The Syrian retired; but Cleopatra turned to the eunuch and, flushed with
emotion, cried, pointing to the King of Judea's letter: "Did you ever
witness baser ingratitude? The rats think the ship is sinking, and it is
time to leave it. If we succeed in keeping above water, they will return
in swarms; and this must, must, must be done, for the sake of this
beloved country and her independence. Then the children, the children!
All our powers must now be taxed, every expedient must be remembered and
used. We will hammer each feeble hope until it becomes the strong steel
of certainty. We will transform night into day. The canal will save the
fleet. Mark Antony will find in Africa Pinarius Scarpus with untouched
loyal legions. The gladiators are faithful to us. We can easily make
them ours, and my brain is seething with other plans. But first we will
attend to the Alexandrians. No violence!"

This exclamation was followed by order after order, and the promise that,
if necessary, she would show herself to the people.

The Exegetus was filled with admiration as he received the clear,
sagacious directions. After he had retired with his companions, the
Queen again turned to the Regent, saying: "We did wisely to make the
people happy at first with tidings of victory. The unexpected news of
terrible disaster might have led them to some unprecedented deed of
madness. Disappointment is a more common pain, for which less powerful
remedies will suffice. Besides, many things could be arranged ere they
knew that I was here. How much we have accomplished already, Mardion!
But I have not even granted myself the joy of seeing my children. I was
forced to defer the pleasure of the companionship of my oldest friends,
even Archibius. When he comes again he will be admitted. I have given
the order. He knows Rome thoroughly. I must hear his opinion of pending