The scene--the group before Arbaces, was stamped by that peculiar and refined ideality of poesy which we yet, not erroneously, imagine to be the distinction of the ancients--the marble columns, the vases of flowers, the statue, white and tranquil, closing every vista; and, above all, the two living forms, from which a sculptor might have caught either inspiration or despair! Arbaces, pausing for a moment, gazed on the pair with a brow from which all the usual stern serenity had fled; he recovered himself by an effort, and slowly approached them, but with a step so soft and echoless, that even the attendants heard him not; much less Ione and her lover.
'And yet,' said Glaucus, 'it is only before we love that we imagine that our poets have truly described the passion; the instant the sun rises, all the stars that had shone in his absence vanish into air.

The poets exist only in the night of the heart; they are nothing to us when we feel the full glory of the god.' 'A gentle and most glowing image, noble Glaucus.' Both started, and recognized behind the seat of Ione the cold and sarcastic face of the Egyptian.
'You are a sudden guest,' said Glaucus, rising, and with a forced smile.
'So ought all to be who know they are welcome,' returned Arbaces, seating himself, and motioning to Glaucus to do the same.
'I am glad,' said Ione, 'to see you at length together; for you are suited to each other, and you are formed to be friends.' 'Give me back some fifteen years of life,' replied the Egyptian, 'before you can place me on an equality with Glaucus.

Happy should I be to receive his friendship; but what can I give him in return?
Can I make to him the same confidences that he would repose in me--of banquets and garlands--of Parthian steeds, and the chances of the dice?
these pleasures suit his age, his nature, his career: they are not for mine.' So saying, the artful Egyptian looked down and sighed; but from the corner of his eye he stole a glance towards Ione, to see how she received these insinuations of the pursuits of her visitor.

Her countenance did not satisfy him.

Glaucus, slightly coloring, hastened gaily to reply.