She shook her head sorrowfully, exclaiming “Would that I could read every face as I do yours!  My friend Archibius wishes me a long life, if any one does; but he is as wise as he is faithful, and therefore will consider that earthly life is by no means a boon in every case.  Besides, he says to himself:  ’Events are impending over this Queen and woman, my friend, which will perhaps render it advisable to make use of the great privilege which the immortals bestow on human beings when it becomes desirable for them to leave the stage of life.  So let her build her tomb.’  Have I read the old familiar book aright?”

“On the whole, yes,” he answered gravely.  “But it is inscribed upon its pages that a great princess and faithful mother can be permitted to set forth on the last journey, whence there is no return, only when—­”

“When,” she interrupted, “a shameful end threatens to fall upon the fair beginning and brilliant middle period, as a swarm of locusts darkens the air and devours and devastates the fields.  I know it, and will act accordingly.”

“And,” added Archibius, “this end also (faithful to your nature) you will shape regally.—­On my way here I met my sister near the Choma.  You sent her to your husband.  He will grasp the proffered hand.  Now that it is necessary to stake everything or surrender, the grandson of Herakles will again display his former heroic power.  Perhaps, stimulated and encouraged by the example of the woman he loves, he will even force hostile Fate to show him fresh favour.”

“Destiny will pursue its course,” interrupted Cleopatra firmly.  “But Antony must help me to heap fresh obstacles in the pathway, and when he wishes to use his giant strength, what masses of rock his mighty arm can hurl!”

“And if your lofty spirit smooths the path for him, then, my royal mistress—­”

“Even then the close of the tragedy will be death, and every scene a disappointment.  Was not the plan of bringing the fleet across the isthmus bold and full of promise?  Even the professional engineers greeted it with applause, and yet it proved impracticable.  Destiny dug its grave.  And the terrible omens before and after Actium, and the stars—­the stars!  Everything points to speedy destruction, everything!  Every hour brings news of the desertion of some prince or general.  As if from a watch-tower, I now overlook what is growing from the seed I sowed.  Sterile ears or poisonous vegetation, wherever I turn my eyes.  And yet!  You, who know my life from its beginning, tell me—­must I veil my head in shame when the question is asked, what powers of intellect, what talents industry, and desire for good Cleopatra displayed?”

“No, my royal mistress, a thousand times no!”

“Yet the fruit of every tree I planted degenerated and decayed.  Caesarion is withering in the flower of his youth—­by whose fault I know only too well.  You will now take charge of the education of the other children.  So it is for you to consider what brought me where I now stand, and how to guard their life-bark from wandering and shipwreck.”