those days, as expressions of grief.  “These,” said she, as she made the offerings, “are the last tributes of affection that I can ever pay thee, my dearest, dearest lord.  I can not join thee, for I am a captive and a prisoner, and they will not let me die.  They watch me every hour, and are going to bear me far away, to exhibit me to thine enemies, as a badge and trophy of their triumph over thee.  Oh intercede, dearest Antony, with the gods where thou art now, since those that reign here on earth have utterly forsaken me; implore them to save me from this fate, and let me die here in my native land, and be buried by thy side in this tomb.”

When Cleopatra returned to her apartment again after this melancholy ceremony, she seemed to be more composed than she had been before.  She went to the bath, and then she attired herself handsomely for supper.  She had ordered supper that night to be very sumptuously served.  She was at liberty to make these arrangements, for the restrictions upon her movements, which had been imposed at first, were now removed, her appearance and demeanor having been for some time such as to lead Octavius to suppose that there was no longer any danger that she would attempt self-destruction.  Her entertainment was arranged, therefore, according to her directions, in a manner corresponding with the customs of her court when she had been a queen.  She had many attendants, and among them were two of her own women.  These women were long-tried and faithful servants and friends.

While she was at supper, a man tame to the door with a basket, and wished to enter.  The guards asked him what he had in his basket.  He opened it to let them see; and, lifting up some green leaves which were laid over the top, he showed the soldiers that the basket was filled with figs.  He said that they were for Cleopatra’s supper.  The soldiers admired the appearance of the figs, saying that they were very fine and beautiful.  The man asked the soldiers to take some of them.  This they declined, but allowed the man to pass in.  When the supper was ended, Cleopatra sent all of her attendants away except the two women.  They remained.  After a little time, one of these women came out with a letter for Octavius, which Cleopatra had written, and which she wished to have immediately delivered.  One of the soldiers from the guard stationed at the gates was accordingly dispatched to carry the letter.  Octavius, when it was given to him, opened the envelope at once and read the letter, which was written, as was customary in those days, on a small tablet of metal.  He found that it was a brief but urgent petition from Cleopatra, written evidently in agitation and excitement, praying that he would overlook her offense, and allow her to be buried with Antony.  Octavius immediately inferred that she had destroyed herself.  He sent off some messengers at once, with orders to go directly to her place of confinement and ascertain the truth, intending to follow them himself immediately.