# Of the Coming of Cleopatra to the Chamber of Harmachis; Of the Throwing Forth of the Kerchief of Charmion; Of the Stars; and of the Gift by Cleopatra of Her Friendship to Her Servant Harmachis explained — Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

Harmachis meets with Charmion to finalize the plot to assassinate Cleopatra, including the method and timing. Cleopatra later visits Harmachis, expressing her loneliness and offering him her friendship, which deeply troubles him given his secret role as her would-be assassin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

Cleopatra offers friendship to Harmachis while he secretly plots her murder, highlighting the theme of betrayal.

### Power and Corruption

The plot to assassinate Cleopatra and seize power reflects the corrupting influence of political ambition.

### Fate and Destiny

Harmachis is bound by his vows and the stars, feeling driven to act against his own desires.

## Character check-ins

### Harmachis

Struggles with his conscience as he prepares to assassinate Cleopatra, feeling shame and sorrow when she offers him friendship.

### Charmion

Delivers the assassination lists to Harmachis and insists he must personally kill Cleopatra, showing cold resolve.

### Cleopatra

Visits Harmachis, confides her loneliness and distrust of her court, and offers him her friendship, unaware of the plot against her.

### Brennus

Mentioned as a friend of Harmachis who is on the list of those to be killed in the coup.

### Sepa

Mentioned as the leader of the five hundred chosen men waiting to storm the palace.

### Paulus

Mentioned as the one who will open the side gate for the attackers.

## Key lines

> I can no longer bear my solitude of mind—I must find one with whom I may commune and speak that which lies within my heart.

Cleopatra tells Harmachis she can no longer endure her mental isolation and needs a confidant.

_Cleopatra expresses her deep loneliness and desire for a true friend._

> What is this dagger’s thrust? It is nothing, and yet upon it hang this crowded Court, I am more utterly alone than any soul that breathes about its corridors.

Charmion dismisses the assassination as a simple act, but Harmachis feels the weight of its consequences.

_Charmion minimizes the moral gravity of the murder, contrasting with Harmachis's inner turmoil._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/v-of-the-coming-of-cleopatra-to-the-chamber-of-harmachis-of-the-throwing-forth-of-the-kerchief-of-charmion-of-the-stars-and-of-the-gift-by-cleopatra-of-her-friendship-to-her-servant-harmachis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters