# IX: Of the Farewell of Charmion; Of the Death of Charmion; Of the Death of the Old Wife, Atoua; Of the Coming of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of His Confession in the Hall of Six-and-Thirty Pillars; and of the Declaring of the Doom of Harmachis explained — Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

After Cleopatra's death, Harmachis bids farewell to Charmion, who drinks poison and dies. Atoua also dies, and Harmachis travels alone to Abouthis. There, before the gathered High Priests, he confesses his betrayal and is condemned to death for his threefold sin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

Charmion's farewell and suicide underscore her love for Harmachis and her betrayal of Cleopatra, while Harmachis confesses his own betrayal of Egypt.

### Fate and Destiny

Harmachis reflects on fate driving their actions, and Charmion accepts her death as inevitable.

### Honor and Shame

Harmachis seeks to reclaim honor through confession, but is condemned with shame for his sins.

### The Fall of Empires

Cleopatra's death and Harmachis's confession mark the final collapse of Egyptian sovereignty.

## Character check-ins

### Harmachis

Harmachis witnesses Charmion's suicide, then Atoua's death, and journeys to Abouthis to confess his sins before the priests, accepting his doom.

### Charmion

Charmion bids farewell to Harmachis, drinks poison, and dies, expressing her love and regret.

### Cleopatra

Cleopatra lies dead on the golden bed, having been poisoned; Harmachis briefly mourns her.

### Atoua

Atoua dies peacefully after learning of Cleopatra's death, declaring her desire fulfilled.

### Iras

Iras is found dead at Cleopatra's feet, having also taken poison.

## Key lines

> Thy vengeance, thou dark Harmachis, is a thing hideous to behold! O lost Egypt, with all thy sins thou wast indeed a Queen!

Charmion calls Harmachis's revenge monstrous and mourns Egypt's fallen queen.

_Charmion's reaction to Cleopatra's death._

> I forgive thee, Charmion, as I trust in turn to be forgiven, and by this kiss, the first and the last, I seal our peace.

Harmachis forgives Charmion and kisses her brow as a sign of reconciliation.

_Harmachis grants Charmion's final request._

> Now let me go in peace, for I have seen my desire upon thy foes and the foes of Khem.

Atoua declares she can die content after witnessing the downfall of Egypt's enemies.

_Atoua's last words before her death._

> Thou hast sinned the threefold deadly sin. On thy head lies the burden of the woe of Khem, this day enthralled of Rome.

The high priest accuses Harmachis of a triple sin that caused Egypt's subjugation to Rome.

_The priests pronounce Harmachis's doom._

## Links

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