The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1894-07-04

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lowed by his suite Of officers. Smooth-faced
he was and fair to look upon, and with
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 a 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:
"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 greetings and welcome to our
poor city of Alexandra. Unfold, we pray
thee, the purpose of thy coming"
Still tho 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 thoul Name it
and We'll speak therein-for 10 us are all
tongues known"
Then tlast 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 oerwhelm
my mind, and leave me helpless and un.
whiting of all things else"
''Of truth, noble Dellius,' answered
Cleopatra, "they teach pretty school of
tiattery yonder in Cilicia"
show goes the saying here in Alexan.
dria" replied the courtly Roman. "'The
breath of fiattery can not watt cloud,
does it note 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 thenm
"Break the seals and read" she answered
And bowlng, lie broke the seals and read
"The Triumuiif Reipu6lice Constituendy,
b. the mouth of Marcus Antonius, the Tr.
umvir, to Cleopatra. by grace OF the Roman
PSNPtSt SuNSh VI " pl'Nt anu hOWCI I-Sypl,
send greeting. Whereas, it has come to
our knowledge that thou, Cleopatra, hast,
contrary TO thy promise and thy duty, both
by thy servant Allienus and by thy servant
Sorapion, the Governor of Cyprus, aided
the rebel murderer Cassius against the
arms of the most noble Triumvirate.
And, whereas, it has come to our knowl-
! edge that thou thysclf vast but lately MAX
ing ready great fleet to this end. We
summon thee that thou dost without DELAY
journey to Cilicia, there to meet the noble
Antony, and in person make answer con-
| corning these charges which are laid
against thee. And we warn thee that if
thou dost disobey this, our summons, II is
at thy peril Farewell"
The eyes of Cleopatra flashed as she
hearkened TO these high words, and saw
her hands tighten on the golden lions heads
wherein they rested
1--WE have had the fattery," she said,
"and now, lest we be cloyed with sweets,
we have Its antidote! Listen thou, Dellius.
The charges in that letter, or, rather, in
that writ of summons, are false, as all folk
can bear US witness. But it is not now, and
it is not to thee, that we will make defense
of our acts of war and policy. Nor will we
leave our kingdom to journey into far
Cllicia, and there, like some poor suppliant
at law, to plead our cause before the court
of the noble Antony. If Antony will have
speech with us and inquire concerning
these high matters, the sea is open and his
welcome shall be royal Let him come
hither. That is our answer to thee and to
the Triumvratc, o Dellusr'
But De,lius smiled as one who would nut
away the weight Of wrath, and once more
spoke.
Royal Egypt, thou knowest not the noble
Antony. Stern is he on paper, and ever
does he set down his thoughts as though his
stylus were spear dipped in the blood of
men. But, face to face with him, thou, Of
all the world, shalt find him the gentlest
warrior that ever won a battle. Be advised,
OEgypt and come. Send me not hence with
such angry words, for il thou dost draw Anto-
ny to Alexandria, then woe to Alexandria, to
the people of the Nile. and to thee, o Egypt
For then will he come armed and breath.
ing war, and hard shall 1t 20 with thee who
dost defy the gathered might Of Rome.
pray thee, then. obey this summons. Come
to Cilicia; come with peaceful gifts and not
In arms. Come In thy beauty, and trtckcd
IN hp best attire, and nsught hast thou to
fear from the noble Antony" He paused
and looked at her meaningly; while |, taking
his drift, felt the angry blood surge into my
face.
Cleopatra, too, understood, for saw her
rest her chin upon her hand while the dark
cloud Of thought gathered in her eyes. For
a time thus she sat, while the crafty Dellius
watched her curiously. And Charmiou.