Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-04-17

victory OF Philippi, was now in Asia, wiring
ing gold from the subject kings whercwith
to satisfy the greed of his legionaries.
Well do mind me of the day. Cleopatra,
clad in her robes of state, attended by the
officers of her Court, among whom stood,
sat in the great hall on her throne Of gold,
and babe the heralds admit the Ambassa-
dor Of Antony the Triumvir. The great doors
were thrown wide, and amidst the blare Of
trumpets and salutes of the Gallo guards,
clad in glittering golden armor and scar
let cloak of silk, came the Roman In, fol-
lowed by his suite of officers. Smooth-faced
he was and fair to look upon, and with q
supple form; but his mouth was cold, and
false were his shifting eyes. And while
the heralds called out his name, titles and
offices, as man who is amazed he fixed his
gaze on Cleopatra, who sat on her throne
radiant with beauty. Then, when the her
AIDS had made an end, and he still stood
thus, not stirring, Cleopatra spoke in the
Roman tongue:
s'Greeting to thee, noble Dellius, envoy
Of the most mighty Antony, whose shadow
lies across the world as though Mars him
self now lowered up above us petty
Princes and welcome to our
poor city Of Alexandra. Unfold, we pray
thee. the purpose Of thy coming.''
Still the crafty Dellius made no answer
but stood as man amazed.
''What ais thee. noble Dellius, that thou
dost not speakr' asked Cleopatra "Hast
thou then wandered so long in Asia
that doors of Roman speech are shut to
theea What tongue hast thou? Name it
and We'll speak therein-for to us are all
tongues known"
Then atlast he spoke, in soft, full voice:
'Oh, pardon me, most mighty Egypt, if
have thus been stricken dumb before thee;
but too great beauty, like Death himself.
doth paralyze the tongue and steal our
sense away. The eyes of HIM who looks
upon the fires Of the midday sun are blind
to all beside, and thus this sudden vision
Of thy glory, Royal Egypt, did o'erwhelm
my mind. and leave me helpless and un-
whiting OF all things else.''
s'Of truth, noble Dellius," answered
Cleopatra, s'they teach a pretty school of
fattery yonder in Cllicia-"
show goes the saying here in Alexan-
driaa'' replied the courtly Roman. 1.-THE
breath of f1attery can not watt cloud
does it neta But to my task. Here, Royal
Egypt, are letters under the hand and seal
Of noble Antony treating Of certain matters
OF the State. Is it thy pleasure that should
read them!"
s-Break the seals and read, - she answered
And bowlng, he broke the seals and read.
saThe Hiumrti Reipablic0 Constitxend9,
by the mouth of Marcus Antoniuz. the Tri-
umvir, to Cleopatra. by grace Of the Roman
people. Queen Of Upper and Iower Egypt,
send greeting. Whereas. 1t has come to
our knowiedge thst thou, Cieepatra, hast.
contrary to thy promise and thy duty, both
by thy servant Aliienus and by thy servant
Sorapion, the Governor Of Cyprus, aided
the rebel murderer Cassiqs against the
arms of the most noble TrIumvirate.
And, whereas, it has come to our knowl-
edge that thou myself vast but lately max
ing ready great feet TO this end. We
summon thee that thou dost without delay
journey to Cilici2, there to meet the noble
Antony, and In person make answer con-
corning these charges which are hid
against thee. And We waxAs thoos that II
thou dost disobey this, cnr summons, Il II
q thy peru Farewell"