I will not send even my foe to death without a hearing, especially at this time, which teaches me what it is to await the verdict of one who is more powerful.

This woman who, as it were, summons me to battle, shall have her wish.

I am curious to see the singer again, and to learn the means by which she has succeeded in chaining to her triumphal car so many captives, from boys up to the most exacting men." "What do you intend, my royal mistress ?" cried Iras in horror.
"I intend," said Cleopatra imperiously, "to see the daughter of Leonax, the granddaughter of Didymus, two men whom I hold in high esteem, ere I decide her destiny.

I wish to behold, test, and judge my rival, heart and mind, ere I condemn her.

I will engage in the conflict to which she challenged the loving wife and mother! But--this is my right--I will compel her to show herself to me as Antony so often saw me during the past few weeks, unaided and unimproved by the arts which we both have at command." Then, without paying any further heed to her attendant, she went to a window, and, after a swift glance at the sky, added quietly: "The first hour after midnight is drawing to a close.