The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1867-08-17
Death Of Cleopatra.

Octavius, now undisputed master of the
world, was dreaming of the splendid triumph
which awaited him in Rome, and the pres
ence Of Cleopatra, the renowned Queen Of
Egypt, to lead in the train Of the captves,
~ould be one Of the most conspicuous orna
menta of the triumph. Concious of the de-
Gradatlon which awaited her, she watched
Tor an opportunity to commit snicide. Dc
tavius, with almost equal interest, guarded
his captive that she might not thus escape
him. Her letters were truly those of silk
and gold, for she was treated with the most
profound Difference, surrounded with all her
accustomed Injuries and all her wants were
abundantly supplied.
Octayius INDUCED himself with triumphal
entrance into Alexandria, endeavoring by
humanity and condescension to secure the
favor ii the people. Yet cruelty, it would
seem, he caused the eldest son of Antony,
aud also Cmaario, Cleopatra son by Julius
Caesar, to be put to death. Fearing nothing
from any of tn" other children of Cleopatra,
he treated them all as princess, provided
them with teachers, that they might receive
an education suitable to their rank
At length Ocavius visited Cleopatra in
person. She received him artiStically Ian
cushing upon couch, draped in game, like
robes which scarcely concealed her voluptn,
ous beauty; for though the freshness of
youth had departed, she was still woman
Of rare loneliness. No one knew better
than Cleopatra how to magnify her charms,
by tones of soliness and that arlessncss of
manner. which is the highest achievement of
art. Her beautiful eyes were filled with
tears, her cheeks filed with emotion, and
rising from her couch she fell, half fnnting,
PROSTATE at the feet of Octavius. The young
conqucror lifted the exquisitcly moulded.
dropping form, and placed her on the couch
by his side, supporting her against his own
bo50m a queen whose rcnown filled the
world, beautiful graceful, plant, had thrown
herself into his arms. How could he treat
her cruelty? Had Cleopatra been nineteen
instead ot thirly-ninc, the decision might
have been different, and, by iacilc divorce,
the way MY ht have been made easy for Gle
opatra to share the throne of Universal en-
pre- with Dctavius. But MS the circumstances
were, ambition proved more powerful than
love.
Cleopatra exhausted all her magazines Of
art-tcurs, smiles reproachcs, blandish.
mcnts, tattcry. supplcations, to win Octa-
vins, but in vain. lie treated her with po-
steness, but his heart remained obdurate.-
Ihe queen took from her bosom some let
tiers, inIl of tenderness, from Julius Caesar,
and with n trembling voice and falling tears
read them TO Octavius.
i;u, Of what avail to me now, she said, is
all this kindness? Why did not die with
him? And yet in Octavius | see another
Julius. You are his perfect image. He
seems to have returned from the spirit land
IN you.
Ali was in vain. After long interview
Octavins left, and Cleopatra reflected in de-
spair that for the first time her charms had
failed. She had surrendered herself to De-
tavus. and he has coldly laid her aside
What more could she do? Nothing. There
now remained for her but to die, or to be
carried to Rome to grace the triumph of her
congueror. There was young Roman in
the camp Ivy the name of Dollabella. lie
was much effected by the queens grief, and
she. with woman Stact, had thrown around
him all the mpshes of her wiles. Dollabclla
kept her informed Of all that was transpir.
ing. One day he brought to her couch the
filings, that in three days she and her chill.
dren were to be sent 10 Rome.
The crisis had now come. and, with sin
cular calmness and fortitude, Cleopatra pre-
paved TO die.
After taking bath, she attired herself in
her most mptuons robes, and sat down
with her friends to q ttuly regal feast. APP
parpntly banishing all care, the fas.ive hours
nassed rapidly away. At the close of the
t.ast she dismissed all her attendants but
two. She then wrote a note to Octavius, in
forming him Of her intention to die. and re-
,mestng that heT body might be buried in
the tomb With that Of Antony. She had
contrved to have brough. to hes, i, o basket
of flowers, an asp, reptile, the concentrated
spuom of whose bite causes inevitable death,
yet witt, but little pain. She despatched the
letter to Octqvius, and Immediately placed
the reptile on her arm. The poisonous
fangs pierced her flesh, stupor and insensi,
Billy soon ensued, and she sapl, back upon
her couch and died.
Octavus. Immediately upon his receiving
she letter from Cleopatra. despatched mes,
seugers to prevent the fatal deed. But they
n rived too late. Upon entering the cham.
Der they found Cleopatra already dead, still
arrav.d in her royal robes. Her two wait
ing women were at her side: One of the
messengers uttered words of reproach, but
HE maid OF honor replied;
1T is well done. Such death becomes.
glorious queen, descended from race of
iilnstrou5 ancestors.