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Cleopatra — Volume 08 by Georg Ebers
page 38 of 62 (61%)
had often wished to set sail with his wife for a great city in Syria or
Greece, but fresh and mighty obstacles had deterred him. A special
danger lay in the fact that every large vessel was thoroughly searched
before it left the harbour, and it was impossible to escape from it
without passing through the narrow straits east of the Pharos or the
opening in the Heptastadium, both of which were easily guarded. The calm
moderation that usually distinguished the young counsellor had been
transformed into feverish restlessness, and the heart of his faithful old
monitor had also lost its poise; for an encounter between the fleet in
which his sons served and that of Octavianus was speedily expected.

One day he returned from the city greatly excited. Pelusium was said to
have fallen.

When he ascended the cliff he found everything quiet. No one, not even
Dione, came to meet him.

What had happened here?

Had the fugitives been discovered and dragged with his family to the city
to be thrown into prison, perhaps sent to the stone quarries?

Deadly pale, but erect and composed, he walked towards the house. He
owed to Dion and his father the greatest blessing in life, liberty, and
the foundation of everything else he possessed. But if his fears were
verified, if he was bereft of friends and property, even as a lonely
beggar he might continue to enjoy his freedom. If, for the sake of those
to whom he owed his best possession, he must surrender the rest, it was
his duty to bear fate patiently.

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