Cleopatra · Chapter
Of the Coming of Charmion; and of the Wrath of Sepa explained
Charmion, a beautiful Egyptian spy in Cleopatra's court, visits Harmachis and Sepa.
What happens
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 the palace. Charmion proposes a plan for Harmachis to gain access to Cleopatra by posing as an astrologer, filling the vacancy left by Dioscorides. Sepa's wrath and anxiety foreshadow the potential for betrayal.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Sepa's distrust of Charmion highlights the tension between personal loyalty and romantic attachment, as he fears her womanly nature may lead to betrayal.
Patriotism and Rebellion
The Egyptian conspiracy against Cleopatra's Greek throne is the central plot, with Charmion and Harmachis acting as patriots seeking to restore native rule.
Power and Corruption
Sepa warns Charmion against the corrupting luxury of Cleopatra's court, which could divert her from the cause.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
The royal heir and protagonist, observing Charmion and receiving her plan to enter Cleopatra's palace as an astrologer.
- Charmion
The beautiful Egyptian spy, loyal to the cause but distrusted by Sepa; she devises the scheme for Harmachis to approach Cleopatra.
- Sepa
The stern priest and uncle, who berates Charmion for her dress and warns her of dire consequences if she betrays the cause.
- Cleopatra
Referenced as the queen whom Charmion serves and whom Harmachis is to approach; her interest in astrology is noted.
- Dioscorides
Mentioned as the former astrologer dismissed by Cleopatra after a failed prophecy, leaving his position open.
Key passages
“Ah, woe to the cause that builds its strength upon a woman's faith; for women are faithful only where they love, and when they love their faithlessness becomes their faith.”
Sepa laments that relying on a woman's loyalty is dangerous, as women are fickle and driven by love, which can turn into betrayal.
Sepa's warning to Harmachis about Charmion's unreliability.
“I will make appointment for thee with Cleopatra, so that she shall see thee alone when she wakes, and the rest shall be for thee, Harmachis.”
Charmion promises to arrange a private meeting between Harmachis and Cleopatra, giving him the opportunity to win her trust.
Charmion's plan to install Harmachis as Cleopatra's astrologer.