were ceaseless, and Iras, who was now standing beside her uncle, waved
her hand towards it, saying: "The wind of rumour! Yesterday only one or
two came; to-day every one who belongs to the 'Inimitable Livers' flocks
hither in person to get news. The victory was proclaimed in the market-
place, at the theatre, the gymnasium, and the camp. Every one who wears
garlands or weapons heard of a battle won. Yesterday, among all the
thousands, there was scarcely a single doubter; but to-day-how does it
happen? Even among those who as 'Inimitables' have shared all the
pleasures, entertainments, and festivities of our noble pair, faith
wavers; for if they were firmly convinced of the brilliant victory which
was announced loudly enough, they would not come themselves to watch,
to spy, to listen. Just look down! There is the litter of Diogenes--
yonder that of Ammonius. The chariot beyond belongs to Melampous. The
slaves in the red bombyx garments serve Hermias. They all belong to the
society of--'Inimitables,' and shared our banquets. That very Apollonius
who, for the last half hour, has been trying to question the palace
servants, day before yesterday ordered fifty oxen to be slaughtered to
Ares, Nike, and the great Isis, as the Queen's goddess, and when I met
him in the temple he exclaimed that this was the greatest piece of
extravagance he had ever committed; for even without the cattle Cleopatra
and Antony would be sure of victory. But now the wind of rumour has
swept away his beautiful confidence also. They are not permitted to see
me. The doorkeepers say that I am in the country. The necessity of
showing every one a face radiant with the joy of victory would kill me.
There comes Apollonius. How his fat face beams! He believes in the
victory, and after sunset none of yonder throng will appear here; he is
already giving orders to his slaves. He will invite all his friends to a
banquet, and won't spare his costly wines. Capital! At least no one
from that company can disturb us. Dion is his cousin, and will be
present also. We shall see what these pleasure-lovers will do when they