Dolabella, an aristocratic Roman, a scion of the noble Cornelius family,
was in the Caesar's train, and had been presented to the Egyptian Queen.
In former years his father was a friend of Cleopatra; nay, she had placed
him under obligations by sending him, after the murder of Julius Caesar,
the military force at her command to be used against Cassius. True, her
legions, by messengers from Dolabella himself, were despatched in another
direction; but Cleopatra had not withdrawn her favour from Dolabella's
father on that account. The latter had known her in Rome before the
death of Caesar, and had enthusiastically described the charms of the
bewitching Egyptian sovereign. Though the youth found her only a
mourning widow, ill in body and mind, he was so strongly attracted and
deeply moved by her beauty, her brilliant intellect, her grace of
bearing, her misfortunes and sufferings, that he devoted many hours to
her, and would have considered it a happiness to render her greater
services than circumstances permitted. He often accompanied her to the
children, whose hearts had been completely won by his frank, cheerful
nature; and so it happened that he soon became one of the most welcome
guests at Lochias. He confided without reserve every feeling that
stirred his soul to the warm-hearted woman who was so many years his
senior, and through him she learned many things connected with Octavianus
and his surroundings. Without permitting himself to be used as a tool,
he became an advocate for the unfortunate woman whom he so deeply
esteemed.

In intercourse with her he made every effort to inspire confidence in
Octavianus, who favoured him, enjoyed his society, and in whose
magnanimity the youth firmly believed.

He anticipated the best results from an interview between the Queen and