This eBook was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of thefile for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making anentire meal of them. D.W.]
By Georg Ebers
Gorgias went to his work without delay. When the twin statues were onlywaiting to be erected in front of the Theatre of Dionysus, Dion soughthim. Some impulse urged him to talk to his old friend before leaving thecity with his betrothed bride. Since they parted the latter hadaccomplished the impossible; for the building of the wall on the Choma,ordered by Antony, was commenced, the restoration of the little palace atthe point, and many other things connected with the decoration of thetriumphal arches, were arranged. His able and alert foreman found itdifficult to follow him as he dictated order after order in his writing-tablet.
The conversation with his friend was not a long one, for Dion hadpromised Barine and her mother to accompany them to the country.Notwithstanding the betrothal, they were to start that very day;for Caesarion had called upon Barine twice that morning. She had notreceived him, but the unfortunate youth's conduct induced her to hastenthe preparations for her departure.
To avoid attracting attention, they were to use Archibius's largetravelling chariot and Nile boat, although Dion's were no lesscomfortable.
The marriage was to take place in the "abode of peace." The youngAlexandrian's own ship, which was to convey the newly wedded pair toAlexandria, bore the name of Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, for Dionliked to be reminded of his oratorical powers in the council.Henceforward it would be called the Barine, and was to receive many anembellishment.
Dion confided to his friend what he had learned in relation to the fateof the Queen and the fleet, and, notwithstanding the urgency of theclaims upon Gorgias's time, he lingered to discuss the future destiny ofthe city and her threatened liberty; for these things lay nearest to hisheart.
"Fortunately," cried Dion, "I followed my inclination; now it seems to methat duty commands every true man to make his own house a nursery for thecultivation of the sentiments which he inherited from his forefathers andwhich must not die, so long as there are Macedonian citizens inAlexandria. We must submit if the superior might of Rome renders Egypt aprovince of the republic, but we can preserve to our city and her councilthe lion's share of their freedom. Whatever may be the development ofaffairs, we are and shall remain the source whence Rome draws the largestshare of the knowledge which enriches her brain."
"And the art which adorns her rude life," replied Gorgias. "If she isfree to crush us without pity, she will fare, I think, like the maidenwho raises her foot to trample on a beautiful, rare flower, and thenwithdraws it because it would be a crime to destroy so exquisite a workof the Creator."
"And what does the flower owe to your maiden," cried Dion, "or ourcity to Rome? Let us meet her claims with dignified resolution, then Ithink we shall not have the worst evils to fear."
"Let us hope so. But, my friend, keep your eyes open for other thanRoman foes. Now that it will become known that you do not love her,beware of Iras. There is something about her which reminds me of thejackal. Jealousy!—I believe she would be capable of the worst—"
"Yet," Dion inter