“Broad-fronted Cæsar!
When thou wast here above the ground, I was
A morsel for a monarch: And great Pompey
Would stand, and make his eyes grow in my brow;
There would he fix his longing gaze, and die
With looking on his life.”
But Cleopatra, who was not less remarkable for her cunning than for her beauty, knowing that Cæsar was resolved to be gratified at whatever cost, determined that the price should be a round one: the terms of his admission to her arms, were that Cæsar should expel her brother from the kingdom, and give the crown to her; which Cæsar complied with. Cleopatra had a son by Cæsar called Cæsarion.
In the civil wars which distracted the Roman empire after the death of Cæsar, Cleopatra supported Brutus, against Antony and Octavius. Antony, in his expedition to Parthia, summoned her to appear before him. She arrayed herself in the most magnificent apparel, and appeared before her judge in the most captivating attire. Though somewhat older [p201] than when she drew Cæsar to her arms, her charms were still conspicuous;
“Age could not wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety. Other women cloy