a 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 v