Cleopatra · Chapter
XVI: Of the Plan of Charmion; Of the Confession of Charmion; and of the Answer of Harmachis explained
Harmachis, in utter despair after Cleopatra's betrayal, is comforted by Charmion who devises a plan for his escape disguised as a Syrian merchant.
What happens
Harmachis, in utter despair after Cleopatra's betrayal, is comforted by Charmion who devises a plan for his escape disguised as a Syrian merchant. Charmion then confesses her own role in the betrayal, driven by jealousy and unrequited love, revealing she informed Cleopatra of the plot and later advised Cleopatra to go to Antony rather than marry Harmachis. Harmachis, though furious, spares her life, condemning her to live with the consequences of her actions, and refuses her offer to flee with him.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Revenge
Charmion's jealousy of Harmachis's love for Cleopatra drives her to betray the plot, and Harmachis's desire for vengeance is a recurring torment.
Love and Betrayal
Charmion's confession reveals how her love for Harmachis led to the ultimate betrayal of him, their cause, and Egypt.
Honor and Shame
Harmachis is consumed by shame for breaking his oaths and losing his honor, while Charmion's confession is an attempt to reclaim some moral ground.
Characters to notice
- Harmachis
Sits in despair after Cleopatra's betrayal, weeps bitterly, and is torn by jealousy and shame. He accepts Charmion's escape plan but refuses her offer to accompany him, choosing instead to live with his own guilt.
- Charmion
Devises a plan for Harmachis's escape and confesses her role in betraying the plot to Cleopatra out of jealousy. She offers herself as a sacrifice or servant, but Harmachis rejects her, commanding her to remain at court and bear her guilt.
- Cleopatra
Referenced as the object of Harmachis's love and the cause of his ruin; she plans to hand him over to murderers and is now in love with Antony.
- Brennus
Officer of the guard who, though feigning sleep, helps arrange Harmachis's escape by providing the password 'Antony'.
- Antony
Mentioned as the Roman whom Cleopatra now loves and who has fallen under her spell, as predicted by Charmion.
- Paulus
Referenced as the one upon whom the blame for the betrayal was falsely laid by Cleopatra.
Key passages
“This, then, was the end. For this I had betrayed my oaths; for this I had told the secret of the pyramid; for this I had lost my Crown, my Honour, and, perchance, my hope of Heaven!”
Harmachis realizes that his actions have cost him everything: his vows, the pyramid's secret, his crown, honor, and possibly his afterlife.
Reflects Harmachis's deep regret and the magnitude of his losses.
“Vengeance is an arrow that in falling oft pierces him who shot it.”
Seeking revenge often harms the avenger as much as the target.
Charmion warns Harmachis about the dangers of vengeance, echoing her own experience.
“As thou hast sown, Charmion, so must thou also reap.”
You must face the consequences of your own actions.
Harmachis refuses to kill Charmion, insisting she live with the results of her betrayal.