Lysias was one of those men from whose lips nothing ever sounds as if it were meant seriously.

His statement that he regarded a serving girl from the temple of Serapis as fit to personate Hebe, was spoken as naturally and simply as if he were telling a tale for children; but his words produced an effect on his hearers like the sound of waters rushing into a leaky ship.
Publius had turned perfectly white, and it was not till his friend had uttered the name of Irene that he in some degree recovered his composure; Philometor had struck his cup on the table, and called out in much excitement: "A water-bearer of Serapis to play Hebe in a gay festal performance! Do you conceive it possible, Cleopatra ?" "Impossible--it is absolutely out of the question," replied the queen, decidedly.

Euergetes, who also had opened his eyes wide at the Corinthian's proposition, sat for a long time gazing into his cup in silence; while his brother and sister continued to express their surprise and disapprobation and to speak of the respect and consideration which even kings must pay to the priests and servants of Serapis.
At length, once more lifting his wreath and crown, he raised his curls with both hands, and said, quite calmly and decisively; "We must have a Hebe, and must take her where we find her.

If you hesitate to allow the girl to be fetched it shall be done by my orders.
The priests of Serapis are for the most part Greeks, and the high-priest is a Hellene.

He will not trouble himself much about a half-grown-up girl if he can thereby oblige you or me.