The Irish standard., 1889-10-26

! sS ~ JE&
,olor seemed to change as the color
# the sea changes when the water is
shaken. First, there was anger written in
hem; next, an idle noting; then when she
ooked upon the huge bulk Of the man whom
I had overcome, and knew him for the
gladiator, something, perchance, that was
aot far from wonder. At the least they
,oftened, though, indeed, her face changed
aot wit. But he who would read Cleo
oatra's mind had Iced to watch her eyes,
Tor her countenance varied but little.
Turning, she saia some words to her guards.
They came forward and led me to her,
while all the multitude waited silently to
zee me slain.
stood before her, my arms folded on my
breast. Overcome though was by the
wonder OF her loneliness. I hated in my
heart, this woman who dared TO clothe her
,elf in the dress of Isis-this usurper who
sat upon my throne, this wanton SOU nder-
ng the wealth of Egypt in chariots and
perfumes. When she had looked me over
from the head to the feet she spake In a
!ow full voice and in the tongue Of Khemi,
which she alone had learned of all the Lag
dH:
'And who and what art thou. Egyptian
SypUldll L SVC II1OO t--sVAO val Coo w
smlte my slave when I make progress
through my city?"
II am Harmachis,n answered, boldly
;'Harmachis the astrologer. adopted son Of
the High Priest and Governor Of Abouthis,
who am come hither to seek my fortune.
smote thy slave, 0 Queen, because for nc
fault he struck DOWN tue woman yonder.
Ask Of those who saw, Royal Egypt"
z1o I,0+6
high southland thou hast high look. u
And then speaking to a solder who had
seen all, she babe him tell her what had
come to pass. This he did truthfully, being
friendly disposed toward me, because had
overcome the Nubian. Thereon she turned
and spoke with the girl bearing the fan who
stood beside her a woman having curling
hair and shy, dark eyes, very beautiful to
zee. The girl answered somewhat. Then
Cleopatra babe them bring the slave to her
So they led forwa; the giant, who had
found his breath again, and with HIM the
woman whom he had smitten down.
f'1hou dog!'' she said, in the same low
voice; sstslou coward! who, being strong,
didst smite down this woman, and, being a
coward, vast overthrown Of this young man.
See, thou, l will teach thee manners.
HGnCelOrLH, Wien tIlOu SuiItCS0 WUuicu, ~
shall be with thy left arm. Flo, guards.
seize this black coward and strike off his
right hand.'
And her command given, she sank back
In her golden chariot, and again the cloud
gathered in her eyes. But the guards
seized the giant, aud, notwithstanding his
cries and prayers fo- mercy, struck off his
hand with sword upon the wood ofthe
scaffolding, and he was carried away groan-
ing Then the procession moved on again.
AS it went the fair woman with the fan
turned her head caught my eye, and smiled
and nodded as though she rejoiced, whereat
wondered somewhat.
The people cheered also and made jests,
saying that I should soon practice astrology
in the palace But as soon as we might
and my uncle escaped, and made our way
back to the house. All the while he rated
me for my rashness; but when we came
within the chamber of the house he en-
braced me and rejoiced greatly, because
with so little hurt to myself I had over.
thrown the giant