In fact, the whole company in the boat, filled on the one part with awe in anticipation of the terrible deed which they were soon to commit, and on the other with a dread suspense and alarm, were little disposed for conversation, and Pompey took out a manuscript of an address in Greek which he had prepared to make to the young king at his approaching interview with him, and occupied himself in reading it over.
Thus they advanced in a gloomy and solemn silence, hearing no sound but the dip of the oars in the water, and the gentle dash of the waves along the line of the shore.
[Sidenote: Assassination of Pompey.] At length the boat touched the sand, while Cornelia still stood on the deck of the galley, watching every movement with great solicitude and concern.

One of the two servants whom Pompey had taken with him, named Philip, his favorite personal attendant, rose to assist his master in landing.

He gave Pompey his hand to aid him in rising from his seat, and at that moment the Roman officer whom Pompey had recognized as his fellow-soldier, advanced behind him and stabbed him in the back.

At the same instant Achillas and the others drew their swords.

Pompey saw that all was lost.