The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1889-10-09

as night broods upon the desert, ana yet as
the night to shift, change and Ne illumined
by- CLEANS OF sudden splendor born within
tier starry depths. All those wonders /
saw though have small skill In telling
them. But even then knew that 1t was
not in these charms alone that the
might Of Cleopatra's beauty lay. Rath-
er was IL in glory and radi-
ance cast through the fleshy covering
from the fierce soul within. For she was u
Thing of fame like unto which no woman
hath ever been nor ever will be. Even when
she brooded, the fire OF her quick heart
shone through her. But when she woke,
and the lightning leapt suddenly from her
eyes, and the passion-laden music OF her
speech chimed upon her lips, ah then who
can tell how Cleopatra seemed! For in her
met all the splendors that have been given
to woman for her glory, and all the genius
which man has drawn from Heaven. And
with them dwelt every evil OF that greater
sort which fearing nothing and making q
mock of laws, hath taken empires for its
place OF play, and, smiling, watered the
growth Of its desires with the rich blood
OF men In her breast they gathered, to-
gether fashloning that Cleopatra whom no
man may draw, and yet whom no man, hav-
ing seen, ever can forget. They fashioned
her grand as the Spirit of Storm, lovely as
Lightning, cruel as Pestllence, yet with q
heart; and what she did is known. Woe to
the world when such another comes to curse
IL!
For moment met Cleopatra's eyes as
she idly bent herself TO find the tumuit's
cause. Atfrst they somber and dark, as
though they saw. indeed, but the brain read
naught. Then they awoke, and their very
color seemed TO change as the color
OF the sea changes when the water Is
shaken. First, there was anger written in
them; next, -au idle noting; then when she
looked upon the huge bulk ofthe man whom
l had overcome, and knew him for the
gladiator, something, perchance, that was
not far from wonder, At the least they
softened, though, indeed, her face changed
not wit. But he who would read Cleo
patra's mind had need TO. watch her eyes,
for her countenance varied but little.
Turning, she said some words TO her guards.
They came forward and led me TO her,
while all the multitude waited silently TO
see me slain.
stood before her, mJ arms folded on my
breast. Overcome though l was by the
wonder OF her lovoliness, hated in my
heart, this woman who dared 10 clothe her.
self In the dress OF lsis-ths usurper who
sat upon my throne, this wanton squander-
ing the wealth of Egypt in chariots and
perfumes. When she had looked me over
from the head to the feet she spake In a
lattr fu1l xrpira nd In tbn totna ~ Khn,s,t
which she alone had learned Of all the Lag
lde:
"And who and what art thou, Egyptian
for Egyptian / see thou art--who darest TO
smlte my slave when l make progress
through my cityi"
81 am Harmachis,"I answered, boldly
"Harmachis the estrologer, adopted son Of
the High Priest and Governor OF Abouthis,
who am come hither TO seek my fortune.
Ismote thy slave, o Queen, because for no
fault he struck down the woman yonder.
Ask Of those who saw, Royal Egypt"
"Harmachispi ~ she said; "the name hath
high sound--ahd thou hast high look"
And then speaking TO soldier who had
seen all, she bade him tell her what had
CONS to pass. This he did truthfully, being
friendly disposed toward me, because had
overcome the Nubian. Thereon she turned
end spoke with the girl bearing the fan who
stood beside her. woman having curling
hair and shy, dark eyes, very beautiful TO
sec. Tho girl answered somewhat. Then
Cleopatra babe them bring the slave TO her.
SO they led forward the giant who had
found his breath again, and with him the
woman whom he had smitten down.
Thou dogp she said, In tho same low
voice; "thou coward who, being strong,
didst smite down this woman. and, being
coward, vast overthrown Of this young man.
See, thou, l will teach thee manners.
Henceforth, when thou smitest women, IL
shall be with thy left arm. Ho, 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 of his
hand with a sword upon the wood OF the
scaffolding, and he was carried away groan-
ing. Then the procession moved on again.
AS IL 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 should soon practice astrology
In the palace. But as soon as we might l
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 80 little hurt 10 myself had over