mistaken hypothesis
entertained by the priests of Serapis that Irene had been carried off
by the king's order--could reach the palace, Publius had found an
opportunity of excusing himself and quitting the royal couple. Not even
Cleopatra herself could raise any objection to his distinct assurance
that he must write to Rome today on matters of importance. Philometor's
favor was easy to win, and as soon as he was alone with his wife he
could not find words enough in praise of the noble qualities of the
young man, who seemed destined in the future to be of the greatest
service to him and to his interests at Rome, and whose friendly attitude
towards himself was one more advantage that he owed--as he was happy to
acknowledge--to the irresistible talents and grace of his wife.

When Publius had quitted the palace and hurried back to his tent, he
felt like a journeyman returning from a hard day's labor, or a man
acquitted from a serious charge; like one who had lost his way, and has
found the right road again.

The heavy air in the arbors and alleys of the embowered gardens seemed
to him easier to breathe than the cool breeze that fanned Cleopatra's
raised roof. He felt the queen's presence to be at once exciting and
oppressive, and in spite of all that was flattering to himself in the
advances made to him by the powerful princess, it was no more gratifying
to his taste than an elegantly prepared dish served on gold plate, which
we are forced to partake of though poison may be hidden in it, and which
when at last we taste it is sickeningly sweet.

Publius was an honest man, and it seemed to him--as to all who resemble
him--that love which was forced upon him was like a decoration of honor
bestowed by a hand which we do not respect, and that we would rather
refuse than accept; or like praise out of all proportion to our merit,
which may indeed delight a fool, but rouses the indignation rather than
the gratitude of a wise man. It struck him too that Cleopatra intended
to make use of him, in the first place as a toy to amuse herself, and
then as a useful instrument or underling, and this so gravely incensed
and discomfited the serious and sensitive young man that he would
willingly have quitted Memphis and Egypt at once and without any
leave-taking. However, it was not quite easy for him to get away, for
all his thoughts of Cleopatra were mixed up with others of Klea, as
inseparably as when we picture to ourselves the shades o