Cleopatra · Chapter
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 explained
Harmachis, living as the hermit Olympus in the tomb of the Harpers near Tápé, spends eight years in penance and grows in wisdom.
What happens
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 leads to Antony giving her vast territories. Through visions, he foresees the Battle of Actium and influences Cleopatra to flee, causing Antony's defeat. Finally, he receives a summons from Cleopatra, departs for Alexandria with his treasures, and is reunited with Charmion.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Destiny
Harmachis's visions and prophecies drive the plot, showing his role as an instrument of fate in bringing about the ruin of Cleopatra and Antony.
Power and Corruption
Cleopatra's passion and Antony's folly lead to their downfall, illustrating how power corrupts and blinds.
Jealousy and Revenge
Harmachis's counsel is motivated by vengeance for his father's death and his own betrayal, using his wisdom to destroy those who wronged him.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Living as the hermit Olympus in the tomb of the Harpers, he counsels Cleopatra to her ruin, experiences visions of Actium, and eventually departs for Alexandria.
- Cleopatra
Sends for Olympus's counsel, follows his advice to go to Syria, and later flees at Actium due to a vision instilled by Harmachis.
- Charmion
Implied to have made Olympus's renown known to Cleopatra; visits him on his arrival in Alexandria after nine years.
- Antony
Subdued by Cleopatra in Syria, gives her vast territories, and later flees from Actium after Cleopatra's flight.
- Atoua
The old wife who faithfully ministers to Harmachis during his eight-year seclusion in the tomb.
- Amenemhat
Appears in visions to Harmachis, urging him to look forth and later declaring the hour of vengeance at hand.
- Octavian
Declares war against Antony; his fleet is seen in Harmachis's vision of Actium.
Key passages
“Go forth into Syria with one who shall be sent to lead thee; thus shalt thou win Antony to thy arms again, and with him gifts more great than thou canst dream.”
Travel to Syria with a guide; you will regain Antony's love and receive greater gifts than you imagine.
Harmachis's deceptive advice to Cleopatra, intended to lead her to ruin.
“Fly, Cleopatra, fly or perish!”
Flee, Cleopatra, or you will die!
The voice Harmachis projects into Cleopatra's mind during the Battle of Actium, causing her flight.
“Thy plots have not failed; thy prayers have been heard. By the bidding of the Gods, as she sat in her galley at the fight of Actium, the heart of Cleopatra was filled with fears, so that, deeming she heard thy voice bidding her fly or perish, she fled with all her fleet.”
Your schemes succeeded; the gods answered your prayers. During the Battle of Actium, Cleopatra's heart was seized with fear, and thinking she heard your voice command her to flee, she escaped with her entire fleet.
Amenemhat's vision confirms that Harmachis's supernatural influence caused Cleopatra's retreat.
