rranged 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