Egypt; and when he had proceeded on his expe- | thirty-ninth year at the time of her death; she dition against Parthia, he sent for her into Syria, where she rendered him odious by the cruelties and oppressions she urged him to practice. After his return, he bestowed upon her many provinces, by which he incurred the displeasure of the Roman people. When the civil war broke out between Antony and Octavianus, afterwards Augustus Cæsar, emperor of Rome, Cleopatra accompanied Antony, and added sixty ships to his navy. It was by her persuasion that the deciding battle was fought by sea, at Actium. She commanded her own fleet; but her courage soon failed her, and before the danger reached her she filed, followed by the whole squadron and the infatuated Antony, who, however, was very angry with Cleopatra on this occasion, and remained three days without seeing her. He was at length reconciled to her, and, on the approach of Octavianus, they both sent publicly to treat with him; but, at the same time, Cleopatra gave her ambassadors private instructions for negotiating with him separately. Hoping to secure the kingdom of Egypt for herself and her children, she promised to put it into the hands of Octavianus; and, as a pledge for the performance, she delivered up to him the important city of Pelusium. Near the temple of Isis she had built a tower, which she designed for her sepulchre; and into this was carried all her treasures, as gold, jewels, | pearls, ivory, ebony, cinnamon, and other precious woods; it was also filled with torches, faggots, and tow, so that it could be easily set on fire. To this tower she retired after the last defeat of Antony, and on the approach of Octavianus; and when Antony gave himself the mortal stab, he was carried to the foot of the tower, and drawn up into it by Cleopatra and her women, where he expired in her arms. Octavianus, who feared lest Cleopatra should burn herself and all her treasures, and thus avoid falling into his hands and gracing his triumphal entry into Rome, sent Proculus to employ all his art in obtaining possession of her person; which he managed to do by stealing in at one of the windows. When Cleopatra saw him, she attempted to kill herself; but Proculus prevented her, and took from her every weapon with which she might commit such an act. She then resolved to starve herself; but her children were threatened with death if she persisted in the attempt. When Octavianus came to see her, she attempted to captivate him, but unsuccessfully; she had, however, gained the heart of his friend, Dolabella, who gave her private notice that she was to be carried to Rome within three days, to take a part in the triumph of Octavianus. She had an asp, a small serpent, whose bite is said to induce a kind of lethargy and death without pain, brought to her in a basket of figs; and the guards who were sent to secure her person, found her lying dead on a couch, dressed in her royal robes, with one of her women dead at her feet, and the other expiring. The victor, though greatly disappointed, buried her, with much magnificence, in the tomb with Antony, as she had requested. She was in her left two sons and a daughter by Antony, whom she had married after his divorce from Octavia, besides her son by Cæsar, whom Octavianus put to death as a rival. With her terminated the family of Ptolemy Lagus, and the monarchy of Egypt, which was thenceforth a Roman province. Cleopatra was an object of great dread and abhorrence to the Romans, who detested her as the cause of Antony's divorce from Octavia, and the subsequent civil war. Her ambition was as unbounded as her love of pleasure; and her usual oath was, "So may I give law in the capitol." Her temper was imperious, and she was boundlessly profuse in her expenditures; nor did she ever hesitate to sacrifice, when it suited her own interest, all the decorums of her rank and sex. But we must remember, also, that she lived in an age of crime. She was better than the men her subtle spirit subdued, for she was true to her country. Never was Egypt so rich in wealth, power and civilization, as under her reign. She reconstructed the precious library of her capital; and when the wealth of Rome was at her command, proffered by the dissolute Antony, who thought her smiles cheaply bought at the price of the Roman empire, Cleopatra remarked," The treasures I want are two hundred thousand volumes from Pergamus, for my library of Alexandria." Her children, by Antony, were carried to Rome, to grace the triumph of Octavianus. Octavia, Antony's repudiated wife, took charge of them: and Cleopatra, the daughter, was afterwards married to Juba, king of Mauritania. CLYTEMNESTRA WAS the daughter of Tyndarus, king of Sparta, and Leda, and twin-sister of Helen. She bore her husband, Agamemnon, two daughters, Sphigenia and Electra, and one son, Orestes. During the absence of Agamemnon, in his wars against Troy, she became enamoured of Ægisthus, and assisted him to murder Agamemnon on his return. She then, together with Ægisthus, governed Mycene for seven years. Orestes, at length, killed them both. CORINNA, A POETESS, to whom the Greeks gave the appellation of the Lyric Muse, was a native of Tanagra, in Boeotia. She flourished in the fifth century B. C., and was a contemporary of Pindar, from whom she five times won the prize in poetical contests. Her fellow-citizens erected a tomb to her in the most frequented part of their city. Only a few fragments of her works are extant. She did justice to the superiority of Pindar's genius, but advised him not to suffer his poetical ornaments to intrude so often, as they smothered the principal subject; comparing it to pouring a vase of flowers all at once on the ground, when their beauty and excellence could only be observed in proportion to their rarity and situation. Her glory seems to have been established by the public memorial of her picture, exhibited in her native city, and adorned with a symbol of her victory. Pausanias, | had imbibed the heroic, or ambitious spirit of the THE mother of the Gracchi. In this lady every circumstance of birth, life, and character, conspired to give her a glowing and ever-living page in history. Two thousand years have passed away, and yet her name stands out as freshly, as if she had been cotemporaneous with Elizabeth and Mary. She was the daughter of Scipio Africanus, the conqueror of Hannibal. Such descent could hardly have received an addition of glory or distinction. But, such was the life of Cornelia, that even the fame of Scipio received new lustre. She was married to a man, who, though he filled many high Roman offices, yet derived still greater dignity from her virtues. This was Tiberius Gracchus, the grandson of Sempronius, who was eulogized by Cicero for wisdom and virtue: He was thought worthy of Cornelia, and the event proved that one was as remarkable as the other, for what in that age of the world must have been deemed the highest excellencies of the human character. Tiberius died, leaving Cornelia with twelve children. Her character was such, that Ptolemy king of Egypt paid his addresses to her, but was rejected. She devoted herself to the care of her house and children; in which she behaved with the sweetest sobriety, parental affection, and greatness of mind. During her widowhood, she lost all her children except three, one daughter, who was married to Scipio the younger, and two sons, Tiberius and Caius Gracchus. Plutarch remarks, that " Cornelia brought them up with so much care, that though they were without dispute of the noblest family, and had the happiest geniuses of any of the Roman youth, yet education was allowed to have contributed more to their perfections than nature." This remark may show in forcible colours the vast influence of mothers in the education of youth. It is certain that there is no natural genius which may not be improved by education, and it is equally certain that no human being can have as much influence on that education as the mother. When a Campanian lady once displayed her jewels before Cornelia, requesting to see hers in return, Cornelia produced her two sons, saying, "These are all the jewels of which I can boast." She also gave public lectures on philosophy in Rome, and was more fortunate in her disciples than her sons. Cicero says of her, that, "Cornelia, had she not been a woman, would have deserved the first place among philosophers." Cornelia, like all the leading women of Rome, age. She is said to have made remarks to her sons which seemed to spur them on more rapidly in their public career. The result was not very fortunate. For though her sons sustained the highest name for purity of character; though they have come down to us, distinguished as the Gracchi, and though they were associated with the popular cause, yet their measures were so revolutionary and violent, that they were both destroyed in popular tumults. Cornelia survived the death of her sons, which she bore with great magnanimity. They had been killed on consecrated ground, and of these places she said, that "they were monuments worthy of them." She lived subsequently a life of elegant and hospitable ease, surrounded by men of letters, and courted by the great. We cannot have a better idea of the close of her life, and of the high estimation in which she stood, than by the very words of Plutarch. This writer closes the lives of the Gracchi with the following account of Cornelia: "She took up her residence at Misenum, and made no alteration in her manner of living. As she had many friends, her table was always open for the purpose of hospitality. Greek, and other men of letters she had always with her, and all the kings in alliance with Rome expressed their regard by sending her presents, and receiving the like civilities in return. She made herself very agreeable to her guests, by acquainting them with many particulars of her father Africanus, and of his manner of living. But what they most admired in her was, that she could speak of her sons without a sigh or a tear, and recount their actions and sufferings as if she had been giving an account of some ancient heroes. Some therefore imagined that age and the greatness of her misfortunes had deprived her of her understanding and sensibility. But those who were of that opinion seem rather to have wanted understanding themselves; since they know not how much a noble mind may, by a liberal education, be enabled to support itself against distress; and that though, in the pursuit of rectitude, Fortune may often defeat the purposes of Virtue, yet Virtue, in bearing affliction, can never lose her prerogative." The whole life of Cornelia presents a beautiful character; and from the facts which have come down to us we may draw these inferences: 1. Cornelia must have been educated in a very superior manner by her father. For in no other manner can we account for her knowledge and love of literature; nor for the fact, that while yet young she was regarded as worthy of the most virtuous and noble men of Rome. 2. She must have been, from the beginning, a woman of fixed principles and undaunted courage; for, in no other manner can we give a solution to her rejection of the king of Egypt, her unremitting care of her family, the high education of her sons, and the great influence she held over them. 3. She must have cultivated literature and the graces of conversation; for, how else could she have drawn around the fireside of a retired widow, the men of letters, and even the compliments of distant princes? From all this we may draw the conclusion that it is quite possible for a lady to be a woman of letters, and yet a good housekeeper, good mother, a very agreeable companion, and a useful member of society. It is true, that all women cannot have the same early advantages, the same parental care, the same rich opportunities, and the same splendid line of life. Yet how few are they who have improved, to t the same advantage, the talents with which they have really been endowed! And, yet more, how few w are the fathers and mothers who think these riches of the immortal mind at all equivalent to the petty accomplishments of fashion? Yet it is these high qualities of mind alone which remain, like the eternal laws of nature, after all the modes of fashion and the revolutions of time. From this living fountain flows all the bubbling, sparkling, running waters of life. It overflows beyond the boundaries of life, and enriches every territory of distant posterity: TERBEIT door to afrow In her lifetime a statue was raised to her, with this inscription: Cornelia mater Gracchorum. She died about 230 years before Christ... ont ✦roud elas`al you but of. CORNELIA, 22 răng alt m2 T འ We buil sifa extol to A DAUGHTER of Metellus Scipio, who married Pompey, after the death of her first husband, P. Crassus. She was an eminently virtuous woman, and followed Pompey in his flight to Egypt, after his defeat by Cæsar at Pharsalia, B. C. 48; and saw him murdered on his landing. She attributed all his misfortunes to his connection with her,in Fuero dizer Jilw gr In CORNELIA 890% 1 foisirs 91167 | nincemTyroj5l7 191Ɗp lodiya e diw boarobe oil to on muod svm of m condo fan poze 1920 euro ftimod tem 'D'AM-oqque „i waz oda DAUGHTER of Pythagoras, the philosopher, was one of his favourite disciples, and was initiated by him into all the secrets of his philosophy. Her father entrusted to her all his writings, enjoining her not to make them public. This command she strictly obeyed, though tempted with large offers, while she was struggling with the evils of me evils of poverty, She lived, single, in obedience I to her father's wishes, and exhorted other young women, whose education she took charge of, to do the same. She was born at Crotona, in Italy, and lived about B, C., 500 eids a ilosa odt to room a IndɔDAMOPHILA, the WIFE of Damophilus, the Grecian philosopher, was, the contemporary, relation, and rival of Sappho She, She composed a poem on Diana, and A variety of odes, on subjects connected passion of love. She he is mentioned by Theophilus, in his life of Apollonius Thayneus. She flourished about B. G. 610. dt ew doua „trlí .noitont-ib 99 and wou 10 DEBORAH it neve tant but i front, yma a of borem, # 9.14 A PROPHETESS and judge in Israel, and the most traordinary woman recorded in the Old Testa extraordinary woman recorde ment. She lived about a hundred and thirty years after the death of Joshua. The Israelites were in subjection to Jabin, king of the Canaanites, who for twenty years had mightily oppressed" them. Josephus says, "No bumiliation was was saved them their as permitted by God, to punish them for pride and obstinacy." stinacy according to the Bible, for their idolatry and wickedness. In this miserable and degraded condition they were, when Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth," was raised up to be be the "judge" and deliverer of her people. By the authority God had sanctioned, in giving her superior spiritual insight and patriotism, she called and commissioned Barak to take 10,000 men of the children of Naphthali and of Zebulun, and go against Sisera and his host. According to Josephus, this armed host of Canaanites consisted of 300,000 infantry, 10,000 cavalry, and 3000 chariots; the Bible does not give the number, but names "nine hundred chariots of iron," and the army as a multitude." Barak seems to have been so alarmed at the idea of defying such a host of enemies, or so doubtful of succeeding in gathering his own army, that he refused to go, unless Deborah would go with him. Here was a new and great call on her energies. She had shown wisdom in counsel, superior, we must infer, to that of any man in Israel, for all the people "came up to her for judgment;"--but had she courage to go out to battle for her country The sequel showed that she was brave as wise; and the reproof she bestowed on Barak for his cowardice or want of faith, is both delicate and dignified. She had offered him the post of military glory; it belonged to him as a man; but since he would not take it, since he resolved to drag a woman forward to bear the blame of the insurrection, should the patriot effort fail; the " "honour" " of success would be given to a woman?” And How beautiful is her character shown in the title H thing, in any language, which can surpass the Thus sang Deborah and Barak, son of Abinoam, Hear, ye kings! give ear, ye princes! I to Jehovah, I will lift the song, 21 They chose new gods; My soul is yours, ye chiefs of Israel! Ye that ride upon the snow white asses, For the noise of plundering archers by the wells of water Awake, Deborah! Awake! Awake, uplift the song! Barak, awake! and lead thy captives captive With him a valiant few went down against the mighty, First Ephraim, from the Mount of Amalek, By Reuben's fountains there was deep debating- Was it to hear the lowing of thy cattle? By Reuben's fountains there was deep debating And Gilead lingered on the shores of Jordan- Came the king and fought, Fought the kings of Canaan, By Taanach, by Megiddo's waters, For the golden booty that they won not. From the heavens they fought 'gainst Sisera, So trample thou, my soul, upon their might. Then stamped the clattering hoofs of prancing horse At the flight, at the flight of the mighty. Curse ye Meroz, saith the angel of the Lord, Curse, a twofold curse upon her dastard sons: For they came not to the succour of Jehovah, To the succour of Jehovah 'gainst the mighty. Above all women blest be Jael, Heber the Kenite's wife, O'er all the women blest, that dwell in tents. Water he asked-she gave him milk, The curded milk, in her costliest bowl. Her left hand to the nail she set, Her right hand to the workman's hammer- At her feet he bowed; he fell; From the window she looked forth, she cried, A many-coloured robe, and richly broidered, Thus perish all thine enemies, Jehovah; DELILAH, Or Sorek, a Philistine woman, who enticed Samson to reveal to her the secret of his supernatural strength, which was in his hair. This she caused to be cut off, and thus delivered him, helpless, into the hands of his enemies. The history of Samson is the history of the triumphs of womans's spiritual nature over the physical strength and mental powers of man. Samson's birth, character and mission were first revealed to his mother; the angel appearing twice to her before her husband was permitted to see the heavenly messenger. All the preparatory regimen to ensure this wonderful son was appointed as the mother's duty; and when the angel In the above translation an attempt is made to preserve something like a rhythmical flow. It adheres to the original language, excepting where an occasional word is but rarely, inserted, for the sake of perspicuity." of the Lord was revealed, the man's earthly nature was overwhelmed with fear; the woman's spiritual nature held its heavenly trust unshaken. The arguments of the wife, to comfort and sustain her husband, are as well-reasoned as any to be found in man's philosophy. Next, the "woman in Timnath," the wife of Samson, persuaded him to tell her his riddle or enigma, then considered a remarkable proof of genius to make. His wisdom was weakness weighed with her attractions. But his great physical strength remained a secret still. It was the especial gift of God, confided to him that he might become the deliverer of his nation. Yet this endowment was rendered of little real avail, because he devoted it to unworthy purposes, either to gratify his sensual passions or to escape the snares into which these had led him. The last trial of his strength, mental and bodily, against the subtlety of the woman's spirit, proved her superior power. Delilah conquered Samson, and in the means she employed she was far less culpable than he; because she was his paramour, perhaps his victim, and he the heaven-gifted champion of Israel. Read the history as recorded in the Bible, not in Milton's "Samson Agonistes," where the whole is set in a false light, Delilah was not the wife of Samson. She owed him no obedience, no faith. But his strength was consecrated to Godhe was the traitor, when he disclosed the secret. See Judges, from chapters xiii. to xvii. These events occurred B. C. 1120. DIDO, or ELISSA, A DAUGHTER of Belus, king of Tyre, who married Sichæus of Sicharbas, her uncle, priest of Hercules. Her brother, Pygmalion, who succeeded Belus, murdered Sichæus, to get possession of his immense riches; and Dido, disconsolate for the loss of her husband, whom she tenderly loved, and dreading lest she should also fall a victim to her brother's avarice, set sail, with a number of Tyrians, to whom Pygmalion had become odious from his tyranny, for a new settlement. According to some historians, she threw. into the sea the riches of her husband, and by that artifice compelled the ships to fly with her, that had come by the order of the tyrant to obtain possession of her wealth. But it is more probable that she carried her riches with her, and by this influence prevailed on the Tyrian sailors to accompany her. During her voyage Dido stopped at Cyprus, from which she carried away fifty young women, and gave them as wives to her followers. A storm drove her fleet on the African coast, where she bought of the inhabitants as much land as could be surrounded by a bull's hide cut into thongs. Upon this land she built a citadel, called Byrsa; and the increase of population soon obliged her to enlarge her city and dominions. Her beauty, as well as the fame of her enterprise, gained her many admirers; and her subjects wished to compel her to marry Jarbas, king of Mauritania, who threatened them with a dreadful Dido asked for three months before she gave a decisive answer; and during that time she war. |