She could not march thither at the head of an army, for the army of the king was strongly intrenched at Pelusium, and effectually barred the way.

She could not attempt to pass alone, or with few attendants, through the country, for every town and village was occupied with garrisons and officers under the orders of Pothinus, and she would be certainly intercepted.

She had no fleet, and could not, therefore, make the passage by sea.

Besides, even if she could by any means reach the gates of Alexandria, how was she to pass safely through the streets of the city to the palace where Caesar resided, since the city, except in Caesar's quarters, was wholly in the hands of Pothinus's government?
The difficulties in the way of accomplishing her object seemed thus almost insurmountable.
She was, however, resolved to make the attempt.

She sent a message to Caesar, asking permission to appear before him and plead her own cause.
Caesar replied, urging her by all means to come.