The sun., 1889-02-17
CHAPTER x,

| OF THE COMING OF HARMACHIS TO THE PALACE
HOW HE DREW PAULUs THROUGH THE GATES
CLEOPATRA SLEEPING; AND THE MAGIC
WHICH HARMACHIs SHOWED UNTO HER.
Thus it came to pass that on the next day
arrayed myself after the fashion of O magi-
clan or astrologer, in q long and flowing robe.
placed on my head a cap. about which we're
broidered images OF the stars and in my belt q
scrbes palette and roll OF papyrus written
DER with mystic spells and signs. In my hand
held q wand OF ebony, tipped with ivory. such
as is used by priests and masters of magic.
Among these. indeed, held high rank. fill
ing by knowledge OF their secrets which
l had learned at On what l lacked in
that skill OF hand which comes from
use. And SO. with no small shame,
for I love not such play, and hold this
common magic in contempt, set forth through
the Bruchum to the palace on the Lochias
being guided on my way by my uncle Sepa.
At length. passing up the avenue OF Sphinxes.
we came to the great marble gateway and the
gates OF bronze within which is the guard
house. And here my uncle left me. breathing
many prayers for my safety and success. But
/ advanced with an easy air to the gate. whore
was roughly challenged by the Gallo sem
tries. and asked of my name following. and
business. / gave my name. Harmachis, the
astrooger. saying that my business was with
tho Lady Charmion, tho Queen lady. Thereon
the man made as though to let me pass In,
when Captain Of the Guard, Roman named
Pauus, came forward and forbade it. Now,
this Paulus was larGe-limbed man. with
woman's face, and hand that shook from
wine -bibbng. Nevertheless, he knew me again.
Why" he cried, In the Latin tongue, to one
who came with him, this Is the fellow who
wrestled Yesterday with the Nubian gladiator,
hrtyl ylr Ia I'm II
derneath my window. Curses on the black
brute! had bet upon him for tho games!
have backed him against Caius and now he'll
never fight again, and must lose my money.
all through this astrologer. What is II thou
sayest-thou hast business with the Lady Char
mion? Nay, then. that settles 1t. l will not
let thee through. Fellow, worship the Lady
Charmion-ay. we all worship her. though she
gives us more slaps than sighs. And dost thou
think that we will suffer an astrooger with
such eyes and such n chest as thine to cut in
the game? by Bacchus, no! She must como
out to keep tho tryst for In thou shalt not CO."
Sir" ! said humby and yet with dignity,
Il pray that message may be sent to the
Lady Charmon for my business will not brook
delay"
"Ye Gods!" answered the fool. whom have
We hear that he cannot wait? A Caesar In dis
guiso? Nay, be ofT-be of! il thou wouldst not
learn how spear prick feels behind"
Nay put in the other officer, :" he is an
astrologer; make him prophesy-make him
play tricks"
"Ay," cried the others who had sauntered up.
let him show his art. II he is q magician he
can pass the gates, Pnulus or no PauIus."
Right willingly, good srs"' answered; for
/ saw no other means OF entering. wilt thou,
my young and noble Lord"-and addressed
him who was with Paulus-"sutfer that look
thee in the eyes; perchance may read what Is
written there?'
Right" said tho youth: but wish that
the Lady Charnion was the sorceress. lwould
stare her out of countenance. L warrant mo-"
took him by the hand and gazed deep into
his eyes II see," l said. "a field OF battle at
night. and about 1t bodies stretched-among
them Is ttv body. and hyena tears at its throat.