Where was Drusus?
Had aught befallen him in the great battle?
Did he think of her?
And so, hour by hour, she repeated her questions--and waited.
[183] "Black" because of the black fertile mud deposited by the inundation.
II Cleopatra's forces had not reached proportions sufficient for her to risk an engagement, when a little squadron appeared before Pelusium bearing no less a person than Pompeius himself, who sent ashore to demand, on the strength of former services to the late King Ptolemaeus Auletes, a safe asylum, and assistance to make fresh head against the Caesarians.

There was a hurried convening of the council of Pothinus--a select company of eunuchs, amateur generals, intriguing rhetoricians.
The conference was long; access to its debates closely guarded.

The issue could not be evaded; on the decision depended the reestablishment of the Pompeians in a new and firm stronghold, or their abandonment to further wanderings over the ocean.

All Pelusium realized what was at stake, and the excitement ran high.
Cornelia beyond others was agitated by the report of the arrival of the Magnus.

Rumour had it that Lucius Lentulus was close behind him.
If the council of Pothinus voted to receive the fugitives, her own position would be unhappy indeed.