Cleopatra · Chapter
V: Of the Return of Harmachis to Abouthis; Of the Celebration of the Mysteries; Of the Chant of Isis; and of the Warning of Amenemhat explained
Harmachis returns to Abouthis after five years of study at Annu, greeted by the priest Sepa, the old wife Atoua, and his father Amenemhat.
What happens
Harmachis returns to Abouthis after five years of study at Annu, greeted by the priest Sepa, the old wife Atoua, and his father Amenemhat. He prepares for three months for initiation into the final mysteries of Isis, undergoing purification and spiritual contemplation. The chapter describes the seven-day festival of Osiris, including the solemn procession and the Chant of Isis sung by a sweet-voiced woman. Finally, Harmachis is led to the inner sanctuary, where Amenemhat warns him of the heavy responsibilities of divine knowledge, and Harmachis resolves to proceed.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Mysticism
The chapter centers on the initiation into the mysteries of Isis, the sacred chants, and the spiritual preparation of Harmachis, emphasizing the mystical union with the divine.
Fate and Destiny
Amenemhat's warning about the heavy responsibilities of divine knowledge and the idea that those who enter the circle of divinity are judged by a sharper law reflect themes of fate and destiny.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Returns to Abouthis after five years, now a man full-grown and learned in wisdom; prepares for and undergoes initiation into the mysteries of Isis.
- Amenemhat
Harmachis's father, the High Priest; welcomes his son, reads his heart, and warns him of the demands and perils of divine knowledge.
- Atoua
The old wife who greets Harmachis warmly upon his return, noting his growth and advising him not to starve himself.
- Sepa
Harmachis's uncle, whom he embraces before departing from Annu.
Key passages
“To be short, I came thither in safety, having been absent five years and a month, being now no more a boy but a man full grown and having my mind well stocked with the knowledge of men and the ancient wisdom of Egypt.”
In brief, I arrived safely after an absence of five years and a month, now a full-grown man with a mind enriched by knowledge of humanity and Egypt's ancient wisdom.
Harmachis summarizes his return and transformation after his studies.
“Never hath Night so longed for the promise of the Dawn; never hath the heart of a lover so passionately desired the sweet coming of his bride, as I longed to see Thy glorious face, O Isis!”
No night has ever yearned for dawn as intensely as I yearned to see the glorious face of Isis, more than a lover desires his bride.
Harmachis expresses his intense spiritual longing for union with the goddess Isis.
“He who would truly rule the world must first be lifted up above the world. He must be at one with God, for thus only shall he learn the secrets of the Divine. But beware! The Gods demand much of those who dare to enter the circle of their Divinity.”
To rule the world, one must first transcend it and become one with God, learning divine secrets. But be warned: the gods require much from those who enter their divine circle.
Amenemhat's warning to Harmachis about the cost of divine knowledge and power.