it must be said. That Antony visited the singer, and even took his son
there more than once, is known throughout the city. Yet that is not the
worst. A Barine entering into rivalry with you! It would be too
ridiculous. But what bounds can be set to the insatiate greed of these
women? No rank, no age is sacred. It was dull in the absence of the
court and the army. There were no men who seemed worth the trouble of
catching, so she cast her net for boys, and the one most closely snared
was the King Caesarion."

"Caesarion!" exclaimed Cleopatra, her pale cheeks flushing. "And his
tutor Rhodon? My strict commands?"

"Antyllus secretly presented him to her," replied Iras. "But I kept my
eyes open. The boy clung to the singer with insensate passion. The only
expedient was to remove her from the city. Archibius aided me."

"Then I shall be spared sending her away."

"Nay, that must still be done; for, on the journey to the country
Caesarion, with several comrades, attacked her."

"And the reckless deed was successful?"

"No, my royal mistress. I wish it had been. A love-sick fool who
accompanied her drew his sword in her defence, raised his hand against
the son of Caesar, and wounded him. Calm yourself, I beseech you, I
conjure you--the wound is slight. The boy's mad passion makes me far
more anxious."

The Queen's pouting scarlet lips closed so firmly that her mouth lost the