Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-06-26


time OF quiet which heralds the rising Of
che desert wind. Antony and Cleopatra
once again gave themselves up to luxury,
ana night by night Toasted in splendor at
che palace. They sent ambassadors to
Caesar; but Cesar would have none of
them; and, this hope being gone, they
turned their minds to the defense Of Alex
endria- Men were gathered, ships were
built ana great force was made ready
against the coming Of Cesar.
And now, aided by Charmion, began my
last work OF hate and vengeance. Deep
Wormed myself into the secrets Of the
palace, counseiing all things for evil.
babe Cleopatra keep Antony gay, lest he
should brood upon his sorrows; and thus
che Slapped his strength and energy with
luxury and wine. I gave him Of my
-draughts-draughts that sank his soul in
dreams Of happiness and power, leaving
him to wake to tho heavier misery. Soon,
without my healing medicine he could not
sleep, and thus, being ever at his side, I
bound his weakened will to mine, till at last
little would he do II said not ''ft Is WELL"
Cleopatra, also grown very superstltious,
leaned much upon me; for I prophesied
falsely to her in secret. Moreover, I wove
other webs. Great was my fame through
out Egypt, for during the long years that
he'd 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 I worked
upon with doubtful words, sapping their
loyalty; and many l caused to fall away,
ond yet none could hear an evil report of
what had said. Moreover, Cleopatra sent
mo 60 Memf, there to move the Priests and
Governors that they should gather men in
fo-f l,o1 loft oDfA
And went and spoke to the Priests with
such a double meaning and with so much
wisdom that they knew me to be one of the
affiliated in the deeper mysteries. But how
], Olympus, the physician, came thus to
b initiated none might say. And after
yard they sought me secretly, and gave
chem the holy sign of brotherhood, and
1hereunSer babe them not to ask who
might, be, but send no aid to Cleopatra
Rather, said, must they make peace with
Caesar, for by Caesars 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 Cesar
Thus then it came to pass that but little
aid did Egypt give to its hated Macedonian
Queen. Thence from Memfi l came once
more to Alexandria, and having made re-
port, continued my secret work. And, in
deed, the Alexandrians could not easily be
stirred, for, as they say in the market
place, 'The ass looks at the burden and is
blind to tho master" So long had Cleopa-
ira oppressed them that the Roman was
Alike welcome friend.
Thus the time passed on, and every night
&bund Cleopatra with fewer friends than
chat which had gone before, for In evil DAYS
friends tiy like swallows before the frost
Yet she would not give up Antony, whom
she loved; though to my knowledge did
Caesar, by his freedman, Thyreus, make
promise to her of her dominions for herself
and for her children If she would but slave
Antony, OF even betray him bound. But
hereunto a woman's heart (fOr still she had
a hearty would not consent, and, therefore,
of necessity must we hold him to her, lest,
Antony escaping or being slain, Cleopatra
hight ride out the storm and yet be Queen
of Egypt. And this grieved me, because
Antony, though weak, was still . brave man
and great; and moreover, in my own heart
1read the lesson of his woes. For were we
Got akin in wretchedness? Had not the
came woman robbed US OF empire, friends
and honorl 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. Caesar drew nigh; Peluslum fell;
Che end was at hand. Twas Charmion who
drought the tidings to the Queen and An
tony, as they slept in the heat of the day,
end with her came.
Awaken she cried. "Awakel This is
40 time for sleep! Seleucus hath surren-
Gered Potassium uuto Caesar, who marches
straight on Alexandria,
With great oath Antony sprang up and
<lutched Cleopatra by the arm.
~Thou hast betrayed me-by the Gods I
swear 1t! Now thou shalt pay the price!"
And snatching up his sword he drew it.
''Stay thy hand, Antonyr she cried.
SIT is false-naught know of thism And
she sprang upon him, and chung about his
neck, weeping. s'NauGht know /, my Lord.
Take thou the wife Of Seleucus and his lit
tie children, whom hold in guard, and
7avenRe thyself. o, Antony! Antonyi why
dost tho doubt metz
Then Antony threw down his sword upon
, the marble, and, casting himself upon the
couch, hid his face, and groaned in bitter
ness Of spirit.
But Charmion smiled, for she it was who
bad sent secretly to Seleucus, her friend.