![]() ![]() “Yes, yes,” I said “why troublest thou me thus at such an hour?” It was all a dream and ’tis forgotten: is it not so, my Lord?” ![]() “One word,” Charmion said hurriedly, “for it is not yet time: last night-ah, last night-” and her bosom heaved, “I dreamed a dream that haunts me strangely, and perchance thou also didst dream a dream. Taking a cup of wine that stood near, I drank deep of it, for I had scarce tasted food all that day. ![]() “It is well,” I said again “let us be going,” and rising, I placed the dagger in the bosom of my robe. Nothing has been neglected, and no lamb skipping at the shamble doors can be more innocent of its doom than is Queen Cleopatra.” “Yea, my Lord all things are in order: well primed with wine, Paulus guards the gates, the eunuchs are withdrawn save one, the legionaries sleep, and already Sepa and his force lie hid without. “Royal Harmachis,” she said, “Cleopatra summons thee, presently to declare to her the voices of the stars.” At length I looked up, and Charmion stood before me-Charmion, no longer gay and bright, but pale of face and hollow-eyed. I sat alone, questioning the future, but no answer came. ![]() It was long and keen, and the handle was formed of a sphinx of solid gold. I sat alone, and there before me lay the dagger that was to pierce her. IT WAS night, and I sat alone in my chamber, waiting the moment when, as it was agreed, Charmion should summon me to pass down to Cleopatra. ![]()
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