Queen Cleopatra

"EGYPT LIES LIKE A NAKED WOMAN, READY FOR ROME TO VIOLATE," the woman called Royal Egypt confessed to Tros of Samothrace.

With his hand on his sword hilt Tros bowed his head as if gathering force from an unseen realm of inspiration, then groped into his belt and drew forth a little golden box.

"I had these from the Druids, for a service I did them. You may have them, as a token that I hold you to your promise to resist Rome --by force of arms--by trickery--with courage--and not yielding to death--or the fear of death--or to any power less than Destiny."

She was wondering at Tros and delighting in him and scarcely glanced at the pearls that were so perfect they looked like symbols of eternal dawn. Tros went on. "The Druids said that these are the tears the gods shed for the infidelities of men. Be you faithful and remember: I will hold you to your pledge ..."