A Tale of Cleopatra

By LL Eadie

Once upon a time there lived a little princess named Cleopatra. She lived long long ago in Egypt, a far-off land in Africa. Cleopatra grew up to become the last and most famous queen of Egypt.

"... Cleopatra, girls don't go to school. Girls learn how to dance and put on make-up," barked Podenco, the king's other greyhound.

"Both of you are wrong! I will go to the museum and learn about literature, medicine, the arts, science, languages, and philosophy from the best teachers in the world!" exclaimed the excited Cleopatra.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LL Eadie
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781734737172

LL Eadie

I grew up in North Florida, graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators), and became a teacher. Since childhood, I have been creating stories for myself, for my family, and for my friends. I love visiting historical places and doing historical research. Although my children are grown with kids of their own I have remained a kid at heart and write Young Adult Fiction Contemporary and Historical stories. Although I would rather be playing on the beach with my grandchildren I am always compelled to create stories, poems, song lyrics, and even illustrations for my books.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This book was Originally published 2002 under Pen name Effie Mae Shearin

Paperback published 2021

Illustrator: Erica Eadie

Cover by Jolene MacFadden

Publisher c/o LL Eadie

Dolly Dimple Ink

508 NW Scenic Dr

Lake City, Florida 32055

[e-mail]

Part I

Princess Cleopatra VII

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CHAPTER I

I Shall Be Queen

VOCABULARY

museum  divine  literature   worship

philosophy  language  tutor   exercise

goddess   festival  foster  science

medicine  gymnasium

Once upon a time there lived a little princess named Cleopatra. (1) She lived long, long ago in Egypt, a far-off land in Africa. (2) Cleopatra grew up to become the last and most famous queen of Egypt. (3)

Our story begins when Cleopatra was just a little girl living in a beautiful Greek palace in Alexandria, Egypt. (4)

Father, please let me go to school. One day I shall be Queen of Egypt. I need to go to the museum for tutoring. (5)  It's not fair that my little brothers get to go. They are going to become smarter than I! Please, father, please! begged Cleopatra.

Now, now, Cleopatra. Have you forgotten that you have two older sisters, one younger sister, and two younger brothers? (6) They, too, would like to rule Egypt one day, said King Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra's father.

Yeah, Cleopatra, your oldest sister will be Queen, not you! barked Ketket, one of the king's greyhounds.

Besides, Cleopatra, girls don't go to school. Girls learn how to dance and put on make-up, barked Podenco, the king's other greyhound. (7)

"Both of you are wrong! I will go to the museum and learn about literature, medicine, the arts, science, languages, and philosophy from the best teachers in the world!" exclaimed the excited Cleopatra.

Well, Cleopatra, I understand from Charmion that you are a quick learner, said King Ptolemy. (8) But she also told me that you and your brothers and sisters are not getting along with each other lately. Is that true, Cleopatra?

Podenco barked, That's true, King. Just yesterday I saw your royal children fighting in the gymnasium instead of doing their exercises. (9)

Cleopatra should be punished. Whip her with a stick! Whip them all! barked Ketket. I am sorry, father. Charmion is right. I will try to get along with my brothers and sisters. But it seems like...they are always picking on me. They say you spoil me, and they call me...'daddy's little girl,' whimpered Cleopatra.

Daddy's little girl! Daddy's little girl! chanted the barking Ketket and Podenco.

Hush, hounds! shouted King Ptolemy. "It is probably true, Cleopatra. You have always been special to me...ever since your mother died when you were just a little baby.

(10) My second wife was never a mother to you. Charmion and Iras have been your foster mothers. (11)

They are very good to me father. Charmion and Iras have taught me all about Egyptian gods and goddesses. They also taught me the Egyptian language. (12) My favorite goddess is Isis. (13) When I am Queen of Egypt, I will rule as if I am Isis. The Egyptian people will worship me! exclaimed Cleopatra.

Worship you? You are not a goddess and never will be! barked Podenco.

The Egyptian people still believe their rulers are divine. They will respect me as a goddess. I will even dress as the goddess, Isis. They will believe me and love me, explained Cleopatra.

Well, Cleopatra, they call me the New Dionysus because I love to dance and play my flute, said King Ptolemy. (14)

They also call you the 'flute player,' my King, barked Ketket.

Oh, father, please play your flute for me while I dance for you! pleaded Cleopatra. That is a wonderful idea, Cleopatra. You and I both need to practice for my upcoming festival, said King Ptolemy excitedly. (15) I have made up my mind. You will have your tutor, Cleopatra!

And so, King Ptolemy XII and Princess Cleopatra VII had a fun afternoon dancing together. When Podenco and Ketket told her brothers and sisters all about it, they grew even more jealous of Cleopatra.

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CHAPTER II

The King is a Jester

VOCABULARY:

jester   temple  guardian  tax  dynasty

revolt  embarrass

The following day after the Festival of Dionysus, the children were all gathered together in the beautiful palace garden.

My guardian, Pothinus, says father is a weak and stupid ruler! Father will cause the fall of the Ptolemy Dynasty! I will never get to be a king! I want to be King! pouted Prince Ptolemy XIII as he stomped his foot. (16)

I was told by my servants that father danced in the streets during the festival while playing his flute! Kings don’t act like that! How embarrassing!  exclaimed Princess Berenice IV. (17)

"Who cares what the Egyptian people think, anyway? They are nobodies! They should keep their mouths shut and