But Cornelia forgot about such things long before they rose.

For the queen displayed to her a myriad dainty perfections and refinements that never had endeared themselves to the grosser Italian gourmands.
Cleomenes had whispered to his companion, before they reached the palace, "Plato tells of four sorts of flattery; but I can promise you a thousand sorts from Cleopatra if she but cares to win your friendship." And surely the queen did thus desire.

For Cornelia was surfeited with strange dishes, and rare sherbets, flowers, and music; surfeited with everything save the words that fell from the lips of Cleopatra.
The more the queen spoke, the more complete became the vassalage of her guest.

Cornelia discovered that this woman, who was but little older than she, could speak fluently seven languages, and carried about with her an exceedingly accurate knowledge, not merely of the administration of Egypt, but of the politics of Rome, and the details of the great contest racking the Republic.

When Cleopatra asked questions concerning Roman affairs, Cornelia was fain to confess ignorance and be put to shame.