Cleopatra · Chapter
X: Of the Last Writing of Harmachis, the Royal Egyptian explained
Harmachis, imprisoned in a high pylon tower, awaits his execution.
What happens
Harmachis, imprisoned in a high pylon tower, awaits his execution. He reflects on his completed confession, his vengeance, and his hope for forgiveness from Isis. He envisions the future of Egypt—its conquests, the decay of its temples, and its eventual rebirth. The chapter ends abruptly as he is likely interrupted by his executioners.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Destiny
Harmachis awaits his doom, uncertain of the moment, and reflects on the inevitable fall of Egypt and his own fate.
Love and Betrayal
Harmachis's enduring love for Cleopatra, whom he calls 'Destroyer,' highlights the theme of love intertwined with betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
The narrator, awaiting execution in the prison chamber, completing his confession and reflecting on his fate and love for Cleopatra.
- Cleopatra
Referred to as 'thou Destroyer'; Harmachis laments his enduring love for her despite her role in his ruin.
- Isis
The goddess Isis is invoked as a source of hope and forgiveness, though not physically present.
Key passages
“I know not when the sword of Fate shall fall. Week grows to week, and month to month, and still it is delayed.”
Harmachis is uncertain when his execution will occur, as time passes without action.
Expresses the suspense and inevitability of his doom.
“Oh, Cleopatra! Cleopatra! thou Destroyer! if I might but tear thy vision from my heart! Of all my griefs, this is the heaviest grief—still must I love thee!”
Harmachis laments that his love for Cleopatra persists despite her destructive role in his life.
Highlights the conflict between love and betrayal.
“I see thy temples—thy holy temples—crumbling in the dust: a wonder to the sight of men unborn, who shall peer into thy tombs and desecrate the great ones of thy glory!”
Harmachis foresees the ruin of Egypt's temples and the desecration of its tombs by future generations.
Prophetic vision of Egypt's decline and archaeological curiosity.