“Rescued?” repeated the courtier in a hollow tone.  “The Queen, too, still clings to this fine word.  When I saw her at work yesterday, it seemed as if I beheld her drawing water with the bottomless vessel of the Danaides.  True, today, when I left her, her arms had fallen—­and in this attitude she now stands before me with her tearful eyes.  And besides, I can’t get my nephew Dion out of my mind.  Cares—­nothing but cares concerning him!  And my intentions towards him were so kind!  My will gives him my entire fortune; but now he actually wants to marry the singer, the daughter of the artist Leonax.  You have taken her under your protection, but surely your own niece, Iras, is dearer to you, so you will approve of my destroying the will if Dion insists upon his own way.  He shall not have a solidus of my property if he does not give up the woman who is a thorn in the Queen’s flesh.  And his choice does not suit our ancient race.  Iras, on the contrary, was Dion’s playfellow, and I have long destined her for his wife.  No better match, nor one more acceptable to the Queen, could be found for him.  He cared for her until the singer bewitched him.  Bring them together, and they shall be like my own children.  If the fool resists his uncle, whose sole desire is to benefit him, I will withdraw my aid.  Whatever intrigues his foes may weave, I shall fold my arms and not interfere.  I stand in the place of his father, my dead brother, and demand obedience.  The Queen is my universe, and her favour is of more value than twenty refractory nephews.”

“You will retain her Majesty’s favour, even if you intercede for your brother’s son.”

“And Iras?  When she finds herself deceived—­and she will soon discover it—­she will not rest—­”

“Until she has brought ruin upon him,” interrupted Charmian, in a tone of sorrow rather than reproach as though she already beheld the impending disaster.  “But Iras has no greater influence with the Queen than I, and if you and I unite to protect the brave young fellow, who is of your own blood—­”

“Then, of course—­no doubt, on account of your longer period of service, you have more influence with her Majesty than Iras—­however—­such matters must be considered—­and I have already said—­my mind leaves its abode to follow the Queen like her shadow.  It heeds only what concerns her.  Let everything else go as it will.  The fleet the same as destroyed, Candidus defeated, Herod a deserter, treason on treason—­the African legions lost!  What in the name of the god who tried to roll back the wheel dashing down the mountain-side!—­And yet!  Let us offer sacrifices, my friend, and hope for better days!”