SECT. I. Ptolemæus Auletes had been placed
upon the throne of Egypt in the room of
Alexander. He is declared the friend and
ally of the Roman people by the credit of
Cæsar and Pompey, which he purchases at
a very great price. In consequence, he loads
his subjects with imposts. He is expelled the
throne. The Alexandrians make his daugh➡
ter Berenice queen. He goes to Rome, and,
by money, obtains the voices of the heads of
the commonwealth for his re-establishment.
He is opposed by an oracle of the Sibyl's;
notwithstanding which, Gabinius sets him
upon the throne by force of arms, where he
remains till his death. The famous Cleo-
patra, and her brother, very young, succeed
him.
SECT. II. Pothinus and Achillas, ministers
of the young king, expel Cleopatra. She
raises troops to re-establish herself. Pom-
pey after having been overthrown at Phar-
salia, retires into Egypt. He is assassinated
there. Cæsar, who pursued him, arrives at
Alexandria, where he is informed of his
death, which he seems to lament.
He en
deavours to reconcile the brother and sister,
and for that purpose sends for Cleopatra, of
whom he soon becomes enamoured. Great
commotions arise at Alexandria, and several
battles are fought between the Egyptians and
Cæsar's troops, wherein the latter have
almost always the advantage. The king hav
ing been drowned in flying after a sea fight,
all Egypt submits to Cæsar. He sets Cleo-