Caesar was strongly inclined to accede to this proposal.
He accordingly called Ptolemy into his presence and, taking him kindly by the hand, informed him of the wishes of the people of Egypt, and gave him permission to go.

Ptolemy, however, begged not to be sent away.

He professed the strongest attachment to Caesar, and the utmost confidence in him, and he very much preferred, he said, to remain under his protection.

Caesar replied that, if those were his sentiments, the separation would not be a lasting one.

"If we part as friends," he said, "we shall soon meet again." By these and similar assurances he endeavored to encourage the young prince, and then sent him away.
Ptolemy was received by the Egyptians with great joy, and was immediately placed at the head of the government.