and
eloquence; but he could not leave all he had heard uncontroverted, and
so, as Euergetes paused in order to empty his refilled cup, he began:

"If we were all to act on your principles, in a few centuries, it seems
to me, there would be no one left to subscribe to them; for the earth
would be depopulated; and the manuscripts, in which you are so careful
to substitute 'siu' for 'iu', would be used by strong-handed mothers,
if any were left, to boil the pot for their children--in this country of
yours where there is no wood to burn. Just now you were boasting of your
resemblance to Alcibiades, but that very gift which distinguished
him, and made him dear to the Athenians--I mean his beauty--is hardly
possible in connection with your doctrines, which would turn men into
ravening beasts. He who would be beautiful must before all things be
able to control himself and to be moderate--as I learnt in Rome before
I ever saw Athens, and have remembered well. A Titan may perhaps have
thought and talked as you do, but an Alcibiades--hardly!"

At these words the blood flew to Euergetes' face; but he suppressed the
keen and insulting reply that rose to his lips, and this little victory
over his wrathful impulse was made the more easy as Lysias, at this
moment, rejoined the feasters; he excused himself for his long absence,
and then laid before Cleopatra and her husband the gems belonging to
Publius.

They were warmly admired; even Euergetes was not grudging of his praise,
and each of the company admitted that he had rarely seen anything more
beautiful and graceful than the bashful Hebe with downcast eyes, and the
goddess of persuasion with her hand resting on the bride's arm.

"Yes, I will take the part of Peitho," said Cleopatra with decision.

"And I that of Heracles," cried Euergetes.

"But who is the fair one," asked King Philometor of Lysias, "whom you
have in your eye, as fulfilling this incomparably lovely conception of
Hebe? While you were away I recalled to memory the aspect of every woman
and girl who frequents our festivals, but only to reject them all, one
after the other."

"The fair girl whom I mean," replied Lysias, "has never entered this
or any other palace; indeed I am almost afraid of being too bold in
suggesting to our illustrious queen so humble a child as fit to stand
beside her, though only in sport."

"I shall even have to touch her arm with my hand!" said the queen
anxiously, and she drew up her