Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/509

CLEOMENES. 501 and left Egypt. Four days after, Sosibius brought the letter to Ptolemy, pretending it was just then delivered him, and excited the young man's fear and anger ; upon which it was agreed, that Cleomenes should be invited into a large house, and treated as formerly, but not suf- fered to go out again. This usage was grievous to Cleomenes, and another in- cident that occurred, made him feel his hopes to be yet more entirely overcast. Ptolemy, the son of Chrysermas, a favorite of the king's, had always shown civility to Cle- omenes ; there was a considerable intimacy between them, and they had been used to talk freely together about the state. He, upon Cleomenes's desire, came to him, and spoke to him in fair terms, softening down his suspicions and excusing the king's conduct. But as he w r ent out again, not knowing that Cleomenes followed him to the door, he severely reprimanded the keepers for their care- lessness in looking after " so great and so furious a wild beast." This Cleomenes himself heard, and retiring be- fore Ptolemy perceived it, told his friends what had been said. Upon this they cast off all their former hopes, and determined for violent proceedings, resolving to be re- venged on Ptolemy for his base and unjust dealing, to have satisfaction for the affronts, to die as it became Spar- tans, and- not stay till, like fatted sacrifices, they were butchered. For it was both grievous and dishonorable for Cleomenes, who had scorned to come to terms with Antigonus, a brave warrior, and a man of action, to wait an effeminate king's leisure, till he should lay aside his timbrel and end his dance, and then kill him. These courses being resolved on, and Ptolemy happen- ing at the same time to make a progress to Canopus, they first spread abroad a report, that his freedom was ordered by the king, and, it being the custom for the king to send presents and an entertainment to those whom he would