Cleopatra · Chapter
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 explained
Harmachis escapes from Tarsus with the help of Brennus, is cast into the sea during a storm, and is rescued by Cypriot fisher-folk.
What happens
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 at Abouthis deserted and his father Amenemhat blind and dying. Amenemhat denounces Harmachis for his betrayal of the Egyptian cause, revealing that Sepa was tortured to death and the other conspirators were sent to the mines.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Redemption
Harmachis is denounced by his father for betraying the Egyptian cause, yet his own sense of guilt and isolation drives the narrative of his quest for redemption.
Fate and Destiny
Harmachis's survival of the shipwreck and his return to Abouthis are portrayed as fated events, with his father claiming to have drawn him there.
Honor and Shame
Amenemhat's shame at his son's betrayal and Harmachis's own sense of being 'a man accursed and set apart' underscore the theme of lost honor.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Escapes Tarsus, survives shipwreck, adopts alias Olympus, returns to Abouthis in disguise, and is confronted by his dying father.
- Brennus
Helps Harmachis escape from Tarsus by providing the password and later spreads a false story about Harmachis flying to heaven.
- Amenemhat
Found blind and dying in the deserted temple at Abouthis; denounces Harmachis for betraying the Egyptian cause and causing the deaths of Sepa and others.
- Charmion
Arranges Harmachis's escape from Tarsus by providing passage on a galley.
- Cleopatra
Mentioned in the sailors' ribald songs and in the context of her return to Alexandria with Antony; she doubts the tale of Harmachis's flight and sends a search vessel.
- Sepa
Mentioned as having been tortured to death, proclaiming Harmachis innocent even as he died.
Key passages
“I sat and laboured and would not sing their ribald song of the loves of Cleopatra.”
Harmachis refused to join the sailors in singing vulgar songs about Cleopatra's love affairs.
Highlights Harmachis's alienation and his rejection of Cleopatra's influence.
“How do I know thee?—and askest thou that who hast learned of our lore?”
Amenemhat implies that his knowledge of Harmachis's identity comes from their shared mystical training.
Emphasizes the theme of mystical knowledge and the bond between father and son.
“Be pitiful to thee who hast shown so great pity? It was thy pity which gave up noble Sepa to die beneath the hands of the tormentors!”
Amenemhat accuses Harmachis of showing pity to Cleopatra, which led to Sepa's torture and death.
Reveals the consequences of Harmachis's betrayal and the depth of his father's anger.