The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1890-06-27


time of quiet which heralds the rising OF
the desert wind. Antony and Cleopatra
once again gave themselves up to luxury,
and night by night Toasted in splendor at
the palace. They sent ambassadors to
Cesar; but Cesar would have none Of
them; and, this hope being gone, they
turned their minds to the defense Of Alex
sndria. Men were gathered, ships were
built and great force was made ready
against the coming of Cesar.
And now, aided by Charmion, began nv
last work Of hate and vengeance. Deep I
wormed myself into the secrets Of the
palace, counseling all things for evil
babe Cleopatra keep Antony gay, lest he
should brood upon his sorrows; and thus
she Slapped his strength and energy with
luxury and wine. l gave him Of my
draughts-draughts that sank his soul In
dreams Of happiness and power, leaving
him to wake TO the heavier misery. Soon,
without my healing medicine he could not
sleep, and thus, being ever at his side,
bound his weakened will TO mine, till at last
little would he do if said not at Is wel.n
Cleopatra, also grown very superstltious,
leaned much upon ne; for I prophesied
falsely to her in secret. Moreover, 1 wove
other webs. Great was my fame through
out Egypt, for during the long years that
had dwelt in Tape it had spread through
all the land. Therefore came many men of
note to me, both for their health's sake and
because it was known that had the ear of
Antony and the Queen; and, in these DAYS
OF doubt and trouble, fain were they to
learn the truth. All these men worked
upon with doubtful words, sapping their
loyalty; and many caused to fall away,
and yet none could hear an evil report of
what had said. Moreover, Cleopatra sent
me to Menfi, there to move the Priests and
Governors that they should gather men in
Upper Egypt for the defense of Alexandria.
And went and spoke to the Priests with
such double meaning and with so much
wisdom that they knew me to be one of the
initiated in the deeper mysteries. But how
l, Olympus, the physician, came thus to
be initiated none might say. And after
ward they sought me secretly, and gave
them Che holy sign Of brotherhood, ana
Hereunder babe them not to ask who
might be, but send no and to Cleopatra
Rather, said, must they make peace with
Caesar, for by Casar's grace only could the
worship Of the Gods endure in Khem. So,
having taken counsel Of the holy Apis, they
promised in public to give help to Cleopa-
ira, but in secret sent an embassy to Caesar.
Thus then it came to pass that but little
aid did Egypt give to its hated Macedonian
Queen. Thence from Memfi / came once
more to Alexandra, and having made re-
port, continued my secret work And, In |
deed, the Alexandrisns could not easily be |
stirred, for, as they say in the market |
place, 1.-THE ass looks at the burden and is |
blind to the master" So long had Cleopa- |
ira oppressed them that the Roman was |
like welcome friend.
Thus the time passed on, and every night |
found Cleopatra with fewer friends than |
that which had gone before, for in evil DAYS |
friends nv Ike swallows before the frost. |
Yet she would not give up Antony, whom |
she loved; though to my knowledge did |
Cesar, by his freedman, Thyreus. make /
promise to her OF her dominions for herself /
and for her children if she would but slave |
Antony, or even betray him bound. But |
hereunJo a woman's heart flor still she had
q hcart) would not consent, and. therefore
of necessity must we hold him to her, lest.
Antony escaping or being slain, Cleopatra
might ride out the storm and vet be Queen
of Egypt. And this grieved me, because
Antony, though weak, was still brave man
and great; and moreover. in my own heart
read the lesson of his woes. For were we
not akin in wretchedness. Had not The
same woman robbed US OF empire, friends
and honori But pity has no place in poll
tics, nor could 1T turn my feet from the path
of vengeance it was ordained that should
tread Cesar drew nigh: PelusIum fell;
the end was at hand Twas Charmion who
brought the tidings 10 the Queen and An
tony, as they Slept IN the heat of the day,
and with her came AE EE
''Awakel' she cried. "Awakei This is
no time for sleep! Seleucus hath surren-
dered Potassium unto Cesar, VINO marches
straight on Alexandriai- #stH
With a great oath Antony spraag up and
Cleopatra by the arm
Thou hast betrayed me-by the Gods 1
swear 1t Now thou shalt paw the pricefs
And snatching up his sword he drew IL
''Stay thy hand, Antonyi'' she cried.
1T Is false-naught know of this!n And
she sprang upon him, and chung about his
neck, weeping. ''Naught know /. INV Lord.
Take thou the wife of Seleucus and his III.
tie children, whom / hold in guard. and
avenge thyseh. D, Antony AntonvI vbv
dost tn sdoubt me?''
Then Antony threw down his sword unon
the marble, and, casting himself upon the
couch, hid his face, and groaned in bitter
ness Of spirit 9 7,
But Charmion smiled, for she il was who
bad sent secretly to Seleucus, her friend. | .