Page:Afterglow; pastels of Greek Egypt, 69 B.C. (IA afterglowpastels00buck).pdf/52

48 sion in their philosophy. All men had written their names upon the walls of her chamber; there were epigrams, ardent and obscene, written by city dignitaries and scholars, and sketches by artists whose fame had spread over the antique world.

The life had been care-free and happy; all the wonders of the world were brought before her door.

So the years had flown, unnoticed, over her head. A life of unceasing pleasure had shortened the hours. Her body had become harder, the contours more pronounced; her breasts had softened.

Then, one by one, her lovers had turned from her. Guests who had made merry at her banquets, bathing their bodies in her choicest wines, left her for rivals less beautiful, less accomplished, but more youthful. Even the young men passed quickly by her door She knew she was still beautiful. She had doubled her