# Cleopatra — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/dedication.md): H. Rider Haggard dedicates his romance 'Cleopatra' to his mother, expressing hope that the work will bring her pleasure and convey a picture of ancient Egypt's lost glories.
- [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/author-s-note.md): The author explains the historical mystery of Antony and Cleopatra's downfall, suggesting a fictional plot by Egyptian patriots led by a prince named Harmachis. He notes the story is told from the perspective of an Egypt
- [Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/cleopatra.md): The chapter introduces Harmachis, the royal Egyptian, who sets forth his own account of the fall and vengeance involving Cleopatra.
- [Book I: The Preparation of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-i-the-preparation-of-harmachis.md): The chapter introduces Harmachis, the last of the Pharaohs' line, who is raised in secret by the priest Sepa to reclaim Egypt from Greek rule. He is trained in the mysteries of Isis and prepared for a sacred mission to o
- [Of the Birth of Harmachis; The Prophecy of the Hathors; and the Slaying of the Innocent Child](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-birth-of-harmachis-the-prophecy-of-the-hathors-and-the-slaying-of-the-innocent-child.md): Harmachis, the narrator, introduces himself as the rightful Pharaoh of Egypt who betrayed his country and gods. He recounts his birth in Abouthis, the prophecy spoken by his dying mother through the Hathors, and the subs
- [Of the Disobedience of Harmachis; Of the Slaying of the Lion; and of the Speech of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-disobedience-of-harmachis-of-the-slaying-of-the-lion-and-of-the-speech-of-the-old-wife-atoua.md): Harmachis recounts the aftermath of Ptolemy Aulêtes' mockery of a slain child, his own upbringing and training, and his defiance of his father's orders to hunt a lion. He slays the lion and is met by the old wife Atoua, 
- [III: Of the Rebuke of Amenemhat; Of the Prayer of Harmachis; and of the Sign Given by the Holy Gods](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-rebuke-of-amenemhat-of-the-prayer-of-harmachis-and-of-the-sign-given-by-the-holy-gods.md): Harmachis confesses his disobedience to the High Priest Amenemhat, who reveals that Harmachis is his true son and the last heir of the Pharaoh Nekt-nebf, destined to free Egypt from the Ptolemaic and Roman yoke. Amenemha
- [Of the Departure of Harmachis and of His Meeting with His Uncle Sepa, the High Priest of Annu El Ra; Of His Life at Annu, and of the Words of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-departure-of-harmachis-and-of-his-meeting-with-his-uncle-sepa-the-high-priest-of-annu-el-ra-of-his-life-at-annu-and-of-the-words-of-sepa.md): Harmachis departs from Abouthis, traveling down the Nile to Memphis and then to Annu (Heliopolis). He is greeted by his uncle Sepa, the High Priest of Ra, who embraces him and begins his secret education in the mysteries
- [V: Of the Return of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of the Celebration of the Mysteries; Of the Chant of Isis; and of the Warning of Amenemhat](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-return-of-harmachis-to-abouthis-of-the-celebration-of-the-mysteries-of-the-chant-of-isis-and-of-the-warning-of-amenemhat.md): Harmachis returns to Abouthis after five years of study at Annu, greeted by the priest Sepa, the old wife Atoua, and his father Amenemhat. He prepares for three months for initiation into the final mysteries of Isis, und
- [VI: Of the Initiation of Harmachis; Of His Visions; Of His Passing to the City That Is in the Place of Death; and of the Declarations of Isis, the Messenger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-initiation-of-harmachis-of-his-visions-of-his-passing-to-the-city-that-is-in-the-place-of-death-and-of-the-declarations-of-isis-the-messenger.md): Harmachis undergoes a profound initiation in the Shrine of Isis, where he experiences a series of mystical visions depicting the evolution of humanity and the reign of the Gods. He then passes into Amenti and communes fa
- [VII: Of the Awaking of Harmachis; Of the Ceremony of His Crowning as Pharaoh of the Upper and the Lower Land; and of the Offerings Made to Pharaoh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vii-of-the-awaking-of-harmachis-of-the-ceremony-of-his-crowning-as-pharaoh-of-the-upper-and-the-lower-land-and-of-the-offerings-made-to-pharaoh.md): Harmachis awakens from his initiation into the Mysteries of Isis and prepares for his secret coronation as Pharaoh. With thirty-seven dignitaries gathered at Abouthis, he is crowned by his father Amenemhat, swearing oath
- [Book II: The Fall of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-ii-the-fall-of-harmachis.md): Harmachis, now Cleopatra's chief astrologer, is betrayed by Paulus, leading to the failure of the Egyptian plot. He reveals the secret of the pyramid treasure and escapes to become the hermit Olympus, later counseling Cl
- [I: Of the Farewell of Amenemhat to Harmachis; Of the Coming of Harmachis to Alexandria; Of the Exhortation of Sepa; Of the Passing of Cleopatra Robed as Isis; and of the Overthrow of the Gladiator by Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-farewell-of-amenemhat-to-harmachis-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-alexandria-of-the-exhortation-of-sepa-of-the-passing-of-cleopatra-robed-as-isis-and-of-the-overthrow-of-the-gladiator-by-harmachis.md): Harmachis, having been initiated and crowned in secret as the rightful Pharaoh, prepares to leave Abouthis for Alexandria to join his uncle Sepa in a plot to overthrow Cleopatra and free Egypt. His father Amenemhat warns
- [Of the Coming of Charmion; and of the Wrath of Sepa](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-coming-of-charmion-and-of-the-wrath-of-sepa.md): Charmion, a beautiful Egyptian spy in Cleopatra's court, visits Harmachis and Sepa. Sepa harshly warns her to remain loyal to their cause, expressing deep mistrust of her womanly nature and the corrupting influence of th
- [Of the Coming of Harmachis to the Palace; Of How He Drew Paulus Through the Gates; Of Cleopatra Sleeping; and of the Magic of Harmachis Which He Showed Her](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-the-palace-of-how-he-drew-paulus-through-the-gates-of-cleopatra-sleeping-and-of-the-magic-of-harmachis-which-he-showed-her.md): Harmachis, disguised as an astrologer, goes to Cleopatra's palace with his uncle Sepa. At the gate, the Roman captain Paulus blocks him, but Harmachis uses hypnosis to draw Paulus through the gates. Inside, Charmion lead
- [Of the Ways of Charmion; and of the Crowning of Harmachis as the King of Love](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-ways-of-charmion-and-of-the-crowning-of-harmachis-as-the-king-of-love.md): Harmachis receives his official appointment as Astrologer and Magician-in-Chief to Cleopatra and takes up residence in the palace. He uses his position to read the stars in a way that serves the Egyptian cause, while sec
- [Of the Coming of Cleopatra to the Chamber of Harmachis; Of the Throwing Forth of the Kerchief of Charmion; Of the Stars; and of the Gift by Cleopatra of Her Friendship to Her Servant Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-coming-of-cleopatra-to-the-chamber-of-harmachis-of-the-throwing-forth-of-the-kerchief-of-charmion-of-the-stars-and-of-the-gift-by-cleopatra-of-her-friendship-to-her-servant-harmachis.md): Harmachis meets with Charmion to finalize the plot to assassinate Cleopatra, including the method and timing. Cleopatra later visits Harmachis, expressing her loneliness and offering him her friendship, which deeply trou
- [Of the Words and Jealousy of Charmion; Of the Laughter of Harmachis; Of the Making Ready for the Deed of Blood; and of the Message of the Old Wife, Atoua](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-words-and-jealousy-of-charmion-of-the-laughter-of-harmachis-of-the-making-ready-for-the-deed-of-blood-and-of-the-message-of-the-old-wife-atoua.md): Harmachis is confronted by Charmion, who accuses him of falling in love with Cleopatra and betraying their cause. After a bitter exchange, Charmion leaves, and Harmachis wrestles with his conscience and duty to kill Cleo
- [VII: Of the Veiled Words of Charmion; Of the Passing of Harmachis Into the Presence of Cleopatra; and of the Overthrow of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vii-of-the-veiled-words-of-charmion-of-the-passing-of-harmachis-into-the-presence-of-cleopatra-and-of-the-overthrow-of-harmachis.md): Harmachis prepares to assassinate Cleopatra, but Charmion, who loves him, warns him with veiled words. When Harmachis enters Cleopatra's chamber, she seduces him with a kiss and a drugged wine, then disarms him and revea
- [VIII: Of the Awaking of Harmachis; Of the Sight of Death; Of the Coming of Cleopatra; and of Her Comfortable Words](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/viii-of-the-awaking-of-harmachis-of-the-sight-of-death-of-the-coming-of-cleopatra-and-of-her-comfortable-words.md): Harmachis awakens in his chamber, initially believing his betrayal was a dream, but finds the corpse of Paulus with a dagger through his heart and a mocking scroll. Cleopatra arrives, reveals she knows of the plot, and o
- [Of the Imprisonment of Harmachis; Of the Scorn of Charmion; Of the Setting Free of Harmachis; and of the Coming of Quintus Dellius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ix-of-the-imprisonment-of-harmachis-of-the-scorn-of-charmion-of-the-setting-free-of-harmachis-and-of-the-coming-of-quintus-dellius.md): Harmachis is imprisoned for eleven days, visited by Cleopatra who seduces him with love and promises of power, making him her slave. He is freed by Cleopatra's command, but remains watched and shamed. Charmion scorns him
- [X: Of the Trouble of Cleopatra; Of Her Oath to Harmachis; and of the Telling by Harmachis to Cleopatra of the Secret of the Treasure That Lay Beneath the Mass of "Her"](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/x-of-the-trouble-of-cleopatra-of-her-oath-to-harmachis-and-of-the-telling-by-harmachis-to-cleopatra-of-the-secret-of-the-treasure-that-lay-beneath-the-mass-of-her.md): Cleopatra, troubled by the threat of Antony and Rome, summons Harmachis. She seeks counsel and, suspecting he knows of a hidden treasure, extracts an oath from him to reveal its location. Harmachis, believing her promise
- [XI: Of the Tomb of the Divine Menkau-Ra; Of the Writing on the Breast of Menkau-Ra; Of the Drawing Forth of the Treasure; Of the Dweller in the Tomb; and of the Flight of Cleopatra and Harmachis from the Holy Place](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xi-of-the-tomb-of-the-divine-menkau-ra-of-the-writing-on-the-breast-of-menkau-ra-of-the-drawing-forth-of-the-treasure-of-the-dweller-in-the-tomb-and-of-the-flight-of-cleopatra-and-harmachis-from-the-holy-place.md): Harmachis and Cleopatra enter the pyramid tomb of Pharaoh Menkau-Ra, unroll his mummy, and retrieve the hidden treasure of emeralds and gold, despite their fear of the curse and a mysterious shadow. After their gruesome 
- [XII: Of the Coming Back of Harmachis; Of the Greeting of Charmion; and of the Answer of Cleopatra to Quintus Dellius, the Ambassador of Antony the Triumvir](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xii-of-the-coming-back-of-harmachis-of-the-greeting-of-charmion-and-of-the-answer-of-cleopatra-to-quintus-dellius-the-ambassador-of-antony-the-triumvir.md): Harmachis and Cleopatra escape the pyramid tomb at dawn, sharing a tender moment as they wash in a canal. Cleopatra later holds court to receive Quintus Dellius, Antony's ambassador. Despite Harmachis's hopes, Cleopatra 
- [XIII: Of the Reproach of Harmachis; Of the Struggle of Harmachis with the Guards; Of the Blow of Brennus; and of the Secret Speech of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xiii-of-the-reproach-of-harmachis-of-the-struggle-of-harmachis-with-the-guards-of-the-blow-of-brennus-and-of-the-secret-speech-of-cleopatra.md): Harmachis confronts Cleopatra about her broken vows and her plan to visit Antony, accusing her of betraying Egypt and their love. Cleopatra mocks him, defends her freedom, and refuses marriage. When Harmachis threatens t
- [XIV: Of the Tender Care of Charmion; Of the Healing of Harmachis; Of the Sailing of the Fleet of Cleopatra for Cilicia; and of the Speech of Brennus to Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xiv-of-the-tender-care-of-charmion-of-the-healing-of-harmachis-of-the-sailing-of-the-fleet-of-cleopatra-for-cilicia-and-of-the-speech-of-brennus-to-harmachis.md): Harmachis recovers from his wound under Charmion's devoted care, who stays by his side for nine hours. As he heals, Cleopatra prepares to sail for Cilicia with a magnificent fleet, taking Harmachis as a guarded prisoner.
- [XV: Of the Feast of Cleopatra; Of the Melting of the Pearl; Of the Saying of Harmachis; and of Cleopatra’s Vow of Love](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xv-of-the-feast-of-cleopatra-of-the-melting-of-the-pearl-of-the-saying-of-harmachis-and-of-cleopatra-s-vow-of-love.md): During a lavish feast, Cleopatra and Antony exchange declarations of love and political allegiance. Harmachis, humiliated by being made to call the hours like a slave, is secretly observed by Charmion through a hidden ch
- [XVI: Of the Plan of Charmion; Of the Confession of Charmion; and of the Answer of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xvi-of-the-plan-of-charmion-of-the-confession-of-charmion-and-of-the-answer-of-harmachis.md): Harmachis, in utter despair after Cleopatra's betrayal, is comforted by Charmion who devises a plan for his escape disguised as a Syrian merchant. Charmion then confesses her own role in the betrayal, driven by jealousy 
- [Book III: The Vengeance of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/book-iii-the-vengeance-of-harmachis.md): Harmachis, now disguised as the hermit Olympus, counsels Cleopatra to her ruin, manipulating her decisions leading to the Battle of Actium and her eventual downfall.
- [I: Of the Escape of Harmachis from Tarsus; Of His Being Cast Forth as an Offering to the Gods of the Sea; Of His Sojourn in the Isle of Cyprus; Of His Return to Abouthis; and of the Death of Amenemhat](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/i-of-the-escape-of-harmachis-from-tarsus-of-his-being-cast-forth-as-an-offering-to-the-gods-of-the-sea-of-his-sojourn-in-the-isle-of-cyprus-of-his-return-to-abouthis-and-of-the-death-of-amenemhat.md): Harmachis escapes from Tarsus with the help of Brennus, is cast into the sea during a storm, and is rescued by Cypriot fisher-folk. After recovering, he returns to Egypt under the alias Olympus, only to find the temple a
- [II: Of the Last Misery of Harmachis; Of the Calling Down of the Holy Isis by the Word of Fear; Of the Promise of Isis; Of the Coming of Atoua, and of the Words of Atoua](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ii-of-the-last-misery-of-harmachis-of-the-calling-down-of-the-holy-isis-by-the-word-of-fear-of-the-promise-of-isis-of-the-coming-of-atoua-and-of-the-words-of-atoua.md): Harmachis, in utter despair after his father's death, prays to Isis and dares to utter the Word of Fear. Isis appears, rebukes him for his sin, but promises that he will destroy Cleopatra and that divine love will accomp
- [III: Of the Life of Him Who Was Named the Learned Olympus, in the Tomb of the Harpers That Is by Tápé; Of His Counsel to Cleopatra; Of the Message of Charmion; and of the Passing of Olympus Down to Alexandria](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iii-of-the-life-of-him-who-was-named-the-learned-olympus-in-the-tomb-of-the-harpers-that-is-by-t-p-of-his-counsel-to-cleopatra-of-the-message-of-charmion-and-of-the-passing-of-olympus-down-to-alexandria.md): Harmachis, living as the hermit Olympus in the tomb of the Harpers near Tápé, spends eight years in penance and grows in wisdom. He counsels Cleopatra to her ruin, advising her to go to Syria to win back Antony, which le
- [IV: Of the Meeting of Charmion with the Learned Olympus; Of Her Speech with Him; Of the Coming of Olympus Into the Presence of Cleopatra; and of the Commands of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/iv-of-the-meeting-of-charmion-with-the-learned-olympus-of-her-speech-with-him-of-the-coming-of-olympus-into-the-presence-of-cleopatra-and-of-the-commands-of-cleopatra.md): Harmachis, now disguised as the aged hermit Olympus, meets with Charmion in his guest-chamber. She reveals her long service to the Egyptian cause, having manipulated Antony and Cleopatra to their ruin and reported to Oct
- [Of the Drawing Forth of Antony from the Timonium Back to Cleopatra; Of the Feast Made by Cleopatra; and of the Manner of the Death of Eudosius the Steward](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-drawing-forth-of-antony-from-the-timonium-back-to-cleopatra-of-the-feast-made-by-cleopatra-and-of-the-manner-of-the-death-of-eudosius-the-steward.md): Charmion and Harmachis (as Olympus) draw Antony from his self-imposed exile in the Timonium back to Cleopatra. At a feast, Cleopatra tests a poisoned wreath on the traitorous steward Eudosius, demonstrating her power and
- [VI: Of the Workings of the Learned Olympus at Memphis; Of the Poisonings of Cleopatra; Of the Speech of Antony to His Captains; and of the Passing of Isis from the Land of Khem](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vi-of-the-workings-of-the-learned-olympus-at-memphis-of-the-poisonings-of-cleopatra-of-the-speech-of-antony-to-his-captains-and-of-the-passing-of-isis-from-the-land-of-khem.md): Harmachis, disguised as Olympus, continues his secret work of vengeance against Cleopatra and Antony. He counsels them toward ruin, saps Antony's will with drugs, and undermines loyalty among Egyptian leaders. Cleopatra 
- [Of the Surrender of the Troops and Fleet of Antony Before the Canopic Gate; Of the End of Antony, and of the Brewing of the Draught of Death](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/vii-of-the-surrender-of-the-troops-and-fleet-of-antony-before-the-canopic-gate-of-the-end-of-antony-and-of-the-brewing-of-the-draught-of-death.md): Antony's fleet and cavalry defect to Caesar, leading to his despair. He attempts suicide but is saved by Olympus, then taken to Cleopatra's tomb where he dies in her arms. Meanwhile, Olympus and Atoua brew a deadly poiso
- [VIII: Of the Last Supper of Cleopatra; Of the Song of Charmion; Of the Drinking of the Draught of Death; Of the Revealing of Harmachis; Of the Summoning of the Spirits by Harmachis; and of the Death of Cleopatra](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/viii-of-the-last-supper-of-cleopatra-of-the-song-of-charmion-of-the-drinking-of-the-draught-of-death-of-the-revealing-of-harmachis-of-the-summoning-of-the-spirits-by-harmachis-and-of-the-death-of-cleopatra.md): Cleopatra, having visited Antony's tomb, holds a final supper with Iras, Charmion, and Harmachis (disguised as Olympus). During the meal, she recounts the story of Harmachis's plot against her, and Charmion confesses her
- [IX: Of the Farewell of Charmion; Of the Death of Charmion; Of the Death of the Old Wife, Atoua; Of the Coming of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of His Confession in the Hall of Six-and-Thirty Pillars; and of the Declaring of the Doom of Harmachis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/ix-of-the-farewell-of-charmion-of-the-death-of-charmion-of-the-death-of-the-old-wife-atoua-of-the-coming-of-harmachis-to-abouthis-of-his-confession-in-the-hall-of-six-and-thirty-pillars-and-of-the-declaring-of-the-doom-of-harmachis.md): After Cleopatra's death, Harmachis bids farewell to Charmion, who drinks poison and dies. Atoua also dies, and Harmachis travels alone to Abouthis. There, before the gathered High Priests, he confesses his betrayal and i
- [X: Of the Last Writing of Harmachis, the Royal Egyptian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/x-of-the-last-writing-of-harmachis-the-royal-egyptian.md): Harmachis, imprisoned in a high pylon tower, awaits his execution. He reflects on his completed confession, his vengeance, and his hope for forgiveness from Isis. He envisions the future of Egypt—its conquests, the decay
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/endnotes.md): The editor provides explanatory notes on various references in the text, including Egyptian religious concepts, historical figures, and cultural practices.

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