tone announced the approach of the Queen and commanded the
+waiting groups to make way.  A double line of torch-bearers had been
+stationed from the landing to the gate leading into the Bruchium, and the
+other on the north, which was the entrance to the palaces on the Lochias,
+since it was not known where Cleopatra would desire to go.  The
+chamberlain, however, said that she would spend the night at Lochias,
+where the children lived, and ordered all the flickering, smoking
+torches, save a few, to be extinguished.
+
+Mardion, the Keeper of the Seal, Archibius, and Iras were standing by the
+bridge a little in advance of the others, when voices were heard on the
+ship, and the Queen appeared, preceded by several lantern-bearers and
+followed by a numerous train of court officials, pages, maids, and female
+slaves.  Cleopatra's little hand rested on Charmian's arm, as, with a
+haughty carriage of the head, she moved towards the shore.  A thick veil
+covered her face, and a large, dark cloak concealed her figure.  How
+elastic her step was still! how proud yet graceful was the gesture with
+which she waved a greeting to Mardion and Zeno.
+
+Extending her hand to raise Iras, who had sunk prostrate before her, she
+kissed her on the forehead, whispering, "The children?"
+
+"All is well with them," replied the girl.
+
+Then the returning sovereign greeted the others with a gracious gesture,
+but vouchsafed a word to no one until the eunuch stepped before her to
+deliver his address of welcome.  She motioned him aside with a curt
+"Later"; and when Zeno held open the door of the litter, she said in a
+stifled tone: "I will walk.  After the rocking of the galley in this
+tempest, I feel reluctant to enter the litter.  There are many things to
+be considered to-day.  An idea carne to me on the way home.  Summon the
+captain of the harbour and his chief counsellors, the heads of the war
+office, the superintendent of the fortifications on land and water,
+especially the Aristarch and Gorgias--I want to see them.  Time presses.
+They must be here in two hours-no, in an hour and a half.  I wish to
+examine all their plans and charts of the eastern frontier, especially
+the river channels and canals in the Delta."
+
+Then she turned to Archibius, who had approached the litter, laid her
+hand upon his arm, and though her veil prevented him from seeing her
+sparkling eyes, he felt them shining deep into his heart, as the voice
+whose melody had often enthralled his soul cried, "We will take it as a
+favourable omen that it is again you who lead me to this palace in a time
+of trouble."
+
+His overflowing heart found expression in the warm reply, "Whenever it
+may be, forever and ever this arm and this life are yours!"  And the
+Queen answered in a tone of earnest belief, "I know it."
+
+Then, with her hand still resting on his arm, she moved forward; but when
+he began to ask whether she really had cause to speak of a time of
+trouble, she cut him short with the entreaty "Not now.  Let us say
+nothing.  It is worse than bad--as evil as possible.  Yet no.  Few are
+permitted, in an hour of trouble, to lean on the arm of a faithful
+friend."
+
+The words were accompanied with a light pressure of her little hand, and
+it seemed as if his old heart was growing young.
+
+He dared not speak, for her wish was law; but while moving silently at
+her side, first along the shore, then through the gate, and finally over
+the marble flagstones which led to the palace portal, it seemed as if he
+beheld, instead of the veiled head of the hapless Queen, the soft, light-
+brown locks which floated around the face of a happy child.  Before his
+mental vision rose the little mistress of the garden of Epicurus.  He saw
+the sparkle of her large blue eyes, which never ceased to question, yet
+appeared to contain the mystery of the world.  He fancied he heard once
+more the silvery cadence of her voice and the bewitching magic of her
+pure, childlike laughter, and it was hard to remember what she had
+become.
+
+Snatched away from the present, yet conscious that Fate had granted him
+a great boon in this sorrowful hour, he moved on at her side and led her
+through the main entrance, the spacious inner court-yard of the palace.
+At the rear was the great door opening into the Queen's apartments,
+before which Mardion, Iras, and their companions had already stationed
+themselves.  At the left was a smaller one leading into the wing occupied
+by the children.
+
+Archibius was about to conduct Cleopatra across the lighted court-yard,
+but she motioned towards the children's rooms, and he understood her.
+
+At the threshold her hand fell from his arm, and when he bowed as if to
+retire, she said kindly: "There is Charmian.  You both deserve to
+accompany me to the spot where childhood is dreaming and peace of mind
+and painlessness have their abode.  But respect for the Queen has
+prevented the brother and sister from greeting each other after so
+long a separation.  Do so now!  Then, follow me."
+
+While speaking, she hastened with the swift step of youth into the atrium
+and up the staircase which led to the sleeping-rooms of the princes and
+princesses.
+
+Archibius and Charmian obeyed her bidding; the brother clasped his sister
+affectionately in his arms, and in hurried tones, with tears streaming
+from her eyes, she informed him that to her all seemed lost.
+
+Antony had behaved in a manner for which no words of condemnation or
+regret were adequate.  Probably he would follow Cleopatra; the fleet, and
+perhaps the army also, were destroyed.  Her fate lay in the hands of
+Octavianus.
+
+Then she preceded him towards the staircase, where Iras was standing with
+a tall Syrian, who bore a striking resemblance to Philostratus, Barine's
+former husband.  It was his brother Alexas, the trusted favourite of Mark
+Antony.  His place should now have been with him, and Archibius asked his
+sister with a hasty look how this man chanced to be in the Queen's train.
+
+"His skill in reading the stars," was the reply.  "His flattering tongue.
+He is a parasite of the worst kind, but he tells her many things,
+he diverts her, and she tolerates him near her person."
+
+As soon as Iras saw the direction in which Cleopatra had turned, she had
+hastened after her to accompany her to the children.  The Syrian Alexas
+had stopped her to express his joy in meeting her again.  Even before the
+outbreak of the war he had devoted himself zealously to her, and he now
+plainly showed that during the long period of separation his feelings had
+by no means cooled.  Like his brother, he had a head too small for his
+body, but his well-formed features were animated by a pair of eyes
+sparkling with a keen, covetous expression.
+
+Iras, too, seemed glad to welcome the favourite, but ere the brother and
+sister reached the staircase she left him to embrace Charmian, her aunt
+and companion, with the affection of a daughter.
+
+They found the Queen in the anteroom of the children's apartments.
+Euphronion, their tutor, had awaited her there, and hurriedly gave, in
+the most rapturous terms, his report of them and the wonderful gifts
+which became more and more apparent in each, now as a heritage from their
+mother, now from their father.
+
+Cleopatra had interrupted the torrent of his enthusiastic speech with
+many a question, meanwhile endeavouring to loose the veil wound about her
+head; but the little hands, unaccustomed to the task, failed.  Iras
+noticed it from the stairs and, hastening up the last steps, skilfully
+released her from the long web of lace.
+
+The Queen acknowledged the service by a gracious nod, but when the chief
+eunuch opened the door leading into the children's rooms, she called
+joyously to the brother and sister, "Come!"  The tutor, who was obliged
+to leave the charge of his pupils' sleeping apartments to the eunuchs and
+nurses, drew back, but Iras felt it a bitter affront to be excluded from
+this visit.  Her cheeks flushed and paled; her thin lips were more firmly
+compressed, and she gazed intently at the basket of fruit in the mosaic
+floor at her feet as if she were counting the cherries that filled it.
+But she suddenly pushed the little curls back from her forehead, darted
+swiftly down the stairs, and called to Alexas just as he was about to
+leave the atrium.
+
+The Syrian hastened towards her, extolling the good fortune that made his
+sun rise for him a second time that night, but she cut him short with the
+words; "Cease this foolish love-making.  It would be far better for us
+both to become allies in serious, bitter earnest.  I am ready."
+
+"So am I!" cried the Syrian rapturously, pressing his hand upon his
+heart.
+
+Meanwhile Cleopatra had entered the chamber where the children lay
+sleeping.  Deep silence pervaded the lofty hall hung with bright-hued
+carpets, and softly lighted by three lamps with rose-colored globes.  An
+arch, supported by pillars of Libyan marble, divided the wide space.  In
+the first, near a window closely muffled with draperies, stood two
+ivory beds, surmounted with crowns of gold and silver set with pearls and
+turquoises.  Around the edge, carved by the hands of a great artist, ran
+a line of happy children dancing to the songs of birds in blossoming
+bushes.
+
+The couches were separated by a heavy curtain which the eunuchs had
+raised at the approach of the Queen.  Cleopatra could now see them all at
+a single glance, and the picture was indeed one of exquisite charm; for
+on these beautiful couches slept the twins, the ten-year-old children of
+Cleopatra and Antony--Antonius Helios and Cleopatra Selene.  The girl was
+pink and white, fair and wonderfully lovely; the boy no less beautiful,
+but with ebon-black hair, like his father.  Both curly heads were turned
+towards the side, and rested on a dimpled hand pressed upon the silken
+pillow.
+
+Upon a third bed, beyond the arch, was Alexander, the youngest prince, a
+lovely boy of six, the Queen's darling.
+
+After gazing a long while at the twins, and pressing a light kiss upon
+cheeks flushed with slumber, she turned to the youngest child and sank
+beside his couch as if forced to bend the knee before some apparition
+which Heaven had vouchsafed to her.  Tears streamed from her eyes as,
+drawing the child carefully towards her, she kissed his mouth, eyes, and
+cheeks, and then laid him gently back upon the pillows.  The boy,
+however, did not instantly relapse into slumber, but threw his little
+plump arms around his mother's neck, murmuring incomprehensible words.
+She joyously submitted to his caresses, till sleep again overpowered him,
+and his little hands fell back upon the bed.
+
+She lingered a short time longer, with her brow resting on the ivory of
+the couch, praying for this child and his brother and sister.  When she
+rose again her cheeks were wet with tears, and she pressed her hand upon
+her breast.  Then, beckoning to Charmian and Archibius, she motioned
+towards Alexander and the twins, saying, as she saw tears glittering in
+the eyes of both: "I know you have lost this happiness for my sake.  For
+each one of these children a great empire would not be too high a price;
+for them all----What does earth contain that I would not bestow?  Yet
+what can I still call my own?"
+
+Her smiling face clouded as she asked the question.  The vision of the
+lost battle again rose before her mind.  Her own power was lost,
+forfeited, and with it the independence of the native land which she
+loved.  Rome was already stretching out her hand to add it to the others
+as a new province.  But this should not be!  Her twin children yonder,
+sleeping beneath crowns, must wear them!  And the boy slumbering on the
+pillows?  How many kingdoms Antony had bestowed!  What remained for her
+to give?
+
+Again she bent to the child.  A beautiful dream must have hovered over
+him, for he was smiling in his sleep.  A flood of maternal love welled up
+in her agitated heart, and, as she saw the companions of her childhood
+also gazing tenderly at the little steeper, she remembered the days of
+her own youth, and the quiet happiness which she had enjoyed in her
+garden of Epicurus.
+
+Power and splendour had begun for her beyond its confines, but the
+greater the heights of worldly grandeur she attained, the more distant,
+the more irrecoverable became the consciousness of the happiness which
+she had once gratefully enjoyed, and for which she had never ceased to
+long.  And as she now gazed once more at the peaceful, smiling face,
+whence all pain and anxiety seemed worlds away, and all the love which
+her heart contained appeared to be pouring towards him, the question
+arose in her mind whether this boy, for whom she possessed no crown,
+might not be the only happy mortal of them all-happy in the sense of the
+master.  Deeply moved by this thought, she turned to Archibius and
+Charmian, exclaiming in a subdued tone, in order not to rouse the
+sleeper: "Whatever destiny may await us, I commend this child to your
+special love and care.  If Fate denies him the lustre of the crown and
+the elation of power, teach him to enjoy that other happiness, which--
+how long ago it is!--your father unfolded to his mother."
+
+Archibius kissed her robe, and Charmian her hands; but Cleopatra, drawing
+a long breath, said: "The mother has already taken too much time from the
+Queen.  I have ordered the news of my arrival to be kept from Caesarion.
+This was well.  The most important matters will be settled before our
+meeting.  Everything relating to me and to the state must be decided
+within an hour.  But, first, I am something more than mother and Queen.
+The woman also asserts her claim.  I will find time for you, my friend,
+to-morrow!-To my chamber first, Charmian.  But you need rest still more
+than I.  Go with your brother.  Send Iras to me.  She will be glad to use
+her skilful fingers again in her mistress's service."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The Queen had left her bath.  Iras had arranged the still abundant waves
+of her hair, now dark-brown in hue, and robed her magnificently to
+receive the dignitaries whom, spite of the late hour of the night, she
+expected.
+
+How wonderfully she had retained her beauty!  It seemed as if Time had
+not ventured to touch this masterpiece of feminine loveliness; yet the
+Greek's keen eye detected here and there some token of the vanishing
+spell of youth.  She loved her mistress, yet her inmost soul rejoiced
+whenever  she detected in her the same changes which began to appear in
+herself, the woman of seven-and-twenty, so many years her sovereign's
+junior.  She would  gladly have given Cleopatra everything at her
+command, yet she felt as if she must praise Nature for an act of justice,
+when she perceived that even her royal favourite was not wholly relieved
+from the law which applied to all.
+
+"Cease your flattery," said Cleopatra, smiling mournfully.
+"They say that the works of the Pharaohs here on the Nile flout Time.
+The inexorable destroyer is less willing to permit this from the Queen
+of Egypt.  These are grey hairs, and they came from this head, however
+eagerly you may deny it.  Whose save my own are these lines around the
+corners of the eyes and on the brow?  What say you to the tooth which my
+lips do not hide so kindly as you assert?  It was injured the night
+before the luckless battle.  My dear, faithful, skilful Olympus, the
+prince of leeches, is the only one who can conceal such things.  But it
+would not do to take the old man to the war, and Glaucus is far less
+adroit.  How I missed Olympus during those fatal hours!  I seemed a
+monster even to myself, and he--Antony's eye is only too keen for such
+matters.  What is the love of men?  A blackened tooth may prove its
+destruction.  An aspect obnoxious to the gaze will pour water on the
+fiercest fire.  What hours I experienced, Iras!  Many a glance from him
+seemed an insult, and, besides, my heart was filled with torturing
+anxiety.
+
+"Something had evidently come between us!  I felt it.  The trouble began
+soon after he left Alexandria.  It gnawed my soul like a worm, and now
+that I am here again I must see clearly.  He will follow me in a few
+days, I know.  Pinarius Scarpus, with his untouched legions, is in
+Paraetonium, whither he went.  At Taenarum he resolved to retire from the
+world which he, on whom it had bestowed so much that is great, hates
+because he has given it cause for many a shake of the head.  But the old
+spirit woke again, and if Fortune, usually so faithful, still aids him,
+a large force will soon join the new African army.  The Asiatic princes--
+But the ruler of the state must be silent.  I entered this room to give
+the woman her just rights, and the woman shall have them.  He will soon
+be here.  He cannot live without me.  It is not alone the beaker of
+Nektanebus which draws him after me!"
+
+"When the greatest of the great, Julius Caesar, sued for your love in
+Alexandria, and Antony on the Cydnus, you did not possess the goblet,"
+observed Iras.  "It is two years since Anubis permitted you to borrow the
+masterpiece from the temple treasures, and within a few days you will be
+obliged to restore it.  That a mysterious spell emanates from the cup is
+certain, but one still more powerful dwells in the magic of your own
+nature."
+
+"Would that it might assert itself to-day!" cried the Queen.  "At any
+rate the power of the beaker impelled Antony to do many things.  I am not
+vain enough to believe that it was love, that it was solely the spell of
+my own personality which drew him to me in that disastrous hour.  That
+battle, that incomprehensible, disgraceful battle!  You were ill, and
+could not see our fleet when it set sail; but even experienced spectators
+said that handsomer, larger vessels were never beheld.  I was right in
+insisting that the decision of the conflict should be left to them.  I
+was entitled to call them mine.  Had we conquered, what a proud delight
+it would have been to say, 'The weapons which you gave to the man you
+loved gained him the sovereignty of the world!'  Besides, the stars had
+assured me that good fortune would attend us on the sea.  They had given
+the same message to Anubis here and to Alexas upon Antony's galley.  I
+also trusted the spell of the goblet, which had already compelled Antony
+to do many things he opposed.  So I succeeded in having the decision of
+the conflict left to the fleet, but the prediction was false, false,
+false!--how utterly, was to be proved only too soon.
+
+"If I had only been told in time what I learned later!  After the defeat
+people were more loquacious.  That one remark of a veteran commander of
+the foot-soldiers would probably have sufficed to open my eyes.  He had
+asked Mark Antony why he fixed his hopes on miserable wood, exclaiming,
+'Let the Phoenician's and Egyptians war on the water, but leave us the
+land where we are accustomed, with our feet firmly set upon the earth, to
+fight, conquer, or die!'  This alone, I am sure, would have changed my
+resolve in a happy hour.  But it was kept from me.
+
+"The conflict began.  Our troops had lost patience.  The left wing of the
+fleet advanced.  At first I watched the battle eagerly, with a throbbing
+heart.  How proudly the huge galleys moved forward!  Everything was going
+admirably.  Antony had made an address, assuring the warriors that, even
+without soldiers, our ships would destroy the foe by their mere height
+and size.  What orator can so carry his hearers with him!  I, too, was
+still fearless.  Who cherishes anxiety when confidently expecting
+victory?  When he went on board his own ship, after bidding me farewell
+far less cordially than usual, I became more troubled.  I thought it was
+evident that his love was waning.  What had I become since we left
+Alexandria, and Olympus no longer attended me!  Matters could not
+continue in this way.  I would leave the direction of the war to him, and
+vanish from his eyes.  After he had looked into the beaker of Nektanebus,
+he yielded to my will, but often with indignation.  The unconcealed,
+ineffaceable lines, and the years, the cruel years!"
+
+"What thoughts are these?" cried Iras.  "Let me take oath, my sovereign
+mistress, that as you stand before me--"
+
+"Thanks to this toilet-table and the new compounds of Olympus in these
+boxes!  At that time, I tell you, I was fairly startled at the sight of
+my own face.  Trouble does not enhance beauty, and what condemnation the
+Romans had heaped on the woman who meddled with war, the craft of man!
+I had answers for them, but I would not endure it longer.  I had
+previously determined to hold aloof from the battle on land; but even
+at the commencement of the conflict, spite of its favourable promise,
+I longed to leave Antony and return to the children.  They do not heed
+the colour of their mother's hair, nor her wrinkles; and he, when he had
+looked for and called me in vain, would feel for the first time what he
+possessed in me, would miss me, and with the longing the old love would
+awaken with fresh ardour.  As soon as the fleet had gained the victory
+I would have the prow of my galley turned southward and, without a
+farewell, exclaiming only, 'We will meet in Alexandria!' set sail for
+Egypt.
+
+"I summoned Alexas, who had remained with me, and ordered him to give me
+a signal as soon as the battle was decided in our favour.  I remained on
+deck.  Then I saw the ships of the foe describing a wide circle.  The
+nauarch told me that Agrippa was trying to surround us.  This roused a
+feeling of discomfort.  I began to repent having meddled with men's work.
+
+"Antony looked across at me from his galley.  I waved my hand to point
+out the peril, but instead of eagerly and lovingly answering the
+greeting, as of yore, he turned his back, and in a short time after the
+wildest uproar arose around me.  One ship became entangled with another,
+planks and poles shattered with a loud crash.  Shouts, the cries  and
+moans of the combatants and the wounded, mingled with the thunder of the
+stones hurled by the catapults, and the sharp notes of the signals which
+sounded like calls for help.  Two soldiers, stricken by arrows, fell
+beside me.  It was horrible!  Yet my courage remained steadfast, even
+when a squadron--it was commanded by Aruntius--pressed upon the fleet.
+I saw another line of galleys steering directly towards us, and a Roman
+vessel assailed by one of mine--I had named her the Selene--turn on her
+side and sink.  This pleased me and seemed like the first presage of
+victory.  I again ordered Alexas to have the ship's prow turned as soon
+as the result of the battle was decided.  Ere I had ceased speaking,
+Jason, the steward--you know him--appeared with refreshments.  I took the
+beaker, but, ere I could raise it to my lips, he fell to the deck with a
+cloven skull, mingling his blood with the spilled juice of the grape.
+My blood seemed fairly to freeze in my veins, and Alexas, trembling and
+deadly pale, asked, 'Do you command us to quit the battle?'
+
+"Every fibre of my being urged me to give the order, but I controlled
+myself, and asked the nauarch, who was standing on the bridge before me,
+'Are we gaining the advantage?'  The reply was a positive 'Yes.'  I
+thought the fitting time had come, and called to him to steer the galley
+southward.  But the man did not seem to understand.  Meanwhile the noise
+of the conflict had grown louder and louder.  So, in spite of Charmian,
+who besought me not to interfere in the battle, I sent Alexas to the
+commander on the bridge, and while he talked with the grey-bearded
+seaman, who wrathfully answered I know not what, I glanced at the nearest
+ship--I no longer knew whether it was friend or foe--and as I saw the
+rows of restless oars moving in countless numbers to and fro, it seemed
+as if every ship had become a huge spider, and the long wooden handles of
+the oars were its legs and feet.  Each of these monsters appeared to be
+seeking to snare me in a horrible net, and when the nauarch came to
+beseech me to wait, I imperiously commanded him to obey my orders.
+
+"The luckless man bowed, and performed his Queen's behest.  The giant was
+turned, and forced a passage through the maze.
+
+"I breathed more freely.
+
+"What had threatened me like the legs of huge spiders became oars once
+more.  Alexas led me under a roof, where no missiles could reach me.  My
+desire was fulfilled.  I had escaped Antony's eyes, and we were going
+towards Alexandria and my children.  When I at last looked around I saw
+that my other ships were following.  I had not given this order, and was
+terribly startled.  When I sought Alexas, he had vanished.  The centurion
+whom I sent to order the nauarch to give the signal to the other ships to
+return to the battle, reported that the captain's dead body has just been
+borne away, but that the command should be given.  How this was done I do
+not know, but it produced no effect, and no one noticed the anxious
+waving of my handkerchief.
+
+"We had left Antony's galley--he was standing on the bridge--far behind.
+
+"I had waved my hand as we passed close by, and he hurried down to bend
+far over the bulwark and shout to me.  I can still see his hands raised
+to his bearded lips.  I did not understand what he said, and only pointed
+southward and in spirit wished him victory and that this separation might
+tend to the welfare of our love.  But he shook his head, pressed his hand
+despairingly to his brow, and waved his arms as though to give me a sign,
+but the Antonias swept far ahead of his ship and steered straight towards
+the south.
+
+"I breathed more freely, in the pleasant consciousness of escaping a two-
+fold danger.  Had I remained long before Antony's eyes, looking as I did
+then, it might--
+
+"Wretched blunder of a wretched woman, I say now.  But at that time I
+could not suspect what a terrible doom I had brought down in that hour
+upon ourselves, my children, perhaps the whole world; so I remained under
+the thrall of these petty fears and thoughts until wounded men were
+carried past me.  The sight distressed me; you know how sensitive I am,
+and with what difficulty I endure and witness suffering.
+
+"Charmian led me to the cabin.  There I first realized what I had done.
+I had hoped to aid in crushing the hated foe, and now perhaps it was I
+who had built for him the bridge to victory, to sovereignty, to our
+destruction.  Pursued by such thoughts, as if by the Furies, I paced
+restlessly to and fro.
+
+"Suddenly I heard a loud noise on deck.  A crashing blow seemed to shake
+the huge ship.  We were pursued!  A Roman galley had boarded mine!  This
+was my thought as I grasped the dagger Antony had given me.
+
+"But Charmian came back with tidings which seemed scarcely less terrible
+than the baseless fear.  I had angrily commanded her to leave me because
+she had urged me to revoke the command to turn back.  Now, deadly pale,
+she announced that Mark Antony had left his galley, followed me in a
+little five-oared boat, and come on board our ship.
+
+"My blood froze in my veins.
+
+"He had come, I imagined, to force me to return to the battle and,
+drawing a long breath, my defiant pride urged me to show him that I was
+the Queen and would obey only my own will, while my heart impelled me to
+sink at his feet and beseech him, without heeding me, to issue any order
+which promised to secure a victory.
+
+"But he did not come.
+
+"I sent Charmian up again.  Antony had been unable to continue the
+conflict when parted from me.  Now he sat in front of the cabin with his
+head resting on his hands, staring at the planks of the deck like one
+distraught.  He, he--Antony!  The bravest horseman, the terror of the
+foe, let his arms fall like a shepherd-boy whose sheep are stolen by the
+wolves.  Mark Antony, the hero who had braved a thousand dangers, had
+flung down his sword.  Why, why?  Because a woman had yielded to idle
+fears, obeyed the yearning of a mother's heart, and fled?  Of all human
+weaknesses, not one had been more alien than cowardice to the man whose
+recklessness had led him to many an unprecedented venture.  And now?  No,
+a thousand times no!  Fire and water would unite sooner than Mark Antony
+and cowardice!  He had been under the coercive power of a demon; a
+mysterious spell had forced him--"
+
+"The mightiest power, love," interrupted Iras with enthusiastic warmth--
+"a love as great and overmastering as ever subjugated the soul of man."
+
+"Ay, love," repeated  Cleopatra, in a hollow tone.  Then her lips curled
+with a faint tinge of derision, and her voice expressed the very
+bitterness of doubt, as she continued: "Had it been merely the love which
+makes two mortals one, transfers the heart of one to the other, it might
+perchance have borne my timorous soul into the hero's breast!  But no.
+Violent tempests had raged before the battle.  It had not been possible
+always to appear before him in the guise in which we would fain be seen
+by those whom we love.
+
+"Even now, when your skilful hands have served me--there is the mirror--
+the image it reflects--seems to me like a carefully preserved wreck--"
+
+"O my royal mistress," cried Iras, raising her hands beseechingly, "must
+I again declare that neither the grey hairs which are again brown, nor
+the few lines which Olympus will soon render invisible, nor whatever else
+perhaps disturbs you in the image you behold reflected, impairs your
+beauty?  Unclouded and secure of victory, the spell of your godlike
+nature--"
+
+"Cease, cease!" interrupted  Cleopatra.  "I know what I know.  No mortal
+can escape the great eternal laws of Nature.  As surely as birth
+commences life, everything that exists moves onward to destruction
+and decay."
+
+"Yet the gods," Iras persisted, "give to their works different degrees of
+existence.  The waterlily blooms but a single day, yet how full of vigour
+is the sycamore in the garden of the Paneum, which has flourished a
+thousand years!  Not a petal in the blossoms of your youth has faded, and
+is it conceivable that there is even the slightest diminution in the love
+of him who cast away all that man holds dearest because he could not
+endure to part, even for days or weeks, from the woman whom he
+worshipped?"
+
+"Would that he had done so!" cried Cleopatra mournfully.  "But are you so
+sure that it was love which made him follow me?  I am of a different
+opinion.  True love does not paralyze, but doubles the high qualities of
+man.  I learned this when Caesar was prisoned by a greatly superior force
+within this very palace, his ships burned, his supply of water cut off.
+In him also, in Antony, I was permitted to witness this magnificent
+spectacle twenty--what do I say?-a hundred times, so long as he loved me
+with all the ardour of his fiery soul.  But what happened at Actium?
+That shameful flight of the cooing dove after his mate, at which
+generations yet unborn will point in mockery!  He who does not see more
+deeply will attribute to the foolish madness of love this wretched
+forgetfulness of duty, honour, fame, the present and the future; but I,
+Iras--and this is the thought which whitens one hair after another, which
+will speedily destroy the remnant of your mistress's former beauty by the
+exhaustion of sleepless nights--I know better.  It was not love which
+drew Antony after me, not love that trampled in the dust the radiant
+image of reckless courage, not love that constrained the demigod to
+follow the pitiful track of a fugitive woman."
+
+Here her voice fell, and seizing the girl's wrist with a painful
+pressure, she drew her closer to her side and whispered:
+
+"The goblet of Nektanebus is connected with it.  Ay, tremble!  The powers
+that emanate from the glittering wonder are as terrible as they are
+unnatural.  The magic spell exerted by the beaker has transformed the
+heroic son of Herakles, the more than mortal, into the whimpering coward,
+the crushed, broken nonentity I found upon the galley's deck.  You are
+silent?  Your nimble tongue finds no reply.  How could you have forgotten
+that you aided me to win the wager which forced Antony to gaze into the
+beaker before I filled it for him?  How grateful I was to Anubis when
+he finally consented to trust to my care this marvel of the temple
+treasures, when the first trial succeeded, and Antony, at my bidding,
+placed the magnificent wreath which he wore upon the bald brow of that
+crabbed old follower of Aristoteles, Diomedes, whom he detested in his
+inmost soul!  It was scarcely a year ago, and you know how rarely at
+first I used the power of the terrible vessel.  The man whom I loved
+obeyed my slightest glance, without its aid.  But later--before the
+battle--I felt how gladly he would have sent me, who might ruin all, back
+to Egypt.  Besides, I felt--I have already said so--that something had
+come between us.  Yet, often as he was on the point of sacrificing me to
+the importunate Romans, I need only bid him gaze into the beaker, and
+exclaim 'You will not send me hence.  We belong together.  Whither one
+goes, the other will follow!' and he besought me not to leave him.  The
+very morning before the battle I gave him the drinking cup, urging him,
+whatever might happen, never, never to leave me.  And he obeyed this time
+also, though the person to whom a magic spell bound him was a fleeing
+woman.  It is terrible.  And yet, have I a right to execrate the thrall
+of  the beaker?  Scarcely!  For without the Magian's glittering vessel--
+a secret voice in my soul has whispered the warning a thousand times
+during the sleepless nights--he would have taken another on the galley.
+And I believe I know this other--I mean the woman whose singing
+enthralled my heart too at the Adonis festival just before our departure.
+I noticed the look with which his eyes sought hers.  Now I know that it
+was not merely my old deceitful foe, jealousy, which warned me against
+her.  Alexas, the most faithful of his friends, also confirmed what I
+merely feared--ah! and he told me other things which the stars had
+revealed to him.  Besides, he knows the siren, for she was the wife of
+his own brother.  To protect his honour, he cast off the coquettish
+Circe."
+
+"Barine!" fell in resolute tones from the lips of Iras.
+
+"So you know her?" asked Cleopatra, eagerly.  The girl raised her clasped
+hands beseechingly to the Queen, exclaiming:
+
+"I know this woman only too well, and how my heart rages against her!
+O my mistress, that I, too, should aid in darkening this hour!  Yet
+it must be said.  That Antony visited the singer, and even took his son
+there more than once, is known throughout the city.  Yet that is not the
+worst.  A Barine entering into rivalry with you! It would be too
+ridiculous.  But what bounds can be set to the insatiate greed of these
+women?  No rank, no age is sacred.  It was dull in the absence of the
+court and the army.  There were no men who seemed worth the trouble of
+catching, so she cast her net for boys, and the one most closely snared
+was the King Caesarion."
+
+"Caesarion!" exclaimed  Cleopatra, her pale cheeks flushing.  "And his
+tutor Rhodon?  My strict commands?"
+
+"Antyllus secretly presented him to her," replied Iras.  "But I kept my
+eyes open.  The boy clung to the singer with insensate passion.  The only
+expedient was to remove her from the city.  Archibius aided me."
+
+"Then I shall be spared sending her away."
+
+"Nay, that must still be done; for, on the journey to the country
+Caesarion, with several comrades, attacked her."
+
+"And the reckless deed was successful?"
+
+"No, my royal mistress.  I wish it had been.  A love-sick fool who
+accompanied her drew his sword in her defence, raised his hand against
+the son of Caesar, and wounded him.  Calm yourself, I beseech you, I
+conjure you--the wound is slight.  The boy's mad passion makes me far
+more anxious."
+
+The Queen's pouting scarlet lips closed so firmly that her mouth lost the
+winning charm which was peculiar to it, and she answered in a firm,
+resolute tone: "It is the mother's place to protect the son against the
+temptress.  Alexas is right.  Her star stands in the path of mine.  A
+woman like this casts a deep shadow on her Queen's course.  I will defend
+myself.  It is she who has placed herself between us; she has won Antony.
+But no!  Why should I blind myself?  Time and the charms he steals from
+women are far more powerful than twenty such little temptresses.  Then,
+there are the circumstances which prevented my concealing the defects
+that wounded the eyes of this most spoiled of all spoiled mortals.  All
+these things aided the singer.  I feel it.  In her pursuit of men she had
+at her command all the means which aid us women to conceal what is
+unlovely and enhance what is beautiful in a lover's eyes, while I was at
+a disadvantage, lacking your aid and the long-tested skill of Olympus.
+The divinity on the ship, amid the raging of the storm, was forced more
+than once to appear before the worshipper ungarlanded, without ornament
+for the head, or incense."
+
+"But though she used all the combined arts of Aphrodite and Isis, she
+could not vie with you, my royal mistress!" cried Iras.  "How little is
+required to delude the senses of one scarcely more than a child!"
+
+"Poor boy!" sighed the Queen, gently.  "Had he not been wounded, and were
+it not so hard to resign what we love, I should rejoice that he, too,
+understands how to plan and act.  Perhaps--O Iras, would that it might be
+so!--now that the gate is burst open, the brain and energy of the great
+Caesar will enter his living image.  As the Egyptians call Horus 'the
+avenger of his father,' perhaps he may become his mother's defender and
+avenger.  If Caesar's spirit wakes within him, he will wrest from the
+dissembler Octavianus the heritage of which the nephew robbed the son.
+You swear that the wound is but a slight one?"
+
+"The physicians have said so."
+
+"Well, then we will hope so.  Let him enter the conflict of life.  We
+will afford him ample opportunity to test his powers.  No foolish passion
+shall prevent the convalescent youth from following his father upward
+along the pathway of fame.  But send for the woman who ensnared him,
+the audacious charmer whose aspirations mount to those I hold dearest.
+We will see how she appears beside me!"
+
+"These are grievous times," said Iras, who saw in amazement the Queen's
+eyes sparkle with the confident light of victory.  "Grant your foot its
+right.  Let it crush her!  Monsters enough, on whom you cannot set your
+foot, throng your path.  Hence to Hades, in these days of conflict, with
+all who can be quickly removed!"
+
+"Murder?" asked Cleopatra, her noble brow contracting in a frown.
+
+"If it must be, ay," replied Iras, sharply.  "If possible, banishment
+to an island, an oasis.  If necessity requires, to the mines with the
+siren!"
+
+"If necessity requires?" repeated the Queen.  "I think that means, if it
+proves that she has deserved the harshest punishment."
+
+"She has brought it upon herself by every hour of my sovereign's life
+clouded through her wiles.  In the mines the desire to set snares for
+husbands and sons soon vanishes."
+
+"And people languish in the most terrible torture till death ends their
+suffering," added Cleopatra, in a tone of grave reproof.  "No, girl, this
+victory is too easy.  I will not send even my foe to death without a
+hearing, especially at this time, which teaches me what it is to await
+the verdict of one who is more powerful.  This woman who, as it were,
+summons me to battle, shall have her wish.  I am curious to see the
+singer again, and to learn the means by which she has succeeded in
+chaining to her triumphal car so many captives, from boys up to the
+most exacting men."
+
+"What do you intend, my royal  mistress?" cried Iras in horror.
+
+"I intend," said Cleopatra imperiously, "to see the daughter of Leonax,
+the granddaughter of Didymus, two men whom I hold in high esteem, ere I
+decide her destiny.  I wish to behold, test, and judge my rival, heart
+and mind, ere I condemn her.  I will engage in the conflict to which she
+challenged the loving wife and mother!  But--this is my right--I will
+compel her to show herself to me as Antony so often saw me during the
+past few weeks, unaided and unimproved by the arts which we both have at
+command."
+
+Then, without paying any further heed to her attendant, she went to a
+window, and, after a swift glance at the sky, added quietly: "The first
+hour after midnight is drawing to a close.  The council will begin
+immediately.  The matter to be under discussion is a venture which might
+save much from the wreck.  The council will last two hours, perchance
+only one.  The singer can wait.  "Where does she live?"
+
+"In the house which belonged to her father, the artist Leonax, in the
+garden of the Paneum," replied Iras hoarsely.  "But, O my Queen, if ever
+my opinion had the slightest weight with you--"
+
+"I desire no counsel now, but demand the fulfilment of my orders!" cried
+Cleopatra resolutely.  "As soon as those whom I expect are here--"
+
+The Queen was interrupted by a chamberlain, who announced the arrival of
+the men whom she had summoned, and Cleopatra bade him tell them that she
+was on her way to the council chamber.  Then she turned again to Iras and
+in rapid words commanded her to go at once in a closed carriage,
+accompanied by a reliable person, to Barine's house.  She must be brought
+to the palace without the least delay--Iras would understand--even if it
+should be necessary to rouse her from her sleep.  "I wish to see her as
+if a storm had forced her suddenly upon the deck of a ship," she said in
+conclusion.
+
+Then snatching a small tablet from the dressing-table, she scrawled upon
+the wax with a rapid hand: "Cleopatra, the Queen, desires to see Barine,
+the daughter of Leonax, without delay.  She must obey any command of
+Iras, Cleopatra's messenger, and her companion."
+
+Then, closing the diptychon, she handed it to her attendant, asking:
+
+"Whom will you take?"
+
+She answered without hesitation, "Alexas."
+
+"Very well," answered Cleopatra.  "Do not allow her a moment for
+preparations, whatever they may be.  But do not forget--I command you--
+that she is a woman."
+
+With these words she turned to follow the chamberlain, but Iras hurried
+after her to adjust the diadem upon her head and arrange some of the
+folds of her robe.
+
+Cleopatra submitted, saying kindly, "Something else, I see, is weighing
+on your heart."
+
+"O my mistress!" cried the girl.  "After these tempests of the soul,
+these harassing months, you are turning night into day and assuming fresh
+labours and anxieties.  If the leech Olympus--"
+
+"It must be," interrupted Cleopatra kindly.  "The last two weeks seemed
+like a single long and gloomy night, during which I sometimes left my
+couch for a few hours.  One who seeks to drag what is dearest from the
+river does not consider whether the cold bath is agreeable.  If we
+succumb, it does not matter whether we are well or ill; if, on the
+contrary, we succeed in gathering another army and saving Egypt, let it
+cost health and life.  The minutes I intend to grant to the woman will be
+thrown into the bargain.  Whatever may come, I shall be ready to meet my
+fate.  I am at one of life's great turning points.  At such a time we
+fulfil our obligations and demands, both great and small."
+
+A few minutes later Cleopatra entered the throne-room and saluted the men
+whom she had roused from their slumber in order to lay before them a bold
+plan which, in the lowest depths of misfortune, her yearning to offer
+fresh resistance to the victorious foe had caused her vigorous, restless
+mind to evoke.
+
+When, many years before, the boy with whom, according to her father's
+will, she shared the throne, and his guardian Pothinus, had compelled her
+to fly from Alexandria, she had found in the eastern frontier of the
+Delta, on the isthmus which united Egypt to Asia, the remains of the
+canal which the energetic Pharaohs of former times had constructed to
+connect the Mediterranean with the Red Sea.
+
+Even at that period she had deemed this ruinous work worthy of notice,
+had questioned the AEnites who dwelt there about the remains, and even
+visited some of them herself during the leisure hours of waiting.
+
+From this survey it had seemed possible, by a great expenditure of
+labour, to again render navigable the canal which the Pharaohs had used
+to reach both seas in the same galleys, and by which, less than five
+hundred years before, Darius, the founder of the Persian Empire, had
+brought his fleet to his support.
+
+With the tireless desire for knowledge characteristic of her, Cleopatra
+had sought information concerning all these matters, and in quiet hours
+had more than once pondered over plans for again uniting the Grecian and
+Arabian seas.
+
+Clearly, plainly, fully, with more thorough knowledge of many details
+than even the superintendent of the water works, she explained her design
+to the assembled professionals.  If it proved practicable, the rescued
+ships of the fleet, with others lying in the roadstead of Alexandria,
+could be conveyed across the isthmus into the Red Sea, and thus saved to
+Egypt and withdrawn from the foe.  Supported by this force, many things
+might be attempted, resistance might be considerably prolonged, and the
+time thus gained used in gathering fresh aid and allies.
+
+If the opportunity to make an attack arrived, a powerful fleet would be
+at her disposal, for which smaller ships also should now be built at
+Klysma, on the basis of the experience gained at Actium.  The men who had
+been robbed of their night's rest listened in amazement to the melodious
+words of this woman who, in the deepest disaster, had devised a plan of
+escape so daring in its grandeur, and understood how to explain it better
+than any one of their number could have done.  They followed every
+sentence with the keenest attention, and Cleopatra's language grew more
+impassioned, gained greater power and depth, the more plainly she
+perceived the unfeigned, enthusiastic admiration paid her by her
+listeners.
+
+Even the oldest and most experienced men did not consider the surprising
+proposal utterly impossible and impracticable.  Some, among them Gorgias,
+who during the restoration of the Serapeum had helped his father on the
+eastern frontier of the Delta, and thus became familiar with the
+neighbourhood of Heroonopolis, feared the difficulties which an elevation
+of the earth in the centre of the isthmus would place in the way of the
+enterprise.  Yet, why should an undertaking which was successful in the
+days of Sesostris appear unattainable?
+
+The shortness of the time at their disposal was a still greater source of
+anxiety, and to this was added the information that one hundred and
+twenty thousand workmen had perished during the restoration of the canal
+which Pharaoh Necho nearly completed.  The water way was not finished at
+that period, because an oracle had asserted that it would benefit only
+the foreigners, the Phoenicians.
+
+All these points were duly considered, but could not shake the opinion
+that, under specially favourable conditions, the Queen's plan would be
+practicable; though, to execute it, obstacles mountain-high were to be
+conquered.  All the labourers in the fields, who had not been pressed
+into the army, must be summoned to the work.
+
+Not an hour's delay was permitted.  Where there was no water to bear the
+ships, an attempt must be made to convey them across the land.  There was
+no lack of means.  The mechanics who had understood how to move the
+obelisks and colossi from the cataract to Alexandria, could here again
+find opportunity to test their brains and former skill.
+
+Never had Cleopatra's kindling spirit roused more eager, nay, more
+passionate sympathy, in any counsellors gathered around her than during
+this nocturnal meeting, and when at last she paused, the loud
+acclamations of excited men greeted her.  The Queen's return, and the
+tidings of the lost battle which she had communicated, were to be kept
+secret.
+
+Gorgias had been appointed one of the directors of the enterprise, and
+the intellect, voice, and winning charm of Cleopatra had so enraptured
+him that he already fancied he saw the commencement of a new love which
+would be fatal to his regard for Helena.
+
+It was foolish to raise his wishes so high, but he told himself that he
+had never beheld a woman more to be desired.  Yet he cherished a very
+warm memory of the philosopher's grand-daughter, and lamented that he
+would scarcely find it possible to bid her farewell.
+
+Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, Dion's uncle, had questioned him about his
+nephew in a very mysterious manner as soon as he entered the council
+chamber, and received the reply that the wound in the shoulder, which
+Caesarion had dealt with a short Roman sword, though severe, was--so the
+physicians assured them-not fatal.
+
+This seemed to satisfy Zeno, and ere Gorgias could urge him to extend a
+protecting hand over his nephew, he excused himself and, with a message
+to the wounded man, turned his back upon him.
+
+The courtier had not yet learned what view the Queen would take of this
+unfortunate affair, and besides, he was overloaded with business.  The
+new enterprise required the issue of a large number of documents
+conferring authority, which all passed through his hands.
+
+Cleopatra addressed a few kind, encouraging words to each one of the
+experts who had been entrusted with the execution of her plan.  Gorgias,
+too, was permitted to kiss her robe, which stirred his blood afresh.  He
+would fain have flung himself at the feet of this marvellous woman and,
+with his services, place his life at her disposal.  And Cleopatra noticed
+the enthusiastic ardour of his glance.
+
+He, too, had been mentioned in the list of Barine's admirers.  There must
+be something unusual about this woman!  But could she have fired a body
+of grave men in behalf of a great, almost impossible deed, roused them to
+such enthusiastic admiration as she, the vanquished, menaced Queen?
+Certainly not.
+
+She felt in the right mood to confront Barine as judge and rival.
+
+In the midst of the deepest misery she had spent one happy hour.  She had
+again felt, with joyous pride, that her intellect, fresh and unclouded,
+would be capable of outstripping the best powers, and in truth she needed
+no magic goblet to win hearts.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Aspect obnoxious to the gaze will pour water on the fire
+Everything that exists moves onward to destruction  and decay
+Trouble does not enhance beauty
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 5.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Barine had been an hour in the palace.  The magnificently furnished room
+to which she was conducted was directly above the council chamber, and
+sometimes, in the silence of the night, the voice of the Queen or the
+loud cheers of men were distinctly heard.
+
+Barine listened without making the slightest effort to catch the meaning
+of the words which reached her ears.  She longed only for something to
+divert her thoughts from the deep and bitter emotion which filled her
+soul.  Ay, she was roused to fury, and yet she felt how completely this
+passionate resentment contradicted her whole nature.
+
+True, the shameless conduct of Philostratus during their married life had
+often stirred the inmost depths of her placid, kindly spirit, and after
+wards his brother Alexas had come to drive her, by his disgraceful
+proposals, to the verge of despair; rage was added to the passionate
+agitation of her soul, and for this she had cause to rejoice--but for
+this mighty resentment during the time of struggle she might have,
+perhaps, succumbed from sheer weariness and the yearning desire to rest.
+
+At last, at last, she and her friends, by means of great sacrifices, had
+succeeded in releasing her from these tortures.  Philostratus's consent
+to liberate her was purchased.  Alexas's persecution had ceased long
+before; he had first been sent away as envoy by his patron Antony, and
+afterwards been compelled to accompany him to the war.
+
+How she had enjoyed the peaceful days in her mother's house!  How quickly
+the bright cheerfulness which she had supposed lost had returned to her
+soul!--and to-day Fate had blessed her with the greatest happiness life
+had ever offered.  True, she had had only a few brief hours in which to
+enjoy it, for the attack of the unbridled boys and the wound inflicted
+upon her lover had cast a heavy shadow on her bliss.
+
+Her mother had again proved to be in the right when she so confidently
+predicted a second misfortune which would follow the first only too soon.
+
+Barine had been torn at midnight from her peaceful home and her wounded
+lover's bedside.  This was done by the Queen's command, and, full of
+angry excitement, she said to herself that the men were right who cursed
+tyranny because it transformed free human beings into characterless
+chattels.
+
+There could be nothing good awaiting her; that was proved by the
+messengers whom Cleopatra had sent to summon her at this unprecedented
+hour.  They were her worst enemies: Iras, who desired to wed her lover--
+Dion had told her so after the assault--and Alexas, whose suit she had
+rejected in a way which a man never forgives.
+
+She had already learned Iras's feelings.  The slender figure with the
+narrow head, long, delicate nose, small chin, and pointed fingers, seemed
+to her like a long, sharp thorn.  This strange comparison had entered her
+head as Iras stood rigidly erect, reading aloud in a shrill, high voice
+the Queen's command.  Everything about this hard, cold face appeared as
+sharp as a sting, and ready to destroy her.
+
+Her removal from her mother's house to the royal palace had been swift
+and simple.
+
+After the attack--of which she saw little, because, overpowered by fear
+and horror, she closed her eyes--she had driven home with her lover,
+where the leech had bandaged his injuries, and Berenike had quickly and
+carefully transformed her own sleeping chamber into a sick-room.
+
+Barine, after changing her dress, did not leave Dion's side.  She had
+attired herself carefully, for she knew his delight in outward adornment.
+When she returned from her grandparents, before sunset, she was alone
+with him, and he, kissing her arm, had murmured that wherever the Greek
+tongue was spoken there was not one more beautiful.  The gem was worthy
+of its loveliness.  So she had opened her baggage to take out the circlet
+which Antony had given, and it again enclasped her arm when she entered
+the sick-room.
+
+Because Dion had told her that he deemed her fairest in the simple white
+robe she had worn a few days before, when there were no guests save
+himself and Gorgias, and she had sung until after midnight his favourite
+songs as though all were intended for him alone, her choice had fallen
+upon this garment.  And she rejoiced that she had worn it--the wounded
+man's eyes rested upon her so joyously when she sat down opposite to him.
+
+The physician had forbidden him to talk, and urged him to sleep if
+possible.  So Barine only held his hand in silence, whispering, whenever
+he opened his eyes, a tender word of love and encouragement.
+
+She had remained with him for hours, leaving her place at his side merely
+to give him his medicine, or, with her mother's aid, place poultices on
+his wounds.
+
+When his manly face was distorted by suffering, she shared his pain; but
+during most of the time a calm, pleasant sense of happiness pervaded her
+mind.  She felt safe and sheltered in the possession of the man whom she
+loved, though fully aware of the perils which threatened him, and,
+perhaps, her also.  But the assurance of his love completely filled her
+heart and cast every care entirely into the shade.  Many men had seemed
+estimable and agreeable, a few even desirable husbands, but Dion was the
+first to awaken love in her ardent but by no means passionate soul.  She
+regarded the experiences of the past few days as a beautiful miracle.
+How she had yearned and pined until the most fervent desire of her heart
+was fulfilled!  Now Dion had offered her his love, and nothing could rob
+her of it.
+
+Gorgias and the sons of her uncle Arius had disturbed her a short time.
+After they had gone with a good report, Berenike had entreated her
+daughter to lie down and let her take her place.  But Barine would not
+leave her lover's couch, and had just loosed her hair to brush it again
+and fasten the thick, fair braids around her head, when, two hours after
+midnight, some one knocked loudly on the window shutters.  Berenike was
+in the act of removing the poultice, so Barine herself went into the
+atrium to wake the doorkeeper.
+
+But the old man was not asleep, and had anticipated her.  She recognized,
+with a low cry of terror, the first person who entered the lighted
+vestibule--Alexas.  Iras followed, her head closely muffled, for the
+storm was still howling through the streets.  Last of all a lantern-
+bearer crossed the threshold.
+
+The Syrian saluted the startled young beauty with a formal bow, but Iras,
+without a greeting or even a single word of preparation, delivered the
+Queen's command, and then read aloud, by the light of the lantern, what
+Cleopatra had scrawled upon the wax tablet.
+
+When Barine, pallid and scarcely able to control her emotion, requested
+the messengers who had arrived at so late an hour to enter, in order to
+give her time to prepare for the night drive and take leave of her
+mother, Iras vouchsafed no reply, but, as if she had the right to rule
+the house, merely ordered the doorkeeper to bring his mistress's cloak
+without delay.
+
+While the old man, with trembling knees, moved away, Iras asked if the
+wounded Dion was in the dwelling; and Barine, her self-control restored
+by the question, answered, with repellent pride, that the Queen's orders
+did not command her to submit to an examination in her own house.
+
+Iras shrugged her shoulders and said, sneeringly, to Alexas:
+
+"In truth, I asked too much.  One who attracts so many men of all ages
+can scarcely be expected to know the abode of each individual."
+
+"The heart has a faithful memory," replied the Syrian in a tone of
+correction, but Iras echoed, contemptuously, "The heart!"
+
+Then all were silent until, instead of the doorkeeper, Berenike herself
+came hurrying in, bringing the cloak.  With pallid face and bloodless
+lips she wrapped it around her daughter's shoulders, whispering, amid
+floods of tears, almost inaudible words of love and encouragement, which
+Iras interrupted by requesting Barine to follow her to the carriage.
+
+The mother and daughter embraced and kissed each other, then the closed
+equipage bore the persecuted woman through the storm and darkness to
+Lochias.
+
+Not a word was exchanged between Barine and the Queen's messengers until
+they reached the room where the former was to await Cleopatra; but here
+Iras again endeavoured to induce her to speak.  At the first question,
+however, Barine answered that she had no information to give.
+
+The room was as bright as if it were noonday, though the lights flickered
+constantly, for the wind found its way through the thin shutters closing
+the windows on both sides of the corner room, and a strong, cold draught
+swept in.  Barine wrapped her cloak more closely around her; the storm
+which howled about the sea-washed palace harmonized with the vehement
+agitation of her soul.  Whether she had looked within or without, there
+was nothing which could have soothed her save the assurance of being
+loved--an assurance that held fear at bay.  Now, indignation prevented
+dread from overpowering her, yet calm consideration could not fail to
+show her that danger threatened on every hand.  The very manner in which
+Iras and Alexas whispered together, without heeding her presence, boded
+peril, for courtiers show such contempt only to those whom they know are
+threatened with the indifference or resentment of the sovereign.  Barine,
+during her married life with a man devoid of all delicacy of feeling, and
+with a disposition as evil as his tongue was ready, had learned to endure
+many things which were hard to bear; yet when, after a remark from Iras
+evidently concerning her, she heard Alexas laugh, she was compelled to
+exert the utmost self-restraint to avoid telling her enemy how utterly
+she despised the cowardly cruelty of her conduct.  But she succeeded in
+keeping silent.  Still, the painful constraint she imposed on herself
+must find vent in some way, and, as the tortured anguish of her soul
+reached its height, large tears rolled down her cheeks.
+
+These, too, were noticed by her enemy and made the target of her wit; but
+this time the sarcasm failed to produce its effect upon the Syrian, for,
+instead of laughing, he grew grave, and whispered something which seemed
+to Barine a reproof or a warning.  Iras's reply was merely a contemptuous
+shrug of the shoulders.
+
+Barine had noticed long before that her mother, in her fear and
+bewilderment, had brought her own cloak instead of her daughter's, and
+this circumstance also did not seem to her foe too trivial for a sneer.
+
+But the childish insolence that seemed to have taken possession of one
+who usually by no means lacked dignity, was merely the mask beneath which
+she concealed her own suffering.  A grave motive was the source of the
+mirth by which she affected to be moved at the sight of her enemy's
+cloak.  The grey, ill-fitting garment disfigured Barine, and she desired
+that the Queen should feel confident of surpassing her rival even in
+outward charms.  No one, not even Cleopatra, could dispense with a
+protecting wrap in this cold draught, and nothing suited her better than
+the purple mantle in whose delicate woollen fabric black and gold dragons
+and griffins were embroidered.  Iras had taken care that it lay ready.
+Barine could not fail to appear like a beggar in comparison, though
+Alexas said that her blue kerchief was marvellously becoming.
+
+He was a base-minded voluptuary, who, aided by rich gifts of mind and
+wide knowledge, had shunned no means of ingratiating himself with Antony,
+the most lavish of patrons.  The repulse which this man, accustomed to
+success, had received from Barine had been hard to forget, yet he did not
+resign the hope of winning her.  Never had she seemed more desirable than
+in her touching weakness.  Even base natures are averse to witnessing the
+torture of the defenceless, and when Iras had aimed another poisoned
+shaft at her, he ventured, at the risk of vexing his ally, to say, under
+his breath:
+
+"Condemned criminals are usually granted, before their end, a favourite
+dish.  I have no cause to wish Barine anything good; but I would not
+grudge that.  You, on the contrary, seem to delight in pouring wormwood
+on her last mouthful."
+
+"Certainly," she answered, her eyes sparkling brightly.  "Malice is the
+purest of pleasures; at least to me, when exercised on this woman."
+
+The Syrian, with a strange smile, held out his hand, saying: "Keep your
+good-will towards me, Iras."
+
+"Because," she retorted with a  sneer, "evil may follow my enmity.  I
+think so, too.  I am not especially sensitive concerning myself, but
+whoever dares"--here she raised her voice--"to harm one whom I--Just
+listen to the cheers!  How she carries all hearts with her!  Though Fate
+had made her a beggar, she would still be peerless among women.  She is
+like the sun.  The clouds which intrude upon her pathway of radiance are
+consumed and disappear."
+
+While uttering the last sentence she had turned towards Barine, whose ear
+the sharp voice again pierced like a thorn, as she commanded her to
+prepare for the examination.
+
+Almost at the same moment the door, caught by the wind, closed with a
+loud bang.  The "introducer"--[Marshal of the court.]--had opened it,
+and, after a hasty glance, exclaimed:
+
+"The audience will not be given in this meeting place for all the winds
+of heaven!  Her Majesty desires to receive her late visitor in the Hall
+of Shells."
+
+With these words he bowed courteously to Barine, and ushered her and her
+two companions through several corridors and apartments into a well-
+heated anteroom.
+
+Here even the windows were thoroughly protected from the storm.  Several
+body-guards and pages belonging to the corps of the "royal boys" stood
+waiting to receive them.
+
+"This is comfortable."  said Alexas, turning to Iras.  "Was the winter we
+have just experienced intended to fill us with twofold gratitude for the
+delights of the mild spring in this blessed room?"
+
+"Perhaps so," she answered sullenly, and then added in a low tone: "Here
+at Lochias the seasons do not follow their usual course.  They change
+according to the pleasure of the supreme will.  Instead of four, the
+Egyptians, as you know, have but three; in the palaces on the Nile they
+are countless.  What is the meaning of this sudden entry of summer?
+Winter would have pleased me better."
+
+The Queen--Iras knew not why--had changed her arrangements for Barine's
+reception.  This vexed her, and her features assumed a gloomy,
+threatening expression as the young beauty, casting aside her cloak and
+kerchief, stood awaiting Cleopatra in a white robe of fine material and
+perfect fit.  The thick, fair braids, wound simply around her shapely
+head, gave her an appearance of almost childish youth, and the sight made
+Iras feel as if she, and Cleopatra also, were outwitted.
+
+In the dimly lighted atrium of the house near the Paneum garden, she had
+noticed only that Barine wore something white.  Had it been merely a
+night robe, so much the better.  But she might have appeared in her
+present garb at the festival of Isis.  The most careful deliberation
+could have selected nothing more suitable or becoming.  And did this vain
+woman go to rest with costly gold ornaments?  Else how did the circlet
+chance to be on her arm?  Each of Cleopatra's charms seemed to Iras, who
+knew them all, like a valuable possession of her own.  To see even the
+least of them surpassed by another vexed her; and to behold in yonder
+woman a form which she could not deny was no less beautiful, enraged,
+nay, pierced her to the heart.
+
+Since she had known that because of Barine she could hope for nothing
+more from the man to whose love she believed she possessed a claim dating
+from their childhood, she had hated the young beauty.  And now to the
+many things which contributed to increase her hostile mood, was added the
+disagreeable consciousness that during the last few hours she had treated
+her contemptibly.  Had she only seen earlier what her foe's cloak
+concealed, she would have found means to give her a different appearance.
+But she must remain as she was; for Chairman had already entered.  Other
+hours, however, would follow, and if the next did not decide the fate of
+the woman whom she hated, future ones should.
+
+For this purpose she did not need the aid of Charmian, her uncle
+Archibius's sister, who had hitherto been a beloved associate and
+maternal friend.  But what had happened?  Iras fancied that her pleasant
+features wore a repellent expression which she had never seen before.
+Was this also the singer's fault?  And what was the cause?
+
+The older woman's manner decided the question whether she should still
+bestow upon her returned relative the love of a grateful niece.  No, she
+would no longer put any restraint upon herself.  Charmian should feel
+that she (Iras) considered any favour shown to her foe an insult.  To
+work against her secretly was not in her nature.  She had courage to show
+an enemy her aversion, and she did not fear Charmian enough to pursue a
+different course.  She knew that the artist Leonax, Barine's father, had
+been Charmian's lover; but this did not justify her favouring the woman
+who had robbed her niece of the heart of the man whom she--as Charmian
+knew--had loved from childhood.
+
+Charmian had just had a long conversation with her brother, and had
+also learned in the palace that Barine had been summoned to the Queen's
+presence in the middle of the night; so, firmly persuaded that evil was
+intended to the young woman who had already passed through so many
+agitating scenes of joy and sorrow, she entered the waiting-room, and her
+pleasant though no longer youthful face, framed in smooth, grey hair, was
+greeted by Barine as the shipwrecked mariner hails the sight of land.
+
+All the emotions which had darkened and embittered her soul were soothed.
+She hastened towards her friend's sister, as a frightened child seeks its
+mother, and Charmian perceived what was stirring in her heart.
+
+It would not do, under existing circumstances, to kiss her in the palace,
+but she drew Leonax's daughter towards her to show Iras that she was
+ready to extend a protecting hand over the persecuted woman.  But Barine
+gazed at her with pleading glances, beseeching aid, whispering amid her
+tears: "Help me, Charmian.  She has tortured, insulted, humiliated me
+with looks and words--so cruelly, so spitefully!  Help me; I can bear no
+more."
+
+Charmian shook her kind head and urged her in a whisper to calm herself.
+She had robbed Iras of her lover; she should remember that.  Cost what it
+might, she must not shed another tear.  The Queen was gracious.  She,
+Charmian, would aid her.  Everything would depend on showing herself to
+Cleopatra as she was, not as slander represented her.  She must answer
+her as she would Archibius or herself.
+
+The kindly woman, as she spoke, stroked her brow and eyes with maternal
+tenderness, and Barine felt as if goodness itself had quelled the tempest
+in her soul.  She gazed around her as though roused from a troubled
+dream, and now for the first time perceived the richly adorned room in
+which she stood, the admiring glances of the boys in the Macedonian corps
+of pages, and the bright fire blazing cheerily on the hearth.  The
+howling of the storm increased the pleasant sense of being under a firm
+roof, and Iras, who had whispered to the "introducer" at the door, no
+longer seemed like a sharp thorn or a spiteful demon, but a woman by no
+means destitute of charm, who repulsed her, but on whom she had inflicted
+the keenest pang a woman's heart can suffer.  Then she again thought of
+her wounded lover at home, and remembered that, whatever might happen,
+his heart did not belong to Iras, but to her alone.  Lastly, she recalled
+Archibius's description of Cleopatra's childhood, and this remembrance
+was followed by the conviction that the omnipotent sovereign would be
+neither cruel nor unjust, and that it would depend upon herself to win
+her favour.  Charmian, too, was the Queen's confidante; and if the manner
+of Iras and Alexas had alarmed her, Charmian's might well inspire
+confidence.
+
+All these thoughts darted through her brain with the speed of lightning.
+Only a brief time for consideration remained; for, even as she bowed her
+head on the bosom of her friend, the "introducer" entered the room,
+crying, "Her illustrious Majesty will expect those whom she summoned in a
+few minutes!"
+
+Soon after a chamberlain appeared, waving a fan of ostrich feathers and,
+preceded by the court official, they passed through several brilliantly
+lighted, richly furnished rooms.
+
+Barine again breathed freely and moved with head erect; and when the
+wide, lofty folding doors of ebony, against whose deep black surface the
+inlaid figures of Tritons, mermaids, shells, fish, and sea monsters were
+sharply relieved, she beheld a glittering, magnificent scene, for the
+hall which Cleopatra had chosen for her reception was completely covered
+with various marine forms, from the shells to coral and starfish.
+
+A wide, lofty structure, composed of masses of stalactites and unhewn
+blocks of stone, formed a deep grotto at the end of the hall, whence
+peered the gigantic head of a monster whose open jaws formed the
+fireplace of the chimney.  Logs of fragrant Arabian wood were blazing
+brightly on the hearth, and the dragon's ruby glass eyes diffused a red
+light through the apartment which, blended with the rays of the white and
+pink lamps in the shape of lotus flowers fastened among gold and silver
+tendrils and groups of sedges on the walls and ceiling, filling the
+spacious apartment with the soft light whose roseate hue was specially
+becoming to Cleopatra's waxen complexion.
+
+Several stewards and cup-bearers, the master of the hunt, chamberlains,
+female attendants, eunuchs, and other court officials were awaiting the
+Queen, and pages who belonged to the Macedonian cadet corps of royal boys
+stood sleepily, with drooping heads, around the small throne of gold,
+coral, and amber which, placed opposite to the chimney, awaited the
+sovereign.
+
+Barine had already seen this magnificent hall, and others still more
+beautiful in the Sebasteum, and the splendour therefore neither excited
+nor abashed her; only she would fain have avoided the numerous train of
+courtiers.  Could it be Cleopatra's intention to question her before the
+eyes of all these men, women, and boys?
+
+She no longer felt afraid, but her heart still throbbed quickly.  It had
+beat in the same way in her girlhood, when she was asked to sing in the
+presence of strangers.
+
+At last she heard doors open, and an invisible hand parted the heavy
+curtains at her right.  She expected to see the Regent, the Keeper of the
+Seal, and the whole brilliantly adorned train of attendants who always
+surrounded the Queen on formal occasions, enter the magnificent hall.
+Else why had it been selected as the scene of this nocturnal trial?
+
+But what was this?
+
+While she was still recalling the display at the Adonis festival, the
+curtains began to close again.  The courtiers around the throne
+straightened their bowed figures, the pages forgot their fatigue, and all
+joined in the Greek salutation of welcome, and the "Life! happiness!
+health!" with which the Egyptians greeted their sovereign.
+
+The woman of middle height who now appeared before the curtain, and who,
+as she crossed the wide hall alone and unattended, seemed to Barine even
+smaller than when surrounded by the gay throng at the Adonis festival,
+must be the Queen.  Ay, it was she!
+
+Iras was already standing by her side, and Charmian was approaching with
+the "introducer."  The women rendered her various little services thus
+Iras took from her shoulders the purple mantle, with its embroidery of
+black and gold dragons.  What an exquisite masterpiece of the loom it
+must be!
+
+All the dangers against which she must defend herself flashed swiftly
+through Barine's mind; yet, for an instant, she felt the foolish feminine
+desire to see and handle the costly mantle.
+
+But Iras had already laid it on the arm of one of the waiting maids, and
+Cleopatra now glanced around her, and with a youthful, elastic step
+approached the throne.
+
+Once more the feeling of timidity which she had had in her girlhood
+overpowered Barine, but with it came the memory of the garden of
+Epicurus, and Archibius's assurance that she, too, would have left the
+Queen with her heart overflowing with warm enthusiasm had not a
+disturbing influence interposed between them.
+
+Yet, had this disturbing influence really existed?  No.  It was created
+solely by Cleopatra's jealous imagination.  If she would only permit her
+to speak freely now, she should hear that Antony cared as little for her
+as she, Barine, for the boy Caesarion.  What prevented her from
+confessing that her heart was another's?  Iras had no one to blame save
+herself if she spoke the truth pitilessly in her presence.
+
+Cleopatra now turned to the "introducer," waving her hand towards the
+throne and those who surrounded it.
+
+Ay, she was indeed beautiful.  How bright and clear was the light of her
+large eyes, in spite of the harassing days through which she had passed
+and the present night of watching!
+
+Cleopatra's heart was still elated by the reception of her bold idea of
+escape, and she approached Barine with gentler feelings and intentions.
+She had chosen a pleasanter room for the interview than the one Iras had
+selected.  She desired a special environment to suit each mood, and as
+soon as she saw the group of courtiers who surrounded the throne she
+ordered their dismissal.
+
+The "introducer," to carry out the usual ceremonial, had commanded their
+presence in the audience chamber, but their attendance had given the
+meeting a form which was now distasteful to the Queen.  She wished to
+question, not to condemn.
+
+At so happy an hour it was a necessity of her nature to be gracious.
+Perhaps she had been unduly anxious concerning this singer.  It even
+seemed probable; for a man who loved her like Antony could scarcely yearn
+for the favour of another woman.  This view had been freshly confirmed by
+a brief conversation with the chief Inspector of Sacrifices, an estimable
+old man, who, after hearing how Antony had hurried in pursuit of her at
+Actium, raised his eyes and hands as if transported with rapture,
+exclaiming: "Unhappy Queen!  Yet happiest of women!  No one was ever so
+ardently beloved; and when the tale is told of the noble Trojan who
+endured such sore sufferings for a woman's sake, future generations will
+laud the woman whose resistless spell constrained the greatest man of his
+day, the hero of heroes, to cast aside victory, fame, and the hope of the
+world's sovereignty, as mere worthless rubbish."
+
+Posterity, whose verdict she dreaded--this wise old reader of the future
+was right--must extol her as the most fervently beloved, the most
+desirable of women.
+
+And Mark Antony?  Even had the magic power of Nektanebus's goblet forced
+him to follow her and to leave the battle, there still remained his will,
+a copy of which--received from Rome--Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, had
+showed to her at the close of the council.  "Wherever he might die," so
+ran the words, "he desired to be buried by the side of Cleopatra."
+Octavianus had wrested it from the Vestal Virgins, to whose care it had
+been entrusted, in order to fill the hearts of Roman citizens and matrons
+with indignation against his foe.  The plot had succeeded, but the
+document had reminded Cleopatra that her heart had given this man the
+first of its flowers, that love for him had been the sunshine of her
+life.  So, with head erect, she had crossed the threshold where she was
+to meet the woman who had ventured to sow tares in her garden.  She
+intended to devote only a short time to the interview, which she
+anticipated with the satisfaction of the strong who are confident of
+victory.
+
+As she approached the throne, her train left the hall; the only persons
+who remained were Charmian, Iras, Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, and the
+"introducer."
+
+Cleopatra cast a rapid glance at the throne, to which an obsequious
+gesture of the courtier's hand invited her; but she remained standing,
+gazing keenly at Barine.
+
+Was it the coloured rays from the ruby eyes of the dragon in the
+fireplace which shed the roseate glow on Cleopatra's cheeks?  It
+certainly enhanced the beauty of a face now only too frequently pallid
+and colourless, when rouge did not lend its aid; but Barine understood
+Archibius's ardent admiration for this rare woman, when Cleopatra, with a
+faint smile, requested her to approach.
+
+Nothing more winning could be imagined than the frank kindness, wholly
+untinged by condescending pride, of this powerful sovereign.
+
+The less Barine had expected such a reception the more deeply it moved
+her; nay, her eyes grew dim with grateful emotion, which lent them so
+beautiful a lustre, she looked so lovely in her glad surprise, that
+Cleopatra thought the months which had elapsed since her first meeting
+with the singer had enhanced her charms.  And how young she was!  The
+Queen swiftly computed the years which Barine must have lived as the
+wife of Philostratus, and afterwards as the attractive mistress of a
+hospitable house, and found it difficult to reconcile the appearance of
+this blooming young creature with the result of the calculation.
+
+She was surprised, too, to note the aristocratic bearing whose possession
+no one could deny the artist's daughter.  This was apparent even in her
+dress, yet Iras had roused her in the middle of the night, and certainly
+had given her no time for personal adornment.
+
+She had expected lack of refinement and boldness, in the woman who was
+said to have attracted so many men, but even the most bitter prejudice
+could have detected no trace of it.  On the contrary, the embarrassment
+which she could not yet wholly subdue lent her an air of girlish
+timidity.  All in all, Barine was a charming creature, who bewitched men
+by her vivacity, her grace, and her exquisite voice, not by coquetry and
+pertness.  That she possessed unusual mental endowments Cleopatra did not
+believe.  Barine had only one advantage over her--youth.
+
+Time had not yet robbed the former of a single charm, while from the
+Queen he had wrested many; their number was known only to herself and her
+confidantes, but at this hour she did not miss them.
+
+Barine, with a low, modest bow, advanced towards the Queen, who commenced
+the conversation by graciously apologizing for the late hour at which she
+had summoned her.  "But," she added, "you belong to the ranks of the
+nightingales, who during the night most readily and exquisitely reveal to
+us what stirs their hearts--"
+
+Barine gazed silently at the floor a moment, and when she raised her eyes
+her voice was faint and timid.  "I sing, it is true, your Majesty, but I
+have nothing else in common with the birds.  The wings which, when a
+child, bore me wherever I desired, have lost their strength.  They do not
+wholly refuse their service, but they now require favourable hours to
+move."
+
+"I should not have expected that in the time of your youth, your most
+beautiful possession," replied the Queen.  "Yet it is well.  I too--how
+long ago it seems!--was a child, and my imagination outstripped even the
+flight of the eagle.  It could dare the risk unpunished.  Now----Whoever
+has reached mature life is wise to let these wings remain idle.  The
+mortal who ventures to use them may easily approach too near the sun,
+and, like Icarus, the wax will melt from his pinions.  Let me tell you
+this: To the child the gift of imagination is nourishing bread.  In later
+years we need it only as salt, as spice, as stimulating wine.  Doubtless
+it points out many paths, and shows us their end; but, of a hundred
+rambles to which it summons him, scarcely one pleases the mature man.  No
+troublesome parasite is more persistently and sharply rebuffed.  Who can
+blame the ill-treated friend if it is less ready to serve us as the years
+go on?  The wise man will keep his ears ever open, but rarely lend it his
+active hand.  To banish it from life is to deprive the plant of blossoms,
+the rose of its fragrance, the sky of its stars."
+
+"I have often said the same things to myself, though in a less clear and
+beautiful form, when life has been darkened," replied Barine, with a
+faint blush; for she felt that these words were doubtless intended to
+warn her against cherishing too aspiring wishes.  "But, your Majesty,
+here also the gods place you, the great Queen, far above us.  We should
+often find existence bare indeed but for the fancy which endows us with
+imaginary possessions.  You have the power to secure a thousand things
+which to us common mortals only the gift of imagination pictures as
+attainable."
+
+"You believe that happiness is like wealth, and that the happiest person
+is the one who receives the largest number of the gifts of fortune,"
+answered the Queen.  "The contrary, I think, can be easily proved.  The
+maxim that the more we have the less we need desire, is also false,
+though in this world there are only a certain number of desirable things.
+He who already possesses one of ten solidi which are to be divided, ought
+really to desire only nine, and therefore would be poorer by a wish than
+another who has none.  True, it cannot be denied that the gods have
+burdened or endowed me with a greater number of perishable gifts than you
+and many others.  You seem to set a high value upon them.  Doubtless
+there may be one or another which you could appropriate only by the aid
+of the imagination.  May I ask which seems to you the most desirable?"
+
+"Spare me the choice, I beseech you," replied Barine in an embarrassed
+tone.  "I need nothing from your treasures, and, as for the other
+possessions  I lack many things; but it is uncertain how the noblest and
+highest gifts in the possession of the marvellously endowed favourite of
+the gods would suit the small, commonplace ones I call mine, and I know
+not--"
+
+"A sensible doubt!" interrupted the Queen.  "The lame man, who desired a
+horse, obtained one, and on his first ride broke his neck.  The only
+blessing--the highest of all--which surely bestows happiness can neither
+be given away nor transferred from one to another.  He who has gained it
+may be robbed of it the next moment."
+
+The last sentence had fallen from the Queen's lips slowly and
+thoughtfully, but Barine, remembering Archibius's tale, said modestly,
+"You are thinking of the chief good mentioned by Epicurus--perfect peace
+of mind."
+
+Cleopatra's eyes sparkled with a brighter light as she asked eagerly,
+"Do you, the granddaughter of a philosopher, know the system of the
+master?"
+
+"Very superficially, your Majesty.  My intellect is far inferior to
+yours.  It is difficult for me thoroughly to comprehend all the details
+of any system of philosophy."
+
+"Yet you have attempted it?"
+
+"Others endeavoured to introduce me into the doctrines of the Stoics.
+I have forgotten most of what I learned; only one thing lingered in my
+memory, and I know why--because it pleased me."
+
+"And that?"
+
+"Was the wise law of living according to the dictates of our own natures.
+The command to shun everything contradictory to the simple fundamental
+traits of our own characters pleased me, and wherever I saw affectation,
+artificiality, and mannerism I was repelled, while from my grandfather's
+teaching I drew the principle that I could do nothing better than to
+remain, so far as life would permit, what I had been as a child ere I had
+heard the first word of philosophy, or felt the constraint which society
+and its forms impose."
+
+"So the system of the Stoics leads to this end also!" cried the Queen
+gaily, and, turning to the companion of her own studies, she added:
+"Did you hear, Charmian?  If we had only succeeded in perceiving the
+wisdom and calm, purposeful order of existence which the Stoics, amid so
+much that is perverse, unhealthy, and provocative of contradiction,
+nevertheless set above everything else!  How can I, in order to live
+wisely, imitate Nature, when in her being and action I encounter so much
+that is contradictory to my human reason, which is a part of the divine?"
+
+Here she hesitated, and the expression of her face suddenly changed.
+
+She had advanced close to Barine and, while standing directly in front of
+her, her eyes had rested on the gem which adorned her arm above the
+elbow.
+
+Was it this which agitated Cleopatra so violently that her voice lost its
+bewitching melody, as she went on in a harsh, angry tone?--"So that is
+the source of all this misfortune.  Even as a child I detested that sort
+of arbitrary judgment which passes under the mask of stern morality.
+There is an example!  Do you hear the howling of the storm?  In human
+nature, as well as in the material world, there are tempests and
+volcanoes which bring destruction, and, if the original character of any
+individual is full of such devastating forces, like the neighbourhood of
+Vesuvius or Etna, the goal to which his impulses would lead him is
+clearly visible.  Ay, the Stoic is not allowed to destroy the harmony and
+order of things in existence, any more than to disturb those which are
+established by the state.  But to follow our natural impulses wherever
+they lead us is so perilous a venture, that whoever has the power to fix
+a limit to it betimes is in duty bound to do so.  This power is mine, and
+I will use it!"
+
+Then, with iron severity, she asked: "As it seems to be one of the
+demands of your nature, woman, to allure and kindle the hearts of all who
+bear the name of man, even though they have not yet donned the garb of
+the Ephebi, so, too, you seem to appear to delight in idle ornaments.
+Or," and as she spoke she touched Barine's shoulder"--or why should you
+wear, during the hours of slumber, that circlet on your arm?"
+
+Barine had watched with increasing anxiety the marked change in the
+manner and language of the Queen.  She now beheld a repetition of what
+she had experienced at the Adonis festival, but this time she knew what
+had roused Cleopatra's jealousy.  She, Barine, wore on her arm a gift
+from Antony.  With pallid face she strove to find a fitting answer, but
+ere she could do so Iras advanced to the side of the incensed Queen,
+saying: "That circlet is the counterpart of the one your august husband
+bestowed upon you.  The singer's must also be a gift from Mark Antony.
+Like every one else in the world, she deems the noble Imperator the
+greatest man of his day.  Who can blame her for prizing it so highly that
+she does not remove it even while she sleeps?"
+
+Again Barine felt as if a thorn had pierced her; but though the
+resentment which she had previously experienced once more surged hotly
+within her heart, she forced herself to maintain seemly external
+composure, and struggled for some word in answer; but she found none
+suitable, and remained silent.
+
+She had told the truth.  From early youth she had followed the impulses
+of her own nature without heeding the opinion of mortals, as the
+teachings of the Stoics directed, and she had been allowed to do so
+because this nature was pure, truthful, alive to the beautiful, and,
+moreover, free from those unbridled, volcanic impulses to which the Queen
+alluded.  The cheerful patience of her soul had found ample satisfaction
+in the cultivation of her art, and in social intercourse with men who
+permitted her to share their own intellectual life.  Today she had
+learned that the first great passion of her heart had met with a
+response.  Now she was bound to her lover, and knew herself to be pure
+and guiltless, far better entitled to demand respect from sterner judges
+of morality than the woman who condemned her, or the spiteful Iras, who
+had not ceased to offer her love to Dion.
+
+The sorrowful feeling of being misunderstood and unjustly condemned,
+mingled with fear of the terrible fate to which she might be sentenced by
+the omnipotent sovereign, whose clear intellect was clouded by jealousy
+and the resentment of a mother's wounded heart, paralyzed her tongue.
+Besides, she was confused by the angry emotion which the sight of Iras
+awakened.  Twice, thrice she strove to utter a few words of explanation,
+defence, but her voice refused to obey her will.
+
+When Charmian at last approached to encourage her, it was too late; the
+indignant Queen had turned away, exclaiming to Iras: "let her be taken
+back to Lochias.  Her guilt is proved; but it does not become the injured
+person, the accuser, to award the punishment.  This must be left to the
+judges before whom we will bring her."
+
+Then Barine once more recovered the power of speech.  How dared Cleopatra
+assert that she was convicted of a crime, without hearing her defence?
+
+As surely as she felt her own innocence she must succeed in proving it,
+and with this consciousness she cried out to the Queen in a tone of
+touching entreaty: "O your Majesty, do not leave me without hearing me!
+As truly as I believe in your justice, I can ask you to listen to me once
+more.  Do not give me up to the woman who hates me because the man whom
+she--"
+
+Here Cleopatra interrupted her.  Royal dignity forbade her to hear one
+woman's jealous accusation of another, but, with the subtle discernment
+with which women penetrate one another's moods, she heard in Barine's
+piteous appeal a sincere conviction that she was too severely condemned.
+Doubtless she also had reason to believe in Iras's hate, and Cleopatra
+knew how mercilessly she pursued those who had incurred her displeasure.
+She had rejected and still shuddered at her advice to remove the singer
+from her path; for an inner voice warned her not to burden her soul now
+with a fresh crime, which would disturb its peace.  Besides, she had at
+first been much attracted by this charming, winning creature; but the
+irritating thought that Antony had bestowed the same gift upon the
+sovereign and the artist's daughter still so incensed her, that it taxed
+to the utmost her graciousness and self-control as, without addressing
+any special person, she exclaimed, glancing back into the hall: "This
+examination will be followed by another.  When the time comes, the
+accused must appear before the judges; therefore she must remain at
+Lochias and in custody.  It is my will that no harm befalls her.  You are
+her friend, Charmian.  I will place her in your charge.  Only"--here she
+raised her voice--"on pain of my anger, do not allow her by any
+possibility to leave the palace, even for a moment, or to hold
+intercourse with any person save yourself."
+
+With these words she passed out of the hall and went into her own
+apartments.  She had turned the night into day, not only to despatch
+speedily matters which seemed to her to permit of no delay, but even more
+because, since the battle of Actium, she dreaded the restless hours upon
+her lonely couch.  They seemed endless; and though before she had
+remembered with pleasure the unprecedented display and magnificence with
+which she had surrounded her love-life with Antony, she now in these
+hours reproached herself for having foolishly squandered the wealth of
+her people.  The present appeared unbearable, and from the future a host
+of black cares pressed upon her.
+
+The following days were overcrowded with business details.
+
+Half of her nights were spent in the observatory.  She had not asked
+again for Barine.  On the fifth night she permitted Alexas to conduct her
+once more to the little observatory which had been erected for her father
+at Lochias, and Antony's favourite knew how to prove that a star which
+had long threatened her planet was that of the woman whom she seemed to
+have forgotten as completely as she had ignored his former warning
+against this very foe.
+
+The Queen denied this, but Alexas eagerly continued: "The night after
+your return home your kindness was again displayed in its inexhaustible
+and--to us less noble souls--incomprehensible wealth.  Deeply agitated,
+we watched during the memorable examination the touching spectacle of the
+greatest heart making itself the standard by which to measure what is
+petty and ignoble.  But ere the second trial takes place the wanderers
+above, who know the future, bid me warn you once more; for that woman's
+every look was calculated, every word had its fixed purpose, every tone
+of her voice was intended to produce a certain effect.  Whatever she said
+or may yet say had no other design than to deceive my royal mistress.  As
+yet there have been no definite questions and answers.  But you will have
+her examined, and then----What may she not make of the story of Mark
+Antony, Barine, and the two armlets?  Perhaps it will be a masterpiece."
+
+"Do you know its real history?" asked Cleopatra, clasping her fingers
+more closely around the pencil in her hand.
+
+"If I did," replied Alexas, smiling significantly, "the receiver of
+stolen goods should not betray the thief."
+
+"Not even if the person who has been robbed--the Queen--commands you to
+give up the dishonestly acquired possession?"
+
+"Unfortunately, even then I should be forced to withhold obedience; for
+consider, my royal mistress, there are but two great luminaries around
+which my dark life revolves.  Shall I betray the moon, when I am sure of
+gaining nothing thereby save to dim the warm light of the sun?"
+
+"That means that your revelations would wound me, the sun?"
+
+"Unless your lofty soul is too great to be reached by shadows which
+surround less noble women with an atmosphere of indescribable torture."
+
+"Do you intend to render your words more attractive by the veil with
+which you shroud them?  It is transparent, and dims the vision very
+little.  My soul, you think, should be free from jealousy and the other
+weaknesses of my sex.  There you are mistaken.  I am a woman, and wish to
+remain one.  As Terence's Chremes says he is a human being, and nothing
+human is unknown to him, I do not hesitate to confess all feminine
+frailties.  Anubis told me of a queen in ancient times who would not
+permit the inscriptions to record 'she,' but 'he came,' or 'he, the
+ruler, conquered.'  Fool!  Whatever concerns me, my womanhood is not less
+lofty than the crown.  I was a woman ere I became Queen.  The people
+prostrate themselves before my empty litters; but when, in my youth, I
+wandered in disguise with Antony through the city streets and visited
+some scene of merrymaking, while the men gazed admiringly at me, and we
+heard voices behind us murmur, 'A  handsome couple!'  I returned home
+full of joy and pride.  But there was something greater still for the
+woman to learn, when the heart in the breast of the Queen forgot throne
+and sceptre and, in the hours consecrated to Eros, tasted joys known to
+womanhood alone.  How can you men, who only command and desire,
+understand the happiness of sacrifice?  I am a woman; my birth does not
+exalt me above any feeling of my sex; and what I now ask is not as Queen
+but as woman."
+
+"If that is the case," Alexas answered with his hand upon his heart, "you
+impose silence upon me; for were I to confess to the woman Cleopatra what
+agitates my soul, I should be guilty of a double crime--I would violate a
+promise and betray the friend who confided his noble wife to my
+protection."
+
+"Now the darkness is becoming too dense for me," replied Cleopatra,
+raising her head with repellent pride.  "Or, if I choose to raise the
+veil, I must point out to you the barriers--
+
+"Which surround the Queen," replied the Syrian with an obsequious bow.
+"There you behold the fact.  It is an impossibility to separate the woman
+from the princess.  So far as I am concerned, I do not wish to anger the
+former against the presumptuous adorer, and I desire to yield to the
+latter the obedience which is her due.  Therefore I entreat you to
+forget the armlet and its many painful associations, and pass to the
+consideration of other matters.  Perhaps the fair Barine will voluntarily
+confess everything, and even add how she managed to ensnare the amiable
+son of the greatest of men, and the most admirable of mothers, the young
+King Caesarion."
+
+Cleopatra's eyes flashed more brightly, and she angrily exclaimed:
+"I found the boy just now as though he were possessed by demons.  He was
+ready to tear the bandage from his wound, if he were refused the woman
+whom he loved.  A magic potion was the first thought, and his tutor of
+course attributes everything to magic arts.  Charmian, on the contrary,
+declares that his visits annoyed and even alarmed Barine.  Nothing except
+a rigid investigation can throw light upon this subject.  We will await
+the Imperator's return.  Do you think that he will again seek the singer?
+You are his most trusted confidant.  If you desire his best good, and
+care for my favour, drop your hesitation and answer this question."
+
+The Syrian assumed the manner of a man who had reached a decision, and
+answered firmly: "Certainly he will, unless you prevent him.  The
+simplest way would be--"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"To inform him, as soon as he lands, that she is no longer to be found.
+I should be especially happy to receive this commission from my royal
+sun."
+
+"And do you think it would dim the light of your moon a little, were he
+to seek her here in vain?"
+
+"As surely as that the contrary would be the case if he were always as
+gratefully aware of the peerless brilliancy of his sun as it deserves.
+Helios suffers no other orb to appear so long as he adorns the heavens.
+His lustre quenches all the rest.  Let my sun so decree, and Barine's
+little star will vanish."
+
+"Enough!  I know your aim now.  But a human life is no small thing, and
+this woman, too, is the child of a mother.  We must consider, earnestly
+consider, whether our purpose cannot be gained without proceeding to
+extremes.  This must be done with zeal and a kindly intention--But I--
+Now, when the fate of this country, my own, and the children's is hanging
+in the balance, when I have not fifteen minutes at my command, and there
+is no end of writing and consulting, I can waste no time on such
+matters."
+
+"The reflective mind must be permitted to use its mighty wings
+unimpeded," cried the Syrian eagerly.  "Leave the settlement of minor
+matters to trustworthy friends."
+
+Here they were  interrupted  by  the "introducer," who announced the
+eunuch Mardion.  He had come on business which, spite of the late hour,
+permitted no delay.
+
+Alexas accompanied the Queen to the tablinum, where they found the
+eunuch.  A slave attended him, carrying a pouch filled with letters which
+had just been brought by two messengers from Syria.  Among them were some
+which must be answered without delay.  The Keeper of the Seal and the
+Exegetus were also waiting.  Their late visit was due to the necessity of
+holding a conference in relation to the measures to be adopted to calm
+the excited citizens.  All the galleys which had escaped from the battle
+had entered the harbour the day before, wreathed with garlands as if a
+great victory had been won.  Loud acclamations greeted them, yet tidings
+of the defeat at Actium spread with the swiftness of the wind.  Crowds
+were now gathering, threatening demonstrations had been made in front of
+the Sebasteum, and on the square of the Serapeum the troops had been
+compelled to interfere, and blood had flowed.
+
+There lay the letters.  Zeno remarked that more papers conferring
+authority were required for the work on the canal, and the Exegetus
+earnestly besought definite instruction.
+
+"It is much--much,"  murmured  Cleopatra.  Then, drawing herself up to
+her full height, she exclaimed, "Well, then, to work!"
+
+But Alexas did not permit her to do this at once.  Humbly advancing as
+she took her seat at the large writing-table, he whispered: "And with all
+this, must my royal mistress devote time and thought to the destroyer of
+her peace.  To disturb your Majesty with this trifle is a crime; yet it
+must be committed, for should the affair remain unheeded longer, the
+trickling rivulet may become a mountain torrent--"
+
+Here Cleopatra, whose glance had just rested upon a fateful letter from
+King Herod, turned her face half towards her husband's favourite,
+exclaiming curtly, with glowing cheeks, "Presently."
+
+"Then she glanced rapidly over the letter, pushed it excitedly aside, and
+dismissed the waiting Syrian with the impatient words: "Attend to the
+trial and the rest.  No injustice, but no untimely mildness.  I will look
+into this unpleasant matter myself before the Imperator returns."
+
+"And the authority?"  asked the Syrian, with another low bow.
+
+"You have it.  If you need a written one, apply to Zeno.  We will discuss
+the affair further at some less busy hour."
+
+The Syrian retired; but Cleopatra turned to the eunuch and, flushed with
+emotion, cried, pointing to the King of Judea's letter:  "Did you ever
+witness baser ingratitude?  The rats think the ship is sinking, and it is
+time to leave it.  If we succeed in keeping above water, they will return
+in swarms; and this must, must, must be done, for the sake of this
+beloved country and her independence.  Then the children, the children!
+All our powers must now be taxed, every expedient must be remembered and
+used.  We will hammer each feeble hope until it becomes the strong steel
+of certainty.  We will transform night into day.  The canal will save the
+fleet.  Mark Antony will find in Africa Pinarius Scarpus with untouched
+loyal legions.  The gladiators are faithful to us.  We can easily make
+them ours, and my brain is seething with other plans.  But first we will
+attend to the Alexandrians.  No violence!"
+
+This exclamation was followed by order after order, and the promise that,
+if necessary, she would show herself to the people.
+
+The Exegetus was filled with admiration as he received the clear,
+sagacious directions.  After he had retired with his companions, the
+Queen again turned to the Regent, saying: "We did wisely to make the
+people happy at first with tidings of victory.  The unexpected news of
+terrible disaster might have led them to some unprecedented deed of
+madness.  Disappointment is a more common pain, for which less powerful
+remedies will suffice.  Besides, many things could be arranged ere they
+knew that I was here.  How much we have accomplished already, Mardion!
+But I have not even granted myself the joy of seeing my children.  I was
+forced to defer the pleasure of the companionship of my oldest friends,
+even Archibius.  When he comes again he will be admitted.  I have given
+the order.  He knows Rome thoroughly.  I must hear his opinion of pending
+negotiations."
+
+She shivered as she spoke, and pressing her hand upon her brow,
+exclaimed: "Octavianus victor, Cleopatra vanquished!  I, who was
+everything to Caesar, beseeching mercy from his heir.  I, a petitioner to
+Octavia's brother!  Yet, no, no!  There are still a hundred chances of
+avoiding the horrible doom.  But whoever wishes to compel the field to
+bear fruits must dig sturdily, draw the buckets from the well, plough,
+and sow the seed.  To work, then, to work!  When Antony returns he must
+find all things ready.  The first success will restore his lost energy.
+I glanced through yonder letter while talking with the Exegetus; now I
+will dictate the answer."
+
+So she sat reading, writing, and dictating, listening, answering, and
+giving orders, until the east brightened with the approach of dawn, the
+morning star grew pale, and the Regent, utterly exhausted, entreated her
+to consider her own health and his years, and permit him a few hours'
+rest.
+
+Then she, too, allowed herself to be led into her darkened chamber, and
+this time a friendly, dreamless slumber closed her weary eyes and held
+her captive until roused by the loud shouts of the multitude, who had
+heard of the Queen's return and flocked to Lochias.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Without heeding the opinion of mortals
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 6.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+During these hours of rest Iras and Charmian had watched in turn beside
+Cleopatra.  When she rose, the younger attendant rendered her the
+necessary services.  She was to devote herself to her mistress until the
+evening; for her companion, who now stood in her way, was not to return
+earlier.  Before Charmian left, she had seen that her apartments--in
+which Barine, since the Queen had placed her in her charge, had been a
+welcome guest--were carefully watched.  The commander of the Macedonian
+guard, who years before had vainly sought her favour, and finally had
+become the most loyal of her friends, had promised to keep them closely.
+
+Yet Iras knew how to profit by her mistress's sleep and the absence of
+her aunt.  She had learned that she would be shut out of her apartments,
+and therefore from Barine also.  Ere any step could be taken against the
+prisoner, she must first arrange the necessary preliminaries with Alexas.
+The failure of her expectation of seeing her rival trampled in the dust
+had transformed her jealous resentment into hatred, and though she was
+her niece, she even transferred a portion of it to Charmian, who had
+placed herself between her and her victim.
+
+She had sent for the Syrian, but he, too, had gone to rest at a late hour
+and kept her waiting a long time.  The reception which the impatient girl
+bestowed was therefore by no means cordial, but her manner soon grew more
+friendly.
+
+First Alexas boasted of having induced the Queen to commit Barine's fate
+to him.  If he should try her at noon and find her guilty, there was
+nothing to prevent him from compelling her to drink the poisoned cup or
+having her strangled before evening.  But the matter would be dangerous,
+because the singer's friends were numerous and by no means powerless.
+Yet, in the depths of her heart, Cleopatra desired nothing more ardently
+than to rid herself of her dangerous rival.  But he knew the great ones
+of the earth.  If he acted energetically and brought matters to a speedy
+close, the Queen, to avoid evil gossip, would burden him with her own
+act.  Antony's mood could not be predicted, and the Syrian's weal or woe
+depended on his favour.  Besides, the execution of the singer at the last
+Adonis festival might have a dangerous effect upon the people of
+Alexandria.  They were already greatly excited, and his brother, who knew
+them, said that some were overwhelmed with sorrow, and others ready, in
+their fury, to rise in a bloody rebellion.  Everything was to be feared
+from this rabble, but Philostratus understood how to persuade them to
+many things, and Alexas had just secured his aid.
+
+Alexas had really succeeded in the work of reconciliation.  During the
+orator's married life with Barine she had forbidden her brother-in-law
+the house, and her husband had quarrelled with the brother who sought his
+wife.  But after the latter had risen to a high place in Antony's favour,
+and been loaded with gold by his lavish hand, Philostratus had again
+approached him to claim his share of the new wealth.  And the source from
+which Alexas drew flowed so abundantly that his favourite did not find it
+difficult to give.  Both men were as unprincipled as they were lavish,
+and experience taught them that base natures always have at their
+disposal a plank with which to bridge chasms.  If it is of gold, it will
+be crossed the more speedily.  Such was the case here, and of late it had
+become specially firm; for each needed the other's aid.
+
+Alexas loved Barine, while Philostratus no longer cared for her.  On the
+other hand, he hated Dion with so ardent a thirst for revenge that, to
+obtain it, he would have resigned even the hope of fresh gains.  The
+humiliation inflicted upon him by the arrogant Macedonian noble, and the
+derision which through his efforts had been heaped upon him, haunted him
+like importunate pursuers; and he felt that he could only rid himself of
+them with the source of his disgrace.  Without his brother's aid, he
+would have been content to assail Dion with his slandering tongue; with
+his powerful assistance he could inflict a heavier injury upon him,
+perhaps even rob him of liberty and life.  They had just made an
+agreement by which Philostratus pledged himself to reconcile the
+populace to any punishment that might be inflicted upon Barine,
+and Alexas promised to help his brother take a bloody vengeance
+upon Dion the Macedonian.
+
+Barine's death could be of no service to Alexas.  The sight of her beauty
+had fired his heart a second time, and he was resolved to make her his
+own.  In the dungeon, perhaps by torture, she should be forced to grasp
+his helping hand.  All this would permit no delay.  Everything must be
+done before the return of Antony, who was daily expected.  Alexas's
+lavish patron had made him so rich that he could bear to lose his favour
+for the sake of this object.  Even without it, he could maintain a
+household with royal magnificence in some city of his Syrian home.
+
+On receiving the favourite's assurance that he would remove Barine from
+Charmian's protection on the morrow, Iras became more gracious.  She
+could make no serious objection to his statement that the new trial might
+not, it is true, end in a sentence of death, but the verdict would
+probably be transportation to the mines, or something of the sort.
+
+Then Alexas cautiously tested Iras's feelings towards his brother's
+mortal foe.  They were hostile; yet when the favourite intimated that he,
+too, ought to be given up to justice, she showed so much hesitation, that
+Alexas stopped abruptly and turned the conversation upon Barine.  Here
+she promised assistance with her former eager zeal, and it was settled
+that the arrest should be made the following morning during the hours of
+Charmian's attendance upon the Queen.
+
+Iras had valuable counsel to offer.  She was familiar with one of the
+prisons, whose doors she had opened to many a hapless mortal whose
+disappearance, in her opinion, might be of service to the Queen.  She had
+deemed it a duty, aided by the Keeper of the Seal, to anticipate her
+mistress in cases where her kind heart would have found it difficult to
+pronounce a severe sentence, and Cleopatra had permitted it, though
+without commendation or praise.  What happened within its walls--thanks
+to the silence of the warder--never passed beyond the portals.  If Barine
+cursed her life there, she would still fare better than she, Iras, who
+during the past few nights had been on the brink of despair whenever she
+thought of the man who had disdained her love and abandoned her for
+another.
+
+As the Syrian held out his hand to take leave, she asked bluntly
+
+"And Dion?"
+
+"He cannot be set free," was the reply, "for he loves Barine; nay, the
+fool was on the eve of leading her home to his beautiful palace as its
+mistress."
+
+"Is that true, really true?" asked Iras, whose cheeks and lips lost every
+tinge of colour, though she succeeded in maintaining her composure.
+
+"He confessed it yesterday in a letter to his uncle, the Keeper of the
+Seal, in which he entreated him to do his utmost for his chosen bride,
+whom he would never resign.  But Zeno has no liking for this niece.  Do
+you wish to see the letter?"
+
+"Then, of course, he cannot be set at liberty," replied Iras, and there
+was additional shrillness in her voice.  "He will do everything in his
+power for the woman he loves, and that is much--far more than you, who
+are half a stranger here, suspect.  The Macedonian families stand by each
+other.  He is a member of the council.  The bands of the Ephebi will
+support him to a man.  And the populace?--He lately spoiled the game of
+your brother, who was acting for me, in a way.  He was finally dragged
+out of the basin of the fountain, dripping with water and overwhelmed
+with shame."
+
+"For that very reason his mouth must be closed."
+
+Iras nodded assent, but after a short pause she exclaimed angrily:
+"I will help you to silence him, but not forever.  Do you hear?
+Theodotus's saying about the dead dogs which do not bite brought no
+blessing to any one who followed it.  There are other ways of getting rid
+of this man."
+
+"A bird sang that you were not unfriendly to him."
+
+"A bird?  Then it was probably an owl, which cannot see in the daylight.
+His worst enemy, your brother, would probably sacrifice himself for his
+welfare sooner than I."
+
+"Then I shall begin to feel sympathy for this Dion."
+
+"I saw recently that your  compassion  surpassed mine.  Death is not the
+hardest punishment."
+
+"Is that the cause of this gracious respite?"
+
+"Perhaps so.  But there are other matters to be considered here.  First,
+the condition of the times.  Everything is tottering, even the royal
+power, which a short time ago was a wall which concealed many things and
+afforded shelter from every assault.  Then Dion himself.  I have already
+numbered those who will support him.  Since the defeat at Actium, the
+Queen can no longer exclaim to that many-headed monster, the people,
+'You must,' but 'I entreat.'  The others--"
+
+"The first considerations are enough; but may I be permitted to know what
+my wise friend has awarded to the hapless wight from whom she withdrew
+her favour?"
+
+"First, imprisonment here at Lochias.  He has stained his hands with the
+blood of Caesarion, the King of kings.  That is high treason, even in the
+eyes of the people.  Try to obtain the order for the arrest this very
+day."
+
+"Whenever I can disturb the Queen with such matters."
+
+"Not for nay sake, but to save her from injury.  Away with everything
+which can cloud her intellect in these decisive days!  First, away with
+Barine, who spoiled her return home; and then let us take care of the man
+who would be capable, for this woman's sake, of causing an insurrection
+in Alexandria.  The great cares associated with the state and the throne
+are hers; for the minor ones of the toilet and the heart I will provide."
+
+Here she was interrupted by one of Cleopatra's waiting-maids.  The Queen
+had awakened, and Iras hastened to her post.
+
+As she passed Charmian's apartments and saw two handsome soldiers,
+belonging to the Macedonian body-guard, pacing to and fro on duty before
+them, her face darkened.  It was against her alone that Charmian was
+protecting Barine.  She had been harshly reproved by the older woman on
+account of the artist's daughter, who had been the source of so many
+incidents which had caused her pain, and Iras regretted that she had ever
+confided to her aunt her love for Dion.  But, no matter what might
+happen, the upas-tree whence emanated all these tortures, anxieties, and
+vexations, must be rooted out--stricken from the ranks of the living.
+
+Ere she entered the Queen's anteroom she had mentally pronounced sentence
+of death on her enemy.  Her inventive brain was now busy in devising
+means to induce the Syrian to undertake its execution.  If this stone of
+offence was removed it would again be possible to live in harmony with
+Charmian.  Dion would be free, and then, much as he had wounded her, she
+would defend him from the hatred of Philostratus and his brother.
+
+She entered the Queen's presence with a lighter heart.  The death of a
+condemned person had long since ceased to move her deeply.  While
+rendering the first services to her mistress, who had been much refreshed
+by her sleep, her face grew brighter and brighter; for Cleopatra
+voluntarily told her that she was glad to have her attendance, and not
+be constantly annoyed by the same disagreeable matter, which must soon
+be settled.
+
+In fact, Charmian, conscious that no one else at court would have
+ventured to do so, had never grown weary, spite of many a rebuff, of
+pleading Barine's cause until, the day before, Cleopatra, in a sudden
+fit of anger, had commanded her not to mention the mischief-maker again.
+
+When Charmian soon after requested permission to let Iras take her place
+the following day, the Queen already regretted the harsh reproof she had
+given her friend, and, while cordially granting the desired leave, begged
+her to attribute her angry impatience to the cares which burdened her.
+"And when you show me your kind, faithful face again," she concluded,
+"you will have remembered that a true friend withholds from an unhappy
+woman whom she loves whatever will shadow more deeply her already clouded
+life.  This Barine's very name sounds like a jeer at the composure I
+maintain with so much difficulty.  I do not wish to hear it again."
+
+The words were uttered in a tone so affectionate and winning, that
+Charmian's vexation melted like ice in the sun.  Yet she left the Queen's
+presence anxious and troubled; for ere she quitted the room Cleopatra
+remarked that she had committed the singer's affairs to Alexas.  She was
+now doubly eager to obtain a day's freedom, for she knew the unprincipled
+favourite's feelings towards the young beauty, and longed to discuss with
+Archibius the best means of guarding her from the worst perils.
+
+When at a late hour she went to rest, she was served by the Nubian maid,
+who had accompanied her to the court from her parents' home.  She came
+from the Cataract, where she had been bought when the family of Alypius
+accompanied the child Cleopatra to the island of Philae.  Anukis was
+given to Charmian, who at the time was just entering womanhood, as the
+first servant who was her sole property, and she had proved so clever,
+skilful, apt to learn, and faithful, that her mistress took her, as her
+personal attendant, to the palace.
+
+Charmian's warm, unselfish love for the Queen was equalled by Anukis's
+devotion to the mistress who had long since made her free, and had become
+so strongly attached to her that the Nubian's interests were little less
+regarded than her own.  Her sound, keen judgment and natural wit had
+gained a certain renown in the palace, and as Cleopatra often
+condescended to rouse her to an apt answer, Antony had done so, too;
+and since the slight crook in the back, which she had from childhood,
+had grown into a hump, he gave her the name of Aisopion--the female
+AEsop.  All the Queen's attendants now used it, and though others of
+lower rank did the same, she permitted it, though her ready wit would
+have supplied her tongue with a retort sharp enough to respond to any
+word which displeased her.
+
+But she knew the life and fables of AEsop, who had also once been a
+slave, and deemed it an honour to be compared with him.
+
+When Charmian had left Cleopatra and sought her chamber, she found Barine
+sound asleep, but Anukis was awaiting her, and her mistress told her
+with what deep anxiety for Barine she had quitted the presence of the
+Queen.  She knew that the Nubian was fond of the young matron, whom in
+her childhood she had carried in her arms, and whose father, Leonax, had
+often jested with her.  The maid had watched her career with much
+interest, and while Barine had been her mistress's guest her efforts to
+amuse and soothe her were unceasing.
+
+She had gone every morning to Berenike to ask tidings of Dion's health,
+and always brought favourable news.  Anukis knew Philostratus and his
+brother, too, and as she liked Antony, who jested with her so kindly, she
+grieved to see an unprincipled fellow like Alexas his chief confidant.
+She knew the plots with which the Syrian had persecuted Barine, and when
+Charmian told her that the Queen had committed the young beauty's fate to
+this man's keeping her dark face grew fairly livid; but she forced
+herself to conceal the terror which the news inspired.  Her mistress was
+also aware what this choice meant to Barine.  But Anukis would have
+thought it wrong to disturb Charmian's sleep by revealing her own
+distress.  It was fortunate that she was going early the next morning to
+seek the aid of Archibius, whom Anukis believed to be the wisest of men;
+but this by no means soothed her.  She knew the fable of the lion and the
+mouse, which had been told in her home long before the time of the author
+for whom she was nicknamed, and already more than once she had been in a
+position to render far greater and more powerful persons an important
+service.  To soothe Charmian to sleep and turn her thoughts in another
+direction, she told her about Dion, whom she had found much better that
+day, how tenderly he seemed to love Barine, and how touchingly patient
+and worthy of her father the daughter of Leonax had been.
+
+After her mistress had fallen asleep she went to the hall where, spite of
+the late hour, she expected to meet some of the servants--sure of being
+greeted as a welcome guest.  When, a short time later, Alexas's body-
+slave appeared, she filled his wire cup, sat down by his side, and tried
+with all the powers at her command to win his confidence.  And so well
+did the elderly Nubian succeed that Marsyas, a handsome young Ligurian,
+after she had gone, declared that Aisopion's jokes and stories were
+enough to bring the dead to life, and it was as pleasant to talk
+seriously with the brown-skinned monster as to dally with a fair-haired
+sweetheart.
+
+After Charmian had left the palace the following morning, Anukis again
+sought Marsyas and learned from him for what purpose and at what hour
+Iras had summoned Alexas.  His master was continually whispering with the
+languishing Macedonian.
+
+When Anukis returned, Barine seemed troubled because she brought no
+tidings from her mother and Dion; but the Nubian entreated her to have
+patience, and gave her some books and a spindle, that she might have
+occupation in her solitude.  She, Anukis, must go to the kitchen, because
+she had heard yesterday that the cook had bought some mushrooms, which
+might be poisonous; she knew the fungi and wanted to see them.
+
+Then, passing into Charmian's chamber, she glided through the corridor
+which connected the apartments of Cleopatra's confidential attendants,
+and slipped into Iras's room.  When Alexas entered she was concealed
+behind one of the hangings which covered the walls of the reception-room.
+
+After the Syrian had retired and Iras had been called away, Anukis
+returned to Barine and said that the mushrooms had really been poisonous,
+and of the deadliest species.  They had been cooked, and she must go out
+to seek an antidote.  Since a precious human life might be at stake,
+Barine would not wish to keep her.
+
+"Go," said the latter, kindly.  "But if you are the old obliging
+Aisopion, you won't object to going a little farther."
+
+"And inquiring at the house near the Paneum garden," added Anukis.
+"That was already settled.  Longing is also a poison for a loving heart,
+and its antidote is good news."
+
+With these laughing words she left her favourite; but as soon as she was
+out of doors her black brow became lined with earnest thought, and she
+stood pondering a long time.  At last she went to the Bruchium to hire a
+donkey to ride to Kanopus, where she hoped to find Archibius.  It was
+difficult to reach the nearest stand; for a great crowd had assembled on
+the quay between the Lochias and the Corner of the Muses, and groups of
+the common people, sailors, and slaves were constantly flocking hither.
+But she at last forced her way to the spot and, while the driver was
+helping her to mount the animal she had chosen, she asked what had
+attracted the throng, and he answered:
+
+"They are tearing down the house of the old Museum fungus, Didymus."
+
+"How can that be?" cried the startled woman.  "The good old man!"
+
+"Good?"  repeated the driver, scornfully.  "He's a traitor, who has
+caused all the trouble.  Philostratus, the brother of the great Alexas,
+a friend of Mark Antony, told us so.  He wanted to prove it, so it must
+be true.  Hear the shouts, and how the stones are flying!  Yes, yes.  His
+granddaughter and her lover set an ambush for the King Caesarion.  They
+would have killed him, but the watch interfered, and now he lies wounded
+on his couch.  If mighty Isis does not lend her aid, the young prince's
+life will soon be over."
+
+Then, turning to the donkey, he dealt him two severe blows on the right
+and left haunches, shouting: "Hi, Grey!  It does one good to hear that
+royal backs have room for the cudgel too."
+
+Meanwhile, the Nubian was hesitating whether she should not first turn
+the donkey to the right and seek Didymus; but Barine was threatened by
+greater peril, and her life was of more value than the welfare of the
+aged pair.  This decided the question, and she rode forward.
+
+The donkey and his driver did their best, but they came too late;
+for in the little palace at Kanopus, Anukis learned from the porter
+that Archibius had gone to the city with his old friend Timagenes,
+the historian, who lived in Rome, and seemed to have come to Alexandria
+as an envoy.
+
+Charmian, too, had been here, but also failed to find the master of the
+house, and followed him.  Evil tidings-which, owing to the loss of time
+involved, might prove fatal.  If the donkey had only been swifter!  True,
+Archibius's stable was full of fine animals, but who was she that she
+should presume to use them?  Yet she had gained something which rendered
+her the equal of many who were born free and occupied a higher station--
+the reputation for trustworthiness and wisdom; and relying upon this, she
+told the faithful old steward, as far as possible, what was at stake, and
+soon after he himself took her, both mounted on swift mules, to the city
+and the Paneum garden.
+
+He chose the nearest road thither through the Gate of the Sun and the
+Kanopic Way.  Usually at this hour it was crowded with people, but to-day
+few persons were astir.  All the idlers had thronged to the Bruchium and
+the harbour to see the returning ships of the vanquished fleet, hear
+something new, witness the demonstrations of joy, the sacrifices and
+processions, and--if Fortune favoured--meet the Queen and relieve their
+overflowing hearts by acclamations.
+
+When the carriage turned towards the left and approached the Paneum,
+progress for the first time became difficult.  A dense crowd had gathered
+around the hill on whose summit the sanctuary of Pan dominated the
+spacious garden.  Anukis's eye perceived the tall figure of Philostratus.
+Was the mischief-maker everywhere?  This time he seemed to encounter
+opposition, for loud shouts interrupted his words.  Just as the carriage
+passed he pointed to the row of houses in which the widow of Leonax
+lived, but violent resistance followed the gesture.
+
+Anukis perceived what restrained the crowd; for, as the equipage
+approached its destination, a body of armed youths stopped it.  Their
+finely-formed limbs, steeled by the training of the Palaestra, and the
+raven, chestnut, and golden locks floating around their well-shaped
+heads, were indeed beautiful.  They were a band of the Ephebi, formerly
+commanded by Archibius, and to whose leadership more recently Dion had
+been elected.  The youths had heard what had occurred--that imprisonment,
+perhaps even worse disaster, threatened him.  At any other time it would
+scarcely have been possible to oppose the decree of the Government and
+guard their imperilled friend, but in these dark days the rulers must
+deal with them.  Though they were loyal to the Queen, and had resolved,
+spite of her defeat, to support her cause, as soon as she needed them,
+they would not suffer Dion to be punished for a crime which, in their
+eyes, was an honour.  Their determination to protect him grew more eager
+with every vexatious delay on the part of the city council to deal with a
+matter which concerned one of their own body.  They had not yet decided
+whether to demand a full pardon or only a mild sentence for the man who
+had wounded the "King of kings," the son of the sovereign.  Moreover, the
+quiet Caesarion, still subject to his tutor, had not understood how to
+win the favour of the Ephebi.  The weakling never appeared in the
+Palaestra, which even the great Mark Antony did not disdain to visit.
+The latter had more than once given the youths assembled there proofs of
+his giant strength, and his son Antyllus also frequently shared their
+exercises.  Dion had merely dealt Caesarion with his clenched fist one of
+the blows which every one must encounter in the arena.
+
+Philotas of Amphissa, the pupil of Didymus, had been the first to inform
+them of the attack and, with fiery zeal, had used his utmost power to
+atone for the wrong done to his master's granddaughter.  His appeal had
+roused the most eager sympathy.  The Ephebi believed themselves strong
+enough to defend their friend against any one and, if the worst should
+come, they knew they would be sustained by the council, the Exegetus, the
+captain of the guard--a brave Macedonian, who had once been an ornament
+of their own band--and the numerous clients of Dion and his family.
+There was not a single weakling among them.  They had already found an
+opportunity to prove this; for, though they had arrived too late to
+protect Didymus's property from injury, they had checked the fury of the
+mob whose passions Philostratus had aroused, and forced back the crowd
+whom the Syrian led to Barine's dwelling to devote it to the same fate.
+
+Another equipage was already standing before the door of Berenike's
+house--one of the carriages which were always at the disposal of the
+Queen's officials--when Anukis left Archibius's vehicle.  Had some of
+Alexas's myrmidons arrived, or was he himself on the way to examine Dion,
+or even arrest him?  The driver, like all the palace servants, knew
+Anukis, and she learned from him that he had brought Gorgias, the
+architect.
+
+Anukis had never met the latter, though, during the rebuilding of
+Caesarion's apartments, she had often seen him, and heard much of him;
+among other things, that Dion's beautiful palace was his work.  He was
+a friend of the wounded man, so she need not fear him.
+
+When she entered the atrium she heard that Berenike had gone out to drive
+with Archibius and his Roman friend.  The leech had forbidden his patient
+to see many visitors.  No one had been admitted except Gorgias and one of
+Dion's freedmen.
+
+But time pressed; people of the same rank and disposition understand
+one another; the old porter and the Nubian were both loyal to their
+employers, and, moreover, were natives of the same country; so it
+required only a few words to persuade the door-keeper to conduct her
+without delay to the bedside of the wounded man.
+
+The freedman, a tall, weather-beaten greybeard, simply clad, who looked
+like a pilot, was waiting outside the sick-room.  He had not yet been
+admitted to Dion's presence, but this did not appear to vex him, for he
+stood leaning quietly against the wall beside the door, gazing at the
+broad-brimmed sailor's hat which he was slowly turning in his hands.
+
+Scarcely had Dion heard Anukis's name, when an eager "Let her come in"
+reached her ears through the half-open door.
+
+The Nubian waited to be summoned, but her dark face must have showed
+distinctly that something important and urgent had brought her here, for
+the wounded man added to his first words of greeting the expression of a
+fear that she had no good news.
+
+Her reply was an eager nod of assent, accompanied by a doubtful glance at
+Gorgias; and Dion now curtly told the architect the name of the newcomer,
+and assured her that his friend might hear everything, even the greatest
+secret.
+
+Anukis uttered a sigh of relief and then, in a tone of the most earnest
+warning, poured forth the story of the impending danger.  She would not
+be satisfied when he spoke of the Ephebi, who were ready to defend him,
+and the council, which would make the cause of one of its members its
+own, but entreated him to seek some safe place of refuge, no matter
+where; for powers against whom no resistance would avail were stretching
+their hands towards him.  Even this statement, however, proved useless,
+for Dion was convinced that the influence of his uncle, the Keeper of the
+Seal, would guard him from any serious danger.  Then Anukis resolved to
+confess what she had overheard; but she told the story without mentioning
+Barine, and the peril threatening her also.  Finally, with all the warmth
+of a really anxious heart, she entreated him to heed her warning.
+
+Even while she was still speaking, the friends exchanged significant
+glances; but scarcely had the last words fallen from her lips when the
+giant figure of the freedman passed through the door, which had remained
+open.
+
+"You here, Pyrrhus?" cried the wounded man kindly.
+
+"Yes, master, it is I," replied the stalwart fellow, twirling his sailor
+hat still faster.  "Listening isn't exactly my trade, and I don't usually
+enter your  presence uninvited;  but I couldn't help hearing what came
+through the door, and the croaking of the old raven drew me in."
+
+"I wish you had heard more cheerful things," replied Dion; "but the
+brown-skinned bird of ill omen usually sings pleasant songs, and they all
+come from a faithful heart.  But when my silent Pyrrhus opens his mouth
+so far, something important must surely follow, and you can speak freely
+in her presence."
+
+The sailor cleared his throat, gripped his coarse felt hat in his sinewy
+hands, and said, in such a tremulous, embarrassed tone that his heavy
+chin quivered and his voice sometimes faltered: "If the woman is to be
+trusted, you must leave here, master, and seek some safe hiding-place.
+I came to offer one.  On my way I heard your name.  It was said that you
+had wounded the Queen's son, and it might cost you your life.  Then I
+thought: 'No, no, not that, so long as Pyrrhus lives, who taught his
+young master Dion to use the oars and to set his first sail--Pyrrhus and
+his family.'  Why repeat what we both know well enough?  From my first
+boat and the land on our island to the liberty you bestowed upon us, we
+owe everything to your father and to you, and a blessing has rested upon
+your gift and our labour, and what is mine is yours.  No more words are
+needed.  You know our cliff beyond the Alveus Steganus, north of the
+great harbour--the Isle of Serpents.  It is quickly gained by any one who
+knows the course through the water, but is as inaccessible to others as
+the moon and stars.  People are afraid of the mere name, though we rid
+the island of the vermin long ago.  My boys Dionysus, Dionichus, and
+Dionikus--they all have 'Dion' in their name--are waiting in the fish
+market, and when it grows dusk--"  Here the wounded man interrupted the
+speaker by holding out his hand and thanking him warmly for his fidelity
+and kindness, though he refused the well-meant invitation.  He admitted
+that he knew no safer hiding-place than the cliff surrounded by
+fluttering sea-gulls, where Pyrrhus lived with his family and earned
+abundant support by fishing and serving as pilot.  But anxiety concerning
+his future wife prevented his leaving the city.
+
+The freedman however gave him no rest.  He represented how quickly the
+harbour could be reached from his island, that fish were brought thence
+from it daily, and he would therefore always have news of what was
+passing.  His sons were like him, and never used any unnecessary words;
+talking did not suit them.  The women of the household rarely left the
+island.  So long as it sheltered their beloved guest, they should not set
+foot away from it.  If occasion should require, the master could be in
+Alexandria again quickly enough to put anything right.
+
+This suggestion pleased the architect, who joined in the conversation to
+urge the freedman's request.  But Dion, for Barine's sake, obstinately
+refused, until Anukis, who had long been anxious to go in pursuit of
+Archibius, thought it time to give her opinion.
+
+"Go with the man, my lord!" she cried.  "I know what I know.  I will tell
+our Barine of your faithful resolution; but how can she show her
+gratitude for it if you are a dead man?"
+
+This question and the information which followed it turned the scale;
+and, as soon as Dion had consented to accompany the freedman, the Nubian
+prepared to continue her errands, but the wounded man detained her to
+give many messages for Barine, and then she was stopped by the architect,
+who thought he had found in her the right assistant for numerous plans he
+had in his mind.
+
+He had returned early that morning from Heroonpolis, where, with other
+members of his profession, he had inspected the newly constructed
+waterway.  The result of the first investigation had been unfavourable to
+the verge of discouragement; and, in behalf of the others, he had gone to
+the Queen to persuade her to give up the enterprise which, though so full
+of promise, was impracticable in the short time at their disposal.
+
+He had travelled all night, and was received as soon as Cleopatra rose
+from her couch.  He had driven from the Lochias in the carriage placed at
+his disposal because he had business at the arsenal and various points
+where building was going on, in order to inspect the wall erected for
+Antony on the Choma, and the Temple of Isis at the Corner of the Muses,
+to which Cleopatra desired to add a new building.  But scarcely had he
+quitted the Bruchium when he was detained by the crowd assailing the
+house of Didymus with beams and rams, and at the same time keeping off
+the Ephebi who had attacked them.
+
+He had forced his way through the raging mob to aid the old couple and
+their granddaughter.  The slave Phryx had been busily preparing the boats
+which lay moored in the harbour of the seawashed estate, but Gorgias had
+found it difficult to persuade the grey-haired philosopher to go with him
+and his family to the shore.  He was ready to face the enraged rioters
+and--though it should cost his life--cry out that they were shamefully
+deceived and were staining themselves with a disgraceful crime.  Not
+until the architect represented that it was unworthy of a Didymus to
+expose to bestial violence a life on which helpless women and the whole
+world--to whom his writings were guide-posts to the realms of truth--
+possessed a claim, could he be induced to yield.  Nevertheless, the sage
+and his relatives almost fell into the hands of the furious rabble, for
+Didymus would not depart until he had saved this, that, and the other
+precious book, till the number reached twenty or thirty.  Besides, his
+old deaf wife, who usually submitted quietly when her defective hearing
+prevented her comprehension of many things, insisted upon knowing what
+was occurring.  She ordered everybody who came near her to explain what
+had happened, thus detaining her granddaughter Helena, who was trying to
+save the most valuable articles in the dwelling.  So the departure was
+delayed, and only the brave defence of young Philotas, Didymus's
+assistant, and some of the Ephebi, who joined him, enabled them to escape
+unharmed.
+
+The Scythian guards, which at last put a stop to the frantic rage of the
+deluded populace, arrived too late to prevent the destruction of the
+house, but they saved Philotas and the other youths from the fists and
+stones of the rabble.  When the boats had gone farther out into the
+harbour the question of finding a home for the philosopher and his family
+was discussed.  Berenike's house was also threatened, and the rules of
+the museum prevented the reception of women.  Five servants had
+accompanied the family, and none of Didymus's learned friends had room
+for so many guests.  When the old man and Helena began to enumerate the
+lodgings of which they could think, Gorgias interposed with an entreaty
+that they would come to his house.
+
+He had inherited the dwelling from his father.  It was very large and
+spacious, almost empty, and they could reach it speedily, as it stood on
+the seashore, north of the Forum.  The fugitives would be entirely at
+liberty there, since he had work on hand which would permit him to spend
+no time under his own roof except at night.  He soon overcame the trivial
+objections made by the philosopher and, fifteen minutes after they had
+left the Corner of the Muses, he was permitted to open the door of his
+house to his guests, and he did so with genuine pleasure.  The old
+housekeeper and the grey-haired steward, who had been in his father's
+service, looked surprised, but worked zealously after Gorgias had
+confided the visitors to their charge.  The pressure of business forbade
+his fulfilling the duties of host in his own person.
+
+Didymus and his family had reason to be grateful; and when the old sage
+found in the large library which the architect placed at his disposal
+many excellent books and among them some of his own, he ceased his
+restless pacing to and fro and forced himself to settle down.  Then he
+remembered that, by the advice of a friend, he had placed his property in
+the keeping of a reliable banker and, though life still seemed dark grey,
+it no longer looked as black as before.
+
+Gorgias briefly related all this to the Nubian, and Dion added that she
+would find Archibius with his Roman friend at the house of Berenike's
+brother, the philosopher Arius.  Like himself, the latter was suffering
+from an injury inflicted by a reckless trick of Antyllus.  Barine's
+mother was there also, so Anukis could inform them of the fate of Didymus
+and his brother, and tell them that he, Dion, intended to leave her house
+and the city an hour after sunset.
+
+"But," interrupted Gorgias, "no one, not even your hostess Berenike and
+her brother, must know your destination.--You look as if you could keep a
+secret, woman."
+
+"Though she owes her nickname Aisopion to her nimble tongue," replied
+Dion.
+
+"But this tongue is like the little silver fish with scarlet spots in the
+palace garden," said Anukis.  "They dart to and fro nimbly enough; but as
+soon as danger threatens they keep as quiet in the water as though they
+were nailed fast.  And--by mighty Isis!--we have no lack of peril in
+these trying times.  Would you like to see the lady Berenike and the
+others before your departure?"
+
+"Berenike, yes; but the sons of Arius--they are fine fellows--would be
+wise to keep aloof from this house to-day."
+
+"Yes indeed!" the architect chimed in.  "It will be prudent for their
+father, too, to seek some hiding-place.  He is too closely connected with
+Octavianus.  It may indeed happen that the Queen will desire to make use
+of him.  In that case he may be able to aid Barine, who is his sister's
+child.  Timagenes, too, who comes from Rome as a mediator, may have some
+influence."
+
+"The same thoughts entered my poor brain also," said Anukis.  "I am now
+going to show the gentlemen the danger which threatens her, and if I
+succeed--Yet what could a serving-woman of my appearance accomplish?
+Still--my house is nearer to the brink of the stream than the dwelling of
+most others, and if I fling in a loaf, perhaps the current will bear it
+to the majestic sea."
+
+"Wise Aisopion!" cried Dion; but the worthy maid-servant shrugged her
+crooked shoulders, saying: "We needn't be free-born to find pleasure in
+what is right; and if being wise means using one's brains to think, with
+the intention of promoting right and justice, you can always call me so.
+Then you will start after sundown?"
+
+With these words she was about to leave the room, but the architect, who
+had watched her every movement, had formed a plan and begged her to
+follow him.
+
+When they reached the next room he asked for a faithful account of Barine
+and the dangers threatening her.  After consulting her as if she were an
+equal, he held out his hand in farewell, saying: "If it is possible to
+bring her to the Temple of Isis unseen, these clouds may scatter.  I
+shall be in the sanctuary of the goddess from the first hour after
+sunset.  I have some measurements to take there.  When you say you know
+that the immortals will have pity on the innocent woman whom they have
+led to the verge of the abyss, perhaps you may be right.  It seems as if
+matters here were combining in a way which would be apt to rob the story-
+teller of his listener's faith."
+
+After Aisopion had gone, Gorgias returned to Dion's room and asked the
+freedman to be ready with his boat at a place on the shore which he
+carefully described.
+
+The friends were again alone.  Gorgias had his hands full of work, but he
+could not help expressing his surprise at the calm bearing which Dion
+maintained.  "You behave as if you were going to an oyster supper at
+Kanopus," he said, shaking his head as though perplexed by some
+incomprehensible problem.
+
+"What else would you have me do?"  asked the Macedonian.  "The vivid
+imagination of you artists shows you the future according to your own
+varying moods.  If you hope, you transform a pleasant garden into the
+Elysian fields; if you fear anything you behold in a burning roof the
+conflagration of a world.  We, from whose cradle the Muse was absent, who
+use only sober reason to provide for the welfare of the household and the
+state, as well as for our own, see facts as they are and treat them like
+figures in a sum.  I know that Barine is in danger.  That might drive me
+frantic; but beyond her I see Archibius and Charmian spreading their
+protecting wings over her head; I perceive the fear of my faction,
+including the museum, of the council of which I am a member, of my
+clients and the conditions of the times, which precludes arousing the
+wrath of the citizens.  The product which results from the correct
+addition of all these known quantities--"
+
+"Will be correct," interrupted his friend, "so long as the most
+incalculable of all factors, passion, does not blend with them--the
+passion of a woman--and the Queen belongs to the sex which is certainly
+more powerful in that domain."
+
+"Granted!  But as soon as Mark Antony returns it will be proved that her
+jealousy was needless."
+
+"We will hope so.  It is only the misled, deceived, abused Cleopatra whom
+I fear; for she herself is matchless in divine goodness.  The charm by
+which she ensnares hearts is indescribable, and the iron power of her
+intellect!  I tell you, Dion--"
+
+"Friend, friend," was the laughing interruption.  "How high your wishes
+soar!  For three years I have kept an account of the conflagrations in
+your heart.  I believe we had reached seventeen; but this last one is
+equal to two."
+
+"Folly!" cried Gorgias in an irritated tone: "May not a man admire what
+is magnificent, wonderful, unique?  She is all these things!  Just now--
+how long ago is it?--she appeared before me in a radiance of beauty--"
+
+"Which should have made you shade both eyes.  Yet you have been speaking
+so warmly of your young guest, her loving caution, her gentle calmness in
+the midst of peril--"
+
+"Do you suppose I wish to recall a single syllable?" the architect
+indignantly broke in.  "Helena has no peer among the maidens of
+Alexandria--but the other--Cleopatra--is elevated in her divine majesty
+above all ordinary mortals.  You might spare me and yourself that
+scornful curl of the lip.  Had she gazed into your face with those
+tearful, sorrowful eyes, as she did into mine, and spoken of her misery,
+you would have gone through fire and water, hand in hand with me, for her
+sake.  I am not a man who is easily moved, and since my father's death
+the only tears I have seen have been shed by others; but when she talked
+of the mausoleum I was to build for her because Fate, she knew not how
+soon, might force her to seek refuge in the arms of death, my calmness
+vanished.  Then, when she cumbered me among the friends on whom she could
+rely and held out her hand--a matchless hand--oh! laugh if you choose--
+I felt I know not how, and kneeling at her feet I kissed it; it was wet
+with my tears.  I am not ashamed of this emotion, and my lips seem
+consecrated since they touched the little white hand which spoke a
+language of its own and stands before my eyes wherever I gaze."
+
+Pushing back his thick locks from his brow as he spoke, he shook his head
+as though dissatisfied with himself and, in an altered tone, hurriedly
+continued: "But this is a time ill-suited for such ebullitions of
+feeling.  I mentioned the mausoleum, whose erection the Queen desires.
+She will see the first hasty sketch to-morrow.  It is already before my
+mind's eye.  She wished to have it adjoin the Temple of Isis, her
+goddess--I proposed the great sanctuary in the Rhakotis quarter, but she
+objected--she wished to have it close to the palace at Lochias.  She had
+thought of the temple at the Corner of the Muses, but the house occupied
+by Didymus stood in the way of a larger structure.  If this were removed
+it would be possible to carry the street through the old man's garden,
+perhaps even to the sea-shore, and we should have had space for a
+gigantic edifice and still left room for a fine garden.  But we had
+learned how the philosopher loved his family estate.  The Queen is
+unwilling to use violence towards the old man.  She is just, and perhaps
+other reasons, of which I am ignorant, influence her.  So I promised to
+look for another site, though I saw how much she desired to have her tomb
+connected with the sanctuary of her favourite goddess  Then--I have
+already told the clever brown witch--then the immortals, Divinity, Fate,
+or whatever we call the power which guides the world and our lives
+according to eternal laws and its own mysterious, omnipotent will,
+permitted a rascally deed, from which I think may come deliverance for
+you and a source of pleasure to the Queen in these days of trial."
+
+"Man, man!  Where will this new passion lead you?  The horses are
+stamping impatiently outside; duty summons the most faithful of men,
+and he stands like a prophet, indulging in mysterious sayings!"
+
+"Whose meaning and purport, spite of your calm calculations of existing
+circumstances, will soon seem no less wonderful to you than to me, whose
+unruly artist nature, according to your opinion, is playing me a trick,"
+retorted the architect.  "Now listen to this explanation: Didymus's house
+will be occupied at once by my workmen, but I shall examine the lower
+rooms of the Temple of Isis.  I have with me a document requiring
+obedience to my orders.  Cleopatra herself laid the plans before me,
+even the secret portion showing the course of the subterranean chambers.
+It will cast some light upon my mysterious sayings if I bear you away
+from the enemy through one of the secret corridors.  They were right in
+concealing from you by how slender a thread, spite of the power of your
+example in mathematics, the sword hangs above your head.  Now that I see
+a possibility of removing it, I can show it to you.  Tomorrow you would
+have fallen, without hope of rescue, into the hands of cruel foes and
+been shamefully abandoned by your own weak uncle, had not the most
+implacable of all your enemies permitted himself the infamous pleasure of
+laying hands on an old man's house, and the Queen, in consequence of an
+agitating message, had the idea suggested of building her own mausoleum.
+The corridor"--here he lowered his voice--"of which I spoke leads to the
+sea at a spot close beside Didymus's garden, and through it I will guide
+you, and, if possible, Barine also, to the shore.  This could be
+accomplished in the usual way only by the greatest risk.  If we use the
+passage we can reach a dark place on the strand unseen, and unless some
+special misfortune pursues us our flight will be unnoticed.  The litters
+and your tottering gait would betray everything if we were to enter the
+boat anywhere else in the great harbour."
+
+"And we, sensible folk, refuse to believe in miracles!" cried Dion,
+holding out his wan hand to the architect.  "How shall I thank you, you
+dear, clever, most loyal of friends to your male friends, though your
+heart is so faithless to fair ones?  Add that malicious speech to the
+former ones, for which I now crave your pardon.  What you intend to
+accomplish for Barine and me gives you a right to do and say to me
+whatever ill you choose all the rest of my life.  Anxiety for her would
+surely have bound me to this house and the city when the time came to
+make the escape, for without her my life would now be valueless.  But
+when I think that she might follow me to Pyrrhus's cliff--"
+
+"Don't flatter yourself with this hope," pleaded Gorgias.  "Serious
+obstacles may interpose.  I am to have another talk with the Nubian
+later.  With no offence to others, I believe her advice will be the best.
+She knows how matters stand with the lofty, and yet herself belongs to
+the lowly.  Besides, through Charmian the way to the Queen lies open, and
+nothing which happens at court escapes her notice.  She showed me that we
+must consider Barine's delivery to Alexas a piece of good fortune.  How
+easily jealousy might have led to a fatal crime one whose wish promptly
+becomes action, unless she curbs the undue zeal of her living tools!
+Those on whom Fate inflicts so many blows rarely are in haste to spare
+others.  Would the anxieties which weigh upon her like mountains
+interpose between the Queen and the jealous rancour which is too petty
+for her great soul?"
+
+"What is great or petty to the heart of a loving woman?"  asked Dion.
+"In any case you will do what you can to remove Barine from the power of
+the enraged princess--I know."
+
+Gorgias pressed his friend's hand closely, then, yielding to a sudden
+impulse, kissed him on the forehead and hurried to the door.
+
+On the threshold a faint moan from the wounded man stopped him.  Would he
+be strong enough to follow the long passage leading to the sea?
+
+Dion protested that he confidently expected to do so, but his deeply
+flushed face betrayed that the fever which had once been conquered had
+returned.
+
+Gorgias's eyes sought the floor in deep thought.  Many sick persons were
+borne to the temple in the hope of cure; so Dion's appearance would cause
+no special surprise.  On the other hand, to have strangers carry him
+through the passage seemed perilous.  He himself was strong, but even the
+strongest person would have found it impossible to support the heavy
+burden of a grown man to the sea, for the gallery was low and of
+considerable length.  Still, if necessary, he would try.  With the
+comforting exclamation, "If your strength does not suffice, another way
+will be found," he took his leave, gave Barine's maid and the wounded
+man's body-slave the necessary directions, commanded the door-keeper to
+admit no one save the physician, and stepped into the open air.
+
+A little band of Ephebi were pacing to and fro before the house.  Others
+had flung themselves down in an open space surrounded by shrubbery in the
+Paneum garden, and were drinking the choice wine which Dion's cellarer,
+by his orders, had brought and was pouring out for the crowd.
+
+It was an animated scene, for the clients of the sufferer, who, after
+expressing their sympathy, had been dismissed by the porter, and
+bedizened girls had joined the youths.  There was no lack of jests and
+laughter, and when some pretty young mother or female slave passed by
+leading children, with whom the garden was a favourite playground, many a
+merry word was exchanged.
+
+Gorgias waved his hands gaily to the youths, pleased with the
+cheerfulness with which the brave fellows transformed duty into a
+festival, and many raised their wine-cups, shouting a joyous "Io" and
+"Evoe," to drink the health of the famous artist who not long ago had
+been one of themselves.
+
+The others were led by a slender youth, the student Philotas, from
+Amphissa, Didymus's assistant, whom the architect, a few days before,
+had helped to liberate from the demons of wine.  Even while Gorgias was
+beckoning to him from the two-wheeled chariot, the thought entered his
+mind that yonder handsome youth, who had so deeply wronged Barine and
+Dion, would be the very person to help carry his friend through the low-
+roofed passage to the sea.  If Philotas was the person Gorgias believed
+him to be, he would deem it a special favour to make amends for his crime
+to those whom he had injured, and he was not mistaken; for, after the
+youth had taken a solemn oath not to betray the secret to any one, the
+architect asked him to aid in Dion's rescue.  Philotas, overflowing with
+joyful gratitude, protested his willingness to do so, and promised to
+wait at the appointed spot in the Temple of Isis at the time mentioned.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+While Gorgias was examining the subterranean chambers in the Temple of
+Isis, Charmian returned to Lochias earlier than she herself had expected.
+She had met her brother, whom she did not find at Kanopus, at Berenike's,
+and after greeting Dion on his couch of pain, she told Archibius of her
+anxiety.  She confided to him alone that the Queen had committed Barine's
+fate to Alexas, for the news might easily have led the mother of the
+endangered woman to some desperate venture; but even Archibius's
+composure, so difficult to disturb, was not proof against it.  He would
+have sought the Queen's presence at once--if necessary, forced his way
+to it; but the historian Timagenes, who had just come from Rome, was
+expecting him, and he had not returned to his birthplace as a private
+citizen, but commissioned by Octavianus to act as mediator in putting an
+end to the struggle which had really been decided in his favour at the
+battle of Actium.  The choice of this mediator was a happy one; for he
+had taught Cleopatra in her childhood, and was the self-same quick-witted
+man who had so often roused her to argument.  His share in a popular
+insurrection against the Roman rule had led to his being carried as a
+slave to the Tiber.  There he soon purchased his freedom, and attained
+such distinction that Octavianus entrusted this important mission to the
+man who was so well known in Alexandria.  Archibius was to meet him at
+the house of Arius, who was still suffering from the wounds inflicted by
+the chariot-wheels of Antyllus, and Berenike had accompanied Timagenes to
+her brother.
+
+Charmian did not venture to go there; a visit to Octavianus's former
+teacher would have been misinterpreted, and it was repugnant to her own
+delicacy of feeling to hold intercourse at this time with the foe and
+conqueror of her royal mistress.  She therefore let her brother drive
+with Berenike to the injured man's; but before his departure Archibius
+had promised, if the worst came, to dare everything to open the eyes of
+the Queen, who had forbidden her, Charmian, to speak in behalf of Barine
+and thwart the plans of Alexas.
+
+From the Paneum garden she was carried to the Kanopic Way and the Jewish
+quarter, where she had many important purchases to make for Cleopatra.
+It was long after noon when the litter was again borne to Lochias.
+
+On the way she had severely felt her own powerlessness.  Without having
+accomplished anything herself, she was forced to wait for the success of
+others; and she had scarcely crossed the threshold of the palace ere
+fresh cares were added to those which already burdened her soul.
+
+She understood how to read the faces of courtiers, and the door-keeper's
+had taught her that since her departure something momentous had occurred.
+She disliked to question the slaves and lower officials, so she
+refrained, though the interior of the palace was crowded with guards,
+officials of every grade, attendants, and slaves.  Many who saw her gazed
+at her with the timidity inspired by those over whom some disaster is
+im pending.  Others, whose relations were more intimate, pressed forward
+to enjoy the mournful satisfaction of being the first messengers of evil
+tidings.  But she passed swiftly on, keeping them back with grave words
+and gestures, until, before the door of the great anteroom thronged with
+Greek and Egyptian petitioners, she met Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal.
+Charmian stopped him and inquired what had happened.
+
+"Since when?" asked the old courtier.  "Every moment has brought some
+fresh tidings and all are mournful.  What terrible times, Charmian, what
+disasters!"
+
+"No messenger had arrived when I left the Lochias," replied Charmian.
+"Now it seems as though the old monster of a palace, accustomed to so
+many horrors, is holding its breath in dread.  Tell me the main thing,
+at least, before I meet the Queen."
+
+ The main thing?  Pestilence  or  famine--which shall we call the worse?"
+
+"Quick, Zeno!  I am expected."
+
+"I, too, am in haste, and really there is nothing to relate over which
+the tongue would care to dwell.  Candidus arrived first.  Came himself
+straight from Actium.  The fellow is bold enough."
+
+"Is the army defeated also?"
+
+"Defeated, dispersed, deserted to the foe--King Herod with his legions in
+the van."
+
+Charmian covered her face with her hands and groaned aloud, but Zeno
+continued:
+
+"You were with her in the flight.  When Mark Antony left you, he sailed
+with the ships which joined him for Paraetonium.  A large body of troops
+on which the Queen and Mardion had fixed their hopes was encamped there.
+Reinforcements could easily be gained and we should once more have a fine
+army at our disposal."
+
+"Pinarius Scarpus, a cautious soldier, was in command; and I, too,
+believed--"
+
+"The more you trusted him, the greater would be your error.  The
+shameless rascal--he owes everything to Antony--had received tidings of
+Actium ere the ships arrived, and had already made overtures to
+Octavianus when the Imperator came.  The veterans who opposed the
+treachery were hewn down by the wretch's orders, but the brave garrison
+of the city could not be won over to the monstrous crime.  It is due to
+these men that Mark Antony still lives and did not come to a miserable
+end at the hands of his own troops.  The twice-defeated general--
+a courier brought the news--will arrive to-night.  Strangely enough, he
+will not come to Lochias, but to the little palace on the Choma."
+
+"Poor, poor Queen!" cried Charmian; "how did she bear all this?"
+
+"In the presence of the defeated Candidus and Antony's messenger like a
+heroine.  But afterwards----Her raving did not last long; but the mute,
+despairing silence!  Ere she had fully recovered her self-command she
+sent us all away, and I have not seen her since.  But all the thoughts
+and feelings which dwell here"--he pointed to his brow and breast--"have
+left their abode and linger with her.  I totter from place to place like
+a soulless body.  O Charmian! what has befallen us?  Where are the days
+when care and trouble lay buried with the other dead--the days and nights
+when my brain united with that of the Queen to transform this desolate
+earth into the beautiful Elysian Fields, every-day life to a festival,
+festivals to the very air of Olympus?  What unprecedented scenes of
+splendour had I not devised for the celebration of the victory, the
+triumph--nay, even the entry into Rome!  Whole chests are filled with the
+sketches, programmes, drawings, and verses.  All who handle brush and
+chisel, compose and execute music, would have lent their aid, and--you
+may believe me-the result would have been something which future
+generations would have discussed, lauded, and extolled in song.
+And now--now?"
+
+"Now we will double our efforts to save what is yet to be rescued!"
+
+"Rescued?" repeated the courtier in a hollow tone.  "The Queen, too,
+still clings to this fine word.  When I saw her at work yesterday, it
+seemed as if I beheld her drawing water with the bottomless vessel of the
+Danaides.  True, today, when I left her, her arms had fallen--and in this
+attitude she now stands before me with her tearful eyes.  And besides, I
+can't get my nephew Dion out of my mind.  Cares--nothing but cares
+concerning him!  And my intentions towards him were so kind!  My will
+gives him my entire fortune; but now he actually wants to marry the
+singer, the daughter of the artist Leonax.  You have taken her under your
+protection, but surely your own niece, Iras, is dearer to you, so you
+will approve of my destroying the will if Dion insists upon his own way.
+He shall not have a solidus of my property if he does not give up the
+woman who is a thorn in the Queen's flesh.  And his choice does not suit
+our ancient race.  Iras, on the contrary, was Dion's playfellow, and I
+have long destined her for his wife.  No better match, nor one more
+acceptable to the Queen, could be found for him.  He cared for her until
+the singer bewitched him.  Bring them together, and they shall be like my
+own children.  If the fool resists his uncle, whose sole desire is to
+benefit him, I will withdraw my aid.  Whatever intrigues his foes may
+weave, I shall fold my arms and not interfere.  I stand in the place of
+his father, my dead brother, and demand obedience.  The Queen is my
+universe, and her favour is of more value than twenty refractory
+nephews."
+
+"You will retain her Majesty's favour, even if you intercede for your
+brother's son."
+
+"And Iras?  When she finds herself deceived--and she will soon discover
+it--she will not rest--"
+
+"Until she has brought ruin upon him," interrupted Charmian, in a tone of
+sorrow rather than reproach as though she already beheld the impending
+disaster.  "But Iras has no greater influence with the Queen than I, and
+if you and I unite to protect the brave young fellow, who is of your own
+blood--"
+
+"Then, of course--no doubt, on account of your longer period of service,
+you have more influence with her Majesty than Iras--however--such matters
+must be considered--and I have already said--my mind leaves its abode to
+follow the Queen like her shadow.  It heeds only what concerns her.  Let
+everything else go as it will.  The fleet the same as destroyed, Candidus
+defeated, Herod a deserter, treason on treason--the African legions lost!
+What in the name of the god who tried to roll back the wheel dashing down
+the mountain-side!--And yet!  Let us offer sacrifices, my friend, and
+hope for better days!"
+
+Zeno retired as he spoke, but Charmian moved forward with a drooping head
+to find Barine and her faithful Anukis, and weep her fill ere she went to
+perform the duty of consoling and sustaining her beloved mistress.  Yet
+she herself so sorely needed comfort.  Wherever she turned her eyes she
+beheld disaster, peril, treachery, and base intrigues.  She felt as if
+she had lived long enough, and that her day was over.  Hitherto her
+gentle nature, her intellect, which yearned to expand, gather new riches,
+and exchange what it had gained with others, had possessed much to offer
+to the Queen.  She had not only been Cleopatra's confidante, but
+necessary to her to discuss questions far in advance of the demands of
+the times, which occupied her restless mind.  Now the Queen's attention
+was wholly absorbed by events--hard, cruel facts--which she must resist
+or turn to her own advantage.  Her life had become a conflict, and
+Charmian felt that she was by no means combative.  The hard, supple,
+keenly polished intellect of Iras now asserted its value, and the elderly
+woman told herself that she was in danger of being held in less regard
+than her younger companion.  To resign her office would have given her
+peace of mind, but she repelled the thought.  For the very reason that
+these days were so full of misery and perhaps drawing nearer to the end,
+she must remain, first for the sake of the Queen, but also to watch over
+Barine.
+
+Now she longed to go to Cleopatra.  Her mere presence, she knew, would do
+her sore heart good.  The silvery laugh of a child reached her ears
+through the open gate of the garden which she was rapidly approaching.
+Little six-year-old Alexander ran towards her with open arms, hugged her
+closely, pressed his curly head against her, and gazed into her face with
+his large clear eyes.
+
+Charmian's heart swelled; and as she raised the child in her arms and
+kissed him, she thought of the sad fate impending, and the composure
+maintained with so much difficulty gave way; tears streamed from her eyes
+and, sobbing violently, she pressed the boy closer to her breast.
+
+The prince, accustomed to bright faces and tender caresses, broke away
+from her in terror to run back to his brother and sisters.  But he had a
+kind little heart, and, knowing that no one weeps and sobs unless in
+pain, Alexander pitied Charmian, whom he loved, and hurried to her again.
+
+What he meant to show her had pleased his mother, too, and dried the
+tears in her eyes.  So he took Charmian by the hand and drew her along,
+saying that he wanted her to see the prettiest thing.  She willingly
+allowed herself to be led over the paths, strewn with red sand, of the
+little garden which Antony had had laid out for his children in the
+magnificent style which pleased his love of splendour, and filled with
+rare and beautiful things.
+
+There was a pond with tiny gold and silver fish, where the rare lotus
+flowers with pink blossoms arose from amid their smooth green leaves, and
+another where dwarf ducks of every colour, which seemed as if they had
+been created for children, swam to and fro.  A bit of the sea which
+washed its shore had been enclosed by a gilded latticework, and on its
+surface floated a number of snow-white swans and black ones with scarlet
+bills.  Native and Indian flowers of every hue adorned the beds, and the
+narrow paths were shaded by arbours made of gold wire, over which ran
+climbing vines filled with bright blossoms.
+
+A grotto of stalactites behind the dense foliage of an Indian tree
+offered a resting-place, and beside it was a little house where the
+children could stay.  The interior lacked none of the requisites of
+living, not even the cooking utensils in the kitchen, and the family
+portraits in the tablinum, delicately painted by an artist on small ivory
+slabs.  Everything was made to suit the size of children, but of the most
+costly material and careful workmanship.
+
+Behind the house was a little stable where four tiny horses with spotted
+skins, the rarest and prettiest creatures imaginable--a gift from the
+King of Media--were stamping the ground.
+
+In another place was an enclosure containing gazelles, ostriches, young
+giraffes, and other grass-eating animals.  Bright-plumaged birds and
+monkeys filled the tops of the trees, gay balls rose and fell on the jets
+of the fountains, and child genii and images of the gods in bronze and
+marble peered from the foliage.  This whole enchanted world was comprised
+within a narrow space, and, with its radiance of colour and wealth of
+form, its  perfume, songs, and warbling, exerted a bewildering influence
+upon the excited imaginations of grown people as well as children.
+
+Little Alexander, without even casting a glance at all this, drew
+Charmian forward.  He did not pause until he reached the shore of the
+lotus pond; then, putting his fingers on his lips, he said: "There, now,
+I'll show you.  Look here!"
+
+Rising cautiously upon tip-toe as he spoke, he pointed to the hollow in
+the trunk of a tree.  A pair of finches had built their nest in it, and
+five young ones with big yellow beaks stretched their ugly little heads
+hungrily upward.
+
+"That's so pretty!" cried the prince.  "And you must see the old ones
+come to feed them."  The beautiful boy's sweet face fairly beamed with
+delight, and Charmian kissed him tenderly.  Yet, even as she did so, she
+thought of the young swallows hacked to death in his mother's galley, and
+a chill ran through her veins.
+
+Just at that moment voices were heard calling Alexander from a neglected
+spot behind the dainty little house built for the children, and the boy
+exclaimed peevishly:
+
+"There, now, I showed you the little nest, so I forgot.  Agatha fell
+asleep and Smerdis went away, so we were alone.  Then they sent me to
+Horus, the gate-keeper, to get some of his spelt bread.  He never says no
+to anything, and it does taste so good.  We're peasants, and have been
+using the axe and the hoe, so we want something to eat.  Have you seen
+our house?  We built it ourselves.  Selene, Helios, Jotape, my future
+wife, and I--yes, I!  They let me help, and we finished it alone, all
+alone!  Everything is here.  We shall build the shed for the cow
+to-morrow.  The others mustn't see it, but I may show it to you."
+
+While speaking, he drew her forward again, and Charmian obediently
+followed.  The twins and little Jotape, who had been chosen for the
+future bride of the six-year-old Prince Alexandera pretty, delicate,
+fair-haired child of his own age, the daughter of the Median king, who
+had been betrothed to the boy after the Parthian war, and now remained as
+a hostage at Cleopatra's court--welcomed her with joyous shouts.  With
+the exception of the little Median princess, Charmian had witnessed their
+birth, and they all loved her dearly.
+
+The little royal labourers showed their work with proud delight, and it
+really was well done.
+
+They had toiled at it for weeks, paying no heed to the garden and all its
+costly rarities.  They pointed with special pride to the two planks which
+Helios, aided by Alexander, had fished out of the sea after the last
+storm, when they were left alone, and to the lock on the door which they
+had secretly managed to wrench from an old gate.  Selene herself had
+woven the curtain in front of the door.  Now they were going to build a
+hearth too.
+
+Charmian praised their skill, while they--all talking merrily together--
+told her how they had conquered the greatest difficulties.  Their bright
+eyes sparkled with pleasure while describing the work of their own hands,
+and they were so absorbed in eager delight that they did not notice the
+approach of a man until startled by his words: "Enough of this idle sport
+now, your Highnesses.  Too much time has already been wasted on it."
+
+Then, turning to the Queen, who had accompanied him, he continued in a
+tone of apology: "This amusement might seem somewhat hazardous, yet there
+is much to be said in its favour.  Besides, it appeared to afford the
+royal children so much pleasure that I permitted it for a short time.
+But if your Majesty commands:
+
+"Let them have their pleasure," the Queen interrupted kindly; and as soon
+as the children saw their mother they rushed forward, crowded around her
+with fearless love, thanked her, and eagerly assured her that nothing in
+the whole garden was half so dear to them as their little house.  They
+meant to build a stable too.
+
+"That might be too much," said the tutor Euphronion, a grey-haired man
+with a shrewd, kindly face.  "We must remember how many things are yet to
+be learned, that we may reach the goal fixed for your Majesty's birthday
+and pass the examination."
+
+But all the children now joined in the entreaty to be allowed to build
+the stable too, and it was granted.
+
+When the tutor at last began to lead them away, the royal mother stopped
+them, asking "Suppose, instead of this garden, I should give you a bit of
+bare land, such as the peasants till, where, after your lessons, you
+might dig and build as much as you please?"
+
+Loud shouts of joy from the children answered the question; but the
+little Median girl, Jotape, said hesitatingly:
+
+"Could I take my doll too--only the oldest, Atossa?  She has lost one
+arm, yet I love her the best."
+
+"Deprive us of anything you choose!" cried Helios, drawing little
+Alexander towards him, to show that they, the men, were of the same mind,
+"only give us some ground and let us build."
+
+"We will consider whether it can be done," replied Cleopatra.  "Perhaps,
+Euphronion, you would be the right person--But we will discuss the matter
+at a more quiet hour."
+
+The tutor withdrew and the children, who followed, looked back, waving
+their hands and calling to their mother for a long time.
+
+When they had disappeared behind the shrubbery in the garden Charmian
+exclaimed, "However dark the sky may be, so long as you possess these
+little ones you can never lack sunshine."
+
+"If," replied Cleopatra, gazing pensively at the ground, "with a thought
+of them another did not blend which makes the gloom become deeper still.
+You know the tidings this terrible day has brought?"
+
+"All," replied Charmian, sighing heavily.
+
+"Then you know the abyss on whose verge we are walking; and to see them--
+them also dragged into the yawning gulf by their unhappy mother--
+Oh, Charmian, Charmian!"
+
+She sobbed aloud, threw her arms around the neck of her friend and
+playfellow, and laid her head upon her bosom like a child seeking
+consolation.  Cleopatra wept for several minutes, and when she again
+raised her tear-stained face she said softly:
+
+"That did me good!  O, Charmian!  no one needs love as I do.  On your
+warm heart my own has already grown calmer."
+
+"Use it, nestle there whenever you need it, to the end," cried Charmian,
+deeply moved.
+
+"To the end," repeated Cleopatra, wiping her eyes.  "It began to-day, I
+think.  I have just spent an hour alone.  I meant to commit a crime, and
+you know how impatiently passion sweeps me along.  But what misfortunes
+have assailed me!  The army destroyed; the desertion of Herod and
+Pinarius; Antony's generous, trusting heart torn by base treachery, his
+soul darkened; the reconstruction of the canal, the last hope--Gorgias
+brought the news--the same as destroyed.  Just then little Alexander came
+to show me his bird's nest.  Everything else in the garden seemed to him
+worthless by comparison.  This awakened new thoughts, and now here is the
+little house which the children have built with their own hands.  All
+these things forced me by some mysterious power to look back along the
+course of my life to the distant days in your father's  house--I--These
+children!  Upon what different foundations our lives have been built!
+I made them begin at the point I had gained when youth lay behind me.
+My childhood commenced among the disorders of the government, clouded by
+my father's exile and my mother's death, on the brink of ruin.  That of
+the twins--they are ten years old--will soon be over--and now, after
+enjoying pleasures not one of which was bestowed on me, they must endure
+the same sorrow.  But did not we have better ones?  What they daily
+possessed we only dreamed of in our simple garden.  How often I let you
+share the radiant visions which my soul revealed to me!  You willingly
+accompanied me into the splendid fairy world of my dreams.  All that my
+imagination conjured up during the years of quiet and repose accompanied
+me into my after-life.  Again and again I have beheld them, rich and
+powerful, upon the throne.  The means of rendering the vision a varity
+were at hand; and when I met the man whose own life resembled the
+realization of a dream, I recalled those childish fancies and made them
+facts.  The marvels with which I adorned my lover's existence were
+childish dreams to which I gave tangible form.  This garden is an image
+of the life to which I intended to rise; in reality, fell.  We collected
+within the limits of this bit of earth everything which can delight the
+senses; not a single one is omitted in this narrow space, whose crowded
+maze of pleasures fairly impede freedom of movement.  Yet in your home,
+and guided by your wise father, I had learned to be content with so
+little, and commenced the struggle to attain peace.  That painless peace
+--our chief good--whence came it?  Through me it was lost to you both
+But the children--I made them begin their lives in an arena of every
+disturbing influence; and now I see how their own healthy natures yearn
+to escape from the dazzling wealth of colour, the stupefying fragrance,
+the bewildering songs and twittering.  They long to return to the
+untilled earth, where the life of struggling mortals began.
+
+"The boy casts away the baubles, to test his own creative powers.  The
+girl follows his example, and clings fast only to the doll in which she
+sees the living child, in order to do justice to the maternal instinct,
+the token of her sex.  But what they so eagerly desire is right, and
+shall be granted.  When I was ten years old, like the twins, my life and
+efforts were already directed towards one fixed goal.  They are still
+blindly following the objects set before them.  Let them return to the
+place whence their mother started, where she received everything good
+which is still hers.  They shall go to the garden of Epicurus, no matter
+whether it is the old one in Kanopus or elsewhere.  All that their mother
+beheld in vivid dreams, which she often strove with wanton extravagance
+to realize, has surrounded them from their birth and early satiated them.
+When they enter life, they will scorn what merely stirs and dazzles the
+senses, and cling to the aspiration for painless peace of mind, if a wise
+guide directs them and protects them from the dangers which the teachings
+of Epicurus contain for youth.  I have found this guide, and you, too,
+will trust him--I mean your brother Archibius."
+
+"Archibius?" asked Charmian in surprise.  "Yes, he who grew up in the
+garden of Epicurus, and in life and philosophy found the support which
+has preserved his peace of mind during all the conflicts of existence--
+he who loves the mother, and to whom the children are also dear--
+he to whom the boys and girls cling with affectionate confidence.  I wish
+to place the children under his protection and, if he will consent to
+grant this desire of the most hapless of women, I shall look forward
+calmly to the end.  It is approaching!  I feel, I know it!  Gorgias is
+already at work upon the plan for my tomb."
+
+"O my Queen!" cried Charmian sorrowfully.  Whatever may happen, your
+illustrious life cannot be in danger!  The generous heart of Mark Antony
+does not throb in Octavianus's breast, but he is not cruel, and for the
+very reason that cool calculation curbs ambition he will spare you.  He
+knows that you are the idol of the city, the whole country; and if he
+really succeeds in adding fresh victories to this first conquest, if the
+immortals permit your throne and--may they avert it!--your sacred person,
+too, to fall into his power--"
+
+"Then," cried Cleopatra, her clear eyes flashing, "then he shall learn
+which of us two is the greater--then I shall know how to maintain the
+right to despise him, though blind Fate should make the whole power of
+the world subject to him who robbed my son and Caesar's of his heritage!"
+
+Her eyes had blazed with anger as she uttered the words; then, letting
+her little clenched hand fall, she went on in an altered tone:
+
+"Months may pass before he is strong enough to risk the attack, and the
+immortals themselves approved the erection of the monument.  The only
+obstacle in the way, the house of the old philosopher Didymus, was
+destroyed.  A messenger from Gorgias brought the news.  It is to be the
+second monument in Alexandria worthy of notice.  The other contains the
+body of the great Alexander, to whom the city owes its origin and name.
+He who subjected half the world to his power and the genius of the
+Greeks, was younger than I when he died.  Whence do I, by whose miserable
+weakness the battle of Actium was lost, derive the right to walk longer
+beneath the sun?  Perhaps Mark Antony will arrive in a few hours."
+
+"And will you meet the disheartened hero in this mood?" interrupted
+Charmian.
+
+"He does not wish to be received," answered Cleopatra bitterly.  "He even
+refused to let me greet him, and I understand the denial.  But what must
+have overwhelmed this joyous nature, so friendly to all mankind, that he
+longs for solitude and avoids meeting those who are nearest and dearest?
+Iras is now at the Choma--whither he wishes to retire--to see that
+everything is in order.  She will also provide a supply of the flowers
+he loves.  It is hard, cruelly hard, not to welcome him as usual.
+Oh, Charmian, what joy it was when, with open arms and overflowing heart,
+he swung his mighty figure ashore like a youth, while his handsome,
+heroic face beamed with ardent love for me!  And then--you do not forget
+it either--when he raised his deep voice to shout the first greeting,
+why, it seemed as if the very fish in the water must join in, and the
+palm-trees on the shore wave their feathery tops in joyous sympathy.
+And here!  The dreams of my childhood, which I made reality for him,
+received us, and our existence, wreathed with love and roses, became a
+fairy tale.  Since the day he rode towards us at Kanopus and offered me
+the first bouquet, with his sunny glance wooing my love, his image has
+stood before my soul as the embodiment of the virile strength which
+conquers everything, and the bright, undimmed joy which renders the whole
+world happy.  And now--now?  Do you remember the dull dreamer whom we
+left ere he set forth for Paraetonium?  But no, no, a thousand times no,
+he must not remain so!  Not with bowed head, but erect as in the days of
+happiness, must he cross the threshold of Hades, hand in hand with her
+whom he loved.  And he does love me still.  Else would he have followed
+me hither, though no magic goblet drew him after me?  And I?  The heart
+which, in the breast of the child, gave him its first young love, is
+still his, and will be forever.  Might I not go to the harbour and await
+him there?  Look me in the face, Charmian, and answer me as fearlessly as
+a mirror: did Olympus really succeed in effacing the wrinkles?"
+
+"They were scarcely visible before," was the reply, "and even the keenest
+eye could no longer discover them.  I have brought the pomade, too, and
+the prescription Olympus gave me for--"
+
+"Hush, hush!" interrupted Cleopatra softly.  "There are many living
+creatures in this garden, and they say that even the birds are good
+listeners."
+
+A roguish smile deepened the dimples in her cheeks as she spoke, and
+delight in her bewitching grace forced from Charmian's lips the
+exclamation:
+
+"If Mark Antony could only see you now!"
+
+"Flatterer!" replied the Queen with a grateful smile.  But Charmian felt
+that the time had now come to plead once more for Barine, and she began
+eagerly:
+
+"No, I certainly do not flatter.  No one in Alexandria, no matter what
+name she bears, could venture to vie even remotely with your charms.  So
+cease the persecution of the unfortunate woman whom you confided to my
+care.  It is an insult to Cleopatra--"
+
+But here an indignant "Again!"  interrupted her.
+
+Cleopatra's face, which during the conversation had mirrored every
+emotion of a woman's soul, from the deepest sorrow to the most
+mischievous mirth, assumed an expression of repellent harshness, and,
+with the curt remark, "You are forgetting what I had good reason to
+forbid--I must go to my work," she turned her back upon the companion of
+her youth.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+See facts as they are and treat them like figures in a sum
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 7.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Charmain went towards her own apartments.  How often she had had a
+similar experience!  In the midst of the warmest admiration for this rare
+woman's depth of feeling, masculine strength of intellect, tireless
+industry, watchful care for her native land, steadfast loyalty, and
+maternal devotion, she had been sobered in the most pitiable way.
+
+She had been forced to see Cleopatra, for the sake of realizing a
+childish dream, and impressing her lover, squander vast sums, which
+diminished the prosperity of her subjects; place great and important
+matters below the vain, punctilious care of her own person; forget, in
+petty jealousy, the justice and kindness which were marked traits in her
+character; and, though the most kindly and womanly of sovereigns, suffer
+herself to be urged by angry excitement to inflict outrage on a subject
+whose acts had awakened her displeasure.  The lofty ambition which had
+inspired her noblest and most praiseworthy deeds had more than once been
+the source of acts which she herself regretted.  When a child, she could
+not endure to be surpassed in difficult tasks, and still deemed it a
+necessity to be first and peerless.  Hence the unfortunate circumstance
+that Antony had given Barine the counterpart of an armlet which she
+herself wore as a gift from her lover, was perhaps the principal cause of
+her bitter resentment against the hapless woman.
+
+Charmian had seen Cleopatra forgive freely and generously many a wrong,
+nay, many an affront, inflicted upon her; but to see herself placed by
+her husband on the same plane as a Barine, even in the most trivial
+matter, might easily seem to her an unbearable insult; and the mishap
+which had befallen Caesarion, in consequence of his foolish passion for
+the young beauty, gave her a right to punish her rival.
+
+Deeply anxious concerning the fate of the woman in her care--greatly
+agitated, moreover, and exhausted physically and mentally--Charmian
+sought her own apartments.
+
+Here she hoped to find solace in Barine's cheerful and equable nature;
+here the helpful hands of her dark-skinned maid and confidante awaited
+her.
+
+The sun was low in the western horizon when she entered the anteroom.
+The members of the body-guard who were on duty told her that nothing
+unusual had occurred, and with a sigh of relief she passed into the
+sitting-room.
+
+But the Ethiopian, who usually came to meet her with words of welcome,
+took her veil and wraps, and removed her shoes, was absent.  Today no one
+greeted her.  Not until she entered the second room, which she had
+assigned to her guest, did she find Barine, who was weeping bitterly.
+
+During Charmian's absence the latter had received a letter from Alexas,
+in which he informed her that he was ordered by the Queen to subject her
+to an examination the next morning.  Her cause looked dark but, if she
+did not render his duty harder by the harshness which had formerly caused
+him much pain, he would do his utmost to protect her from imprisonment,
+forced labour in the mines, or even worse misfortunes.  The imprudent
+game which she had played with King Caesarion had unfortunately roused
+the people against her.  The depth of their indignation was shown by the
+fury with which they had assailed the house of her grandfather, Didymus.
+Nothing could save Dion, who had audaciously attacked the illustrious son
+of their beloved Queen, from the rage of the populace.  He, Alexas, knew
+that in this Dion she would lose a friend and protector, but he would be
+disposed to take his place if her conduct did not render it impossible
+for him to unite mercy with justice.
+
+This shameful letter, which promised Barine clemency in return for her
+favour without unmasking him in his character of judge, explained to
+Charmian the agitation in which she found her friend's daughter.
+
+It was doubtless a little relief to Barine to express her loathing and
+abhorrence of Alexas as eagerly as her gentle nature would permit, but
+fear, grief, and indignation continued to struggle for the mastery in her
+oppressed soul.
+
+It would have been expected that the keen-witted woman would have eagerly
+inquired what Charmian had accomplished with the Queen and Archibius,
+and what new events had happened to affect Cleopatra, the state, and the
+city; but she questioned her with far deeper interest concerning the
+welfare of her lover, desiring information in regard to many things of
+which her friend could give no tidings.  In her brief visit to Dion's
+couch she had not learned how he bore his own misfortunes and Barine's,
+what view he took of the future, or what he expected from the woman he
+loved.
+
+Charmian's ignorance and silence in regard to these very matters
+increased the anxiety of the endangered woman, who saw not only her own
+life, but those dearest to her, seriously threatened.  So she entreated
+her hostess to relieve her from the uncertainty which was harder to
+endure than the most terrible reality; but the latter either could not or
+would not give her any further details of Cleopatra's intentions, or the
+fate and present abode of her grandparents and Helena.  This increased
+her anxiety, for if Alexas's information was correct, her family must be
+homeless.  When Charmian at last admitted that she had seen Dion only a
+few minutes, the tortured Barine's power of quiet endurance gave way.
+
+She, whose nature was so hopeful that, when the glow of the sunset faded,
+she already anticipated with delight the rosy dawn of the next day, now
+beheld in Cleopatra's hand the reed which was to sign the death-sentence
+of Dion and herself.  Her mental vision conjured up her relatives wounded
+by the falling house or bleeding under the stones hurled by the raging
+populace.  She heard Alexas command the executioner to subject her to the
+rack, and fancied that Anukis had not returned because she had failed to
+find Dion.  The Queen's soldiers had probably carried him to prison,
+loaded with chains, if Philostratus had not already instigated the mob to
+drag him through the streets.
+
+With feverish impetuosity, which alarmed Charmian the more because it was
+so unlike her old friend's daughter, Barine described all the spectres
+with which her imagination--agitated by terror, longing, love, and
+loathing--terrified her; but the former exerted all the power of
+eloquence she possessed, by turns reproving her and loading her with
+caresses, in order to soothe her and rouse her from her despair.  But
+nothing availed.  At last she succeeded in persuading the unhappy woman
+to go with her to the window, which afforded a most beautiful view.
+Westward, beyond the Heptastadium, the sun was sinking below the forests
+of masts in the harbour of the Eunostus; and Charmian, who had learned
+from her intercourse with the royal children how to soothe a troubled
+young heart, to divert Barine's thoughts, directed her attention to the
+crimson glow in the western sky, and told her how her father, the artist,
+had showed her the superb brilliancy which colours gained at this hour of
+the day, even when the west was less radiant than now.  But Barine, who
+usually could never gaze her fill at such a spectacle, did not thank her,
+for this sunset reminded her of another which she had lately watched at
+Dion's side, and she again broke into convulsive sobs.
+
+Charmian, not knowing what to do, passed her arm around her.  Just at
+that moment the door was hurriedly thrown open, and Anukis, the Nubian,
+entered.
+
+Her mistress knew that something unusual must have happened to detain her
+so long from her post at Barine's side, and her appearance showed that
+she had been attending to important matters which had severely taxed her
+strength.  Her shining dark skin looked ashen grey, her high forehead,
+surrounded by tangled woolly locks, was dripping with perspiration, and
+her thick lips were pale.  Although she must have undergone great
+fatigue, she did not seem in need of rest; for, after greeting the
+ladies, apologizing for her long absence, and telling Barine that this
+time Dion had seemed to her half on the way to recovery, a rapid side
+glance at her mistress conveyed an entreaty that she would follow her
+into the next room.
+
+But the language of the Nubian's eyes had not escaped the suspicious
+watchfulness of the anxious Barine and, overwhelmed with fresh terror,
+she begged that she might hear all.
+
+Charmian ordered her maid to speak openly; but Anukis, ere she began,
+assured them that she had received the news she brought from a most
+trustworthy source--only it would make a heavy demand upon the resolution
+and courage of Barine, whom she had hoped to find in a very different
+mood.  There was no time to lose.  She was expected at the appointed
+place an hour after sunset.
+
+Here Charmian interrupted the maid with the exclamation "Impossible!"
+and reminded her of the guards which Alexas, aided by Iras, who was
+thoroughly familiar with the palace, had stationed the day before in the
+anteroom, at all the doors--nay, even beneath the windows.
+
+The Nubian replied that everything had been considered; but, to gain
+time, she must beg Barine to let her colour her skin and curl her hair
+while she was talking.
+
+The surprise visible in the young beauty's face caused her to exclaim:
+"Only act with entire confidence.  You shall learn everything directly.
+There is so much to tell!  On the way here I had planned how to relate
+the whole story in regular order, but it can't be done now.  No, no!
+Whoever wants to save a flock of sheep from a burning shed must lead out
+the bell-wether first--the main thing, I mean--so I will begin with that,
+though it really comes last.  The explanation of how all this--"
+
+Here, like a cry of joy, Barine's exclamation interrupted her:
+
+"I am to fly, and Dion knows it and will follow me!  I see it in your
+face."
+
+In fact, every feature of the dusky maid-servant's ugly face betrayed
+that pleasant thoughts were agitating her mind.  Her black eyes flashed
+with fearless daring, and a smile beautified her big mouth and thick lips
+as she replied:
+
+"A loving heart like yours understands the art of prophecy better than
+the chief priest of the great Serapis.  Yes, my young mistress, he of
+whom you speak must disappear from this wicked city where so much evil
+threatens you both.  He will certainly escape and, if the immortals aid
+us and we are wise and brave, you also.  Whence the help comes can be
+told later.  Now, the first thing is to transform you--don't be
+reluctant--into the ugliest woman in the world--black Anukis.  You must
+escape from the palace in this disguise.--Now you know the whole plan,
+and while I get what is necessary from my chest of clothes, I beg you,
+mistress, to consider how we are to obtain the black stains for that
+ivory skin and golden hair."
+
+With these words she left the room, but Barine flung herself into her
+friend's arms, exclaiming, amid tears and laughter: "Though I should be
+forced to remain forever as black and crooked as faithful Aisopion, if he
+did not withdraw his love, though I were obliged to go through fire and
+water--I would  O Charmian! what changes so quickly as joy and sorrow?
+I would fain show some kindness to every one in the world, even to your
+Queen, who has brought all these troubles upon me."
+
+The new-born hope had transformed the despairing woman into a happy one,
+and Charmian perceived it with grateful joy, secretly wishing that
+Cleopatra had listened to her appeal.
+
+While examining the hair-dyes used by the Queen she saw, lurking in the
+background of what was still unexplained, and therefore confused her
+mind, fresh and serious perils.  Barine, on the contrary, gazed across
+them to the anticipated meeting with her lover, and was full of the
+gayest expectation until the maid-servant's return.
+
+The work of disfigurement began without delay.  Anukis moved her lips as
+busily as her hands, and described in regular order all that had befallen
+her during the eventful day.
+
+Barine listened with rising excitement, and her joy increased as she
+beheld the path which had been smoothed for her by the care and wisdom of
+her friends.  Charmian, on the contrary, became graver and more quiet the
+more distinctly she perceived the danger her favourite must encounter.
+Yet she could not help admitting that it would be a sin against Barine's
+safety, perhaps her very life, to withhold her from this well-considered
+plan of escape.
+
+That it must be tried was certain; but as the moment which was to
+endanger the woman she loved drew nearer, and she could not help saying
+to herself that she was aiding an enterprise in opposition to the express
+command of the Queen and helping to execute a plan which threatened to
+rouse the indignation, perhaps the fury, of Cleopatra, a feeling of
+sorrow overpowered her.  She feared nothing for herself.  Not for a
+single instant did she think of the unpleasant consequences which
+Barine's escape might draw upon her.  The burden on her soul was due only
+to the consciousness of having, for the first time, opposed the will of
+the sovereign, to fulfil whose desires and to promote whose aims had been
+the beloved duty of her life.  Doubtless the thought crossed her mind
+that, by aiding Barine's escape, she was guarding Cleopatra from future
+repentance; probably she felt sure that it was her duty to help rescue
+this beautiful young life, whose bloom had been so cruelly assailed by
+tempest and hoar-frost, and which now had a prospect of the purest
+happiness; yet, though in itself commendable, the deed brought her into
+sharp conflict with the loftiest aims and aspirations of her life.  And
+how much nearer than the other was the woman--she shrank from the word--
+whom she was about to betray, how much greater was Cleopatra's claim
+to her love and gratitude!  Could she have any other emotion than
+thankfulness if the plan of escape succeeded?  Yet she was reluctant to
+perform the task of making Barine's beautiful, symmetrical figure
+resemble the hunch-backed Nubian's, or to dip her fingers into the pomade
+intended for Cleopatra; and it grieved her to mar the beauty of Barine's
+luxuriant tresses by cutting off part of her thick fair braids.
+
+True, these things could not be avoided, if the flight was to succeed,
+and the further Anukis advanced in her story, the fewer became her
+mistress's objections to the plan.
+
+The conversation between Iras and Alexas, which had been overheard by the
+maid, already made it appear necessary to withdraw Barine and her lover
+from the power of such foes.  The faithful man whom Anukis had found with
+Dion, whose name she did not mention and of whose home she said only that
+no safer hiding-place could be found, even by the mole which burrowed in
+the earth, really seemed to have been sent with Gorgias to Dion's couch
+by Fate itself.  The control of the subterranean chambers in the Temple
+of Isis which had been bestowed on the architect, also appeared like a
+miracle.
+
+Upon a small tablet, which the wise Aisopion had intentionally delayed
+handing to her mistress until now, were the lines:  "Archibius greets his
+sister Charmian.  If I know your heart, it will be as hard for you as for
+me to share this plot, yet it must be done for the sake of her father, to
+save the life and happiness of his child.  So it must fall to your lot to
+bring Barine to the Temple of Isis at the Corner of the Muses.  She will
+find her lover there and, if possible, be wedded to him.  As the
+sanctuary is so near, you need leave the palace only a short time.  Do
+not tell Barine what we have planned.  The disappointment would be too
+great if it should prove impracticable."
+
+This letter and the arrangement it proposed transformed the serious
+scruples which shadowed Charmian's good-will into a joyous, nay,
+enthusiastic desire to render assistance.  Barine's marriage to the man
+who possessed her heart was close at hand, and she was the daughter of
+Leonax, who had once been dear to her.  Fear and doubt vanished as if
+scattered to the four winds, and when Aisopion's work of transformation
+was completed and Barine stood before her as the high-shouldered, dark-
+visaged, wrinkled maid, she could not help admitting that it would be
+easy to escape from the palace in that disguise.
+
+She now told Barine that she intended to accompany her herself; and
+though the former's stained face forced her to refrain from kissing her
+friend, she plainly expressed to her and the faithful freedwoman the
+overflowing gratitude which filled her heart.
+
+Anukis was left alone.  After carefully removing all the traces of her
+occupation, as habit dictated, she raised her arms in prayer, beseeching
+the gods of her native land to protect the beautiful woman to whom she
+had loaned her own misshapen form, which had now been of genuine service,
+and who had gone forth to meet so many dangers, but also a happiness
+whose very hope had been denied to her.
+
+Charmian had told her maid that if the Queen should inquire for her
+before Iras returned from the Choma to say that she had been obliged to
+leave the palace, and to supply her place.  During their absence, when
+Charmian had been attacked by sickness, Cleopatra had often entrusted the
+care of her toilet to Aisopion, and had praised her skill.
+
+The Queen's confidential attendant was followed as usual when she went
+out by a dark-skinned maid.  Lanterns and lamps had already been lighted
+in the corridors of the spacious palace, and the court-yards were ablaze
+with torches and pitch-pans; but, brilliantly as they burned in many
+places, and numerous as were the guards, officers, eunuchs, clerks,
+soldiers, cooks, attendants, slaves, door-keepers, and messengers whom
+they passed, not one gave them more than a careless glance.
+
+So they reached the last court-yard, and then came a moment when the
+hearts of both women seemed to stop beating--for the man whom they had
+most cause to dread, Alexas the Syrian, approached.
+
+And he did not pass the fugitives, but stopped Charmian, and courteously,
+even obsequiously, informed her that he wished to get rid of the
+troublesome affair of her favourite, which had been assigned to him
+against his will, and therefore had determined to bring Barine to trial
+early the following morning.
+
+The Syrian's body-servant attended his master, and while the former was
+talking with Charmian the latter turned to the supposed Nubian, tapped
+her lightly on the shoulder, and whispered: "Come this evening, as you
+did yesterday.  You haven't finished the story of Prince Setnau."
+
+The fugitive felt as if she had grown dumb and could never more regain
+the power of speech.  Yet she managed to nod, and directly after the
+favourite bowed a farewell to Charmian.  The Ligurian was obliged to
+follow his master, while Charmian and Barine passed through the gateway
+between the last pylons into the open air.
+
+Here the sea-breeze seemed to waft her a joyous greeting from the realm
+of liberty and happiness, and the timid woman, amid all the perils which
+surrounded her, regained sufficient presence of mind to tell her friend
+what Alexas's slave had whispered--that Aisopion might remind him of it
+the same evening, and thus strengthen his belief that the Nubian had
+accompanied the Queen's confidante.
+
+The way to the Temple of Isis was short.  The stars showed that they
+would reach their destination in time; but a second delay unexpectedly
+occurred.  From the steps leading to the cella of the sanctuary a
+procession, whose length seemed endless, came towards them.  At the head
+of the train marched eight pastophori, bearing the image of Isis.  Then
+came the basket-bearers of the goddess with several other priestesses,
+followed by the reader with an open book-roll.  Behind him appeared the
+quaternary number of prophets, whose head, the chief priest, moved with
+stately dignity beneath a canopy.  The rest of the priestly train bore in
+their hands manuscripts, sacred vessels, standards, and wreaths.  The
+priestesses--some of whom, with garlands on their flowing hair, were
+already shaking the sistrum of Isis--mingled with the line of priests,
+their high voices blending with the deep notes of the men.  Neokori, or
+temple servants, and a large number of worshippers of Isis, closed the
+procession, all wearing wreaths and carrying flowers.  Torch and lantern
+bearers lighted the way, and the perfume of the incense rising from the
+little pan of charcoal in the hand of a bronze arm, which the pastophori
+waved to and fro, surrounded and floated after the procession.
+
+The two women waiting for the train to pass saw it turn towards Lochias,
+and the conversation of the bystanders informed them that its object was
+to convey to "the new Isis," the Queen, the greeting of the goddess, and
+assure the sovereign of the divinity's remembrance of her in the hour of
+peril.
+
+Cleopatra could not help accepting this friendly homage, and it was
+incumbent upon her to receive it wearing on her head the crown of Upper
+and Lower Egypt, and robed in all the ecclesiastical vestments which only
+her two most trusted attendants knew how to put on with the attention to
+details that custom required.  This had never been entrusted to maids of
+inferior position like the Nubian; so Cleopatra would miss Charmian.
+
+The thought filled her with fresh uneasiness and, when the steps were at
+last free, she asked herself anxiously how all this would end.
+
+It seemed as if the fugitive and her companion had exposed themselves to
+this great peril in vain; for some of the temple servants were forcing
+back those who wished to enter the sanctuary, shouting that it would be
+closed until the return of the procession.  Barine gazed timidly into
+Charmian's face; but, ere she could express her opinion, the tall figure
+of a man appeared on the temple steps.  It was Archibius, who with grave
+composure bade them follow him, and silently led them around the
+sanctuary to a side door, through which, a short time before, a litter
+had passed, accompanied by several attendants.
+
+Ascending a flight of steps within the long building, they reached the
+dimly lighted cella.
+
+As in the Temple of Osiris at Abydos seven corridors, here three led to
+the same number of apartments, the holy place of the sanctuary.  The
+central one was dedicated to Isis, that on the left to her husband
+Osiris, and that on the right to Horus, the son of the great goddess.
+Before it, scarcely visible in the dim light, stood the altars, loaded
+with sacrifices by Archibius.
+
+Beside that of Horus was the litter which had been borne into the temple
+before the arrival of the women.  From it, supported by two friends,
+descended a slender young man.
+
+A hollow sound echoed through the pillared hall.  The iron door at the
+main entrance of the temple had been closed.  The shrill rattle that
+followed proceeded from the metal bolts which an old servant of the
+sanctuary had shot into the sockets.
+
+Barine started, but neither inquired the cause of the noise nor perceived
+the wealth of objects here presented to the senses; for the man who,
+leaning on another's arm, approached the altar, was Dion, the lover who
+had perilled his life for her sake.  Her eyes rested intently on his
+figure, her whole heart yearned towards him and, unable to control
+herself,--she called his name aloud.
+
+Charmian gazed anxiously around the group, but soon uttered a sigh of
+relief; for the tall man whose arm supported Dion was Gorgias, the worthy
+architect, his best friend, and the other, still taller and stronger, her
+own brother Archibius.  Yonder figure, emerging from the disguise of
+wraps, was Berenike, Barine's mother.  All trustworthy confidants!  The
+only person whom she did not know was the handsome young man standing at
+her brother's side.
+
+Barine, whose arm she still held, had struggled to escape to rush to her
+mother and lover; but Archibius had approached, and in a whisper warned
+her to be patient and to refrain from any greeting or question,
+"supposing," he added, "that you are willing to be married at this altar
+to Dion, the son of Eumenes."
+
+Charmian felt Barine's arm tremble in hers at this suggestion, but the
+young beauty obeyed her friend's directions.  She did not know what had
+be fallen her, or whether, in the excess of happiness which overwhelmed
+her, to shout aloud in her exultant joy, or melt into silent tears of
+gratitude and emotion.
+
+No one spoke.  Archibius took a roll of manuscript from Dion's hand,
+presented himself before the assembled company as the bride's kyrios, or
+guardian, and asked Barine whether she so recognized him.  Then he
+returned to Dion the marriage contract, whose contents he knew and
+approved, and informed those present that, in the marriage about to be
+solemnized, they must consider him the paranymphos, or best man, and
+Berenike as the bridesmaid, and they instantly lighted a torch at the
+fires burning on one of the altars.  Archibius, as kyrios, joined the
+lovers' hands in the Egyptian--Barine's mother, as bridesmaid, in the
+Greek-manner, and Dion gave his bride a plain iron ring.  It was the same
+one which his father had bestowed at his own wedding, and he whispered:
+"My mother valued it; now it is your turn to honour the ancient
+treasure."
+
+After stating that the necessary sacrifices had been offered to Isis and
+Serapis, Zeus, Hera, and Artemis, and that the marriage between Dion, son
+of Eumenes, and Barine, daughter of Leonax, was concluded, Archibius
+shook hands with both.
+
+Haste seemed necessary, for he permitted Berenike and his sister only
+time for a brief embrace, and Gorgias to clasp her hand and Dion's.  Then
+he beckoned, and the newly made bride's mother followed him in tears,
+Charmian bewildered and almost stupefied.  She did not fully realize the
+meaning of the event she had just witnessed until an old neokori had
+guided her and the others into the open air.
+
+Barine felt as if every moment might rouse her from a blissful dream,
+and yet she gladly told herself that she was awake, for the man walking
+before her, leaning on the arm of a friend, was Dion.  True, she saw,
+even in the faint light of the dim temple corridor, that he was
+suffering.  Walking appeared to be so difficult that she rejoiced when,
+yielding to Gorgias's entreaties, he entered the litter.
+
+But where were the bearers?
+
+She was soon to learn; for, even while she looked for them, the architect
+and the youth, in whom she had long since recognized Philotas, her
+grandfather's assistant, seized the poles.
+
+"Follow us," said Gorgias, under his breath, and she obeyed, keeping
+close behind the litter, which was borne first down a broad and then a
+narrow staircase, and finally along a passage.  Here a door stopped the
+fugitives; but the architect opened it and helped his friend out of the
+litter, which before proceeding farther he placed in a room filled with
+various articles discovered during his investigation of the subterranean
+temple chambers.
+
+Hitherto not a word had been spoken.  Now Gorgias called to Barine: "This
+passage is low--you must stoop.  Cover your head, and don't be afraid if
+you meet bats.  They have long been undisturbed.  We might have taken you
+from the temple to the sea, and waited there, but it would probably have
+attracted attention and been dangerous.  Courage, young wife of Dion!
+The corridor is long, and walking through it is difficult; but compared
+with the road to the mines, it is as smooth and easy as the Street of the
+King.  If you think of your destination, the bats will seem like the
+swallows which announce the approach of spring."
+
+Barine nodded gratefully to him; but she kissed the hand of Dion, who was
+moving forward painfully, leaning on the arm of his friend.  The light of
+the torch carried by Gorgias's faithful foreman, who led the way, had
+fallen on her blackened arm, and when the little party advanced she kept
+behind the others.  She thought it might be unpleasant for her lover to
+see her thus disfigured, and spared him, though she would gladly have
+remained nearer.  As soon as the passage grew lower, the wounded man's
+friends took him in their arms, and their task was a hard one, for they
+were not only obliged to move onward bending low under the heavy burden,
+but also to beat off the bats which, frightened by the foreman's torch,
+flew up in hosts.
+
+Barine's hair was covered, it is true, but at any other time the hideous
+creatures, which often brushed against her head and arms, would have
+filled her with horror and loathing.  Now she scarcely heeded them; her
+eyes were fixed on the recumbent figure in the bearers' arms, the man to
+whom she belonged, body and soul, and whose patient suffering pierced her
+inmost heart.  His head rested on the breast of Gorgias, who walked
+directly in front of her; the architect's stooping posture concealed his
+face, but his feet were visible and, whenever they twitched, she fancied
+he was in pain.  Then she longed to press forward to his side, wipe the
+perspiration from his brow in the hot, low corridor, and whisper words of
+love and encouragement.
+
+This she was sometimes permitted to do when the friends put down their
+heavy burden.  True, they allowed themselves only brief intervals of
+rest, but they were long enough to show her how the sufferer's strength
+was failing.  When they at last reached their destination, Philotas was
+forced to exert all his strength to support the exhausted man, while
+Gorgias cautiously opened the door.  It led to a flight of sea-washed
+steps close to the garden of Didymus, which as a child she had often used
+with her brother to float a little boat upon the water.
+
+The architect opened the door only a short distance; he was expected,
+for Barine soon heard him whisper, and suddenly the door was flung wide.
+A tall man raised Dion and bore him into the open air.  While she was
+still gazing after him, a second figure of equal size approached her and,
+hastily begging her permission, lifted her in his arms like a child, and
+as she inhaled the cool night air and felt the water through which her
+bearer waded splash up and wet her feet, her eyes sought her new-made
+husband--but in vain; the night was very dark, and the lights on the
+shore did not reach this spot so far below the walls of the quay.
+
+Barine was frightened; but a few minutes after the outlines of a large
+fishing boat loomed through the darkness, dimly illumined by the harbour
+lights, and the next instant the giant who carried her placed her on the
+deck, and a deep voice whispered: "All's well.  I'll bring some wine at
+once."
+
+Then Barine saw her husband lying motionless on a couch which had been
+prepared for him in the prow of the boat.  Bending over him, she
+perceived that he had fainted, and while rubbing his forehead with the
+wine, raising his head on her lap, cheering him, and afterwards by the
+light of a small lantern carefully renewing the bandage on his shoulder,
+she did not notice that the vessel was moving through the water until the
+boatman set the triangular sail.
+
+She had not been told where the boat was bearing her, and she did not
+ask.  Any spot that she could share with Dion was welcome.  The more
+lonely the place, the more she could be to him.  How her heart swelled
+with gratitude and love!  When she bent over him, kissed his forehead,
+and felt how feverishly it burned, she thought, "I will nurse you back to
+health," and raised her eyes and soul to her favourite god, to whom she
+owed the gift of song, and who understood everything beautiful and pure,
+to thank Phoebus Apollo and beseech him to pour his rays the next morning
+on a convalescent man.  While she was still engaged in prayer the boat
+touched the shore.  Again strong arms bore her and Dion to the land, and
+when her foot touched the solid earth, her rescuer, the freedman Pyrrhus,
+broke the silence, saying: "Welcome, wife of Dion, to our island!  True,
+you must be satisfied to take us as we are.  But if you are as content
+with us as we are glad to serve you and your lord, who is ours also, the
+hour of leave-taking will be far distant."
+
+Then, leading the way to the house, he showed her as her future
+apartments two large whitewashed rooms, whose sole ornament was their
+exquisite neatness.  On the threshold stood Pyrrhus's grey-haired wife,
+a young woman, and a girl scarcely beyond childhood; but the older one
+modestly welcomed Barine, and also begged her to accept their
+hospitality.  Recovery was rapid in the pure air of the Serpent Isle.
+She herself, and--she pointed to the others--her oldest son's wife, and
+her own daughter, Dione, would be ready to render her any service.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Brothers and sisters are rarely talkative when they are together.  As
+Charmian went to Lochias with Archibius, it was difficult for her to find
+words, the events of the past few hours had agitated her so deeply.
+Archibius, too, could not succeed in turning his thoughts in any other
+direction, though important and far more momentous things claimed his
+attention.
+
+They walked on silently side by side.  In reply to his sister's inquiry
+where the newly wedded pair were to be concealed, he had answered that,
+spite of her trustworthiness, this must remain a secret.  To her second
+query, how had it been possible to use the interior of the Temple of Isis
+without interruption, he also made a guarded reply.
+
+In fact, it was the control of the subterranean corridors of the
+sanctuary which had suggested to Gorgias the idea of carrying Dion
+through them to Pyrrhus's fishing-boat.  To accomplish this it was only
+necessary to have the Temple of Isis, which usually remained open day and
+night, left to the fugitive's friends for a short time; and this was
+successfully managed.
+
+The historian Timagenes, who had come from Rome as ambassador and claimed
+the hospitality of his former pupil Archibius, had been empowered to
+offer Cleopatra recognition of her own and her children's right to the
+throne, and a full pardon, if she would deliver Mark Antony into the
+hands of Octavianus, or have him put to death.
+
+The Alexandrian Timagenes considered this demand both just and desirable,
+because it promised to deliver his native city from the man whose
+despotic arrogance menaced its freedom, and whose lavish generosity and
+boundless love of splendour diminished its wealth.  To Rome, as whose
+representative the historian appeared, this man's mere existence meant
+constant turmoil and civil war.  At the restoration of the flute-player
+by Gabinius and Mark Antony, Timagenes had been carried into slavery.
+Later, when, after his freedom had been purchased by the son of Sulla, he
+succeeded in attaining great influence in Rome, he still remained hostile
+to Mark Antony, and it had been a welcome charge to work against him in
+Alexandria.  He hoped to find an ally in Archibius, whose loyal devotion
+to the Queen he knew.  Arius, Barine's uncle and Octavianus's former
+tutor, would also aid him.  The most powerful support of his mission,
+however, could be rendered by the venerable chief priest, the head of the
+whole Egyptian hierarchy.  He had shown the latter that Antony, in any
+case, was a lost man, and Egypt was in the act of dropping like a ripe
+fruit into the lap of Octavianus.  It would soon be in his power to give
+the country whatever degree of liberty and independence he might choose.
+The Caesar had the sole disposal of the Queen's fate also, and whoever
+desired to see her remain on the throne must strive to gain the good-will
+of Octavianus.
+
+The wise Anubis had considered all these things, but he owed to Timagenes
+the hint that Arius was the man whom Octavianus most trusted.  So the
+august prelate secretly entered into communication with Barine's uncle.
+But the dignity of his high office, and the feebleness of extreme age,
+forbade Anubis to seek the man who was suspected of friendship for the
+Romans.  He had therefore sent his trusted secretary, the young Serapion,
+to make a compact as his representative with the friend of Octavianus,
+whose severe injuries prevented his leaving the house to go to the chief
+priest.
+
+During Timagenes's negotiations with the secretary and Arius, Archibius
+came to entreat Barine's uncle to do everything in his power to save his
+niece; and, as all the Queen's friends were anxious to prevent an act
+which, in these times of excitement, could not fail, on account of its
+connection with Dion, a member of the Council, to rouse a large number of
+the citizens against her, Serapion, as soon as he was made aware of the
+matter, eagerly protested his readiness to do his best to save the
+imperilled lovers.  He cared nothing for Barine or Dion as individuals,
+but he doubtless would have been ready to make a still greater sacrifice
+to win the influential Archibius, and especially Arius, who would have
+great power through Octavianus, the rising sun.
+
+The men had just begun to discuss plans for saving Barine, when the
+Nubian appeared and told Archibius what had been arranged beside Dion's
+sick-bed by the freedman and Gorgias.  The escape of the fugitives
+depended solely upon their reaching the boat unseen, and the surest way
+to accomplish this was to use the subterranean passage which the
+architect had again opened.
+
+Archibius, to whom the representative of the chief priest had offered his
+aid, now took the others into his confidence, and Arius proposed that
+Barine should marry Dion in the Temple of Isis, and the couple should
+afterwards be guided through the secret passage to the boat.  This
+proposal was approved, and Serapion promised to reserve the sanctuary for
+the wedding of the fugitives for a short time after the departure of the
+procession, which was to take place at sunset.  In return for this
+service another might perhaps soon be requested from the friend of
+Octavianus, who greeted his promise with grateful warmth.
+
+"The priesthood," said Serapion, "takes sides with all who are unjustly
+persecuted, and in this case bestows aid the more willingly on account of
+its great anxiety to guard the Queen from an act which would be difficult
+to approve."  As for the fugitives, so far as he could see, only two
+possibilities were open to them: Cleopatra would cleave to Mark Antony
+and go--would that the immortals might avert it!--to ruin, or she would
+sacrifice him and save her throne and life.  In both cases the endangered
+lovers could soon return uninjured--the Queen had a merciful heart, and
+never retained anger long if no guilt existed.
+
+The details of the plan were then settled by Archibius, Anukis, and
+Berenike, who was with the family of Arius, and the decision was
+communicated to the architect.  Archibius had maintained the same silence
+concerning the destination of the fugitives towards the men composing the
+council and Barine's mother as to his sister.  With regard to the mission
+of Timagenes and the political questions which occupied his mind, he gave
+Charmian only the degree of information necessary to explain the plan she
+so lovingly promoted; but she had no desire to know more.  On the way
+home her mind was wholly absorbed by the fear that Cleopatra had missed
+her services and discovered Barine's flight.  True, she mentioned the
+Queen's desire to place her children in Archibius's charge, but she could
+not give him full particulars until she reached her own apartments.
+
+Her absence had not been noticed.  The Regent Mardion had received the
+procession in the Queen's name, for Cleopatra had driven into the city,
+no one knew where.
+
+Charmian entered her apartments with a lighter heart.  Anukis opened the
+door to them.  She had remained undisturbed, and it was a pleasure to
+Archibius to give the faithful, clever freedwoman an account of the
+matter with his own lips.  He could have bestowed no richer reward upon
+the modest servant, who listened to his words as if they were a
+revelation.  When she disclaimed the thanks with which he concluded,
+protesting that she was the person under obligation, the expression was
+sincere.  Her keen intellect instantly recognized the aristocrat's manner
+of addressing an equal or an inferior; and he who, in her eyes, was the
+first of men, had described the course of events as though she had stood
+on the same level.  The Queen herself might have been satisfied with the
+report.
+
+When she left Charmian's rooms to join the other servants, she told
+herself that she was an especially favoured mortal; and when a young cook
+teased her about her head being sunk between her shoulders, she answered,
+laughing--"My shoulders have grown so high because I shrug them so often
+at the fools who jeer at me and yet are not half so happy and grateful."
+
+Charmian, sorely wearied, had flung herself into an arm-chair, and
+Archibius took his place opposite to her.  They were happy in each
+other's society, even when silent; but to-day the hearts of both were so
+full that they fared like those who are so worn out by fatigue that they
+cannot sleep.  How much they had to tell each other!--yet it was long ere
+Charmian broke the silence and returned to the subject of the Queen's
+wish, describing to her brother Cleopatra's visit to the house which the
+children had built, how kind and cordial she had been; yet, a few minutes
+later, incensed by the mere mention of Barine's name, she had dismissed
+her so ungraciously.
+
+"I do not know what you intend," she said in conclusion, "but,
+notwithstanding my love for her, I must perhaps decide in favour of what
+is most difficult, for--when she learns that it was I who withdrew the
+daughter of Leonax from her and the base Alexas--what treatment can I
+expect, especially as Iras no longer gives me the same affection, and
+shows that she has forgotten my love and care?  This will increase, and
+the worst of the matter is, that if the Queen begins to favour her, I
+cannot justly reproach her, for Iras is keener-witted, and has a more
+active brain.  Statecraft was always odious to me.  Iras, on the
+contrary, is delighted with the opportunity to speak on subjects
+connected with the government of the country, and especially the
+ceaseless, momentous game with Rome and the men who guide her destiny."
+
+"That game is lost," Archibius broke in with so much earnestness that
+Charmian started, repeating in a low, timid tone:
+
+"Lost?"
+
+"Forever," said Archibius, "unless--
+
+"The Olympians be praised--that there is still a doubt."
+
+"Unless Cleopatra can decide to commit an act which will force her to
+be faithless to herself, and destroy her noble image through all future
+generations."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Whenever you learn it, will be too soon."
+
+"And suppose she should do it, Archibius?  You are her most trusted
+confidant.  She will place in your charge what she loves more than she
+does herself."
+
+"More?  You mean, I suppose, the children?"
+
+"The children!  Yes, a hundred times yes.  She loves them better than
+aught else on earth.  For them, believe me, she would be ready to go to
+her death."
+
+"Let us hope so."
+
+"And you--were she to commit the horrible deed--I can only suspect what
+it is.  But should she descend from the height which she has hitherto
+occupied--would you still be ready--"
+
+"With me," he interrupted quietly, "what she does or does not do matters
+nothing.  She is unhappy and will be plunged deeper and deeper into
+misery.  I know this, and it constrains me to exert my utmost powers in
+her service.  I am hers as the hermit consecrated to Serapis belongs to
+the god.  His every thought must be devoted to him.  To the deity who
+created him he dedicates body and soul until the death to which he dooms
+him.  The bonds which unite me to this woman--you know their origin--are
+not less indestructible.  Whatever she desires whose fulfilment will not
+force me to despise myself is granted in advance."
+
+"She will never require such things from the friend of her childhood,"
+cried Charmian.  Then, approaching him with both arms extended joyfully,
+she exclaimed: "Thus you ought to speak and feel, and therein is the
+answer to the question which has agitated my soul since yesterday.
+Barine's flight, the favour and disfavour of Cleopatra, Iras, my poor
+head, which abhors politics, while at this time the Queen needs keen-
+sighted confidants--"
+
+"By no means," her brother interrupted.  "It is for men alone to give
+counsel in these matters.  Accursed be women's gossip over their toilet
+tables.  It has already scattered to the four winds many a well-
+considered plan of the wisest heads, and an Iras could never be more
+fatal to statecraft than just at the present moment, had not Fate
+already uttered the final verdict."
+
+"Then hence with these scruples," cried Charmian eagerly; "my doubts are
+at an end!  As usual, you point out the right path.  I had thought of
+returning to the country estate we call Irenia--the abode of peace--or to
+our beloved little palace at Kanopus, to spend the years which may still
+be allotted to me, and return to everything that made my childhood
+beautiful.  The philosophers, the flowers in the garden, the poets--
+even the new Roman ones, of whose works Timagenes sent us such charming
+specimens--would enliven the solitude.  The child, the daughter of the
+man whose love I renounced, and afterwards perhaps her sons and
+daughters, would fill the place of my own.  As they would have been dear
+to Leonax, I, too, would have loved them!  This is the guise in which the
+future has appeared to me in many a quiet hour.  But shall Charmian--who,
+when her heart throbbed still more warmly and life lay fair before her,
+laid her first love upon the altar of sacrifice for her royal playfellow
+--abandon Cleopatra in misfortune from mere selfish scruples?  No, no!--
+Like you, I too belong--come what may--to the Queen."
+
+She gazed into her brother's face, sure of his approval but, waving his
+uplifted hand, he answered gravely: "No, Charmian!  What I, a man, can
+assume, might be fatal to you, a woman.  The present is not sweet enough
+for me to embitter it with wormwood from the future.  And yet you must
+cast one glance into its gloomy domain, in order to understand me.  You
+can be silent, and what you now learn will be a secret between us.  Only
+one thing"--here he lowered the loud tones of his deep voice--"only one
+thing can save her: the murder of Antony, or an act of shameless
+treachery which would deliver him into Octavianus's power.  This is the
+proposal Timagenes brought."
+
+"This?" she asked in a hollow tone, her grey head drooping.
+
+"This," he repeated firmly.  "And if she succumbs to the temptation, she
+will be faithless to the love which has coursed through her whole life as
+the Nile flows through the land of her ancestors.  Then, Charmian, stay,
+stay under any circumstances, cling to her more firmly than ever, for
+then, then, my sister, she will be more wretched--ten, a hundred fold
+more wretched than if Octavianus deprives her of everything, perhaps even
+life itself."
+
+"Nor will I leave her, come what may.  I will remain at her side until
+the end," cried Charmian eagerly.  But Archibius, without noticing the
+enthusiastic ardor, so unusual to his sister's quiet nature, calmly
+continued: "She won your heart also, and it seems impossible for you to
+desert her.  Many have shared our feelings; and it is no disgrace to any
+one.  Misfortune is a weapon which cleaves base natures like a sword, yet
+like a hammer welds noble ones more closely.  To you, therefore, it now
+seems doubly difficult to leave her, but you need love.  The right to
+live and guard yourself from the most pitiable retrogression is your due,
+as much as that of the rare woman on the throne.  So long as you are sure
+of her love, remain with her, and show your devotion in every situation
+until the end.  But the motives which were drawing you away to books,
+flowers, and children, weigh heavily in the balance, and if you lack the
+anchor of her favour and love, I shall see you perish miserably.  The
+frost emanating from Cleopatra, if her heart grew cold to you, the pin-
+pricks with which Iras would assail you, were you defenceless, would kill
+you.  This must not be, sister; we will guard against it  Do not
+interrupt me.  The counsel I advise you to follow has been duly weighed.
+If you see that the Queen still loves you as in former days, cling to
+her; but should you learn the contrary, bid her farewell to-morrow.  My
+Irenia is yours--"
+
+"But she does love me, and even should she no longer--"
+
+"The test is at hand.  We will leave the decision to her.  You shall
+confess that you were the culprit who aided Barine to escape her power to
+punish."
+
+"Archibius!"
+
+"If you did not, a series of falsehoods must ensue.  Try whether the
+petty qualities in her nature, which urged her to commit the fate of
+Leonax's daughter to unworthy hands, are more powerful than the nobler
+ones.  Try whether she is worthy of the self-sacrificing fidelity which
+you have given her all your life.  If she remains the same as before,
+spite of this admission--"
+
+Here he was interrupted by Anukis, who asked if her mistress would see
+Iras at this late hour.  "Admit her," replied Archibius, after hastily
+exchanging glances with his sister, whose face had paled at his demand.
+He perceived it and, as the servant withdrew, he clasped her hand, saying
+with earnest affection: "I gave you my opinion, but at our age we must
+take counsel with ourselves, and you will find the right path."
+
+"I have already found it," she answered softly with downcast eyes.  "This
+visitor brought a speedy decision.  I must not feel ashamed in Iras's
+presence."
+
+She had scarcely finished speaking when the Queen's younger confidante
+entered.  She was excited and, after casting a searching glance around
+the familiar room, she asked, after a curt greeting:
+
+"No one knows where the Queen has gone.  Mardion received the procession
+in her place.  Did she take you into her confidence?"
+
+Charmian answered in the negative, and inquired whether Antony had
+arrived, and how she had found him.
+
+"In a pitiable state," was the reply.  "I hastened hither to prevent the
+Queen from visiting him, if possible.  She would have received a rebuff.
+It is horrible."
+
+"The disappointment of Paraetonium is added to the other burdens,"
+observed Archibius.
+
+"A feather compared with the rest," cried Iras indignantly.  "What a
+spectacle!  A shrivelled soul, never too large, in the body of a powerful
+giant.  Disaster crushes the courage of the descendant of Herakles.  The
+weakling will drag the Queen's splendid courage with him into the dust."
+
+"We will do our best to prevent it," replied Archibius firmly.
+"The immortals have placed you and Charmian at her side to sustain her,
+if her own strength fails.  The time to test your powers has arrived."
+
+"I know my duty," replied Iras austerely.
+
+"Prove it!" said Archibius earnestly.  "You think you have cause for
+anger against Charmian."
+
+"Whoever treats my foes so tenderly can doubtless dispense with my
+affection.  Where is your ward?"
+
+"That you shall learn later," replied Charmian advancing.  "But when you
+do know, you will have still better reason to doubt my love; yet it was
+only to save one dear to me from misery, certainly not to grieve you,
+that I stepped between you and Barine.  And now let me say--had you
+wounded me to the quick, and everything dear to the Greek heart called to
+me for vengeance--I should impose upon myself whatever constraint might
+be necessary to deny the impulse, because this breast contains a love
+stronger, more powerful, than the fiercest hate.  And this love we both
+share.  Hate me, strive to wound and injure one at whose side you have
+hitherto stood like a daughter, but beware of robbing me of the strength
+and freedom which I need, to be and to offer to my royal mistress all the
+assistance in my power.  I have just been consulting my brother about
+leaving Cleopatra's service."
+
+"Now?" Iras broke in vehemently.  "No, no!  Not that!  It must not be!
+She cannot spare you now."
+
+"More easily, perhaps, than you," replied Charmian; "yet in many things
+my services might be hard to replace."
+
+"Nothing under the sun could do it," cried Iras eagerly.  "If, in these
+days of trouble, she should lose you too--"
+
+"Still darker ones are approaching," interrupted Archibius positively.
+"Perhaps you will learn all to-morrow.  Whether Charmian yields to her
+desire for rest, or continues in the service of the Queen, depends on
+you.  If you wish her to remain you must not render it too hard for her
+to do so.  We three, my child, are perhaps the only persons at this court
+to whom the Queen's happiness is more than their own, and therefore we
+should permit no incident, whatever name it may bear, to cloud our
+harmony."
+
+Iras threw back her head with angry pride, exclaiming passionately:
+"Was it I who injured you?  I do not know in what respect.  But you and
+Charmian--though you have so long been aware that this heart was closed
+against every love save one--stepped between me and the man for whom I
+have yearned since childhood, and built the bridge which united Dion and
+Barine.  I held the woman I hated in my grasp, and thanked the immortals
+for the boon; but you two--it is not difficult to guess the secret you
+are still trying to keep from me--you aided her to escape.  You have
+robbed me of my revenge; you have again placed the singer in the path
+where she must find the man to whom I have a better and older claim, and
+who perhaps may still be considering which of us two will be the better
+mistress of his house, if Alexas and his worthy brother do not arrange
+matters so that we must both content ourselves with thinking tenderly of
+a dead man.  That is why I believe that I am no longer indebted to you,
+that Charmian has more than repaid herself for all the kindness she has
+ever showed me."
+
+With these words she hurried to the door, but paused on the threshold,
+exclaiming: "This is the state of affairs; yet I am ready to serve the
+Queen hand in hand with you as before; for you two--as I have said--are
+necessary to her.  In other respects--I shall follow my own path."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Cleopatra had sought the venerable Anubis, who now, as the priest of
+Alexander, at the age of eighty, ruled the whole hierarchy of the
+country.  It was difficult for him to leave his arm-chair, but he had
+been carried to the observatory to examine the adverse result of the
+observation made by the Queen herself.  The position of the stars,
+however, had been so unfavourable that the more deeply Cleopatra entered
+into these matters, the less easy he found it to urge the mitigating
+influences of distant planets, which he had at first pointed out.
+
+In his reception-hall, however, the chief priest had assured her that the
+independence of Egypt and the safety of her own person lay in her hands;
+only--the planets showed this--a terrible sacrifice was required--a
+sacrifice of which his dignity, his eighty years, and his love for her
+alike forbade him to speak.  Cleopatra was accustomed to hear these
+mysterious sayings from his lips, and interpreted them in her own way.
+Many motives had induced her to seek the venerable prelate at this late
+hour.  In difficult situations he had often aided her with good counsel;
+but this time she was not led to him by the magic cup of Nektanebus,
+which the eight pastophori who accompanied it had that day restored to
+the temple, for since the battle of Actium the superb vessel had been a
+source of constant anxiety to her.
+
+Cleopatra had now asked the teacher of her childhood the direct question
+whether the cup--a wide, shallow vessel, with a flat, polished bottom
+could really have induced Antony to leave the battle and follow her ere
+the victory was decided.  She had used it just before the conflict
+between the galleys, and this circumstance led Anubis to answer
+positively in the affirmative.
+
+Long ago the marvellous chalice had been exhibited to her among the
+temple treasures, and she was told that every one who induced another
+person to be reflected from its shining surface obtained the mastery over
+his will.  Her wish to possess it, however, was not gratified, and she
+did not ask for it again until the limitless devotion and ardent love of
+Antony had seemed less fervent than of yore.  From that time she had
+never ceased to urge her aged friend to place the wondrous cup in her
+keeping.  At first he had absolutely refused, predicting that its use
+would bring misfortune upon her; but when her request was followed by an
+imperative command, and the goblet was entrusted to her, Anubis himself
+believed that this one vessel did possess the magic power attributed to
+it.  He deemed that the drinking-cup afforded the strongest proof of the
+magic art, far transcending human ability, of the great goddess by whose
+aid King Nektanebus--who, according to tradition, was the father of
+Alexander the Great--was said to have made the vessel in the Isis island
+of Philoe.
+
+Anubis had intended to remind Cleopatra of his refusal, and show her the
+great danger incurred by mortals who strove to use powers beyond their
+sphere.  It had been his purpose to bid her remember Phaeton, who had
+almost kindled a conflagration in the world, when he attempted, in the
+chariot of his father, Phoebus Apollo, to guide the horses of the sun.
+But this was unnecessary, for he had scarcely assented to the question
+ere, with passionate vehemence, she ordered him to destroy before her
+eyes the cup which had brought so much misfortune.
+
+The priest feigned that her desire harmonized with a resolution which he
+had himself formed.  In fact, before her arrival, he had feared that the
+goblet might be used in some fatal manner if Octavianus should take
+possession of the city and country, and the wonder-working vessel should
+fall into his hands.  Nektanebus had made the cup for Egypt.  To wrest it
+from the foreign ruler was acting in the spirit of the last king in whose
+veins had flowed the blood of the Pharaohs, and who had toiled with
+enthusiastic devotion for the independence and liberty of his people.
+To destroy this man's marvellous work rather than deliver it to the Roman
+conqueror seemed to the chief priest, after the Queen's command, a sacred
+duty, and as such he represented it to be when he commanded the smelting
+furnace to be fired and the cup transformed into a shapeless mass before
+the eyes of Cleopatra.
+
+While the metal was melting he eagerly told the Queen how easily she
+could dispense with the vessel which owed its magic power to the mighty
+Isis.
+
+The spell of woman's charms was also a gift of the goddess.  It would
+suffice to render Antony's heart soft and yielding as the fire melted the
+gold.  Perhaps the Imperator had forfeited, with the Queen's respect, her
+love--the most priceless of blessings.  He, Anubis, would regard this as
+a great boon of the Deity; "for," he concluded, "Mark Antony is the
+cliff which will shatter every effort to secure to my royal mistress
+undiminished the heritage which has come to her and her children from
+their ancestors, and preserve the independence and prosperity of this
+beloved land.  This cup was a costly treasure.  The throne and prosperity
+of Egypt are worthy of greater sacrifices.  But I know that there is none
+harder for a woman to make than her love."
+
+The meaning of the old man's words Cleopatra learned the following
+morning, when she granted the first interview to Timagenes, Octavianus's
+envoy.
+
+The keen-witted, brilliant man, who had been one of her best teachers
+and with whom, when a pupil, she had had many an argument, was kindly
+received, and fulfilled his commission with consummate skill.
+
+The Queen listened attentively to his representations, showed him that
+her own intellect had not lost in flexibility, though it had gained
+power; and when she dismissed him, with rich gifts and gracious words,
+she knew that she could preserve the independence of her beloved native
+land and retain the throne for herself and her children if she would
+surrender Antony to the conqueror or to him, as "the person acting,"
+or--these were Timagenes's own words--"remove him forever from the play
+whose end she had the power to render either brilliant or fateful."
+
+When she was again alone her heart throbbed so passionately and her soul
+was in such a tumult of agitation that she felt unable to attend the
+appointed meeting of the Council of the crown.  She deferred the session
+until the following day, and resolved to go out upon the sea, to
+endeavour to regain her composure.
+
+Antony had refused to see her.  This wounded her.  The thought of the
+goblet and its evil influences had by no means passed from her memory
+with the destruction of the vessel caused by one of those outbursts of
+passion to which, in these days of disaster, she yielded more frequently
+than usual.  On the contrary, she felt the necessity of being alone, to
+collect her thoughts and strive to dispel the clouds from her troubled
+soul.
+
+The beaker had been one of the treasures of Isis, and the memory of it
+recalled hours during which, in former days, she had often found
+composure in the temple of the goddess.  She wished to seek the sanctuary
+unnoticed and, accompanied only by Iras and the chief Introducer, went,
+closely veiled, to the neighbouring temple at the Corner of the Muses.
+
+But she failed to find the object of her pilgrimage.  The throng which
+filled it to pray and offer sacrifices, and the fear of being recognized,
+destroyed her calmness.
+
+She was in the act of retiring, when Gorgias, the architect, followed by
+an assistant carrying surveying instruments, advanced towards her.  She
+instantly called him to her side, and he informed her how wonderfully
+Fate itself seemed to favour her plan of building.  The mob had destroyed
+the house of the old philosopher Didymus, and the grey-haired sage, to
+whom he had offered the shelter of his home, was now ready to transfer
+the property inherited from his ancestors, if her Majesty would assure
+him and his family of her protection.
+
+Then she asked to see the architect's plan for joining the museum to
+the sanctuary, and became absorbed in the first sketch, to which he had
+devoted part of the night and morning.  He showed it, and with eager
+urgency Cleopatra commanded him to begin the building as soon as possible
+and pursue the work night and day.  What usually required months must be
+completed in weeks.
+
+Iras and the "Introducer," clad in plain garments, had waited for her
+in the temple court and, joined by the architect, accompanied her to the
+unpretending litter standing at one of the side gates but, instead of
+entering it, she ordered Gorgias to attend her to the garden.
+
+The inspection proved that the architect was right and, even if the
+mausoleum occupied a portion of it, and the street which separated it
+from the Temple of Isis were continued along the shore of the sea, the
+remainder would still be twice as large as the one belonging to the
+palace at Lochias.
+
+Cleopatra's thorough examination showed Gorgias that she had some
+definite purpose in view.  Her inquiry whether it would be possible to
+connect it with the promontory of Lochias indicated what she had in mind,
+and the architect answered in the affirmative.  It was only necessary to
+tear down some small buildings belonging to the Crown and a little temple
+of Berenike at the southern part of the royal harbour.  The arm of the
+Agathodaemon Canal which entered here had been bridged long ago.
+
+The new scene which would result from this change had been conjured
+before the Queen's mental vision with marvellous celerity, and she
+described it in brief, vivid language to the architect.  The garden
+should remain, but must be enlarged from the Lochias to the bridge.
+Thence a covered colonnade would lead to the palace.  After Gorgias had
+assured her that all this could easily be arranged, she gazed
+thoughtfully at the ground for a time, and then gave orders that the work
+should be commenced at once, and requested him to spare neither means nor
+men.
+
+Gorgias foresaw a period of feverish toil, but it did not daunt him.
+With such a master builder he was ready to roof the whole city.  Besides,
+the commission delighted him because it proved that the woman whose
+mausoleum was to rise from the earth so swiftly still thought of
+enhancing the pleasures of existence; for, though she wished the garden
+to remain unchanged, she desired to see the colonnade and the remainder
+of the work constructed of costly materials and in beautiful forms.  When
+she bade him farewell, Gorgias kissed her robe with ardent enthusiasm.
+
+What a woman!  True, she had not even raised her veil, and was attired in
+plain dark clothing, but every gesture revealed the most perfect grace.
+
+The arm and hand with which she pointed now here, now there, again seemed
+to him fairly instinct with life; and he, who deemed perfection of form
+of so much value, found it difficult to avert his eyes from her
+marvellous symmetry.  And her whole figure!  What lines, what genuine
+aristocratic elegance, and warm, throbbing life!
+
+That morning when Helena, now an inmate of his own home, greeted him,
+he had essayed to compare her, mentally, with Cleopatra, but speedily
+desisted.  The man to whom Hebe proffers nectar does not ask for even
+the best wine of Byblus.  A feeling of grateful, cheerful satisfaction,
+difficult to describe, stole over him when the reserved, quiet Helena
+addressed him so warmly and cordially; but the image of Cleopatra
+constantly thrust itself between them, and it was difficult for him to
+understand himself.  He had loved many women in succession, and now his
+heart throbbed for two at once, and the Queen was the brighter of the two
+stars whose light entranced him.  Therefore his honest soul would have
+considered it a crime to woo Helena now.
+
+Cleopatra knew what an ardent admirer she had won in the able architect,
+and the knowledge pleased her.  She had used no goblet to gain him.
+Doubtless he would begin to build the mausoleum the next morning.  The
+vault must have space for several coffins.  Antony had more than once
+expressed the desire to be buried beside her, wherever he might die, and
+this had occurred ere she possessed the beaker.  She must in any case
+grant him the same favour, no matter in what place or by whose hand he
+met death, and the bedimmed light of his existence was but too evidently
+nearing extinction.  If she spared him, Octavianus would strike him from
+the ranks of the living, and she----Again she was overpowered by the
+terrible, feverish restlessness which had induced her to command the
+destruction of the goblet, and had brought her to the temple.  She could
+not return in this mood to meet her councillors, receive visitors, greet
+her children.  This was the birthday of the twins; Charmian had reminded
+her of it and undertaken to provide the gifts.  How could she have found
+time and thought for such affairs?  She had returned from the chief
+priest late in the evening, yet had asked for a minute description of the
+condition in which they found Mark Antony.  The report made by Iras
+harmonized with the state in which she had herself seen him during and
+after the battle.  Ay, his brooding gloom seemed to have deepened.
+Charmian had helped her dress in the morning, and had been on the point
+of making her difficult confession, and owning that she had aided Barine
+to escape the punishment of her royal mistress; but ere she could begin,
+Timagenes was announced, for Cleopatra had not risen from her couch until
+a late hour.
+
+The object for which the Queen had sought the temple had not been gained;
+but the consultation with Gorgias had diverted her mind, and the emotions
+which the thought of her last resting-place had evoked now drowned
+everything else, as the roar of the surf dominates the twittering of the
+swallows on the rocky shore.
+
+Ay, she needed calmness!  She must weigh and ponder over many things in
+absolute quietude, and this she could not obtain at Lochias.  Then her
+glance rested upon the little sanctuary of Berenike, which she had
+ordered removed to make room for a garden near at hand, where the
+children could indulge their love of creative work.  It was empty.  She
+need fear no interruption there.  The interior contained only a single,
+quiet, pleasant chamber, with the image of Berenike.  The "Introducer"
+commanded the guard to admit no other visitors, and soon the little white
+marble, circular room with its vaulted roof received the Queen.  She sank
+down on one of the bronze benches opposite to the statue.  All was still;
+in this cool silence her mind, trained to thought, could find that for
+which it longed--clearness of vision, a plain understanding of her own
+feelings and position in the presence of the impending decision.
+
+At first her thoughts wandered to and fro like a dove ere it chooses the
+direction of its flight; but after the question why she was having a tomb
+built so hurriedly, when she would be permitted to live, her mind found
+the right track.  Among the Scythian guards, the Mauritanians, and
+Blemmyes in the army there were plenty of savage fellows whom a word from
+her lips and a handful of gold would have set upon the vanquished Antony,
+as the huntsman's "Seize him!" urges the hounds.  A hint, and among the
+wretched magicians and Magians in the Rhakotis, the Egyptian quarter of
+the city, twenty men would have assassinated him by poison or wily
+snares; one command to the Macedonians in the guard of the Mellakes or
+youths, and he would be a captive that very day, and to-morrow, if she
+so ordered, on the way to Asia, whither Octavianus, as Timagenes told
+her, had gone.
+
+What prevented her from grasping the gold, giving the hint, issuing the
+command?
+
+Doubtless she thought of the magic goblet, now melted, which had
+constrained him to cast aside honour, fame, and power, as worthless
+rubbish, in order to obey her behest not to leave her; but though this
+remembrance burdened her soul, it had no decisive influence.  It was no
+one thing which prisoned her hand and lips, but every fibre of her being,
+every pulsation of her heart, every glance back into the past to the
+confines of childhood.
+
+Yet she listened to other thoughts also.  They reminded her of her
+children, the elation of power, love for the land of her ancestors,
+and the peril which menaced it without her, the bliss of seeing the
+light, and the darkness, the silence, the dull rigidity of death, the
+destruction of the body and the mind cherished and developed with so much
+care and toil, the horrible torture which might be associated with the
+transition from life to death--the act of dying.  And what lay before her
+in the existence which lasted an eternity?  When she no longer breathed
+beneath the sun, even if the death hour was deferred, and she found that
+not Epicurus, who believed that with death all things ended, had been
+right, but the ancient teachings of the Egyptians, what would await her
+in that world beyond the grave if she purchased a few more years of life
+by the murder or betrayal of her lover, her husband?
+
+Yet perhaps the punishments inflicted upon the condemned were but
+bugbears invented by the priesthood, which guarded the regulation of the
+state in order to curb the unruly conduct of the populace and terrify the
+turbulent transgressors of the law.  And, whispered the daring Greek
+spirit, in the abode of the condemned, not in the Garden of Aalu, the
+Elysian Fields of the Egyptians, she would meet her father and mother and
+all her wicked ancestors down to Euergetes I., who was succeeded by the
+infamous Philopater.  Thus the thought of the other world became an
+antecedent so uncertain as to permit no definite inference, and might
+therefore be left out of the account.  How would--this must be the form
+of the question--the years purchased by the murder or betrayal of one
+whom she loved shape themselves for her?
+
+During the night the image of the murdered man would drive sleep from her
+couch, and the Furies, the Dirx, as the Roman Antony called them, who
+pursue murderers with the serpent scourge, were no idle creations of
+poetic fancy, but fully symbolized the restlessness of the criminal,
+driven to and fro by the pangs of conscience.  The chief good, the
+painless happiness of the Epicureans, was forever lost to those burdened
+by such guilt.
+
+And during the hours of the day and evening?  Ay, then she would be free
+to heap pleasure on pleasure.  But for whom were the festivals to be
+celebrated; with whom could she share them?  For many a long year no
+banquet, no entertainment had given her enjoyment without Mark Antony.
+For whom did she adorn herself or strive to stay the vanishing charm?
+And how soon would anguish of soul utterly destroy the spell, which was
+slowly, slowly, yet steadily diminishing, and, when the mirror revealed
+wrinkles which the skill of no Olympus could efface, when she----No,
+she was not created to grow old!  Did the few years of life which must
+contain so much misery really possess a value great enough to surrender
+the right of being called by present and future generations the
+bewitching Cleopatra, the most irresistible of women?
+
+And the children?
+
+Yes, it would have been delightful to see them grow up and occupy the
+throne, but serious, decisive doubts soon blended even with an idea so
+rich in joy.
+
+How glorious to greet Caesarion as sovereign of the world in Octavianus's
+place!  But how could the dreamer, whose first love affair had caused the
+total sacrifice of dignity and violation of the law, and who now seemed
+to have once more relapsed into the old state of torpor, attain the
+position?
+
+The other children inspired fair hopes, and how beautiful it appeared to
+the mother's heart to see Antonius Helios as King of Egypt; Cleopatra
+Selene with her first child in her arms; and little Alexander a noble
+statesman and hero, rich in virtue and talents!  Yet, what would they,
+Antony's children, whose education she hoped Archibius would direct,
+feel for the mother who had been their father's murderess?
+
+She shuddered at the thought, remembering the hours when her childish
+heart had shed tears of blood over the infamous mother whom her father
+had execrated.  And Queen Tryphoena, whom history recorded as a monster,
+had not killed her husband, but merely thrust him from the throne.
+
+Arsinoe's execrations of her mother and sister came back to her memory,
+and the thought that the rosy lips of the twins and her darling Alexander
+could ever open to curse her,--the idea that the children would ever
+raise their beloved hands to point at her, the wicked murderess of their
+father, with horror and scorn--No, no, and again no!  She would not
+purchase a few more years of valueless life at the cost of this
+humiliation and shame.
+
+Purchase of whom?
+
+Of that Octavianus who had robbed her son of the heritage of his father,
+Caesar, and whose mention in the will was like an imputation on her
+fidelity--the cold-hearted, calculating upstart, whose nature from their
+first meeting in Rome had repelled, rebuffed, chilled her; of the man by
+whose cajolery and power her husband--for in her own eyes and those of
+the Egyptians Antony held this position--had been induced to wed his
+sister, Octavia, and thereby stamp her, Cleopatra, as merely his love,
+cast a doubt upon the legitimate birth of her children; of the false
+friend of the trusting Antony who, before the battle of Actium, had most
+deeply humiliated and insulted both!
+
+On the contrary, her royal pride rebelled against obeying the command of
+such a man to commit the most atrocious deed; and from childhood this
+pride had been as much a part of her nature as her breath and the
+pulsation of her heart.  And yet, for her children's sake, she might
+perhaps have incurred this disgrace, had it not been at the same time the
+grave of the best and noblest things which she desired to implant in the
+young souls of the twins and Alexander.
+
+While thinking of the children's curses she had risen from her seat.
+Why should she reflect and consider longer?  She had found the clear
+perception she sought.  Let Gorgias hasten the building of the tomb.
+Should Fate demand her life, she would not resist if she were permitted
+to preserve it only at the cost of murder or base treachery.  Her lover's
+was already forfeited.  At his side she had enjoyed a radiant, glowing,
+peerless bliss, of which the world still talked with envious amazement.
+At his side, when all was over, she would rest in the grave, and compel
+the world to remember with respectful sympathy the royal lovers, Antony
+and Cleopatra.  Her children should be able to think of her with
+untroubled hearts, and not even the shadow of a bitter feeling, a warning
+thought, should deter them from adorning their parents' grave with
+flowers, weeping at its foot, invoking and offering sacrifices to their
+spirits.
+
+Then she glanced at the statue of Berenike, who had also once worn on her
+brow the double crown of Egypt.  She, too, had early died a violent
+death; she, too, had known how to love.  The vow to sacrifice her
+beautiful hair to Aphrodite if her husband returned uninjured from the
+Syrian war had rendered her name illustrious.  "Berenike's Hair" was
+still to be seen as a constellation in the night heavens.
+
+Though this woman had sinned often and heavily, one act of loyal love
+had made her an honoured, worshipped princess.  She--Cleopatra would do
+something still greater.  The sacrifice which she intended to impose upon
+herself would weigh far more heavily in the balance than a handful of
+beautiful tresses, and would comprise sovereignty and life.
+
+With head erect and a sense of proud self-reliance she gazed at the noble
+marble countenance of the Cyrenian queen.  Ere entering the sanctuary she
+had imagined that she knew how the criminals whom she had sentenced to
+death must feel.  Now that she herself had done with life, she felt as if
+she were relieved from a heavy burden, and yet her heart ached, and--
+especially when she thought of her children--she was overwhelmed with the
+emotion which is the most painful of all forms of compassion--pity for
+herself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+When Cleopatra left the temple, Iras marvelled at the change in her
+appearance.  The severe tension which had given her beautiful face a
+shade of harshness had yielded to an expression of gentle sadness that
+enhanced its charm, yet her features quickly brightened as her attendant
+pointed to the procession which was just entering the forecourt of the
+palace.
+
+In Alexandria and throughout Egypt birthdays were celebrated as far as
+possible.  Therefore, to do honour to the twins, the children of the city
+had been sent to offer their congratulations, and at the same time to
+assure their royal mother of the love and devotion of the citizens.
+
+The return to the palace occupied only a few minutes, and as Cleopatra,
+hastily donning festal garments, gazed down at the bands of children, it
+seemed as if Fate by this fair spectacle had given her a sign of approval
+of her design.
+
+She was soon standing hand in hand with the twins upon the balcony before
+which the procession had halted.  Hundreds of boys and girls of the same
+age as the prince and princess had flocked thither, the former bearing
+bouquets, the latter small baskets filled with lilies and roses.  Every
+head was crowned with a wreath, and many of the girls wore garlands of
+flowers.  A chorus of youths and maidens sang a festal hymn, beseeching
+the gods to grant the royal mother and children every happiness; the
+leader of the chorus of girls made a short address in the name of the
+city, and during this speech the children formed in ranks, the tallest in
+the rear, the smallest in the front, and the others between according to
+their height.  The scene resembled a living garden, in which rosy faces
+were the beautiful flowers.
+
+Cleopatra thanked the citizens for the charming greeting sent to her by
+those whom they held dearest, and assured them that she returned their
+love.  Her eyes grew dim with tears as she went with her three children
+to the throng who offered their congratulations, and an unusually pretty
+little girl whom she kissed threw her arms around her as tenderly as if
+she were her own mother.  And how beautiful was the scene when the girls
+strewed the contents of their little baskets on the ground before her,
+and the boys, with many a ringing shout and loving wish, offered the
+bouquets to her and the twins!
+
+Charmian had not forgotten to provide the gifts; and when the
+chamberlains and waiting-women led the children into a large hall to
+offer them refreshments, the Queen's eyes sparkled so brightly that the
+companion of her childhood ventured to make her difficult confession.
+
+And, as so often happens, the event we most dread shows, when it actually
+occurs, a friendly or indifferent aspect; this was the case now.  Nothing
+in life is either great or small--the one may be transformed to the
+other, according to the things with which it is compared.  The tallest
+man becomes a dwarf beside a rocky giant of the mountain chain, the
+smallest is a Titan to the swarming ants in the forest.  The beggar
+seizes as a treasure what the rich man scornfully casts aside.  That
+which the day before yesterday seemed to Cleopatra unendurable, roused
+her keenest anxiety, robbed her of part of her night's repose, and
+induced her to adopt strenuous measures, now appeared trivial and
+scarcely worthy of consideration.
+
+Yesterday and to-day had brought events and called up questions which
+forced Barine's disappearance into the realm of unimportant matters.
+
+Charmian's confession was preceded by the statement that she longed for
+rest yet, nevertheless, was ready to remain with her royal friend, in
+every situation, until she no longer desired her services and sent her
+away.  But she feared that this moment had come.
+
+Cleopatra interrupted her with the assurance that she was speaking of
+something utterly impossible; and when Charmian disclosed Barine's
+escape, and admitted that it was she who had aided the flight of the
+innocent and sorely threatened granddaughter of Didymus, the Queen
+started up angrily and frowned, but it was only for a moment.  Then, with
+a smile, she shook her finger at her friend, embraced her, and gravely
+but kindly assured her that, of all vices, ingratitude was most alien to
+her nature.  The companion of her childhood had bestowed so many proofs
+of faithfulness, love, self-sacrifice, and laborious service in her
+behalf that they could not be long outweighed by a single act of wilful
+disobedience.  An abundant supply would still remain, by virtue of which
+she might continue to sin without fearing that Cleopatra would ever part
+from her Charmian.
+
+The latter again perceived that nothing on earth could be hostile or
+sharp enough to sever the bond which united her to this woman.  When her
+lips overflowed with the gratitude which filled her heart, Cleopatra
+admitted that it seemed as if, in aiding Barine's escape, she had
+rendered her a service.  The caution with which Charmian had concealed
+Barine's refuge had not escaped her notice, and she did not ask to learn
+it.  It was enough for her that the dangerous beauty was out of
+Caesarion's reach.  As for Antony, a wall now separated him from the
+world, and consequently from the woman who, spite of Alexas's
+accusations, had probably never stood closer to his heart.
+
+Charmian now eagerly strove to show the Queen what had induced the Syrian
+to pursue Barine so vindictively.  It was evident--and scarcely needed
+proof--that Mark Antony's whole acquaintanceship with the old scholar's
+granddaughter had been far from leading to any tender relation.  But
+Cleopatra gave only partial attention.  The man whom she had loved with
+every pulsation of her heart already seemed to her only a dear memory.
+She did not forget the happiness enjoyed with and through him, or the
+wrong she had done by the use of the magic goblet; yet with the wall on
+the Choma, which divided him from her and the rest of the world, and her
+command to have the mausoleum built, she imagined that the season of love
+was over.  Any new additions to this chapter of the life of her heart
+were but the close.  Even the jealousy which had clouded the happiness of
+her love like a fleeting, rapidly changing shadow, she believed she had
+now renounced forever.
+
+While Charmian protested that no one save Dion had ever been heard with
+favour by Barine, and related many incidents of her former life,
+Cleopatra's thoughts were with Antony.  Like the image of the beloved
+dead, the towering figure of the Roman hero rose before her mind, but she
+recalled him only as he was prior to the battle of Actium.  She desired
+and expected nothing more from the broken-spirited man, whose condition
+was perhaps her own fault.  But she had resolved to atone for her guilt,
+and would do so at the cost of throne and life.  This settled the
+account.  Whatever her remaining span of existence might add or subtract,
+was part of the bargain.
+
+The entrance of Alexas interrupted her.  With fiery passion he expressed
+his regret that he had been defrauded by base intrigues of the right
+bestowed upon him to pass sentence upon a guilty woman.  This was the
+more difficult to bear because he was deprived of the possibility of
+providing for the pursuit of the fugitive.  Antony had honoured him with
+the commission to win Herod back to his cause.  He was to leave
+Alexandria that very night.  As nothing could be expected in this matter
+from the misanthropic Imperator, he hoped that the Queen would avenge
+such an offence to her dignity, and adopt severe measures towards the
+singer and her last lover, Dion, who with sacrilegious hands had wounded
+the son of Caesar.
+
+But Cleopatra, with royal dignity, kept him within the limits of his
+position, commanded him not to mention the affair to her again, and then,
+with a sorrowful smile, wished him success with Herod, in whose return to
+the lost cause of Antony, however, much as she prized the skill of the
+mediator, she did not believe.
+
+When he had retired, she exclaimed to Charmian: "Was I blind?  This man
+is a traitor!  We shall discover it.  Wherever Dion has taken his young
+wife, let her be carefully concealed, not from me, but from this Syrian.
+It is easier to defend one's self against the lion than the scorpion.
+You, my friend, will see that Archibius seeks me this very day.  I must
+talk with him, and--you no longer have any thought of a parting?  Another
+will come soon enough, which will forever forbid these lips from kissing
+your dear face."
+
+As she spoke, she again clasped the companion of her childhood in her
+arms, and when Iras entered to request an audience for Lucilius, Antony's
+most faithful friend, Cleopatra, who had noticed the younger woman's
+envious glance at the embrace, said: "Was I mistaken in fancying that you
+imagined yourself slighted for Charmian, who is an older friend?  That
+would be wrong; for I love and need you both.  You are her niece, and
+indebted to her for much kindness from your earliest childhood.  So,
+even though you will lose the joy of revenge upon a hated enemy, forget
+what has happened, as I did, and maintain your former affectionate
+companionship.  I will reward you for it with the only thing that the
+daughter of the wealthy Krates cannot purchase, yet which she probably
+rates at no low value--the love of her royal friend."
+
+With these words she clasped Iras also in a close embrace, and when the
+latter left the room to summon Lucilius, she thought: "No woman has ever
+won so much love; perhaps that is why she possesses so great a treasure
+of it, and can afford such unspeakable happiness by its bestowal.  Or is
+she so much beloved because she entered the world full of its wealth, and
+dispenses it as the sun diffuses light?  Surely that must be the case.
+I have reason to believe it, for whom did I ever love save the Queen?
+No one, not even myself, and I know no one in whose love for me I can
+believe.  But why did Dion, whom I loved so fervently, disdain me?  Fool!
+Why did Mark Antony prefer Cleopatra to Octavia, who was not less fair,
+whose heart was his, and whose hand held the sovereignty of half the
+world?"
+
+Passing on as she spoke, she soon returned, ushering the Roman Lucilius
+into the presence of the Queen.  A gallant deed had bound this man to
+Antony.  After the battle of Philippi, when the army of the republicans
+fled, Brutus had been on the point of being seized by the enemy's
+horsemen; but Lucilius, at the risk of being cut down, had personated
+him, and thereby, though but for a short time, rescued him.  This had
+seemed to Antony unusual and noble and, in his generous manner, he had
+not only forgiven him, but bestowed his favour upon him.  Lucilius was
+grateful, and gave him the same fidelity he had showed to Brutus.  At
+Actium he had risked Antony's favour to prevent his deserting Cleopatra
+after the battle, and then accompanied him in his flight.  Now he was
+bearing him company in his seclusion on the Choma.
+
+The grey-haired man who, but a short time before, had retained all the
+vigour of youth, approached the Queen with bowed head and saddened heart.
+His face, so regular in its contours, had undergone a marked change
+within the past few weeks.  The cheeks were sunken, the features had
+grown sharper, and there was a sorrowful expression in the eyes, which,
+when informing Cleopatra of his friend's condition, glittered with tears.
+
+Before the hapless battle he was one of Cleopatra's most enthusiastic
+admirers; but since he had been forced to see his friend and benefactor
+risk fame, happiness, and honour to follow the Queen, he had cherished a
+feeling of bitter resentment towards her.  He would certainly have spared
+himself this mission, had he not been sure that she who had brought her
+lover to ruin was the only person who could rouse him from spiritless
+languor to fresh energy and interest in life.
+
+From motives of friendship, urged by no one, he came unbidden to the
+woman whom he had formerly so sincerely admired, to entreat her to cheer
+the unfortunate man, rouse him, and remind him of his duty.  He had
+little news to impart; for on the voyage she had herself witnessed long
+enough the pitiable condition of her husband.  Now Antony was beginning
+to be content in it, and this was what most sorely troubled the faithful
+friend.
+
+The Imperator had called the little palace which he occupied on the Choma
+his Timonium, because he compared himself with the famous Athenian
+misanthrope who, after fortune abandoned him, had also been betrayed by
+many of his former friends.  Even at Taenarum he had thought of returning
+to the Choma, and by means of a wall, which would separate it from the
+mainland, rendering it as inaccessible as--according to rumour--the grave
+of Timon at Halae near Athens.  Gorgias had erected it, and whoever
+wished to visit the hermit was forced to go by sea and request
+admittance, which was granted to few.
+
+Cleopatra listened to Lucilius with sympathy, and then asked whether
+there was no way of cheering or comforting the wretched man.
+
+"No, your Majesty," he replied.  "His favourite occupation is to recall
+what he once possessed, but only to show the uselessness of these
+memories.  'What joys has life not offered me?' he asks, and then adds:
+'But they were repeated again and again, and after being enjoyed for the
+tenth time they became monotonous and lost their charm.  Then they caused
+satiety to the verge of loathing.'  Only necessary things, such as bread
+and water, he says, possess real value; but he desires neither, because
+he has even less taste for them than for the dainties which spoil a man's
+morrow.  Yesterday in a specially gloomy hour, he spoke of gold.  This
+was perhaps most worthy of desire.  The mere sight of it awakened
+pleasant hopes, because it might afford so many gratifications.  Then he
+laughed bitterly, exclaiming that those joys were the very ones which
+produced the most disagreeable satiety.  Even gold was not worth the
+trouble of stretching out one's hand.
+
+"He is fond of enlarging upon such fancies, and finds images to make his
+meaning clear.
+
+"'In the snow upon the highest mountain-peak the feet grow cold,' he
+said.  'In the mire they are warm, but the dark mud is ugly and clings to
+them.'
+
+"Then I remarked that between the morass and the mountain-snows lie sunny
+valleys where life would be pleasant; but he flew into a rage, vehemently
+protesting that he would never be content with the pitiable middle course
+of Horace.  Then he exclaimed: 'Ay, I am vanquished.  Octavianus and his
+Agrippa are the conquerors; but if a rock mutilates or an elephant's
+clumsy foot crushes me, I am nevertheless of a higher quality than
+either.'"
+
+"There spoke the old Mark Antony!"  cried Cleopatra; but again Lucilius's
+loyal heart throbbed with resentment against the woman who had fostered
+the recklessness which had brought his powerful friend to ruin, and he
+continued:
+
+"But he often sees himself in a different light.  'No writer could invent
+a more unworthy life than mine,' he exclaimed recently.  'A farce ending
+in a tragedy.'"
+
+Lucilius might have added still harsher sayings, but the sorrowful
+expression in the tearful eyes of the afflicted Queen silenced them upon
+his lips.
+
+Yet Cleopatra's name blended with most of the words uttered by the
+broken-spirited man.  Sometimes it was associated with the most furious
+reproaches, but more frequently with expressions of boundless delight and
+wild outbursts of fervent longing, and this was what inspired Lucilius
+with the hope that the Queen's influence would be effectual with his
+friend.  Therefore he repeated some especially ardent words, to which
+Cleopatra listened with grateful joy.
+
+Yet, when Lucilius paused, she remarked that doubtless the misanthropist
+had spoken of her, and probably of Octavia also, in quite a different
+way.  She was prepared for the worst, for she was one of the rocks
+against which his greatness had been shattered.
+
+This reminded Lucilius of the comment Antony had made upon the three
+women whom he had wedded, and he answered reluctantly: "Fulvia, the wife
+of his youth--I knew the bold, hot-blooded woman, the former wife of
+Clodius--he called the tempest which swelled his sails."
+
+"Yes, Yes!" cried Cleopatra.  'So she did.  He owes her much; but I, too,
+am indebted to the dead Fulvia.  She taught him to recognize and yield to
+woman's power."
+
+"Not always to his advantage," retorted Lucilius, whose resentment was
+revived by the last sentence and, without heeding the faint flush on the
+Queen's cheek, he added: "Of Octavia he said that she was the straight
+path which leads to happiness, and those who are content to walk in it
+are acceptable to gods and men."
+
+"Then why did he not suffer it to content him?"  cried Cleopatra
+wrathfully.
+
+"Fulvia's school," replied the Roman, "was probably the last where he
+would learn the moderation which--as you know--is so alien to his nature.
+His opinion of the quiet valleys and middle course you have just heard."
+
+"But I, what have I been to him?" urged the Queen.
+
+Lucilius bent his gaze for a short time on the floor, then answered
+hesitatingly:
+
+"You asked to hear, and the Queen's command must be obeyed.  He compared
+your Majesty to a delicious banquet given to celebrate a victory, at
+which the guests, crowned with garlands, revel before the battle--"
+
+"Which is lost," said the Queen hurriedly, in a muffled voice.  "The
+comparison is apt.  Now, after the defeat, it would be absurd to prepare
+another feast.  The tragedy is closing, so the play (doubtless he said
+so) which preceded it would be but a wearisome repetition if performed a
+second time.  One thing, it is true, seems desirable--a closing act of
+reconciliation.  If you think it is in my power to recall my husband to
+active life, rely upon me.  The banquet of which he spoke occupied long
+years.  The dessert will consume little time, but I am ready to serve it.
+When I asked permission to visit him he refused.  What plan of meeting
+have you arranged?"
+
+"That I will leave to your feminine delicacy of feeling," replied
+Lucilius.  "Yet I have come with a request whose fulfilment will perhaps
+contain the answer.  Eros, Mark Antony's faithful body-slave, humbly
+petitions your Majesty to grant him a few minutes' audience.  You know
+the worthy fellow.  He would die for you and his master, and he--I once
+heard from your lips the remark of King Antiochus, that no man was great
+to his body-slave--thus Eros sees his master's weaknesses and lofty
+qualities from a nearer point of view than we, and he is shrewd.  Antony
+gave him his freedom long ago, and if your Majesty does not object to
+receiving a man so low in station--"
+
+"Let him  come," replied  Cleopatra.  "Your demand upon me is just.
+Unhappily, I am but too well aware of the atonement due your friend.
+Before you came, I was engaged in making preparations for the fulfilment
+of one of his warmest wishes."
+
+With these words she dismissed the Roman.  Her feelings as she watched
+his departure were of very mingled character.  The yearning for the
+happiness of which she had been so long deprived had again awaked, while
+the unkind words which he had applied to her still rankled in her heart.
+But the door had scarcely closed behind Lucilius when the usher announced
+a deputation of the members of the museum.
+
+The learned gentlemen came to complain of the wrong which had been done
+to their colleague, Didymus, and also to express their loyalty during
+these trying times.  Cleopatra assured them of her favour, and said that
+she had already offered ample compensation to the old philosopher.  In a
+certain sense she was one of themselves.  They all knew that, from early
+youth, she had honoured and shared their labours.  In proof of this, she
+would present to the library of the museum the two hundred thousand
+volumes from Pergamus, one of the most valuable gifts Mark Antony had
+ever bestowed upon her, and which she had hitherto regarded merely as a
+loan.  This she hoped would repay Didymus for the injury which, to her
+deep regret, had been inflicted upon him, and at least partially repair
+the loss sustained by the former library of the museum during the
+conflagration in the Bruchium.
+
+The sages, eagerly assuring her of their gratitude and devotion, retired.
+Most of them were personally known to Cleopatra who, to their mutual
+pleasure and advantage, had measured her intellectual powers with the
+most brilliant minds of their body.
+
+The sun had already set, when a procession of the priests of Serapis, the
+chief god of the city, whose coming had been announced the day before,
+appeared at Lochias.  Accompanied by torch and lantern bearers, it moved
+forward with slow and solemn majesty.  In harmony with the nature of
+Serapis, there were many reminders of death.
+
+The meaning of every image, every standard, every shrine, every
+peculiarity of the music and singing, was familiar to the Queen.  Even
+the changing colours of the lights referred to the course of growth and
+decay in the universe and in human life, and the magnificent close of the
+chant of homage which represented the reception of the royal soul into
+the essence of the deity, the apotheosis of the sovereign, was well
+suited to stir the heart; for a sea of light unexpectedly flooded the
+whole procession and, while its glow irradiated the huge pile of the
+palace, the sea with its forest of ships and masts, and the shore with
+its temples, pylons, obelisks, and superb buildings, all the choruses,
+accompanied by the music of sackbuts, cymbals, and lutes, blended in a
+mighty hymn, whose waves of sound rose to the star-strewn sky and reached
+the open sea beyond the Pharos.
+
+Many a symbolical image suggested death and the resurrection, defeat and
+a victory following it by the aid of great Serapis; and when the torches
+retired, vanishing in the darkness, with the last, notes of the chanting
+of the priests, Cleopatra, raised her head, feeling as if the vow she had
+made during the gloomy singing of the aged men and the extinguishing of
+the torches had received the approval of the deity brought by her
+forefathers to Alexandria and enthroned there to unite in his own person
+the nature of the Greek and the Egyptian gods.
+
+Her tomb was to be built and, if destiny was fulfilled, to receive her
+lover and herself.  She had perceived from Antony's bitter words, as well
+as the looks and tones of Lucilius, that he, as well as the man to whom
+her heart still clung with indissoluble bonds, held her responsible for
+Actium and the fall of his greatness.
+
+The world, she knew, would imitate them, but it should learn that if love
+had robbed the greatest man of his day of fame and sovereignty, that love
+had been worthy of the highest price.
+
+The belief which had just been symbolically represented to her--that it
+was allotted to the vanishing light to rise again in new and radiant
+splendour--she would maintain for the present, though the best success
+could scarcely lead to anything more than merely fanning the glimmering
+spark and deferring its extinction.
+
+For herself there was no longer any great victory to win which would be
+worth the conflict.  Yet the weapons must not rest until the end.  Antony
+must not perish, growling, like a second Timon, or a wild beast caught in
+a snare.  She would rekindle, though but for the last blaze, the fire of
+his hero-nature, which blind love for her and the magic spell that had
+enabled her to bind his will had covered for a time with ashes.
+
+While listening to the resurrection hymn of the priests of Serapis, she
+had asked herself if it might not be possible to give Antony, when he had
+been roused to fresh energy, the son of Caesar as a companion in arms.
+True, she had found the boy in a mood far different from the one for
+which she had hoped.  If he had once been carried on to a bold deed, it
+seemed to have exhausted his energy; for he remained absorbed in the most
+pitiable love-sickness.  Yet he had not recovered from his illness.  When
+he was better he would surely wake to active interest in the events which
+threatened to exert so great an influence on his own existence and,
+like the humblest slave, lament the defeat of Actium.  Hitherto he had
+listened to the tidings of battle which had reached his ears with an
+indifference that seemed intelligible and pardonable only when attributed
+to his wound.
+
+His tutor Rhodon had just requested a leave of absence, remarking that
+Caesarion would not lack companions, since he was expecting Antyllus and
+other youths of his own age.  A flood of light streamed from the windows
+of the reception hall of the "King of kings."  There was still time to
+seek him and make him understand what was at stake.  Ah! if she could but
+succeed in awaking his father's spirit!  If that culpable attack should
+prove the harbinger of future deeds of manly daring!
+
+No interview with him as yet had encouraged this expectation, but a
+mother's heart easily sees, even in disappointment, a step which leads to
+a new hope.  When Charmian entered to announce Antony's body-slave, she
+sent word to him to wait, and requested her friend to accompany her to
+her son.
+
+As they approached the apartments occupied by Caesarion, Antyllus's loud
+voice reached them through the open door, whose curtain was only half
+drawn.  The first word which the Queen distinguished was her own name;
+so, motioning to her companion, she stood still.  Barine was again the
+subject of conversation.
+
+Antony's son was relating what Alexas had told him.  Cleopatra, the
+Syrian had asserted, intended to send the young beauty to the mines or
+into exile, and severely punish Dion; but both had made their escape.
+The Ephebi had behaved treacherously by taking sides with their foe.
+But this was because they were not yet invested with their robes.
+He hoped to induce his father to do this as soon as he shook off his
+pitiable misanthropy.  And he must also be persuaded to direct the
+pursuit of the fugitives.  "This will not be difficult," he cried
+insolently, "for the old man appreciates beauty, and has himself cast
+an eye on the singer.  If they capture her, I'll guarantee nothing, you
+'King of kings!' for, spite of his grey beard, he can cut us all out with
+the women, and Barine--as we have heard--doesn't think a man of much
+importance until his locks begin to grow thin.  I gave Derketaeus orders
+to send all his men in pursuit.  He's as cunning as a fox, and the police
+are compelled to obey him."
+
+"If I were not forced to lie here like a dead donkey, I would soon find
+her," sighed Caesarion.  "Night or day, she is never out of my mind.
+I have already spent everything I possessed in the search.  Yesterday I
+sent for the steward Seleukus.  What is the use of being my mother's son,
+and the fat little fellow isn't specially scrupulous!  He will do
+nothing, yet there must be gold enough.  The Queen has sunk millions in
+the sand on the Syrian frontier of the Delta.  There is to be a square
+hole or something of the sort dug there to hide the fleet.  I only half
+understand the absurd plan.  The money might have paid hundreds of spies.
+So talents are thrown away, and the strong-box is locked against the son.
+But I'll find one that will open to me.  I must have her, though I risk
+the crown.  It always sounds like a jeer when they call me the King of
+kings.  I am not fit for sovereignty.  Besides, the throne will be seized
+ere I really ascend it.  We are conquered, and if we succeed in
+concluding a peace, which will secure us life and a little more, we must
+be content.  For my part, I shall be satisfied with a country estate on
+the water, a sufficient supply of money and, above all, Barine.  What do
+I care for Egypt?  As Caesar's son I ought to have ruled Rome; but the
+immortals knew what they were doing when they prompted my father to
+disinherit me.  To govern the world one must have less need of sleep.
+Really--you know it--I always feel tired, even when I am well.  People
+must let me alone!  Your father, too, Antyllus, is laying down his arms
+and letting things go as they will."
+
+"Ah, so he is!"  cried Antony's son indignantly.  "But just wait!  The
+sleeping lion will wake again, and, when he uses his teeth and paws--"
+
+"My mother will run away, and your father will follow her," replied
+Caesarion with a melancholy smile, wholly untinged by scorn.  "All is
+lost.  But conquered kings and queens are permitted to live.  Caesar's
+son will not be exhibited to the Quirites in the triumphal procession.
+Rhodon says that there would be an insurrection if I appeared in the
+Forum.  If I go there again, it certainly will not be in Octavianus's
+train.  I am not suited for that kind of ignominy.  It would stifle me
+and, ere I would grant any man the pleasure of dragging the son of Caesar
+behind him to increase his own renown, I would put an end--ten, nay, a
+hundred times over, in the good old Roman fashion, to my life, which is
+by no means especially attractive.  What is sweeter than sound sleep, and
+who will disturb and rouse me when Death has lowered his torch before me?
+But now I think I shall be spared this extreme.  Whatever else they may
+inflict upon me will scarcely exceed my powers of endurance.  If any one
+has learned contentment it is I.  The King of kings and Co-Regent of the
+Great Queen has been trained persistently, and with excellent success,
+to be content.  What should I be, and what am I?  Yet I do not complain,
+and wish to accuse no one.  We need not summon Octavianus, and when he is
+here let him take what he will if he only spares the lives of my mother,
+the twins, and little Alexander, whom I love, and bestows on me the
+estate--the main thing is that it must be full of fishponds--of which I
+spoke.  The private citizen Caesarion, who devotes his time to fishing
+and the books he likes to read, will gladly be allowed to choose a wife
+to suit his own taste.  The more humble her origin, the more easily I
+shall win the consent of the Roman guardian."
+
+"Do you know, Caesarion," interrupted Antony's unruly son, leaning back
+on the cushions and stretching his feet farther in front of him, "if you
+were not the King of kings I should be inclined to call you a base, mean-
+natured fellow!  One who has the good fortune to be the son of Julius
+Caesar ought not to forget it so disgracefully.  My gall overflows at
+your whimpering.  By the dog!  It was one of my most senseless pranks to
+take you to the singer.  I should think there would be other things to
+occupy the mind of the King of kings.  Besides, Barine cares no more
+for you than the last fish you caught.  She showed that plainly enough.
+I say once more, if Derketaeus's men succeed in capturing the beauty who
+has robbed you of your senses, she won't go with you to your miserable
+estate to cook the fish you catch, for if we have her again, and my
+father holds out his hand to her, all your labour will be in vain.  He
+saw the fair enchantress only twice, and had no time to become better
+acquainted, but she captured his fancy and, if I remind him of her, who
+knows what will happen?"
+
+Here Cleopatra beckoned to her companion and returned to her apartments
+with drooping head.  On reaching them, she broke the silence, saying:
+"Listening, Charmian, is unworthy of a Queen; but if all listeners heard
+things so painful, one need no longer guard keyholes and chinks of doors.
+I must recover my calmness ere I receive Eros.  One thing more.  Is
+Barine's hiding-place secure?"
+
+"I don't know--Archibius says so."
+
+"Very well.  They are searching for her zealously enough, as you heard,
+and she must not be found.  I am glad that she did not set a snare for
+the boy.  How a jealous heart leads us astray!  Were she here, I would
+grant her anything to make amends for my unjust suspicion of her and
+Antony.  And to think that Alexas--but for your interposition he would
+have succeeded--meant to send her to the mines!  It is a terrible warning
+to be on my guard.  Against whom?  First of all, my own weakness.  This
+is a day of recognition.  A noble aim, but on the way the feet bleed, and
+the heart--ah!  Charmian, the poor, weak, disappointed heart!"
+
+She sighed heavily, and supported her head on the arm resting upon the
+table at her side.  The polished, exquisitely grained surface of thya-
+wood was worth a large estate; the gems in the rings and bracelets which
+glittered on her hand and arm would have purchased a principality.  This
+thought entered her mind and, overpowered by a feeling of angry disgust,
+she would fain have cast all the costly rubbish into the sea or the
+destroying flames.
+
+She would gladly have been a beggar, content with the barley bread of
+Epicurus, she said to herself, if in return she could but have inspired
+her son even with the views of the reckless blusterer Antyllus.  Her
+worst fears had not pictured Caesarion so weak, so insignificant.  She
+could no longer rest upon her cushions; and while, with drooping head,
+she gazed backward over the past, the accusing voice in her own breast
+cried out that she was reaping what she had sowed.  She had repressed,
+curbed the boy's awakening will to secure his obedience; understood how
+to prevent any exercise of his ability or efforts in wider circles.
+
+True, it had been done on many a pretext.  Why should not her son taste
+the quiet happiness which she had enjoyed in the garden of Epicurus?  And
+was not the requirement that whoever is to command must first learn to
+obey, based upon old experiences?
+
+But this was a day of reckoning and insight, and for the first time she
+found courage to confess that her own burning ambition had marked out the
+course of Caesarion's education.  She had not repressed his talents from
+cool calculation, but it had been pleasant to her to see him grow up free
+from aspirations.  She had granted the dreamer repose without arousing
+him.  How often she had rejoiced over the certainty that this son, on
+whom Antony, after his victory over the Parthians, had bestowed the title
+of Co-Regent, would never rebel against his mother's guardianship!  The
+welfare of the state had doubtless been better secured in her trained
+hands than in those of an inexperienced boy.  And the proud consciousness
+of power!  Her heart swelled.  So long as she lived she would remain
+Queen.  To transfer the sovereignty to another, whatever name he might
+bear, had seemed to her impossible.  Now she knew how little her son
+yearned for lofty things.  Her heart contracted.  The saying "You reap
+what you sowed" gave her no peace, and wherever she turned in her past
+life she perceived the fruit of the seeds which she had buried in the
+ground.  The field was sinking under the burden of the ears of
+misfortune.  The harvest was ripe for the reaper; but, ere he raised the
+sickle, the owner's claim must be preserved.  Gorgias must hasten the
+building of the tomb; the end could not be long deferred.  How to shape
+this worthily, if the victor left her no other choice, had just been
+pointed out by the son of whom she was ashamed.  His father's noble blood
+forbade him to bear the deepest ignominy with the patience his mother had
+inculcated.
+
+It had grown late ere she admitted Antony's body-slave, but for her the
+business of the night was just commencing.  After he had gone she would
+be engaged for hours with the commanders of the army, the fleet, the
+fortifications.  The soliciting of allies, too, must be carried on by
+means of letters containing the most stirring appeals to the heart.
+
+Eros, Antony's body-slave, appeared.  His kind eyes filled with tears at
+the sight of the Queen.  Grief had not lessened the roundness of his
+handsome face, but the expression of mischievous, often insolent, gaiety
+had given place to a sorrowful droop of the lips, and his fair hair had
+begun to turn grey.
+
+Lucilius's information that Cleopatra had consented to make advances to
+Antony had seemed like the rising of the sun after a long period of
+darkness.  In his eyes, not only his master, but everything else, must
+yield to the power of the Queen.  He had heard Antony at Tarsus inveigh
+against "the Egyptian serpent," protesting that he would make her pay so
+dearly for her questionable conduct towards himself and the cause of
+Caesar that the treasure-houses on the Nile should be like an empty wine-
+skin; yet, a few hours after, body and soul had been in her toils.  So it
+had continued till the battle of Actium.  Now there was nothing more to
+lose; but what might not Cleopatra bestow upon his master?  He thought of
+the delightful years during which his face had grown so round, and every
+day fresh pleasures and spectacles, such as the world would never again
+witness, had satiated eye and ear, palate and nostril,--nay, even
+curiosity.  If they could be repeated, even in a simpler form, so much
+the better.  His main--nay, almost his sole-desire was to release his
+lord from this wretched solitude, this horrible misanthropy, so ill
+suited to his nature.
+
+Cleopatra had kept him waiting two hours, but he would willingly have
+loitered in the anteroom thrice as long if she only determined to follow
+his counsel.  It was worth considering, and Eros did not hesitate to give
+it.  No one could foresee how Antony would greet Cleopatra herself, so he
+proposed that she should send Charmian--not alone, but with her clever
+hunch-backed maid, to whom the Imperator himself had given the name
+"Aisopion."  He liked Charmian, and could never see the dusky maid
+without jesting with her.  If his master could once be induced to show a
+cheerful face to others besides himself, Eros, and perceived how much
+better it was to laugh than to lapse into sullen reverie and anger, much
+would be gained, and Charmian would do the rest, if she brought a loving
+message from her royal mistress.
+
+Hitherto Cleopatra had not interrupted him; but when she expressed the
+opinion that a slave's nimble tongue would have little power to change
+the deep despondency of a man overwhelmed by the most terrible disaster,
+Eros waved his short, broad hand, saying:
+
+"I trust your Majesty will pardon the frankness of a man so humble in
+degree, but those in high station often permit us to see what they hide
+from one another.  Only the loftiest and the lowliest, the gods and the
+slaves, behold the great without disguise.  May my ears be cropped if the
+Imperator's melancholy and misanthropy are so intense!  All this is a
+disguise which pleases him.  You know how, in better days, he enjoyed
+appearing as Dionysus, and with what wanton gaiety he played the part of
+the god.  Now he is hiding his real, cheerful face behind the mask of
+unsocial melancholy, because he thinks the former does not suit this time
+of misfortune.  True, he often says things which make your skin creep,
+and frequently broods mournfully over his own thoughts.  But this never
+lasts long when we are alone.  If I come in with a very funny story, and
+he doesn't silence me at once, you can rely on his surpassing it with
+a still more comical one.  A short time ago I reminded him of the fishing
+party when your Majesty had a diver fasten a salted herring on his hook.
+You ought to have heard him laugh, and exclaim what happy days those
+were.  The lady Charmian need only remind him of them, and Aisopion spice
+the allusion with a jest.  I'll give my nose--true, it's only a small
+one, but everybody values that feature most--if they don't persuade him
+to leave that horrible crow's nest in the middle of the sea.  They must
+remind him of the twins and little Alexander; for when he permits me to
+talk about them his brow smooths most speedily.  He still speaks very
+often to Lucilius and his other friends of his great plans of forming a
+powerful empire in the East, with Alexandria as its principal city.  His
+warrior blood is not yet calm.  A short time ago I was even ordered to
+sharpen the curved Persian scimitar he likes to wield.  One could not
+know what service it might be, he said.  Then he swung his mighty arm.
+By the dog!  The grey-haired giant still has the strength of three
+youths.  When he is once more with you, among warriors and battle
+chargers, all will be well."
+
+"Let us hope so."  replied Cleopatra kindly, and promised to follow his
+advice.
+
+When Iras, who had taken Charmian's place, accompanied the Queen to her
+chamber after several hours of toil, she found her silent and sad.  Lost
+in thought, she accepted her attendant's aid, breaking her silence only
+after she had gone to her couch.  "This has been a hard day, Iras," she
+said; "it brought nothing save the confirmation of an old saying, perhaps
+the most ancient in the world: 'Every one wilt reap only what he sows.
+The plant which grows from the seed you place in the earth may be
+crushed, but no power in the world will compel the seed to develop
+differently or produce fruit unlike what Nature has assigned to it.'
+My seed was evil.  This now appears in the time of harvest.  But we will
+yet bring a handful of good wheat to the storehouses.  We will provide
+for that while there is time.  I will talk with Gorgias early to-morrow
+morning.  While we were building, you showed good taste and often
+suggested new ideas.  When Gorgias brings the plans for the mausoleum you
+shall examine them with me.  You have a right to do so, for, if I am not
+mistaken, few will visit the finished structure more frequently than my
+Iras."
+
+The girl started up and, raising her hand as if taking a vow, exclaimed:
+"Your tomb will vainly wait my visit; your end will be mine also."
+
+"May the gods preserve your youth from it!" replied the Queen in a tone
+of grave remonstrance.  "We still live and will do battle."
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Epicurus, who believed that with death all things ended
+No,  she was not created to grow old
+Nothing in life is either great or small
+Priests: in order to curb the unruly conduct of the populace
+She would not purchase a few more years of valueless life
+To govern the world one must have less need of sleep
+What changes so quickly as joy and sorrow
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 8.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+Night brought little sleep to Cleopatra.  Memory followed memory, plan
+was added to plan.  The resolve made the day before was the right one.
+To-day she would begin its execution.  Whatever might happen, she was
+prepared for every contingency.
+
+Ere she went to her work she granted a second audience to the Roman
+envoy.  Timagenes exerted all his powers of eloquence, skill in
+persuasion, wit, and ingenuity.  He again promised to Cleopatra life and
+liberty, and to her children the throne; but when he insisted upon the
+surrender or death of Mark Antony as the first condition of any further
+negotiations, Cleopatra remained steadfast, and the ambassador set forth
+on his way home without any pledge.
+
+After he had gone, the Queen and Iras looked over the plans for the tomb
+brought by Gorgias, but the intense agitation of her soul distracted
+Cleopatra's attention, and she begged him to come again at a later hour.
+When she was alone, she took out the letters which Caesar and Antony had
+written to her.  How acute, subtle, and tender were those of the former;
+how ardent, impassioned, yet sincere were those of the mighty and fiery
+orator, whose eloquence swept the listening multitudes with him, yet whom
+her little hand had drawn wherever she desired!
+
+Her heart throbbed faster when she thought of the meeting with Antony,
+now close at hand; for Charmian had gone with the Nubian to invite him to
+join her again.  They had started several hours ago, and she awaited
+their return with increasing impatience.  She had summoned him for their
+last mutual battle.  That he would come she did not doubt.  But could she
+succeed in rekindling his courage?  Two persons so closely allied should
+sink and perish, still firmly united, in the final battle, if victory was
+denied.
+
+Archibius was now announced.
+
+It soothed her merely to gaze into the faithful countenance, which
+recalled so many of her happiest memories.
+
+She opened her whole soul to him without reserve, and he drew himself up
+to his full height, as if restored to youth; while when she told him that
+she would never sully herself by treachery to her lover and husband, and
+had resolved to die worthy of her name, the expression of his eyes
+revealed that she had chosen the right path.
+
+Ere she had made the request that he should undertake the education and
+guidance of the children, he voluntarily proposed to devote his best
+powers to them.  The plan of uniting Didymus's garden with the Lochias
+and giving it to the little ones also met with his approval.  His sister
+had already told him that Cleopatra had determined to build her tomb.  He
+hoped, he added, that its doors would not open to her for many years.
+
+She shook her head sorrowfully, exclaiming "Would that I could read every
+face as I do yours!  My friend Archibius wishes me a long life, if any
+one does; but he is as wise as he is faithful, and therefore will
+consider that earthly life is by no means a boon in every case.  Besides,
+he says to himself: 'Events are impending over this Queen and woman, my
+friend, which will perhaps render it advisable to make use of the great
+privilege which the immortals bestow on human beings when it becomes
+desirable for them to leave the stage of life.  So let her build her
+tomb.'  Have I read the old familiar book aright?"
+
+"On the whole, yes," he answered gravely.  "But it is inscribed upon its
+pages that a great princess and faithful mother can be permitted to set
+forth on the last journey, whence there is no return, only when--"
+
+"When," she interrupted, "a shameful end threatens to fall upon the fair
+beginning and brilliant middle period, as a swarm of locusts darkens the
+air and devours and devastates the fields.  I know it, and will act
+accordingly."
+
+"And," added Archibius, "this end also (faithful to your nature) you will
+shape regally.--On my way here I met my sister near the Choma.  You sent
+her to your husband.  He will grasp the proffered hand.  Now that it is
+necessary to stake everything or surrender, the grandson of Herakles will
+again display his former heroic power.  Perhaps, stimulated and
+encouraged by the example of the woman he loves, he will even force
+hostile Fate to show him fresh favour."
+
+"Destiny will pursue its course," interrupted Cleopatra firmly.  "But
+Antony must help me to heap fresh obstacles in the pathway, and when he
+wishes to use his giant strength, what masses of rock his mighty arm can
+hurl!"
+
+"And if your lofty spirit smooths the path for him, then, my royal
+mistress--"
+
+"Even then the close of the tragedy will be death, and every scene a
+disappointment.  Was not the plan of bringing the fleet across the
+isthmus bold and full of promise?  Even the professional engineers
+greeted it with applause, and yet it proved impracticable.  Destiny dug
+its grave.  And the terrible omens before and after Actium, and the
+stars--the stars!  Everything points to speedy destruction, everything!
+Every hour brings news of the desertion of some prince or general.  As if
+from a watch-tower, I now overlook what is growing from the seed I sowed.
+Sterile ears or poisonous vegetation, wherever I turn my eyes.  And yet!
+You, who know my life from its beginning, tell me--must I veil my head in
+shame when the question is asked, what powers of intellect, what talents
+industry, and desire for good Cleopatra displayed?"
+
+"No, my royal mistress, a thousand times no!"
+
+"Yet the fruit of every tree I planted degenerated and decayed.
+Caesarion is withering in the flower of his youth--by whose fault I know
+only too well.  You will now take charge of the education of the other
+children.  So it is for you to consider what brought me where I now
+stand, and how to guard their life-bark from wandering and shipwreck."
+
+"Let me train them to be human beings," replied Archibius gravely, "and
+preserve them from the desire to enter the lists with the gods.  From the
+simple Cleopatra in the garden of Epicurus, who was a delight to the good
+and wise, you became the new Isis, to whom the multitude raised hearts,
+eyes, and hands, dazzled and blinded.  We will transfer the twins, Helios
+and Selene, the sun and the moon, from heaven to earth; they must become
+mortals--Greeks.  I will not transplant them to the garden of Epicurus,
+but to another, where the air is more bracing.  The inscription on its
+portals shall not be, 'Here pleasure is the chief good,' but 'This is an
+arena for character.'  He who leaves this garden shall not owe to it the
+yearning for happiness and comfort, but an immovably steadfast moral
+discipline.  Your children, like yourself, were born in the East, which
+loves what is monstrous, superhuman, exaggerated.  If you entrust them to
+me, they must learn to govern themselves.  At the helm stands moral
+earnestness, which, however, does not exclude the joyous cheerfulness
+natural to our people; the sails will be trimmed by moderation, the
+noblest quality of the Greek nation."
+
+"I understand,"  Cleopatra interrupted, with drooping head.  "Interwoven
+with the means of securing the children's welfare, you set before the
+mother's eyes the qualities she has lacked.  I know that long ago you
+abandoned the teachings of Epicurus and the Stoa, and with an earnest aim
+before your eyes sought your own paths.  The tempest of life swept me far
+away from the quiet garden where we sought the purest delight.  Now I
+have learned to know the perils which threaten those who see the chief
+good in happiness.  It stands too high for mortals, for in the changeful
+stir of life it remains unattainable, and yet it is too low an aim for
+their struggles, for there are worthier objects.  Yet one saying of
+Epicurus we both believed, and it has always stood us in good stead:
+'Wisdom can obtain no more precious contribution to the happiness of
+mortal life than the possession of friendship.'"
+
+She held out her hand as she spoke, and while, deeply agitated, he raised
+it to his lips, she went on: "You know I am on the eve of the last
+desperate battle--if the gods will--shoulder to shoulder with Antony.
+Therefore I shall not be permitted to watch your work of education; yet I
+will aid it.  When the children question you about their mother, you will
+be obliged to restrain yourself from saying: 'Instead of striving for the
+painless peace of mind, the noble pleasure of Epicurus, which once seemed
+to her the highest good, she constantly pursued fleeting amusements.  The
+Oriental recklessly squandered her once noble gifts of intellect and the
+wealth of her people, yielded to the hasty impulses of her passionate
+nature.'  But you shall also say to them: 'Your mother's heart was full
+of ardent love, she scorned what was base, strove for the highest goal,
+and when she fell, preferred death to treachery and disgrace.'"
+
+Here she paused, for she thought she heard footsteps approaching, and
+then exclaimed anxiously: "I am waiting--expecting.  Perhaps Antony
+cannot escape from the paralyzing grasp of despair.  To fight the last
+battle without him, and yet under the gaze of his wrathful, gloomy eyes,
+once so full of sunshine, would be the greatest sorrow of my life.
+Archibius, I may confess this to you, the friend who saw love for this
+man develop in the breast of the child--But what does this mean?  An
+uproar!  Have the people rebelled?  Yesterday the representatives  of the
+priesthood, the members of the museum, and the leaders of the army
+assured me of their changeless fidelity and love.  Dion belonged to the
+Macedonian men of the Council; yet I have already declared, in accordance
+with the truth, that I never intended to persecute him on Caesarion's
+account.  I do not even know--and do not desire to know the refuge of the
+lately wedded pair.  Or has the new tax levied, the command to seize the
+treasures of the temple, driven them to extremities?  What am I to do?
+We need gold to bid the foe defiance, to preserve the independence of the
+throne, the country, and the people.  Or have tidings from Rome?  It is
+becoming serious--and the noise is growing louder."
+
+"Let me see what they want," Archibius anxiously interrupted, hastening
+to the door; but just at that moment the Introducer opened it, crying,
+"Mark Antony is approaching the Lochias, attended by half Alexandria!"
+
+"The noble Imperator is returning!" fell from the bearded lips of the
+commander of the guard, ere the courtier's words had died away; and even
+while he spoke Iras pressed past him, shrieking as if half frantic: "He
+is coming!  He is here!  I knew he would come!  How they are shouting and
+cheering!  Out with you, men!  If you are willing, my royal mistress, we
+will greet him from the balcony of Berenike.  If we only had--"
+
+"The  twins--little Alexander!"  interrupted Cleopatra, with blanched
+face and faltering voice.  "Put on their festal garments."
+
+"Quick--the children, Zoe!" cried Iras, completing the order and clapping
+her hands.  Then she turned to the Queen with the entreaty: "Be calm, my
+royal mistress, be calm, I beseech you.  We have ample time.  Here is the
+vulture crown of Isis, and here the other.  Antony's slave, Eros, has
+just come in, panting for breath.  The Imperator, he says, will appear as
+the new Dionysus.  It would certainly please his master--though he had
+not commissioned him to request it--if you greeted him as the new Isis.
+--Help me, Hathor.  Nephoris, tell the usher to see that the fan-bearers
+and the other attendants, women and men, are in their places.--Here are
+the pearl and diamond necklaces for your throat and bosom.  Take care
+of the robe.  The transparent bombyx is as delicate as a cobweb, and if
+you tear it  No, you must not refuse.  We all know how it pleases him to
+see his goddess in divine majesty and beauty."  Cleopatra, with glowing
+cheeks and throbbing heart, made no further objection to donning the
+superb festal robe, strewn with glimmering pearls and glittering gems.
+It would have been more in harmony with her feelings to meet the
+returning Antony in the plain, dark garb which, since her arrival at
+home, she had exchanged for a richer one only on festal occasions; but
+Antony was coming as the new Dionysus, and Eros knew what would please
+his master.
+
+Eight nimble hands, which were often aided by Iras's skilful fingers,
+toiled busily, and soon the latter could hold up the mirror before
+Cleopatra, exclaiming from the very depths of her heart, "Like the foam-
+born Aphrodite and the golden Hathor!"
+
+Then Iras, who, in adorning her beloved mistress, had forgotten love,
+hate, and envy, and amid her eager haste barely found time for a brief,
+fervent prayer for a happy issue of this meeting, threw the broad
+folding-doors as wide as if she were about to reveal to the worshippers
+in the temple the image of the god in the innermost sanctuary.
+
+A long, echoing shout of surprise and delight greeted the Queen, for the
+courtiers, hastily summoned, were already awaiting her without, from the
+grey-haired epistolograph to the youngest page.  Regally attired women in
+her service raised the floating train of her cloak; others, in sacerdotal
+robes, were testing the ease of movement of the rings on the sistrum
+rods, men and boys were forming into lines according to the rank of each
+individual, and the chief fan-bearer gave the signal for departure.
+After a short walk through several halls and corridors, the train reached
+the first court-yard of the palace, and there ascended the few steps
+leading to the broad platform at the entrance-gate which overlooked the
+whole Bruchium and the Street of the King, down which the expected hero
+would approach.
+
+The distant uproar of the multitude had sounded threatening, but now,
+amid the deafening din, they could distinguish every shout of welcome,
+every joyous greeting, every expression of delight, surprise, applause,
+admiration, and homage, known to the Greek and Egyptian tongues.
+
+Only the centre and end of the procession were visible.  The head had
+reached the Corner of the Muses, where, concealed by the old trees in the
+garden, it moved on between the Temple of Isis and the land owned by
+Didymus.  The end still extended to the Choma, whence it had started.
+
+All Alexandria seemed to have joined it.
+
+Men large and small, of high and low degree, old and young, the lame and
+the crippled, mingled with the throng, sweeping onward among horses and
+carriages, carts and beasts of burden, like a mountain torrent dashing
+wildly down to the valley.  Here a loud shriek rang from an overturned
+litter, whose bearers had fallen.  Yonder a child thrown to the ground
+screamed shrilly, there a dog trodden under the feet of the crowd howled
+piteously.  So clear and resonant were the shouts of joy that they rose
+high above the flutes and tambourines, the cymbals and lutes of the
+musicians, who followed the man approaching in the robes of a god.
+
+The head of the procession now passed beyond the Corner of the Muses and
+came within view of the platform.
+
+There could be no doubt to whom this ovation was given, for the returning
+hero was in the van, high above all the other figures.  From the golden
+throne borne on the shoulders of twelve black slaves he waved his long
+thyrsus in greeting to the exulting multitude.  Before the bacchanalian
+train which accompanied him, and behind the musicians who followed,
+moved two elephants bearing between them, as a light burden, some
+unrecognizable object covered with a purple cloth.  Now the column had
+passed between the pylons through the lofty gateway which separated the
+palace from the Street of the King, and stopped opposite to the platform.
+
+While officials, Scythians, and body-guards of all shades of complexion,
+on foot and on horseback, kept back the throng by force where friendly
+warning did not avail, Cleopatra saw her lover descend from the throne
+and give a signal to the Indian slave who guided the elephants.  The
+cloth was flung aside, revealing to the astonished eyes of the spectators
+a bouquet of flowers such as no Alexandrian had ever beheld.  It
+consisted entirely of blossoming rose-bushes.  The red flowers formed a
+circle in the centre, surrounded by a broad light garland of white ones.
+The whole gigantic work rested like an egg in its cup in a holder of palm
+fronds which, as it were, framed it in graceful curving outlines.  More
+than a thousand blossoms were united in this peerless bouquet, and the
+singular gigantic gift was characteristic of its giver.
+
+He advanced on foot to the platform, his figure towering above the brown,
+light-hued, and black freedmen and slaves who followed as, on the
+monuments of the Pharaohs, the image of the sovereign dominates those of
+the subjects and foes.
+
+He could look down upon the tallest men, and the width of his shoulders
+was as remarkable as his colossal height.  A long, gold-broidered purple
+mantle, floating to his ancles, increased his apparent stature.  Powerful
+arms, with the swelling muscles of an athlete, were extended from his
+sleeveless robe towards the beloved Queen.
+
+The well-formed head, thick dark hair, and magnificent beard corresponded
+with the powerful figure.  Formerly these locks had adorned the head of
+the youth with the blue-black hue of the raven's plumage; now the threads
+of grey scattered abundantly through them were concealed by the aid of
+dye.  A thick wreath of vine leaves rested on the Imperator's brow, and
+leafy vine branches, to which clung several dark bunches of grapes, fell
+over his broad shoulders and down his back, which was covered like a
+cloak, not by a leopard-skin, but that of a royal Indian tiger of great
+size--he had slain it himself in the arena.  The head and paws of the
+animal were gold, the eyes two magnificent sparkling sapphires.  The
+clasp of the chain, by which the skin was suspended, as well as that of
+the gold belt which circled the Imperator's body above the hips, was
+covered with rubies and emeralds.  The wide armlets above his elbows, the
+ornaments on his broad breast, nay, even his red morocco boots, glittered
+and flashed with gems.
+
+Radiant magnificent as his former fortunes seemed the attire of this
+mighty fallen hero, who but yesterday had shrunk timidly and sadly from
+the eyes of his fellow-men.  His features, too, were large, noble, and
+beautiful in outline; but, though his pale cheeks were adorned with the
+borrowed crimson of youth, half a century of the maddest pursuit of
+pleasure and the torturing excitement of the last few weeks had left
+traces only too visible; for the skin hung in loose bags beneath the
+large eyes; wrinkles furrowed his brow and radiated in slanting lines
+from the corners of his eyes across his temples.
+
+Yet not one of those whom this bedizened man of fifty was approaching
+thought of seeing in him an aged, bedecked dandy; it was an instinct of
+his nature to surround himself with pomp and splendour and, moreover, his
+whole appearance was so instinct with power that scorn and mockery shrank
+abashed before it.
+
+How frank, gracious, and kindly was this man's face, how sincere the
+heart-felt emotion which sparkled in his eyes, still glowing with the
+fire of youth, at the sight of the woman from whom he had been so long
+parted!  Every feature beamed with the most ardent tenderness for the
+royal wife whom he was approaching, and the expression on the lips of the
+giant varied so swiftly from humble, sorrowful anguish of mind to
+gratitude and delight, that even the hearts of his foes were touched.
+But when, pressing his hand on his broad breast, he advanced towards the
+Queen, bending so low that it seemed as if he would fain kiss her feet,
+when in fact the colossal figure did sink kneeling before her, and the
+powerful arms were outstretched with fervent devotion like a child
+beseeching help, the woman who had loved him throughout her whole life
+with all the ardour of her passionate soul was overpowered by the feeling
+that everything which stood between them, all their mutual offences, had
+vanished.  He saw the sunny smile that brightened her beloved, ever-
+beautiful face, and then--then his own name reached his ears from the
+lips to which he owed the greatest bliss love had ever offered.  At last,
+as if intoxicated by the tones of her voice, which seemed to him more
+musical than the songs of the Muses; half smiling at the jest which, even
+in the most serious earnest, he could not abandon; half moved to the
+depths of his soul by the power of his newly awakening happiness after
+such sore sorrow, he pointed to the gigantic bouquet, which three slaves
+had lifted down from the elephant and were bearing to the Queen.
+Cleopatra, too, was overwhelmed with emotion.
+
+This floral gift imitated, on an immense scale, the little bouquet which
+the famous young general had taken from her father's hand before the gate
+of the garden of Epicurus to present to her as his first gift.  That had
+also been composed of red roses, surrounded by white ones.  Instead of
+palm fronds, it had been encircled only by fern leaves.  This was one of
+the beautiful offerings which Antony's gracious nature so well understood
+how to choose.  The bouquet was a symbol of the unprecedented generosity
+natural to this large-minded man.  No magic goblet had compelled him to
+approach her thus and with such homage.  Nothing had constrained him,
+save his overflowing heart, his constant, fadeless love.
+
+As if restored to youth, transported by some magic spell to the happy
+days of early girlhood, she forgot her royal dignity and the hundreds of
+eyes which rested upon him as if spell-bound; and, obedient to an
+irresistible impulse of the heart, she sank upon the broad, heaving
+breast of the kneeling hero.  Laughing joyously in the clear, silvery
+tones which are usually heard only in youth, he clasped her in his strong
+arms, raised her slender figure in its floating royal mantle from the
+ground, kissed her lips and eyes, held her aloft in the soaring attitude
+of the Goddess of Victory, as if to display his happiness to the eyes of
+all, and at last placed her carefully on her feet again like some
+treasured jewel.
+
+Then, turning to the children, who were waiting at their mother's side,
+he lifted first little Alexander, then the twins, to kiss them; and,
+while holding Helios and Selene in his arms, as if the joy of seeing them
+again had banished their weight, the shouts which had arisen when the
+Queen sank on his breast again burst forth.
+
+The ancient walls of the Lochias palace had never heard such
+acclamations.  They passed from lip to lip, from hundreds to hundreds
+and, though those more distant did not know the cause, they joined in the
+shouts.  Along the whole vast stretch from the Lochias to the Choma the
+cheers rang out like a single, heart-stirring, inseparable cry, echoing
+across the harbour, the ships lying at anchor, the towering masts, to the
+cliff amid the sea where Barine was nursing her new-made husband.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part
+of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner
+of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.
+It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since
+rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the
+neighbouring cliffs.  Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so
+hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to
+bring even the drinking-water from the continent.
+
+This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles,
+had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.
+They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on
+their arrival.  During the day the sun beat fiercely down upon the yellow
+chalky rock.  There was no shade save in the house and at the foot of a
+towering cliff in the southern part of the island, the fishermen's watch-
+tower.
+
+There were no works of human hands save a little Temple of Poseidon, an
+altar of Isis, the large house owned by Pyrrhus, solidly constructed by
+Alexandrian masons, and a smaller one for the freedman's married sons and
+their families.  A long wooden frame, on which nets were strung to dry,
+rose on the shore.  Near it, towards the north, in the open sea, was the
+anchorage of the larger sea-going ships and the various skiffs and boats
+of the fisher folk.  Dionikos, Pyrrhus's youngest son, who was still
+unmarried, built new boats and repaired the old ones.
+
+His two strong, taciturn brothers, with their wives and children, his
+father Pyrrhus, his wife and their youngest child, a daughter, Dione, a
+few dogs, cats, and chickens, composed the population of the Serpent
+Island.
+
+Such were the surroundings of the newly wedded pair, who had been reared
+in the capital.  At first many things were strange to them, but they
+accommodated themselves to circumstances with a good grace, and both had
+admitted to each other, long before, that life had never been so equable
+and peaceful.
+
+During the first week Dion's wound and fever still harassed him, but the
+prediction of Pyrrhus that the pure, fresh sea-air would benefit the
+sufferer had been fulfilled, and the monotonous days had passed swiftly
+enough to the young bride in caring for the invalid.
+
+The wife of Pyrrhus--"mother," as they all called her--had proved to be a
+skilful nurse, and her daughters-in-law and young Dione were faithful and
+nimble assistants.  During the time of anxiety and nursing, Barine had
+formed a warm friendship for them.  If the taciturn men avoided using a
+single unnecessary word, the women were all the more ready to gossip; and
+it was a pleasure to talk to pretty Dione, who had grown up on the island
+and was eager to hear about the outside world.
+
+Dion had long since left his couch and the house, and each day looked
+happier, more content with himself and his surroundings.  At first his
+feverish visions had shown him his dead mother, pointing anxiously at his
+new-made wife, as if to warn him against her.  During his convalescence
+he remembered them and they conjured up the doubt whether Barine could
+endure the solitude of this desolate cliff, whether she would not lose
+the bright serenity of soul whose charm constantly increased.  Would it
+be any marvel if she should pine with longing in this solitude, and even
+suffer physically from their severe privations?
+
+The perception that love now supplied the place of all which she had lost
+pleased him, but he forbade himself to expect that this condition of
+affairs could be lasting.  Nothing save exaggerated self-conceit would
+induce the hope.  But he must have undervalued his own power of
+attraction--or Barine's love--for with each passing week the cheerful
+serenity of her disposition gained fresh steadfastness and charm.  He,
+too, had the same experience; it was long since he had felt so vigorous,
+untrammelled, and free from care.  His sole regret was the impossibility
+of sharing the political life of the city at this critical period; and at
+times he felt some little anxiety concerning the fate and management of
+his property, though, even if his estates were confiscated, he would
+still retain a competence which he had left in the hands of a trustworthy
+money-changer.  Barine shared everything that concerned him, even these
+moods, and this led him to tell her about the affairs of the city and the
+state, in which she had formerly taken little interest, his property in
+Alexandria and the provinces.  With what glad appreciation she listened,
+when she went out with him from the northern anchorage on the open sea,
+or sat during long winter evenings making nets, an art which she had
+learned from Dione!
+
+Her lute had been sent to her from the city, and what pleasure her
+singing afforded her husband and herself; how joyously their hosts, old
+and young, listened to the melody!
+
+A few book-rolls had also come, and Dion enjoyed discussing their
+contents with Barine.  He himself read very little, for he was rarely
+indoors during the day.  The fourth week after his arrival he was able to
+aid, with arms whose muscles had been steeled in the pakestra, the men in
+their fishing, and Dionikos in his boat-building.
+
+The close, constant, uninterrupted companionship of the married pair
+revealed to each unexpected treasures in the other, which, perhaps, might
+have remained forever concealed in city life.  Here each was everything
+to the other, and this undisturbed mutual life soon inspired that
+blissful consciousness of inseparable union which usually appears only
+after years, as the fairest fruit of a marriage founded on love.
+
+Doubtless there were hours when Barine longed to see her mother and
+others who were dear to her, but the letters which arrived from time to
+time prevented this yearning from becoming a source of actual pain.
+
+Prudence required them to restrict their intercourse with the city.  But,
+whenever Pyrrhus went to market, letters reached the island delivered at
+the fish auction in the harbour by Anukis, Charmian's Nubian maid, to the
+old freedman, who had become her close friend.
+
+So the time came when Dion could say without self-deception that Barine
+was content in this solitude, and that his love and companionship
+supplied the place of the exciting, changeful life of the capital.
+Though letters came from her mother, sister, or Charmian, her
+grandfather, Gorgias, or Archibius, not one transformed the wish to leave
+her desolate hiding-place into actual homesickness, but each brought
+fresh subjects for conversation, and among them many which, by arousing
+the interest of both, united them more firmly.
+
+The second month of their flight a letter arrived from Archibius, in
+which he informed them that they might soon form plans for their return,
+for Alexas, the Syrian, had proved a malicious traitor.  He had not
+performed the commission entrusted to him of winning Herod to Antony's
+cause, but treacherously deserted his patron and remained with the King
+of the Jews.  When, with unprecedented shamelessness, he sought
+Octavianus to sell the secrets of his Egyptian benefactor, he was
+arrested and executed in his own home, Laodicea.
+
+Now, their friend continued, Cleopatra's eyes as well as her husband's
+were opened to the true character of Barine's most virulent accuser.  The
+influence of Philostratus, too, was of course destroyed by his brother's
+infamous deed.  Yet they must wait a little longer; for Caesarion had
+joined the Ephebi, and Antyllus had been invested with the toga virilis.
+They could now undertake many things independently, and Caesarion often
+made remarks which showed that he would not cease to lay plots for
+Barine.
+
+Dion feared nothing from the royal boy on his own account, but for his
+wife's sake he dared not disregard his friend's warning.  This was hard;
+for though he still felt happy on the island, he longed to install the
+woman he loved in his own house, and every impulse of his nature urged
+him to be present at the meetings of the Council in these fateful times.
+Therefore he was more than ready to risk returning to the city, but
+Barine entreated him so earnestly not to exchange the secure happiness
+they enjoyed here for a greater one, behind which might lurk the heaviest
+misfortune, that he yielded.  Another letter from Charmian soon proved
+the absolute necessity of continuing to exercise caution.
+
+Even from the island they could perceive that everything known as festal
+pleasure was rife in Alexandria, and bore along in its mad revelry the
+court and the citizens.  When the wind blew from the south, it brought
+single notes of inspiring music or indistinct sounds of the wildest
+popular rejoicing.
+
+The fisherman's daughter, Dione, often called them to the strand to
+admire the galleys adorned with fabulous splendour, garlanded with
+flowers, and echoing with the music of lutes and the melody of songs.
+Sails of purple embroidered silk bore the vessels over the smooth tide.
+Once the watchers even distinguished, upon a barge richly adorned with
+gilded carving, young female slaves who, with floating hair and
+transparent sea-green robes, handled, in the guise of Nereids, light
+sandal-wood oars with golden blades.  Often the breeze bore to the island
+the perfumes which surrounded the galleys, and on calm nights the
+magnificent ships, surrounded by the magical illumination of many-hued
+lamps, swept across the mirror-like surface of the waves, Among the
+voyagers were gods, goddesses, and heroes who, standing or reclining in
+beautiful groups, represented scenes from the myths and history.  On the
+deck of the Queen's superb vessel guests crowned with wreaths lay on
+purple couches, under garlands of flowers, eating choice viands and
+draining golden wine-cups.
+
+On other nights the illumination of the shore of the Bruchium rendered it
+as bright as day.  The huge dome of the Serapeum on the Rhakotis, covered
+with lamps, towered above the flat roofs of the city like the starry
+firmament of a smaller world which had descended to earth.  Every temple
+and palace was transformed into a giant candelabrum, and the rows of
+lamps on the quay stretched like tendrils of light from the dazzlingly
+illuminated marble Temple of Poseidon to the palace at Lochias, steeped
+in radiance.
+
+When Pyrrhus or one of his sons returned from market they described the
+festivals and shows, banquets, races, and endless pleasure excursions
+arranged by the court, which made the citizens fairly hold their breath.
+It was a prosperous time for the fishermen; the Queen's cooks took all
+their wares and paid a liberal price.
+
+January had come, when another letter arrived from Charmian.  Dion and
+Barine had watched in vain for any unusual events on Cleopatra's birth
+day, but on Antony's, a few days later, there was plenty of music and
+shouting, and in the evening an unusually magnificent illumination.
+
+Two days after, this letter was delivered to Pyrrhus by his dusky friend
+Anukis.
+
+Her inquiry whether he thought it prudent to convey visitors to his
+guests was answered in the negative, for since Octavianus had been in
+Asia, the harbour swarmed with the boats of spies, and a single act of
+imprudence might bring ruin.
+
+Charmian's letter, too, was even better calculated to curb Dion's
+increasing desire to return home than the fisherman's warning.
+
+True, the beginning contained good news of Barine's relatives, and then
+informed Dion that his uncle, the Keeper of the Seal, was fairly
+revelling in bliss.  His inventive gifts were taxed more than ever.
+Every day brought a festival, every night magnificent banquets.  One
+spectacle, excursion, or hunting party followed another.  In the
+theatres, the Odeum, the Hippodrome, no more brilliant performances,
+races, naval battles, gladiatorial struggles, and combats between beasts
+had been given, even before Actium.  Dion himself had formerly attended
+the entertainments of those who belonged to the court circle, the society
+of "Inimitable Livers."  It had been revived again, but Antony called
+them the "Comrades of Death."  This was significant.  Every one knows
+that the end is drawing near, and imitates the Pharaoh to whom the oracle
+promised six years of life, and who convicted it of falsehood and made
+them twelve by carousing during the night also.
+
+The Queen's meeting with her husband, which she had previously reported,
+had been magnificent.  "At that time," she wrote, "we hoped that a more
+noble life would begin, and Mark Antony, awakened and elevated by his
+rekindled love, would regain his former heroic power; but we were
+mistaken; Cleopatra, it is true, toiled unceasingly, but her lover with
+his enormous bunch of roses gave the signal for the maddest revelry which
+the imagination of the wildest devotee of pleasure could conceive.  The
+performances of the Inimitable Livers were far surpassed by those of the
+"Comrades of Death."
+
+"Antony is at their head, and he, whose giant frame resists even the most
+unprecedented demands, succeeds in stupefying himself and forgetting the
+impending ruin.  When he comes to us after a night of revelry his eyes
+sparkle as brightly, his deep voice has as clear a ring, as at the
+beginning of the banquet.  The Queen is his goddess; and who could remain
+unmoved when the giant bows obediently to the nod of his delicate
+sovereign, and devises and offers the most unprecedented things to win a
+smile from her lips?  The changeful, impetuous wooing of youth lies far
+behind him, but his homage, which the Ephebi of today would perhaps term
+antiquated, has always seemed to me as if a mountain were bending before
+a star.  The stranger who sees her in his company believes her a happy
+woman.  Amid the fabulous radiance of the festal array, when all who
+surround her admire, worship, and strew flowers in her path, one might
+believe that the old sunny days had returned; but when we are alone, how
+rarely I see her smile!  Then she plans for the tomb which, under
+Gorgias's direction, is rapidly rising, and considers with him the best
+method of rendering it an inaccessible place of retreat.
+
+"She decided everything, down to the carving on the stone sarcophagi.  In
+addition, there are to be rooms and chambers in the lower story for the
+reception of her treasures.  Beneath them she has had corridors made for
+the pitch and straw which, if the worst should come, are to be lighted.
+She will then give to the flames the gold and silver, gems and jewels,
+ebony and ivory, the costly spices--in short, all her valuables.  The
+pearls alone are worth many kingdoms.  Who can blame her if she prefers
+to destroy them rather than leave them for the foe"
+
+"The garden in which you grew up, Barine, is now the scene of the happy,
+busy life led by Alexander and the twins.  There, under my brother's
+guidance, they frolic, build, and dig.  Cleopatra goes to it whenever she
+longs for repose after the pursuit of pleasures which have lost their
+zest.
+
+"When, the  day  before  yesterday, Antony, crowned with ivy as the new
+Dionysus, drove up the Street of the King in the golden chariot drawn by
+tamed lions, to bring her, the new Isis, from the Lochias in a lotus
+flower made of silver and white paste, drawn by four snow-white steeds,
+she pointed to the glittering train and said: 'Between the quiet of the
+philosopher's garden, where I began my life and still feel most at ease,
+and the grave, where nothing disturbs my last repose, stretches the
+Street of the King, with this deafening tumult, this empty splendour.  It
+is mine.'
+
+"O child, it was very different in former days!  She loved Mark Antony
+with passionate ardour.  He was the first man in the world, and yet he
+bowed before the supremacy of her will.  The longing of the awakening
+heart, the burning ambition which already kindled the soul of the child,
+had alike found satisfaction, and the world beheld how the mortal woman,
+Cleopatra, for her lover and herself, could steep this meagre life with
+the joys of the immortals.  He was grateful for them, and the most
+generous of men laid at the feet of the 'Great Queen of the East' the
+might of Rome and the kings of two quarters of the globe.
+
+"These years were spent by both in one long revel.  His marriage with
+Octavia brought the first awakening.  It was hard and painful.  He had
+not deserted Cleopatra for a woman's sake, but on account of his
+endangered power and sovereignty.  But the unloved Octavia constrained
+him to look up to her with respectful admiration--nay, she became dear to
+him.
+
+"A fierce battle for him and his heart arose between the two.  It was
+fought with very different weapons, and Cleopatra conquered.  The revel,
+the dream began again.  Then came Actium, the disenchantment, the
+awakening, the fall, the flight from the world.  Our object was not to
+let him relapse into intoxication, to rouse the hero's strength and
+courage from their slumber, render him for love's sake a fellow-combatant
+in the common cause.
+
+"But he had become accustomed to see in her the giver of ecstasy.  The
+only thing that he still desired was to drain the cup of pleasure in her
+society till all was over.  She sees this, grieves over it, and leaves no
+means of rousing him to fresh energy untried; yet how rarely he rallies
+his powers to earnest labour!
+
+"While she is fortifying the mouths of the Nile and the frontiers of the
+country, building ship after ship, arming and negotiating, she can not
+resist him when he summons her to new pleasures.
+
+"Though so many of the traits which rendered him great and noble have
+vanished, she can not give up the old love and clings steadfastly to him
+because, because--I know not why.  A woman's loving heart does not
+question motives and laws.  Besides, he is the father of her children
+and, in playing with them, he regains the old joyousness of mood so
+enthralling to the heart.
+
+"Since Archibius has taken charge of them, they can dispense with
+Euphronion, their tutor.  The clever man knows Rome, Octavianus, and
+those who surround him, so he was chosen as an envoy.  His object was to
+induce the conqueror to transfer the sovereignty of Egypt to the boys
+Antonius Helios, and Alexander, but Caesar vouchsafed no answer to the
+mediator in Antony's affairs--nay, did not even grant him an audience.
+
+"To Cleopatra Octavianus promised friendly treatment, and the fulfilment
+of her wish concerning the boys if--and now came the repetition of the
+old demand--she would put Antony out of the world or deliver him into his
+hands.
+
+"This demand, which contains base treachery, was impossible for her noble
+soul.  Since she had resolved to build the tomb, granting it became
+impossible, yet Octavianus made every effort to tempt her to the base
+deed.  True, the death of this one man would have spared much bloodshed.
+The Caesar knows how to choose his tools.  He sent here as negotiator a
+clever young man, who possessed great charms of mind and person.  No plan
+to prejudice the Queen against her husband and persuade her to commit the
+treachery was left untried.  He went so far as to assure Cleopatra that
+in former years she had won the Caesar's heart, and that he still loved
+her.  She accepted these assurances at their true value and remained
+steadfast.
+
+"Antony at first paid no heed to the intriguer.  But when he learned what
+means he employed, and especially how he made use of the surrender of one
+of Caesar's murderers, which he himself had long regretted, to brand him
+as an ungrateful traitor, he would not have been Mark Antony if he had
+accepted it quietly.  He was completely his old self when he ordered the
+smooth fellow--who, however, had come as the ambassador of the mighty
+victor--to be scourged, sent him back to Rome, and wrote a letter to
+Octavianus, in which he complained of the man's arrogance and
+presumption, adding--spite of my heavy heart I can not help smiling when
+I think of it--that misfortune had rendered him unusually irritable; yet
+if his action perhaps displeased Caesar, he might treat his freedman
+Hipparchus, who was in his power, as he had served Thyrsus!
+
+"You see that his gay arrogance has not deserted him.  Trouble slips away
+from him as rain is shaken from the coarse military cloak which he wore
+in the Parthian war, and therefore it cannot exert its purifying power.
+
+"When we consider that, a few years ago, this man, as it were, doubled
+himself when peril was most threatening, his conduct now, on the eve of
+the decisive struggle, is intelligible only to those who know him as we
+do.  If he fights, he will no longer do so to save himself, or even to
+conquer, but to die an honourable death.  If he still enjoys the
+pleasures offered, he believes that he can thus mitigate for himself the
+burden of defeat, and diminish the grandeur of the conqueror's victory.
+In the eyes of the world, at least, a man who can still revel like Antony
+is only half vanquished.  Yet the lofty tone of his mind was lowered.
+The surrender of the murderer of Caesar--his name was Turullius--proves
+it.
+
+"And this, Barine--tell your husband so--this is what fills me with
+anxiety and compels me to entreat you not to think of returning home yet.
+
+"Antony is now the jovial companion of his son, and permits Antyllus to
+share all his own pleasures.  Of course, he heard of Caesarion's passion,
+and is disposed to help the poor fellow.  He has often said that nothing
+would better serve to rouse the dreamer from torpor than your charming
+vivacity.  As the earth could scarcely have swallowed you up, you would
+be found; he, too, should be glad to hear you sing again.  I know that
+search will be made for you.
+
+"How imperiously this state of affairs requires you to exercise caution
+needs no explanation.  On the other hand, you may find comfort in the
+tidings that Cleopatra intends to send Caesarion with his tutor Rhodon to
+Ethiopia, by way of the island of Philae.  Archibius heard through
+Timagenes that Octavianus considers the son of Caesar, whose face so
+wonderfully resembles his father's, a dangerous person, and this opinion
+is the boy's death-warrant.  Antyllus, too, is going on a journey.  His
+destination is Asia, where he is to seek to propitiate Octavianus and
+make him new offers.  As you know, he was betrothed to his daughter
+Julia.  The Queen ceased long ago to believe in the possibility of
+victory, yet, spite of all the demands of the "Comrades of Death" and
+her own cares, she toils unweariedly in preparing for the defence of the
+country.  She is doubtless the only member of that society who thinks
+seriously of the approaching end.
+
+"Now that the tomb is rising, she ponders constantly upon death.  She,
+who was taught by Epicurus to strive for freedom from pain and is so
+sensitive to the slightest bodily suffering, is still seeking a path
+which, with the least agony, will lead to the eternal rest for which she
+longs.  Iras and the younger pupils of Olympus are aiding her.  The old
+man furnishes all sorts of poisons, which she tries upon various animals
+--nay, recently even on criminals sentenced to death.  All these
+experiments seem to prove that the bite of the uraeus serpent, whose
+image on the Egyptian crown symbolizes the sovereign's instant power over
+life and death, stills the heart most swiftly and with the least
+suffering.
+
+"How terrible these things are!  What pain it causes to see the being one
+loves most, the mother of the fairest children, so cruelly heighten the
+anguish of parting, choose death, as it were, for a constant companion,
+amid the whirl of the gayest amusements!  She daily looks all his terrors
+in the face, yet with proud contempt turns her back upon the bridge which
+might perhaps enable her for a time to escape the monster.  This is
+grand, worthy of her, and never have I loved her more tenderly.
+
+"You, too, must think of her kindly.  She deserves it.  A noble heart
+which sees itself forced to pity a foe, easily forgives; and was she ever
+your enemy?
+
+"I have written a long, long letter to solace your seclusion from the
+world and relieve my own heart.  Have patience a little while longer.
+The time is not far distant when Fate itself will release you from exile.
+How often your relatives, Archibius and Gorgias, whom I now see
+frequently in the presence of the Queen, long to visit you!--but they,
+too, believe that it might prove a source of danger."
+
+The warnings in this letter were confirmed by another from Archibius, and
+soon after they heard that Caesarion had really sailed up the Nile for
+Ethiopia with his tutor Rhodon, and Antyllus had been sent to Asia to
+visit Octavianus.  The latter had received him, it is true; but sent him
+home without making any pledges.
+
+These tidings were not brought by letter, but by Gorgias himself, whose
+visit surprised them one evening late in March.
+
+Rarely had a guest received a more joyous welcome.  When he entered the
+bare room, Barine was making a net and telling the fisherman's daughter
+Dione the story of the wanderings of Ulysses.  Dion, too, listened
+attentively, now and then correcting or explaining her descriptions,
+while carving a head of Poseidon for the prow of a newly built boat.
+
+As Gorgias unexpectedly crossed the threshold, the dim light of the lamp
+fed by kiki-oil seemed transformed into sunshine.  How brightly their
+eyes sparkled, how joyous were their exclamations of welcome and
+surprise!  Then came questions, answers, news!  Gorgias was obliged to
+share the family supper, which had only waited the return of the father
+who had brought the guest.
+
+The fresh oysters, langustae, and other dishes served tasted more
+delicious to the denizen of the city than the most delicious banquets of
+the "Comrades of Death" to which he was now frequently invited by the
+Queen.
+
+All that Pyrrhus said voluntarily and told his sons in reply to their
+questions was so sensible and related to matters which, because they were
+new to Gorgias, seemed so fascinating that, when Dion's good wine was
+served, he declared that if Pyrrhus would receive him he, too, would
+search for pursuers and be banished here.
+
+When the three again sat alone before the plain clay mixing vessel it
+seemed to the lonely young couple as if the best part of the city life
+which they had left behind had found its way to them, and what did they
+not have to say to one another!  Dion and Barine talked of their hermit
+life, Gorgias of the Queen and the tomb, which was at the same time a
+treasure chamber.  The slanting walls were built as firmly as if they
+were intended to last for centuries and defy a violent assault.  The
+centre of the lower story was formed by a lofty hall of vast dimensions,
+in whose midst were the large marble sarcophagi.  Men were working busily
+upon the figures in relief intended for the decoration of the sides and
+lids.  This hall, whose low arched ceiling was supported by three pairs
+of heavy columns, was furnished like a reception-room.  The couches,
+candelabra, and altars were already being made.  Charmian had kept the
+fugitives well informed.  In the subterranean chambers at the side of the
+hall, and in the second story, which could not be commenced until the
+ceiling was completed, store-rooms were to be made, and below and beside
+them were passages for ventilation and the storage of combustible
+materials.
+
+Gorgias regretted that he could not show his friend the hall, which was
+perhaps the handsomest and most costly he had ever created.  The noblest
+material-brown porphyry, emerald-green serpentine, and the dark varieties
+of marble-had been used, and the mosaic and brass doors, which were
+nearing completion, were masterpieces of Alexandrian art.  To have all
+this destroyed was a terrible thought, but even more unbearable was that
+of its object--to receive the body of the Queen.
+
+Again rapturous admiration of this greatest and noblest of women led
+Gorgias to enthusiastic rhapsodies, until Dion exercised his office of
+soberer, and Barine asked tidings of her mother, her grandparents, and
+her sister.  There was nothing but good news to be told.  True, the
+architect had to wage a daily battle with the old philosopher, who termed
+it an abuse of hospitality to remain so long at his friend's with his
+whole family; but thus far Gorgias had won the victory, even against
+Berenike, who wished to take her father and his household to her own
+home.
+
+Cleopatra had purchased the house and garden of Didymus at thrice their
+value, the architect added.  He was now a wealthy man, and had
+commissioned him to build a new mansion.  The land facing the sea and
+near the museum had been found, but the handsome residence would not be
+completed until summer.  The dry Egyptian air would have permitted him to
+roof it sooner, but there were many of Helena's wishes--most of them very
+sensible ones--to be executed.
+
+Barine and Dion glanced significantly at each other; but the architect,
+perceiving it, exclaimed: "Your mute language is intelligible enough,
+and I confess that for five months Helena has seemed to me the most
+attractive of maidens.  I see, too, that she has some regard for me.
+But as soon as I stand before her--the Queen, I mean--and hear her voice,
+it seems as if a tempest swept away every thought of Helena, and it is
+not in my nature to deceive any one.  How can I woo a girl whom I so
+deeply honour--your sister, Barine--when the image of another rules my
+soul?"
+
+Dion reminded him of his own words that the Queen was loved only as a
+goddess and, without waiting for his reply, turned the conversation to
+other topics.
+
+It was three hours after midnight when Pyrrhus warned Gorgias that it was
+time for departure.  When the fisherman's fleetest boat was at last
+bearing him back to the city he wondered whether girls who, before
+marriage, lived like Helena in undisturbed seclusion, would really be
+better wives and more content with every lot than the much-courted
+Barine, whom Dion had led from the gayest whirl of life in the capital to
+the most desolate solitude.
+
+This delightful evening was followed by a day of excitement and grave
+anxiety.  It had been necessary to conceal the young couple from the
+collector's officials, who took from Pyrrhus part of his last year's
+savings, and the large new boat which he used to go out on the open sea.
+The preparations for war required large sums; all vessels suitable for
+the purpose were seized for the fleet, and all residents of the city and
+country shared the same fate as Pyrrhus.
+
+Even the temple treasures were confiscated, and yet no one could help
+saying to himself that the vast sums which, through these pitiless
+extortions, flowed into the treasury, were used for the pleasures
+of the court as well as for the equipment of the fleet and the army.
+
+Yet so great was the people's love for the Queen, so high their regard
+for the independence of Egypt, so bitter their hate of Rome, that there
+was no rebellion.
+
+How earnestly Cleopatra, amid all the extravagant revels, from which she
+could not too frequently absent herself, toiled to advance the military
+preparations, could be seen even by the exiles from their cliff; for work
+in two dock-yards was continued day and night, and the harbour was filled
+with vessels.  Ships of war were continually moving to and fro, and from
+the Serpent Island they witnessed constantly, often by starlight, the
+drilling of the oarsmen and of whole squadrons upon the open sea.
+Sometimes a magnificent state galley appeared, on whose deck was Antony,
+who inspected the hastily equipped fleet to make the newly recruited
+sailors one of those kindling speeches in which he was a master hard to
+surpass.  Two sons of Pyrrhus were now numbered in the crews of the
+recently built war ships.  They had been impressed into the service in
+April, and though Dion had placed a large sum at their father's disposal
+to secure their release, the attempt was unsuccessful.
+
+So there had been sorrow and tears in the contented little colony of
+human beings on the lonely cliff, and when Dionysus and Dionichos had a
+day's leave of absence to visit their relatives, they complained of the
+cruel haste with which the young men were drilled and wearied to
+exhaustion, and spoke of the sons of citizens and peasants who had been
+dragged from their villages, their parents, and their business to be
+trained for seamen.  There was great indignation among them, and they
+listened only too readily to the agitators who whispered how much better
+they would have fared on the galleys of Octavianus.
+
+Pyrrhus entreated his sons not to join any attempt at mutiny; the women,
+on the contrary, would have approved anything which promised to release
+the youths from their severe service, and their bright cheerfulness was
+transformed into anxious depression.  Barine, too, was no longer the
+same.  She had lost her joyous activity, her eyes were often wet with
+tears, and she moved with drooping head as if some heavy care oppressed
+her.
+
+Was it the heat of April, with its desert winds, which had brought the
+transformation?  Had longing for the changeful, exciting life of former
+days at last overpowered her?  Was solitude becoming unendurable?  Was
+her husband's love no longer sufficient to replace the many pleasures she
+had sacrificed?--No!  It could not be that; never had she gazed with more
+devoted tenderness into Dion's face than when entirely alone with him in
+shady nooks.  She who in such hours looked the very embodiment of
+happiness and contentment, certainly was neither ill nor sorrowful.
+
+Dion, on the contrary, held his head high early and late, and appeared as
+proud and self-conscious as though life was showing him its fairest face.
+Yet he had heard that his estates had been sequestrated, and that he owed
+it solely to the influence of Archibius and his uncle, that his property,
+like that of so many others, had not been added to the royal treasures.
+But what disaster could he not have speedily vanquished in these days?
+
+A great joy--the greatest which the immortals can bestow upon human
+beings--was dawning for him and his young wife, and in May the women
+on the island shared her blissful hope.
+
+Pyrrhus brought from the city an altar and a marble statue of Ilythyia,
+the Goddess of Birth, called by the Romans Lucina, which his friend
+Anukis had given him, in Charmian's name, for the young wife.  She had
+again spoken of the serpents which lived in such numbers in the
+neighbouring islands, and her question whether it would be difficult to
+capture one alive was answered by the freedman in the negative.
+
+The image of the goddess and the altar were erected beside the other
+sanctuaries, and how often the stone was anointed by Barine and the women
+of the fisherman's family!
+
+Dion vowed to the goddess a beautiful temple on the cliff and in the city
+if she would be gracious to his beloved young wife.
+
+When, in June, the noonday sun blazed most fiercely, the fisherman
+brought to the cliff Helena, Barine's sister, and Chloris, Dion's nurse,
+who had been a faithful assistant of his mother, and afterwards managed
+the female slaves of the household.
+
+How joyously and gratefully Barine held out her arms to her sister!  Her
+mother had been prevented from coming only by the warning that her
+disappearance would surely attract the attention of the spies.  And the
+latter were very alert; for Mark Antony had not yet given up the pursuit
+of the singer, nor had the attorney Philostratus recalled the
+proclamation offering two talents for the capture of Dion, and both
+the latter's palace and Berenike's house were constantly watched.
+
+It seemed more difficult for the quiet Helena to accommodate herself to
+this solitude than for her gayer-natured sister.  Plainly as she showed
+her love for Barine, she often lapsed into reverie, and every evening
+she went to the southern side of the cliff and gazed towards the city,
+where her grandparents doubtless sorely missed her, spite of the
+careful attention bestowed upon them in Gorgias's house.
+
+Eight days had passed since her arrival, and life in this wilderness
+seemed more distasteful than on the first and the second; the longing for
+her grandparents, too, appeared to increase; for that day she had gone to
+the shore, even under the burning rays of the noonday sun, to gaze
+towards the city.
+
+How dearly she loved the old people!
+
+But Dion's conjecture that the tears sparkling in Helena's eyes when she
+entered their room at dusk were connected with another resident of the
+capital, spite of his wife's indignant denial, appeared to be correct;
+for, a short time after, clear voices were heard in front of the-house,
+and when a deep, hearty laugh rang out, Dion started up, exclaiming,
+"Gorgias never laughs in that way, except when he has had some unusual
+piece of good fortune!"
+
+He hurried out as he spoke, and gazed around; but, notwithstanding the
+bright moonlight, he could see nothing except Father Pyrrhus on his way
+back to the anchorage.
+
+But Dion's ears were keen, and he fancied he heard subdued voices on the
+other side of the dwelling.  He followed the sound without delay and,
+when he turned the corner of the building, stopped short in astonishment,
+exclaiming as a low cry rose close before him:
+
+"Good-evening, Gorgias!  I'll see you later.  I won't interrupt you."
+
+A few rapid steps took him back to Barine, and as he whispered, "I saw
+Helena out in the moonlight, soothing her longing for her grandparents in
+Gorgias's arms," she clapped her hands and said, smiling:
+
+"That's the way one loses good manners in this solitude.  To disturb the
+first meeting of a pair of lovers!  But Gorgias treated us in the same
+way in Alexandria, so he is now paid in his own coin."
+
+The architect soon entered the room, with Helena leaning on his arm.
+Hour by hour he had missed her more and more painfully, and on the eighth
+day found it impossible to endure life's burden longer without her.  He
+now protested that he could approach her mother and grandparents as a
+suitor with a clear conscience; for on the third day after Helena's
+departure the relation between him and the Queen had changed.  In
+Cleopatra's presence the image of the granddaughter of Didymus became
+even more vivid than that of the peerless sovereign had formerly been
+in Helena's.  Outside of the pages of poetry he had never experienced
+longing like that which had tortured him during the past few days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+This time the architect could spend only a few hours on the Serpent
+Island, for affairs in the city were beginning to wear a very serious
+aspect, and the building of the monument was pushed forward even during
+the night.  The interior of the first story was nearly completed and the
+rough portion of the second was progressing.  The mosaic workers, who
+were making the floor of the great hall, had surpassed themselves.
+It was impossible to wait longer for the sculptures which were to adorn
+the walls.  At present slabs of polished black marble were to occupy the
+places intended for bronze reliefs; the utmost haste was necessary.
+
+Octavianus had already reached Pelusium; even if Seleukus, the commander
+of the garrison, held the strong fortress a long time, a part of the
+hostile army might appear before Alexandria the following week.
+
+A considerable force, however, was ready to meet him.  The fleet seemed
+equal to that of the enemy; the horsemen whom Antony had led before the
+Queen would delight the eye of any one versed in military affairs; and
+the Imperator hoped much from the veterans who had served under him in
+former times, learned to know his generosity and open hand in the hour of
+prosperity, and probably had scarcely forgotten the eventful days when he
+had cheerfully and gaily shared their perils and privations.
+
+Helena remained on the cliff, and her longing for the old couple had
+materially diminished.  Her hands moved nimbly, and her cheerful glance
+showed that the lonely life on the island was beginning to unfold its
+charms to her.
+
+The young husband, however, had grown very uneasy.  He concealed it
+before the women, but old Pyrrhus often had much difficulty in preventing
+his making a trip to the city which might imperil, on the eve of the
+final decision, the result of their long endurance and privation.  Dion
+had often wished to set sail with his wife for a great city in Syria or
+Greece, but fresh and mighty obstacles had deterred him.  A special
+danger lay in the fact that every large vessel was thoroughly searched
+before it left the harbour, and it was impossible to escape from it
+without passing through the narrow straits east of the Pharos or the
+opening in the Heptastadium, both of which were easily guarded.  The calm
+moderation that usually distinguished the young counsellor had been
+transformed into feverish restlessness, and the heart of his faithful old
+monitor had also lost its poise; for an encounter between the fleet in
+which his sons served and that of Octavianus was speedily expected.
+
+One day he returned from the city greatly excited.  Pelusium was said to
+have fallen.
+
+When he ascended the cliff he found everything quiet.  No one, not even
+Dione, came to meet him.
+
+What had happened here?
+
+Had the fugitives been discovered and dragged with his family to the city
+to be thrown into prison, perhaps sent to the stone quarries?
+
+Deadly pale, but erect and composed, he walked towards the house.  He
+owed to Dion and his father the greatest blessing in life, liberty, and
+the foundation of everything else he possessed.  But if his fears were
+verified, if he was bereft of friends and property, even as a lonely
+beggar he might continue to enjoy his freedom.  If, for the sake of those
+to whom he owed his best possession, he must surrender the rest, it was
+his duty to bear fate patiently.
+
+It was still light.
+
+Even when he had approached very near the house he heard no sound save
+the joyous barking of his wolf-hound, Argus, which leaped upon him.
+
+He now laid his hand upon the lock of the door--but it was flung open
+from the inside.
+
+Dion had seen him coming and, enraptured by the new happiness with which
+this day had blessed him, he flung himself impetuously on the breast of
+his faithful friend, exclaiming: "A boy, a splendid boy!  We will call
+him Pyrrhus."
+
+Bright tears of joy streamed down the freedman's face and fell on his
+grey beard; and when his wife came towards him with her finger on her
+lips, he whispered in a tremulous voice: "When I brought them here you
+were afraid that the city people would drag us into ruin, but
+nevertheless you received them as they deserved to be, and--he's going to
+name him Pyrrhus--and now!--What has a poor fellow like me done to have
+such great and beautiful blessings fall to my lot?"
+
+"And I--I?" sobbed his wife.  "And the child, the darling little
+creature!"
+
+This day of sunny happiness was followed by others of quiet joy, of the
+purest pleasure, yet mingled with the deepest anxiety.  They also brought
+many an hour in which Helena found an opportunity to show her prudence,
+while old Chloris and the fisherman's wife aided her by their experience.
+
+Every one, down to the greybeard whose name the little one bore, declared
+that there had never been a lovelier young mother than Barine or a
+handsomer child than the infant Pyrrhus; but Dion could no longer endure
+to remain on the cliff.
+
+A thousand things which he had hitherto deemed insignificant and allowed
+to pass unheeded now seemed important and imperatively in need of his
+personal attention.  He was a father, and any negligence might be harmful
+to his son.
+
+With his bronzed complexion and long hair and beard he required little
+aid to disguise him from his friends.  In the garments shabby by long
+use, and with his delicate hands calloused by work in the dock-yard, any
+one would have taken him for a real fisherman.
+
+Perhaps it was foolish, but the desire to show himself in the character
+of a father to Barine's mother and grandparents and to Gorgias seemed
+worth risking a slight danger; so, without informing Barine, who was now
+able to walk about her room, he set out for the city after sunset on the
+last day of July.
+
+He knew that Octavianus was encamped in the Hippodrome east of
+Alexandria.  The white mounds which had risen there had been recognized
+as tents, even from the Serpent Island.  Pyrrhus had returned in the
+afternoon with tidings that Antony's mounted troops had defeated those of
+Octavianus.  This time the news of victory could be trusted, for the
+palace at Lochias was illuminated for a festival and when Dion landed
+there was a great bustle on the quay.  One shouted to another that all
+would be well.  Mark Antony was his old self again.  He had fought like a
+hero.
+
+Many who yesterday had cursed him, to-day mingled their voices in the
+shouts of "Evoe!" which rang out for the new Dionysus, who had again
+proved his claim to godship.
+
+The late visitor found the grandparents alone in the house of Gorgias.
+They had been informed of Barine's new happiness long before.  Now they
+rejoiced with Dion, and wanted to send at once for their host and future
+son-in-law, who was in the city attending a meeting of the Ephebi,
+although he had ceased some time ago to be a member of their company.
+But Dion wished to greet him among the youths who had invited the
+architect to give them his aid in deciding the question of the course
+they were to pursue in the impending battle.
+
+Yet he did not leave the old couple immediately; he was expecting two
+visitors--Barine's mother and Charmian's Nubian maid who, since the birth
+of little Pyrrhus, had come to the philosopher's every evening.  The
+former's errand was to ask whether any news of the mother and child had
+been received during the day; the latter, to get the letters which she
+delivered the next morning at the fish-market to her friend Pyrrhus or
+his sons.
+
+Anukis was the first to appear.  She relieved her sympathizing heart by a
+brief expression of congratulations; but, gladly as she would have
+listened to the most minute details concerning the beloved young mother
+from the lips of Dion himself, she repressed her own wishes for her
+mistress's sake, and returned to Charmian as quickly as possible to
+inform her of the arrival of the unexpected guest.
+
+Berenike bore her new dignity of grandmother with grateful joy, yet to-
+night she came oppressed by a grave anxiety, which was not solely due to
+her power of imagining gloomy events.  Her brother Arius and his sons
+were concealed in the house of a friend, for they seemed threatened by a
+serious peril.  Hitherto Antony had generously borne the philosopher no
+ill-will on the score of his intimate relations with Octavianus; but now
+that Octavianus was encamped outside the city, the house of the man who,
+during the latter's years of education, had been his mentor and
+counsellor, and later a greatly valued friend, was watched, by Mardion's
+orders, by the Scythian guard.  He and his family were forbidden to enter
+the city, and his escape to his friend had been effected under cover of
+the darkness and with great danger.
+
+The anxious woman feared the worst for her brother if Mark Antony should
+conquer, and yet, with her whole heart, she wished the Queen to gain the
+victory.  She, who always feared the worst, saw in imagination the
+fortunes of war change--and there was reason for the belief.  The bold
+general who had gained so many victories, and whom the defeat of Actium
+had only humbled, was said to have regained his former elasticity.  He
+had dashed forward at the head of his men with the heroic courage of
+former days--nay, with reckless impetuosity.  Rumour reported that, with
+the huge sword he wielded, he had dealt from his powerful charger blows
+as terrible as those inflicted five-and-twenty years before when, not far
+from the same spot, he struck Archelaus on the head.  The statement that,
+in his golden armour, with the gold helmet framing his bearded face, he
+resembled his ancestor Herakles, was confirmed by Charmian, who had been
+borne quickly hither by a pair of the Queen's swift horses.  Cleopatra
+might need her soon, yet she had left the Lochias to question the father
+about many things concerning the young mother and her boy, who was
+already dear to her as the first grandson of the man whose suit, it is
+true, she had rejected, but to whom she owed the delicious consciousness
+of having loved and been loved in the springtime of life.
+
+Dion found her changed.  The trying months which she had described in her
+letters to Barine had completely blanched her grey hair, her cheeks were
+sunken, and a deep line between her mouth and nose gave her pleasant face
+a sorrowful expression.  Besides, she seemed to have been weeping and, in
+fact, heart-rending events had just occurred.
+
+She had stolen away from Lochias in the midst of a revel.
+
+Antony's victory was being celebrated.  He himself presided at the
+banquet.  Again his head and breast were wreathed with a wealth of fresh
+leaves and superb flowers.  At his side reclined Cleopatra, robed in
+light-blue garments adorned with lotus-flowers which, like the little
+coronet on her head, glittered with sapphires and pearls.  Charmian said
+she had rarely looked more beautiful.  But she did not add that the Queen
+had been obliged to have rouge applied to her pale, bloodless cheeks.
+
+It was touching to see Antony after his return from the battle, still in
+his suit of mail, clasp her in his arms as joyously as if he had won her
+back, a prize of victory, and with his vanished heroic power regained her
+and their mutual love.  Her eyes, too, had been radiant with joy and, in
+the elation of her heart, she had given the horseman who, for a deed of
+special daring, was presented to her, a helmet and coat of mail of solid
+gold.
+
+Yet, even before the revel began, she had been forced to acknowledge to
+herself that the commencement of the end was approaching; for, a few
+hours after she had so generously rewarded the man, he had deserted to
+the foe.  Then Antony had challenged Octavianus to a duel, and received
+the unfeeling reply that he would find many roads to death open.
+
+This was the language of the cold-hearted foe, secure of superior power.
+How sadly, too, she had been disappointed in the hope--that the veterans
+who had served under Antony would desert their new commander at the first
+summons and flock to his standard!--for all her husband's efforts in this
+direction, spite of the bewitching power of his eloquence, failed, while
+every hour brought tidings of the treacherous desertion from his army of
+individual warriors and whole maniples.  His foe deemed his cause so weak
+that he did not even resist Mark Antony's attempts to win the soldiers by
+promises.
+
+From all these signs Cleopatra now saw plainly, in her lover's victory,
+only the last flicker of a dying fire; but so long as it burned he should
+see her follow its light.
+
+Therefore she had entered the festal hall with the victor of the day.
+She had witnessed a strange festival.  It began with tears and reminded
+Cleopatra of the saying that she herself resembled a banquet served to
+celebrate a victory before the battle was won.  The cup-bearers had
+scarcely advanced to the guests with their golden vessels when Antony
+turned to them, exclaiming: "Pour generously, men; perhaps to-morrow you
+will serve another master!"
+
+Then, unlike his usual self, he grew thoughtful and murmured under his
+breath, "And I shall probably be lying outside a corpse, a miserable
+nothing."
+
+Loud sobs from the cup-bearers and servants followed these words; but he
+addressed them calmly, assuring them that he would not take them into a
+battle from which he expected an honourable death rather than rescue and
+victory.
+
+At this Cleopatra's tears flowed also.  If this reckless man of pleasure,
+this notorious spendthrift and disturber of the public peace, with his
+insatiate desires, had inspired bitter hostility, few had gained the warm
+love of so many hearts.  One glance at his heroic figure; one memory of
+the days when even his foes conceded that he was never greater than in
+the presence of the most imminent peril, never more capable of awakening
+in others the hope of brighter times than amid the sorest privations; one
+tone of the orator's deep, resonant voice, which so often came from the
+heart and therefore gained hearts with such resistless power; the
+recollection of numberless instances of the bright cheerfulness of his
+nature and his boundless generosity sufficiently explained the
+lamentations which burst forth at that banquet, the tears which flowed
+--tears of genuine feeling.  They were also shed for the beautiful Queen
+who, unmindful of the spectators, rested her noble brow, with its coronal
+of pearls, upon his mighty shoulder.
+
+But the grief did not last long, for Mark Antony, shouted: "Hence with
+melancholy!  We do not need the larva!
+
+     [At the banquets of the Egyptians a small figure in the shape of a
+     mummy was passed around to remind the guests that they, too, would
+     soon be in the same condition, and have no more time to enjoy life
+     and its pleasures.  The Romans imitated this custom by sending the
+     larva, a statuette in the form of a skeleton, to make the round of
+     the revellers.  The Greek love of beauty converted this ugly
+     scarecrow into a winged genius.]
+
+We know, without its aid, that pleasure will soon be over!--Xuthus,
+a joyous festal song!--And you, Metrodor, lead the dancers!  The first
+beaker to the fairest, the best, the wisest, the most cherished, the most
+fervently beloved of women!"  As he spoke he waved his goblet aloft, the
+flute-player, Xuthus, beckoned to the chorus, and the dancer Metrodor,
+in the guise of a butterfly, led forth a bevy of beautiful girls, who,
+in the cloud of ample robes of transparent coloured bombyx which floated
+around them, executed the most graceful figures and now hovered like
+mists, now flitted to and fro as if borne on wings, affording the most
+charming variety to the delighted spectators.
+
+The "Comrades of Death" had again become companions in pleasure; and when
+Charmian, who did not lose sight of her mistress, noticed the sorrowful
+quiver of her lips and glided out of the circle of guests, the faithful
+Nubian had approached to inform her of Dion's arrival.
+
+Then--but this she concealed from her friends--she hastened to her own
+apartments to prepare to go out, and when Iras opened the door to enter
+her rooms she went to speak to her about the night attendance upon the
+Queen.  But her niece had not perceived her; shaken by convulsive sobs,
+she had pressed her face among the cushions of a couch, and there
+suffered the fierce anguish which had stirred the inmost depths of her
+being to rave itself out with the full vehemence of her passionate
+nature.  Charmian called her name and, weeping herself, ripened her arms
+to her, and for the first time since her return from Actium her sister's
+daughter again sank upon her breast, and they held each other in a close
+embrace until Charmian's exclamation, "With her, for her unto death!"
+was answered by Iras's "To the tomb!"
+
+This was a word which, in many an hour of the silent night, had stirred
+the soul of the woman who had been the youthful playmate of the Queen
+who, with bleeding heart, sat below among the revellers at the noisy
+banquet and forced her to ask the question: "Is not your fate bound to
+hers?  What can life offer you without her?"
+
+Now, this word was spoken by other lips, and, like an echo of Iras's
+exclamation, came the answer: "Unto death, like you, if she precedes us
+to the other world.  Whatever may follow dying, nowhere shall she lack
+Charmian's hand and heart."
+
+"Nor the love and service of Iras," was the answering assurance.
+
+So they had parted, and the agitation of this fateful moment was still
+visible in the features of the woman who had formerly sacrificed to her
+royal playfellow her love, and now offered her life.
+
+When, ere leaving Gorgias's house, she bade her friend farewell, she
+pressed Dion's hand with affectionate warmth and, as he accompanied her
+to the carriage, she informed him that, before the first encounter of the
+troops, Archibius had taken the royal children to his estate of Irenia,
+where they were at present.
+
+"Rarely has it been my fate to experience a more sorrowful hour than when
+I beheld the Queen, her heart torn with anguish, bid them fare well.
+What fate is impending over the dear ones, who are so worthy of the
+greatest happiness?  To see the twins and little Alexander recognized
+and saved from death and insult, and your boy in Barine's arms, is the
+last wish which I still cherish."
+
+On returning to Lochias, Charmian had a long time to wait ere the Queen
+retired.  She dreaded the mood in which she would leave the banquet.
+For months past Cleopatra had returned from the revels of the "Comrades
+of Death" saddened to tears, or in a blaze of indignation.  How must this
+last banquet, which began so mournfully and continued with such reckless
+mirth, affect her?
+
+At last, the second hour after midnight, Cleopatra appeared.
+
+Charmian believed that she must be the sport of some delusion, for the
+Queen's eyes which, when she had left her, were full of tears, now
+sparkled with the radiant light of joy and, as her friend took the crown
+from her head, she exclaimed:
+
+"Why did you depart from the banquet so early?  Perhaps it was the last,
+but I remember no festival more brilliant.  It was like the springtime of
+my love.  Mark Antony would have touched the heart of a stone statue by
+that blending of manly daring and humble devotion which no woman can
+resist.  As in former days, hours shrivelled into moments.  We were again
+young, once more united.  We were together here at Lochias to-night, and
+yet in distant years and other places.  The notes of the singers, the
+melodies of the musicians, the figures executed by the dancers, were lost
+upon us.  We soared back, hand in hand, to a magic world, and the fairy
+drama in the realms of the blessed, which passed before us in dazzling
+splendour and blissful joy, was the dream which I loved best when a
+child, and at the same time the happiest portion of the life of the Queen
+of Egypt.
+
+"It began before the gate of the garden of Epicurus, and continued on the
+river Cydnus.  I again beheld myself on the golden barge, garlanded with
+wreaths of flowers, reclining on the purple couch with roses strewn
+around me and beneath my jewelled sandals.  A gentle breeze swelled the
+silken sails; my female companions raised their clear voices in song to
+the accompaniment of lutes; the perfumes floating around us were borne by
+the wind to the shore, conveying the tidings that the bliss believed by
+mortals to be reserved for the gods alone was drawing near.  And even as
+his heart and his enraptured senses yielded to my sway, his mind, as he
+himself confessed, was under the thrall of mine.  We both felt happy,
+united by ties which nothing, not even misfortune, could sever.  He, the
+ruler of the world, was conquered, and delighted to obey the behests of
+the victor, because he felt that she before whom he bowed was his own
+obedient slave.  And no magic goblet effected all this.  I breathed more
+freely, as if relieved from the oppressive delusion--the fire had
+consumed it also--which had burdened my soul until a few hours ago.  No
+magic spell, only the gifts of mind and soul which the vanquished victor,
+the woman Cleopatra, owed to the favour of the immortals, had compelled
+his lofty manhood to yield.
+
+"From the Cydnus he brought me hither to the blissful days which we were
+permitted to pass in my city of Alexandria.  A thousand sunny hours,
+musical, echoing surges which long since dashed down the stream of Time,
+he recalled to life, and I--I did the same, and our memories blended into
+one.  What never-to-be-forgotten moments we experienced when, with
+reckless mirth, we mingled unrecognized among the joyous throng!  What
+Olympic delight elated our hearts when the plaudits of thousands greeted
+us!  What joys satiated our minds and senses in our own apartments!  What
+pure, unalloyed nectar of the soul was bestowed upon us by our children--
+bliss which we shared with and imparted to each other until neither knew
+which was the giver and which the receiver!  Everything sad and painful
+seemed to be effaced from the book of memory; and the child's dream, the
+fairy-tale woven by the power of imagination, stood before my soul as a
+reality--the same reality, I repeat, which I call my past life.
+
+"And, Charmian, if death comes to-morrow, should I say that he appeared
+too early--summoned me ere he permitted life to bestow all its best gifts
+upon me?  No, no, and again no!  Whoever, in the last hour of existence,
+can say that the fairest dreams of childhood were surpassed by a long
+portion of actual life, may consider himself happy, even in the deepest
+need and on the verge of the grave.
+
+"The aspiration to be first and highest among the women of her own time,
+which had already thrilled the young girl's heart, was fulfilled.  The
+ardent longing for love which, even at that period, pervaded my whole
+being, was satisfied when I became a loving wife, mother, and Queen, and
+friendship, through the favour of Destiny, also bestowed upon me its
+greatest blessings by the hands of Archibius, Charmian, and Iras.
+
+"Now I care not what may happen.  This evening taught me that life had
+fulfilled its pledges.  But others, too, must be enabled to remember the
+most brilliant of queens, who was also the most fervently beloved of
+women.  For this I will provide: the mausoleum which Gorgias is erecting
+for me will stand like an indestructible wall between the Cleopatra who
+to-day still proudly wears the crown and her approaching humiliation and
+disgrace.
+
+"Now I will go to sleep.  If my awakening brings defeat, sorrow, and
+death, I have no reason to accuse my fate.  It denied me one thing only
+the painless peace which the child and the young girl recognized as the
+chief good; yet Cleopatra will possess that also.  The domain of death,
+which, as the Egyptians say, loves silence, is opening its doors to me.
+The most absolute peace begins upon its threshold--who knows where it
+ends?  The vision of the intellect does not extend far enough to discover
+the boundary where, at the end of eternity--which in truth is endless--
+it is replaced by something else."
+
+While speaking, the Queen had motioned to her friend to accompany her
+into her chamber, from which a door led into the children's room.  An
+irresistible impulse constrained her to open it and gaze into the dark,
+empty apartment.
+
+She felt an icy chill run through her veins.  Taking a light from the
+hand of one of the maids who attended her, she went to little Alexander's
+couch.  Like the others, it was empty, deserted.  Her head sank on her
+breast, the courageous calmness with which she had surveyed her whole
+past life failed and, like the luxuriant riot in the sky of the most
+brilliant hues, ere the glow of sunset suddenly yields to darkness,
+Cleopatra's soul, after the lofty elation of the last few hours,
+underwent a sudden transition and, overwhelmed by deep, sorrowful
+depression, she threw herself down before the twins' bed, where she lay
+weeping softly until Charmian, as day began to dawn, urged her to retire
+to rest.  Cleopatra slowly rose, dried her eyes, and said: "My past life
+seemed to me just now like a magnificent garden, but how many serpents
+suddenly stretched out their flat heads with glittering eyes and forked
+tongues!  Who tore away the flowers beneath which they lay concealed?
+I think, Charmian, it was a mysterious power which here, in the
+children's apartment, rules so strongly the most trivial as well as the
+strongest emotions, it was--when did I last hear that ominous word?--it
+was conscience.  Here, in this abode of innocence and purity, whatever
+resembles a spot stands forth distinctly before the eyes.  Here,
+O Charmian!--if the children were but here!  If I could only--yet, no,
+no!  It is fortunate, very fortunate that they have gone.  I must be
+strong; and their sweet grace would rob me of my energy.  But the light
+grows brighter and brighter.  Dress me for the day.  It would be easier
+for me to sleep in a falling house than with such a tumult in my heart."
+
+While she was being attired in the dark robes she had ordered, loud
+shouts arose from the royal harbour below, blended with the blasts of the
+tuba and other signals directing the movements of the fleet and the army,
+a large body of troops having been marched during the night to the
+neighbouring hills overlooking the sea.
+
+The notes sounded bold and warlike.  The well-armed galleys presented a
+stately appearance.  How often Cleopatra had seen unexpected events
+occur, apparent impossibilities become possible!  Had not the victory of
+Octavianus at Actium been a miracle?  What if Fate, like a capricious
+ruler, now changed from frowns to smiles?  What if Antony proved himself
+the hero of yesterday, the general he had been in days of yore?
+
+She had refused to see him again before the battle, that she might not
+divert his thoughts from the great task approaching.  But now, as she
+beheld him, clad in glittering armour like the god of war himself, ride
+before the troops on his fiery Barbary charger, greeting them with the
+gay salutation whose warmth sprung from the heart and which had so often
+kindled the warriors to glowing enthusiasm, she was forced to do violence
+to her own feelings to avoid calling him and saying that her thoughts
+would follow his course.  But she refrained, and when his purple cloak
+vanished from her sight her head drooped again.  How different in former
+days were the cheers of the troops when he showed himself to them!  This
+lukewarm response to his gay, glad greeting was no omen of victory.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Dion, too, witnessed the departure of the troops.  Gorgias, whom he had
+found among the Ephebi, accompanied him and, like the Queen, they saw,
+in the cautious manner with which the army greeted the general, a bad
+omen for the result of the battle.  The architect had presented Dion to
+the youths as the ghost of a dead man, who, as soon as he was asked
+whence he came or whither he was going, would be compelled to vanish in
+the form of a fly.  He could venture to do this; he knew the Ephebi--
+there was no traitor in their ranks.
+
+Dion, the former head of the society, had been welcomed like a beloved
+brother risen from the dead, and he had the gratification, after so long
+a time, of turning the scale as speaker in a debate.  True, he had
+encountered very little opposition, for the resolve to hold aloof from
+the battle against the Romans had been urged upon the Ephebi by the Queen
+herself through Antyllus, who, however, had already left the meeting when
+Dion joined it.  It had seemed to Cleopatra a crime to claim the blood of
+the noblest sons of the city for a cause which she herself deemed lost.
+She knew the parents of many, and feared that Octavianus would inflict a
+terrible punishment upon them if, not being enrolled in the army, they
+fell into his power with arms in their hands.
+
+The stars were already setting when the Ephebi accompanied their friend,
+singing in chorus the Hymenaeus, which they had been unable to chant on
+his wedding day.  The melody of lutes accompanied the voices, and this
+nocturnal music was the source of the rumour that the god Dionysus, to
+whom Mark Antony felt specially akin, and in whose form he had so often
+appeared to the people, had abandoned him amid songs and music.
+
+The youths left Dion in front of the Temple of Isis.  Gorgias alone
+remained with him.  The architect led his friend to the Queen's mausoleum
+near the sanctuary, where men were toiling busily by torchlight.  Alight
+scaffolding still surrounded it, but the lofty first story, containing
+the real tomb, was completed, and Dion admired the art with which the
+exterior of the edifice suggested its purpose.  Huge blocks of dark-grey
+granite formed the walls.  The broad front-solemn, almost gloomy in
+aspect-rose, sloping slightly, above the massive lofty door, surmounted
+by a moulding bearing the winged disk of the sun.  On either side were
+niches containing statues of Antony and Cleopatra cast in dark bronze,
+and above the cornice were brazen figures of Love and Death, Fame and
+Silence, ennobling the Egyptian forms with exquisite works of Hellenic
+art.
+
+The massive door, adorned with brass figures in relief, would have
+resisted a battering-ram.  On the side of the steps leading to it lay
+Sphinxes of dark-green diorite.  Everything connected with this building,
+dedicated to death, was grave and massive, suggesting by its
+indestructibility the idea of eternity.
+
+The second story was not yet finished; masons and stone-cutters were
+engaged in covering the strong walls with dark serpentine and black
+marble.  The huge windlass stood ready to raise a masterpiece of
+Alexandrian art.  This was intended for the pediment, and represented
+Venus Victrix with helmet, shield, and lance, leading a band of winged
+gods of love, little archers at whose head Eros himself was discharging
+arrows, and victoriously fighting against the three-headed Cerberus,
+death, already bleeding from many wounds.
+
+There was no time to see the interior of the building, for Pyrrhus
+expected his guest to join him at the harbour at sunrise, and the eastern
+sky was already brightening with the approach of dawn.
+
+As the friends reached the landing-place the brass dome of the Serapeum,
+which towered above everything, was glittering with dazzling splendour.
+
+The pennons and masts of the fleet which was about to set sail from the
+harbour seemed steeped in a sea of golden light.  Tremulous reflections
+of the brazen and gilded figures on the prows of the vessels were
+mirrored in the undulating surface of the sea, and the long shadows of
+the banks of oars united galley after galley on the surface of the water
+like the meshes of a net.
+
+Here the friends parted, and Dion walked down the quay alone to meet the
+freedman, who must have found it difficult to guide his boat out of this
+labyrinth of vessels.  The inspection of the mausoleum had detained the
+young father too long and, though disguised beyond recognition, he
+reproached himself for having recklessly incurred a danger whose
+consequences--he felt this to-day for the first time--would not injure
+himself alone.  The whole fleet was awaiting the signal for departure.
+The vessels which did not belong to it had been obliged to moor in front
+of the Temple of Poseidon, and all were strictly forbidden to leave the
+anchorage.
+
+Pyrrhus's fishing-boat was in the midst, and return to the Serpent Island
+was impossible at present.
+
+How vexatious!  Barine was ignorant of his trip to the city, and to be
+compelled to leave her alone while a naval battle was in progress
+directly before her eyes distressed him as much as it could not fail to
+alarm her.
+
+In fact, the young mother had waited from early dawn with increasing
+anxiety for her husband.  As the sun rose higher, and the strokes of the
+oars propelling two hundred galleys, the shrill whistle of the flutes
+marking the time, the deep voices of the captains shouting orders, and
+the blasts of the trumpets filling the air, were heard far and near
+around the island, she became so overwhelmed with uneasiness that she
+insisted upon going to the shore, though hitherto she had not been
+permitted to take the air except under the awning stretched for the
+purpose on the shady side of the house.
+
+In vain the women urged her not to let her fears gain the mastery and to
+have patience.  But she would have resisted even force in order to look
+for him who, with her child, now comprised her world.
+
+When, leaning on Helena's arm, she reached the shore, no boat was in
+sight.  The sea was covered with ships of war, floating fortresses,
+moving onward like dragons with a thousand legs whose feet were the
+countless rowers arranged in three or five sets.  Each of the larger
+galleys was surrounded by smaller ones, from most of which darted
+dazzling flashes of light, for they were crowded with armed men, and from
+the prows of the strong boarding vessels the sunbeams glittered on the
+large shining metal points whose office was to pierce the wooden sides of
+the foe.  The gilded statues in the prows of the large galleys shone and
+sparkled in the broad radiance of the day-star, and flashes of light also
+came from the low hills on the shore.  Here Mark Antony's soldiers were
+stationed, and the sunbeams reflected from the helmets, coats of mail,
+and lance-heads of the infantry, and the armour of the horsemen quivered
+with dazzling brilliancy in the hot air of the first day of an Egyptian
+August.
+
+Amid this blazing, flashing, and sparkling in the morning air, so steeped
+in warmth and radiance, the sounds of warlike preparations from the land
+and fleet constantly grew louder.  Barine, exhausted, had just sunk into
+a chair which Dione, the fisherman's daughter, had placed in the shade of
+the highest rock on the northwestern shore of the flat island, when a
+crashing blast of the tuba suddenly echoed from all the galleys in the
+Egyptian fleet, and the whole array of vessels filed past the Pharos at
+the opening of the harbour into the open sea.
+
+There the narrow ranks of the wooden giants separated and moved onward in
+broader lines.  This was done quietly and in the same faultless order as
+a few days before, when a similar manoeuvre had been executed under the
+eyes of Mark Antony.
+
+The longing for combat seemed to urge them steadily forward.
+
+The hostile fleet, lying motionless, awaited the attack.  But the
+Egyptian assailants had advanced majestically only a few ships lengths
+towards the Roman foe when another signal rent the air.  The women whose
+ears caught the waves of sound said afterwards that it seemed like a cry
+of agony--it had given the signal for a deed of unequalled treachery.
+The slaves, criminals, and the basest of the mercenaries on the rowers'
+benches in the hold had doubtless long listened intently for it, and,
+when it finally came, the men on the upper benches raised their long oars
+and held them aloft, which stopped the work of those below, and every
+galley paused, pointing at the next with the wooden oars outstretched
+like fingers, as if seized with horror.  The celerity and faultless order
+with which the raising of the oars was executed and vessel after vessel
+brought to a stand would have been a credit to an honourable captain, but
+the manoeuvre introduced one of the basest acts ever recorded in history;
+and the women, who had witnessed many a naumachza and understood its
+meaning, exclaimed as if with a single voice: "Treachery!  They are going
+over to the enemy!"
+
+Mark Antony's fleet, created for him by Cleopatra, surrendered, down to
+the last galley, to Caesar's heir, the victor of Actium; and the man to
+whom the sailors had vowed allegiance, who had drilled them, and only
+yesterday had urged them to offer a gallant resistance, saw from one of
+the downs on the shore the strong weapons on which he had based the
+fairest hopes, not shattered, but delivered into the hands of the enemy!
+
+The surrender of the fleet to the foe--he knew it--sealed his
+destruction; and the women on the shore of the Serpent Island, who were
+so closely connected with those on whom this misfortune fell, suspected
+the same thing.  The hearts of both were stirred, and their eyes grew dim
+with tears of indignation and sorrow.  They were Alexandrians, and did
+not desire to be ruled by Rome.  Cleopatra, daughter of the Macedonian
+house of the Ptolemies, had the sole right to govern the city of her
+ancestors, founded by the great Macedonian.  The sorrow they had
+themselves endured through her sank into insignificance beside the
+tremendous blow of Fate which in this hour reached the Queen.
+
+The Roman and Egyptian fleet returned to the harbour as one vast squadron
+under the same commander, and anchored in the roadstead of the city,
+which was now its precious booty.
+
+Barine had seen enough, and returned to the house with drooping head.
+Her heart was heavy, and her anxiety for the man she loved hourly
+increased.
+
+It seemed as if the very day-star shrank from illuminating so infamous a
+deed with friendly light; for the dazzling, searching sun of the first of
+August veiled its radiant face with a greyish-white mist, and the
+desecrated sea wrinkled its brow, changed its pure azure robe to
+yellowish grey and blackish green, while the white foam hissed on the
+crests of the angry waves.
+
+As twilight began to approach, the anxiety of the deserted wife became
+unendurable.  Not only Helena's wise words of caution, but the sight of
+her child, failed to exert their usual influence; and Barine had already
+summoned the son of Pyrrhus to persuade him to take her in his boat to
+the city, when Dione saw a boat approaching the Serpent Island from the
+direction of the sea.
+
+A short time after, Dion sprang on shore and kissed from his young wife's
+lips the reproaches with which she greeted him.
+
+He had heard of the treachery of the fleet while entering a hired boat
+with the freedman in the harbour of Eunostus, Pyrrhus's having been
+detained with the other craft before the Temple of Poseidon.
+
+The experienced pilot had been obliged to steer the boat in a wider curve
+against the wind through the open sea, and was delayed a long time by a
+number of the war vessels of the fleet.
+
+Danger and separation were now passed, and they rejoiced in the happiness
+of meeting, yet could not feel genuine joy.  Their souls were oppressed
+by anxiety concerning the fate of the Queen and their native city.
+
+As night closed in the dogs barked violently, and they heard loud voices
+on the shore.  Dion, with a presentiment that misfortune was threatening
+himself and his dear ones, obeyed the summons.
+
+No star illumined the darkness.  Only the wavering light of a lantern on
+the strand and another on the nearest island illumined the immediate
+vicinity, while southward the lights in the city shone as brightly as
+ever.
+
+Pyrrhus and his youngest son were just pushing a boat into the water to
+release from the sands another which had run aground in a shallow near
+the neighbouring island.
+
+Dion sprang in with them, and soon recognized in the hail the voice of
+the architect Gorgias.
+
+The young father shouted a joyous greeting to his friend, but there was
+no reply.
+
+Soon after, Pyrrhus landed his belated guest on the shore.  He had
+escaped--as the fisherman explained--a great danger; for had he gone to
+the other island, which swarmed with venomous serpents, he might easily
+have fallen a victim to the bite of one of the reptiles.
+
+Gorgias grasped Dion's hand but, in reply to his gay invitation to
+accompany him to the house at once, he begged him to listen to his story
+before joining the ladies.
+
+Dion was startled.  He knew his friend.  When his deep voice had such a
+tone of gloomy discouragement, and his head drooped so mournfully, some
+terrible event had befallen him.
+
+His foreboding had been correct.  The first tidings pierced his own soul
+deeply.
+
+He was not surprised to learn that the Romans ruled Alexandria; but a
+small band of the conquerors, who had been ordered to conduct themselves
+as if they were in a friendly country, had forced their way into the
+architect's large house to occupy the quarters assigned to them.  The
+deaf grandmother of Helena and Barine, who had but half comprehended what
+threatened the citizens, terrified by the noisy entrance of the soldiers,
+had had another attack of apoplexy, and closed her eyes in death before
+Gorgias set out for the island.
+
+But it was not only this sad event, which must grieve the hearts of the
+two sisters, that had brought the architect in a stranger's boat to the
+Serpent Island at so late an hour.  His soul was so agitated by the
+horrible incidents of the day that he needed to seek consolation among
+those from whom he was sure to find sympathy.
+
+Nor was it wholly the terrible things Fate had compelled him to witness
+which induced him to venture out upon the sea so recklessly, but still
+more the desire to bring to the fugitives the happy news that they might
+return with safety to their native city.
+
+Deeply agitated--nay, confused and overpowered by all he had seen and
+experienced--the architect, usually so clear and, with all his mental
+vivacity, so circumspect, began his story.  A remonstrance from Dion
+induced him to collect his thoughts and describe events in the order in
+which they had befallen him.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Fairest dreams of childhood were surpassed
+Golden chariot drawn by tamed lions
+Life had fulfilled its pledges
+Until neither knew which was the giver and which the receiver
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CLEOPATRA
+
+By Georg Ebers
+
+Volume 9.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+After accompanying Dion to the harbour, the architect had gone to the
+Forum to converse with the men he met there, and learn what they feared
+and expected in regard to the future fate of the city.
+
+All news reached this meeting-place first, and he found a large number of
+Macedonian citizens who, like himself, wished to discuss passing events
+in these decisive hours.
+
+The scene was very animated, for the most contradictory messages were
+constantly arriving from the fleet and the army.
+
+At first they were very favourable; then came the news of the treason,
+and soon after of the desertion of the cavalry and foot soldiers.
+
+A distinguished citizen had seen Mark Antony, accompanied by several
+friends, dashing down the quay.  The goal of their flight was the little
+palace on the Choma.
+
+Grave men, whose opinion met with little opposition, thought that it was
+the duty of the Imperator--now that Fate had decided against him, and
+nothing remained save a life sullied by disgrace--to put himself to death
+with his own hand, like Brutus and so many other noble Romans.  Tidings
+soon came that he had attempted to do what the best citizens expected.
+
+Gorgias could not endure to remain longer in the Forum, but hastened to
+the Choma, though it was difficult to force his way to the wall, where a
+breach had been made.  He had found the portion of the shore from which
+the promontory ran densely crowded with people--from whom he learned that
+Antony was no longer in the palace--and the sea filled with boats.
+
+A corpse was just being borne out of the little palace on the Street of
+the King and, among those who followed, Gorgias recognized one of
+Antony's slaves.  The man's eyes were red with weeping.  He readily
+obeyed the architect's sign and, sobbing bitterly, told him that the
+hapless general, after his army had betrayed him, fled hither.  When he
+heard in the palace that Cleopatra had preceded him to Hades, he ordered
+his body-slave Eros to put an end to his life also.  The worthy man drew
+back, pierced his own breast with his sword, and sank dying at his
+master's feet; but Antony, exclaiming that Eros's example had taught him
+his duty, thrust the short sword into his breast with his own hand.  Yet
+deep and severe as was the wound, it did not destroy the tremendous
+vitality of the gigantic Roman.  With touching entreaties he implored the
+bystanders to kill him, but no one could bring himself to commit the
+deed.  Meanwhile Cleopatra's name, coupled with the wish to follow her,
+was constantly on the lips of the Imperator.
+
+At last Diomedes, the Queen's private secretary, appeared, to bring him,
+by her orders, to the mausoleum where she had taken refuge.
+
+Antony, as if animated with fresh vigour, assented, and while being
+carried thither gave orders that Eros should have a worthy burial.  Even
+though dying, it would have been impossible for the most generous of
+masters to permit any kindness rendered to pass unrequited.
+
+The slave again wept aloud as he uttered the words, but Gorgias hastened
+at once to the tomb.  The nearest way, the Street of the King, had become
+so crowded with people who had been forced back by Roman soldiers,
+between the Theatre of Dionysus and the Corner of the Muses, that he had
+been compelled to reach the building through a side street.
+
+The quay was already unrecognizable, and even in the other streets the
+populace showed a foreign aspect.  Instead of peaceful citizens, Roman
+soldiers in full armour were met everywhere.  Instead of Greek, Egyptian,
+and Syrian faces, fair and dark visages of alien appearance were seen.
+
+The city seemed transformed into a camp.  Here he met a cohort of fair-
+haired Germans; yonder another with locks of red whose home he did not
+know; and again a vexil of Numidian or Pannonian horsemen.
+
+At the Temple of the Dioscuri he was stopped.  A Hispanian maniple had
+just seized Antony's son Antyllus and, after a hasty court-martial,
+killed him.  His tutor, Theodotus, had betrayed him to the Romans, but
+the infamous fellow was being led with bound hands after the corpse of
+the hapless youth, because he was caught in the act of hiding in his
+girdle a costly jewel which he had taken from his neck.  Before his
+departure for the island Gorgias heard that the scoundrel had been
+sentenced to crucifixion.
+
+At last he succeeded in forcing a passage to the tomb, which he found
+surrounded on all sides by Roman lictors and the Scythian guards of the
+city, who, however, permitted him, as the architect, to pass.
+
+The numerous obstacles by which he had been delayed spared him from
+becoming an eye-witness of the most terrible scenes of the tragedy which
+had just ended; but he received a minute description from the Queen's
+private secretary, a well-disposed Macedonian, who had accompanied the
+wounded Antony, and with whom Gorgias had become intimately acquainted
+during the building of the mausoleum.
+
+Cleopatra had fled to the tomb as soon as the fortune of war turned in
+favour of Octavianus.  No one was permitted to accompany her except
+Charmian and Iras, who had helped her close the heavy brazen door of the
+massive building.  The false report of her death, which had induced
+Antony to put an end to his life, had perhaps arisen from the fact that
+the Queen was literally in the tomb.
+
+When, borne in the arms of his faithful servants, he reached the
+mausoleum, mortally wounded, the Queen and her attendants vainly
+endeavoured to open the heavy brazen portal.  But Cleopatra ardently
+longed to see her dying lover.  She wished to have him near to render the
+last services, assure him once more of her devotion, close his eyes, and,
+if it was so ordered, die with him.
+
+So she and her attendants had searched the place, and when Iras spoke of
+the windlass which stood on the scaffold to raise the heavy brass plate
+bearing the bas-relief of Love conquering Death, the Queen and her
+friends hastened up the stairs, the bearer below fastened the wounded man
+to the rope, and Cleopatra herself stood at the windlass to raise him,
+aided by her faithful companions.
+
+Diomedes averred that he had never beheld a more piteous spectacle than
+the gigantic man hovering between heaven and earth in the agonies of
+death and, while suffering the most terrible torture, extending his arms
+longingly towards the woman he loved.  Though scarcely able to speak, he
+tenderly called her name, but she made no reply; like Iras and Charmian,
+she was exerting her whole strength at the windlass in the most
+passionate effort to raise him.  The rope running over the pulley cut her
+tender hands; her beautiful face was terribly distorted; but she did not
+pause until they had succeeded in lifting the burden of the dying man
+higher and higher till he reached the floor of the scaffolding.  The
+frantic exertion by which the three women had succeeded in accomplishing
+an act far beyond their strength, though it was doubled by the power of
+the most earnest will and ardent longing, would nevertheless have failed
+in attaining its object had not Diomedes, at the last moment, come to
+their assistance.  He was a strong man, and by his aid the dying Roman
+was seized, drawn upon the scaffolding, and carried down the staircase to
+the tomb in the first story.
+
+When the wounded general had been laid on one of the couches with which
+the great hall was already furnished, the private secretary retired, but
+remained on the staircase, an unnoticed spectator, in order to be at hand
+in case the Queen again needed his assistance.  Flushed from the terrible
+exertion which she had just made, with tangled, dishevelled locks,
+gasping and moaning, Cleopatra, as if out of her senses, tore open her
+robe, beat her breast, and lacerated it with her nails.  Then, pressing
+her own beautiful face on her lover's wound to stanch the flowing blood,
+she lavished upon him all the endearing names which she had bestowed on
+their love.
+
+His terrible suffering made her forget her own and the sad fate
+impending.  Tears of pity fell like the refreshing drops of a shower upon
+the still unwithered blossoms of their love, and brought those which,
+during the preceding night, had revived anew, to their last magnificent
+unfolding.
+
+Boundless, limitless as her former passion for this man, was now the
+grief with which his agonizing death filled her heart.
+
+All that Mark Antony had been to her in the heyday of life, all their
+mutual experiences, all that each had received from the other, had
+returned to her memory in clear and vivid hues during the banquet which
+had closed a few hours ago.  Now these scenes, condensed into a narrow
+compass, again passed before her mental vision, but only to reveal more
+distinctly the depth of misery of this hour.  At last anguish forced even
+the clearest memories into oblivion: she saw nothing save the tortures of
+her lover; her brain, still active, revealed solely the gulf at her feet,
+and the tomb which yawned not only for Antony, but for herself.
+
+Unable to think of the happiness enjoyed in the past or to hope for it in
+the future, she gave herself up to uncontrolled despair, and no woman of
+the people could have yielded more absolutely to the consuming grief
+which rent her heart, or expressed it in wilder, more frantic language,
+than did this great Queen, this woman who as a child had been so
+sensitive to the slightest suffering, and whose after-life had certainly
+not taught her to bear sorrow with patience.  After Charmian, at the
+dying man's request, had given him some wine, he found strength to speak
+coherently, instead of moaning and sighing.
+
+He tenderly urged Cleopatra to secure her own safety, if it could be done
+without dishonour, and mentioned Proculejus as the man most worthy of her
+confidence among the friends of Octavianus.  Then he entreated her not to
+mourn for him, but to consider him happy; for he had enjoyed the richest
+favours of Fortune.  He owed his brightest hours to her love; but he had
+also been the first and most powerful man on earth.  Now he was dying in
+the arms of Love, honourable as a Roman who succumbed to Romans.
+
+In this conviction he died after a short struggle.
+
+Cleopatra had watched his last breath, closed his eyes, and then thrown
+herself tearlessly on her lover's body.  At last she fainted, and lay
+unconscious with her head upon his marble breast.
+
+The private secretary had witnessed all this, and then returned with
+tearful eyes to the second story.  There he met Gorgias, who had climbed
+the scaffolding, and told him what he had seen and heard from the stairs.
+But his story was scarcely ended when a carriage stopped at the Corner of
+the Muses and an aristocratic Roman alighted.  This was the very
+Proculejus whom the dying Antony had recommended to the woman he
+loved as worthy of her confidence.
+
+"In fact," Gorgias continued, "he seemed in form and features one of the
+noblest of his haughty race.  He came commissioned by Octavianus, and is
+said to be warmly devoted to the Caesar, and a well-disposed man.  We
+have also heard him mentioned as a poet and a brother-in-law of Maecenas.
+A wealthy aristocrat, he is a generous patron of literature, and also
+holds art and science in high esteem.  Timagenes lauds his culture and
+noble nature.  Perhaps the historian was right; but where the object in
+question is the state and its advantage, what we here regard as worthy of
+a free man appears to be considered of little moment at the court of
+Octavianus.  The lord to whom he gives his services intrusted him with a
+difficult task, and Proculejus doubtless considered it his duty to make
+every effort to perform it--and yet----If I see aright, a day will come
+when he will curse this, and the obedience with which he, a free man,
+aided Caesar  But listen.
+
+"Erect and haughty in his splendid suit of armour, he knocked at the door
+of the tomb.  Cleopatra had regained consciousness and asked--she must
+have known him in Rome--what he desired.
+
+"He had come, he answered courteously, by the command of Octavianus, to
+negotiate with her, and the Queen expressed her willingness to listen,
+but refused to admit him into the mausoleum.
+
+"So they talked with each other through the door.  With dignified
+composure, she asked to have the sons whom she had given to Antony--not
+Caasarion--acknowledged as Kings of Egypt.
+
+"Proculejus instantly promised to convey her wishes to Caesar, and gave
+hopes of their fulfilment.
+
+"While she was speaking of the children and their claims--she did not
+mention her own future--the Roman questioned her about Mark Antony's
+death, and then described the destruction of the dead man's army and
+other matters of trivial importance.  Proculejus did not look like a
+babbler, but I felt a suspicion that he was intentionally trying to hold
+the attention of the Queen.  This proved to be his design; he had been
+merely waiting for Cornelius Gallus, the commander of the fleet, of whom
+you have heard.  He, too, ranks among the chief men in Rome, and yet he
+made himself the accomplice of Proculejus.
+
+"The latter retired as soon as he had presented the new-comer to the
+hapless woman.
+
+"I remained at my post and now heard Gallus assure Cleopatra of his
+master's sympathy.  With the most bombastic exaggeration he described how
+bitterly Octavianus mourned in Mark Antony the friend, the brother-in-
+law, the co-ruler and sharer in so many important enterprises.  He had
+shed burning tears over the tidings of his death.  Never had more sincere
+ones coursed down any man's cheeks.
+
+"Gallus, too, seemed to me to be intentionally prolonging the
+conversation.
+
+"Then, while I was listening intently to understand Cleopatra's brief
+replies, my foreman, who, when the workmen were driven away by the
+Romans, had concealed himself between two blocks of granite, came to me
+and said that Proculejus had just climbed a ladder to the scaffold in the
+rear of the monument.  Two servants followed, and they had all stolen
+down into the hall.
+
+"I hastily started up.  I had been lying on the floor with my head
+outstretched to listen.
+
+"Cost what it might, the Queen must be warned.  Treachery was certainly
+at work here.
+
+"But I came too late.
+
+"O Dion!  If I had only been informed a few minutes before, perhaps
+something still more terrible might have happened, but the Queen would
+have been spared what now threatens her.  What can she expect from the
+conqueror who, in order to seize her alive, condescends to outwit a
+noble, defenceless woman, who has succumbed to superior power?
+
+"Death would have released the unhappy Queen from sore trouble and
+horrible shame.  And she had already raised the dagger against her life.
+Before my eyes she flung aloft her beautiful arm with the flashing steel,
+which glittered in the light of the candles in the many-branched
+candelabra beside the sarcophagi.  But I will try to remain calm!  You
+shall hear what happened in regular order.  My thoughts grow confused as
+the terrible scene recurs to my memory.  To describe it as I saw it, I
+should need to be a poet, an artist in words; for what passed before me
+happened on a stage--you know, it was a tomb.  The walls were of dark
+stone-dark, too, were the pillars and ceiling--all dark and glittering;
+most portions were smoothly polished stone, shining like a mirror.  Near
+the sarcophagi, and around the candelabra as far as the vicinity of the
+door, where the rascally trick was played, the light was brilliant as in
+a festal hall.  Every blood-stain on the hand, every scratch, every wound
+which the desperate woman had torn with her own nails on her bosom, which
+gleamed snow-white from her black robes, was distinctly visible.  Farther
+away, on the right and left, the light was dim, and near the side walls
+the darkness was as intense as in a real tomb.  On the smooth porphyry
+columns, the glittering black marble and serpentine--here, there, and
+everywhere--flickered the wavering reflection of the candlelight.  The
+draught kept it continually in motion, and it wavered to and fro in the
+hall, like the restless souls of the damned.  Wherever the eye turned it
+met darkness.  The end of the hall seemed black--black as the anteroom of
+Hades--yet through it pierced a brilliant moving bar; sunbeams which
+streamed from the stairway into the tomb and amid which danced tiny
+motes.  How the scene impressed the eye!  The home of gloomy Hecate!  And
+the Queen and her impending fate.  A picture flooded with light, standing
+forth in radiant relief against the darkness of the heavy, majestic forms
+surrounding it in a wide circle.  This tomb in this light would be a
+palace meet for the gloomy rule of the king of the troop of demons
+conjured up by the power of a magician--if they have a ruler.  But where
+am I wandering?  'The artist!'  I hear you  exclaim  again, 'the  artist!
+Instead of rushing forward and interposing, he stands studying the light
+and its effects in the royal tomb.'  Yes, yes; I had come too late, too
+late--far too late!  On the stairs leading to the lower story of the
+building I saw it, but I was not to blame for the delay--not in the
+least!
+
+"At first I had been unable to see the men--or even a shadow; but I
+beheld plainly in the brightest glare of the light the body of Mark
+Antony on the couch and, in the dusk farther towards the right, Iras and
+Charmian trying to raise a trapdoor.  It was the one which closed the
+passage leading to the combustible materials stored in the cellar.  A
+sign from the Queen had commanded them to fire it.  The first steps of
+the staircase, down which I was hastening, were already behind me--then--
+then Proculejus, with two men, suddenly dashed from the intense darkness
+on the other side.  Scarcely able to control myself, I sprang down the
+remaining steps, and while Iras's shrill cry, 'Poor Cleopatra, they will
+capture you!' still rang in my ears, I saw the betrayed Queen turn from
+the door through which, resolved on death, she was saying something to
+Gallus, perceive Proculejus close behind her, thrust her hand into her
+girdle, and with the speed of lightning--you have already heard so--throw
+up her arm with the little dagger to bury the sharp blade in her breast.
+What a picture!  In the full radiance of the brilliant light, she
+resembled a statue of triumphant victory or of noble pride in great deeds
+accomplished; and then, then, only an instant later, what an outrage was
+inflicted!
+
+"Like a robber, an assassin, Proculejus rushed upon her, seized her arm,
+and wrested the weapon from her grasp.  His tall figure concealed her
+from me.  But when, struggling to escape from the ruffian's clutch, she
+again turned her face towards the hall, what a transformation had
+occurred!  Her eyes--you know how large they are--were twice their usual
+size, and blazed with scorn, fury, and hatred for the traitor.  The
+cheering light had become a consuming fire.  So I imagine the vengeance,
+the curse which calls down ruin upon the head of a foe.  And Proculejus,
+the great lord, the poet whose noble nature is praised by the authors on
+the banks of the Tiber, held the defenceless woman, the worthy daughter
+of a brilliant line of kings, in a firm grasp, as if it required the
+exertion of all his strength to master this delicate embodiment of
+charming womanhood.  True, the proud blood of the outwitted lioness urged
+her to resist this profanation, and Proculejus--an enviable honour--made
+her feel the superior strength of his arm.  I am no prophet, but Dion, I
+repeat, this shameful struggle and the glances which flashed upon him
+will be remembered to his dying hour.  Had they been darted at me, I
+should have cursed my life.
+
+"They blanched even the Roman's cheeks.  He was lividly pale as he
+completed what he deemed his duty.  His own aristocratic hands were
+degraded to the menial task of searching the garments of a woman, the
+Queen, for forbidden wares, poisons or weapons.  He was aided by one of
+Caesar's freedmen, Epaphroditus, who is said to stand so high in the
+favour of Octavianus.
+
+"The scoundrel also searched Iras and Charmian, yet all the time both
+Romans constantly spoke in cajoling terms of Caesar's favour; and his
+desire to grant Cleopatra everything which was due a Queen.
+
+"At last she was taken back to Lochias, but I felt like a madman; for
+the image of the unfortunate woman pursued me like my shadow.  It was
+no longer a vision of the bewitching sovereign nay, it resembled the
+incarnation of despair, tearless anguish, wrath demanding vengeance.
+I will not describe it; but those eyes, those flashing, threatening eyes,
+and the tangled hair on which Antony's blood had flowed-terrible,
+horrible!  My heart grew chill, as if I had seen upon Athene's shield the
+head of the Medusa with its serpent locks.
+
+"It had been impossible for me to warn her in time, or even to seize the
+traitor's arm--I have already said so--and yet, yet her shining image
+gazed reproachfully at me for my cowardly delay.  Her glance still haunts
+me, robbing me of calmness and peace.  Not until I gaze into Helena's
+pure, calm eyes will that terrible vision of the face, flooded by light
+in the midst of the tomb, cease to haunt me."
+
+His friend laid his hand on his arm, spoke soothingly to him, and
+reminded him of the blessings which this terrible day--he had said so
+himself--had brought.
+
+Dion was right to give this warning; for Gorgias's bearing and the very
+tone of his voice changed as he eagerly declared that the frightful
+events had been followed by more than happy ones for the city, his
+friend, and Barine.
+
+Then, with a sigh of relief, he continued: "I pursued my way home like a
+drunken man.  Every attempt to approach the Queen or her attendants was
+baffled, but I learned from Charmian's clever Nubian that Cleopatra had
+been permitted, in Caesar's name, to choose the palace she desired to
+occupy, and had selected the one at Lochias.
+
+"I did not make much progress towards my house; the crowd in front of the
+great gymnasium stopped me.  Octavianus had gone into the city, and the
+people, I heard, had greeted him with acclamations and flung themselves
+on their knees before him.  Our stiff-necked Alexandrians in the dust
+before the victor!  It enraged me, but my resentment was diminished.
+
+"The members of the gymnasium all knew me.  They made way and, ere I was
+aware of it, I had passed through the door.  Tall Phryxus had drawn my
+arm through his.  He appears and vanishes at will, is as alert as he is
+rich, sees and hears everything, and manages to secure the best places.
+This time he had again succeeded; for when he released me we were
+standing opposite to a newly erected tribune.
+
+"They were waiting for Octavianus, who was still in the hypostyle of
+Euergetes receiving the homage of the epitrop, the members of the
+Council, the gymnasiarch, and I know not how many others.
+
+"Phryxus said that on Caesar's entry he had held out his hand to his
+former tutor, bade him accompany him, and commanded that his sons should
+be presented.  The philosopher had been distinguished above every one
+else, and this will benefit you and yours; for he is Berenike's brother,
+and therefore your wife's uncle.  What he desires is sure to be granted.
+You will hear at once how studiously the Caesar distinguishes him.  I do
+not grudge it to the man; he interceded boldly for Barine; he is lauded
+as an able scholar, and he does not lack courage.  In spite of Actium and
+the only disgraceful deed with which, to my knowledge, Mark Antony could
+be reproached--I mean the surader of Turullius--Arius remained here,
+though the Imperator might have held the friend of Julius Caesar's nephew
+as a hostage as easily as he gave up the Emperor's assassin.
+
+"Since Octavianus encamped before the city, your uncle has been in
+serious danger, and his sons shared his peril.  Surely you must know the
+handsome, vigorous young Ephebi.
+
+"We were not obliged to wait long in the gymnasium ere the Caesar
+appeared on the platform; and now--if your hand clenches, it is only what
+I expect--now all fell on their knees.  Our turbulent, rebellious rabble
+raised their hands like pleading beggars, and grave, dignified men
+followed their example.  Whoever saw me and Phryxus will remember us
+among the kneeling lickspittles;  for had we remained standing we should
+certainly have been dragged down.  So we followed the example of the
+others."
+
+"And Octavianus?" asked Dion eagerly.
+
+"A man of regal bearing and youthful aspect; beardless face of the finest
+chiselling, a profile as beautiful as if created for the coin-maker; all
+the lines sharp and yet pleasing; every inch an aristocrat; but the very
+mirror of a cold nature, incapable of any lofty aspiration, any warm
+emotion, any tenderness of feeling.  All in all, a handsome, haughty,
+calculating man, whose friendship would hardly benefit the heart, but
+from whose enmity may the immortals guard all we love!
+
+"Again he led Arius by the hand.  The philosopher's sons followed the
+pair.  When he stood on the stage, looking down upon the thousands
+kneeling before him, not a muscle of his noble face--it is certainly that
+--betrayed the slightest emotion.  He gazed at us like a farmer surveying
+his flocks and, after a long silence, said curtly in excellent Greek that
+he absolved the Alexandrians from all guilt towards him: first--he
+counted as if he were summoning individual veterans to reward them--from
+respect for the illustrious founder of our city, Alexander, the conqueror
+of the world; secondly, because the greatness and beauty of Alexandria
+filled him with admiration; and, thirdly--he turned to Arius as he spoke
+--to give pleasure to his admirable and beloved friend.
+
+"Then shouts of joy burst forth.
+
+"Every one, from the humblest to the greatest, had had a heavy burden
+removed from his mind, and the throng had scarcely left the gymnasium
+when they were again laughing saucily enough, and there was no lack of
+biting and innocent jests.
+
+"The fat carpenter, Memnon--who furnished the wood-work for your palace--
+exclaimed close beside me that formerly a dolphin had saved Arius from
+the pirates; now Arius was saving marine Alexandria from the robbers.  So
+the sport went on.  Philostratus, Barine's first husband, offered the
+best butt for jests.  The agitator had good reason to fear the worst; and
+now, clad in black mourning robes, ran after Arius, whom but a few months
+ago he persecuted with the most vindictive hatred, continually repeating
+this shallow bit of verse:
+
+          "'If he is a wise man, let the wise aid the wise.'
+
+"Reaching home was not easy.  The street was swarming with Roman
+soldiers.  They fared well enough; for in the joy of their hearts many a
+prosperous citizen who saw his property saved invited individual
+warriors, or even a whole maniple, to the taverns or cook-shops, and the
+stock of wine in Alexandrian cellars will be considerably diminished to-
+night.
+
+"Many, as I have already said, had been quartered in the houses, with
+orders to spare the property of the citizens; and it was in this way
+that the misfortune with which I commenced my narrative befell the
+grandmother.  She died before my departure.
+
+"All the gates of the city will now stand open to you, and the niece of
+Arius and her husband will be received with ovations.  I don't grudge
+Barine the good fortune; for the way in which your noble wife, who had
+cast her spell over me too, flung aside what is always dear to the
+admired city beauty and found on the loneliest of islands a new world in
+love, is worthy of all admiration and praise.  For yourself, I dread new
+happiness and honours; if they are added to those which Fate bestowed
+upon you in such a wife and your son Pyrrhus, the gods would not be
+themselves if they did not pursue you with their envy.  I have less
+reason to fear them."
+
+"Ungrateful fellow!" interrupted his friend.  "There will be numerous
+mortals to grudge you Helena.  As for me, I have already felt many a
+slight foreboding; but we have already paid by no means a small tribute
+to the divine ones.  The lamp is still burning in the sitting-room.
+Inform the sisters of their grandmother's death, and tell them the
+pleasant tidings you have brought us, but reserve until the morning a
+description of the terrible scenes you witnessed.  We will not spoil
+their sleep.  Mark my words!  Helena's silent grief and her joy at our
+escape will lighten your heart."
+
+And so it proved.  True, Gorgias lived over again in his dreams the
+frightful spectacle witnessed the day before; but when the sun of the
+2d day of August rose in full radiance over Alexandria and, early in
+the morning, boat after boat reached the Serpent Island, landing first
+Berenike and her nephews, the sons of the honoured philosopher Arius,
+then clients, officials, and friends of Dion, and former favourite guests
+of Barine, to greet the young pair and escort them from the refuge which
+had so long sheltered them back to the city and their midst, new and
+pleasant impressions robbed the gloomy picture of a large portion of its
+terrors.
+
+"Tall Phryxus" had rapidly spread the news of the place where Dion and
+Barine had vanished, and that they had long been happily wedded.  Many
+deemed it well worth a short voyage to see the actors in so strange an
+adventure and be the first to greet them.  Besides, those who knew Barine
+and her husband were curious to learn how two persons accustomed to the
+life of a great capital had endured for months such complete solitude.
+Many feared or expected to see them emaciated and careworn, haggard or
+sunk in melancholy, and hence there were a number of astonished faces
+among those whose boats the freedman Pyrrhus guided as pilot through the
+shallows which protected his island.
+
+The return of this rare couple to their home would have afforded an
+excellent opportunity for gay festivities.  Sincerely as the majority of
+the populace mourned the fate of the Queen, and gravely as the more
+thoughtful feared for Alexandria's freedom under Roman rule, all rejoiced
+over the lenient treatment of the city.  Their lives and property were
+safe, and the celebration of festivals had become a life habit with all
+classes.  But the news of the death of Didymus's wife and the illness of
+the old man, who could not bear up under the loss of his faithful
+companion, gave Dion a right to refuse any gay welcome at his home.
+
+Barine's sorrow was his also, and Didymus died a few days after his wife,
+with whom he had lived in the bonds of love for more than half a century
+--people said, "of a broken heart."
+
+So Dion and his young wife entered his beautiful palace with no noisy
+festivities.  Instead of the jubilant hymenaeus, the voice of his own
+child greeted him on the threshold.
+
+The mourning garments in which Barine welcomed him in the women's
+apartment reminded him of the envy of the gods which his friend had
+feared for him.  But he often fancied that his mother's statue in the
+tablinum looked specially happy when the young mistress of the house
+entered it.
+
+Barine, too, felt that her happiness as wife and mother in her
+magnificent home would have been overwhelming had not a wise destiny
+imposed upon her, just at this time, grief for those whom she loved.
+
+Dion instantly devoted himself again to the affairs of the city and his
+own business.  He and the woman he loved, who had first become really
+his own during a time of sore privation, had run into the harbour and
+gazed quietly at the storms of life.  The anchor of love, which moored
+their ship to the solid earth, had been tested in the solitude of the
+Serpent Island.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+The fisherman and his family had watched the departure of their beloved
+guests with sorrowful hearts, and the women had shed many tears, although
+the sons of Pyrrhus had been dismissed from the fleet and were again
+helping their father at home, as in former times.
+
+Besides, Dion had made the faithful freedman a prosperous man, and given
+his daughter, Dione, a marriage dowry.  She was soon to become the wife
+of the captain of the Epicurus, Archibius's swift galley, whose
+acquaintance she had made when the vessel, on several occasions, brought
+Charmian's Nubian maid to the island.  Anukis's object in making these
+visits was not only to see her friend, but to induce him to catch one of
+the poisonous serpents in the neighbouring island and keep it ready for
+the Queen.
+
+Since Cleopatra had ascertained that no poison caused a less painful
+death than the fangs of the asp, she had resolved that the bite of one of
+these reptiles should release her from the burden of life.  The clever
+Ethiopian had thought of inducing her friend Pyrrhus to procure the
+adder, but it had required all Aisopion's skill in persuasion, and the
+touching manner in which she understood how to describe the Queen's
+terrible situation and severe suffering, to conquer the reluctance of the
+upright man.  At last she succeeded in persuading him to measure a queen
+by a different standard from a woman of the people, and inducing him to
+arrange the manner and time of conveying the serpent into the well-
+guarded palace.  A signal was to inform him when the decisive hour
+arrived.  After that he was to be ready with the asp in the fish-market
+every day.  Probably his service would soon be claimed; for Octavianus's
+delay was scarcely an indication of a favourable decision of Cleopatra's
+fate.
+
+True, she was permitted to live in royal state at Lochias, and had even
+been allowed to have the children, the twins, and little Alexander sent
+back to her with the promise that life and liberty would be granted them;
+but Caesarion--whose treacherous tutor Rhodon lured him from the journey
+southward back to Alexandria by all sorts of representations, among them
+the return of Barine--was held prisoner in his father's temple, where he
+had sought refuge.  This news, and the fact that Octavianus had condemned
+to death the youth who bore so striking a resemblance to Caesar, had not
+remained concealed from the unhappy mother.  She was also informed of the
+words in which the philosopher Arius had encouraged Caesar's desire to
+rid himself of the son of his famous uncle.  They referred to the Homeric
+saying concerning the disadvantage of having many rulers.
+
+Everything which Cleopatra desired to know concerning events in the city
+reached her ears; for she was allowed much liberty-only she was closely
+watched day and night, and all the servants and officials to whom she
+granted an audience were carefully searched to keep from her all means of
+self-destruction.
+
+True, it was very evident that she had closed her account with life.  Her
+attempt to take no food and die of starvation must have been noticed.
+Threats directed against the children, through whom she could be most
+easily influenced, finally induced her to eat again.  Octavianus was
+informed of all these things, and his conduct proved his anxiety to keep
+her from suicide.
+
+Several Asiatic princes vied with each other in the desire to honour Mark
+Antony by a magnificent funeral, but Octavianus had allowed Cleopatra to
+provide the most superb obsequies.  In the time of her deepest anguish it
+afforded her comfort and satisfaction to arrange everything herself, and
+even perform some offices with her own hands.  The funeral had been as
+gorgeous as the dead man's love of splendour could have desired.
+
+Iras and Charmian were often unable to understand how the Queen--who,
+since Antony's death, had suffered not only from the wounds she had
+inflicted upon herself in her despair, but also after her baffled attempt
+at starvation from a slow fever--had succeeded in resisting the severe
+exertions and mental agitation to which she had been subjected by
+Antony's funeral.
+
+The return of Archibius with the children, however, had visibly
+reanimated her flagging energy.  She often went to Didymus's garden,
+which was now connected with the palace at Lochias, to watch their work
+and share whatever interested their young hearts.
+
+But the gayest of mothers, who had understood how to enter so thoroughly
+into her children's pursuits, had now become a sorrowful, grave monitor.
+Though the lessons she urged upon them were often beautiful and wise,
+they were little suited to the ages of Archibius's pupils, for they
+usually referred to death and to questions of philosophy not easily
+understood by children.
+
+She herself felt that she no longer struck the right key; but whenever
+she tried to change it and jest with them as usual, she could endure the
+forced gaiety only a short time; a painful revulsion, frequently
+accompanied by tears, followed, and she was obliged to leave her
+darlings.
+
+The life her foe granted her seemed like an intrusive gift, an oppressive
+debt, which we desire to pay a troublesome creditor as soon as possible.
+She seemed calmer and apparently content only when permitted to talk with
+the companions of her youth concerning bygone days, or with them and Iras
+of death, and how it would be possible to put an end to an unwelcome
+existence.
+
+After such conversations Iras and Charmian left her with bleeding hearts.
+They had long since resolved to share the fate of their royal mistress,
+whatever it might be.  Their common suffering was the bond which again
+united them in affection.  Iras had provided poisoned pins which had
+speedily destroyed the animals upon which they had been tried.  Cleopatra
+knew of their existence, but she herself preferred the painless death
+bestowed by the serpent's bite, and it was long since her friends had
+seen the eyes of their beloved sovereign sparkle so brightly as when
+Charmian told her that away had been found to obtain the uraeus serpent
+as soon as it was needed.  Put it was not yet imperative to adopt the
+last expedient.  Octavianus wished to be considered lenient, and perhaps
+might still be prevailed upon to grant the Queen and her children a
+future meet for their royal birth.
+
+Cleopatra's reply was an incredulous smile, yet a faint hope which saved
+her from despair began to bud in her soul.
+
+Dolabella, an aristocratic Roman, a scion of the noble Cornelius family,
+was in the Caesar's train, and had been presented to the Egyptian Queen.
+In former years his father was a friend of Cleopatra; nay, she had placed
+him under obligations by sending him, after the murder of Julius Caesar,
+the military force at her command to be used against Cassius.  True, her
+legions, by messengers from Dolabella himself, were despatched in another
+direction; but Cleopatra had not withdrawn her favour from Dolabella's
+father on that account.  The latter had known her in Rome before the
+death of Caesar, and had enthusiastically described the charms of the
+bewitching Egyptian sovereign.  Though the youth found her only a
+mourning widow, ill in body and mind, he was so strongly attracted and
+deeply moved by her beauty, her brilliant intellect, her grace of
+bearing, her misfortunes and sufferings, that he devoted many hours to
+her, and would have considered it a happiness to render her greater
+services than circumstances permitted.  He often accompanied her to the
+children, whose hearts had been completely won by his frank, cheerful
+nature; and so it happened that he soon became one of the most welcome
+guests at Lochias.  He confided without reserve every feeling that
+stirred his soul to the warm-hearted woman who was so many years his
+senior, and through him she learned many things connected with Octavianus
+and his surroundings.  Without permitting himself to be used as a tool,
+he became an advocate for the unfortunate woman whom he so deeply
+esteemed.
+
+In intercourse with her he made every effort to inspire confidence in
+Octavianus, who favoured him, enjoyed his society, and in whose
+magnanimity the youth firmly believed.
+
+He anticipated the best results from an interview between the Queen and
+the Caesar; for he deemed it impossible that the successful conqueror
+could part untouched, and with no desire to mitigate her sad fate, from
+the woman who, in earlier years, had so fascinated his father, and whom
+he himself, though she might almost have been his mother, deemed peerless
+in her bewitching and gracious charm.
+
+Cleopatra, on the contrary, shrank from meeting the man who had brought
+so much misfortune upon Mark Antony and herself, and inflicted upon her
+insults which were only too well calculated to make her doubt his
+clemency and truth.  On the other hand, she could not deny Dolabella's
+assertion that it would be far less easy for Octavianus to refuse her in
+person the wishes she cherished for her children's future than through
+mediators.  Proculejus had learned that Antony had named him to the Queen
+as the person most worthy of her confidence, and more keenly felt the
+wrong which, as the tool and obedient friend of Octavianus, he had
+inflicted upon the hapless woman.  The memory of his unworthy deed, which
+history would chronicle, had robbed the sensitive man, the author and
+patron of budding Roman poetry, of many an hour's sleep, and therefore he
+also now laboured zealously to oblige the Queen and mitigate her hard
+fate.  He, like the freedman Epaphroditus, who by Caesar's orders watched
+carefully to prevent any attempt upon her life, seemed to base great
+hopes on such an interview, and endeavoured to persuade her to request an
+audience from the Caesar.
+
+Archibius said that, even in the worst case, it could not render the
+present state of affairs darker.  Experience, he said to Charmian, proved
+that no man of any feeling could wholly resist the charm of her nature,
+and to him at least she had never seemed more winning than now.  Who
+could have gazed unmoved into the beautiful face, so eloquent in its
+silent suffering, whose soul would not have been deeply touched by the
+sorrowful tones of her sweet voice?  Besides, her sable mourning robes
+were so well suited to the slight tinge of melancholy which pervaded her
+whole aspect.  When the fever flushed her cheeks, Archibius, spite of the
+ravages which grief, anxiety, and fear had made upon her charms, thought
+that he had never seen her look more beautiful.  He knew her thoroughly,
+and was aware that her desire to follow the man she loved into the realm
+of death was sincere; nay, that it dominated her whole being.  She clung
+to life only to die as soon as possible.  The decision which, after her
+resolve to build the monument, she had recognized in the temple of
+Berenike as the right one, had become the rule of conduct of her life.
+Every thought, every conversation, led her back to the past.  The future
+seemed to exist no longer.  If Archibius succeeded in directing her
+thoughts to approaching days she occupied herself wholly with her
+children's fate.  For herself she expected nothing, felt absolved from
+every duty except the one of protecting herself and her name from
+dishonour and humiliation.
+
+The fact that Octavianus, when he doomed Caesarion to death, permitted
+the other children to return to her with the assurance that no harm
+should befall them, proved that he made a distinction between them and
+his uncle's son, and had no fears that they threatened his own safety.
+She might expect important results in their favour from an interview with
+Octavianus, so she at last authorized Proculejus to request an audience.
+
+The Imperator's answer came the very same day.  It was his place to seek
+her--so ran the Caesar's message.  This meeting must decide her fate.
+Cleopatra was aware of this, and begged Charmian to remember the asp.
+
+Her attendants had been forbidden to leave Lochias, but Epaphroditus
+permitted them to receive visitors.  The Nubian's merry, amusing talk had
+made friends for her among the Roman guards, who allowed her to pass in
+and out unmolested.  On her return, of course, she was searched with the
+utmost care, like every one who entered Lochias.
+
+The decisive hour was close at hand.  Charmian knew what she must do in
+any event, but there was still one desire for whose fulfilment she
+longed.  She wished to greet Barine and see her boy.
+
+To spare Iras, she had hitherto refrained from sending for Dion's wife.
+The sight of the mother and child might have reopened wounds still
+unhealed, and she would not inflict this sorrow upon her niece, who for a
+long time had once more been loyally devoted to her.
+
+Octavianus did not hasten to fulfil his assurance.  But, at the end of a
+week, Proculejus brought the news that he could promise a visit from the
+Caesar that afternoon.  The Queen was deeply agitated, and desired before
+the interview to pay a visit to her tomb.  Iras offered to accompany her,
+and as Cleopatra intended to remain an hour or longer, Charmian thought
+it a favourable opportunity to see Barine and her boy.
+
+Dion's wife had been informed of her friend's wish, and Anukis, who was
+to take her to Lochias, did not wait long for the mother and child.
+
+Didymus's garden--now the property of the royal children--was the scene
+of the meeting.  In the shade of the familiar trees the young mother sank
+upon the breast of her faithful friend, and Charmian could not gaze her
+fill at the boy, or weary of tracing in his features a resemblance to his
+grandfather Leonax.
+
+How much these two women, to whom Fate had allotted lives so widely
+different, found to tell each other!  The older felt transported to the
+past, the younger seemed to have naught save a present rich in blessing
+and a future green with hope.  She had good news to tell of her sister
+also.  Helena had long been the happy wife of Gorgias who, however, spite
+of the love with which he surrounded the young mistress of his house,
+numbered among his most blissful hours those which were devoted to
+overseeing the progress of the work on the mausoleum, where he met
+Cleopatra.
+
+Time flew swiftly to the two women, and it was a painful surprise when
+one of the eunuchs on guard announced that the Queen had returned.  Again
+Charmian embraced her lover's grandson, blessed him and the young mother,
+sent messages of remembrance to Dion, begged Barine to think of her
+affectionately when she had passed from earth and, if her heart prompted
+her to the act, to anoint or adorn with a ribbon or flower the tombstone
+of the woman who had no friend to render her such a service.
+
+Deeply moved by the firmness with which Charmian witnessed the approach
+of death, Barine listened in silence, but suddenly started as the sharp
+tones of a well-known voice called her friend's name and, as she turned,
+Iras stood before her.  Pallid and emaciated, she looked in her long,
+floating black robes the very incarnation of misery.
+
+The sight pierced the heart of the happy wife and mother.  She felt as if
+much of the joy which Iras lacked had fallen to her own lot, and all the
+grief and woe she had ever endured had been transferred to her foe.  She
+would fain have approached humbly and said something very kind and
+friendly; but when she saw the tall, haggard woman gazing at her child,
+and noticed the disagreeable expression which had formerly induced her to
+compare her to a sharp thorn, a terrible dread of this woman's evil eye
+which might harm her boy seized the mother's heart and, overwhelmed by an
+impulse beyond control, she covered his face with her own veil.
+
+Iras saw it, and after Barine had answered her question, "Dion's child?"
+in the affirmative, with a glance beseeching forbearance, the girl drew
+up her slender figure, saying with arrogant coldness "What do I care for
+the child?  We have more important matters on our hearts."
+
+Then she turned to Charmian to inform her, in the tone of an official
+announcement, that during the approaching interview the Queen desired her
+attendance also.
+
+Octavianus had appointed sunset for the interview, and it still lacked
+several hours of the time.  The suffering Queen felt wearied by her visit
+to the mausoleum, where she had implored the spirit of Antony, if he had
+any power over the conqueror's heart, to induce him to release her from
+this torturing uncertainty and promise the children a happy fate.
+
+To Dolabella, who had accompanied her from the tomb to the palace, she
+said that she expected only one thing from this meeting, and then won
+from him a promise which strengthened her courage and seemed the most
+precious boon which could be granted at this time.
+
+She had expressed the fear that Octavianus would still leave her in
+doubt.  The youth spoke vehemently in Caesar's defence, and closed with
+the exclamation, "If he should still keep you in suspense, he would be
+not only cool and circumspect--"
+
+"Then," Cleopatra interrupted, "be nobler, be less cruel, and release
+your father's friend from these tortures.  If he does not reveal to me
+what awaits me and you learn it, then--you will not say no, you cannot
+refuse me--then you, yes, you will inform me?"
+
+Promptly and firmly came the reply: "What have I been able to do for you
+until now?  But I will release you from this torture, if possible."  Then
+he hastily turned his back, that he might not be compelled to see the
+eunuchs stationed at the palace gate search the garments of the royal
+captive.
+
+His promise sustained the failing courage of the wearied, anxious Queen,
+and she reclined upon the cushions of a lounge to recover from the
+exhausting expedition; but she had scarcely closed her eyes when the
+pavement of the court-yard rang under the hoofs of the four horses which
+bore the Caesar to Lochias.  Cleopatra had not expected the visit so
+early.
+
+She had just been consulting with her attendants about the best mode of
+receiving him.  At first she had been disposed to do so on the throne,
+clad in her royal attire, but she afterwards thought that she was too ill
+and weak to bear the heavy ornaments.  Besides, the man and successful
+conqueror would show himself more indulgent and gracious to the suffering
+woman than to the princess.
+
+There was much to palliate the course which she had pursued in former
+days, and she had carefully planned the defence by which she hoped to
+influence his calm but not unjust nature.  Many things in her favour were
+contained in the letters from Caesar and Antony which, after her
+husband's death, she had read again and again during so many wakeful
+nights, and they had just been brought to her.
+
+Both Archibius and the Roman Proculejus had counselled her not to receive
+him entirely alone.  The latter did not express his opinion in words, but
+he knew that Octavianus was more readily induced to noble and lenient
+deeds when there was no lack of witnesses to report them to the world.
+It was advisable to provide spectators for the most consummate actor of
+his day.
+
+Therefore the Queen had retained Iras, Charmian, and some of the
+officials nearest to her person, among them the steward Seleukus, who
+could give information if any question arose concerning the delivery of
+the treasure.
+
+She had also intended, after she had somewhat recovered from the visit to
+the tomb, to be robed in fresh garments.  This was prevented by the
+Caesar's unexpected arrival.  Now, even had time permitted, she would
+have been unable to have her hair arranged, she felt so weak and yet so
+feverishly excited.
+
+The blood coursed hotly through her veins and flushed her cheeks.  When
+told that the Caesar was close at hand, she had only time to raise
+herself a little higher on her cushions, push back her hair, and let
+Iras, with a few hasty touches, adjust the folds of her mourning robes.
+Had she attempted to advance to meet him, her limbs would have failed to
+support her.
+
+When the Caesar at last entered, she could greet him only by a wave of
+her hand; but Octavianus, who had uttered the usual salutations from the
+threshold, quickly broke the painful silence, saying with a courteous
+bow:
+
+"You summoned me--I came.  Every one is subject to beauty--even the
+victor."
+
+Cleopatra's head drooped in shame as she answered distinctly, yet in a
+tone of modest denial: "I only asked the favour of an audience.  I did
+not summon.  I thank you for granting the request.  If it is dangerous
+for man to bow to woman's charms, no peril threatens you here.  Beauty
+cannot withstand tortures such as those which have been imposed on me--
+barely can life remain.  But you prevented my casting it from me.  If you
+are just, you will grant to the woman whom you would not permit to die an
+existence whose burden will not exceed her power to endure."
+
+The Caesar again bowed silently and answered courteously:
+
+"I intend to make it worthy of you."
+
+"Then," cried Cleopatra impetuously, "release me from this torturing
+uncertainty.  You are not one of the men who never look beyond to-day and
+to-morrow."
+
+"You are thinking," said Octavianus harshly, "of one who perhaps would
+still be among us, if with wiser caution--"
+
+Cleopatra's eyes, which hitherto had met the victor's cold gaze with
+modest entreaty, flashed angrily, and a majestic: "Let the past rest!"
+interrupted him.
+
+But she soon mastered the indignation which had stirred her passionate
+blood, and in a totally different tone, not wholly free from gentle
+persuasion, she continued:
+
+"The provident intellect of the man whose nod the universe obeys grasps
+the future as well as the present.  Must not he, therefore, have decided
+the children's fate ere he consented to see their mother?  The only
+obstacle in your path, the son of your great uncle--"
+
+"His doom was a necessity," interrupted the conqueror in a tone of
+sincere regret.  "As I mourned Antony, I grieve for the unfortunate boy."
+
+"If that is true," replied Cleopatra eagerly, "it does honour to the
+kindness of your heart.  When Proculejus wrested the dagger from my grasp
+he blamed me because I attributed to the most clement of conquerors
+harshness and implacability."
+
+"Two qualities," the Caesar protested, "which are wholly alien to my
+nature."
+
+"And which--even if you possessed them--you neither could nor ought to
+use," cried Cleopatra, "if you really mean the beautiful words you so
+often utter that, as the nephew and heir of the great Julius Caesar, you
+intend to walk in his footsteps.  Caesarion--there is his bust--was the
+image in every feature of his father, your illustrious model.  To me, the
+hapless woman now awaiting my sentence from his nephew's lips, the gods
+granted, as the most precious of all gifts, the love of your divine
+uncle.  And what love!  The world knew not what I was to his great heart,
+but my wish to defend myself from misconception bids me show it to you,
+his heir.  From you I expect my sentence.  You are the judge.  These
+letters are my strongest defence.  I rely upon them to show myself to you
+as I was and am, not as envy and slander describe me.--The little ivory
+casket, Iras!  It contains the precious proofs of Caesar's love, his
+letters to me."
+
+She raised the lid with trembling hands and, as these mementoes carried
+her back to the past, she continued in lower tones:
+
+"Among all my  treasures  this  simple little coffer has been for half a
+lifetime my most valued jewel.  He gave it to me.  It was in the midst of
+the fierce contest here at the Bruchium."
+
+Then, while unfolding the first roll, she directed Octavianus's attention
+to it and the remainder of the contents of the little casket, exclaiming:
+
+"Silent pages, yet how eloquent!  Each one a peerless picture, the
+powerful thinker, the man of action, who permits his restless intellect
+to repose, and suffers his heart to overflow with the love of youth!
+Were I vain, Octavianus, I might call each one of these letters a trophy
+of victory, an Olympic garland.  The woman to whom Julius Caesar owned
+his subjugation might well hold her head higher than the unhappy,
+vanquished Queen who, save the permission to die--"
+
+"Do not part with the letters," said Octavianus kindly.  "Who can doubt
+that they are a precious treasure--"
+
+"The most precious and at the same time the advocate of the accused,"
+replied Cleopatra eagerly; "on them--as you have already heard--rests my
+vindication.  I will commence with their contents.  How terrible it is to
+make what is sacred to us and intended only to elevate our own hearts
+serve a purpose, to do what has always been repugnant to us!  But I need
+an advocate and, Octavianus, these letters will restore to the wretched,
+suffering beggar the dignity and majesty of the Queen.  The world knows
+but two powers to which Julius Caesar bowed--the thrall of the pitiable
+woman on this couch, and of all-conquering death.  An unpleasant
+fellowship--but I do not shrink from it; for death robbed him of life,
+and from my hand--I ask only a brief moment.  How gladly I would spare
+myself my own praises, and you the necessity of listening to them!  Yes,
+here it is: 'Through you, you irresistible woman,' he writes, 'I learned
+for the first time, after youth was over, how beautiful life can be.'"
+
+Cleopatra, as she spoke, handed Caesar the letter.  But while she was
+still searching hastily for another he returned the first, saying:
+
+"I understand only too well your reluctance to allow such confidential
+effusions to play the part of defender.  I can imagine their purport, and
+they shall influence me as if I had read them all.  However eloquent they
+may be, they are needless witnesses.  Is any written testimony required
+in behalf of charms whose magic is still potent?"
+
+A bewitching smile, which seemed like a confirmation of the haughty young
+conqueror's flattering words, flitted over Cleopatra's face.  Octavianus
+noticed it.  This woman indeed possessed enthralling charms, and he felt
+the slight flush that suffused his cheeks.
+
+This unhappy captive, this suffering supplicant, could still draw into
+her net any man who did not possess the cool watchfulness which panoplied
+his soul.  Was it the marvellous melody of her voice, the changeful
+lustre of her tearful eyes, the aristocratic grace of the noble figure,
+the exquisite symmetry of the hands and feet, the weakness of the
+prostrate sufferer, strangely blended with truly royal majesty, or the
+thought that love for her had found earth's greatest and loftiest men
+with indissoluble fetters, which lent this fragile woman, who had long
+since passed the boundaries of youth, so powerful a spell of attraction?
+
+At any rate, however certain of himself he might be, he must guard his
+feelings.  He understood how to bridle passion far better than the uncle
+who was so greatly his superior.
+
+Yet it was of the utmost importance to keep her alive, and therefore to
+maintain her belief in his admiration.  He wished to show the world and
+the Great Queen of the East, who had just boasted of conquering, like
+death, even the most mighty, its own supremacy as man and victor.  But he
+must also be gentle, in order not to endanger the object for which he
+wanted her.  She must accompany him to Rome.  She and her children
+promised to render his triumph the most brilliant and memorable one which
+any conqueror had ever displayed to the senate and the people.  In a
+light tone which, however, revealed the emotion of his soul, he answered:
+"My illustrious uncle was known as a friend of fair women.  His stern
+life was crowned with flowers by many hands, and he acknowledged these
+favours verbally and perhaps--as he did to you in all these letters--with
+the reed.  His genius was greater, at any rate more many-sided and
+mobile, than mine.  He succeeded, too, in pursuing different objects at
+the same time with equal devotion.  I am wholly absorbed in the cares of
+state, of government, and war.  I feel grateful when I can permit our
+poets to adorn my leisure for a brief space.  Overburdened with toil,
+I have no time to yield myself captive, as my uncle did in these very
+rooms, to the most charming of women.  If I could follow my own will, you
+would be the first from whom I would seek the gifts of Eros.  But it may
+not be!  We Romans learn to curb even the most ardent wishes when duty
+and morality command.  There is no city in the world where half so many
+gods are worshipped as here; and what strange deities are numbered among
+them!  It needs a special effort of the intellect to understand them.
+But the simple duties of the domestic hearth!--they are too prosaic for
+you Alexandrians, who imbibe philosophy with your mothers' milk.  What
+marvel, if I looked for them in vain?  True, they would find little
+satisfaction--our household gods I mean--here, where the rigid demands of
+Hymen are mute before the ardent pleadings of Eros.  Marriage is scarcely
+reckoned among the sacred things of life.  But this opinion seems to
+displease you."
+
+"Because it is false," cried Cleopatra, repressing with difficulty a
+fresh outburst of indignation.  "Yet, if I see aright, your reproach is
+aimed only at the bond which united me to the man who was called your
+sister's husband.  But I will I would gladly remain silent, but you force
+me to speak, and I will do so, though your own friend, Proculejus, is
+signing to me to be cautious.  I--I, Cleopatra, was the wife of Mark
+Antony according to the customs of this country, when you wedded him to
+the widow of Marcellus, who had scarcely closed his eyes.  Not she, but
+I, was the deserted wife--I to whom his heart belonged until the hour of
+his death, not the unloved consort wedded--"  Here her voice fell.  She
+had yielded to the passionate impulse which urged her to express her
+feelings in the matter, and now continued in a tone of gentle
+explanation:  "I  know that you  proposed this alliance solely for the
+peace and welfare of Rome--"
+
+"To guard both, and to spare the blood of tens of thousands," Octavianus
+added with proud decision.  "Your clear brain perceived the true state
+of affairs.  If, spite of the grave importance of these motives, you--
+But what voices would not that of the heart silence with you women!  The
+man, the Roman, succeeded in closing his ears to its siren song.  Were it
+otherwise, I would never have chosen for my sister a husband by whom I
+knew her happiness would be so ill-guarded--I would, as I have already
+said, be unable to master my own admiration of the loveliest of women.
+But I ought scarcely to boast of that.  I fear that a heart like yours
+opens less quickly to the modest Octavianus than to a Julius Caesar or
+the brilliant Mark Antony.  Yet I may be permitted to confess that
+perhaps I might have avoided conducting this unhappy war against my
+friend to the end under my own guidance, and appearing myself in Egypt,
+had I not been urged by the longing to see once more the woman who had
+dazzled my boyish eyes.  Now, in my mature manhood, I desired to
+comprehend those marvellous gifts of mind, that matchless sagacity--"
+
+"Sagacity!" interrupted the Queen, shrugging her shoulders mournfully.
+"You possess a far greater share of what is commonly called by that name.
+My fate proves it.  The pliant intellect which the gods bestowed on me
+would ill sustain the test in this hour of anguish.  But if you really
+care to learn what mental power Cleopatra once possessed, relieve me of
+this terrible burden of uncertainty, and grant me a position in life
+which will permit my paralyzed soul to move freely once more."
+
+"It depends solely on yourself," Octavian eagerly responded, "to make
+your future life, not only free from care, but beautiful."
+
+"On me?"  asked Cleopatra in astonishment.   Our weal and woe are in your
+hands alone.  I am modest and ask nothing save to know what you intend
+for our future, what you mean by the lot which you term beautiful."
+
+"Nothing less,"  replied the Caesar quietly, "than what seems to lie
+nearest to your own heart--a life of that freedom of soul to which you
+aspire."
+
+The breath of the agitated Queen began come more quickly and, no longer
+able to contr the impatience which overpowered her, she exclaimed, "With
+the assurance of your favour on your lips, you refuse to discuss the
+question which interests, me beyond any other--for which, if any you must
+have been prepared when you came here--"
+
+"Reproaches?" asked Octavianus with we feigned surprise.  "Would it not
+rather be my place to complain?  It is precisely because I am thoroughly
+sincere in the friendly disposition which you read aright from my words,
+that some of your measures cannot fail to wound me.  Your treasures were
+to be committed to the flames.  It would be unfair to expect tokens of
+friendship from the vanquished; but can you deny that even the bitterest
+hatred could scarcely succeed in devising anything more hostile?"
+
+"Let the past rest!  Who would not seek in war to diminish the enemy's
+booty?" pleaded the Queen in a soothing tone.  But as Octavianus delayed
+his answer, she continued more eagerly: "It is said that the ibex in the
+mountains, when in mortal peril, rushes upon the hunter and hurls him
+with it down the precipice.  The same impulse is natural to human beings,
+and praiseworthy, I think, in both.  Forget the past, as I will try to
+do, I repeat with uplifted hands.  Say that you will permit the sons whom
+I gave to Antony to ascend the Egyptian throne, not under their mother's
+guardianship, but that of Rome, and grant me freedom wherever I may live,
+and I will gladly transfer to you, down to the veriest trifles, all the
+property and treasures I possess."
+
+She clenched her little hand impatiently under the folds of her robe as
+she spoke; but Octavianus lowered his eyes, saying carelessly: "In war
+the victor disposes of the property of the vanquished; but my heart
+restrains me from applying the universal law to you, who are so far above
+ordinary mortals.  Your wealth is said to be vast, though the foolish war
+which Antony, with your aid, so greatly prolonged, devoured vast sums.
+In this country squandered gold seems like the grass which, when mowed,
+springs up anew."
+
+"You speak," replied Cleopatra, more and more deeply incensed, with proud
+composure, "of the treasures which my ancestors, the powerful monarchs of
+a wealthy country, amassed during three hundred years for their noble
+race and for the adornment of the women of their line.  Parsimony did not
+accord with the generosity and lofty nature of an Antony, yet avarice
+itself would not deem the portion still remaining insignificant.  Every
+article is registered."
+
+While speaking, she took a manuscript from the hand of Seleukus and
+passed it to Octavianus who, with a slight bend of the head, received it
+in silence.  But he had scarcely begun to read it when the steward, a
+little corpulent man with twinkling eyes half buried in his fat cheeks,
+raised his short forefinger, pointed insolently at the Queen, and
+asserted that she was trying to conceal some things, and had ordered him
+not to place them on the list.  Every tinge of colour faded from the lips
+and cheeks of the agitated and passionate woman; tortured by feverish
+impatience and no longer able to control her emotions, she raised herself
+and, with her own dainty hand, struck the accuser--whom she had lifted
+from poverty and obscurity to his present high position--again and again
+in the face, till Octavianus, with a smile of superiority, begged her,
+much as the man deserved his punishment, to desist.
+
+The unfortunate woman, thus thrown off her guard, flung herself back on
+her couch and, panting for breath, with tears streaming from her eyes,
+sobbed aloud, declaring that in the presence of such unendurable insult,
+such contemptible baseness, she fairly loathed herself.  Then pressing
+her clenched hands upon her temples, she exclaimed "Before the eyes of
+the foe my royal dignity, which I have maintained all my life, falls from
+me like a borrowed mantle.  Yet what am I?  What shall I be to-morrow,
+what later?  But who beneath the sun who has warm blood in his veins can
+preserve his composure when juicy grapes are held before his thirsting
+lips to be withdrawn, as from Tantalus, ere he can taste them?  You came
+hither with the assurance of your favour; but the flattering words of
+promise which you bestowed upon the unhappy woman were probably only the
+drops of poppy-juice given to soothe the ravings of fever.  Was the
+favour which you permitted me to see and anticipate for the future merely
+intended to delude a miserable--"
+
+But she went no further; Octavianus, with dignified bearing and loud,
+clear tones, interrupted "Whoever believes the heir of Caesar capable of
+shamefully deceiving a noble woman, a queen, the object of his
+illustrious uncle's love, insults and wounds him; but the just anger
+which overmastered you may serve as your apology.  Ay," he added in a
+totally different tone, "I might even have cause to be grateful for this
+indignation, and to wish for another opportunity to witness the outbreak
+of passion though in its unbridled fierceness--the royal lioness is
+scarcely aware of her own beauty when the tempest of wrath sweeps her
+away.  What must she be when it is love that constrains the flame of her
+glowing soul to burst into a blaze?"
+
+"Her glowing soul!"  Cleopatra eagerly repeated, and the desire awoke
+to subjugate this man who had so confidently boasted of his power of
+resistance.  Though he might be stronger than many others, he certainly
+was not invincible.  And aware of her still unbroken sway over the hearts
+of men, her eyes sparkled with the alluring radiance of love, and a
+bewitching smile brightened her face.
+
+The young Imperator's heart began to chafe under the curb and to beat
+more quickly, his cheeks flushed and paled by turns.  How she gazed at
+him!  What if she loved the nephew as she had once loved the uncle who,
+through her, had learned what bliss life can offer?  Ay, it must be
+happiness to kiss those lips, to be clasped in those exquisite arms, to
+hear one's own name tenderly spoken by those musical tones.  Even the
+magnificent marble statue of Ariadne, which he had seen in Athens, had
+not displayed to his gaze lines more beautiful than those of the woman
+reclining on yonder pillows.  Who could venture to speak in her presence
+of vanished charms?  Ah, no!  The spell which had conquered Julius Caesar
+was as vivid, as potent as ever.  He himself felt its power; he was
+young, and after such unremitting exertions he too yearned to quaff the
+nectar of the noblest joys, to steep body and soul in peerless bliss.
+
+So, with a hasty movement, he took one step towards her couch, resolved
+to grasp her hands and raise them to his lips.  His ardent gaze answered
+hers; but surprised by the power which, though so heavily burdened with
+physical and mental suffering, she still possessed over the strongest and
+coldest of men, she perceived what was passing in his soul, and a smile
+of triumph, blended with the most bitter contempt, hovered around her
+beautiful lips.  Should she dupe him into granting her wishes by feigning
+love for the first time?  Should she yield to the man who had insulted
+her, in order to induce him to accord the children their rights?  Should
+she, to gratify her lover's foe, relinquish the sacred grief which was
+drawing her after him, give posterity and her children the right to call
+her, instead of the most loyal of the loyal, a dishonoured woman, who
+sold herself for power?
+
+To all these questions came a prompt denial.  The single stride which
+Octavianus had made towards her, his eyes aflame with love, gave her the
+right to feel that she had vanquished the victor, and the proud delight
+of triumph was too plainly reflected in her mobile features to escape the
+penetrating, distrustful gaze of the subjugated Caesar.
+
+But he had scarcely perceived what threatened him, and remembered her
+words concerning his famous uncle's surrender only to her and to death,
+when he succeeded in conquering his quickly kindled senses.  Blushing at
+his own weakness, he averted his eyes from the Queen, and when he met
+those of Proculejus and the other witnesses of the scene, he realized the
+abyss on whose verge he stood.  He had half succumbed to the danger of
+losing, by a moment's weakness, the fruit of great sacrifices and severe
+exertions.
+
+His expressive eyes, which had just rested rapturously upon a beautiful
+woman, now scanned the spectators with the stern glance of a monarch and,
+apparently wishing to moderate an excess of flattering recognition which
+might be misinterpreted, he said in an almost pedagogical tone:
+
+"Yet we would rather see the noble lioness in the majestic repose which
+best suits all sovereigns.  It is difficult for a calm, deliberate nature
+like mine to understand an ardent, quickly kindling heart."
+
+Cleopatra had watched this sudden transition with more surprise than
+disappointment.  Octavianus had half surrendered to her, but recovered
+his self-command in time, and a man of his temperament does not readily
+succumb twice to a danger which he barely escaped.  And this was well!
+He should learn that he had misunderstood the glance which fired his
+heart; so she answered distantly, with majestic dignity:
+
+"Misery such as mine quenches all ardour.  And love?  Woman's heart is
+ever open to it, save where it has lost the desire for power and
+pleasure.  You are young and happy, therefore your soul still yearns for
+love--I know that--though not for mine.  To me, on the contrary, one
+suitor only is welcome, he with the lowered torch, whom you keep aloof
+from me.  With him alone is to be found the boon for which this soul has
+longed from childhood--painless peace!  You smile.  My past gives you the
+right to do so.  I will not lessen it.  Each individual lives his or her
+own life.  Few understand the changes of their own existence, far less
+those of a stranger's.  The world has witnessed how Peace fled from my
+path, or I from hers, and yet I see the possibility of finding the way.
+I am safe from the only things which would debar me from those joys
+--humiliation and disgrace."  Here she hesitated; then, as if in
+explanation, continued in the sweetest tones at her command: "Your
+generosity, I think, will guard from these two foes the woman whom just
+now--I did not fail to see it--you considered worthy of a more than
+gracious glance.  I shall treasure it among memories which will never
+fade.  But now, illustrious Imperator! tell me, what is your decision
+concerning me and the children?  What may we hope from your favour?"
+
+"That  Octavianus will  be more  and  more warmly animated by the desire
+to accord you and yours a worthy destiny, the more firmly you expect that
+he will attest his generosity."
+
+"And if I fulfil this desire and expect from you everything that is great
+and noble--the condition is not difficult--what proofs of your
+graciousness will then await us?"
+
+"Paint them with all the fervour of that vivid power of imagination which
+interpreted even my glance in your favour, and devised the marvels by
+which you rendered the greatest and most brilliant man in Rome the
+happiest of mortals.  But--by Zeus!--it is the fourth hour after
+noonday!"
+
+A glance from the window had caused the exclamation.  Then, pressing his
+hand upon his heart, he continued in a tone of the most sincere regret
+"How gladly I would prolong this fascinating conversation, but important
+matters which, unfortunately, cannot be deferred, summon me--"
+
+"And your answer?" cried Cleopatra, panting for breath and gazing at him
+with eyes full of expectation.
+
+"Must I repeat it?" he  asked with  impatient haste.  "Very well, then.
+In return for implicit confidence on your part, favour, forgiveness,
+cordiality, every consideration which you can justly desire.  Your heart
+is so rich in warmth of feeling, grant me but a small share of it and ask
+tangible gifts in return.  They are already bestowed."  Then greeting her
+like a friend who is reluctant to say farewell, he hastily left the
+apartment.
+
+"Gone--gone!" cried Iras as the door closed behind him.  "An eel that
+slips from the hand which strives to hold him."
+
+"Northern ice," added Cleopatra gloomily as Charmian aided her to find a
+more comfortable position.  "As smooth as it is cold; there is nothing
+more to hope."
+
+"Yes, my royal mistress, yes," Iras eagerly protested.  "Dolabella is
+waiting for him in the Philadelphus court-yard.  From him--you have his
+promise--we shall learn what Octavianus has in store for you."
+
+In truth, the Caesar did find the youth at the first gate of the palace,
+inspecting his superb Cyrenean horses.
+
+"Magnificent animals!"  cried Octavianus; "a gift from the city!  Will
+you drive with me?--A remarkable, a very remarkable woman!"
+
+"Isn't she?" asked Dolabella eagerly.
+
+"Undoubtedly," replied the Caesar.  "But though she might almost be your
+mother, an uncommonly dangerous one for youths of your age.  What a
+melting voice, what versatility, what fervour!  And yet such regal grace
+in every movement!  But I wish to stifle, not to fan, the spark which
+perhaps has already fallen into your heart.  And the play, the farce
+which she just enacted before me in the midst of most serious matters!"
+
+He uttered a low, short laugh; but Dolabella exclaimed expectantly:
+"You rarely laugh, but this conversation--apparently--excites your mirth.
+So the result was satisfactory?"
+
+"Let us hope so.  I was as gracious to her as possible."
+
+"That is delightful.  May I know in what manner your kindness and wisdom
+have shaped her future?  Or, rather, what did you promise the vanquished
+Queen?"
+
+"My favour, if she will trust me."
+
+"Proculejus and I will continue to strengthen her confidence.  And if we
+succeed--?"
+
+"Then, as I have said, she will have my favour--a generous abundance of
+favour."
+
+"But her future destiny?  What fate will you bestow on her and her
+children?"
+
+"Whatever the degree of her confidence deserves."
+
+Here he hesitated, for he met Dolabella's earnest, troubled gaze, which
+was blended with a shade of reproach.
+
+Octavianus desired to retain the enthusiastic admiration of the youth,
+who perhaps was destined to lofty achievements, so he continued in a
+confidential tone: "To you, my young friend, I can venture to speak more
+frankly.  I will gladly grant the most aspiring wishes of this
+fascinating and, I repeat, very remarkable woman, but first I need her
+for my triumph.  The Romans would have cause to reproach me if I deprived
+them of the sight of this Queen, this peerless woman, in many respects
+the first of her time.  We shall soon set out for Syria.  The Queen and
+her children I shall send in three days to Rome.  If, in the triumphal
+procession there, she creates the sensation I anticipate from a spectacle
+so worthy of admiration, she shall learn how I reward those who oblige
+me."
+
+Dolabella had listened in silence.  When the Caesar entered the carriage,
+he requested permission to remain behind.
+
+Octavianus drove alone eastward to the camp where, in the vicinity of the
+Hippodrome, men were surveying the ground on which the suburb of
+Nikopolis--city of victory--was to be built to commemorate for future
+generations the victory of the first Emperor over Antony and Cleopatra.
+It grew, but never attained any great importance.
+
+The noble Cornelius gazed indignantly after his sovereign's fiery steeds;
+then, drawing up his stately figure to its full height, he entered the
+palace with a firm step.  The act might cost him his life, but he would
+do what he believed to be his duty to the noble woman who had honoured
+him with her friendship.  This rare sovereign was too good to feast the
+eyes of the rabble.
+
+A few minutes later Cleopatra knew her impending ignominy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+The next morning the Queen had many whispered conversations with
+Charmian, and the latter with Anukis.  The day before, Archibius's
+gardener had brought to his master's sister some unusually fine figs,
+which grew in the old garden of Epicurus.  This fruit was also mentioned,
+and Anukis went to Kanopus, and thence, in the steward's carriage, with a
+basket of the very best ones to the fish-market.  There she had a great
+deal to say to Pyrrhus, and the freedman went to his boat with the figs.
+
+Shortly after the Nubian's return the Queen came back to the palace from
+the mausoleum.  Her features bore an impress of resolution usually alien
+to them; nay, the firmly compressed lips gave them an expression of
+actual sternness.  She knew what duty required, and regarded her
+approaching end as an inevitable necessity.  Death seemed to her like a
+journey which she must take in order to escape the most terrible
+disgrace.  Besides, life after the death of Antony was no longer the
+same; it had been only a tiresome delay and waiting for the children's
+sake.
+
+The visit to the tomb had been intended, as it were, to announce her
+coming to her husband.  She had remained a long time in the silent hall,
+where she had garlanded the coffin with flowers, kissed it, talked to the
+dead man as if he were still alive, and told him that the day had come
+when what he had mentioned in his will as the warmest desire of his
+heart--to rest beside her in the same tomb--would be fulfilled.  Among
+the thousand forms of suffering which had assailed her, nothing had
+seemed so hard to bear as to be deprived of his society and love.
+
+Then she had gone into the garden, embraced and kissed the children, and
+entreated them to remember her tenderly.  Her purpose had not been
+concealed from Archibius, but Charmian had told him the menace of the
+future, and he approved her decision.  By the exertion of all his innate
+strength of will, he succeeded in concealing the grief which rent his
+faithful heart.  She must die.  The thought of seeing her adorn the
+triumphal procession of Octavianus was unbearable to him also.  Her
+thanks and entreaties to be an affectionate guardian to the children were
+received with an external calmness which afterwards seemed to him utterly
+incomprehensible.
+
+When she spoke of her approaching meeting with her lover, he asked
+whether she had entirely abandoned the teachings of Epicurus, who
+believed that death absolutely ended existence.
+
+Cleopatra eagerly assented, saying: "Absence of pain has ceased to appear
+to me the chief earthly blessing, since I have known that love does not
+bring pleasure only, since I have learned that pain is the inseparable
+companion of love.  I will not give it up, nor will I part from my lover.
+Whoever experiences what fate has allotted to me has learned to know
+other gods than those whom the master described as dwelling happily in
+undisturbed repose.  Rather eternal torture in another world, united to
+the man I love, than painless, joyless mere existence in a desolate,
+incomprehensible, unknown region!  You will be the last to teach the
+children to yearn for freedom from pain--"
+
+"Because, like you," cried Archibius, "I have learned how great a
+blessing is love, and that love is pain."
+
+As he spoke he bent over her hand to kiss it, but she took his temples
+between her hands and, bending hastily, pressed her lips on his broad
+brow.
+
+Then his self-control vanished, and, sobbing aloud, he hurried back to
+the children.
+
+Cleopatra gazed after him with a sorrowful smile, and leaning on
+Charmian's arm, she entered the palace.
+
+There she was bathed and, robed in costly mourning garments, reclined
+among her cushions to take breakfast, which was usually served at this
+hour.  Iras and Charmian shared it.
+
+When dessert was carried in, the Nubian brought a basket filled with
+delicious figs.  A peasant, she told Epaphroditus, who was watching the
+meal, had given them to her because they were so remarkably fine.  Some
+had already been snatched by the guards.
+
+The Queen and her companions ate a little of the fruit, and Proculejus,
+who had come to greet Cleopatra, was also persuaded to taste one of the
+finest figs.
+
+At the end of the meal Cleopatra wished to rest.  The Roman gentlemen and
+the guards retired.  At last the women were alone, and gazed at each
+other silently.
+
+Charmian timidly lifted the upper layer of the fruit, but the Queen said
+mournfully:
+
+"The wife of Antony dragged through the streets of Rome behind the
+victor's chariot, a spectacle for the populace and envious matrons!
+"Then, starting up, she exclaimed: "What a thought!  Was it too great for
+Octavianus, or too petty?  He who so loudly boasts his knowledge of
+mankind expects this impossibility from the woman who revealed her inmost
+soul to him as fully as he concealed his from her.  We will show him how
+small is his comprehension of human nature, and teach him modesty."
+
+A contemptuous smile flitted over her beautiful lips as, with rapid
+movements, she flung handful after handful of figs on the table, till she
+saw some thing stirring under the fruit, and with a sigh of relief
+exclaimed under her breath:
+
+"There it is!" as with hasty resolution she held out her arm towards the
+asp, which hissed at her.
+
+While gazing intently at the movements of the viper, which seemed afraid
+to fulfil the dread office, she said to her attendants:
+
+"I thank you-thank you for everything.  Be calm.  You know, Iras, it will
+cause no pain.  They say it is like falling asleep."  Then she shuddered
+slightly, adding: "Death is a solemn thing; yet it must be.  Why does the
+serpent delay?  There, there; I will keep firm.  Ambition and love were
+the moving forces of my life.  Men shall praise my memory.--I follow you,
+Mark Antony!"  Charmian bent over the left arm of her royal mistress,
+which hung loosely at her side, and, weeping aloud, covered it with
+kisses, while Cleopatra, watching the motions of the asp still more
+closely, added:
+
+"The peace of our garden of Epicurus will begin to-day.  Whether it will
+be painless, who can tell?  Yet--there I agree with  Archibius--life's
+greatest joy--love--is blended with pain, as yonder branch of exquisite
+roses from Dolabella, the last gift of friendship, has its sharp thorns.
+I think you have both experienced this.  The twins and my little darling
+--When they think of their mother and her end, will not the children--"
+
+Here she uttered a low cry.  The asp had struck its fangs into the upper
+part of her arm like an icy flash of lightning, and a few instants later
+Cleopatra sank back upon her pillows lifeless.
+
+Iras, pale but calm, pointed to her, saying "Like a sleeping child.
+Bewitching even in death.  Fate itself was constrained to do her will and
+fulfil the last desire of the great Queen, the victorious woman, whom no
+heart resisted.  Its decree shatters the presumptuous plan of Octavianus.
+The victor will show himself to the Romans without thee, thou dear one."
+
+Sobbing violently, she bent over the inanimate form, closed the eyes, and
+kissed the lips and brow.  The weeping Charmian did the same.
+
+Then the footsteps of men were heard in the anteroom, and Iras, who was
+the first to notice them, cried eagerly:
+
+"The moment is approaching!  I am glad it is close at hand.  Does it not
+seem to you also as if the very sun in the heavens was darkened?"
+Charmian nodded assent, and whispered, "The poison?"
+
+"Here!"  replied Iras calmly, holding out  a plain pin.  "One little
+prick, and the deed will be done.  Look!  But no.  You once inflicted the
+deepest suffering upon me.  You know--Dion, the playmate of my childhood
+--It is forgiven.  But now--you will do me a kindness.  You will spare my
+using the pin myself.  Will you not?  I will repay you.  If you wish, my
+hand shall render you the same service."
+
+Charmian clasped her niece to her heart, kissed her, pricked her arm
+lightly, and gave her the other pin, saying:
+
+"Now it is your turn.  Our hearts were filled with love for one who
+understood how to bestow it as none other ever did, and our love was
+returned.  What matters all else that we sacrificed?  Those on whom the
+sun shines need no other light.  Love is pain," she said in dying, "but
+this pain--especially that of renunciation for love's sake--bears with it
+a joy, an exquisite joy, which renders death easy.  To me it seems as if
+it were merely following the Queen to--Oh, that hurt!"  Iras's pin had
+pricked her.
+
+The poison did its work quickly.  Iras was seized with giddiness, and
+could scarcely stand.  Charmian had just sunk on her knees, when some one
+knocked loudly at the closed door, and the voices of Epaphroditus and
+Proculejus imperiously demanded admittance.
+
+When no answer followed, the lock was hastily burst open.
+
+Charmian was found lying pale and distorted at the feet of her royal
+mistress; but Iras, tottering and half stupefied by the poison, was
+adjusting the diadem, which had slipped from its place.  To keep from her
+beloved Queen everything that could detract from her beauty had been her
+last care.
+
+Enraged, fairly frantic with wrath, the Romans rushed towards the women.
+Epaphroditus had seen Iras still occupied in arranging Cleopatra's
+ornaments.  Now he endeavoured to raise her companion, saying
+reproachfully, "Charmian, was this well done?"  Summoning her last
+strength, she answered in a faltering voice, "Perfectly well, and worthy
+a descendant of Egyptian kings."  Her eyes closed, but Proculejus, the
+author, who had gazed long with deep emotion into the beautiful proud
+face of the Queen whom he had so greatly wronged, said: "No other woman
+on earth was ever so admired by the greatest, so loved by the loftiest.
+Her fame echoed from nation to nation throughout the world.  It will
+continue to resound from generation to generation; but however loudly men
+may extol the bewitching charm, the fervour of the love which survived
+death, her intellect, her knowledge, the heroic courage with which she
+preferred the tomb to ignominy--the praise of these two must not be
+forgotten.  Their fidelity deserves it.  By their marvellous end they
+unconsciously erected the most beautiful monument to their mistress; for
+what genuine goodness and lovableness must have been possessed by the
+woman who, after the greatest reverses, made it seem more desirable to
+those nearest to her person to die than to live without her!"
+
+     [The Roman's exclamation and the answer of the loyal dying Charmian
+     are taken literally from Plutarch's narrative.]
+
+The news of the death of their beloved, admired sovereign transformed
+Alexandria into a house of mourning.  Obsequies of unprecedented
+magnificence and solemnity, at which many tears of sincere grief flowed,
+honoured her memory.  One of Octavianus's most brilliant plans was
+frustrated by her death, and he had raved furiously when he read the
+letter in which Cleopatra, with her own hand, informed him of her
+intention to die.  But he owed it to his reputation for generosity to
+grant her a funeral worthy of her rank.  To the dead, who had ceased to
+be dangerous, he was ready to show an excess of magnanimity.
+
+The treatment which he accorded to Cleopatra's children also won the
+world's admiration.  His sister Octavia received them into her own house
+and intrusted their education to Archibius.
+
+When the order to destroy the statues of Antony and Cleopatra was issued,
+Octavianus gave his contemporaries another proof of his disposition to be
+lenient, for he ordered that the numerous statues of the Queen in
+Alexandria and Egypt should be preserved.  True, he had been influenced
+by the large sum of two thousand talents paid by an Alexandrian to secure
+this act of generosity.  Archibius was the name of the rare friend who
+had impoverished himself to render this service to the memory of the
+beloved dead.
+
+In later times the statues of the unfortunate Queen adorned the places
+where they had been erected.
+
+The sarcophagi of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, by whose side rested Iras
+and Charmian, were constantly heaped with flowers and offerings to the
+dead.  The women of Alexandria, especially, went to the tomb of their
+beloved Queen as if it were a pilgrimage; but in after-days faithful
+mourners also came from a distance to visit it, among them the children
+of the famous lovers whom death here united--Cleopatra Selene, now the
+wife of the learned Numidian Prince Juba, Helios Antony, and Alexander,
+who had reached manhood.  Their friend and teacher, Archibius,
+accompanied them.  He taught them to hold their mother's memory dear, and
+had so reared them that, in their maturity, he could lead them with head
+erect to the sarcophagus of the friend who had confided them to his
+charge.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Pain is the inseparable companion of love
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS FOR THE COMPLETE CLEOPATRA:
+
+Aspect obnoxious to the gaze will pour water on the fire
+Contempt had become too deep for hate
+Epicurus, who believed that with death all things ended
+Everything that exists moves onward to destruction  and decay
+Fairest dreams of childhood were surpassed
+From Epicurus to Aristippus, is but a short step
+Golden chariot drawn by tamed lions
+Jealousy has a thousand eyes
+Life had fulfilled its pledges
+No,  she was not created to grow old
+Nothing in life is either great or small
+Pain is the inseparable companion of love
+Preferred a winding path to a straight one
+Priests: in order to curb the unruly conduct of the populace
+See facts as they are and treat them like figures in a sum
+Shadow of the candlestick caught her eye before the light
+She would not purchase a few more years of valueless life
+Soul which ceases to regard death as a misfortune finds peace
+To govern the world one must have less need of sleep
+Trouble does not enhance beauty
+Until neither knew which was the giver and which the receiver
+What changes so quickly as joy and sorrow
+Without heeding the opinion of mortals
+Zeus does not hear the vows of lovers
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA, BY EBERS, COMPLETE ***
+
+*********This file should be named ge44v10.txt or ge44v10.zip **********
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, ge44v11.txt
+VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, ge44v10a.txt
+
+This eBook was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
+
+Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we usually do not
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+We are now trying to release all our eBooks one year in advance
+of the official release dates, leaving time for better editing.
+Please be encouraged to tell us about any error or corrections,
+even years after the official publication date.
+
+Please note neither this listing nor its contents are final til
+midnight of the last day of the month of any such announcement.
+The official release date of all Project Gutenberg eBooks is at
+Midnight, Central Time, of the last day of the stated month.  A
+preliminary version may often be posted for suggestion, comment
+and editing by those who wish to do so.
+
+Most people start at our Web sites at:
+http://gutenberg.net or
+http://promo.net/pg
+
+These Web sites include award-winning information about Project
+Gutenberg, including how to donate, how to help produce our new
+eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter (free!).
+
+
+Those of you who want to download any eBook before announcement
+can get to them as follows, and just download by date.  This is
+also a good way to get them instantly upon announcement, as the
+indexes our cataloguers produce obviously take a while after an
+announcement goes out in the Project Gutenberg Newsletter.
+
+http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext03 or
+ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/gutenberg/etext03
+
+Or /etext02, 01, 00, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90
+
+Just search by the first five letters of the filename you want,
+as it appears in our Newsletters.
+
+
+Information about Project Gutenberg (one page)
+
+We produce about two million dollars for each hour we work.  The
+time it takes us, a rather conservative estimate, is fifty hours
+to get any eBook selected, entered, proofread, edited, copyright
+searched and analyzed, the copyright letters written, etc.   Our
+projected audience is one hundred million readers.  If the value
+per text is nominally estimated at one dollar then we produce $2
+million dollars per hour in 2002 as we release over 100 new text
+files per month:  1240 more eBooks in 2001 for a total of 4000+
+We are already on our way to trying for 2000 more eBooks in 2002
+If they reach just 1-2% of the world's population then the total
+will reach over half a trillion eBooks given away by year's end.
+
+The Goal of Project Gutenberg is to Give Away 1 Trillion eBooks!
+This is ten thousand titles each to one hundred million readers,
+which is only about 4% of the present number of computer users.
+
+Here is the briefest record of our progress (* means estimated):
+
+eBooks Year Month
+
+    1  1971 July
+   10  1991 January
+  100  1994 January
+ 1000  1997 August
+ 1500  1998 October
+ 2000  1999 December
+ 2500  2000 December
+ 3000  2001 November
+ 4000  2001 October/November
+ 6000  2002 December*
+ 9000  2003 November*
+10000  2004 January*
+
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been created
+to secure a future for Project Gutenberg into the next millennium.
+
+We need your donations more than ever!
+
+As of February, 2002, contributions are being solicited from people
+and organizations in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut,
+Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois,
+Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts,
+Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New
+Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
+Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South
+Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West
+Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
+
+We have filed in all 50 states now, but these are the only ones
+that have responded.
+
+As the requirements for other states are met, additions to this list
+will be made and fund raising will begin in the additional states.
+Please feel free to ask to check the status of your state.
+
+In answer to various questions we have received on this:
+
+We are constantly working on finishing the paperwork to legally
+request donations in all 50 states.  If your state is not listed and
+you would like to know if we have added it since the list you have,
+just ask.
+
+While we cannot solicit donations from people in states where we are
+not yet registered, we know of no prohibition against accepting
+donations from donors in these states who approach us with an offer to
+donate.
+
+International donations are accepted, but we don't know ANYTHING about
+how to make them tax-deductible, or even if they CAN be made
+deductible, and don't have the staff to handle it even if there are
+ways.
+
+Donations by check or money order may be sent to:
+
+Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+PMB 113
+1739 University Ave.
+Oxford, MS 38655-4109
+
+Contact us if you want to arrange for a wire transfer or payment
+method other than by check or money order.
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been approved by
+the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN
+[Employee Identification Number] 64-622154.  Donations are
+tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law.  As fund-raising
+requirements for other states are met, additions to this list will be
+made and fund-raising will begin in the additional states.
+
+We need your donations more than ever!
+
+You can get up to date donation information online at:
+
+http://www.gutenberg.net/donation.html
+
+
+***
+
+If you can't reach Project Gutenberg,
+you can always email directly to:
+
+Michael S. Hart <hart@pobox.com>
+
+Prof. Hart will answer or forward your message.
+
+We would prefer to send you information by email.
+
+
+**The Legal Small Print**
+
+
+(Three Pages)
+
+***START**THE SMALL PRINT!**FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS**START***
+Why is this "Small Print!" statement here? You know: lawyers.
+They tell us you might sue us if there is something wrong with
+your copy of this eBook, even if you got it for free from
+someone other than us, and even if what's wrong is not our
+fault. So, among other things, this "Small Print!" statement
+disclaims most of our liability to you. It also tells you how
+you may distribute copies of this eBook if you want to.
+
+*BEFORE!* YOU USE OR READ THIS EBOOK
+By using or reading any part of this PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm
+eBook, you indicate that you understand, agree to and accept
+this "Small Print!" statement. If you do not, you can receive
+a refund of the money (if any) you paid for this eBook by
+sending a request within 30 days of receiving it to the person
+you got it from. If you received this eBook on a physical
+medium (such as a disk), you must return it with your request.
+
+ABOUT PROJECT GUTENBERG-TM EBOOKS
+This PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook, like most PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBooks,
+is a "public domain" work distributed by Professor Michael S. Hart
+through the Project Gutenberg Association (the "Project").
+Among other things, this means that no one owns a United States copyright
+on or for this work, so the Project (and you!) can copy and
+distribute it in the United States without permission and
+without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth
+below, apply if you wish to copy and distribute this eBook
+under the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark.
+
+Please do not use the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark to market
+any commercial products without permission.
+
+To create these eBooks, the Project expends considerable
+efforts to identify, transcribe and proofread public domain
+works. Despite these efforts, the Project's eBooks and any
+medium they may be on may contain "Defects". Among other
+things, Defects may take the form of incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged
+disk or other eBook medium, a computer virus, or computer
+codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES
+But for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described below,
+[1] Michael Hart and the Foundation (and any other party you may
+receive this eBook from as a PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook) disclaims
+all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including
+legal fees, and [2] YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR
+UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT,
+INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE
+OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE
+POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
+
+If you discover a Defect in this eBook within 90 days of
+receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any)
+you paid for it by sending an explanatory note within that
+time to the person you received it from. If you received it
+on a physical medium, you must return it with your note, and
+such person may choose to alternatively give you a replacement
+copy. If you received it electronically, such person may
+choose to alternatively give you a second opportunity to
+receive it electronically.
+
+THIS EBOOK IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS". NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE TO YOU AS
+TO THE EBOOK OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
+PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
+
+Some states do not allow disclaimers of implied warranties or
+the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the
+above disclaimers and exclusions may not apply to you, and you
+may have other legal rights.
+
+INDEMNITY
+You will indemnify and hold Michael Hart, the Foundation,
+and its trustees and agents, and any volunteers associated
+with the production and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm
+texts harmless, from all liability, cost and expense, including
+legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the
+following that you do or cause:  [1] distribution of this eBook,
+[2] alteration, modification, or addition to the eBook,
+or [3] any Defect.
+
+DISTRIBUTION UNDER "PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm"
+You may distribute copies of this eBook electronically, or by
+disk, book or any other medium if you either delete this
+"Small Print!" and all other references to Project Gutenberg,
+or:
+
+[1]  Only give exact copies of it.  Among other things, this
+     requires that you do not remove, alter or modify the
+     eBook or this "small print!" statement.  You may however,
+     if you wish, distribute this eBook in machine readable
+     binary, compressed, mark-up, or proprietary form,
+     including any form resulting from conversion by word
+     processing or hypertext software, but only so long as
+     *EITHER*:
+
+     [*]  The eBook, when displayed, is clearly readable, and
+          does *not* contain characters other than those
+          intended by the author of the work, although tilde
+          (~), asterisk (*) and underline (_) characters may
+          be used to convey punctuation intended by the
+          author, and additional characters may be used to
+          indicate hypertext links; OR
+
+     [*]  The eBook may be readily converted by the reader at
+          no expense into plain ASCII, EBCDIC or equivalent
+          form by the program that displays the eBook (as is
+          the case, for instance, with most word processors);
+          OR
+
+     [*]  You provide, or agree to also provide on request at
+          no additional cost, fee or expense, a copy of the
+          eBook in its original plain ASCII form (or in EBCDIC
+          or other equivalent proprietary form).
+
+[2]  Honor the eBook refund and replacement provisions of this
+     "Small Print!" statement.
+
+[3]  Pay a trademark license fee to the Foundation of 20% of the
+     gross profits you derive calculated using the method you
+     already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  If you
+     don't derive profits, no royalty is due.  Royalties are
+     payable to "Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation"
+     the 60 days following each date you prepare (or were
+     legally required to prepare) your annual (or equivalent
+     periodic) tax return.  Please contact us beforehand to
+     let us know your plans and to work out the details.
+
+WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO?
+Project Gutenberg is dedicated to increasing the number of
+public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed
+in machine readable form.
+
+The Project gratefully accepts contributions of money, time,
+public domain materials, or royalty free copyright licenses.
+Money should be paid to the:
+"Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+If you are interested in contributing scanning equipment or
+software or other items, please contact Michael Hart at:
+hart@pobox.com
+
+[Portions of this eBook's header and trailer may be reprinted only
+when distributed free of all fees.  Copyright (C) 2001, 2002 by
+Michael S. Hart.  Project Gutenberg is a TradeMark and may not be
+used in any sales of Project Gutenberg eBooks or other materials be
+they hardware or software or any other related product without
+express permission.]
+
+*END THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END*
+
diff --git a/old/ge44v10.zip b/old/ge44v10.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a208b8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/ge44v10.zip