From between my arms, doing formal obeisance to my Queen, I look at the Romans - I can't believe they are still standing! With heads bent, perhaps - and perfectly respectful! - but I have heard that Romans bow to no king - or queen - on earth!

The Queen does not appear perturbed. I can't believe I am here, however far to the back of the passengers, seeing her with my own eyes. My father will weep to hear it, although he disapproves of the dynasty in general - but says that this Queen, alone, is more Egyptian than Greek. I never dreamed of such an honor!

I remember reading, once, an author who said of her:

Debate has raged for millennia about the precise nature of Cleopatra's charms. Few authenticated contemporary images of her survived antiquity. She was a by-word for beauty and sexuality in classical times, but that image was largely supplemented by historians writing long after her death. Plutarch refers to her, repeatedly, as beautiful, but also notes "Her own beauty, so we are told, was not of that incomparable kind which instantly captivates the beholder. But the charm of her presence was irresistable, and there was an attraction in her person and in her talk, together with a peculiar force of character which pervaded her every word and action, and laid all who associated with her under her spell." Plutarch, Life of Antony, 27. He singles out her beautiful voice. Plutarch also -in the Roman tradition - describes Cleopatra as an Egyptian Circe, enchanting and seducing men to their destruction. Whatever her looks, it is clear from existing busts that she had a prominent, slightly hooked nose, full lips, and was Greek in facial features and dress. Whatever it was, it was enough.

Enough, truly.