Then every means was employed to attract to the city a great concourse from all the most highly-civilized nations then existing.

The highest inducements were offered to merchants, mechanics, and artisans to make the city their abode.

Poets, painters, sculptors, and scholars of every nation and degree were made welcome, and every facility was afforded them for the prosecution of their various pursuits.

These plans were all eminently successful.

Alexandria rose rapidly to the highest consideration and importance; and, at the time when Cleopatra--born to preside over this scene of magnificence and splendor--came upon the stage, the city had but one rival in the world.