So that," he
continued, "not one, but many suppers must be had in readiness, as
it impossible to guess at his hour."
Plato admits four sorts of flattery, but Cleopatra had a thousand.
Were Antony serious or disposed to mirth, she had at any moment
some new delight or charm to meet his wishes. She played at dice
with him, drank with him, hunted with him; and when he exercised
in arms, she was there to see. At night she would go rambling with
him to disturb and torment people at their doors and windows,
dressed like a servant-woman, for Antony also went in servant's
disguise, and from these expeditions he often came home very
scurvily answered, and sometimes even beaten severely, though most
people guessed who it was. It would be trifling without end to be
particular in his follies, but his fishing must not be forgotten.
He went out one day to angle with Cleopatra, and, being so
unfortunate as to catch nothing in the presence of the queen, he
gave secret orders to the fishermen to dive under water, and put
fishes that had been already taken upon his hooks; and these he
drew so fast that the Egyptian perceived it. But, feigning great
admiration, she told everybody how dexterous Antony was, and
invited them next day to come and see him again.
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