# 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 — Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Cleopatra by H. Rider Haggard.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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