# XIV: Of the Tender Care of Charmion; Of the Healing of Harmachis; Of the Sailing of the Fleet of Cleopatra for Cilicia; and of the Speech of Brennus to Harmachis explained — Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

Harmachis recovers from his wound under Charmion's devoted care, who stays by his side for nine hours. As he heals, Cleopatra prepares to sail for Cilicia with a magnificent fleet, taking Harmachis as a guarded prisoner. On the voyage, Brennus confesses his regret for striking Harmachis and offers to help him escape to the North, but Harmachis feels bound by destiny to remain in Egypt. The chapter ends with a description of Cleopatra's opulent voyage up the Cydnus River.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

Charmion's tender care contrasts with the betrayal Harmachis feels from Cleopatra, who forces him to accompany her despite his weakness.

### Fate and Destiny

Harmachis feels bound by a chain of destiny to remain in Egypt, refusing Brennus's offer of escape.

### Power and Corruption

Cleopatra's opulent display of wealth and her absolute control over Harmachis illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

## Character check-ins

### Harmachis

Recovering from his wound, he is nursed by Charmion and later forced to accompany Cleopatra's fleet to Cilicia as a guarded prisoner.

### Charmion

Tends to Harmachis with great devotion, staying by his side for nine hours; she informs him of the fleet's departure and his forced inclusion.

### Cleopatra

Sails for Cilicia with a grand fleet, commanding Harmachis to accompany her; she is described as attired like Venus on her golden galley.

### Brennus

The soldier who wounded Harmachis; he expresses regret and offers to help Harmachis escape to the North, but Harmachis declines.

## Key lines

> Thou goest fast whither I may not follow! O Harmachis, how gladly would I give my life for thine!

Charmion expresses her deep sorrow and willingness to sacrifice herself for Harmachis.

_Shows Charmion's devotion and emotional turmoil._

> I am bound by a chain of destiny which I cannot break, and in the land of Egypt I must live and die.

Harmachis tells Brennus he cannot escape his fate and must remain in Egypt.

_Highlights the theme of fate and destiny._

> An thou hadst died, lad, methinks I could never again have held up my head!

Brennus expresses his guilt and regret for nearly killing Harmachis.

_Reveals Brennus's remorse and sense of honor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cleopatra_se/chapters/xiv-of-the-tender-care-of-charmion-of-the-healing-of-harmachis-of-the-sailing-of-the-fleet-of-cleopatra-for-cilicia-and-of-the-speech-of-brennus-to-harmachis
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