Cleopatra · Chapter
Of the Ways of Charmion; and of the Crowning of Harmachis as the King of Love explained
Harmachis receives his official appointment as Astrologer and Magician-in-Chief to Cleopatra and takes up residence in the palace.
What happens
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 secretly meeting with his uncle Sepa and other nobles to strengthen the rebellion. Cleopatra, troubled by political tensions with Antony, executes her general Serapion to prove her loyalty. Harmachis observes the growing affection of Charmion, who serves him tirelessly but becomes jealous when Cleopatra playfully crowns him 'King of Love' with a rose-chaplet. Harmachis, inwardly furious at being made a jest, reflects on the irony of his situation: he is destined to trade the Double Diadem of Egypt for a wreath of passion's roses.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Charmion's unrequited love for Harmachis and her jealousy; Harmachis's internal conflict between his duty to the rebellion and his growing attraction to Cleopatra.
Power and Corruption
Cleopatra's ruthless execution of Serapion to maintain power; Harmachis's secret plot to overthrow the queen.
Honor and Shame
Harmachis's shame at being crowned 'King of Love' as a mockery, contrasting with his true destiny as Pharaoh.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Newly appointed Astrologer and Magician-in-Chief; secretly leading the Egyptian rebellion; inwardly furious at being crowned 'King of Love' as a jest.
- Cleopatra
Queen of Egypt, troubled by political affairs with Antony; playfully crowns Harmachis 'King of Love'; her beauty and charm unsettle Harmachis.
- Charmion
Lady of the court, secretly a spy for the Egyptian cause; deeply in love with Harmachis; shows jealousy when Cleopatra crowns him.
- Sepa
Harmachis's uncle and a priest; meets with Harmachis to coordinate the rebellion.
- Serapion
Cleopatra's general; executed by Cleopatra to prove her innocence to Antony.
Key passages
“Woe be to those who carry out the will of tyrants if the scale should rise against them!”
Those who obey a tyrant's orders are doomed if fortune turns against the tyrant.
Harmachis reflects on the fate of Serapion, who was executed by Cleopatra for following her secret orders.
“Love’s service asked no payment, and was its own guerdon.”
Love's service requires no reward; it is its own reward.
Charmion tells Harmachis that her devotion to him is not for payment, revealing her hidden love.
“I was fated to barter the Double Diadem of the Upper and the Lower Land for a wreath of passion’s roses that fade before they fully bloom.”
I was destined to exchange the crown of Egypt for a fleeting garland of romantic love.
Harmachis laments the irony of being crowned 'King of Love' instead of Pharaoh.