indulged to the height of her expectations.  He then took leave, and departed, imagining he had reconciled her to life, and to the indignity of being shown in the intended triumph, which he was preparing for his return to Rome; but in this he was deceived. 36.  Cleopa’tra had all this time corresponded with Dolabel’la, a young Roman of high birth in the camp of Augustus, who, from compassion, or perhaps from stronger motives, was interested in her misfortunes.  By him she was secretly informed that Augustus determined to send her and her children, within three days, to Rome, to grace his triumphant entry. 37.  She, at length, therefore, determined upon dying; but first throwing herself upon Antony’s coffin, bewailed her captivity, and renewed her protestations not to survive him.  Having bathed, and ordered a sumptuous banquet, she attired herself in the most splendid manner.  After partaking of the banquet, she commanded all, except her two women, to leave the apartment.  She had contrived to have an asp secretly conveyed to her in a basket of fruit, and then wrote to Augustus, to inform him of her fatal purpose, desiring to be buried in the same tomb with Antony. 38.  Augustus, upon receiving the letter, instantly despatched messengers in hopes to stop the fulfilment of her intentions; but they arrived too late.

[Illustration:  Death of Cleopatra.]

Upon entering the chamber, they beheld Cleopa’tra lying dead upon her couch, arrayed in royal robes.  Near her, I’ras, one of her faithful attendants, was stretched at the feet of her mistress; and Char’mion,[21] the other, scarcely alive, was settling the diadem upon Cleopa’tra’s head.  “Alas!” cried one of the messengers, “is this well done, Charmion?” “Yes,” replied she, “it is well done—­such a death become a glorious queen, descended from a race of glorious ancestors.”  Pronouncing these words, she dropped and expired with her much loved mistress.[22]

Questions for Examination.

1.  What new conquest was achieved by Augustus?

2.  What was Antony’s conduct on his arrival?

3.  Was he elated by this slight success?

4.  How was he rewarded, and in what manner did he evince his gratitude?

5.  What were Antony’s feelings and conduct on the occasion?

6.  Did he attempt farther hostilities?

7.  Was this satisfaction well founded?

8.  How was he affected by this ill success?

9.  Was Cleopatra prepared for these misfortunes?

10.  What precautions had she taken?

11 What was her design in building this sepulchre?

12.  Was Antony affected by this news?

13.  What followed?

14.  Did Antony persist in his purpose?

15.  Did he immediately expire?

16.  Had he another interview with Cleopatra?

17, 18.  Relate the particulars of this interview?

19.  How did Augustus act on this occasion?