Cleopatra · Chapter
XV: Of the Feast of Cleopatra; Of the Melting of the Pearl; Of the Saying of Harmachis; and of Cleopatra’s Vow of Love explained
During a lavish feast, Cleopatra and Antony exchange declarations of love and political allegiance.
What happens
During a lavish feast, Cleopatra and Antony exchange declarations of love and political allegiance. Harmachis, humiliated by being made to call the hours like a slave, is secretly observed by Charmion through a hidden chamber. She reveals Cleopatra's true intentions to kill him, and Harmachis witnesses Cleopatra's vow of fidelity to Antony, shattering his own hopes.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Cleopatra's vow of love to Antony is juxtaposed with her plot to kill Harmachis, highlighting the duality of love and treachery.
Power and Corruption
Cleopatra uses her beauty and charm to manipulate Antony, while her power is shown as corrupting, leading to secret murder plots and the squandering of Egypt's treasure.
Jealousy and Revenge
Harmachis's jealousy and desire for revenge are fueled by witnessing Cleopatra's affection for Antony and her betrayal of their own bond.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Forced to stand as a slave and call the hours; humiliated and betrayed, he overhears Cleopatra's plan to kill him and witnesses her vow to Antony.
- Cleopatra
Hosts the feast, melts a pearl, plots Harmachis's death, and makes a passionate vow of love and fidelity to Antony.
- Antony
Praises Cleopatra's beauty, forgives her political misdeeds, and declares his love for her, accepting her crown as a gift.
- Charmion
Leads Harmachis to a hidden chamber to spy on Cleopatra and Antony, revealing Cleopatra's perfidy and the depth of her betrayal.
Key passages
“Knowest thou that the man is of royal blood, and once he plotted to slay me? But I won him over, and slew him not, for he had the key to secrets that I fain would learn”
Cleopatra reveals to Antony that Harmachis is a prince who once tried to kill her, but she spared him to extract his knowledge.
Cleopatra's manipulation of Harmachis for his secrets is a key plot point.
“I have sucked his knowledge dry, and have no more cause to fear him.”
Cleopatra admits she has learned all she needed from Harmachis and no longer fears him.
This marks the turning point where Cleopatra decides Harmachis is expendable.
“Tomorrow morn he dies—dies swiftly and in secret, leaving no trace of what his fate has been.”
Cleopatra plans to have Harmachis killed quietly the next morning.
Cleopatra's cold-blooded decision to murder Harmachis is revealed.
“Now and forever I do vow most strict fidelity unto thee! Now and forever I am thine, and thine alone!”
Cleopatra swears eternal loyalty and love to Antony.
This vow is made in the presence of Harmachis, who is secretly watching, deepening his sense of betrayal.