and the
opportunity at length arrived. Julius Caesar, the conqueror of the world,
having pursued the defeated Pompey into Egypt, there beheld Cleopatra in
the zenith of her beauty; and he before whose power the whole world was
kneeling, prostrated himself before a pretty woman. The following is the
account of her first introduction to Caesar, as given by the historian.
It shows that she had no maidenly scruples as to the mode of attaining
her ends.

Her intrigues to become sole monarch, had made her husband-brother
banish her from the capital. Hearing of the arrival of Caesar, she got
into a small boat, with only one male friend, and in the dusk of the
evening made for the palace where Caesar as well as her husband lodged.
As she saw it difficult to enter it undiscovered by her husband's
friends, she rolled herself up in a carpet. Her companion tied her up at
full length like a bale of goods, and carried her in at the gates to
Caesar's apartments. This stratagem of hers, which was a strong proof of
her wit and ingenuity, is said to have first opened her way to Caesar's
heart, and her conquest advanced rapidly by the charms of her speech and
person. The genius of Shakspeare has well depicted the power of her
beauty at this time. He makes her to say, at a later period of life,
when chagrined at the expected desertion of another lover,--

"Broad-fronted Caesar!
When thou wast here above the ground, I was
A morsel for a monarch: And great Pompey
Would stand, and make his eyes grow in my brow;
There would he fix his longing gaze, and die
With looking on his life."

But Cleopatra, who was not less remarkable for her cunning than for her
beauty, knowing that Caesar was resolved to be gratified at whatever
cost, determined that the price should be a round one: the terms of his
admission to her arms, were that Caesar should expel her brother from the
kingdom, and give the crown to her; which Caesar complied with. Cleopatra
had a son by Caesar called Caesarion.

In the civil wars which distracted the Roman empire after the death of
Caesar, Cleopatra supported Brutus, against Antony and Octavius. Antony,
in his expedition to Parthia, summoned her to appear before him. She
arrayed herself in the most magnificent apparel, and appeared before her
judge in the most captivating attire. Though somewhat older than when
she drew Caesar to her arms, her charms were still conspicuous;

"Age could not wither her