ce. This must not be! The Ephebi of
Alexandria must make her feel the power of youth. This was the more
urgently demanded, because Caesarion would thereby be led to the goal of
his wishes.

Barine was going into the country that very evening. Insulted Eros
himself was smoothing their way. He commanded them to attack the
arrogant fair one's carriage and lead her to him who sought her in the
name of youth, in order to show her that the hearts of the Ephebi, whom
she disdainfully rejected, glowed more ardently than those of the older
men on whom she bestowed her favours.

Here Gorgias interrupted the speaker with a loud cry of indignation, but
old Didymus's eyes seemed to be fairly starting from their sockets as he
hoarsely shouted an impatient:

"Go on!"

And Philotas, now completely sobered, described with increasing
animation the wonderful change that had taken place in the quiet
Caesarion, as if some magic spell had been at work; for scarcely had
the revellers greeted Antyllus's words with shouts of joy, declaring
themselves ready to avenge insulted youth upon Barine, than the "King
of kings" suddenly sprang from the cushions on which he had listlessly
reclined, and with flashing eyes shouted that whoever called himself his
friend must aid him in the attack.

Here he was urged to still greater haste by another impatient "Go on!"
from his master, and hurriedly continued his story, describing how they
had blackened their faces and armed themselves with Antyllus's swords
and lances. As the sun was setting they went in a covered boat through
the Agathodamon Canal to Lake Mareotis. Everything must have been
arranged in advance; for they landed precisely at the right hour.

As, during the trip, they had kept up their courage by swallowing the
most fiery wine, Philotas had staggered on shore with difficulty and
then been dragged forward by the others. After this he knew
nothing more, except that he had rushed with the rest upon a large
harmamaxa,--[A closed Asiatic travelling-carriage with four wheels]--and
in so doing fell. When he rose from the earth all was over.

As if in a dream he saw Scythians and other guardians of the peace seize
Antyllus, while Caesarion was struggling on the ground with another man.
If he was not mistaken it was Dion, Barine's betrothed husband.

These communications were interrupted by many exclamations of impatience
and wrath; but now Didymus, fairly frantic with alarm, cried:

"And th