I have said what I have said, and I am not given to changing my mind.

Besides, it is time that we should show ourselves to our friends feasting here in the next room.

They are already merry, and it must be getting late." With these words Euergetes rose from his couch, and beckoned to Hierax and a chamberlain, who arranged the folds of his transparent robe, while Philometor and Cleopatra whispered together, shrugging their shoulders and shaking their heads; and Publius, pressing his hand on the Corinthian's wrist, said in his ear: "You will not give them any help if you value our friendship; we will leave as soon as we can do so with propriety." Euergetes did not like to be kept waiting.

He was already going towards the door, when Cleopatra called him back, and said pleasantly, but with gentle reproachfulness: "You know that we are willing to follow the Egyptian custom of carrying out as far as possible the wishes of a friend and brother for his birthday festival; but for that very reason it is not right in you to try to force us into a proceeding which we refuse with difficulty, and yet cannot carry out without exposing ourselves to the most unpleasant consequences.

We beg you to make some other demand on us, and we will certainly grant it if it lies in our power." The young colossus responded to his sister's appeal with a loud shout of laughter, waved his arm with a flourish of his hand expressive of haughty indifference; and then he exclaimed: "The only thing I really had a fancy for out of all your possessions you are not willing to concede, and so I must abide by my word--or I go on my way." Again Cleopatra and her husband exchanged a few muttered words and rapid glances, Euergetes watching them the while; his legs straddled apart, his huge body bent forward, and his hands resting on his hips.