“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 victories to this first conquest, if the immortals permit your throne and—­may they avert it!—­your sacred person, too, to fall into his power—­”

“Then,” cried Cleopatra, her clear eyes flashing, “then he shall learn which of us two is the greater—­then I shall know how to maintain the right to despise him, though blind Fate should make the whole power of the world subject to him who robbed my son and Caesar’s of his heritage!”

Her eyes had blazed with anger as she uttered the words; then, letting her little clenched hand fall, she went on in an altered tone: