Cleopatra · Chapter
X: Of the Trouble of Cleopatra; Of Her Oath to Harmachis; and of the Telling by Harmachis to Cleopatra of the Secret of the Treasure That Lay Beneath the Mass of "Her" explained
Cleopatra, troubled by the threat of Antony and Rome, summons Harmachis.
What happens
Cleopatra, troubled by the threat of Antony and Rome, summons Harmachis. She seeks counsel and, suspecting he knows of a hidden treasure, extracts an oath from him to reveal its location. Harmachis, believing her promise to marry him and defend Egypt, agrees. They journey secretly to the pyramids, where Harmachis leads her through a series of hidden passages and doors into the tomb of Menkau-ra's queen, revealing the treasure's secret.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Harmachis is again beguiled by Cleopatra's oath and kiss, despite her earlier betrayal; his love blinds him to her potential duplicity.
Power and Corruption
Cleopatra's desperation for gold to maintain power leads her to seek the cursed treasure; the treasure's curse warns against selfish use.
Fate and Destiny
The appearance of the white bat, believed to be the spirit of Menkau-ra, serves as an omen; Harmachis reflects on fate and the ancient prophecy.
Honor and Shame
Harmachis's oath and Cleopatra's sworn promise to defend Egypt and marry him; the shame of broken oaths looms.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Summoned by Cleopatra; reveals the secret of the pyramid treasure; leads the expedition to the tomb.
- Cleopatra
Deeply troubled by Antony's threat; swears an oath to use the treasure for Egypt's defense; accompanies Harmachis to the pyramid.
- Charmion
Mentioned as not accompanying the expedition; her jealous anger is noted as a future influence.
- Antony
Discussed as a threat; Cleopatra analyzes his character and intentions.
- Quintus Dellius
Mentioned as the messenger from Antony; Cleopatra considers sending him back with sharp words.
- Menkau-Ra
Referenced as the Pharaoh whose spirit may have appeared as a bat; his tomb is the site of the treasure.
- Sepa
Not directly present; mentioned indirectly through Harmachis's priestly lineage.
Key passages
““Half Hercules and half a fool, with a dash of genius veining his folly through.””
Cleopatra describes Antony as a mix of great strength and foolishness, with occasional brilliance.
Cleopatra's assessment of Antony's character.
““I swear by every God in Khem that if thou showest me this great treasure, I will defy Antony and send Dellius back to Cilicia with sharper words than those he brought.””
Cleopatra swears by all Egyptian gods that she will use the treasure to resist Antony and reject his demands.
Cleopatra's oath to Harmachis.
““Even now I believe that it was the Spirit of Menkau-ra, the Osirian, who, taking the form of a bat, flew forth from his holy House in warning.””
Harmachis interprets the giant white bat as the spirit of Pharaoh Menkau-ra emerging as a warning.
Harmachis's superstitious interpretation of the bat's appearance.
