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."

"Let me train them to be human beings," replied Archibius gravely, "and
preserve them from the desire to enter the lists with the gods. From the
simple Cleopatra in the garden of Ep