"The naval battle was lost--and by my fault. The land forces might
still save us, but not under his command. He is with me, uninjured, but
apparently exhausted; like a different being, bereft of courage, listless
as if utterly crushed. I foresee the beginning of the end. As soon as
this reaches you, arrange to have some unpretending litters ready for us
every evening at sunset. Make the people believe that we have conquered
until trustworthy intelligence arrives concerning the fate of Canidius
and the army. When you kiss the children in my name, be very tender with
them. Who knows how soon they may be orphaned? They already have an
unhappy mother; may they be spared the memory of a cowardly one! Trust
no one except those whom I left in authority, and Archibius, not even
Caesarion or Antyllus. Provide for having every one whose aid may be
valuable to me within reach when I come. I cannot close with the
familiar 'Rejoice'--the 'Fresh Courage' placed on many a tombstone seems
more appropriate. You who did not envy me in my happiness will help me
to bear misfortune. Epicurus, who believes that the gods merely watch
the destiny of men inactively from their blissful heights, is right.
Were it otherwise, how could the love and loyalty which cleave to the
hapless, defeated woman, be repaid with anguish of heart and tears? Yet
continue to love her."

Archibius, pale and silent, let the tablet fall. It was long ere he
gasped hoarsely: "I foresaw it; yet now that it is here--" His voice
failed, and violent, tearless sobs shook his powerful frame.

Sinking on a couch he buried his face amid the cushions.

Iras gazed at the strong man and shook her head. She, too, loved the
Queen; the news had brought tears to her eyes also; but even while she
wept, a host of plans coping with this disaster had darted through her