# VIII: Of the Last Supper of Cleopatra; Of the Song of Charmion; Of the Drinking of the Draught of Death; Of the Revealing of Harmachis; Of the Summoning of the Spirits by Harmachis; and of the Death of Cleopatra explained — Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

Cleopatra, having visited Antony's tomb, holds a final supper with Iras, Charmion, and Harmachis (disguised as Olympus). During the meal, she recounts the story of Harmachis's plot against her, and Charmion confesses her betrayal out of scorned love. After Charmion sings a dirge, Cleopatra dictates a letter to Octavian, then takes poison. Harmachis reveals himself and summons spirits, causing Cleopatra to die in terror, fulfilling his vengeance yet leaving him empty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

Charmion's betrayal of Harmachis due to scorned love, and Cleopatra's manipulation of Harmachis's affection, highlight the intertwining of love and treachery.

### Jealousy and Revenge

Harmachis's vengeance against Cleopatra, fueled by jealousy and betrayal, culminates in her death.

### Fate and Destiny

Cleopatra's fate is sealed by her past actions, and Harmachis fulfills a destiny of vengeance that leaves him hollow.

### Power and Corruption

Cleopatra's power leads to manipulation and moral decay, while Harmachis's quest for power ends in corruption and emptiness.

## Character check-ins

### Cleopatra

Hosts her last supper, recounts the story of Harmachis, dictates a farewell letter, and dies by poison after seeing spirits.

### Harmachis

Present as Olympus, reveals his identity, summons spirits, and achieves vengeance but feels no joy.

### Charmion

Confesses her betrayal of Harmachis out of scorned love, sings a dirge, and remains unwed.

### Iras

Attends the last supper and weeps at Charmion's song.

### Antony

Mentioned as Cleopatra's deceased lover; she visits his tomb and recalls feasts with him.

### Octavian

Addressed in Cleopatra's farewell letter as Caesar.

## Key lines

> Strange are the ways of women! But little cause, methinks, had that Harmachis to thank thee for thy love.

Cleopatra remarks on the strange nature of women, suggesting that Charmion's love brought Harmachis no benefit.

_Cleopatra reflects on Charmion's betrayal and the irony of love causing harm._

> Behold thy peace, and die!

Harmachis commands Cleopatra to see her fate and die.

_Harmachis reveals himself and summons spirits to terrify Cleopatra to death._

> For Love is of the Spirit, and knows not Death.

Love is spiritual and transcends death.

_Harmachis concludes that love persists beyond mortal life, even after vengeance._

## Links

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