my representative,
through whose hands pass far greater sums than through those of the
paymasters of the troops, writes me word that they are not unfavorably
disposed towards me in the Senate."

"We have learned that from ours also. You have more friends by the Tiber
than Philometor, my own king, has; but our last despatch is already
several weeks old, and in the last few days things have occurred--"

"Speak!" cried Euergetes, sitting bolt upright on his cushions. "But
if you are laying a trap for me, and if you are speaking now as my
brother's tool, I will punish you--aye! and if you fled to the uttermost
cave of the Troglodytes I would have you followed up, and you should be
torn in pieces alive, as surely as I believe myself to be the true son
of my father."

"And I should deserve the punishment," replied Eulaeus humbly. Then he
went on: "If I see clearly, great events lie before us in the next few
days."

"Yes--truly," said Euergetes firmly.

"But just at present Philometor is better represented in Rome than he
has ever been. You made acquaintance with young Publius Scipio at the
king's table, and showed little zeal in endeavoring to win his good
graces."

"He is one of the Cornelii," interrupted the king, "a distinguished
young man, and related to all the noblest blood of Rome; but he is not
an ambassador; he has travelled from Athens to Alexandria, in order to
learn more than he need; and he carries his head higher and speaks more
freely than becomes him before kings, because the young fellows fancy it
looks well to behave like their elders."

"He is of more importance than you imagine."

"Then I will invite him to Alexandria, and there will win him over in
three days, as surely as my name is Euergetes."

"It will then be too late, for he has to-day received, as I know for
certain, plenipotentiary powers from the Senate to act in their name in
case of need, until the envoy who is to be sent here again arrives."

"And I only now learn this for the first time!" cried the king springing
up from his couch, "my friends must be deaf, and blind and dull indeed,
if still I have any, and my servants and emissaries too! I cannot
bear this haughty ungracious fellow, but I will invite him tomorrow
morning--nay I will invite him to-day, to a festive entertainment, and
send him the four handsomest horses that I have brought with me from
Cyrene. I will--"

"It will all be in vain," said Eulaeus calmly and dispassi