# 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 explained — Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

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 him of the danger of women. Upon arriving in Alexandria, Harmachis witnesses Cleopatra's grand procession robed as Isis. When a Nubian gladiator strikes down an old woman, Harmachis intervenes and defeats him in a wrestling match. Cleopatra, impressed, orders the gladiator's hand cut off and takes note of Harmachis, who is now positioned to enter her court.

## Themes in this chapter

### Patriotism and Rebellion

Harmachis's plot to overthrow Cleopatra and free Egypt from foreign rule is driven by patriotic fervor and a desire to restore native Egyptian sovereignty.

### Power and Corruption

Cleopatra's absolute power is displayed in her casual cruelty, ordering the gladiator's hand cut off, and her opulent display of wealth and divine pretension.

### Fate and Destiny

Harmachis believes in his destined role as Pharaoh, but his father Amenemhat senses hidden dangers, particularly the threat of a woman, foreshadowing future complications.

## Character check-ins

### Harmachis

The protagonist, secretly crowned Pharaoh, arrives in Alexandria to execute the plot against Cleopatra. He demonstrates his strength by defeating the Nubian gladiator and catches Cleopatra's attention.

### Amenemhat

Harmachis's father, who blesses him before his departure and warns him of the danger posed by women, particularly the witches of Alexandria.

### Sepa

Harmachis's uncle, who has moved to Alexandria to prepare the plot. He accompanies Harmachis during the procession and later embraces him after his victory over the gladiator.

### Cleopatra

The Queen of Egypt, robed as Isis, passes through Alexandria in a golden chariot. She witnesses Harmachis's victory, orders the gladiator's hand cut off, and takes an interest in Harmachis.

### Charmion

A lady-in-waiting standing beside Cleopatra with a fan, who smiles and nods at Harmachis after the incident, suggesting she may be friendly to him.

## Key lines

> I looked into the mirror, and saw triumph written on my brows. The future stretched a path of glory from my feet—ay, glittering with glory like Sihor in the sun.

Harmachis feels confident and sees his future as a glorious path to victory.

_Reflects Harmachis's initial optimism and sense of destiny before the plot unfolds._

> Beware, then, of those witches of Alexandria, lest, like a worm, some one of them creep into my heart and eat its secret out.

Amenemhat warns Harmachis to be cautious of the seductive women in Alexandria who might uncover his secrets.

_Foreshadows the central conflict involving Cleopatra's influence over Harmachis._

> I looked upon the face—that face which seduced Caesar, ruined Egypt, and was doomed to give Octavian the sceptre of the world.

Harmachis recognizes Cleopatra's beauty as both legendary and destructive, linking her to historical events.

_Highlights Cleopatra's historical impact and Harmachis's awareness of her power._

## Links

- HTML: 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
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters