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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:47 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:19:47 -0700 |
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diff --git a/2769-h/2769-h.htm b/2769-h/2769-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9337f66 --- /dev/null +++ b/2769-h/2769-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12406 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Cleopatra, by H. Rider Haggard + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cleopatra, by H. Rider Haggard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Cleopatra + +Author: H. Rider Haggard + +Release Date: March 28, 2006 [EBook #2769] +[Last updated: November 19, 2020] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers; Dagny; Emma Dudding; David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + CLEOPATRA + </h1> + <h2> + by H. Rider Haggard + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> DEDICATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> AUTHOR’S NOTE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <big><b>CLEOPATRA</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>BOOK I—THE PREPARATION OF HARMACHIS</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> <b>BOOK II—THE FALL OF HARMACHIS</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> <b>BOOK III—THE VENGEANCE OF HARMACHIS</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + DEDICATION + </h2> + <h3> + My dear Mother, + </h3> + <p> + I have for a long while hoped to be allowed to dedicate some book of mine + to you, and now I bring you this work, because whatever its shortcomings, + and whatever judgment may be passed upon it by yourself and others, it is + yet the one I should wish you to accept. + </p> + <p> + I trust that you will receive from my romance of “Cleopatra” some such + pleasure as lightened the labour of its building up; and that it may + convey to your mind a picture, however imperfect, of the old and + mysterious Egypt in whose lost glories you are so deeply interested. + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate and dutiful Son, + </p> + <p> + H. Rider Haggard. + </p> + <p> + January 21, 1889. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AUTHOR’S NOTE + </h2> + <p> + The history of the ruin of Antony and Cleopatra must have struck many + students of the records of their age as one of the most inexplicable of + tragic tales. What malign influence and secret hates were at work, + continually sapping their prosperity and blinding their judgment? Why did + Cleopatra fly at Actium, and why did Antony follow her, leaving his fleet + and army to destruction? An attempt is made in this romance to suggest a + possible answer to these and some other questions. + </p> + <p> + The reader is asked to bear in mind, however, that the story is told, not + from the modern point of view, but as from the broken heart and with the + lips of an Egyptian patriot of royal blood; no mere beast-worshipper, but + a priest instructed in the inmost mysteries, who believed firmly in the + personal existence of the gods of Khem, in the possibility of communion + with them, and in the certainty of immortal life with its rewards and + punishments; to whom also the bewildering and often gross symbolism of the + Osirian Faith was nothing but a veil woven to obscure secrets of the + Sanctuary. Whatever proportion of truth there may have been in their + spiritual claims and imaginings, if indeed there was any, such men as the + Prince Harmachis have been told of in the annals of every great religion, + and, as is shown by the testimony of monumental and sacred inscriptions, + they were not unknown among the worshippers of the Egyptian Gods, and more + especially of Isis. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately it is scarcely possible to write a book of this nature and + period without introducing a certain amount of illustrative matter, for by + no other means can the long dead past be made to live again before the + reader’s eyes with all its accessories of faded pomp and forgotten + mystery. To such students as seek a story only, and are not interested in + the faith, ceremonies, or customs of the Mother of Religion and + Civilisation, ancient Egypt, it is, however, respectfully suggested that + they should exercise the art of skipping, and open this tale at its Second + Book. + </p> + <p> + That version of the death of Cleopatra has been preferred which attributes + her end to poison. According to Plutarch its actual manner is very + uncertain, though popular rumour ascribed it to the bite of an asp. She + seems, however, to have carried out her design under the advice of that + shadowy personage, her physician, Olympus, and it is more than doubtful if + he would have resorted to such a fantastic and uncertain method of + destroying life. + </p> + <p> + It may be mentioned that so late as the reign of Ptolemy Epiphanes, + pretenders of native blood, one of whom was named Harmachis, are known to + have advanced their claims to the throne of Egypt. Moreover, there was a + book of prophecy current among the priesthood which declared that after + the nations of the Greeks the God Harsefi would create the “chief who is + to come.” It will therefore be seen that, although it lacks historical + confirmation, the story of the great plot formed to stamp out the dynasty + of the Macedonian Lagidae and place Harmachis on the throne is not in + itself improbable. Indeed, it is possible that many such plots were + entered into by Egyptian patriots during the long ages of their country’s + bondage. But ancient history tells us little of the abortive struggles of + a fallen race. + </p> + <p> + The Chant of Isis and the Song of Cleopatra, which appear in these pages, + are done into verse from the writer’s prose by Mr. Andrew Lang, and the + dirge sung by Charmion is translated by the same hand from the Greek of + the Syrian Meleager. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CLEOPATRA + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + In the recesses of the desolate Libyan mountains that lie behind the + temple and city of Abydus, the supposed burying place of the holy Osiris, + a tomb was recently discovered, among the contents of which were the + papyrus rolls whereupon this history is written. The tomb itself is + spacious, but otherwise remarkable only for the depth of the shaft which + descends vertically from the rock-hewn cave, that once served as the + mortuary chapel for the friends and relatives of the departed, to the + coffin-chamber beneath. This shaft is no less than eighty-nine feet in + depth. The chamber at its foot was found to contain three coffins only, + though it is large enough for many more. Two of these, which in all + probability inclosed the bodies of the High Priest, Amenemhat, and of his + wife, father and mother of Harmachis, the hero of this history, the + shameless Arabs who discovered them there and then broke up. + </p> + <p> + The Arabs broke the bodies up. With unhallowed hands they tore the holy + Amenemhat and the frame of her who had, as it is written, been filled with + the spirit of the Hathors—tore them limb from limb, searching for + treasure amidst their bones—perhaps, as is their custom, selling the + very bones for a few piastres to the last ignorant tourist who came their + way, seeking what he might destroy. For in Egypt the unhappy, the living + find their bread in the tombs of the great men who were before them. + </p> + <p> + But as it chanced, some little while afterwards, one who is known to this + writer, and a doctor by profession, passed up the Nile to Abydus, and + became acquainted with the men who had done this thing. They revealed to + him the secret of the place, telling him that one coffin yet remained + entombed. It seemed to be the coffin of a poor person, they said, and + therefore, being pressed for time, they had left it unviolated. Moved by + curiosity to explore the recesses of a tomb as yet unprofaned by tourists, + my friend bribed the Arabs to show it to him. What ensued I will give in + his own words, exactly as he wrote it to me: + </p> + <p> + “I slept that night near the Temple of Seti, and started before daybreak + on the following morning. With me were a cross-eyed rascal named Ali—Ali + Baba I named him—the man from whom I got the ring which I am sending + you, and a small but choice assortment of his fellow thieves. Within an + hour after sunrise we reached the valley where the tomb is. It is a + desolate place, into which the sun pours his scorching heat all the long + day through, till the huge brown rocks which are strewn about become so + hot that one can scarcely bear to touch them, and the sand scorches the + feet. It was already too hot to walk, so we rode on donkeys, some way up + the valley—where a vulture floating far in the blue overhead was the + only other visitor—till we came to an enormous boulder polished by + centuries of action of sun and sand. Here Ali halted, saying that the tomb + was under the stone. Accordingly, we dismounted, and, leaving the donkeys + in charge of a fellah boy, went up to the rock. Beneath it was a small + hole, barely large enough for a man to creep through. Indeed it had been + dug by jackals, for the doorway and some part of the cave were entirely + silted up, and it was by means of this jackal hole that the tomb had been + discovered. Ali crept in on his hands and knees, and I followed, to find + myself in a place cold after the hot outside air, and, in contrast with + the light, filled with a dazzling darkness. We lit our candles, and, the + select body of thieves having arrived, I made an examination. We were in a + cave the size of a large room, and hollowed by hand, the further part of + the cave being almost free from drift-dust. On the walls are religious + paintings of the usual Ptolemaic character, and among them one of a + majestic old man with a long white beard, who is seated in a carved chair + holding a wand in his hand.[*] Before him passes a procession of priests + bearing sacred images. In the right hand corner of the tomb is the shaft + of the mummy-pit, a square-mouthed well cut in the black rock. We had + brought a beam of thorn-wood, and this was now laid across the pit and a + rope made fast to it. Then Ali—who, to do him justice, is a + courageous thief—took hold of the rope, and, putting some candles + into the breast of his robe, placed his bare feet against the smooth sides + of the well and began to descent with great rapidity. Very soon he had + vanished into blackness, and the agitation of the cord alone told us that + anything was going on below. At last the rope ceased shaking and a faint + shout came rumbling up the well, announcing Ali’s safe arrival. Then, far + below, a tiny star of light appeared. He had lit the candle, thereby + disturbing hundreds of bats that flitted up in an endless stream and as + silently as spirits. The rope was hauled up again, and now it was my turn; + but, as I declined to trust my neck to the hand-over-hand method of + descent, the end of the cord was made fast round my middle and I was + lowered bodily into those sacred depths. Nor was it a pleasant journey, + for, if the masters of the situation above had made any mistake, I should + have been dashed to pieces. Also, the bats continually flew into my face + and clung to my hair, and I have a great dislike of bats. At last, after + some minutes of jerking and dangling, I found myself standing in a narrow + passage by the side of the worthy Ali, covered with bats and perspiration, + and with the skin rubbed off my knees and knuckles. Then another man came + down, hand over hand like a sailor, and as the rest were told to stop + above we were ready to go on. Ali went first with his candle—of + course we each had a candle—leading the way down a long passage + about five feet high. At length the passage widened out, and we were in + the tomb-chamber: I think the hottest and most silent place that I ever + entered. It was simply stifling. This chamber is a square room cut in the + rock and totally devoid of paintings or sculpture. I held up the candles + and looked round. About the place were strewn the coffin lids and the + mummied remains of the two bodies that the Arabs had previously violated. + The paintings on the former were, I noticed, of great beauty, though, + having no knowledge of hieroglyphics, I could not decipher them. Beads and + spicy wrappings lay around the remains, which, I saw, were those of a man + and a woman.[+] The head had been broken off the body of the man. I took + it up and looked at it. It had been closely shaved—after death, I + should say, from the general indications—and the features were + disfigured with gold leaf. But notwithstanding this, and the shrinkage of + the flesh, I think the face was one of the most imposing and beautiful + that I ever saw. It was that of a very old man, and his dead countenance + still wore so calm and solemn, indeed, so awful a look, that I grew quite + superstitious (though as you know, I am pretty well accustomed to dead + people), and put the head down in a hurry. There were still some wrappings + left upon the face of the second body, and I did not remove them; but she + must have been a fine large woman in her day. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] This, I take it, is a portrait of Amenemhat himself.— + Editor. + + [+] Doubtless Amenemhat and his wife.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “‘There the other mummy,’ said Ali, pointing to a large and solid case + that seemed to have been carelessly thrown down in a corner, for it was + lying on its side. + </p> + <p> + “I went up to it and carefully examined it. It was well made, but of + perfectly plain cedar-wood—not an inscription, not a solitary God on + it. + </p> + <p> + “‘Never see one like him before,’ said Ali. ‘Bury great hurry, he no + “mafish,” no “fineesh.” Throw him down here on side.’ + </p> + <p> + “I looked at the plain case till at last my interest was thoroughly + aroused. I was so shocked by the sight of the scattered dust of the + departed that I had made up my mind not to touch the remaining coffin—but + now my curiosity overcame me, and we set to work. + </p> + <p> + “Ali had brought a mallet and a cold chisel with him, and, having set the + coffin straight, he began upon it with all the zeal of an experienced + tomb-breaker. And then he pointed out another thing. Most mummy-cases are + fastened by four little tongues of wood, two on either side, which are + fixed in the upper half, and, passing into mortices cut to receive them in + the thickness of the lower half, are there held fast by pegs of hard wood. + But this mummy case had eight such tongues. Evidently it had been thought + well to secure it firmly. At last, with great difficulty, we raised the + massive lid, which was nearly three inches thick, and there, covered over + with a deep layer of loose spices (a very unusual thing), was the body. + </p> + <p> + “Ali looked at it with open eyes—and no wonder. For this mummy was + not as other mummies are. Mummies in general lie upon their backs, as + stiff and calm as though they were cut from wood; but this mummy lay upon + its side, and, the wrappings notwithstanding, its knees were slightly + bent. More than that, indeed, the gold mask, which, after the fashion of + the Ptolemaic period, had been set upon the face, had worked down, and was + literally pounded up beneath the hooded head. + </p> + <p> + “It was impossible, seeing these things, to avoid the conclusion that the + mummy before us had moved with violence <i>since it was put in the coffin</i>. + </p> + <p> + “‘Him very funny mummy. Him not “mafish” when him go in there,’ said Ali. + </p> + <p> + “‘Nonsense!’ I said. ‘Who ever heard of a live mummy?’ + </p> + <p> + “We lifted the body out of the coffin, nearly choking ourselves with mummy + dust in the process, and there beneath it half hidden among the spices, we + made our first find. It was a roll of papyrus, carelessly fastened and + wrapped in a piece of mummy cloth, having to all appearance been thrown + into the coffin at the moment of closing.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] This roll contained the third unfinished book of the + history. The other two rolls were neatly fastened in the + usual fashion. All three are written by one hand in the + Demotic character.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “Ali eyed the papyrus greedily, but I seized it and put it in my pocket, + for it was agreed that I was to have all that might be discovered. Then we + began to unwrap the body. It was covered with very broad strong bandages, + thickly wound and roughly tied, sometimes by means of simple knots, the + whole working the appearance of having been executed in great haste and + with difficulty. Just over the head was a large lump. Presently, the + bandages covering it were off, and there, on the face, lay a second roll + of papyrus. I put down my hand to lift it, but it would not come away. It + appeared to be fixed to the stout seamless shroud which was drawn over the + whole body, and tied beneath the feet—as a farmer ties sacks. This + shroud, which was also thickly waxed, was in one piece, being made to fit + the form like a garment. I took a candle and examined the roll and then I + saw why it was fast. The spices had congealed and glued it to the + sack-like shroud. It was impossible to get it away without tearing the + outer sheets of papyrus.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] This accounts for the gaps in the last sheets of the + second roll. —Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “At last, however, I wrenched it loose and put it with the other in my + pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Then we went on with our dreadful task in silence. With much care we + ripped loose the sack-like garment, and at last the body of a man lay + before us. Between his knees was a third roll of papyrus. I secured it, + then held down the light and looked at him. One glance at his face was + enough to tell a doctor how he had died. + </p> + <p> + “This body was not much dried up. Evidently it had not passed the allotted + seventy days in natron, and therefore the expression and likeness were + better preserved than is usual. Without entering into particulars, I will + only say that I hope I shall never see such another look as that which was + frozen on this dead man’s face. Even the Arabs recoiled from it in horror + and began to mutter prayers. + </p> + <p> + “For the rest, the usual opening on the left side through which the + embalmers did their work was absent; the finely-cut features were those of + a person of middle age, although the hair was already grey, and the frame + was that of a very powerful man, the shoulders being of an extraordinary + width. I had not time to examine very closely, however, for within a few + seconds from its uncovering, the unembalmed body began to crumble now that + it was exposed to the action of the air. In five or six minutes there was + literally nothing left of it but a wisp of hair, the skull, and a few of + the larger bones. I noticed that one of the tibiæ—I forget if it was + the right or the left—had been fractured and very badly set. It must + have been quite an inch shorter than the other. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there was nothing more to find, and now that the excitement was + over, what between the heat, the exertion, and the smell of mummy dust and + spices, I felt more dead than alive. + </p> + <p> + “I am tired of writing, and this ship rolls. This letter, of course, goes + overland, and I am coming by ‘long sea,’ but I hope to be in London within + ten days after you get it. Then I will tell you of my pleasing experiences + in the course of the ascent from the tomb-chamber, and of how that prince + of rascals, Ali Baba, and his thieves tried to frighten me into handing + over the papyri, and how I worsted them. Then, too, we will get the rolls + deciphered. I expect that they only contain the usual thing, copies of the + ‘Book of the Dead,’ but there <i>may</i> be something else in them. + Needless to say, I did not narrate this little adventure in Egypt, or I + should have had the Boulac Museum people on my track. Good-bye, ‘Mafish + Fineesh,’ as Ali Baba always said.” + </p> + <p> + In due course, my friend, the writer of the letter from which I have + quoted, arrived in London, and on the very next day we paid a visit to a + learned acquaintance well versed in Hieroglyphics and Demotic writing. The + anxiety with which we watched him skilfully damping and unfolding one of + the rolls and peering through his gold-rimmed glasses at the mysterious + characters may well be imagined. + </p> + <p> + “Hum,” he said, “whatever it is, this is <i>not</i> a copy of the ‘Book of + the Dead.’ By George, what’s this? Cle—Cleo—Cleopatra——Why, + my dear Sirs, as I am a living man, this is the history of somebody who + lived in the days of Cleopatra, <i>the</i> Cleopatra, for here’s Antony’s + name with hers! Well, there’s six months’ work before me here—six + months, at the very least!” And in that joyful prospect he fairly lost + control of himself, and skipped about the room, shaking hands with us at + intervals, and saying “I’ll translate—I’ll translate it if it kills + me, and we will publish it; and, by the living Osiris, it shall drive + every Egyptologist in Europe mad with envy! Oh, what a find! what a most + glorious find!” + </p> + <p> + And O you whose eyes fall upon these pages, see, they have been + translated, and they have been printed, and here they lie before you—an + undiscovered land wherein you are free to travel! + </p> + <p> + Harmachis speaks to you from his forgotten tomb. The walls of Time fall + down, and, as at the lightning’s leap, a picture from the past starts upon + your view, framed in the darkness of the ages. + </p> + <p> + He shows you those two Egypts which the silent pyramids looked down upon + long centuries ago—the Egypt of the Greek, the Roman, and the + Ptolemy, and that other outworn Egypt of the Hierophant, hoary with years, + heavy with the legends of antiquity and the memory of long-lost honours. + </p> + <p> + He tells you how the smouldering loyalty of the land of Khem blazed up + before it died, and how fiercely the old Time-consecrated Faith struggled + against the conquering tide of Change that rose, like Nile at flood, and + drowned the ancient Gods of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + Here, in his pages, you shall learn the glory of Isis the Many-shaped, the + Executrix of Decrees. Here you shall make acquaintance with the shade of + Cleopatra, that “Thing of Flame,” whose passion-breathing beauty shaped + the destiny of Empires. Here you shall read how the soul of Charmion was + slain of the sword her vengeance smithied. + </p> + <p> + Here Harmachis, the doomed Egyptian, being about to die, salutes you who + follow on the path he trod. In the story of his broken years he shows to + you what may in its degree be the story of your own. Crying aloud from + that dim Amenti[*] where to-day he wears out his long atoning time, he + tells, in the history of his fall, the fate of him who, however sorely + tried, forgets his God, his Honour, and his Country. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The Egyptian Hades or Purgatory.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK I—THE PREPARATION OF HARMACHIS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + OF THE BIRTH OF HARMACHIS; THE PROPHECY OF THE HATHORS; AND THE SLAYING OF + THE INNOCENT CHILD + </p> + <p> + By Osiris who sleeps at Abouthis, I write the truth. + </p> + <p> + I, Harmachis, Hereditary Priest of the Temple, reared by the divine Sethi, + aforetime a Pharaoh of Egypt, and now justified in Osiris and ruling in + Amenti. I, Harmachis, by right Divine and by true descent of blood King of + the Double Crown, and Pharaoh of the Upper and Lower Land. I, Harmachis, + who cast aside the opening flower of our hope, who turned from the + glorious path, who forgot the voice of God in hearkening to the voice of + woman. I, Harmachis, the fallen, in whom are gathered up all woes as + waters are gathered in a desert well, who have tasted of every shame, who + through betrayal have betrayed, who in losing the glory that is here have + lost the glory which is to be, who am utterly undone—I write, and, + by Him who sleeps at Abouthis, I write the truth. + </p> + <p> + O Egypt!—dear land of Khem, whose black soil nourished up my mortal + part—land that I have betrayed—O Osiris!—Isis!—Horus!—ye + Gods of Egypt whom I have betrayed!—O ye temples whose pylons strike + the sky, whose faith I have betrayed!—O Royal blood of the Pharaohs + of eld, that yet runs within these withered veins—whose virtue I + have betrayed!—O Invisible Essence of all Good! and O Fate, whose + balance rested on my hand—hear me; and, to the day of utter doom, + bear me witness that I write the truth. + </p> + <p> + Even while I write, beyond the fertile fields, the Nile is running red, as + though with blood. Before me the sunlight beats upon the far Arabian + hills, and falls upon the piles of Abouthis. Still the priests make orison + within the temples at Abouthis that know me no more; still the sacrifice + is offered, and the stony roofs echo back the people’s prayers. Still from + this lone cell within my prison-tower, I, the Word of Shame, watch thy + fluttering banners, Abouthis, flaunting from thy pylon walls, and hear the + chants as the long procession winds from sanctuary to sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + Abouthis, lost Abouthis! my heart goes out toward thee! For the day comes + when the desert sands shall fill thy secret places! Thy Gods are doomed, O + Abouthis! New Faiths shall make a mock of all thy Holies, and Centurion + shall call upon Centurion across thy fortress-walls. I weep—I weep + tears of blood: for mine is the sin that brought about these evils and + mine for ever is their shame. + </p> + <p> + Behold, it is written hereafter. + </p> + <p> + Here in Abouthis I was born, I, Harmachis, and my father, the justified in + Osiris, was High Priest of the Temple of Sethi. And on that same day of my + birth Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, was born also. I passed my youth in + yonder fields watching the baser people at their labours and going in and + out at will among the great courts of the temples. Of my mother I knew + naught, for she died when I yet hung at the breast. But before she died in + the reign of Ptolemy Aulêtes, who is named the Piper, so did the old wife, + Atoua, told me, my mother took a golden uræus, the snake symbol of our + Royalty of Egypt, from a coffer of ivory and laid it on my brow. And those + who saw her do this believed that she was distraught of the Divinity, and + in her madness foreshadowed that the day of the Macedonian Lagidæ was + ended, and that Egypt’s sceptre should pass again to the hand of Egypt’s + true and Royal race. But when my father, the old High Priest Amenemhat, + whose only child I was, she who was his wife before my mother having been, + for what crime I know not, cursed with barrenness by Sekhet: I say when my + father came in and saw what the dying woman had done, he lifted up his + hands towards the vault of heaven and adored the Invisible, because of the + sign that had been sent. And as he adored, the Hathors[*] filled my dying + mother with the Spirit of Prophecy, and she rose in strength from the + couch and prostrated herself thrice before the cradle where I lay asleep, + the Royal asp upon my brow, crying aloud: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The Egyptian <i>Parcæ</i> or <i>Fates</i>.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “Hail to thee, fruit of my womb! Hail to thee, Royal child! Hail to thee, + Pharaoh that shalt be! Hail to thee, God that shalt purge the land, Divine + seed of Nekt-nebf, the descended from Isis. Keep thee pure, and thou shalt + rule and deliver Egypt and not be broken. But if thou dost fail in thy + hour of trial, then may the curse of all the Gods of Egypt rest upon thee, + and the curse of thy Royal forefathers, the justified, who ruled the land + before thee from the age of Horus. Then in life mayst thou be wretched, + and after death may Osiris refuse thee, and the judges of Amenti give + judgment against thee, and Set and Sekhet torment thee, till such time as + thy sin is purged, and the Gods of Egypt, called by strange names, are + once more worshipped in the Temples of Egypt, and the staff of the + Oppressor is broken, and the footsteps of the Foreigner are swept clean, + and the thing is accomplished as thou in thy weakness shalt cause it to be + done.” + </p> + <p> + When she had spoken thus, the Spirit of Prophecy went out of her, and she + fell dead across the cradle where I slept, so that I awoke with a cry. + </p> + <p> + But my father, Amenemhat, the High Priest, trembled, and was very fearful, + both because of the words which had been said by the Spirit of the Hathors + through the mouth of my mother, and because what had been uttered was + treason against Ptolemy. For he knew that, if the matter should come to + the ears of Ptolemy, Pharaoh would send his guards to destroy the life of + the child concerning whom such things were prophesied. Therefore, my + father shut the doors, and caused all those who stood by to swear upon the + holy symbol of his office, and by the name of the Divine Three, and by the + Soul of her who lay dead upon the stones beside them, that nothing of what + they had seen and heard should pass their lips. + </p> + <p> + Now among the company was the old wife, Atoua, who had been the nurse of + my mother, and loved her well; and in these days, though I know not how it + had been in the past, nor how it shall be in the future, there is no oath + that can bind a woman’s tongue. And so it came about that by-and-by, when + the matter had become homely in her mind, and her fear had fallen from + her, she spoke of the prophecy to her daughter, who nursed me at the + breast now that my mother was dead. She did this as they walked together + in the desert carrying food to the husband of the daughter, who was a + sculptor, and shaped effigies of the holy Gods in the tombs that are + fashioned in the rock—telling the daughter, my nurse, how great must + be her care and love toward the child that should one day be Pharaoh, and + drive the Ptolemies from Egypt. But the daughter, my nurse, was so filled + with wonder at what she heard that she could not keep the tale locked + within her breast, and in the night she awoke her husband, and, in her + turn, whispered it to him, and thereby compassed her own destruction, and + the destruction of her child, my foster-brother. For the man told his + friend, and the friend was a spy of Ptolemy’s, and thus the tale came to + Pharaoh’s ears. + </p> + <p> + Now, Pharaoh was much troubled thereat, for though when he was full of + wine he would make a mock of the God of the Egyptians, and swear that the + Roman Senate was the only God to whom he bowed the knee, yet in his heart + he was terribly afraid, as I have learned from one who was his physician. + For when he was alone at night he would scream and cry aloud to the great + Serapis, who indeed is no true God, and to other Gods, fearing lest he + should be murdered and his soul handed over to the tormentors. Also, when + he felt his throne tremble under him, he would send large presents to the + temples, asking a message from the oracles, and more especially from the + oracle that is at Philæ. Therefore, when it came to his ears that the wife + of the High Priest of the great and ancient Temple of Abouthis had been + filled with the Spirit of Prophecy before she died, and foretold that her + son should be Pharaoh, he was much afraid, and summoning some trusty + guards—who, being Greeks, did not fear to do sacrilege—he + despatched them by boat up the Nile, with orders to come to Abouthis and + cut off the head of the child of the High Priest and bring it to him in a + basket. + </p> + <p> + But, as it chanced, the boat in which the guards came was of deep draught, + and, the time of their coming being at the lowest ebb of the river, it + struck and remained fast upon a bank of mud that is opposite the mouth of + the road running across the plains to Abouthis, and, as the north wind was + blowing very fiercely, it was like to sink. Thereon the guards of Pharaoh + called out to the common people, who laboured at lifting water along the + banks of the river, to come with boats and take them off; but, seeing that + they were Greeks of Alexandria, the people would not, for the Egyptians do + not love the Greeks. Then the guards cried that they were on Pharaoh’s + business, and still the people would not, asking what was their business. + Whereon a eunuch among them who had made himself drunk in his fear, told + them that they came to slay the child of Amenemhat, the High Priest, of + whom it was prophesied that he should be Pharaoh and sweep the Greeks from + Egypt. And then the people feared to stand longer in doubt, but brought + boats, not knowing what might be meant by the man’s words. But there was + one amongst them—a farmer and an overseer of canals—who was a + kinsman of my mother’s and had been present when she prophesied; and he + turned and ran swiftly for three parts of an hour, till he came to where I + lay in the house that is without the north wall of the great Temple. Now, + as it chanced, my father was away in that part of the Place of Tombs which + is to the left of the large fortress, and Pharaoh’s guards, mounted on + asses, were hard upon us. Then the messenger cried to the old wife, Atoua, + whose tongue had brought about the evil, and told how the soldiers drew + near to slay me. And they looked at each other, not knowing what to do; + for, had they hid me, the guards would not have stayed their search till I + was found. But the man, gazing through the doorway, saw a little child at + play: + </p> + <p> + “Woman,” he said, “whose is that child?” + </p> + <p> + “It is my grandchild,” she answered, “the foster-brother of the Prince + Harmachis; the child to whose mother we owe this evil case.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman,” he said, “thou knowest thy duty, do it!” and he again pointed at + the child. “I command thee, by the Holy Name!” + </p> + <p> + Atoua trembled exceedingly, because the child was of her own blood; but, + nevertheless, she took the boy and washed him and set a robe of silk upon + him, and laid him on my cradle. And me she took and smeared with mud to + make my fair skin darker, and, drawing my garment from me, set me to play + in the dirt of the yard, which I did right gladly. + </p> + <p> + Then the man hid himself, and presently the soldiers rode up and asked of + the old wife if this were the dwelling of the High Priest Amenemhat? And + she told them yea, and, bidding them enter, offered them honey and milk, + for they were thirsty. + </p> + <p> + When they had drunk, the eunuch who was with them asked if that were the + son of Amenemhat who lay in the cradle; and she said “Yea—yea,” and + began to tell the guards how he would be great, for it had been prophesied + of him that he should one day rule them all. + </p> + <p> + But the Greek guards laughed, and one of them, seizing the child, smote + off his head with a sword; and the eunuch drew forth the signet of Pharaoh + as warrant for the deed and showed it to the old wife, Atoua, bidding her + tell the High Priest that his son should be King without a head. + </p> + <p> + And as they went one of their number saw me playing in the dirt and called + out that there was more breeding in yonder brat than in the Prince + Harmachis; and for a moment they wavered, thinking to slay me also, but in + the end they passed on, bearing the head of my foster-brother, for they + loved not to murder little children. + </p> + <p> + After a while, the mother of the dead child returned from the + market-place, and when she found what had been done, she and her husband + would have killed Atoua the old wife, her mother, and given me up to the + soldiers of Pharaoh. But my father came in also and learned the truth, and + he caused the man and his wife to be seized by night and hidden away in + the dark places of the temple, so that none saw them more. + </p> + <p> + But I would to-day that it had been the will of the Gods that I had been + slain of the soldiers and not the innocent child. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter it was given out that the High Priest Amenemhat had taken me to + be as a son to him in the place of that Harmachis who was slain of + Pharaoh. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + OF THE DISOBEDIENCE OF HARMACHIS; OF THE SLAYING OF THE LION; AND OF THE + SPEECH OF THE OLD WIFE, ATOUA + </p> + <p> + And after these things Ptolemy the Piper troubled us no more, nor did he + again send his soldiers to seek for him of whom it was prophesied that he + should be Pharaoh. For the head of the child, my foster-brother, was + brought to him by the eunuch as he sat in his palace of marble at + Alexandria, flushed with Cyprian wine, and played upon the flute before + his women. And at his bidding the eunuch lifted up the head by the hair + for him to look on. Then he laughed and smote it on the cheek with his + sandal, bidding one of the girls crown Pharaoh with flowers. And he bowed + the knee, and mocked the head of the innocent child. But the girl, who was + sharp of tongue—for all of this I heard in after years—said to + him that “he did well to bow the knee, for this child was indeed Pharaoh, + the greatest of Pharaohs, and his name was the <i>Osiris</i> and his + throne was <i>Death</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Aulêtes was much troubled at these words, and trembled, for, being a + wicked man, he greatly feared entering into Amenti. So he caused the girl + to be slain because of the evil omen of her saying; crying that he would + send her to worship that Pharaoh whom she had named. And the other women + he sent away, and played no more upon the flute till he was once again + drunk on the morrow. But the Alexandrians made a song on the matter, which + is still sung about the streets. And this is the beginning of it— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ptolemy the Piper played + Over dead and dying; + Piped and played he well. + Sure that flute of his was made + Of the dank reed sighing + O’er the streams of Hell. + There beneath the shadows grey, + With the sisters three, + Shall he pipe for many a day. + May the Frog his butler be! + And his wine the water of that countrie— + Ptolemy the Piper! +</pre> + <p> + After this the years passed on, nor did I, being very little, know + anything of the great things that came to pass in Egypt; nor is it my + purpose to set them out here. For I, Harmachis, having little time left to + me, will only speak of those things with which I have been concerned. + </p> + <p> + And as the time went on, my father and the teachers instructed me in the + ancient learning of our people, and in such matters appertaining to the + Gods as it is meet that children should know. So I grew strong and comely, + for my hair was black as the hair of the divine Nout, and my eyes were + blue as the blue lotus, and my skin was like the alabaster within the + sanctuaries. For now that these glories have passed from me I may speak of + them without shame. I was strong also. There was no youth of my years in + Abouthis who could stand against me to wrestle with me, nor could any + throw so far with the sling or spear. And I much yearned to hunt the lion; + but he whom I called my father forbade me, telling me that my life was of + too great worth to be so lightly hazarded. But when I bowed before him and + prayed he would make his meaning clear to me, the old man frowned and + answered that the Gods made all things clear in their own season. For my + part, however, I went away in wroth, for there was a youth in Abouthis who + with others had slain a lion which fell upon his father’s herds, and, + being envious of my strength and beauty, he set it about that I was + cowardly at heart, in that when I went out to hunt I only slew jackals and + gazelles. Now, this was when I had reached my seventeenth year and was a + man grown. + </p> + <p> + It chanced, therefore, that as I went sore at heart from the presence of + the High Priest, I met this youth, who called to me and mocked me, bidding + me know the country people had told him that a great lion was down among + the rushes by the banks of the canal which runs past the Temple, lying at + a distance of thirty stadia from Abouthis. And, still mocking me, he asked + me if I would come and help him slay this lion, or would I go and sit + among the old women and bid them comb my side lock? This bitter word so + angered me that I was near to falling on him; but in place therefore, + forgetting my father’s saying, I answered that if he would come alone, I + would go with him and seek this lion, and he should learn if I were indeed + a coward. And at first he would not, for, as men know, it is our custom to + hunt the lion in companies; so it was my hour to mock. Then he went and + fetched his bow and arrows and a sharp knife. And I brought forth my heavy + spear, which had a shaft of thorn-wood, and at its end a pomegranate in + silver, to hold the hand from slipping; and, in silence, we went, side by + side, to where the lion lay. When we came to the place, it was near + sundown; and there, upon the mud of the canal-bank, we found the lion’s + slot, which ran into a thick clump of reeds. + </p> + <p> + “Now, thou boaster,” I said, “wilt thou lead the way into yonder reeds, or + shall I?” And I made as though I would lead the way. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” he answered, “be not so mad! The brute will spring upon thee + and rend thee. See! I will shoot among the reeds. Perchance, if he sleeps, + it will arouse him.” And he drew his bow at a venture. + </p> + <p> + How it chanced I know not, but the arrow struck the sleeping lion, and, + like a flash of light from the belly of a cloud, he bounded from the + shelter of the reeds, and stood before us with bristling mane and yellow + eyes, the arrow quivering in his flank. He roared aloud in fury, and the + earth shook. + </p> + <p> + “Shoot with the bow,” I cried, “shoot swiftly ere he spring!” + </p> + <p> + But courage had left the breast of the boaster, his jaw dropped down and + his fingers unloosed their hold so that the bow fell from them; then, with + a loud cry he turned and fled behind me, leaving the lion in my path. But + while I stood waiting my doom, for though I was sore afraid I would not + fly, the lion crouched himself, and turning not aside, with one great + bound swept over me, touching me not. He lit, and again he bounded full + upon the boaster’s back, striking him such a blow with his great paw that + his head was crushed as an egg thrown against a stone. He fell down dead, + and the lion stood and roared over him. Then I was mad with horror, and, + scarce knowing what I did, I grasped my spear and with a shout I charged. + As I charged the lion lifted himself up above me. He smote at me with his + paw; but with all my strength I drove the broad spear into his throat, + and, shrinking from the agony of the steel, his blow fell short and did no + more than rip my skin. Back he fell, the great spear far in his throat; + then rising, he roared in pain and leapt twice the height of a man + straight into the air, smiting at the spear with his forepaws. Twice he + leapt thus, horrible to see, and twice he fell upon his back. Then his + strength spent itself with his rushing blood, and, groaning like a bull, + he died; while I, being but a lad, stood and trembled with fear now that + all cause of fear had passed. + </p> + <p> + But as I stood and gazed at the body of him who had taunted me, and at the + carcass of the lion, a woman came running towards me, even the same old + wife, Atoua, who, though I knew it not as yet, had offered up her flesh + and blood that I might be saved alive. For she had been gathering simples, + in which she had great skill, by the water’s edge, not knowing that there + was a lion near (and, indeed, the lions, for the most part, are not found + in the tilled land, but rather in the desert and the Libyan mountains), + and had seen from a distance that which I have set down. Now, when she was + come, she knew me for Harmachis, and, bending herself, she made obeisance + to me, and saluted me, calling me Royal, and worthy of all honour, and + beloved, and chosen of the Holy Three, ay, and by the name of the Pharaoh! + the Deliverer! + </p> + <p> + But I, thinking that terror had made her sick of mind, asked her of what + she would speak. + </p> + <p> + “Is it a great thing,” I asked, “that I should slay a lion? Is it a matter + worthy of such talk as thine? There live, and have lived, men who have + slain many lions. Did not the Divine Amen-hetep the Osirian slay with his + own hand more than a hundred lions? Is it not written on the scarabæus + that hangs within my father’s chamber, that he slew lions aforetime? And + have not others done likewise? Why then, speakest thou thus, O foolish + woman?” + </p> + <p> + All of which I said, because, having now slain the lion, I was minded, + after the manner of youth, to hold it as a thing of no account. But she + did not cease to make obeisance, and to call me by names that are too high + to be written. + </p> + <p> + “O Royal One,” she cried, “wisely did thy mother prophecy. Surely the Holy + Spirit, the Knepth, was in her, O thou conceived by a God! See the omen. + The lion there—he growls within the Capitol at Rome—and the + dead man, he is the Ptolemy—the Macedonian spawn that, like a + foreign weed, hath overgrown the land of Nile; with the Macedonian Lagidæ + thou shalt go to smite the lion of Rome. But the Macedonian cur shall fly, + and the Roman lion shall strike him down, and thou shalt strike down the + lion, and the land of Khem shall once more be free! free! Keep thyself but + pure, according to the commandment of the Gods, O son of the Royal House; + O hope of Khemi! be but ware of Woman the Destroyer, and as I have said, + so shall it be. I am poor and wretched; yea, stricken with sorrow. I have + sinned in speaking of what should be hid, and for my sin I have paid in + the coin of that which was born of my womb; willingly have I paid for + thee. But I have still of the wisdom of our people, nor do the Gods, in + whose eyes all are equal, turn their countenance from the poor; the Divine + Mother Isis hath spoken to me—but last night she spake—bidding + me come hither to gather herbs, and read to thee the signs that I should + see. And as I have said, so it shall come to pass, if thou canst but + endure the weight of the great temptation. Come hither, Royal One!” and + she led me to the edge of the canal, where the water was deep, and still + and blue. “Now gaze upon that face as the water throws it back. Is not + that brow fitted to bear the double crown? Do not those gentle eyes mirror + the majesty of kings? Hath not the Ptah, the Creator, fashioned that form + to fit the Imperial garb, and awe the glance of multitudes looking through + thee to God? + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay!” she went on in another voice—a shrill old wife’s voice—“I + will—be not so foolish, boy—the scratch of a lion is a + venomous thing, a terrible thing; yea, as bad as the bite of an asp—it + must be treated, else it will fester, and all thy days thou shalt dream of + lions; ay, and snakes; and, also, it will break out in sores. But I know + of it—I know. I am not crazed for nothing. For mark! everything has + its balance—in madness is much wisdom, and in wisdom much madness. + <i>La! la! la!</i> Pharaoh himself can’t say where the one begins and the + other ends. Now, don’t stand gazing there, looking as silly as a cat in a + crocus-coloured robe, as they say in Alexandria; but just let me stick + these green things on the place, and in six days you’ll heal up as white + as a three-year-child. Never mind the smart of it, lad. By Him who sleeps + at Philæ, or at Abouthis, or at Abydus—as our divine masters have it + now—or wherever He does sleep, which is a thing we shall all find + out before we want to—by Osiris, I say, you’ll live to be as clean + from scars as a sacrifice to Isis at the new moon, if you’ll but let me + put it on. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not so, good folk?”—and she turned to address some people + who, while she prophesied, had assembled unseen by me—“I’ve been + speaking a spell over him, just to make a way for the virtue of my + medicine—<i>la! la!</i> there’s nothing like a spell. If you don’t + believe it, just you come to me next time your wives are barren; it’s + better than scraping every pillar in the Temple of Osiris, I’ll warrant. + I’ll make ‘em bear like a twenty-year-old palm. But then, you see, you + must know what to say—that’s the point—everything comes to a + point at last. <i>La! la!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Now, when I heard all this, I, Harmachis, put my hand to my head, not + knowing if I dreamed. But presently looking up, I saw a grey-haired man + among those who were gathered together, who watched us sharply, and + afterwards I learned that this man was the spy of Ptolemy, the very man, + indeed, who had wellnigh caused me to be slain of Pharaoh when I was in my + cradle. Then I understood why Atoua spoke so foolishly. + </p> + <p> + “Thine are strange spells, old wife,” the spy said. “Thou didst speak of + Pharaoh and the double crown and of the form fashioned by Ptah to bear it; + is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, yea—part of the spell, thou fool; and what can one swear by + better nowadays than by the Divine Pharaoh the Piper, whom, and whose + music, may the Gods preserve to charm this happy land?—what better + than by the double crown he wears—grace to great Alexander of + Macedonia? By the way, you know about everything: have they got back his + chlamys yet, which Mithridates took to Cos? Pompey wore it last, didn’t + he?—in his triumph, too—just fancy Pompey in the cloak of + Alexander!—a puppy-dog in a lion’s skin! And talking of lions—look + what this lad hath done—slain a lion with his own spear; and right + glad you village folks should be to see it, for it was a very fierce lion—just + see his teeth and his claws—his claws!—they are enough to make + a poor silly old woman like me shriek to look at them! And the body there, + the dead body—the lion slew it. Alack! he’s an Osiris[*] now, the + body—and to think of it, but an hour ago he was an everyday mortal + like you or me! Well, away with him to the embalmers. He’ll soon swell in + the sun and burst, and that will save them the trouble of cutting him + open. Not that they will spend a talent of silver over him anyway. Seventy + days in natron—that’s all he’s likely to get. <i>La! la!</i> how my + tongue does run, and it’s getting dark. Come, aren’t you going to take + away the body of that poor lad, and the lion, too? There, my boy, you keep + those herbs on, and you’ll never feel your scratches. I know a thing or + two for all I’m crazy, and you, my own grandson! Dear, dear, I’m glad his + Holiness the High Priest adopted you when Pharaoh—Osiris bless his + holy name—made an end of his son; you look so bonny. I warrant the + real Harmachis could not have killed a lion like that. Give me the common + blood, I say—it’s so lusty.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The soul when it has been absorbed in the Godhead.— + Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “You know too much and talk too fast,” grumbled the spy, now quite + deceived. “Well, he is a brave youth. Here, you men, bear this body back + to Abouthis, and some of you stop and help me skin the lion. We’ll send + the skin to you, young man,” he went on; “not that you deserve it: to + attack a lion like that was the act of a fool, and a fool deserves what he + gets—destruction. Never attack the strong until you are stronger.” + </p> + <p> + But for my part I went home wondering. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + OF THE REBUKE OF AMENEMHAT; OF THE PRAYER OF HARMACHIS; AND OF THE SIGN + GIVEN BY THE HOLY GODS + </p> + <p> + For a while as I, Harmachis, went, the juice of the green herbs which the + old wife, Atoua, had placed upon my wounds caused me much smart, but + presently the pain ceased. And, of a truth, I believe that there was + virtue in them, for within two days my flesh healed up, so that after a + time no marks remained. But I bethought me that I had disobeyed the word + of the old High Priest, Amenemhat, who was called my father. For till this + day I knew not that he was in truth my father according to the flesh, + having been taught that his own son was slain as I have written; and that + he had been pleased, with the sanction of the Divine ones, to take me as + an adopted son and rear me up, that I might in due season fulfil an office + about the Temple. Therefore I was much troubled, for I feared the old man, + who was very terrible in his anger, and ever spoke with the cold voice of + Wisdom. Nevertheless, I determined to go in to him and confess my fault + and bear such punishment as he should be pleased to put upon me. So with + the red spear in my hand, and the red wounds on my breast, I passed + through the outer court of the great temple and came to the door of the + place where the High Priest dwelt. It is a great chamber, sculptured round + about with the images of the solemn Gods, and the sunlight comes to it in + the daytime by an opening cut through the stones of the massy roof. But at + night it was lit by a swinging lamp of bronze. I passed in without noise, + for the door was not altogether shut, and, pushing my way through the + heavy curtains that were beyond, I stood with a beating heart within the + chamber. + </p> + <p> + The lamp was lit, for the darkness had fallen, and by its light I saw the + old man seated in a chair of ivory and ebony at a table of stone on which + were spread mystic writings of the words of Life and Death. But he read no + more, for he slept, and his long white beard rested upon the table like + the beard of a dead man. The soft light from the lamp fell on him, on the + papyri and the gold ring upon his hand, where were graven the symbols of + the Invisible One, but all around was shadow. It fell on the shaven head, + on the white robe, on the cedar staff of priesthood at his side, and on + the ivory of the lion-footed chair; it showed the mighty brow of power, + the features cut in kingly mould, the white eyebrows, and the dark hollows + of the deep-set eyes. I looked and trembled, for there was about him that + which was more than the dignity of man. He had lived so long with the + Gods, and so long kept company with them and with thoughts divine, he was + so deeply versed in all those mysteries which we do but faintly discern, + here in this upper air, that even now, before his time, he partook of the + nature of the Osiris, and was a thing to shake humanity with fear. + </p> + <p> + I stood and gazed, and as I stood he opened his dark eyes, but looked not + on me, nor turned his head; and yet he saw me and spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Why hast thou been disobedient to me, my son?” he said. “How came it that + thou wentest forth against the lion when I bade thee not?” + </p> + <p> + “How knowest thou, my father, that I went forth?” I asked in fear. + </p> + <p> + “How know I? Are there, then, no other ways of knowledge than by the + senses? Ah, ignorant child! was not my Spirit with thee when the lion + sprang upon thy companion? Did I not pray Those set about thee to protect + thee, to make sure thy thrust when thou didst drive the spear into the + lion’s throat! How came it that thou wentest forth, my son?” + </p> + <p> + “The boaster taunted me,” I answered, “and I went.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know it; and, because of the hot blood of youth, I forgive thee, + Harmachis. But now listen to me, and let my words sink into thy heart like + the waters of Sihor into the thirsty sand at the rising of Sirius.[*] + Listen to me. The boaster was sent to thee as a temptation, he was sent as + a trial of thy strength, and see! it has not been equal to the burden. + Therefore thy hour is put back. Hadst thou been strong in this matter, the + path had been made plain to thee even now. But thou hast failed, and + therefore thy hour is put back.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The dog-star, whose appearance marked the commencement + of the overflow of the Nile.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “I understand thee not, my father,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “What was it, then, my son, that the old wife, Atoua, said to thee down by + the bank of the canal?” + </p> + <p> + Then I told him all that the old wife had said. + </p> + <p> + “And thou believest, Harmachis, my son?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered; “how should I believe such tales? Surely she is mad. + All the people know her for mad.” + </p> + <p> + Now for the first time he looked towards me, who was standing in the + shadow. + </p> + <p> + “My son! my son!” he cried; “thou art wrong. She is not mad. The woman + spoke the truth; she spoke not of herself, but of the voice within her + that cannot lie. For this Atoua is a prophetess and holy. Now learn thou + the destiny that the Gods of Egypt have given to thee to fulfil, and woe + be unto thee if by any weakness thou dost fail therein! Listen: thou art + no stranger adopted into my house and the worship of the Temple; thou art + my very son, saved to me by this same woman. But, Harmachis, thou art more + than this, for in thee and me alone yet flows the Imperial blood of Egypt. + Thou and I alone of men alive are descended, without break or flaw, from + that Pharaoh Nekt-nebf whom Ochus the Persian drove from Egypt. The + Persian came and the Persian went, and after the Persian came the + Macedonian, and now for nigh upon three hundred years the Lagidæ have + usurped the double crown, defiling the land of Khem and corrupting the + worship of its Gods. And mark thou this: but now, two weeks since, Ptolemy + Neus Dionysus, Ptolemy Aulêtes the Piper, who would have slain thee, is + dead; and but now hath the Eunuch Pothinus, that very eunuch who came + hither, years ago, to cut thee off, set at naught the will of his master, + the dead Aulêtes, and placed the boy Ptolemy upon the throne. And + therefore his sister Cleopatra, that fierce and beautiful girl, has fled + into Syria; and there, if I err not, she will gather her armies and make + war upon her brother Ptolemy: for by her father’s will she was left + joint-sovereign with him. And, meanwhile, mark thou this, my son: the + Roman eagle hangs on high, waiting with ready talons till such time as he + may fall upon the fat wether Egypt and rend him. And mark again: the + people of Egypt are weary of the foreign yoke, they hate the memory of the + Persians, and they are sick at heart of being named ‘Men of Macedonia’ in + the markets of Alexandria. The whole land mutters and murmurs beneath the + yoke of the Greek and the shadow of the Roman. + </p> + <p> + “Have we not been oppressed? Have not our children been butchered and our + gains wrung from us to fill the bottomless greed and lust of the Lagidæ? + Have not the temples been forsaken?—ay, have not the majesties of + the Eternal Gods been set at naught by these Grecian babblers, who have + dared to meddle with the immortal truths, and name the Most High by + another name—by the name of Serapis—confounding the substance + of the Invisible? Does not Egypt cry aloud for freedom?—and shall + she cry in vain? Nay, nay, for thou, my son, art the appointed way of + deliverance. To thee, being sunk in eld, I have decreed my rights. Already + thy name is whispered in many a sanctuary, from Abu to Athu; already + priests and people swear allegiance, even by the sacred symbols, unto him + who shall be declared to them. Still, the time is not yet; thou art too + green a sapling to bear the weight of such a storm. But to-day thou wast + tried and found wanting. + </p> + <p> + “He who would serve the Gods, Harmachis, must put aside the failings of + the flesh. Taunts must not move him, nor any lusts of man. Thine is a high + mission, but this thou must learn. If thou learn it not, thou shalt fail + therein; and then, my curse be on thee! and the curse of Egypt, and the + curse of Egypt’s broken Gods! For know thou this, that even the Gods, who + are immortal, may, in the interwoven scheme of things, lean upon the man + who is their instrument, as a warrior on his sword. And woe be to the + sword that snaps in the hour of battle, for it shall be thrown aside to + rust or perchance be melted with fire! Therefore, make thy heart pure and + high and strong; for thine is no common lot, and thine no mortal meed. + Triumph, Harmachis, and in glory thou shalt go—in glory here and + hereafter! Fail, and woe—woe be on thee!” + </p> + <p> + He paused and bowed his head, and then went on: + </p> + <p> + “Of these matters thou shalt hear more hereafter. Meanwhile, thou hast + much to learn. To-morrow I will give thee letters, and thou shalt journey + down the Nile, past white-walled Memphis to Annu. There thou shalt sojourn + certain years, and learn more of our ancient wisdom beneath the shadow of + those secret pyramids of which thou, too, art the Hereditary High Priest + that is to be. And meanwhile, I will sit here and watch, for my hour is + not yet, and, by the help of the Gods, spin the web of Death wherein thou + shalt catch and hold the wasp of Macedonia. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, my son; come hither and kiss me on the brow, for thou art my + hope, and all the hope of Egypt. Be but true, soar to the eagle crest of + destiny, and thou shalt be glorious here and hereafter. Be false, fail, + and I will spit upon thee, and thou shalt be accursed, and thy soul shall + remain in bondage till that hour when, in the slow flight of time, the + evil shall once more grow to good and Egypt shall again be free.” + </p> + <p> + I drew near, trembling, and kissed him on the brow. “May all these things + come upon me, and more,” I said, “if I fail thee, my father!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay!” he cried, “not me, not me; but rather those whose will I do. And + now go, my son, and ponder in thy heart, and in thy secret heart digest my + words; mark what thou shalt see, and gather up the dew of wisdom, making + thee ready for the battle. Fear not for thyself, thou art protected from + all ill. No harm may touch thee from without; thyself alone can be thine + own enemy. I have said.” + </p> + <p> + Then I went forth with a full heart. The night was very still, and none + were stirring in the temple courts. I hurried through them, and reached + the entrance to the pylon that is at the outer gate. Then, seeking + solitude, and, as it were, to draw near to heaven, I climbed the pylon’s + two hundred steps, until at length I reached the massive roof. Here I + leaned my breast against the parapet, and looked forth. As I looked, the + red edge of the full moon floated up over the Arabian hills, and her rays + fell upon the pylon where I stood and the temple walls beyond, lighting + the visages of the carven Gods. Then the cold light struck the stretch of + well-tilled lands, now whitening to the harvest, and as the heavenly lamp + of Isis passed up to the sky, her rays crept slowly down to the valley, + where Sihor, father of the land of Khem, rolls on toward the sea. + </p> + <p> + Now the bright beams kissed the water that smiled an answer back, and now + mountain and valley, river, temple, town, and plain were flooded with + white light, for Mother Isis was arisen, and threw her gleaming robe + across the bosom of the earth. It was beautiful, with the beauty of a + dream, and solemn as the hour after death. Mightily, indeed, the temples + towered up against the face of night. Never had they seemed so grand to me + as in that hour—those eternal shrines, before whose walls Time + himself shall wither. And it was to be mine to rule this moonlit land; + mine to preserve those sacred shrines, and cherish the honour of their + Gods; mine to cast out the Ptolemy and free Egypt from the foreign yoke! + In my veins ran the blood of those great Kings who await the day of + Resurrection, sleeping in the tombs of the valley of Thebes. My spirit + swelled within me as I dreamed upon this glorious destiny, I closed my + hands, and there, upon the pylon, I prayed as I had never prayed before to + the Godhead, who is called by many names, and in many forms made manifest. + </p> + <p> + “O Amen,” I prayed, “God of Gods, who hast been from the beginning; Lord + of Truth, who art, and of whom all are, who givest out thy Godhead and + gatherest it up again; in the circle of whom the Divine ones move and are, + who wast from all time the Self-begot, and who shalt be till time—hearken + unto me.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] For a somewhat similar definition of the Godhead see the + funeral papyrus of Nesikhonsu, a Princess of the Twenty- + first Dynasty.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “O Amen—Osiris, the sacrifice by whom we are justified, Lord of the + Region of the Winds, Ruler of the Ages, Dweller in the West, the Supreme + in Amenti, hearken unto me. + </p> + <p> + “O Isis, great Mother Goddess, mother of the Horus—mysterious + Mother, Sister, Spouse, hearken unto me. If, indeed, I am the chosen of + the Gods to carry out the purpose of the Gods, let a sign be given me, + even now, to seal my life to the life above. Stretch out your arms towards + me, O ye Gods, and uncover the glory of your countenance. Hear! ah, hear + me!” And I cast myself upon my knees and lifted up my eyes to heaven. + </p> + <p> + And as I knelt, a cloud grew upon the face of the moon covering it up, so + that the night became dark, and the silence deepened all around—even + the dogs far below in the city ceased to howl, while the silence grew and + grew till it was heavy as death. I felt my spirit lifted up within me, and + my hair rose upon my head. Then of a sudden the mighty pylon seemed to + rock beneath my feet, a great wind beat about my brows and a voice spoke + within my heart: + </p> + <p> + “Behold a sign! Possess thyself in patience, O Harmachis!” + </p> + <p> + And as the voice spoke, a cold hand touched my hand, and left somewhat + within it. Then the cloud rolled from the face of the moon, the wind + passed, the pylon ceased to tremble, and the night was as the night had + been. + </p> + <p> + As the light came back, I gazed upon that which had been left within my + hand. It was a bud of the holy lotus new breaking into bloom, and from it + came a most sweet scent. + </p> + <p> + And while I gazed behold! the lotus passed from my grasp and was gone, + leaving me astonished. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + OF THE DEPARTURE OF HARMACHIS AND OF HIS MEETING WITH HIS UNCLE SEPA, THE + HIGH PRIEST OF ANNU EL RA; OF HIS LIFE AT ANNU, AND OF THE WORDS OF SEPA + </p> + <p> + At the dawning of the next day I was awakened by a priest of the temple, + who brought word to me to make ready for the journey of which my father + had spoken, inasmuch as there was an occasion for me to pass down the + river to Annu el Ra. Now this is the Heliopolis of the Greeks, whither I + should go in the company of some priests of Ptah at Memphis who had come + hither to Abouthis to lay the body of one of their great men in the tomb + that had been prepared near the resting place of the blessed Osiris. + </p> + <p> + So I made ready, and the same evening, having received letters and + embraced my father and those about the temple who were dear to me, I + passed down the banks of Sihor, and we sailed with the south wind. As the + pilot stood upon the prow and with a rod in his hand bade the sailor-men + loosen the stakes by which the vessel was moored to the banks, the old + wife, Atoua, hobbled up, her basket of simples in her hand, and, calling + out farewell, threw a sandal after me for good chance, which sandal I kept + for many years. + </p> + <p> + So we sailed, and for six days passed down the wonderful river, making + fast each night at some convenient spot. But when I lost sight of the + familiar things that I had seen day by day since I had eyes to see, and + found myself alone among strange faces, I felt very sore at heart, and + would have wept had I not been ashamed. And of all the wonderful things I + saw I will not write here, for, though they were new to me, have they not + been known to men since such time as the Gods ruled in Egypt? But the + priests who were with me showed me no little honour and expounded to me + what were the things I saw. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the seventh day we came to Memphis, the city of the + White Hall. Here, for three days I rested from my journey and was + entertained of the priests of the wonderful Temple of Ptah the Creator, + and shown the beauties of the great and marvellous city. Also I was led in + secret by the High Priest and two others into the holy presence of the God + Apis, the Ptah who deigns to dwell among men in the form of a bull. The + God was black, and on his forehead there was a white square, on his back + was a white mark shaped like an eagle, beneath his tongue was the likeness + of a scarabæus, in his tail were double hairs, and a plate of pure gold + hung between his horns. I entered the place of the God and worshipped, + while the High Priest and those with him stood aside, watching earnestly. + And when I had worshipped, saying the words which had been told me, the + God knelt, and lay down before me. Then the High Priest and those with + him, who, as I heard in after time, were great men of Upper Egypt, + approached wondering, and, saying no word, made obeisance to me because of + the omen. And many other things I saw in Memphis that are too long to + write of here. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth day some priests of Annu came to lead me to Sepa, my uncle, + the High Priest of Annu. So, having bidden farewell to those of Memphis, + we crossed the river and rode on asses two parts of a day’s journey + through many villages, which we found in great poverty because of the + oppression of the tax-gatherers. Also, as we went, I saw for the first + time the great pyramids that are beyond the image of the God Horemkhu, + that Sphinx whom the Greeks name Harmachis, and the Temples of the Divine + Mother Isis, Queen of the Memnonia, and the God Osiris, Lord of Rosatou, + of which temples, together with the Temple of the worship of the Divine + Menkau-ra, I, Harmachis, am by right Divine the Hereditary High Priest. I + saw them and marvelled at their greatness and the white carven limestone, + and red granite of Syene, that flashed the sun’s rays back to heaven. But + at this time I knew nothing of the treasure that was hid in <i>Her</i>, + which is the third among the pyramids—would I had never known of it! + </p> + <p> + And so at last we came within sight of Annu, which after Memphis has been + seen is no large town, but stands on raised ground, before which are lakes + fed by a canal. Behind the town is the inclosed field of the Temple of the + God Ra. + </p> + <p> + We dismounted at the pylon, and were met beneath the portico by a man not + great of stature, but of noble aspect, having his head shaven, and with + dark eyes that twinkled like the further stars. + </p> + <p> + “Hold!” he cried, in a great voice which fitted his weak body but ill. + “Hold! I am Sepa, who opens the mouth of the Gods!” + </p> + <p> + “And I,” I said, “am Harmachis, son of Amenemhat, Hereditary High Priest + and Ruler of the Holy City Abouthis; and I bear letters to thee, O Sepa!” + </p> + <p> + “Enter,” he said. “Enter!” scanning me all the while with his twinkling + eyes. “Enter, my son!” And he took me and led me to a chamber in the inner + hall, closed to the door, and then, having glanced at the letters that I + brought, of a sudden he fell upon my neck and embraced me. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome,” he cried, “welcome, son of my own sister, and hope of Khem! Not + in vain have I prayed the Gods that I might live to look upon thy face and + impart to thee the wisdom which perchance I alone have mastered of those + who are left alive in Egypt. There are few whom it is lawful that I should + teach. But thine is the great destiny, and thine shall be the ears to hear + the lessons of the Gods.” + </p> + <p> + And he embraced me once more and bade me go bathe and eat, saying that on + the morrow he would speak with me further. + </p> + <p> + This of a truth he did, and at such length that I will forbear to set down + all he said both then and afterwards, for if I did so there would be no + papyrus left in Egypt when the task was ended. Therefore, having much to + tell and but little time to tell it, I will pass over the events of the + years that followed. + </p> + <p> + For this was the manner of my life. I rose early, I attended the worship + of the Temple, and I gave my days to study. I learnt of the rites of + religion and their meaning, and of the beginning of the Gods and the + beginning of the Upper World. I learnt of the mystery of the movements of + the stars, and of how the earth rolls on among them. I was instructed in + that ancient knowledge which is called magic, and in the way of + interpretation of dreams, and of the drawing nigh to God. I was taught the + language of symbols and their outer and inner secrets. I became acquainted + with the eternal laws of Good and Evil, and with the mystery of that trust + which is held of man; also I learnt the secrets of the pyramids—which + I would that I had never known. Further, I read the records of the past, + and of the acts and words of the ancient kings who were before me since + the rule of Horus upon earth; and I was made to know all craft of state, + the lore of earth, and with it the history of Greece and Rome. Also I + learnt the Grecian and Roman tongues, of which indeed I already had some + knowledge—and all this while, for five long years, I kept my hands + clean and my heart pure, and did no evil in the sight of God or man; but + laboured heavily to acquire all things, and to prepare myself for the + destiny that awaited me. + </p> + <p> + Twice every year greetings and letters came from my father Amenemhat, and + twice every year I sent back my answers asking if the time had come to + cease from labour. And so the days of my probation sped away till I grew + faint and weary at heart, for being now a man, ay and learned, I longed to + make a beginning of the life of men. And often I wondered if this talk and + prophecy of the things that were to be was but a dream born of the brains + of men whose wish ran before their thought. I was, indeed, of the Royal + blood, that I knew: for my uncle, Sepa the Priest, showed me a secret + record of the descent, traced without break from father to son, and graven + in mystic symbols on a tablet of the stone of Syene. But of what avail was + it to be Royal by right when Egypt, my heritage, was a slave—a slave + to do the pleasure and minister to the luxury of the Macedonian Lagidæ—ay, + and when she had been so long a serf that, perchance, she had forgotten + how to put off the servile smile of Bondage and once more to look across + the world with Freedom’s happy eyes? + </p> + <p> + Then I bethought me of my prayer upon the pylon tower of Abouthis and of + the answer given to my prayer, and wondered if that, too, were a dream. + </p> + <p> + And one night, as, weary with study, I walked within the sacred grove that + is in the garden of the temple, and mused thus, I met my uncle Sepa, who + also was walking and thinking. + </p> + <p> + “Hold!” he cried in his great voice; “why is thy face so sad, Harmachis? + Has the last problem that we studied overwhelmed thee?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my uncle,” I answered, “I am overwhelmed indeed, but not of the + problem; it was a light one. My heart is heavy, for I am weary of life + within these cloisters, and the piled-up weight of knowledge crushes me. + It is of no avail to store up force which cannot be used.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, thou art impatient, Harmachis,” he answered; “it is ever the way of + foolish youth. Thou wouldst taste of the battle; thou dost tire of + watching the breakers fall upon the beach, thou wouldst plunge into them + and venture the desperate hazard of the war. And so thou wouldst be going, + Harmachis? The bird would fly the nest as, when they are grown, the + swallows fly from the eaves of the Temple. Well, it shall be as thou + desirest; the hour is at hand. I have taught thee all that I have learned, + and methinks that the pupil has outrun his master,” and he paused and + wiped his bright black eyes, for he was very sad at the thought of my + departure. + </p> + <p> + “And whither shall I go, my uncle?” I asked rejoicing; “back to Abouthis + to be initiated into the mysteries of the Gods?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, back to Abouthis, and from Abouthis to Alexandria, and from + Alexandria to the Throne of thy fathers, Harmachis! Listen, now; things + are thus: Thou knowest how Cleopatra, the Queen, fled into Syria when that + false eunuch Pothinus set the will of her father Aulêtes at naught and + raised her brother Ptolemy to the sole lordship of Egypt. Thou knowest + also how she came back, like a Queen indeed, with a great army in her + train, and lay at Pelusium, and how at this juncture the mighty Cæsar, + that great man, that greatest of all men, sailed with a weak company + hither to Alexandria from Pharsalia’s bloody field in hot pursuit of + Pompey. But he found Pompey already dead, having been basely murdered by + Achillas, the General, and Lucius Septimius, the chief of the Roman + legions in Egypt, and thou knowest how the Alexandrians were troubled at + his coming and would have slain his lictors. Then, as thou hast heard, + Cæsar seized Ptolemy, the young King, and his sister Arsinoë, and bade the + army of Cleopatra and the army of Ptolemy, under Achillas, which lay + facing each other at Pelusium, disband and go their ways. And for answer + Achillas marched on Cæsar, and besieged him straitly in the Bruchium at + Alexandria, and so, for a while, things were, and none knew who should + reign in Egypt. But then Cleopatra took up the dice, and threw them, and + this was the throw she made—in truth, it was a bold one. For, + leaving the army at Pelusium, she came at dusk to the harbour of + Alexandria, and alone with the Sicilian Apollodorus entered and landed. + Then Apollodorus bound her in a bale of rich rugs, such as are made in + Syria, and sent the rugs as a present to Cæsar. And when the rugs were + unbound in the palace, behold! within them was the fairest girl on all the + earth—ay, and the most witty and the most learned. And she seduced + the great Cæsar—even his weight of years did not avail to protect + him from her charms—so that, as a fruit of his folly, he wellnigh + lost his life, and all the glory he had gained in a hundred wars.” + </p> + <p> + “The fool!” I broke in—“the fool! Thou callest him great; but how + can the man be truly great who has no strength to stand against a woman’s + wiles? Cæsar, with the world hanging on his word! Cæsar, at whose breath + forty legions marched and changed the fate of peoples! Cæsar the cold! the + far-seeing! the hero!—Cæsar to fall like a ripe fruit into a false + girl’s lap! Why, in the issue, of what common clay was this Roman Cæsar, + and how poor a thing!” + </p> + <p> + But Sepa looked at me and shook his head. “Be not so rash, Harmachis, and + talk not with so proud a voice. Knowest thou not that in every suit of + mail there is a joint, and woe to him who wears the harness if the sword + should search it out! For Woman, in her weakness, is yet the strongest + force upon the earth. She is the helm of all things human; she comes in + many shapes and knocks at many doors; she is quick and patient, and her + passion is not ungovernable like that of man, but as a gentle steed that + she can guide e’en where she will, and as occasion offers can now bit up + and now give rein. She has a captain’s eye, and stout must be that + fortress of the heart in which she finds no place of vantage. Does thy + blood beat fast in youth? She will outrun it, nor will her kisses tire. + Art thou set toward ambition? She will unlock thy inner heart, and show + thee roads that lead to glory. Art thou worn and weary? She has comfort in + her breast. Art thou fallen? She can lift thee up, and to the illusion of + thy sense gild defeat with triumph. Ay, Harmachis, she can do these + things, for Nature ever fights upon her side; and while she does them she + can deceive and shape a secret end in which thou hast no part. And thus + Woman rules the world. For her are wars; for her men spend their strength + in gathering gains; for her they do well and ill, and seek for greatness, + to find oblivion. But still she sits like yonder Sphinx, and smiles; and + no man has ever read all the riddle of her smile, or known all the mystery + of her heart. Mock not! mock not! Harmachis; for he must be great indeed + who can defy the power of Woman, which, pressing round him like the + invisible air, is often strongest when the senses least discover it.” + </p> + <p> + I laughed aloud. “Thou speakest earnestly, my uncle Sepa,” I said; “one + might almost think that thou hadst not come unscathed through this fierce + fire of temptation. Well, for myself, I fear not woman and her wiles; I + know naught of them, and naught do I wish to know; and I still hold that + this Cæsar was a fool. Had I stood where Cæsar stood, to cool its + wantonness that bale of rugs should have been rolled down the palace + steps, into the harbour mud.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, cease! cease!” he cried aloud. “It is evil to speak thus; may the + Gods avert the omen and preserve to thee this cold strength of which thou + boastest. Oh! man, thou knowest not!—thou in thy strength and beauty + that is without compare, in the power of thy learning and the sweetness of + thy tongue—thou knowest not! The world where thou must mix is not a + sanctuary as that of the Divine Isis. But there—it may be so! Pray + that thy heart’s ice may never melt, so thou shalt be great and happy and + Egypt shall be delivered. And now let me take up my tale—thou seest, + Harmachis, even in so grave a story woman claims her place. The young + Ptolemy, Cleopatra’s brother, being loosed of Cæsar, treacherously turned + on him. Then Cæsar and Mithridates stormed the camp of Ptolemy, who took + to flight across the river. But his boat was sunk by the fugitives who + pressed upon it, and such was the miserable end of Ptolemy. + </p> + <p> + “Thereon, the war being ended, though she had but then borne him a son, + Cæsarion, Cæsar appointed the younger Ptolemy to rule with Cleopatra, and + be her husband in name, and he himself departed for Rome, bearing with him + the beautiful Princess Arsinoë to follow his triumph in her chains. But + the great Cæsar is no more. He died as he had lived, in blood, and right + royally. And but now Cleopatra, the Queen, if my tidings may be trusted, + has slain Ptolemy, her brother and husband, by poison, and taken the child + Cæsarion to be her fellow on the throne, which she holds by the help of + the Roman legions, and, as they say, of young Sextus Pompeius, who has + succeeded Cæsar in her love. But, Harmachis, the whole land boils and + seethes against her. In every city the children of Khem talk of the + deliverer who is to come—and thou art he, Harmachis. The time is + almost ripe. The hour is nigh at hand. Go thou back to Abouthis and learn + the last secrets of the Gods, and meet those who shall direct the bursting + of the storm. Then act, Harmachis—act, I say, and strike home for + Khem, rid the land of the Roman and the Greek, and take thy place upon the + throne of thy divine fathers and be a King of men. For to this end thou + wast born, O Prince!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + OF THE RETURN OF HARMACHIS TO ABOUTHIS; OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE + MYSTERIES; OF THE CHANT OF ISIS; AND OF THE WARNING OF AMENEMHAT + </p> + <p> + On the next day I embraced my uncle Sepa, and with an eager heart departed + from Annu back to Abouthis. To be short, I came thither in safety, having + been absent five years and a month, being now no more a boy but a man full + grown and having my mind well stocked with the knowledge of men and the + ancient wisdom of Egypt. So once again I saw the old lands, and the known + faces, though of these some few were wanting, having been gathered to + Osiris. Now, as, riding across the fields, I came nigh to the enclosure of + the Temple, the priests and people issued forth to bid me welcome, and + with them the old wife, Atoua, who, but for a few added wrinkles that Time + had cut upon her forehead, was just as she had been when she threw the + sandal after me five long years before. + </p> + <p> + “<i>La! la! la!</i>” she cried; “and there thou art, my bonny lad; more + bonny even than thou wert! <i>La!</i> what a man! what shoulders! and what + a face and form! Ah, it does an old woman credit to have dandled thee! But + thou art over-pale; those priests down there at Annu have starved thee, + surely? Starve not thyself: the Gods love not a skeleton. ‘Empty stomach + makes empty head’ as they say at Alexandria. But this is a glad hour; ay, + a joyous hour. Come in—come in!” and as I lighted down she embraced + me. + </p> + <p> + But I thrust her aside. “My father! where is my father?” I cried; “I see + him not!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, have no fear,” she answered; “his Holiness is well; he waits + thee in his chamber. There, pass on. O happy day! O happy Abouthis!” + </p> + <p> + So I went, or rather ran, and reached the chamber of which I have written, + and there at the table sat my father, Amenemhat, the same as he had been, + but very old. I came to him and, kneeling before him, kissed his hand, and + he blessed me. + </p> + <p> + “Look up, my son,” he said, “let my old eyes gaze upon thy face, that I + may read thy heart.” + </p> + <p> + So I lifted up my head, and he looked upon me long and earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “I read thee,” he said at length; “thou art pure and strong in wisdom; I + have not been deceived in thee. Oh, the years have been lonely; but I did + well to send thee hence. Now, tell me of thy life; for thy letters have + told me little, and thou canst not know, my son, how hungry is a father’s + heart.” + </p> + <p> + And so I told him; we sat far into the night and talked together. And in + the end he bade me know that I must now prepare to be initiated into those + last mysteries that are learned of the chosen of the Gods. + </p> + <p> + And so it came about that for a space of three months I prepared myself + according to the holy customs. I ate no meat. I was constant in the + sanctuaries, in the study of the secrets of the Great Sacrifice and of the + woe of the Holy Mother. I watched and prayed before the altars. I lifted + up my soul to God; ay, in dreams I communed with the Invisible, till at + length earth and earth’s desires seemed to pass from me. I longed no more + for the glory of this world, my heart hung above it as an eagle on his + outstretched wings, and the voice of the world’s blame could not stir it, + and the vision of its beauty brought no delight. For above me was the vast + vault of heaven, where in unalterable procession the stars pass on, + drawing after them the destinies of men; where the Holy Ones sit upon + their burning thrones, and watch the chariot-wheels of Fate as they roll + from sphere to sphere. O hours of holy contemplation! who, having once + tasted of your joy could wish again to grovel on the earth? O vile flesh + to drag us down! I would that thou hadst then altogether fallen from me, + and left my spirit free to seek Osiris! + </p> + <p> + The months of probation passed but too swiftly, and now the holy day drew + near when I was in truth to be united to the universal Mother. Never hath + Night so longed for the promise of the Dawn; never hath the heart of a + lover so passionately desired the sweet coming of his bride, as I longed + to see Thy glorious face, O Isis! Even now that I have been faithless to + Thee, and Thou art far from me, O Divine! my soul goes out to Thee, and + once more I know——But as it is bidden that I should draw the + veil, and speak of things which have not been told since the beginning of + this world, let me pass on and reverently set down the history of that + holy morn. + </p> + <p> + For seven days the great festival had been celebrated, the suffering of + the Lord Osiris had been commemorated, the grief of the Mother Isis had + been sung and glory had been done to the memory of the coming of the + Divine Child Horus, the Son, the Avenger, the God-begot. All these things + had been carried out according to the ancient rites. The boats had floated + on the sacred lake, the priests had scourged themselves before the + sanctuaries, and the images had been borne through the streets at night. + </p> + <p> + And now, as the sun sank on the seventh day, once more the great + procession gathered to chant the woes of Isis and tell how the evil was + avenged. We went in silence from the temple, and passed through the city + ways. First came those who clear the path, then my father Amenemhat in all + his priestly robes, and the wand of cedar in his hand. Then, clad in pure + linen, I, the neophyte, followed alone; and after me the white-robed + priests, holding aloft banners and emblems of the Gods. Next came those + who bear the sacred boat, and after them the singers and the mourners; + while, stretching as far as the eye could reach, all the people marched, + clad in melancholy black because Osiris was no more. We went in silence + through the city streets till at length we came to the wall of the temple + and passed in. And as my father, the High Priest, entered beneath the + gateway of the outer pylon, a sweet-voiced woman singer began to sing the + Holy Chant, and thus she sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sing we Osiris dead, + Lament the fallen head: + The light has left the world, the world is grey. + Athwart the starry skies + The web of Darkness flies, + And Isis weeps Osiris passed away. + Your tears, ye stars, ye fires, ye rivers, shed, + Weep, children of the Nile, weep for your Lord is dead!” + </pre> + <p> + She paused in her most sweet song, and the whole multitude took up the + melancholy dirge: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Softly we tread, our measured footsteps falling + Within the Sanctuary Sevenfold; + Soft on the Dead that liveth are we calling: + ‘Return, Osiris, from thy Kingdom cold! + Return to them that worship thee of old!’” + </pre> + <p> + The chorus ceased, and once again she sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Within the court divine + The Sevenfold sacred shrine + We pass, while echoes of the Temple walls + Repeat the long lament + The sound of sorrow sent + Far up within the imperishable halls, + Where, each in the other’s arms, the Sisters weep, + Isis and Nephthys, o’er His unawaking sleep.” + </pre> + <p> + And then again rolled forth the solemn chorus of a thousand voices: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Softly we tread, our measured footsteps falling + Within the Sanctuary Sevenfold; + Soft on the Dead that liveth are we calling: + ‘Return, Osiris, from thy Kingdom cold! + Return to them that worship thee of old!’” + It ceased, and sweetly she took up the song: + + “O dweller in the West, + Lover and Lordliest, + Thy love, thy Sister Isis, calls thee home! + Come from thy chamber dun + Thou Master of the Sun, + Thy shadowy chamber far below the foam! + With weary wings and spent + Through all the firmament, + Through all the horror-haunted ways of Hell, + I seek thee near and far, + From star to wandering star, + Free with the dead that in Amenti dwell. + I search the height, the deep, the lands, the skies, + Rise from the dead and live, our Lord Osiris, rise!” + + “Softly we tread, our measured footsteps falling + Within the Sanctuary Sevenfold; + Soft on the Dead that liveth are we calling: + ‘Return, Osiris, from thy Kingdom cold! + Return to them that worship thee of old!’” + </pre> + <p> + Now in a strain more high and glad the singer sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “He wakes—from forth the prison + We sing Osiris risen, + We sing the child that Nout conceived and bare. + Thine own love, Isis, waits + The Warden of the Gates, + She breathes the breath of Life on breast and hair, + And in her breast and breath + Behold! he waketh, + Behold! at length he riseth out of rest; + Touched with her holy hands, + The Lord of all the Lands, + He stirs, he rises from her breath, her breast! + But thou, fell Typhon, fly, + The judgment day drawn nigh, + Fleet on thy track as flame speeds Horus from the sky.” + + “Softly we tread, our measured footsteps falling + Within the Sanctuary Sevenfold; + Soft on the Dead that liveth are we calling: + ‘Return, Osiris, from thy Kingdom cold! + Return to them that worship thee of old!’” + </pre> + <p> + Once more, as we bowed before the Holy, she sang, and sent the full breath + of her glad music ringing up the everlasting walls till the silence + quivered with her round notes of melody, and the hearts of those who + hearkened stirred strangely in the breast. And thus, as we walked, she + sang the song of Osiris risen, the song of Hope, the song of Victory: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sing we the Trinity, + Sing we the Holy Three, + Sing we, and praise we and worship the Throne, + Throne that our Lord hath set— + There peace and truth are met + There in the Halls of the Holy alone! + There in the shadowings + Faint of the folded wings, + There shall we dwell and rejoice in our rest, + We that thy servants are! + Horus drive ill afar! + Far in the folds of the dark of the West!” + </pre> + <p> + Again, as her notes died away, thundered forth the chorus of all the + voices: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Softly we tread, our measured footsteps falling + Within the Sanctuary Sevenfold; + Soft on the Dead that liveth are we calling: + ‘Return, Osiris, from thy Kingdom cold! + Return to them that worship thee of old!’” + </pre> + <p> + The chanting ceased, and as the sun sank the High Priest raised the statue + of the living God and held it before the multitude that was now gathered + in the court of the temple. Then, with a mighty and joyful shout of: + </p> + <p> + “<i>Osiris our hope! Osiris! Osiris!</i>” + </p> + <p> + the people tore their black wrappings from their dress, revealing the + white robes they wore beneath, and, as one man, they bowed before the God, + and the feast was ended. + </p> + <p> + But for me the ceremony was only begun, for to-night was the night of my + initiation. Leaving the inner court I bathed myself, and, clad in pure + linen, passed, as it is ordained, into an inner, but not the inmost, + sanctuary, and laid the accustomed offerings on the altar. Then, lifting + my hands to heaven, I remained for many hours in contemplation, striving, + by holy thoughts and prayer, to gather up my strength against the mighty + moment of my trial. + </p> + <p> + The hours sped slowly in the silence of the temple, till at length the + door opened and my father Amenemhat, the High Priest, came in, clad in + white, and leading by the hand the Priest of Isis. For, having been + married, he did not himself enter into the mysteries of the Holy Mother. + </p> + <p> + I rose to my feet and stood humbly before them. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou ready?” said the priest, lifting the lamp he held so that its + light fell upon my face. “O thou chosen one, art thou ready to see the + glory of the Goddess face to face?” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Behold thee,” he said again, in solemn tones, “it is no small thing. If + thou wilt carry out this thy last desire, understand, royal Harmachis, + that now this very night thou must die for a while in the flesh, what time + thy soul shall look on spiritual things. And if thou diest and any evil + shall be found within thy heart, when thou comest at last into that awful + presence, woe unto thee, Harmachis, for the breath of life shall no more + enter in at the gateway of thy mouth, thy body shall utterly perish, and + what shall befall thy other parts, if I know, I may not say.[*] Art thou + prepared to be taken to the breast of Her who Was and Is and Shall Be, and + in all things to do Her holy will; for Her, while she shall so command, to + put away the thought of earthly woman; and to labour always for Her glory + till at the end thy life is gathered to Her eternal life?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] According to the Egyptian religion the being Man is + composed of four parts: the body, the double or astral shape + (<i>ka</i>), the soul (<i>bi</i>), and the spark of life sprung from + the Godhead (<i>khou</i>).—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “I am,” I answered; “lead on.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” said the priest. “Noble Amenemhat, we go hence alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, my son,” said my father; “be firm and triumph over things + spiritual as thou shalt triumph over things earthly. He who would truly + rule the world must first be lifted up above the world. He must be at one + with God, for thus only shall he learn the secrets of the Divine. But + beware! The Gods demand much of those who dare to enter the circle of + their Divinity. If they go back therefrom, they shall be judged of a + sharper law, and scourged with a heavier rod, for as their glory is, so + shall their shame be. Therefore, make thy heart strong, royal Harmachis! + And when thou speedest down the ways of Night and enterest the Holies, + remember that from him to whom great gifts have been given shall gifts be + required again. And now—if, indeed, thy mind be fixed—go + whither it is not as yet given me to follow thee. Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + For a moment as my heart weighed these heavy words, I wavered, as well as + I might. But I was filled with longing to be gathered to the company of + the Divine ones, and I knew that I had no evil in me, and desired to do + only the thing that is just. Therefore, having with so much labour drawn + the bowstring to my ear, I was fain to let fly the shaft. “Lead on,” I + cried with a loud voice; “lead on, thou holy Priest! I follow thee!” + </p> + <p> + And we went forth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <p> + OF THE INITIATION OF HARMACHIS; OF HIS VISIONS; OF HIS PASSING TO THE CITY + THAT IS IN THE PLACE OF DEATH; AND OF THE DECLARATIONS OF ISIS, THE + MESSENGER + </p> + <p> + In silence we passed into the Shrine of Isis. It was dark and bare—only + the feeble light from the lamp gleamed faintly upon the sculptured walls, + where, in a hundred effigies, the Holy Mother suckled the Holy Child. + </p> + <p> + The priest closed the doors and bolted them. “Once again,” he said, “art + thou ready, Harmachis?” + </p> + <p> + “Once again,” I answered, “I am ready.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke no more; but, having lifted up his hands in prayer, led me to the + centre of the Holy, and with a swift motion put out the lamp. + </p> + <p> + “Look before thee, Harmachis!” he cried; and his voice sounded hollow in + the solemn place. + </p> + <p> + I gazed and saw nothing. But from the niche that is high in the wall, + where is hid that sacred symbol of the Goddess on which few may look, + there came a sound as of the rattling rods of the sistrum.[*] And as I + listened, awestruck, behold! I saw the outline of the symbol drawn as with + fire upon the blackness of the air. It hung above my head, and rattled + while it hung. And, as it turned, I clearly saw the face of the Mother + Isis that is graven on the one side, and signifies unending Birth, and the + face of her holy sister, Nephthys, that is graven on the other, and + signifies the ending of all birth in Death. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] A musical instrument peculiarly sacred to Isis of which + the shape and rods had a mystic significance.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + Slowly it turned and swung as though some mystic dancer trod the air above + me, and shook it in her hand. But at length the light went out, and the + rattling ceased. + </p> + <p> + Then of a sudden the end of the chamber became luminous, and in that white + light I beheld picture after picture. I saw the ancient Nile rolling + through deserts to the sea. There were no men upon its banks, nor any + signs of man, nor any temples to the Gods. Only wild birds moved on + Sihor’s lonely face, and monstrous brutes plunged and wallowed in his + waters. The sun sank in majesty behind the Libyan Desert and stained the + waters red; the mountains towered up towards the silent sky; but in + mountain, desert, and river there was no sign of human life. Then I knew + that I saw the world as it had been before man was, and a terror of its + loneliness entered my soul. + </p> + <p> + The picture passed and another rose up in its place. Once again I saw the + banks of Sihor, and on them crowded wild-faced creatures, partaking of the + nature of the ape more than of the nature of mankind. They fought and slew + each other. The wild birds sprang up in affright as the fire leapt from + reed huts given by foemen’s hands to flame and pillage. They stole and + rent and murdered, dashing out the brains of children with axes of stone. + And, though no voice told me, I knew that I saw man as he was tens of + thousands of years ago, when first he marched across the earth. + </p> + <p> + Yet another picture. Again I beheld the banks of Sihor; but on them fair + cities bloomed like flowers. In and out their gates went men and women, + passing to and fro from wide, well-tilled lands. But I saw no guards or + armies, and no weapons of war. All was wisdom, prosperity, and peace. And + while I wondered, a glorious Figure, clad in raiment that shone as flame, + came from the gates of a shrine, and the sound of music went before and + followed after him. He mounted an ivory throne which was set in a + market-place facing the water: and as the sun sank called in all the + multitudes to prayer. With one voice they prayed, bending in adoration. + And I understood that herein was shown the reign of the Gods on earth, + which was long before the days of Menes. + </p> + <p> + A change came over the dream. Still the same fair city, but other men—men + with greed and evil on their faces—who hated the bonds of righteous + doing, and set their hearts on sin. The evening came; the glorious Figure + mounted the throne and called to prayer, but none bowed themselves in + adoration. + </p> + <p> + “We are aweary of thee!” they cried. “Make Evil King! Slay him! slay him! + and loose the bonds of Evil! Make Evil King!” + </p> + <p> + The glorious Shape rose up, gazing with mild eyes upon those wicked men. + </p> + <p> + “Ye know not what ye ask,” he cried; “but as ye will, so be it! For if I + die, by me, after much travail, shall ye once again find a path to the + Kingdom of Good!” + </p> + <p> + Even as he spoke, a Form, foul and hideous to behold, leapt upon him, + cursing, slew him, tore him limb from limb, and amidst the clamour of the + people sat himself upon the throne and ruled. But a Shape whose face was + veiled passed down from heaven on shadowy wings, and with lamentations + gathered up the rent fragments of the Being. A moment she bent herself + upon them, then lifted up her hands and wept. And as she wept, behold! + from her side there sprang a warrior armed and with a face like the face + of Ra at noon. He, the Avenger, hurled himself with a shout upon the + Monster who had usurped the throne, and they closed in battle, and, + struggling ever in a strait embrace, passed upward to the skies. + </p> + <p> + Then came picture after picture. I saw Powers and Peoples clad in various + robes and speaking many tongues. I saw them pass and pass in millions—loving, + hating, struggling, dying. Some few were happy and some had woe stamped + upon their faces; but most bore not the seal of happiness nor of woe, but + rather that of patience. And ever as they passed from age to age, high + above in the heavens the Avenger fought on with the Evil Thing, while the + scale of victory swung now here now there. But neither conquered, nor was + it given to me to know how the battle ended. + </p> + <p> + And I understood that what I had beheld was the holy vision of the + struggle between the Good and the Evil Powers. I saw that man was created + vile, but Those who are above took pity on him, and came down to him to + make him good and happy, for the two things are one thing. But man + returned to his wicked way, and then the bright Spirit of Good, who is of + us called Osiris, but who has many names, offered himself up for the + evil-doing of the race that had dethroned him. And from him and the Divine + Mother, of whom all nature is, sprang another spirit who is the Protector + of us on earth, as Osiris is our justifier in Amenti. + </p> + <p> + For this is the mystery of the Osiris. + </p> + <p> + Of a sudden, as I saw the visions, these things became clear to me. The + mummy cloths of symbol and of ceremony that wrap Osiris round fell from + him, and I understood the secret of religion, which is Sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + The pictures passed, and again the priest, my guide, spoke to me. + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou understood, Harmachis, those things which it has been granted + thee to see?” + </p> + <p> + “I have,” I said. “Are the rites ended?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, they are but begun. That which follows thou must endure alone! + Behold I leave thee, to return at the morning light. Once more I warn + thee. That which thou shalt see, few may look upon and live. In all my + days I have known but three who dared to face this dread hour, and of + those three at dawn but one was found alive. Myself, I have not trod this + path. It is too high for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Depart,” I said; “my soul is athirst for knowledge. I will dare it.” + </p> + <p> + He laid his hand upon my shoulder and blessed me. He went. I heard the + door shut to behind him, the echoes of his footsteps slowly died away. + </p> + <p> + Then I felt that I was alone, alone in the Holy Place with Things which + are not of the earth. Silence fell—silence deep and black as the + darkness which was around me. The silence fell, it gathered as the cloud + gathered on the face of the moon that night when, a lad, I prayed upon the + pylon towers. It gathered denser and yet more dense till it seemed to + creep into my heart and call aloud therein; for utter silence has a voice + that is more terrible than any cry. I spoke; the echoes of my words came + back upon me from the walls and seemed to beat me down. The stillness was + lighter to endure than an echo such as this. What was I about to see? + Should I die, even now, in the fulness of my youth and strength? Terrible + were the warnings that had been given to me. I was fear-stricken, and + bethought me that I would fly. Fly!—fly whither? The temple door was + barred; I could not fly. I was alone with the Godhead, alone with the + Power that I had invoked. Nay, my heart was pure—my heart was pure. + I would face the terror that was to come, ay, even though I died. + </p> + <p> + “Isis, Holy Mother,” I prayed. “Isis, Spouse of Heaven, come unto me, be + with me now; I faint! be with me now.” + </p> + <p> + And then I knew that things were not as things had been. The air around me + began to stir, it rustled as the wings of eagles rustle, it took life. + Bright eyes gazed upon me, strange whispers shook my soul. Upon the + darkness were bars of light. They changed and interchanged, they moved to + and fro and wove mystic symbols which I could not read. Swifter and + swifter flew that shuttle of the light: the symbols grouped, gathered, + faded, gathered yet again, faster and still more fast, till my eyes could + count them no more. Now I was afloat upon a sea of glory; it surged and + rolled, as the ocean rolls; it tossed me high, it brought me low. Glory + was piled on glory, splendour heaped on splendour’s head, and I rode above + it all! + </p> + <p> + Soon the lights began to pale in the rolling sea of air. Great shadows + shot across it, lines of darkness pierced it and rushed together on its + breast, till, at length, I was only a Shape of Flame set like a star on + the bosom of immeasurable night. Bursts of awful music gathered from far + away. Miles and miles away I heard them, thrilling faintly through the + gloom. On they came, nearer and more near, louder and more loud, till they + swept past, above, below, around me, swept on rushing pinions, terrifying + and enchanting me. They floated by, ever growing fainter, till they died + in space. Then others came, and no two were akin. Some rattled as ten + thousand sistra shaken all to tune. Some rank from the brazen throats of + unnumbered clarions. Some pealed with a loud, sweet chant of voices that + were more than human; and some rolled along in the slow thunder of a + million drums. They passed; their notes were lost in dying echoes; and the + silence once more pressed in upon me and overcame me. + </p> + <p> + The strength within me began to fail. I felt my life ebbing at its + springs. Death drew near to me and his shape was <i>Silence</i>. He + entered at my heart, entered with a sense of numbing cold, but my brain + was still alive, I could yet think. I knew that I was drawing near the + confines of the Dead. Nay, I was dying fast, and oh, the horror of it! I + strove to pray and could not; there was no more time for prayer. One + struggle and the stillness crept into my brain. The terror passed; an + unfathomable weight of sleep pressed me down. I was dying, I was dying, + and then—nothingness! + </p> + <p> + <i>I was dead!</i> + </p> + <p> + A change—life came back to me, but between the new life and the life + that had been was a gulf and difference. Once again I stood in the + darkness of the shrine, but it blinded me no more. It was clear as the + light of day, although it still was black. I stood; and yet it was not I + who stood, but rather my spiritual part, for at my feet lay my dead Self. + There it lay, rigid and still, a stamp of awful calm sealed upon its face, + while I gazed on it. + </p> + <p> + And as I gazed, filled with wonder, I was caught up on the Wings of Flame + and whirled away! away! faster than the lightnings flash. Down I fell, + through depths of empty space set here and there with glittering crowns of + stars. Down for ten million miles and ten times ten million, till at + length I hovered over a place of soft, unchanging light, wherein were + Temples, Palaces, and Abodes, such as no man ever saw in the visions of + his sleep. They were built of Flame, and they were built of Blackness. + Their spires pierced up and up; their great courts stretched around. Even + as I hovered they changed continually to the eye; what was Flame became + Blackness, what was Blackness became Flame. Here was the flash of crystal, + and there the blaze of gems shone even through the glory that rolls around + the city which is in the Place of Death. There were trees, and their voice + as they rustled was the voice of music; there was air, and, as it blew, + its breath was the sobbing notes of song. + </p> + <p> + Shapes, changing, mysterious, wonderful, rushed up to meet me, and bore me + down till I seemed to stand upon another earth. + </p> + <p> + “Who comes?” cried a great Voice. + </p> + <p> + “Harmachis,” answered the Shapes, that changed continually. “Harmachis who + hath been summoned from the earth to look upon the face of Her that Was + and Is and Shall Be. Harmachis, Child of Earth!” + </p> + <p> + “Throw back the Gates and open wide the Doors!” pealed the awful Voice. + “Throw back the Gates and open wide the Doors; seal up his lips in + silence, lest his voice jar upon the harmonies of Heaven, take away his + sight lest he see that which may not be seen, and let Harmachis, who hath + been summoned, pass down the path that leads to the place of the + Unchanging. Pass on, Child of Earth; but before thou goest, look up that + thou mayest learn how far thou art removed from Earth.” + </p> + <p> + I looked up. Beyond the glory that shone about the city was black night, + and high on its bosom twinkled one tiny star. + </p> + <p> + “Behold the world that thou hast left,” said the Voice, “behold and + tremble.” + </p> + <p> + Then my lips and eyes were sealed with silence and with darkness, so that + I was dumb and blind. The Gates rolled back, the Doors swung wide, and I + was swept into the city that is in the Place of Death. I was swept swiftly + I know not whither, till at length I stood upon my feet. Again the great + Voice pealed: + </p> + <p> + “Draw the veil of blackness from his eyes, unseal the silence on his lips, + that Harmachis, Child of Earth, may see, hear, and understand, and make + adoration at the Shrine of Her that Was and Is and Shall Be.” + </p> + <p> + And my lips and eyes were touched once more, so that my sight and speech + came back. + </p> + <p> + Behold! I stood within a hall of blackest marble, so lofty that even in + the rosy light scarce could my vision reach the great groins of the roof. + Music wailed about its spaces, and all adown its length stood winged + Spirits fashioned in living fire, and such was the brightness of their + forms that I could not look on them. In its centre was an altar, small and + square, and I stood before the empty altar. Then again the Voice cried: + </p> + <p> + “O Thou that hast been, art, and shalt be; Thou who, having many names, + art yet without a name; Measurer of Time; Messenger of God; Guardian of + the Worlds and the Races that dwell thereon; Universal Mother born of + Nothingness; Creatix uncreated; Living Splendour without Form, Living Form + without Substance; Servant of the Invisible; Child of Law; Holder of the + Scales and Sword of Fate; Vessel of Life, through whom all Life flows, to + whom it again is gathered; Recorder of Things Done; Executrix of Decrees—<i>Hear!</i> + </p> + <p> + “Harmachis the Egyptian, who by Thy will hath been summoned from the + earth, waits before Thine Altar, with ears unstopped, with eyes unsealed, + and with an open heart. Hear and descend! Descend, O Many-shaped! Descend + in Flame! Descend in Sound! Descend in Spirit! Hear and descend!” + </p> + <p> + The Voice ceased and there was silence. Then through the silence came a + sound like the booming of the sea. It passed and presently, moved thereto + by I know not what, I raised my eyes from my hands with which I had + covered them, and saw a small dark cloud hanging over the Altar in and out + of which a fiery Serpent climbed. + </p> + <p> + Then all the Spirits clad in light fell upon the marble floor, and with a + loud voice adored; but what they said I could not understand. Behold! the + dark cloud came down and rested on the Altar, the Serpent of fire + stretched itself towards me, touched me on the forehead with its forky + tongue and was gone. From within the cloud a Voice sweet and low and clear + spoke in heavenly accents: + </p> + <p> + “Depart, ye Ministers, leave Me with my son whom I have summoned.” + </p> + <p> + Then like arrows rushing from a bow the flame-clad Spirits leapt from the + ground and sped away. + </p> + <p> + “O Harmachis,” said the Voice, “be not afraid, I am She whom thou dost + know as Isis of the Egyptians; but what else I am strive not thou to + learn, it is beyond thy strength. For I am all things, Life is my spirit, + and Nature is my raiment. I am the laughter of the babe, I am the maiden’s + love, I am the mother’s kiss. I am the Child and Servant of the Invisible + that is God, that is Law, that is Fate—though myself I be not God + and Fate and Law. When winds blow and oceans roar upon the face of the + Earth thou hearest my voice; when thou gazest on the starry firmament thou + seest my countenance; when the spring blooms out in flowers, that is my + smile, Harmachis. For I am Nature’s self, and all her shapes are shapes of + Me. I breathe in all that breathes. I wax and wane in the changeful moon: + I grow and gather in the tides: I rise with the suns: I flash with the + lightning and thunder in the storms. Nothing is too great for the measure + of my majesty, nothing is so small that I cannot find a home therein. I am + in thee and thou art in Me, O Harmachis. That which bade thee be bade Me + also be. Therefore, though I am great and thou art little, have no fear. + For we are bound together by the common bond of life—that life which + flows through suns and stars and spaces, through Spirits and the souls of + men, welding all Nature to a whole that, changing ever, is yet eternally + the same.” + </p> + <p> + I bowed my head—I could not speak, for I was afraid. + </p> + <p> + “Faithfully hast thou served Me, O my son,” went on the low sweet Voice; + “greatly thou hast longed to be brought face to face with Me here in + Amenti; and greatly hast thou dared to accomplish thy desire. For it is no + small thing to cast off the tabernacle of the Flesh and before the + appointed time, if only for an hour, put on the raiment of the Spirit. And + greatly, O my servant and my son, have I, too, desired to look on thee + there where I am. For the Gods love those who love them, but with a wider + and deeper love, and under One who is as far from Me as I am from thee, + mortal, I am a God of Gods. Therefore I have caused thee to be brought + hither, Harmachis; and therefore I speak to thee, my son, and bid thee + commune with Me now face to face, as thou didst commune that night upon + the temple towers of Abouthis. For I was there with thee, Harmachis, as I + was in ten thousand other worlds. It was I, O Harmachis, who laid the + lotus in thy hand, giving thee the sign which thou didst seek. For thou + art of the kingly blood of my children who served Me from age to age. And + if thou dost not fail thou shalt sit upon that kingly throne and restore + my ancient worship in its purity, and sweep my temples from their + defilements. But if thou dost fail, then shall the eternal Spirit Isis + become but a memory in Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + The Voice paused; and, gathering up my strength, at length I spoke aloud: + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, O Holy,” I said, “shall I then fail?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask Me not,” answered the Voice, “that which it is not lawful that I + should answer thee. Perchance I can read that which shall befall thee, + perchance it doth not please Me so to read. What can it profit the Divine, + that hath all time wherein to await the issues, to be eager to look upon + the blossom that is not blown, but which, lying a seed in the bosom of the + earth, shall blow in its season? Know, Harmachis, that I do not shape the + Future; the Future is to thee and not to Me; for it is born of Law and of + the rule ordained of the Invisible. Yet thou art free to act therein, and + thou shalt win or thou shalt fail according to thy strength and the + measure of thy heart’s purity. Thine be the burden, Harmachis, as thine in + the event shall be the glory or the shame. Little do I reck of the issue, + I who am but the Minister of what is written. Now hear me: I will always + be with thee, my son, for my love once given can never be taken away, + though by sin it may seem lost to thee. Remember then this: if thou dost + triumph, thy guerdon shall be great; if thou dost fail, heavy indeed shall + be thy punishment both in the flesh and in the land that thou callest + Amenti. Yet this for thy comfort: shame and agony shall not be eternal. + For however deep the fall from righteousness, if but repentance holds the + heart, there is a path—a stony and a cruel path—whereby the + height may be climbed again. Let it not be thy lot to follow it, + Harmachis! + </p> + <p> + “And now, because thou hast loved Me, my son, and, wandering through the + maze of fable, wherein men lose themselves upon the earth, mistaking the + substance for the Spirit, and the Altar for the God, hast yet grasped a + clue of Truth the Many-faced; and because I love thee and look on to the + day that, perchance, shall come when thou shalt dwell blessed in my light + and in the doing of my tasks: because of this, I say, it shall be given to + thee, O Harmachis, to hear the Word whereby I may be summoned from the + Uttermost, by one who hath communed with Me, and to look upon the face of + Isis—even into the eyes of the Messenger, and not die the death. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Behold!</i>” + </p> + <p> + The sweet Voice ceased; the dark cloud upon the altar changed and changed—it + grew white, it shone, and seemed at length to take the shrouded shape of a + woman. Then the golden Snake crept from its heart once more, and, like a + living diadem, twined itself about the cloudy brows. + </p> + <p> + Now suddenly a Voice called aloud the awful Word, then the vapours burst + and melted, and with my eyes I saw that Glory, at the very thought of + which my spirit faints. But what I saw it is not lawful to utter. For, + though I have been bidden to write what I have written of this matter, + perchance that a record may remain, thereon I have been warned—ay, + even now, after these many years. I saw, and what I saw cannot be + imagined; for there are Glories and there are Shapes which are beyond the + reach of man’s imagination. I saw—then, with the echo of that Word, + and the memory of that sight stamped for ever on my heart, my spirit + failed me, and I sank down before the Glory. + </p> + <p> + And, as I fell, it seemed that the great hall burst open and crumbled into + flakes of fire round me. Then a great wind blew: there was a sound as the + sound of Worlds rushing down the flood of Time—and I knew no more! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + OF THE AWAKING OF HARMACHIS; OF THE CEREMONY OF HIS CROWNING AS PHARAOH OF + THE UPPER AND THE LOWER LAND; AND OF THE OFFERINGS MADE TO PHARAOH + </p> + <p> + Once again I woke—to find myself stretched at length upon the stone + flooring of the Holy Place of Isis that is at Abouthis. By me stood the + old Priest of the Mysteries, and in his hand was a lamp. He bent over me, + and gazed earnestly upon my face. + </p> + <p> + “It is day—the day of thy new birth, and thou hast lived to see it, + Harmachis!” he said at length. “I give thanks. Arise, royal Harmachis—nay, + tell me naught of that which has befallen thee. Arise, beloved of the Holy + Mother. Come forth, thou who hast passed the fire and learned what lies + behind the darkness—come forth, O newly-born!” + </p> + <p> + I rose and, walking faintly, went with him, and, passing out of the + darkness of the Shrines filled with thought and wonder, came once more + into the pure light of the morning. And then I went to my own chamber and + slept; nor did any dreams come to trouble me. But no man—not even my + father—asked me aught of what I saw upon that dread night, or after + what fashion I had communed with the Goddess. + </p> + <p> + After these things which have been written, I applied myself for a space + to the worship of the Mother Isis, and to the further study of the outward + forms of those mysteries to which I now held the key. Moreover, I was + instructed in matters politic, for many great men of our following came + secretly to see me from all quarters of Egypt, and told me much of the + hatred of the people towards Cleopatra, the Queen, and of other things. At + last the hour drew nigh; it was three months and ten days from the night + when, for a while, I left the flesh, and yet living with our life, was + gathered to the breast of Isis, on which it was agreed that with due and + customary rites, although in utter secrecy, I should be called to the + throne of the Upper and the Lower Land. So it came about that, as the + solemn time drew nigh, great men of the party of Egypt gathered to the + number of thirty-seven from every nome, and each great city of their nome, + meeting together at Abouthis. They came in every guise—some as + priests, some as pilgrims to the Shrine, and some as beggars. Among them + was my uncle, Sepa, who, though he clad himself as a travelling doctor, + had much ado to keep his loud voice from betraying him. Indeed, I myself + knew him by it, meeting him as I walked in thought upon the banks of the + canal, although it was then dusk and the great cape, which, after the + fashion of such doctors, he had thrown about his head, half hid his face. + </p> + <p> + “A pest on thee!” he cried, when I greeted him by his name. “Cannot a man + cease to be himself for a single hour? Didst thou but know the pains that + it has cost me to learn to play this part—and now thou readest who I + am even in the dark!” + </p> + <p> + And then, still talking in his loud voice, he told me how he had travelled + hither on foot, the better to escape the spies who ply to and fro upon the + river. But he said he should return by the water, or take another guise; + for since he had come as a doctor he had been forced to play a doctor’s + part, knowing but little of the arts of medicine; and, as he greatly + feared, there were many between Annu and Abouthis who had suffered from + it.[*] And he laughed loudly and embraced me, forgetting his part. For he + was too whole at heart to be an actor and other than himself, and would + have entered Abouthis with me holding my hand, had I not chid him for his + folly. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] In Ancient Egypt an unskilful or negligent physician was + liable to very heavy penalties.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + At length all were gathered. + </p> + <p> + It was night, and the gates of the temple were shut. None were left within + them, except the thirty-seven; my father, the High Priest Amenemhat; that + aged priest who had led me to the Shrine of Isis; the old wife, Atoua, + who, according to ancient custom, was to prepare me for the anointing; and + some five other priests, sworn to secrecy by that oath which none may + break. They gathered in the second hall of the great temple; but I + remained alone, clad in my white robe, in the passage where are the names + of six-and-seventy ancient Kings, who were before the day of the divine + Sethi. There I rested in darkness, till at length my father, Amenemhat, + came, bearing a lamp, and, bowing low before me, led me by the hand forth + into the great hall. Here and there, between its mighty pillars, lights + were burning that dimly showed the sculptured images upon the walls, and + dimly fell upon the long line of the seven-and-thirty Lords, Priests, and + Princes, who, seated upon carven chairs, awaited my coming in silence. + Before them, facing away from the seven Sanctuaries, a throne was set, + around which stood the priests holding the sacred images and banners. As I + came into the dim and holy place, the Dignitaries rose, and bowed before + me, speaking no word; while my father led me to the steps of the throne, + and in a low voice bade me stand before it. + </p> + <p> + Then he spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Lords, Priests, and Princes of the ancient orders of the land of Khem—Nobles + from the Upper and the Lower Country, have gathered in answer to my + summons, hear me: I present to you, with such scant formality as the + occasion can afford, the Prince Harmachis, by right and true descent of + blood the descendant and heir of the ancient Pharaohs of our most unhappy + land. He is priest of the inmost circle of the Mysteries of the Divine + Isis, Master of the Mysteries—Hereditary Priest of the Pyramids, + which are by Memphis, Instructed in the Solemn Rites of the Holy Osiris. + Is there any among you who has aught to urge against the true line of his + blood?” + </p> + <p> + He paused, and my uncle Sepa, rising from his chair, spoke: “We have made + examination of the records and there is none, O Amenemhat. He is of the + Royal blood, his descent is true.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any among you,” went on my father, “who can deny that this royal + Harmachis, by sanction of the very Gods, has been gathered to Isis, been + shown the way of the Osiris, been admitted to be the Hereditary High + Priest of the Pyramids which are by Memphis, and of the Temples of the + Pyramids?” + </p> + <p> + Then that old priest rose who had been my guide in the Sanctuary of the + Mother and made answer: “There is none; O Amenemhat; I know these things + of my own knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + Once more my father spoke: “Is there any among you who has aught to urge + against this royal Harmachis, in that by wickedness of heart or life, by + uncleanliness or falsity, it is not fit or meet that we should crown him + Lord of all the Lands?” + </p> + <p> + Then an aged Prince of Memphis arose and made answer: + </p> + <p> + “We have inquired of these matters: there is none, O Amenemhat.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” said my father; “then naught is wanting in the Prince + Harmachis, seed of Nekt-nebf, the Osirian. Let the woman Atoua stand forth + and tell this company those things that came to pass when, at the hour of + her death, she who was my wife prophesied over this Prince, being filled + with the Spirit of the Hathors.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon old Atoua crept forward from the shadow of the columns, and + earnestly told those things that have been written. + </p> + <p> + “Ye have heard,” said my father: “do you believe that the woman who was my + wife spake with the Divine voice?” + </p> + <p> + “We do,” they answered. + </p> + <p> + Now my uncle Sepa rose and spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Royal Harmachis, thou hast heard. Know now that we are gathered here to + crown thee King of the Upper and the Lower Lands—thy holy father, + Amenemhat, renouncing all his right on thy behalf. We are met, not, + indeed, in that pomp and ceremony which is due to the occasion—for + what we do must be done in secret, lest our lives, and the cause that is + more dear to us than life, should pay the forfeit—but yet with such + dignity and observance of the ancient rites as our circumstance may + command. Learn, now, how this matter hangs, and if, after learning, thy + mind consents thereto, then mount thy throne, O Pharaoh—and swear + the oath! + </p> + <p> + “Long has Khemi groaned beneath the mailed heel of the Greek, and trembled + at the shadow of the Roman’s spear; long has the ancient worship of its + Gods been desecrated, and its people crushed with oppression. But we + believe that the hour of deliverance is at hand, and with the solemn voice + of Egypt and by the ancient Gods of Egypt, to whose cause thou art of all + men bound, we call upon thee, Prince, to be the sword of our deliverance. + Hearken! Twenty thousand good and leal men are sworn to wait upon thy + word, and at thy signal to rise as one, to put the Grecian to the sword, + and with their blood and substance to build thee a throne set more surely + on the soil of Khem than are its ancient pyramids—such a throne as + shall even roll the Roman legions back. And for the signal, it shall be + the death of that bold harlot, Cleopatra. Thou must compass her death, + Harmachis, in such fashion as shall be shown to thee, and with her blood + anoint the Royal throne of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “Canst thou refuse, O our Hope? Doth not the holy love of country swell + within thy heart? Canst thou dash the cup of Freedom from thy lips and + bear to drink the bitter draught of slaves? The emprise is great; maybe it + shall fail, and thou with thy life, as we with ours, shalt pay the price + of our endeavour. But what of it, Harmachis? Is life, then, so sweet? Are + we so softly cushioned on the stony bed of earth? Is bitterness and sorrow + in its sum so small and scant a thing? Do we here breathe so divine an air + that we should fear to face the passage of our breath? What have we here + but hope and memory? What see we here but shadows? Shall we then fear to + pass pure-handed where Fulfilment is and memory is lost in its own source, + and shadows die in the light which cast them? O Harmachis, that man alone + is truly blest who crowns his life with Fame’s most splendid wreath. For, + since to all the Brood of Earth Death hands his poppy-flowers, he indeed + is happy to whom there is occasion given to weave them in a crown of + glory. And how can a man die better than in a great endeavour to strike + the gyves from his Country’s limbs so that she again may stand in the face + of Heaven and raise the shrill shout of Freedom, and, clad once more in a + panoply of strength, trample under foot the fetters of her servitude, + defying the tyrant nations of the earth to set their seal upon her brow? + </p> + <p> + “Khem calls thee, Harmachis. Come then, thou Deliverer; leap like Horus + from the firmament, break her chains, scatter her foes, and rule a Pharaoh + on Pharaoh’s Throne——” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, enough!” I cried, while the long murmur of applause swept about + the columns and up the massy walls. “Enough; is there any need to adjure + me thus? Had I a hundred lives, would I not most gladly lay them down for + Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + “Well said, well said!” answered Sepa. “Now go forth with the woman + yonder, that she may make thy hands clean before they touch the sacred + emblems, and anoint thy brow before it is encircled of the diadem.” + </p> + <p> + And so I went into a chamber apart with the old wife, Atoua. There, + muttering prayers, she poured pure water over my hands into a ewer of + gold, and having dipped a fine cloth into oil wiped my brow with it. + </p> + <p> + “O happy Egypt!” she said; “O happy Prince, that art come to rule in + Egypt! O Royal youth!—too Royal to be a priest—so shall many a + fair woman think; but, perchance, for thee they will relax the priestly + rule, else how shall the race of Pharaoh be carried on? O happy I, who + dandled thee and gave my flesh and blood to save thee! O royal and + beautiful Harmachis, born for splendour, happiness, and love!” + </p> + <p> + “Cease, cease,” I said, for her talk jarred upon me; “call me not happy + till thou knowest my end, and speak not to me of love, for with love comes + sorrow, and mine is another and a higher way.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, so thou sayest—and joy, too, that comes with love! Never + talk lightly of love, my King, for it brought thee here! <i>La! la!</i> + but it is always the way—‘The goose on the wing laughs at + crocodiles,’ so goes their saying down at Alexandria; ‘but when the goose + is asleep on the water, it is the crocodiles that laugh.’ Not but what + women are pretty crocodiles. Men worship the crocodiles at Anthribis—Crocodilopolis + they call it now, don’t they?—but they worship women all the world + over! <i>La!</i> how my tongue runs on, and thou about to be crowned + Pharaoh! Did I not prophesy it to thee? Well, thou art clean, Lord of the + Double Crown. Go forth!” + </p> + <p> + So I went from the chamber with the old wife’s foolish talk ringing in my + ears, though of a truth her folly had ever a grain of wit in it. + </p> + <p> + As I came, the Dignitaries rose once more and bowed before me. Then my + father, without delay, drew near me, and placed in my hands a golden image + of the divine Ma, the Goddess of Truth, and golden images of the arks of + the God Amen-Ra, of the divine Mout, and the divine Khons, and spoke + solemnly: + </p> + <p> + “Thou swearest by the living majesty of Ma, by the majesty of Amen-Ra, of + Mout, and of Khons?” + </p> + <p> + “I swear,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Thou swearest by the holy land of Khem, by Sihor’s flood, by the Temples + of the Gods and the eternal Pyramids?” + </p> + <p> + “I swear.” + </p> + <p> + “Remembering thy hideous doom if thou shouldst fail therein, thou swearest + that thou wilt in all things govern Egypt according to its ancient laws, + that thou wilt preserve the worship of its Gods, that thou wilt do equal + justice, that thou wilt not oppress, that thou wilt not betray, that thou + wilt make no alliance with the Roman or the Greek, that thou wilt cast out + the foreign Idols, that thou wilt devote thy life to the liberty of the + land of Khem?” + </p> + <p> + “I swear.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well. Mount, then, the throne, that in the presence of these thy + subjects, I may name thee Pharaoh.” + </p> + <p> + I mounted upon the throne, of which the footstool is a Sphinx, and the + canopy the overshadowing wings of Ma. Then Amenemhat drew nigh once again + and placed the Pshent upon my brow, and on my head the Double Crown, and + the Royal Robe about my shoulders, and in my hands the Sceptre and the + Scourge. + </p> + <p> + “Royal Harmachis,” he cried, “by these outward signs and tokens, I, the + High Priest of the Temple of Ra-Men-Ma at Abouthis, crown thee Pharaoh of + the Upper and Lower Land. Reign and prosper, O Hope of Khemi!” + </p> + <p> + “Reign and prosper, Pharaoh!” echoed the Dignitaries, bowing down before + me. + </p> + <p> + Then, one by one, they swore allegiance, till all had sworn. And, having + sworn, my father took me by the hand; he led me in solemn procession into + each of the seven Sanctuaries that are in this Temple of Ra-Men-Ma, and in + each I made offerings, swung incense, and officiated as priest. Clad in + the Royal robes I made offerings in the Shrine of Horus, in the Shrine of + Isis, in the Shrine of Osiris, in the Shrine of Amen-Ra, in the Shrine of + Horemku, in the Shrine of Ptah, till at length I reached the Shrine of the + King’s Chamber. + </p> + <p> + Here they made their offering to me, as the Divine Pharaoh, and left me + very weary—but a King. + </p> + <p> + [Here the first and smallest of the papyrus rolls comes to an end.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II—THE FALL OF HARMACHIS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + OF THE FAREWELL OF AMENEMHAT TO HARMACHIS; OF THE COMING OF HARMACHIS TO + ALEXANDRIA; OF THE EXHORTATION OF SEPA; OF THE PASSING OF CLEOPATRA ROBED + AS ISIS; AND OF THE OVERTHROW OF THE GLADIATOR BY HARMACHIS + </p> + <p> + Now the long days of preparation had passed, and the time was at hand. I + was initiated, and I was crowned; so that although the common folk knew me + not, or knew me only as Priest of Isis, there were in Egypt thousands who + at heart bowed down to me as Pharaoh. The hour was at hand, and my soul + went forth to meet it. For I longed to overthrow the foreigner, to set + Egypt free, to mount the throne that was my heritage, and cleanse the + temples of my Gods. I was fain for the struggle, and I never doubted of + its end. I looked into the mirror, and saw triumph written on my brows. + The future stretched a path of glory from my feet—ay, glittering + with glory like Sihor in the sun. I communed with my Mother Isis; I sat + within my chamber and took counsel with my heart; I planned new temples; I + revolved great laws that I would put forth for my people’s weal; and in my + ears rang the shouts of exultation which should greet victorious Pharaoh + on his throne. + </p> + <p> + But still I tarried a little while at Abouthis, and, having been commanded + to do so, let my hair, that had been shorn, grow again long and black as + the raven’s wing, instructing myself meanwhile in all manly exercises and + feats of arms. Also, for a purpose which shall be seen, I perfected myself + in the magic art of the Egyptians, and in the reading of the stars, in + which things, indeed, I already have great skill. + </p> + <p> + Now, this was the plan that had been built up. My uncle Sepa had, for a + while, left the Temple of Annu, giving out that his health had failed him. + Thence he had moved down to a house in Alexandria, to gather strength, as + he said, from the breath of the sea, and also to learn for himself the + wonders of the great Museum and the glory of Cleopatra’s Court. There it + was planned that I should join him, for there, at Alexandria, the egg of + the plot was hatching. Accordingly, when at last the summons came, all + things being prepared, I made ready for the journey, and passed into my + father’s chamber to receive his blessing before I went. There sat the old + man, as once before he sat when he had rebuked me because I went out to + slay the lion, his long white beard resting on the table of stone and + sacred writings in his hand. When I came in he rose from his seat and + would have knelt before me, crying “Hail, Pharaoh!” but I caught him by + the hand. + </p> + <p> + “It is not meet, my father,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “It is meet,” he answered, “it is meet that I should bow before my King; + but be it as thou wilt. And so thou goest, Harmachis; my blessings go with + thee, O my son! And may Those whom I serve grant to me that my old eyes + may, indeed, behold thee on the throne! I have searched long, striving, + Harmachis, to read the future that shall be; but I can learn naught by all + my wisdom. It is hid from me, and at times my heart fails. But hear this, + there is danger in thy path, and it comes in the form of Woman. I have + known it long, and therefore thou hast been called to the worship of the + heavenly Isis, who bids her votaries put away the thought of woman till + such time as she shall think well to slacken the rule. Oh, my son, I would + that thou wert not so strong and fair—stronger and fairer, indeed, + than any man in Egypt, as a King should be—for in that strength and + beauty may lie a cause of stumbling. Beware, then, of those witches of + Alexandria, lest, like a worm, some one of them creep into my heart and + eat its secret out.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear, my father,” I answered, frowning, “my thought is set on + other things than red lips and smiling eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “It is good,” he answered; “so may it befall. And now farewell. When next + we meet, may it be in that happy hour when, with all the priests of the + Upper Land, I move down from Abouthis to do my homage to Pharaoh on his + throne.” + </p> + <p> + So I embraced him, and went. Alas! I little thought how we should meet + again. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came about that once more I passed down the Nile travelling as a + man of no estate. And to such as were curious about me it was given out + that I was the adopted son of the High Priest of Abouthis, having been + brought up to the priesthood, and that I had at the last refused the + service of the Gods, and chosen to go to Alexandria, to seek my fortune. + For, be it remembered, I was still held to be the grandson of the old + wife, Atoua, by all those who did not know the truth. + </p> + <p> + On the tenth night, sailing with the wind, we reached the mighty city of + Alexandria, the city of a thousand lights. Above them all towered the + white Pharos, that wonder of the world, from the crown of which a light + like the light of the sun blazed out across the waters of the harbour to + guide mariners on their way across the sea. The vessel having been + cautiously made fast to the quay, for it was night, I disembarked and + stood wondering at the vast mass of houses, and confused by the clamour of + many tongues. For here all peoples seemed to be gathered together, each + speaking after the fashion of his own land. And as I stood a young man + came and touched me on the shoulder, asking me if I was from Abouthis and + named Harmachis. I said “Yea.” Then, bending over me, he whispered the + secret pass-word into my ear, and, beckoning to two slaves, bade them + bring my baggage from the ship. This they did, fighting their way through + the crowd of porters who were clamouring for hire. Then I followed him + down the quay, which was bordered with drinking-places, where all sorts of + men were gathered, tippling wine and watching the dancing of women, some + of whom were but scantily arrayed, and some not arrayed at all. + </p> + <p> + And so we went through the lamp-lit houses till at last we reached the + shore of the great harbour, and turned to the right along a wide way paved + with granite and bordered by strong houses, having cloisters in front of + them, the like of which I had never seen. Turning once more to the right + we came to a quieter portion of the city, where, except for parties of + strolling revellers, the streets were still. Presently my guide halted at + a house built of white stone. We passed in, and, crossing a small + courtyard, entered a chamber where there was a light. And here, at last, I + found my uncle Sepa, most glad to see me safe. + </p> + <p> + When I had washed and eaten, he told me that all things went well, and + that as yet there was no thought of evil at the Court. Further, he said, + it having come to the ears of the Queen that the Priest of Annu was + sojourning at Alexandria, she sent for him and closely questioned him—not + as to any plot, for of that she never thought, but as to the rumour which + had reached her, that there was treasure hid in the Great Pyramid which is + by Annu. For, being ever wasteful, she was ever in want of money, and had + bethought her of opening the Pyramid. But he laughed at her, telling her + the Pyramid was the burying-place of the divine Khufu, and that he knew + nothing of its secrets. Then she was angered, and swore that so surely as + she ruled in Egypt she would tear it down, stone by stone, and discover + the secret at its heart. Again he laughed, and, in the words of the + proverb which they have at Alexandria, told her that “Mountains live + longer than Kings.” Thereon she smiled at his ready answer, and let him + go. Also my uncle Sepa told me that on the morrow I should see this + Cleopatra. For it was her birthday (as, indeed, it was also mine), and, + dressed in the robes of the Holy Isis, she would pass in state from her + palace on the Lochias to the Serapeum to offer a sacrifice at the Shrine + of the false God who sits in the Temple. And he said that thereafter the + fashion by which I should gain entrance to the household of the Queen + should be contrived. + </p> + <p> + Then, being very weary, I went to rest, but could sleep little for the + strangeness of the place, the noises in the streets, and the thought of + the morrow. While it was yet dark, I rose, climbed the stair to the roof + of the house, and waited. Presently, the sun’s rays shot out like arrows, + and lit upon the white wonder of the marble Pharos, whose light instantly + sank and died, as though, indeed, the sun had killed it. Now the rays fell + upon the palaces of the Lochias where Cleopatra lay, and lit them up till + they flamed like a jewel set on the dark, cool bosom of the sea. Away the + light flew, kissing the Soma’s sacred dome, beneath which Alexander + sleeps, touching the high tops of a thousand palaces and temples; past the + porticoes of the great museum that loomed near at hand, striking the lofty + Shrine, where, carved of ivory, is the image of the false God Serapis, and + at last seeming to lose itself in the vast and gloomy Necropolis. Then, as + the dawn gathered into day, the flood of brightness, overbrimming the bowl + of night, flowed into the lower lands and streets, and showed Alexandria + red in the sunrise as the mantle of a king, and shaped as a mantle. The + Etesian wind came up from the north, and swept away the vapour from the + harbours, so that I saw their blue waters rocking a thousand ships. I saw, + too, that mighty mole the Heptastadium; I saw the hundreds of streets, the + countless houses, the innumerable wealth and splendour of Alexandria set + like a queen between lake Mareotis and the ocean, and dominating both, and + I was filled with wonder. This, then, was one city in my heritage of lands + and cities! Well, it was worth the grasping. And having looked my full and + fed my heart, as it were, with the sight of splendour, I communed with the + Holy Isis and came down from the roof. + </p> + <p> + In the chamber beneath was my uncle Sepa. I told him that I had been + watching the sun rise over the city of Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + “So!” he said, looking at me from beneath his shaggy eyebrows; “and what + thinkest thou of Alexandria?” + </p> + <p> + “I think it is like some city of the Gods,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” he replied fiercely, “a city of the infernal Gods—a sink of + corruption, a bubbling well of iniquity, a home of false faith springing + from false hearts. I would that not one stone of it was left upon another + stone, and that its wealth lay deep beneath yonder waters! I would that + the gulls were screaming across its site, and that the wind, untainted by + a Grecian breath, swept through its ruins from the ocean to Mareotis! O + royal Harmachis, let not the luxury and beauty of Alexandria poison thy + sense; for in their deadly air, Faith perishes, and Religion cannot spread + her heavenly wings. When the hour comes for thee to rule, Harmachis, cast + down this accursed city and, as thy fathers did, set up thy throne in the + white walls of Memphis. For I tell thee that, for Egypt, Alexandria is but + a splendid gate of ruin, and, while it endures, all nations of the earth + shall march through it, to the plunder of the land, and all false Faiths + shall nestle in it and breed the overthrow of Egypt’s Gods.” + </p> + <p> + I made no answer, for there was truth in his words. And yet to me the city + seemed very fair to look on. After we had eaten, my uncle told me it was + now time to set out to view the march of Cleopatra, as she went in triumph + to the Shrine of Serapis. For although she would not pass till within two + hours of the midday, yet these people of Alexandria have so great a love + of shows and idling that had we not presently set forth, by no means could + we have come through the press of the multitudes who were already + gathering along the highways where the Queen must ride. So we went out to + take our places upon a stand, built of timber, that had been set up at the + side of the great road which pierces through the city, to the Canopic + Gate. For my uncle had already purchased a right to enter there, and that + dearly. + </p> + <p> + We won our way with much struggle through the great crowds that were + already gathered in the streets till we reached the scaffolding of timber, + which was roofed in with an awning and gaily hung with scarlet cloths. + Here we seated ourselves upon a bench and waited for some hours, watching + the multitude press past shouting, singing, and talking loudly in many + tongues. At length soldiers came to clear the road, clad, after the Roman + fashion, in breast-plates of chain-armour. After them marched heralds + enjoining silence (at which the population sung and shouted all the more + loudly), and crying that Cleopatra, the Queen, was coming. Then followed a + thousand Cilician skirmishers, a thousand Thracians, a thousand + Macedonians, and a thousand Gauls, each armed after the fashion of their + country. Then passed five hundred men of those who are called the Fenced + Horsemen, for both men and horses were altogether covered with mail. Next + came youths and maidens sumptuously draped and wearing golden crowns, and + with them images symbolising Day and Night, Morning and Noon, the Heavens + and the Earth. After these walked many fair women, pouring perfumes on the + road, and others scattering blooming flowers. Now there rose a great shout + of “Cleopatra! Cleopatra!” and I held my breath and bent forward to see + her who dared to put on the robes of Isis. + </p> + <p> + But at that moment the multitude so gathered and thickened in front of + where I was that I could no longer clearly see. So in my eagerness I leapt + over the barrier of the scaffolding, and, being very strong, pushed my way + through the crowd till I reached the foremost rank. And as I did so, + Nubian slaves armed with thick staves and crowned with ivy-leaves ran up, + striking the people. One man I noted more especially, for he was a giant, + and, being strong, was insolent beyond measure, smiting the people without + cause, as, indeed, is the wont of low persons set in authority. For a + woman stood near to me, an Egyptian by her face, bearing a child in her + arms, whom the man, seeing that she was weak, struck on the head with his + rod so that she fell prone, and the people murmured. But at the sight my + blood rushed of a sudden through my veins and drowned my reason. I held in + my hand a staff of olive-wood from Cyprus, and as the black brute laughed + at the sight of the stricken woman and her babe rolling on the ground, I + swung the staff aloft and smote. So shrewdly did I strike, that the tough + rod split upon the giant’s shoulders and the blood spurted forth, staining + his trailing leaves of ivy. + </p> + <p> + Then, with a shriek of pain and fury—for those who smite love not + that they be smitten—he turned and sprang at me! And all the people + round gave back, save only the woman who could not rise, leaving us two in + a ring as it were. On he came with a rush, and, as he came, being now mad, + I smote him with my clenched fist between the eyes, having nothing else + with which to smite, and he staggered like an ox beneath the first blow of + the priest’s axe. Then the people shouted, for they love to see a fight, + and the man was known to them as a gladiator victorious in the games. + Gathering up his strength, the knave came on with an oath, and, whirling + his heavy staff on high, struck me in such a fashion that, had I not + avoided the blow by nimbleness, I had surely been slain. But, as it + chanced, the staff hit upon the ground, and so heavily that it flew in + fragments. Thereon the multitude shouted again, and the great man, blind + with fury, rushed at me to smite me down. But with a cry I sprang straight + at his throat—for he was so heavy a man that I knew I could not hope + to throw him by strength—ay, and gripped it. There I clung, though + his fists battered me like bludgeons, driving my thumbs into his throat. + Round and round we turned, till at length he flung himself to the earth, + trusting thus to shake me off. But I held on fast as we rolled over and + over on the ground, till at last he grew faint for want of breath. Then I, + being uppermost, drove my knee down upon his chest, and, as I believe, + should thus have slain him in my rage had not my uncle, and others there + gathered, fallen upon me and dragged me from him. + </p> + <p> + And meanwhile, though I know it not, the chariot in which the Queen sat, + with elephants going before and lions led after it, had reached the spot, + and had been halted because of the tumult. I looked up, and thus torn, + panting, my white garments stained with the blood that had rushed from the + mouth and nostrils of the mighty Nubian, I for the first time saw + Cleopatra face to face. Her chariot was all of gold, and drawn by + milk-white steeds. She sat in it with two fair girls, clad in Greek + attire, standing one on either side, fanning her with glittering fans. On + her head was the covering of Isis, the golden horns between which rested + the moon’s round disk and the emblem of Osiris’ throne, with the uræus + twined around. Beneath this covering was the vulture cap of gold, the blue + enamelled wings and the vulture head with gemmy eyes, under which her long + dark tresses flowed towards her feet. About her rounded neck was a broad + collar of gold studded with emeralds and coral. Round her arms and wrists + were bracelets of gold studded with emeralds and coral, and in one hand + she held the holy cross of Life fashioned of crystal, and in the other the + golden rod of royalty. Her breast was bare, but under it was a garment + that glistened like the scaly covering of a snake, everywhere sewn with + gems. Beneath this robe was a skirt of golden cloth, half hidden by a + scarf of the broidered silk of Cos, falling in folds to the sandals that, + fastened with great pearls, adorned her white and tiny feet. + </p> + <p> + All this I discerned at a glance, as it were. Then I looked upon the face—that + face which seduced Cæsar, ruined Egypt, and was doomed to give Octavian + the sceptre of the world. I looked upon the flawless Grecian features, the + rounded chin, the full, rich lips, the chiselled nostrils, and the ears + fashioned like delicate shells. I saw the forehead, low, broad, and + lovely, the crisped, dark hair falling in heavy waves that sparkled in the + sun, the arched eyebrows, and the long, bent lashes. There before me was + the grandeur of her Imperial shape. There burnt the wonderful eyes, hued + like the Cyprian violet—eyes that seemed to sleep and brood on + secret things as night broods upon the desert, and yet as the night to + shift, change, and be illumined by gleams of sudden splendour born within + their starry depths. All those wonders I saw, though I have small skill in + telling them. But even then I knew that it was not in these charms alone + that the might of Cleopatra’s beauty lay. It was rather in a glory and a + radiance cast through the fleshly covering from the fierce soul within. + For she was a Thing of Flame like unto which no woman has ever been or + ever will be. Even when she brooded, the fire of her quick heart shone + through her. But when she woke, and the lightning leapt suddenly from her + eyes, and the passion-laden music of her speech chimed upon her lips, ah! + then, who can tell how Cleopatra seemed? For in her met all the splendours + that have been given to woman for her glory, and all the genius which man + has won from heaven. And with them dwelt every evil of that greater sort, + which fearing nothing, and making a mock of laws, has taken empires for + its place of play, and, smiling, watered the growth of its desires with + the rich blood of men. In her breast they gathered, together fashioning + that Cleopatra whom no man may draw, and yet whom no man, having seen, + ever can forget. They fashioned her grand as the Spirit of Storm, lovely + as Lightning, cruel as Pestilence, yet with a heart; and what she did is + known. Woe to the world when such another comes to curse it! + </p> + <p> + For a moment I met Cleopatra’s eyes as she idly bent herself to find the + tumult’s cause. At first they were sombre and dark, as though they saw + indeed, but the brain read nothing. Then they awoke, and their very colour + seemed to change as the colour of the sea changes when the water is + shaken. First, there was anger written in them; next an idle noting; then, + when she looked upon the huge bulk of the man whom I had overcome, and + knew him for the gladiator, something, perchance, that was not far from + wonder. At the least they softened, though, indeed, her face changed no + whit. But he who would read Cleopatra’s mind had need to watch her eyes, + for her countenance varied but a little. Turning, she said some word to + her guards. They came forward and led me to her, while all the multitude + waited silently to see me slain. + </p> + <p> + I stood before her, my arms folded on my breast. Overcome though I was by + the wonder of her loveliness I hated her in my heart, this woman who dared + to clothe herself in the dress of Isis, this usurper who sat upon my + throne, this wanton squandering the wealth of Egypt in chariots and + perfumes. When she had looked me over from head to the feet, she spake in + a low full voice and in the tongue of Khemi which she alone had learned of + all the Lagidæ: + </p> + <p> + “And who and what art thou, Egyptian—for Egyptian I see thou art—who + darest to smite my slave when I make progress through my city?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Harmachis,” I answered boldly. “Harmachis, the astrologer, adopted + son of the High Priest and Governor of Abouthis, who am come hither to + seek my fortune. I smote thy slave, O Queen, because for no fault he + struck down the woman yonder. Ask of those who saw, royal Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “Harmachis,” she said, “the name has a high sound—and thou hast a + high look;” and then, speaking to a soldier who had seen all, she bade him + tell her what had come to pass. This he did truthfully, being friendly + disposed towards me because I had overcome the Nubian. Thereon she turned + and spoke to the girl bearing the fan who stood beside her—a woman + with curling hair and shy dark eyes, very beautiful to see. The girl + answered somewhat. Then Cleopatra bade them bring the slave to her. So + they led forward the giant, who had found his breath again, and with him + the woman whom he had smitten down. + </p> + <p> + “Thou dog!” she said, in the same low voice; “thou coward! who, being + strong, didst smite down this woman, and, being a coward, wast overthrown + of this young man. See, thou, I will teach thee manners. Henceforth, when + thou smitest women it shall be with thy left arm. Ho, guards, seize this + black slave and strike off his right hand.” + </p> + <p> + Her command given, she sank back in her golden chariot, and again the + cloud gathered in her eyes. But the guards seized the giant, and, + notwithstanding his cries and prayers for mercy, struck off his hand with + a sword upon the wood of the scaffolding and he was carried away groaning. + Then the procession moved on again. As it went the fair woman with the fan + turned her head, caught my eye, and smiled and nodded as though she + rejoiced, at which I wondered somewhat. + </p> + <p> + The people cheered also and made jests, saying that I should soon practice + astrology in the palace. But, as soon as we might, I and my uncle escaped, + and made our way back to the house. All the while he rated me for my + rashness; but when we came to the chamber of the house he embraced me and + rejoiced greatly, because I had overthrown the giant with so little hurt + to myself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + OF THE COMING OF CHARMION; AND OF THE WRATH OF SEPA + </h3> + <p> + That same night, while we sat at supper in the house, there came a knock + upon the door. It was opened, and a woman passed in wrapped from head to + foot in a large dark peplos or cloak in such fashion that her face could + not be clearly seen. + </p> + <p> + My uncle rose, and as he did so the woman uttered the secret word. + </p> + <p> + “I am come, my father,” she said in a sweet clear voice, “though of a + truth it was not easy to escape the revels at the palace yonder. But I + told the Queen that the sun and the riot in the streets had made me sick, + and she let me go.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” he answered. “Unveil thyself; here thou art safe.” + </p> + <p> + With a little sigh of weariness she unclasped the peplos and let it slip + from her, giving to my sight the face and form of that beauteous girl who + had stood to fan Cleopatra in the chariot. For she was very fair and + pleasant to look upon, and her Grecian robes clung sweetly about her + supple limbs and budding form. Her wayward hair, flowing in a hundred + little curls, was bound in with a golden fillet, and on her feet were + sandals fastened with studs of gold. Her cheeks blushed like a flower, and + her dark soft eyes were downcast, as though with modesty, but smiles and + dimples trembled about her lips. + </p> + <p> + My uncle frowned when his eyes fell upon her dress. + </p> + <p> + “Why comest thou in this garb, Charmion?” he asked sternly. “Is not the + dress of thy mothers good enough for thee? This is no time or place for + woman’s vanities. Thou art not here to conquer, but to obey.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, be not wroth, my father,” she answered softly; “perchance thou + knowest not that she whom I serve will have none of our Egyptian dress; it + is out of fashion. To wear it would have been to court suspicion—also + I came in haste.” And as she spoke I saw that all the while she watched me + covertly through the long lashes which fringed her modest eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” he said sharply, fixing his keen glance upon her face, + “doubtless thou speakest truth, Charmion. Be ever mindful of thy oath, + girl, and of the cause to which thou art sworn. Be not light-minded, and I + charge thee forget the beauty with which thou hast been cursed. For mark + thou this, Charmion: fail us but one jot, and vengeance shall fall on thee—the + vengeance of man and the vengeance of the Gods! To this service,” he + continued, lashing himself to anger as he went on till his great voice + rang in the narrow room, “thou hast been bred; to this end thou hast been + instructed and placed where thou art to gain the ear of that wicked wanton + whom thou seemest to serve. See thou forget it not; see that the luxury of + yonder Court does not corrupt thy purity and divert thy aim, Charmion,” + and his eyes flashed and his small form seemed to grow till it attained to + dignity—nay, almost to grandeur. + </p> + <p> + “Charmion,” he went on, advancing towards her with outstretched finger, “I + say that at times I do not trust thee. But two nights gone I dreamed I saw + thee standing in the desert. I saw thee laugh and lift thy hand to heaven, + and from it fell a rain of blood; then the sky sank down on the land of + Khem and covered it. Whence came the dream, girl, and what is its meaning? + I have naught against thee as yet; but hearken! On the moment that I have, + though thou art of my kin, and I have loved thee—on that moment, I + say, I will doom those delicate limbs, which thou lovest so much to show, + to the kite and the jackal, and the soul within thee to all the tortures + of the Gods! Unburied shalt thou lie, and bodiless and accursed shalt thou + wander in Amenti!—ay, for ever and ever!” + </p> + <p> + He paused, for his sudden burst of passion had spent itself. But by it, + more clearly than before, I saw how deep a heart this man had beneath the + cloak of his merriness and simplicity of mien, and how fiercely the mind + within him was set upon his aim. As for the girl, she shrank from him + terrified, and, placing her hands before her sweet face, began to weep. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, speak not so, my father,” she said, between her sobs; “for what have + I done? I know nothing of the evil wandering of thy dreams. I am no + soothsayer that I should read dreams. Have I not carried out all things + according to thy desire? Have I not been ever mindful of that dread oath?”—and + she trembled. “Have I not played the spy and told thee all? Have I not won + the heart of the Queen, so that she loves me as a sister, refusing me + nothing—ay, and the hearts of those about her? Why dost thou + affright me thus with thy words and threats?” and she wept afresh, looking + even more beautiful in her sorrow than she was before. + </p> + <p> + “Enough, enough,” he answered; “what I have said, I have said. Be warned, + and affront our sight no more with this wanton dress. Thinkest thou that + we would feed our eyes upon those rounded arms—we whose stake is + Egypt and who are dedicated to the Gods of Egypt? Girl, behold thy cousin + and thy King!” + </p> + <p> + She ceased weeping, wiping her eyes with her chiton, and I saw that they + seemed but the softer for her tears. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, most royal Harmachis, and beloved Cousin,” she said, as she + bent before me, “that we are already made acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, Cousin,” I answered, not without shamefacedness, for I had never + before spoken to so fair a maid; “thou wert in the chariot with Cleopatra + this day when I struggled with the Nubian?” + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly,” she said, with a smile and a sudden lighting of the eyes, “it + was a gallant fight and gallantly didst thou overthrow that black brute. I + saw the fray and, though I knew thee not, I greatly feared for one so + brave. But I paid him for my fright, for it was I who put it into the mind + of Cleopatra to bid the guards strike off his hand—now, knowing who + thou art, I would I had said his head.” And she looked up shooting a + glance at me and then smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Enough,” put in my uncle Sepa, “the time draws on. Tell thou thy mission, + Charmion, and be gone.” + </p> + <p> + Then her manner changed; she folded her hands meekly before her and spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Let Pharaoh hearken to his handmaiden. I am the daughter of Pharaoh’s + uncle, the brother of his father, who is now long dead, and therefore in + my veins also flows the Royal blood of Egypt. Also I am of the ancient + Faith, and hate these Greeks, and to see thee set upon the throne has been + my dearest hope now for many years. To this end I, Charmion, have put + aside my rank and become serving-woman to Cleopatra, that I might cut a + notch in which thou couldst set thy foot when the hour came for thee to + climb the throne. And, Pharaoh, the notch is cut. + </p> + <p> + “This then is our plot, royal Cousin. Thou must gain an entrance to the + Household and learn its ways and secrets, and, so far as may be, suborn + the eunuchs and captains, some of whom I have already tempted. This done, + and all things being prepared without, thou must slay Cleopatra, and, + aided by me with those whom I control, in the confusion that shall ensue, + throw wide the gates, and, admitting those of our party who are in + waiting, put such of the troops as remain faithful to the sword and seize + the Bruchium. Which being finished, within two days thou shalt hold this + fickle Alexandria. At the same time those who are sworn to thee in every + city of Egypt shall rise in arms, and in ten days from the death of + Cleopatra thou shalt indeed be Pharaoh. This is the counsel which has been + taken, and thou seest, royal Cousin, that, though our uncle yonder thinks + so ill of me, I have learned my part—ay, and played it.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear thee, Cousin,” I answered, marvelling that so young a woman—she + had but twenty years—could weave so bold a plot, for in its origin + the scheme was hers. But in those days I little knew Charmion. “Go on; how + then shall I gain entrance to the palace of Cleopatra?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Cousin, as things are it is easy. Thus: Cleopatra loves to look upon + a man, and—give me pardon—thy face and form are fair. To-day + she noted them, and twice she said she would she had asked where that + astrologer might be found, for she held that an astrologer who could + wellnigh slay a Nubian gladiator with his bare hands, must indeed be a + master of the fortunate stars. I answered her that I would cause inquiry + to be made. So hearken, royal Harmachis. At midday Cleopatra sleeps in her + inner hall which looks over the gardens to the harbour. At that hour + to-morrow, then, I will meet thee at the gates of the palace, whither thou + shalt come boldly asking for the Lady Charmion. I will make appointment + for thee with Cleopatra, so that she shall see thee alone when she wakes, + and the rest shall be for thee, Harmachis. For much she loves to play with + the mysteries of magic, and I have known her stand whole nights watching + the stars and making a pretence to read them. And but lately she has sent + away Dioscorides the physician, because, poor fool! he ventured on a + prophecy from the conjunction of the stars, that Cassius would defeat Mark + Antony. Thereon Cleopatra sent orders to the General Allienus, bidding him + add the legions she had sent to Syria to help Antony to the army of + Cassius, whose victory, forsooth, was—according to Dioscorides—written + on the stars. But, as it chanced, Antony beat Cassius first and Brutus + afterwards, and so Dioscorides has departed, and now he lectures on herbs + in the museum for his bread, and hates the name of stars. But his place is + empty, and thou shalt fill it, and then we will work in secret and in the + shadow of the sceptre. Ay, we will work like the worm at the heart of a + fruit, till the time of plucking comes, and at thy dagger’s touch, royal + Cousin, the fabric of this Grecian throne crumbles to nothingness, and the + worm that rotted it bursts his servile covering, and, in the sight of + empires, spreads his royal wings o’er Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + I gazed at this strange girl once more astonished, and saw that her face + was lit up with such a light as I had never seen in the eyes of woman. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” broke in my uncle, who was watching her, “ah, I love to see thee so, + girl; there is the Charmion that I knew and I bred up—not the Court + girl whom I like not, draped in silks of Cos and fragrant with essences. + Let thy heart harden in this mould—ay, stamp it with the fervid zeal + of patriot faith, and thy reward shall find thee. And now cover up that + shameless dress of thine and leave us, for it grows late. To-morrow + Harmachis shall come, as thou hast said, and so farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Charmion bowed her head, and, turning, wrapped her dark-hued peplos round + her. Then, taking my hand, she touched it with her lips and went without + any further word. + </p> + <p> + “A strange woman!” said Sepa, when she had gone; “a most strange woman, + and an uncertain!” + </p> + <p> + “Methought, my uncle,” I said, “that thou wast somewhat harsh with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” he answered, “but not without a cause. Look thou, Harmachis; beware + of this Charmion. She is too wayward, and, I fear me, may be led away. In + truth, she is a very woman; and, like a restive horse, will take the path + that pleases her. She has brain and fire, and she loves our cause; but I + pray that the cause come not face to face with her desires, for what her + heart is set on that will she do, at any cost she will do it. Therefore I + frightened her now while I may: for who can know but that she will pass + beyond my power? I tell thee, that in this one girl’s hand lie all our + lives: and if she play us false, what then? Alas! and alas! that we must + use such tools as these! But it was needful: there was no other way; and + yet I misdoubted me. I pray that it may be well; still, at times, I fear + my niece Charmion—she is too fair, and the blood of youth runs too + warm in those blue veins of hers. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, woe to the cause that builds its strength upon a woman’s faith; for + women are faithful only where they love, and when they love their + faithlessness becomes their faith. They are not fixed as men are fixed: + they rise more high and sink more low—they are strong and changeful + as the sea. Harmachis, beware of this Charmion: for, like the ocean, she + may float thee home; or, like the ocean, she may wreck thee, and, with + thee, the hope of Egypt!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + OF THE COMING OF HARMACHIS TO THE PALACE; OF HOW HE DREW PAULUS THROUGH + THE GATES; OF CLEOPATRA SLEEPING; AND OF THE MAGIC OF HARMACHIS WHICH HE + SHOWED HER + </p> + <p> + Thus it came to pass that on the next day I arrayed myself in a long and + flowing robe, after the fashion of a magician or astrologer. I placed a + cap on my head, about which were broidered images of the stars, and in my + belt a scribe’s palette and a roll of papyrus written over with magic + spells and signs. In my hand I held a wand of ebony, tipped with ivory, + such as is used by priests and masters of magic. Among these, indeed, I + took high rank, filling my knowledge of their secrets which I had learned + at Annu what I lacked in that skill which comes from use. And so with no + small shame, for I love not such play and hold this common magic in + contempt, I set forth through the Bruchium to the palace on the Lochias, + being guided on my way by my uncle Sepa. At length, passing up the avenue + of sphinxes, we came to the great marble gateway and the gates of bronze, + within which is the guard-house. Here my uncle left me, breathing many + prayers for my safety and success. But I advanced with an easy air to the + gate, where I was roughly challenged by the Gallic sentries, and asked of + my name, following, and business. I gave my name, Harmachis, the + astrologer, saying that my business was with the Lady Charmion, the + Queen’s lady. Thereon the man made as though to let me pass in, when a + captain of the guard, a Roman named Paulus, came forward and forbade it. + Now, this Paulus was a large limbed man, with a woman’s face, and a hand + that shook from wine-bibbing. Still he knew me again. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” he cried, in the Latin tongue, to one who came with him, “this is + the fellow who wrestled yesterday with the Nubian gladiator, that same who + now howls for his lost hand underneath my window. Curses on the black + brute! I had a bet upon him for the games! I have backed him against + Caius, and now he’ll never fight again, and I must lose my money, all + through this astrologer. What is it thou sayest?—thou hast business + with the Lady Charmion? Nay, then, that settles it. I will not let thee + through. Fellow, I worship the Lady Charmion—ay, we all worship her, + though she gives us more slaps than sighs. And dost thou think that we + will suffer an astrologer with such eyes and such a chest as thine to cut + in the game?—by Bacchus, no! She must come out to keep the tryst, + for in thou shalt not go.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” I said humbly and yet with dignity, “I pray that a message may be + sent to the Lady Charmion, for my business will not brook delay.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye Gods!” answered the fool, “whom have we here that he cannot wait? A + Cæsar in disguise? Nay, be off—be off! if thou wouldst not learn how + a spear-prick feels behind.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” put in the other officer, “he is an astrologer; make him prophesy—make + him play tricks.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” cried the others who had sauntered up, “let the fellow show his art. + If he is a magician he can pass the gates, Paulus or no Paulus.” + </p> + <p> + “Right willingly, good Sirs,” I answered; for I saw no other means of + entering. “Wilt thou, my young and noble Lord”—and I addressed him + who was with Paulus—“suffer that I look thee in the eyes; perhaps I + may read what is written there?” + </p> + <p> + “Right,” answered the youth; “but I wish that the Lady Charmion was the + sorceress. I would stare her out of countenance, I warrant.” + </p> + <p> + I took him by the hand and gazed deep into his eyes. “I see,” I said, “a + field of battle at night, and about it bodies stretched—among them + is <i>thy</i> body, and a hyena tears its throat. Most noble Sir, thou + shalt die by sword-thrusts within a year.” + </p> + <p> + “By Bacchus!” said the youth, turning white to the gills, “thou art an + ill-omened sorcerer!” And he slunk off—shortly afterwards, as it + chanced, to meet this very fate. For he was sent on service and slain in + Cyprus. + </p> + <p> + “Now for thee, great Captain!” I said, speaking to Paulus. “I will show + thee how I will pass those gates without thy leave—ay, and draw thee + through them after me. Be pleased to fix thy princely gaze upon the point + of this wand in my hand.” + </p> + <p> + Being urged by his comrades he did this, unwillingly; and I let him gaze + till I saw his eyes grow empty as an owl’s eyes in the sun. Then I + suddenly withdrew the wand, and, shifting my countenance into the place of + it, I seized him with my will and stare, and, beginning to turn round and + round, drew him after me, his fierce face drawn fixed, as it were, almost + to my own. Then I moved slowly backwards till I had passed the gates, + still drawing him after me, and suddenly jerked my head away. He fell to + the ground, to rise wiping his brow and looking very foolish. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou content, most noble Captain?” I said. “Thou seest we have passed + the gates. Would any other noble Sir wish that I should show more of my + skill?” + </p> + <p> + “By Taranis, Lord of Thunder, and all the Gods of Olympus thrown in, no!” + growled an old Centurion, a Gaul named Brennus, “I like thee not, I say. + The man who could drag our Paulus through those gates by the eye, as it + were, is not a man to play with. Paulus, too, who always goes the way you + don’t want him—backwards, like an ass—Paulus! Why, sirrah, + thou needst must have a woman in one eye and a wine-cup in the other to + draw our Paulus thus.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the talk was broken, for Charmion herself came down the + marble path, followed by an armed slave. She walked calm and carelessly, + her hands folded behind her, and her eyes gazing at nothingness, as it + were. But it was when Charmion thus looked upon nothing that she saw most. + And as she came the officers and men of the guard made way for her bowing, + for, as I learned afterwards, this girl, next to Cleopatra’s self, wielded + more power than anyone about the palace. + </p> + <p> + “What is this tumult, Brennus?” she said, speaking to the Centurion, and + making as if she saw me not; “knowest thou not that the Queen sleeps at + this hour, and if she be awakened it is thou who must answer for it, and + that dearly?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Lady,” said the Centurion, humbly; “but it is thus. We have here”—and + he jerked his thumb towards me—“a magician of the most pestilent—um, + I crave his pardon—of the very best sort, for he hath but just now, + only by placing his eyes close to the nose of the worthy Captain Paulus, + dragged him, the said Paulus, through the gates that Paulus swore the + magician should not pass. By the same token, lady, the magician says that + he has business with you—which grieves me for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + Charmion turned and looked at me carelessly. “Ay, I remember,” she said; + “and so he has—at least, the Queen would see his tricks; but if he + can do none better than cause a sot”—here she cast a glance of scorn + at the wondering Paulus—“to follow his nose through the gates he + guards, he had better go whence he came. Follow me, Sir Magician; and for + thee, Brennus, I say, keep thy riotous crew more quiet. For thee, most + honourable Paulus, get thee sober, and next time I am asked for at the + gates give him who asks a hearing.” And, with a queenly nod of her small + head, she turned and led the way, followed at a distance by myself and the + armed slave. + </p> + <p> + We passed up the marble walk which runs through the garden grounds, and is + set on either side with marble statues, for the most part of heathen Gods + and Goddesses, with which these Lagidæ were not ashamed to defile their + royal dwellings. At length we came to a beautiful portico with fluted + columns of the Grecian style of art, where we found more guards, who made + way for the Lady Charmion. Crossing the portico we reached a marble + vestibule where a fountain splashed softly, and thence by a low doorway a + second chamber, known as the Alabaster Hall, most beautiful to see. Its + roof was upheld by light columns of black marble, but all its walls were + panelled with alabaster, on which Grecian legends were engraved. Its floor + was of rich and many-hued mosaic that told the tale of the passion of + Psyche for the Grecian God of Love, and about it were set chairs of ivory + and gold. Charmion bade the armed slave stay at the doorway of this + chamber, so that we passed in alone, for the place was empty except for + two eunuchs who stood with drawn swords before the curtain at the further + end. + </p> + <p> + “I am vexed, my Lord,” she said, speaking very low and shyly, “that thou + shouldst have met with such affronts at the gate; but the guard there + served a double watch, and I had given my commands to the officer of the + company that should have relieved it. Those Roman officers are ever + insolent, who, though they seem to serve, know well that Egypt is their + plaything. But it is not amiss, for these rough soldiers are + superstitious, and will fear thee. Now bide thou here while I go into + Cleopatra’s chamber, where she sleeps. I have but just sung her to sleep, + and if she be awake I will call thee, for she waits thy coming.” And + without more words she glided from my side. + </p> + <p> + In a little time she returned, and coming to me spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Wouldst see the fairest woman in all the world, asleep?” she whispered; + “if so, follow me. Nay, fear not; when she awakes she will but laugh, for + she bade me be sure to bring thee instantly, whether she slept or woke. + See, I have her signet.” + </p> + <p> + So we passed up the beautiful chamber till we came to where the eunuchs + stood with drawn swords, and these would have barred my entry. But + Charmion frowned, and drawing the signet from her bosom held it before + their eyes. Having examined the writing that was on the ring, they bowed, + dropping their sword points and we passed through the heavy curtains + broidered with gold into the resting-place of Cleopatra. It was beautiful + beyond imagining—beautiful with many coloured marbles, with gold and + ivory, gems and flowers—all art can furnish and all luxury can dream + of were here. Here were pictures so real that birds might have pecked the + painted fruits; here were statues of woman’s loveliness frozen into stone; + here were draperies fine as softest silk, but woven of a web of gold; here + were couches and carpets such as I never saw. The air, too, was sweet with + perfume, while through the open window places came the far murmur of the + sea. And at the further end of the chamber, on a couch of gleaming silk + and sheltered by a net of finest gauze, Cleopatra lay asleep. There she + lay—the fairest thing that man ever saw—fairer than a dream, + and the web of her dark hair flowed all about her. One white, rounded arm + made a pillow for her head, and one hung down towards the ground. Her rich + lips were parted in a smile, showing the ivory lines of teeth; and her + rosy limbs were draped in so thin a robe of the silk of Cos, held about + her by a jewelled girdle, that the white gleam of flesh shone through it. + I stood astonished, and though my thoughts had little bent that way, the + sight of her beauty struck me like a blow, so that for a moment I lost + myself as it were in the vision of its power, and was grieved at heart + because I must slay so fair a thing. + </p> + <p> + Turning suddenly from the sight, I found Charmion watching me with her + quick eyes—watching as though she would search my heart. And, + indeed, something of my thought must have been written on my face in a + language that she could read, for she whispered in my ear: + </p> + <p> + “Ay, it is pity, is it not? Harmachis, being but a man, methinks that thou + wilt need all thy ghostly strength to nerve thee to the deed!” + </p> + <p> + I frowned, but before I could frame an answer she touched me lightly on + the arm and pointed to the Queen. A change had come upon her: her hands + were clenched, and about her face, all rosy with the hue of sleep, + gathered a cloud of fear. Her breath came quick, she raised her arms as + though to ward away a blow, then with a stifled moan sat up and opened the + windows of her eyes. They were dark, dark as night; but when the light + found them they grew blue as the sky grows blue before the blushing of the + dawn. + </p> + <p> + “Cæsarion?” she said; “where is my son Cæsarion?—Was it then a + dream? I dreamed that Julius—Julius who is dead—came to me, a + bloody toga wrapped about his face, and having thrown his arms about his + child led him away. Then I dreamed I died—died in blood and agony; + and one I might not see mocked me as I died. <i>Ah!</i> who is that man?” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, Madam! peace!” said Charmion. “It is but the magician Harmachis, + whom thou didst bid me bring to thee at this hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! the magician—that Harmachis who overthrew the giant? I remember + now. He is welcome. Tell me, Sir Magician, can thy magic mirror call forth + an answer to this dream? Nay, how strange a thing is Sleep, that wrapping + the mind in a web of darkness, straightly compels it to its will! Whence, + then, come those images of fear rising on the horizon of the soul like + some untimely moon upon a midday sky? Who grants them power to stalk so + lifelike from Memory’s halls, and, pointing to their wounds, thus confront + the Present with the Past? Are they, then, messengers? Does the half-death + of sleep give them foothold in our brains, and thus upknit the cut thread + of human kinship? That was Cæsar’s self, I tell thee, who but now stood at + my side and murmured through his muffled robe warning words of which the + memory is lost to me. Read me this riddle, thou Egyptian Sphinx,[*] and + I’ll show thee a rosier path to fortune than all thy stars can point. Thou + hast brought the omen, solve thou its problem.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Alluding to his name. Harmachis was the Grecian title of + the divinity of the Sphinx, as Horemkhu was the Egyptian.— + Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “I come in a good hour, most mighty Queen,” I answered, “for I have some + skill in the mysteries of Sleep, that is, as thou hast rightly guessed, a + stair by which those who are gathered to Osiris may from time to time + enter at the gateways of our living sense, and, by signs and words that + can be read of instructed mortals, repeat the echoes of that Hall of Truth + which is their habitation. Yes, Sleep is a stair by which the messengers + of the guardian Gods may descend in many shapes upon the spirit of their + choice. For, O Queen, to those who hold the key, the madness of our dreams + can show a clearer purpose and speak more certainly than all the acted + wisdom of our waking life, which is a dream indeed. Thou didst see great + Cæsar in his bloody robe, and he threw his arms about the Prince Cæsarion + and led him hence. Hearken now to the secret of thy vision. It was Cæsar’s + self thou sawest coming to thy side from Amenti in such a guise as might + not be mistaken. When he embraced the child Cæsarion he did it for a sign + that to him, and him alone, had passed his greatness and his love. When he + seemed to lead him hence he led him forth from Egypt to be crowned in the + Capitol, crowned the Emperor of Rome and Lord of all the Lands. For the + rest, I know not. It is hid from me.” + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, I read the vision, though to my sense it had a darker meaning. + But it is not well to prophesy evil unto Kings. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Cleopatra had risen, and, having thrown back the gnat gauze, was + seated upon the edge of her couch, her eyes fixed upon my face, while her + fingers played with her girdle’s jewelled ends. + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth,” she cried, “thou art the best of all magicians, for thou + readest my heart, and drawest a hidden sweet out of the rough shell of + evil omen!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, O Queen,” said Charmion, who stood by with downcast eyes, and I + thought that there was bitter meaning in her soft tones; “may no rougher + words ever affront thy ears, and no evil presage tread less closely upon + its happy sense.” + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra placed her hands behind her head and, leaning back, looked at me + with half-shut eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Come, show us of thy magic, Egyptian,” she said. “It is yet hot abroad, + and I am weary of those Hebrew Ambassadors and their talk of Herod and + Jerusalem. I hate that Herod, as he shall find—and will have none of + the Ambassadors to-day, though I yearn a little to try my Hebrew on them. + What canst thou do? Hast thou no new trick? By Serapis! if thou canst + conjure as well as thou canst prophesy, thou shalt have a place at Court, + with pay and perquisites to boot, if thy lofty soul does not scorn + perquisites.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered, “all tricks are old; but there are some forms of magic + to be rarely used, and with discretion, that may be new to thee, O Queen! + Art thou afraid to venture on the charm?” + </p> + <p> + “I fear nothing; go on and do thy worst. Come, Charmion, and sit by me. + But, stay, where are all the girls?—Iras and Merira?—they, + too, love magic.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” I said; “the charms work ill before so many. Now behold!” and, + gazing at the twain, I cast my wand upon the marble and murmured a spell. + For a moment it was still, and then, as I muttered, the rod slowly began + to writhe. It bent itself, it stood on end, and moved of its own motion. + Next it put on scales, and behold it was a serpent that crawled and + fiercely hissed. + </p> + <p> + “Fie on thee!” cried Cleopatra, clapping her hands; “callest thou that + magic? Why, it is an old trick that any wayside conjurer can do. I have + seen it a score of times.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait, O Queen,” I answered, “thou hast not seen all.” And, as I spoke, + the serpent seemed to break in fragments, and from each fragment grew a + new serpent. And these, too, broke in fragments and bred others, till in a + little while the place, to their glamoured sight, was a seething sea of + snakes, that crawled, hissed, and knotted themselves in knots. Then I made + a sign, and the serpents gathered themselves round me, and seemed slowly + to twine themselves about my body and my limbs, till, save my face, I was + wreathed thick with hissing snakes. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, horrible! horrible!” cried Charmion, hiding her countenance in the + skirt of the Queen’s garment. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, enough, Magician, enough!” said the Queen: “thy magic overwhelms + us.” + </p> + <p> + I waved my snake-wrapped arms, and all was gone. There at my feet lay the + black wand tipped with ivory, and naught beside. + </p> + <p> + The two women looked upon each other and gasped with wonder. But I took up + the wand and stood with folded arms before them. + </p> + <p> + “Is the Queen content with my poor art?” I asked most humbly. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that I am, Egyptian; never did I see its like! Thou art Court + astronomer from this day forward, with right of access to the Queen’s + presence. Hast thou more of such magic at thy call?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, royal Egypt; suffer that the chamber be a little darkened, and I + will show thee one more thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Half am I afraid,” she answered; “nevertheless do thou as this Harmachis + says, Charmion.” + </p> + <p> + So the curtains were drawn and the chamber made as though the twilight + were at hand. I came forward, and stood beside Cleopatra. “Gaze thou + there!” I said sternly, pointing with my wand to the empty space where I + had been, “and thou shalt behold that which is in thy mind.” + </p> + <p> + Then for a little space was silence, while the two women gazed fixedly and + half fearful at the spot. + </p> + <p> + And as they gazed a cloud gathered before them. Very slowly it took shape + and form, and the form it took was the form of a man, though as yet he was + but vaguely mapped upon the twilight, and seemed now to grow and now to + melt away. + </p> + <p> + Then I cried with a loud voice: + </p> + <p> + “Spirit, I conjure thee, <i>appear!</i>” + </p> + <p> + And as I cried the Thing, perfect in every part, leapt into form before + us, suddenly as the flash of day. His shape was the shape of royal Cæsar, + the toga thrown about his face, and on his form a vestment bloody from a + hundred wounds. An instant so he stood, then I waved my wand and he was + gone. + </p> + <p> + I turned to the two women on the couch, and saw Cleopatra’s lovely face + all clothed in terror. Her lips were ashy white, her eyes stared wide, and + all the flesh was shaking on her bones. + </p> + <p> + “Man!” she gasped; “man! who and what art thou who canst bring the dead + before our eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “I am the Queen’s astronomer, magician, servant—what the Queen + wills,” I answered, laughing. “Was this the form that was on the Queen’s + mind?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer, but, rising, left the chamber by another door. + </p> + <p> + Then Charmion rose also and took her hands from her face, for she, too, + had been stricken with dread. + </p> + <p> + “How dost thou these things, royal Harmachis?” she said. “Tell me; for of + a truth I fear thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Be not afraid,” I answered. “Perchance thou didst see nothing but what + was in my mind. All things are shadows. How canst thou, then, know their + nature, or what is and what only seems to be? But how goes it? Remember, + Charmion, this sport is played to an end.” + </p> + <p> + “It goes well,” she said. “By to-morrow morning’s dawn these tales will + have gone round, and thou wilt be more feared than any man in Alexandria. + Follow me, I pray thee.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + OF THE WAYS OF CHARMION; AND OF THE CROWNING OF HARMACHIS AS THE KING OF + LOVE + </p> + <p> + On the following day I received the writing of my appointment as + Astrologer and Magician-in-Chief to the Queen, with the pay and + perquisites of that office, which were not small. Rooms were given me in + the palace, also, through which I passed at night to the high watch-tower, + whence I looked on the stars and drew their auguries. For at this time + Cleopatra was much troubled about matters political, and not knowing how + the great struggle among the Roman factions would end, but being very + desirous to side with the strongest, she took constant counsel with me as + to the warnings of the stars. These I read to her in such manner as best + seemed to fit the high interest of my ends. For Antony, the Roman + Triumvir, was now in Asia Minor, and, rumour ran, very wroth because it + had been told him that Cleopatra was hostile to the Triumvirate, in that + her General, Serapion, had aided Cassius. But Cleopatra protested loudly + to me and others that Serapion had acted against her will. Yet Charmion + told me that, as with Allienus, it was because of a prophecy of + Dioscorides the unlucky that the Queen herself had secretly ordered + Serapion so to do. Still, this did not save Serapion, for to prove to + Antony that she was innocent she dragged the General from the sanctuary + and slew him. Woe be to those who carry out the will of tyrants if the + scale should rise against them! And so Serapion perished. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile all things went well with us, for the minds of Cleopatra and + those about her were so set upon affairs abroad that neither she nor they + thought of revolt at home. But day by day our party gathered strength in + the cities of Egypt, and even in Alexandria, which is to Egypt as another + land, all things being foreign there. Day by day, those who doubted were + won over and sworn to the cause by that oath which cannot be broken, and + our plans of action more firmly laid. And every other day I went forth + from the palace to take counsel with my uncle Sepa, and there at his house + met the Nobles and the great priests who were for the party of Khem. + </p> + <p> + I saw much of Cleopatra, the Queen, and I was ever more astonished at the + wealth and splendour of her mind, that for richness and variety was as a + woven cloth of gold throwing back all lights from its changing face. She + feared me somewhat, and therefore wished to make a friend of me, asking me + of many matters that seemed to be beyond the province of my office. I saw + much of the Lady Charmion also—indeed, she was ever at my side, so + that I scarce knew when she came and when she went. For she would draw + nigh with that soft step of hers, and I would turn to find her at hand and + watching me beneath the long lashes of her downcast eyes. There was no + service that was too hard for her, and no task too long; for day and night + she laboured for me and for our cause. + </p> + <p> + But when I thanked her for her loyalty, and said it should be had in mind + in that time which was at hand, she stamped her foot, and pouted with her + lips, like an angry child, saying that, among all the things which I had + learned, this had I not learned—that Love’s service asked no + payment, and was its own guerdon. And I, being innocent in such matters, + and, foolish that I was, holding the ways of women as of small account, + read her sayings in the sense that her services to the cause of Khem, + which she loved, brought with them their own reward. But when I praised so + fine a spirit, she burst into angry tears and left me wondering. For I + knew nothing of the trouble at her heart. I knew not then that, unsought, + this woman had given me her love, and that she was rent and torn by pangs + of passion fixed like arrows in her breast. I did not know—how + should I know it, who never looked upon her otherwise than as an + instrument of our joint and holy cause? Her beauty never stirred me—no, + not even when she leaned over me and breathed upon my hair, I never + thought of it otherwise than as a man thinks of the beauty of a statue. + What had I to do with such delights, I who was sworn to Isis and dedicate + to the cause of Egypt? O ye Gods, bear me witness that I am innocent of + this thing which was the source of all my woe and the woe of Khem! + </p> + <p> + How strange a thing is this love of woman, that is so small in its + beginning and in its ends so great! See, at the first it is as the little + spring of water welling from a mountain’s heart. And at the last what is + it? It is a mighty river that floats argosies of joy and makes wide lands + to smile. Or, perchance, it is a torrent to wash in a flood of ruin across + the fields of Hope, bursting in the barriers of design, and bringing to + tumbled nothingness the tenement of man’s purity and the temples of his + faith. For when the Invisible conceived the order of the universe He set + this seed of woman’s love within its plan, that by its most unequal growth + is doomed to bring about equality of law. For now it lifts the low to + heights untold, and now it brings the noble to the level of the dust. And + thus, while Woman, that great surprise of nature, is, Good and Evil can + never grow apart. For still She stands, and, blind with love, shoots the + shuttle of our fate, and pours sweet water into the cup of bitterness, and + poisons the wholesome breath of life with the doom of her desire. Turn + this way and turn that, She is at hand to meet thee. Her weakness is thy + strength, her might is thy undoing. Of her thou art, to her thou goest. + She is thy slave, yet holds thee captive; at her touch honour withers, + locks open, and barriers fall. She is infinite as ocean, she is variable + as heaven, and her name is the Unforeseen. Man, strive not to escape from + Woman and the love of woman; for, fly where thou wilt, She is yet thy + fate, and whate’er thou buildest thou buildest it for her! + </p> + <p> + And thus it came to pass that I, Harmachis, who had put such matters far + from me, was yet doomed to fall by the thing I held of no account. For, + see, this Charmion: she loved me—why, I know not. Of her own thought + she learned to love me, and of her love came what shall be told. But I, + knowing naught, treated her like a sister, walking as it were hand in hand + with her towards our common end. + </p> + <p> + And so the time passed on, till, at length, all things were made ready. + </p> + <p> + It was the night before the night when the blow should fall, and there + were revellings in the palace. That very day I had seen Sepa, and with him + the captains of a band of five hundred men, who should burst into the + palace at midnight on the morrow, when I had slain Cleopatra the Queen, + and put the Roman and the Gallic legionaries to the sword. That very day I + had suborned the Captain Paulus who, since I drew him through the gates, + was my will’s slave. Half by fear and half by promises of great reward I + had prevailed upon him, for the watch was his, to unbar that small gate + which faces to the East at the signal on the morrow night. + </p> + <p> + All was made ready—the flower of Freedom that had been + five-and-twenty years in growth was on the point of bloom. Armed companies + were gathering in every city from Abu to Athu, and spies looked out from + their walls, awaiting the coming of the messenger who should bring tidings + that Cleopatra was no more and that Harmachis, the royal Egyptian, had + seized the throne. + </p> + <p> + All was prepared, triumph hung in my hand as a ripe fruit to the hand of + the plucker. Yet as I sat at the royal feast my heart was heavy, and a + shadow of coming woe lay cold within my mind. I sat there in a place of + honour, near the majesty of Cleopatra, and looked down the lines of + guests, bright with gems and garlanded with flowers, marking those whom I + had doomed to die. There before me lay Cleopatra in all her beauty, which + thrilled the beholder as he is thrilled by the rushing of the midnight + gale, or by the sight of stormy waters. I gazed on her as she touched her + lips with wine and toyed with the chaplet of roses on her brow, thinking + of the dagger beneath my robe that I had sworn to bury in her breast. + Again, and yet again, I gazed and strove to hate her, strove to rejoice + that she must die—and could not. There, too, behind her—watching + me now, as ever, with her deep-fringed eyes—was the lovely Lady + Charmion. Who, to look at her innocent face, would believe that she was + the setter of that snare in which the Queen who loved her should miserably + perish? Who would dream that the secret of so much death was locked in her + girlish breast? I gazed, and grew sick at heart because I must anoint my + throne with blood, and by evil sweep away the evil of the land. At that + hour I wished, indeed, that I was nothing but some humble husbandman, who + in its season grows and in its season garners the golden grain! Alas! the + seed that I had been doomed to sow was the seed of Death, and now I must + reap the red fruit of the harvest! + </p> + <p> + “Why, Harmachis, what ails thee?” said Cleopatra, smiling her slow smile. + “Has the golden skein of stars got tangled, my astronomer? or dost thou + plan some new feat of magic? Say what is it that thou dost so poorly grace + our feast? Nay, now, did I not know, having made inquiry, that things so + low as we poor women are far beneath thy gaze, why, I should swear that + Eros had found thee out, Harmachis!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, that I am spared, O Queen,” I answered. “The servant of the stars + marks not the smaller light of woman’s eyes, and therein is he happy!” + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra leaned herself towards me, looking on me long and steadily in + such fashion that, despite my will, the blood fluttered at my heart. + </p> + <p> + “Boast not, thou proud Egyptian,” she said in a low voice which none but I + and Charmion could hear, “lest perchance thou dost tempt me to match my + magic against thine. What woman can forgive that a man should push us by + as things of no account? It is an insult to our sex which Nature’s self + abhors,” and she leaned back again and laughed most musically. But, + glancing up, I saw Charmion, her teeth on her lip and an angry frown upon + her brow. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, royal Egypt,” I answered coldly, but with such wit as I could + summon, “before the Queen of Heaven even stars grow pale!” This I said of + the moon, which is the sign of the Holy Mother whom Cleopatra dared to + rival, naming herself Isis come to earth. + </p> + <p> + “Happily said,” she answered, clapping her white hands. “Why, here’s an + astronomer who has wit and can shape a compliment! Nay, such a wonder must + not pass unnoted, lest the Gods resent it. Charmion, take this + rose-chaplet from my hair and set it upon the learned brow of our + Harmachis. He shall be crowned <i>King of Love</i>, whether he will it or + not.” + </p> + <p> + Charmion lifted the chaplet from Cleopatra’s brows and, bearing it to + where I was, with a smile set it upon my head yet warm and fragrant from + the Queen’s hair, but so roughly that she pained me somewhat. She did this + because she was wroth, although she smiled with her lips and whispered, + “An omen, royal Harmachis.” For though she was so very much a woman, yet, + when she was angered or suffered jealousy, Charmion had a childish way. + </p> + <p> + Having thus fixed the chaplet, she curtsied low before me, and with the + softest tone of mockery named me, in the Greek tongue, “Harmachis, King of + Love.” Then Cleopatra laughed and pledged me as “King of Love,” and so did + all the company, finding the jest a merry one. For in Alexandria they love + not those who live straitly and turn aside from women. + </p> + <p> + But I sat there, a smile upon my lips, and black wrath in my heart. For, + knowing who and what I was, it irked me to think myself a jest for the + frivolous nobles and light beauties of Cleopatra’s Court. But I was + chiefly angered against Charmion, because she laughed the loudest, and I + did not then know that laughter and bitterness are often the veils with + which a sore heart wraps its weakness from the world. “An omen” she said + it was—that crown of flowers—and so it proved indeed. For I + was fated to barter the Double Diadem of the Upper and the Lower Land for + a wreath of passion’s roses that fade before they fully bloom, and + Pharaoh’s ivory bed of state for the pillow of a faithless woman’s breast. + </p> + <p> + “<i>King of Love!</i>” they crowned me in their mockery; ay, and King of + Shame! And I, with the perfumed roses on my brow—I, by descent and + ordination the Pharaoh of Egypt—thought of the imperishable halls of + Abouthis and of that other crowning which on the morrow should be + consummate. + </p> + <p> + But still smiling, I pledged them back, and answered with a jest. For + rising, I bowed before Cleopatra and craved leave to go. “Venus,” I said, + speaking of the planet that we know as Donaou in the morning and Bonou in + the evening, “was in the ascendant. Therefore, as new-crowned King of + Love, I must now pass to do my homage to its Queen.” For these barbarians + name Venus Queen of Love. + </p> + <p> + And so amidst their laughter I withdrew to my watch-tower, and, dashing + that shameful chaplet down amidst the instruments of my craft, made + pretence to note the rolling of the stars. There I waited, thinking on + many things that were to be, until Charmion should come with the last + lists of the doomed and the messages of my uncle Sepa, whom she had seen + that evening. + </p> + <p> + At length the door opened softly, and she came jewelled and clad in her + white robes, as she had left the feast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + OF THE COMING OF CLEOPATRA TO THE CHAMBER OF HARMACHIS; OF THE THROWING + FORTH OF THE KERCHIEF OF CHARMION; OF THE STARS; AND OF THE GIFT BY + CLEOPATRA OF HER FRIENDSHIP TO HER SERVANT HARMACHIS + </p> + <p> + “At length thou art come, Charmion,” I said. “It is over-late.” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, my Lord; but by no means could I escape Cleopatra. Her mood is + strangely crossed to-night. I know not what it may portend. Strange whims + and fancies blow across it like light and contrary airs upon a summer sea, + and I cannot read her purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well; enough of Cleopatra. Hast thou seen our uncle?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, royal Harmachis.” + </p> + <p> + “And hast thou the last lists?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; here they are,” and she drew them from her bosom. “Here is the list + of those who, after the Queen, must certainly be put to the sword. Among + them thou wilt note is the name of that old Gaul Brennus. I grieve for + him, for we are friends; but it must be. It is a heavy list.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so,” I answered conning it; “when men write out their count they + forget no item, and our count is long. What must be must be. Now for the + next.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is the list of those to be spared, as friendly or uncertain; and + here that of the towns which will certainly rise as soon as the messenger + reaches their gates with tidings of the death of Cleopatra.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. And now”—and I paused—“and now as to the manner of + Cleopatra’s death. How hast thou settled it? Must it be by my own hand?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, my Lord,” she answered, and again I caught that note of bitterness + in her voice. “Doubtless Pharaoh will rejoice that his should be the hand + to rid the land of this false Queen and wanton woman, and at one blow + break the chains which gall the neck of Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk not thus, girl,” I said; “thou knowest well that I do not rejoice, + being but driven to the act by deep necessity and the pressure of my vows. + Can she not, then, be poisoned? Or can no one of the eunuchs be suborned + to slay her? My soul turns from this bloody work! Indeed, I marvel, + however heavy be her crimes, that thou canst speak so lightly of the death + by treachery of one who loves thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Surely Pharaoh is over-tender, forgetting the greatness of the moment and + all that hangs upon this dagger-stroke that shall cut the thread of + Cleopatra’s life. Listen, Harmachis. <i>Thou</i> must do the deed, and <i>thou</i> + alone! Myself I would do it, had my arm the strength; but it has not. It + cannot be done by poison, for every drop she drinks and every morsel that + shall touch her lips is strictly tasted by three separate tasters, who + cannot be suborned. Nor may the eunuchs of the guard be trusted. Two, + indeed, are sworn to us; but the third cannot be come at. He must be cut + down afterwards; and, indeed, when so many men must fall, what matters a + eunuch more or less? Thus it shall be, then. To-morrow night, at three + hours before midnight thou dost cast the final augury of the issue of the + war. And then thou wilt, as is agreed, descend alone with me, having the + signet, to the outer chamber of the Queen’s apartment. For the vessel + bearing orders to the Legions sails from Alexandria at the following dawn; + and alone with Cleopatra, since she wills that the thing be kept secret as + the sea, thou wilt read the message of the stars. And as she pores over + the papyrus, then must thou stab her in the back, so that she dies; and + see thou that thy will and arm fail thee not! The deed being done—and + indeed it will be easy—thou wilt take the signet and pass out to + where the eunuch is—for the others will be wanting. If by any chance + there is trouble with him—but there will be no trouble, for he dare + not enter the private rooms, and the sounds of death cannot reach so far—thou + must cut him down. Then I will meet thee; and, passing on, we will come to + Paulus, and it shall be my care to see that he is neither drunk nor + backward, for I know how to hold him to the task. And he and those with + him shall throw open the side gate, when Sepa and the five hundred chosen + men who are in waiting shall pour in and cast themselves upon the sleeping + legionaries, putting them to the sword. Why, the thing is easy so thou + rest true to thyself, and let no womanish fears creep into thy heart. What + is this dagger’s thrust? It is nothing, and yet upon it hang the destinies + of Egypt and the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” I said. “What is that?—I hear a sound.” + </p> + <p> + Charmion ran to the door, and, gazing down the long, dark passage, + listened. In a moment she came back, her finger on her lips. “It is the + Queen,” she whispered hurriedly; “the Queen who mounts the stair alone. I + heard her bid Iras to leave her. I may not be found alone with thee at + this hour; it has a strange look, and she may suspect. What wants she + here? Where can I hide?” + </p> + <p> + I glanced round. At the further end of the chamber was a heavy curtain + that hid a little place built in the thickness of the wall which I used + for the storage of rolls and instruments. + </p> + <p> + “Haste thee—there!” I said, and she glided behind the curtain, which + swung back and covered her. Then I thrust the fatal scroll of death into + the bosom of my robe and bent over the mystic chart. Presently I heard the + sweep of woman’s robes and there came a low knock upon the door. + </p> + <p> + “Enter, whoever thou art,” I said. + </p> + <p> + The latch lifted, and Cleopatra swept in, royally arrayed, her dark hair + hanging about her and the sacred snake of royalty glistening on her brow. + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth, Harmachis,” she said with a sigh, as she sank into a seat, + “the path to heaven is hard to climb! Ah! I am weary, for those stairs are + many. But I was minded, my astronomer, to see thee in thy haunts.” + </p> + <p> + “I am honoured overmuch, O Queen!” I said, bowing low before her. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou now? And yet that dark face of thine has a somewhat angry look—thou + art too young and handsome for this dry trade, Harmachis. Why, I vow thou + hast cast my wreath of roses down amidst thy rusty tools! Kings would have + cherished that wreath along with their choicest diadems, Harmachis! and + thou dost throw it away as a thing of no account! Why, what a man art + thou! But stay; what is this? A lady’s kerchief, by Isis! Nay, now, my + Harmachis, how came <i>this</i> here? Are our poor kerchiefs also + instruments of thy high art? Oh, fie, fie!—have I caught thee, then? + Art thou indeed a fox?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, most royal Cleopatra, nay!” I said, turning; for the kerchief which + had fallen from Charmion’s neck had an awkward look. “I know not, indeed, + how the frippery came here. Perhaps, some one of the women who keeps the + chamber may have let it fall.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! so—so!” she said dryly, and still laughing like a rippling + brook. “Yes, surely, the slave-women who keep chambers own such toys as + this, of the very finest silk, worth twice its weight in gold, and + broidered, too, in many colours. Why, myself I should not shame to wear + it! Of a truth it seems familiar to my sight.” And she threw it round her + neck and smoothed the ends with her white hand. “But there; doubtless, it + is a thing unholy in thine eyes that the scarf of thy beloved should rest + upon my poor breast. Take it, Harmachis; take it, and hide it in thy bosom—nigh + thy heart indeed!” + </p> + <p> + I took the accursed thing, and, muttering what I may not write, stepped on + to the giddy platform whence I watched the stars. Then, crushing it into a + ball, I threw it to the winds of heaven. + </p> + <p> + At this the lovely Queen laughed once more. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, think now,” she cried; “what would the lady say could she see her + love-gauge thus cast to all the world? Mayhap, Harmachis, thou wouldst + deal thus with my wreath also? See, the roses fade; cast it forth,” and, + stooping, she took up the wreath and gave it to me. + </p> + <p> + For a moment, so vexed was I, I had a mind to take her at her word and + send the wreath to join the kerchief. But I thought better of it. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I said more softly, “it is a Queen’s gift, and I will keep it,” + and, as I spoke, I saw the curtain shake. Often since that night I have + sorrowed over those simple words. + </p> + <p> + “Gracious thanks be to the King of Love for this small mercy,” she + answered, looking at me strangely. “Now, enough of wit; come forth upon + this balcony—tell me of the mystery of those stars of thine. For I + always loved the stars, that are so pure and bright and cold, and so far + away from our fevered troubling. There I would wish to dwell, rocked on + the dark bosom of the night, and losing the little sense of self as I + gazed for ever on the countenance of yon sweet-eyed space. Nay—who + can tell, Harmachis?—perhaps those stars partake of our very + substance, and, linked to us by Nature’s invisible chain, do, indeed, draw + our destiny with them as they roll. What says the Greek fable of him who + became a star? Perchance it has truth, for yonder tiny sparks may be the + souls of men, but grown more purely bright and placed in happy rest to + illume the turmoil of their mother-earth. Or are they lamps hung high in + the heavenly vault that night by night some Godhead, whose wings are + Darkness, touches with his immortal fire so that they leap out in + answering flame? Give me of thy wisdom and open these wonders to me, my + servant, for I have little knowledge. Yet my heart is large, and I would + fill it, for I have the wit, could I but find the teacher.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon, being glad to find footing on a safer shore, and marvelling + somewhat to learn that Cleopatra had a place for lofty thoughts, I spoke + and willingly told her such things as are lawful. I told her how the sky + is a liquid mass pressing round the earth and resting on the elastic + pillars of the air, and how above is the heavenly ocean Nout, in which the + planets float like ships as they rush upon their radiant way. I told her + many things, and amongst them how, through the certain never-ceasing + movement of the orbs of light, the planet Venus, that was called Donaou + when she showed as the Morning Star, became the planet Bonou when she came + as the sweet Star of Eve. And while I stood and spoke watching the stars, + she sat, her hands clasped upon her knee, and watched my face. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she broke in at length, “and so Venus is to be seen both in the + morning and the evening sky. Well, of a truth, she is everywhere, though + she best loves the night. But thou lovest not that I should use these + Latin names to thee. Come, we will talk in the ancient tongue of Khem, + which I know well; I am the first, mark thou, of all the Lagidæ who know + it. And now,” she went on, speaking in my own tongue, but with a little + foreign accent that did but make her talk more sweet, “enough of stars, + for, when all is said, they are but fickle things, and perhaps may even + now be storing up an evil hour for thee or me, or for both of us together. + Not but what I love to hear thee speak of them, for then thy face loses + that gloomy cloud of thought which mars it and grows quick and human. + Harmachis, thou art too young for such a solemn trade; methinks that I + must find thee a better. Youth comes but once; why waste it in these + musings? It is time to think when we can no longer act. Tell me how old + art thou, Harmachis?” + </p> + <p> + “I have six-and-twenty years, O Queen,” I answered, “for I was born in the + first month of Shomou, in the summer season, and on the third day of the + month.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, we are of an age even to a day,” she cried, “for I too have + six-and-twenty years, and I too was born on the third day of the first + month of Shomou. Well, this may we say: those who begot us need have no + shame. For if I be the fairest woman in Egypt, methinks, Harmachis, that + there is in Egypt no man more fair and strong than thou, ay, or more + learned. Born of the same day, why, ‘tis manifest that we were destined to + stand together, I, as the Queen, and thou, perchance, Harmachis, as one of + the chief pillars of my throne, and thus to work each other’s weal.” + </p> + <p> + “Or maybe each other’s woe,” I answered, looking up; for her sweet + speeches stung my ears and brought more colour to my face than I loved + that she should see there. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, never talk of woe. Be seated here by me, Harmachis, and let us talk, + not as Queen and subject, but as friend to friend. Thou wast angered with + me at the feast to-night because I mocked thee with yonder wreath—was + it not so? Nay, it was but a jest. Didst thou know how heavy is the task + of monarchs and how wearisome are their hours, thou wouldst not be wroth + because I lit my dulness with a jest. Oh, they weary me, those princes and + those nobles, and those stiff-necked pompous Romans. To my face they vow + themselves my slaves, and behind my back they mock me and proclaim me the + servant of their Triumvirate, or their Empire, or their Republic, as the + wheel of Fortune turns, and each rises on its round! There is never a man + among them—nothing but fools, parasites, and puppets—never a + man since with their coward daggers they slew that Cæsar whom all the + world in arms was not strong enough to tame. And I must play off one + against the other, if maybe, by so doing, I can keep Egypt from their + grip. And for reward, what? Why, this is my reward—that all men + speak ill of me—and, I know it, my subjects hate me! Yes, I believe + that, woman though I am, they would murder me could they find a means!” + </p> + <p> + She paused, covering her eyes with her hand, and it was well, for her + words pierced me so that I shrank upon the seat beside her. + </p> + <p> + “They think ill of me, I know it; and call me wanton, who have never + stepped aside save once, when I loved the greatest man of all the world, + and at the touch of love my passion flamed indeed, but burnt a hallowed + flame. These ribald Alexandrians swear that I poisoned Ptolemy, my brother—whom + the Roman Senate would, most unnaturally, have forced on me, his sister, + as a husband! But it is false: he sickened and died of fever. And even so + they say that I would slay Arsinoë, my sister—who, indeed, would + slay me!—but that, too, is false! Though she will have none of me, I + love my sister. Yes, they all think ill of me without a cause; even thou + dost think ill of me, Harmachis. + </p> + <p> + “O Harmachis, before thou judgest, remember what a thing is envy!—that + foul sickness of the mind which makes the jaundiced eye of pettiness to + see all things distraught—to read Evil written on the open face of + Good, and find impurity in the whitest virgin’s soul! Think what a thing + it is, Harmachis, to be set on high above the gaping crowd of knaves who + hate thee for thy fortune and thy wit; who gnash their teeth and shoot the + arrows of their lies from the cover of their own obscureness, whence they + have no wings to soar; and whose hearts’ quest it is to drag down thy + nobility to the level of the groundling and the fool! + </p> + <p> + “Be not, then, swift to think evil of the Great, whose every word and act + is searched for error by a million angry eyes, and whose most tiny fault + is trumpeted by a thousand throats, till the world shakes with echoes of + their sin! Say not: ‘It is thus, ‘tis certainly thus’—say, rather: + ‘May it not be otherwise? Have we heard aright? Did she this thing of her + own will?’ Judge gently, Harmachis, as wert thou I thou wouldst be judged. + Remember that a Queen is never free. She is, indeed, but the point and + instrument of those forces politic with which the iron books of history + are graved. O Harmachis! be thou my friend—my friend and counsellor!—my + friend whom I can trust indeed!—for here, in this crowded Court, I + am more utterly alone than any soul that breathes about its corridors. But + <i>thee</i> I trust; there is faith written in those quiet eyes, and I am + minded to lift thee high, Harmachis. I can no longer bear my solitude of + mind—I must find one with whom I may commune and speak that which + lies within my heart. I have faults, I know it; but I am not all unworthy + of thy faith, for there is good grain among the evil seed. Say, Harmachis, + wilt thou take pity on my loneliness and befriend me, who have lovers, + courtiers, slaves, dependents, more thick than I can count, but never one + single <i>friend</i>?” and she leant towards me, touching me lightly, and + gazed on me with her wonderful blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + I was overcome; thinking of the morrow night, shame and sorrow smote me. + <i>I</i>, her friend!—<i>I</i>, whose assassin dagger lay against my + breast! I bent my head, and a sob or a groan, I know not which, burst from + the agony of my heart. + </p> + <p> + But Cleopatra, thinking only that I was moved beyond myself by the + surprise of her graciousness, smiled sweetly, and said: + </p> + <p> + “It grows late; to-morrow night when thou bringest the auguries we will + speak again, O my friend Harmachis, and thou shalt answer me.” And she + gave me her hand to kiss. Scarce knowing what I did, I kissed it, and in + another moment she was gone. + </p> + <p> + But I stood in the chamber, gazing after her like one asleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <p> + OF THE WORDS AND JEALOUSY OF CHARMION; OF THE LAUGHTER OF HARMACHIS; OF + THE MAKING READY FOR THE DEED OF BLOOD; AND OF THE MESSAGE OF THE OLD WIFE, ATOUA + </p> + <p> + I stood still, plunged in thought. Then by hazard as it were I took up the + wreath of roses and looked on it. How long I stood so I know not, but when + next I lifted up my eyes they fell upon the form of Charmion, whom, + indeed, I had altogether forgotten. And though at the moment I thought but + little of it, I noted vaguely that she was flushed as though with anger, + and beat her foot upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is thou, Charmion!” I said. “What ails thee? Art thou cramped with + standing so long in thy hiding-place? Why didst not thou slip hence when + Cleopatra led me to the balcony?” + </p> + <p> + “Where is my kerchief?” she asked, shooting an angry glance at me. “I let + fall my broidered kerchief.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy kerchief!—why, didst thou not see? Cleopatra twitted me about + it, and I flung it from the balcony.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I saw,” answered the girl, “I saw but too well. Thou didst fling + away my kerchief, but the wreath of roses—that thou wouldst not + fling away. It was ‘a Queen’s gift,’ forsooth, and therefore the royal + Harmachis, the Priest of Isis, the chosen of the Gods, the crowned Pharaoh + wed to the weal of Khem, cherished it and saved it. But my kerchief, stung + by the laughter of that light Queen, he cast away!” + </p> + <p> + “What meanest thou?” I asked, astonished at her bitter tone. “I cannot + read thy riddles.” + </p> + <p> + “What mean I?” she answered, tossing up her head and showing the white + curves of her throat. “Nay, I mean naught, or all; take it as thou wilt. + Wouldst know what I mean, Harmachis, my cousin and my Lord?” she went on + in a hard, low voice. “Then I will tell thee—thou art in danger of + the great offence. This Cleopatra has cast her fatal wiles about thee, and + thou goest near to loving her, Harmachis—to loving her whom + to-morrow thou must slay! Ay, stand and stare at that wreath in thy hand—the + wreath thou couldst not send to join my kerchief—sure Cleopatra wore + it but to-night! The perfume of the hair of Cæsar’s mistress—Cæsar’s + and others’—yet mingles with the odour of its roses! Now, prithee, + Harmachis, how far didst thou carry the matter on yonder balcony? for in + that hole where I lay hid I could not hear or see. ‘Tis a sweet spot for + lovers, is it not?—ay, and a sweet hour, too? Venus surely rules the + stars to-night?” + </p> + <p> + All of this she said so quietly and in so soft and modest a way, though + her words were not modest, and yet so bitterly, that every syllable cut me + to the heart, and angered me till I could find no speech. + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth thou hast a wise economy,” she went on, seeing her advantage: + “to-night thou dost kiss the lips that to-morrow thou shalt still for + ever! It is frugal dealing with the occasion of the moment; ay, worthy and + honourable dealing!” + </p> + <p> + Then at last I broke forth. “Girl,” I cried, “how darest thou speak thus + to me? Mindest thou who and what I am that thou loosest thy peevish gibes + upon me?” + </p> + <p> + “I mind what it behoves thee to be,” she answered quick. “What thou art, + that I mind not now. Surely thou knowest alone—thou and Cleopatra!” + </p> + <p> + “What meanest thou?” I said. “Am I to blame if the Queen——” + </p> + <p> + “The Queen! What have we here? Pharaoh owns a Queen!” + </p> + <p> + “If Cleopatra wills to come hither of a night and talk——” + </p> + <p> + “Of stars, Harmachis—surely of stars and roses, and naught beside!” + </p> + <p> + After that I know not what I said; for, troubled as I was, the girl’s + bitter tongue and quiet way drove me wellnigh to madness. But this I know: + I spoke so fiercely that she cowered before me as she had cowered before + my uncle Sepa when he rated her because of her Grecian garb. And as she + wept then, so she wept now, only more passionately and with great sobs. + </p> + <p> + At length I ceased, half-shamed but still angry and smarting sorely. For + even while she wept she could find a tongue to answer with—and a + woman’s shafts are sharp. + </p> + <p> + “Thou shouldst not speak to me thus!” she sobbed; “it is cruel—it is + unmanly! But I forget thou art but a priest, not a man—except, + mayhap, for Cleopatra!” + </p> + <p> + “What right hast thou?” I said. “What canst thou mean?” + </p> + <p> + “What right have I?” she asked, looking up, her dark eyes all aflood with + tears that ran down her sweet face like the dew of morning down a lily’s + heart. “What right have I? O Harmachis! art thou blind? Didst thou not + know by what right I speak thus to thee? Then I must tell thee. Well, it + is the fashion in Alexandria! By that first and holy right of woman—by + the right of the great love I bear thee, and which, it seems, thou hast no + eyes to see—by the right of my glory and my shame. Oh, be not wroth + with me, Harmachis, nor set me down as light, because the truth at last + has burst from me; for I am not so. I am what thou wilt make me. I am the + wax within the moulder’s hands, and as thou dost fashion me so I shall be. + There breathes within me now a breath of glory, blowing across the waters + of my soul, that can waft me to ends more noble than ever I have dreamed + afore, if thou wilt be my pilot and my guide. But if I lose thee, then I + lose all that holds me from my worse self—and let shipwreck come! + Thou knowest me not, Harmachis! thou canst not see how big a spirit + struggles in this frail form of mine! To thee I am a girl, clever, + wayward, shallow. But I am more! Show me thy loftiest thought and I will + match it, the deepest puzzle of thy mind and I will make it clear. Of one + blood we are, and love can ravel up our little difference and make us grow + one indeed. One end we have, one land we love, one vow binds us both. Take + me to thy heart, Harmachis, set me by thee on the Double Throne, and I + swear that I will lift thee higher than ever man has climbed. Reject me, + and beware lest I pull thee down! And now, putting aside the cold delicacy + of custom, stung to it by what I saw of the arts of that lovely living + falsehood, Cleopatra, which for pastime she practises on thy folly, I have + spoken out my heart, and answer thou!” And she clasped her hands and, + drawing one pace nearer, gazed, all white and trembling, on my face. + </p> + <p> + For a moment I stood struck dumb, for the magic of her voice and the power + of her speech, despite myself, stirred me like the rush of music. Had I + loved the woman, doubtless she might have fired me with her flame; but I + loved her not, and I could not play at passion. And so thought came, and + with thought that laughing mood, which is ever apt to fashion upon nerves + strained to the point of breaking. In a flash, as it were, I bethought me + of the way in which she had that very night forced the wreath of roses on + my head, I thought of the kerchief and how I had flung it forth. I thought + of Charmion in the little chamber watching what she held to be the arts of + Cleopatra, and of her bitter speeches. Lastly, I thought of what my uncle + Sepa would say of her could he see her now, and of the strange and tangled + skein in which I was inmeshed. And I laughed aloud—the fool’s + laughter that was my knell of ruin! + </p> + <p> + She turned whiter yet—white as the dead—and a look grew upon + her face that checked my foolish mirth. “Thou findest, then, Harmachis,” + she said in a low, choked voice, and dropping the level of her eyes, “thou + findest cause of merriment in what I have said?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered; “nay, Charmion; forgive me if I laughed. It was rather + a laugh of despair; for what am I to say to thee? Thou hast spoken high + words of all thou mightest be: is it left for me to tell thee what thou + art?” + </p> + <p> + She shrank, and I paused. + </p> + <p> + “Speak,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest—none so well!—who I am and what my mission is: + thou knowest—none so well!—that I am sworn to Isis, and may, + by law Divine, have naught to do with thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” she broke in, in her low voice, and with her eyes still fixed upon + the ground—“ay, and I know that thy vows are broken in spirit, if + not in form—broken like wreaths of cloud; for, Harmachis—<i>thou + lovest Cleopatra!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “It is a lie!” I cried. “Thou wanton girl, who wouldst seduce me from my + duty and put me to an open shame!—who, led by passion or ambition, + or the love of evil, hast not shamed to break the barriers of thy sex and + speak as thou hast spoken—beware lest thou go too far! And if thou + wilt have an answer, here it is, put straightly, as thy question. + Charmion, outside the matter of my duty and my vows, thou art <i>naught</i> + to me!—nor for all thy tender glances will my heart beat one pulse + more fast! Hardly art thou now my friend—for, of a truth, I scarce + can trust thee. But, once more: beware! To me thou mayest do thy worst; + but if thou dost dare to lift a finger against our cause, that day thou + diest! And now, is this play done?” + </p> + <p> + And as, wild with anger, I spoke thus, she shrank back, and yet further + back, till at length she rested against the wall, her eyes covered with + her hand. But when I ceased she dropped her hand, glancing up, and her + face was as the face of a statue, in which the great eyes glowed like + embers, and round them was a ring of purple shadow. + </p> + <p> + “Not altogether done,” she answered gently; “the arena must yet be + sanded!” This she said having reference to the covering up of the + bloodstains at the gladiatorial shows with fine sand. “Well,” she went on, + “waste not thine anger on a thing so vile. I have thrown my throw and I + have lost. <i>Væ victis!</i>—ah! <i>Væ victis!</i> Wilt thou not + lend me the dagger in thy robe, that here and now I may end my shame? No? + Then one word more, most royal Harmachis: if thou canst, forget my folly; + but, at the least, have no fear from me. I am now, as ever, thy servant + and the servant of our cause. Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + And she went, leaning her hand against the wall. But I, passing to my + chamber, flung myself upon my couch, and groaned in bitterness of spirit. + Alas! we shape our plans, and by slow degrees build up our house of Hope, + never counting on the guests that time shall bring to lodge therein. For + who can guard against—the Unforeseen? + </p> + <p> + At length I slept, and my dreams were evil. When I woke the light of the + day which should see the red fulfilment of the plot was streaming through + the casement, and the birds sang merrily among the garden palms. I woke, + and as I woke the sense of trouble pressed in upon me, for I remembered + that before this day was gathered to the past I must dip my hands in blood—yes, + in the blood of Cleopatra, who trusted me! Why could I not hate her as I + should? There had been a time when I looked on to this act of vengeance + with somewhat of a righteous glow of zeal. And now—and now—why, + I would frankly give my royal birthright to be free from its necessity! + But, alas! I knew that there was no escape. I must drain this cup or be + for ever cast away. I felt the eyes of Egypt watching me, and the eyes of + Egypt’s Gods. I prayed to my Mother Isis to give me strength to do this + deed, and prayed as I had never prayed before; and oh, wonder! no answer + came. Nay, how was this? What, then, had loosed the link between us that, + for the first time, the Goddess deigned no reply to her son and chosen + servant? Could it be that I had sinned in heart against her? What had + Charmion said—that I loved Cleopatra? Was this sickness love? Nay! a + thousand times nay!—it was but the revolt of Nature against an act + of treachery and blood. The Goddess did but try my strength, or perchance + she also turned her holy countenance from murder? + </p> + <p> + I rose filled with terror and despair, and went about my task like a man + without a soul. I conned the fatal lists and noted all the plans—ay, + in my brain I gathered up the very words of that proclamation of my + Royalty which, on the morrow, I should issue to the startled world. + </p> + <p> + “Citizens of Alexandria and dwellers in the land of Egypt,” it began, + “Cleopatra the Macedonian hath, by the command of the Gods, suffered + justice for her crimes——” + </p> + <p> + All these and other things I did, but I did them as a man without a soul—as + a man moved by a force from without and not from within. And so the + minutes wore away. In the third hour of the afternoon I went as by + appointment fixed to the house where my uncle Sepa lodged, that same house + to which I had been brought some three months gone when I entered + Alexandria for the first time. And here I found the leaders of the revolt + in the city assembled in secret conclave to the number of seven. When I + had entered, and the doors were barred, they prostrated themselves, and + cried, “Hail, Pharaoh!” but I bade them rise, saying that I was not yet + Pharaoh, for the chicken was still in the egg. + </p> + <p> + “Yea, Prince,” said my uncle, “but his beak shows through. Not in vain + hath Egypt brooded all these years, if thou fail not with that + dagger-stroke of thine to-night; and how canst thou fail? Nothing can now + stop our course to victory!” + </p> + <p> + “It is on the knees of the Gods,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” he said, “the Gods have placed the issue in the hands of a mortal—in + thy hands, Harmachis!—and there it is safe. See: here are the last + lists. Thirty-one thousand men who bear arms are sworn to rise when the + tidings come to them. Within five days every citadel in Egypt will be in + our hands, and then what have we to fear? From Rome but little, for her + hands are full; and, besides, we will make alliance with the Triumvirate, + and, if need be, buy them off. For of money there is plenty in the land, + and if more be wanted thou, Harmachis, knowest where it is stored against + the need of Khem, and outside the Roman’s reach of arm. Who is there to + harm us? There is none. Perchance, in this turbulent city, there may be + struggle, and a counter-plot to bring Arsinoë to Egypt and set her on the + throne. Therefore Alexandria must be severely dealt with—ay, even to + destruction, if need be. As for Arsinoë, those go forth to-morrow on the + news of the Queen’s death who shall slay her secretly.” + </p> + <p> + “There remains the lad Cæsarion,” I said. “Rome might claim through + Cæsar’s son, and the child of Cleopatra inherits Cleopatra’s rights. Here + is a double danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not,” said my uncle; “to-morrow Cæsarion joins those who begat him + in Amenti. I have made provision. The Ptolemies must be stamped out, so + that no shoot shall ever spring from that root blasted by Heaven’s + vengeance.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no other means?” I asked sadly. “My heart is sick at the promise + of this red rain of blood. I know the child well; he has Cleopatra’s fire + and beauty and great Cæsar’s wit. It were shame to murder him.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, be not so chicken-hearted, Harmachis,” said my uncle, sternly. “What + ails thee, then? If the lad is thus, the more reason that he should die. + Wouldst thou nurse up a young lion to tear thee from the throne?” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so,” I answered, sighing. “At least he is spared much, and will go + hence innocent of evil. Now for the plans.” + </p> + <p> + We sat long taking counsel, till at length, in face of the great emergency + and our high emprise, I felt something of the spirit of former days flow + back into my heart. At the last all was ordered, and so ordered that it + could scarce miscarry, for it was fixed that if by any chance I could not + come to slay Cleopatra on this night, then the plot should hang in the + scale till the morrow, when the deed must be done upon occasion. For the + death of Cleopatra was the signal. These matters being finished, once more + we stood and, our hands upon the sacred symbol, swore the oath that may + not be written. And then my uncle kissed me with tears of hope and joy + standing in his keen black eyes. He blessed me, saying that he would + gladly give his life, ay, and a hundred lives, if they were his, if he + might but live to see Egypt once more a nation, and me, Harmachis, the + descendant of its royal and ancient blood, seated on the throne. For he + was a patriot indeed, asking nothing for himself, and giving all things to + his cause. And I kissed him in turn, and thus we parted. Nor did I ever + see him more in the flesh who has earned the rest that as yet is denied to + me. + </p> + <p> + So I went, and, there being yet time, walked swiftly from place to place + in the great city, taking note of the positions of the gates and of the + places where our forces must be gathered. At length I came to that quay + where I had landed, and saw a vessel sailing for the open sea. I looked, + and in my heaviness of heart longed that I were aboard of her, to be borne + by her white wings to some far shore where I might live obscure and die + forgotten. Also I saw another vessel that had dropped down the Nile, from + whose deck the passengers were streaming. For a moment I stood watching + them, idly wondering if they were from Abouthis, when suddenly I heard a + familiar voice beside me. + </p> + <p> + “<i>La! la!</i>” said the voice. “Why, what a city is this for an old + woman to seek her fortune in! And how shall I find those to whom I am + known? As well look for the rush in the papyrus-roll.[*] Begone! thou + knave! and let my basket of simples lie; or, by the Gods, I’ll doctor thee + with them!” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Papyrus was manufactured from the pith of rushes. Hence + Atoua’s saying.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + I turned, wondering, and found myself face to face with my foster-nurse, + Atoua. She knew me instantly, for I saw her start, but in the presence of + the people she checked her surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Good Sir,” she whined, lifting her withered countenance towards me, and + at the same time making the secret sign. “By thy dress thou shouldst be an + astronomer, and I was specially told to avoid astronomers as a pack of + lying tricksters who worship their own star only; and, therefore, I speak + to thee, acting on the principle of contraries, which is law to us women. + For surely in this Alexandria, where all things are upside down, the + astronomers may be the honest men, since the rest are clearly knaves.” And + then, being by now out of earshot of the press, “royal Harmachis, I am + come charged with a message to thee from thy father Amenemhat.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he well?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is well, though waiting for the moment tries him sorely.” + </p> + <p> + “And his message?” + </p> + <p> + “It is this. He sends greeting to thee and with it warning that a great + danger threatens thee, though he cannot read it. These are his words: ‘Be + steadfast and prosper.’” + </p> + <p> + I bowed my head and the words struck a new chill of fear into my soul. + </p> + <p> + “When is the time?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “This very night. Where goest thou?” + </p> + <p> + “To the house of the honourable Sepa, Priest of Annu. Canst thou guide me + thither?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I may not stay; nor is it wise that I should be seen with thee. + Hold!” and I called a porter who was idling on the quay, and, giving him a + piece of money, bade him guide the old wife to the house. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell,” she whispered; “farewell till to-morrow. Be steadfast and + prosper.” + </p> + <p> + Then I turned and went my way through the crowded streets, where the + people made place for me, the astronomer of Cleopatra, for my fame had + spread abroad. + </p> + <p> + And even as I went my footsteps seemed to beat <i>Be steadfast, Be + steadfast, Be steadfast</i>, till at last it was as though the very ground + cried out its warning to me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + OF THE VEILED WORDS OF CHARMION; OF THE PASSING OF HARMACHIS INTO THE + PRESENCE OF CLEOPATRA; AND OF THE OVERTHROW OF HARMACHIS + </p> + <p> + It was night, and I sat alone in my chamber, waiting the moment when, as + it was agreed, Charmion should summon me to pass down to Cleopatra. I sat + alone, and there before me lay the dagger that was to pierce her. It was + long and keen, and the handle was formed of a sphinx of solid gold. I sat + alone, questioning the future, but no answer came. At length I looked up, + and Charmion stood before me—Charmion, no longer gay and bright, but + pale of face and hollow-eyed. + </p> + <p> + “Royal Harmachis,” she said, “Cleopatra summons thee, presently to declare + to her the voices of the stars.” + </p> + <p> + So the hour had fallen! + </p> + <p> + “It is well, Charmion,” I answered. “Are all things in order?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, my Lord; all things are in order: well primed with wine, Paulus + guards the gates, the eunuchs are withdrawn save one, the legionaries + sleep, and already Sepa and his force lie hid without. Nothing has been + neglected, and no lamb skipping at the shamble doors can be more innocent + of its doom than is Queen Cleopatra.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” I said again; “let us be going,” and rising, I placed the + dagger in the bosom of my robe. Taking a cup of wine that stood near, I + drank deep of it, for I had scarce tasted food all that day. + </p> + <p> + “One word,” Charmion said hurriedly, “for it is not yet time: last night—ah, + last night—” and her bosom heaved, “I dreamed a dream that haunts me + strangely, and perchance thou also didst dream a dream. It was all a dream + and ‘tis forgotten: is it not so, my Lord?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” I said; “why troublest thou me thus at such an hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I know not; but to-night, Harmachis, Fate is in labour of a great + event, and in her painful throes mayhap she’ll crush me in her grip—me + or thee, or the twain of us, Harmachis. And if that be so—well, I + would hear from thee, before it is done, that ‘twas naught but a dream, + and that dream forgot——” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is all a dream,” I said idly; “thou and I, and the solid earth, + and this heavy night of terror, ay, and this keen knife—what are + these but dreams, and with what face shall the waking come?” + </p> + <p> + “So now, thou fallest in my humour, royal Harmachis. As thou sayest, we + dream; and while we dream yet can the vision change. For the phantasies of + dreams are wonderful, seeing that they have no stability, but vary like + the vaporous edge of sunset clouds, building now this thing, and now that; + being now dark and heavy, and now alight with splendour. Therefore, before + we wake to-morrow tell me one word. Is that vision of last night, wherein + I <i>seemed</i> to be quite shamed, and thou didst <i>seem</i> to laugh + upon my shame, a fixed phantasy, or can it, perchance, yet change its + countenance? For remember, when that waking comes, the vagaries of our + sleep will be more unalterable and more enduring than are the pyramids. + Then they will be gathered into that changeless region of the past where + all things, great and small—ay, even dreams, Harmachis, are, each in + its own semblance, frozen to stone and built into the Tomb of Time + immortal.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Charmion,” I replied, “I grieve if I did pain thee; but over that + vision comes no change. I said what was in my heart and there’s an end. + Thou art my cousin and my friend, I can never be more to thee.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well—‘tis very well,” she said; “let it be forgotten. And now + on from dream—to dream,” and she smiled with such a smile as I had + never seen her wear before; it was sadder and more fateful than any stamp + that grief can set upon the brow. + </p> + <p> + For, though being blinded by my own folly and the trouble at my heart I + knew it not, with that smile, the happiness of youth died for Charmion the + Egyptian; the hope of love fled; and the holy links of duty burst asunder. + With that smile she consecrated herself to Evil, she renounced her Country + and her Gods, and trampled on her oath. Ay, that smile marks the moment + when the stream of history changed its course. For had I never seen it on + her face Octavianus had not bestridden the world, and Egypt had once more + been free and great. + </p> + <p> + And yet it was but a woman’s smile! + </p> + <p> + “Why lookest thou thus strangely, girl?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “In dreams we smile,” she answered. “And now it is time; follow thou me. + Be firm and prosper, royal Harmachis!” and bending forward she took my + hand and kissed it. Then, with one strange last look, she turned and led + the way down the stair and through the empty halls. + </p> + <p> + In the chamber that is called the Alabaster Hall, the roof of which is + upborne by columns of black marble, we stayed. For beyond was the private + chamber of Cleopatra, the same in which I had seen her sleeping. + </p> + <p> + “Abide thou here,” she said, “while I tell Cleopatra of thy coming,” and + she glided from my side. + </p> + <p> + I stood for long, mayhap in all the half of an hour, counting my own + heart-beats, and, as in a dream, striving to gather up my strength to that + which lay before me. + </p> + <p> + At length Charmion came back, her head held low and walking heavily. + </p> + <p> + “Cleopatra waits thee,” she said: “pass on, there is no guard.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do I meet thee when what must be done is done?” I asked hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + “Thou meetest me here, and then to Paulus. Be firm and prosper. Harmachis, + fare thee well!” + </p> + <p> + And so I went; but at the curtain I turned suddenly, and there in the + midst of that lonely lamplit hall I saw a strange sight. Far away, in such + a fashion that the light struck full upon her, stood Charmion, her head + thrown back, her white arms outstretched as though to clasp, and on her + girlish face a stamp of anguished passion so terrible to see that, indeed, + I cannot tell it! For she believed that I, whom she loved, was passing to + my death, and this was her last farewell to me. + </p> + <p> + But I knew naught of this matter; so with another passing pang of wonder I + drew aside the curtains, gained the doorway, and stood in Cleopatra’s + chamber. And there, upon a silken couch at the far end of the perfumed + chamber, clad in wonderful white attire, rested Cleopatra. In her hand was + a jewelled fan of ostrich plumes, with which she gently fanned herself, + and by her side was her harp of ivory, and a little table whereon were + figs and goblets and a flask of ruby-coloured wine. I drew near slowly + through the soft dim light to where the Wonder of the World lay in all her + glowing beauty. And, indeed, I have never seen her look so fair as she did + upon that fatal night. Couched in her amber cushions, she seemed to shine + as a star on the twilight’s glow. Perfume came from her hair and robes, + music fell from her lips, and in her heavenly eyes all lights changed and + gathered as in the ominous opal’s disc. + </p> + <p> + And this was the woman whom, presently, I must slay! + </p> + <p> + Slowly I drew near, bowing as I came; but she took no heed. She lay there, + and the jewelled fan floated to and fro like the bright wing of some + hovering bird. + </p> + <p> + At length I stood before her, and she glanced up, the ostrich-plumes + pressed against her breast as though to hide its beauty. + </p> + <p> + “What! friend; art thou come?” she said. “It is well; for I grew lonely + here. Nay; ‘tis a weary world! We know so many faces, and there are so few + whom we love to see again. Well, stand not there so mute, but be seated.” + And she pointed with her fan to a carven chair that was placed near her + feet. + </p> + <p> + Once more I bowed and took the seat. + </p> + <p> + “I have obeyed the Queen’s desire,” I said, “and with much care and skill + worked out the lessons of the stars; and here is the record of my labour. + If the Queen permits, I will expound it to her.” And I rose, in order that + I might pass round the couch and, as she read, stab her in the back. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Harmachis,” she said quietly, and with a slow and lovely smile. + “Bide thou where thou art, and give me the writing. By Serapis! thy face + is too comely for me to wish to lose the sight of it!” + </p> + <p> + Checked in this design, I could do nothing but hand her the papyrus, + thinking to myself that while she read I would arise suddenly and plunge + the dagger to her heart. She took it, and as she did so touched my hand. + Then she made pretence to read. But she read no word, for I saw that her + eyes were fixed upon me over the edge of the scroll. + </p> + <p> + “Why placest thou thy hand within thy robe?” she asked presently; for, + indeed, I clutched the dagger’s hilt. “Is thy heart stirred?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, O Queen,” I said; “it beats high.” + </p> + <p> + She gave no answer, but once more made pretence to read, and the while she + watched me. + </p> + <p> + I took counsel with myself. How should I do the hateful deed? If I flung + myself upon her now she would see me and scream and struggle. Nay, I must + wait a chance. + </p> + <p> + “The auguries are favourable, then, Harmachis?” she said at length, though + this she must have guessed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, O Queen,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” and she cast the writing on the marble. “The ships shall + sail. For, good or bad, I am weary of weighing chances.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a heavy matter, O Queen,” I said. “I had wished to show upon what + circumstance I base my forecast.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not so, Harmachis; I have wearied of the ways of stars. Thou hast + prophesied; that is enough for me; for, doubtless, being honest, thou hast + written honestly. Therefore, save thou thy reasons and we’ll be merry. + What shall we do? I could dance to thee—there are none who can dance + so well!—but it would scarce be queenly. Nay, I have it. I will + sing.” And, leaning forward, she raised herself, and, bending the harp + towards her, struck some wandering chords. Then her low voice broke out in + perfect and most sweet song. + </p> + <p> + And thus she sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Night on the sea, and night upon the sky, + And music in our hearts, we floated there, + Lulled by the low sea voices, thou and I, + And the wind’s kisses in my cloudy hair: + And thou didst gaze on me and call me fair— + Enfolded by the starry robe of night— + And then thy singing thrilled upon the air, + Voice of the heart’s desire and Love’s delight. + + ‘Adrift, with starlit skies above, + With starlit seas below, + We move with all the suns that move, + With all the seas that flow; + For bond or free, Earth, Sky, and Sea, + Wheel with one circling will, + And thy heart drifteth on to me, + And only time stands still. + + Between two shores of Death we drift, + Behind are things forgot: + Before the tide is driving swift + To lands beholden not. + Above, the sky is far and cold; + Below, the moaning sea + Sweeps o’er the loves that were of old, + But, oh, Love! kiss thou me. + + Ah, lonely are the ocean ways, + And dangerous the deep, + And frail the fairy barque that strays + Above the seas asleep! + Ah, toil no more at sail nor oar, + We drift, or bond or free; + On yon far shore the breakers roar, + But, oh, Love! kiss thou me.’ + + “And ever as thou sangest I drew near, + Then sudden silence heard our hearts that beat, + For now there was an end of doubt and fear, + Now passion filled my soul and led my feet; + Then silent didst thou rise thy love to meet, + Who, sinking on thy breast, knew naught but thee, + And in the happy night I kissed thee, Sweet; + Ah, Sweet! between the starlight and the sea.” + </pre> + <p> + The last echoes of her rich notes floated down the chamber, and slowly + died away; but in my heart they rolled on and on. I have heard among the + women-singers at Abouthis voices more perfect than the voice of Cleopatra, + but never have I heard one so thrilling or so sweet with passion’s + honey-notes. And indeed it was not the voice alone, it was the perfumed + chamber in which was set all that could move the sense; it was the passion + of the thought and words, and the surpassing grace and loveliness of that + most royal woman who sang them. For, as she sang, I seemed to think that + we twain were indeed floating alone with the night, upon the starlit + summer sea. And when she ceased to touch the harp, and, rising, suddenly + stretched out her arms towards me, and with the last low notes of song yet + quivering upon her lips, let fall the wonder of her eyes upon my eyes, she + almost drew me to her. But I remembered, and would not. + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou, then, no word of thanks for my poor singing, Harmachis?” she + said at length. + </p> + <p> + “Yea, O Queen,” I answered, speaking very low, for my voice was choked; + “but thy songs are not good for the sons of men to hear—of a truth + they overwhelm me!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Harmachis; there is no fear for thee,” she said laughing softly, + “seeing that I know how far thy thoughts are set from woman’s beauty and + the common weakness of thy sex. With cold iron we may safely toy.” + </p> + <p> + I thought within myself that coldest iron can be brought to whitest heat + if the fire be fierce enough. But I said nothing, and, though my hand + trembled, I once more grasped the dagger’s hilt, and, wild with fear at my + own weakness, set myself to find a means to slay her while yet my sense + remained. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, Harmachis,” she went on, in her softest voice. “Come, sit by + me, and we will talk together; for I have much to tell thee,” and she made + place for me at her side upon the silken seat. + </p> + <p> + And I, thinking that I might so more swiftly strike, rose and seated + myself some little way from her on the couch, while, flinging back her + head, she gazed on me with her slumbrous eyes. + </p> + <p> + Now was my occasion, for her throat and breast were bare, and, with a + mighty effort, once again I lifted my hand to clutch the dagger-hilt. But, + more quick than thought, she caught my fingers with her own and gently + held them. + </p> + <p> + “Why lookest thou so wildly, Harmachis?” she said. “Art sick?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, sick indeed!” I gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Then lean thou on the cushions and rest thee,” she answered, still + holding my hand, from which the strength had fled. “The fit will surely + pass. Too long hast thou laboured with thy stars. How soft is the night + air that flows from yonder casement heavy with the breath of lilies! Hark + to the whisper of the sea lapping against the rocks, that, though it is + faint, yet, being so strong, doth almost drown the quick cool fall of + yonder fountain. List to Philomel; how sweet from a full heart of love she + sings her message to her dear! Indeed it is a lovely night, and most + beautiful is Nature’s music, sung with a hundred voices from wind and + trees and birds and ocean’s wrinkled lips, and yet sung all to tune. + Listen, Harmachis: I have guessed something concerning thee. Thou, too, + art of a royal race; no humble blood pours in those veins of thine. Surely + such a shoot could spring but from the stock of Princes? What! gazest thou + at the leafmark on my breast? It was pricked there in honour of great + Osiris, whom with thee I worship. See!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me hence,” I groaned, striving to rise; but all my strength had gone. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not yet awhile. Thou wouldst not leave me yet? thou <i>canst</i> not + leave me yet. Harmachis, hast thou never loved?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, O Queen! What have I to do with love? Let me hence!—I am + faint—I am fordone!” + </p> + <p> + “Never to have loved—‘tis strange! Never to have known some + woman-heart beat all in tune to thine—never to have seen the eyes of + thy adored aswim with passion’s tears, as she sighed her vows upon thy + breast!—Never to have loved!—never to have lost thyself in the + mystery of another’s soul; nor to have learned how Nature can overcome our + naked loneliness, and with the golden web of love of twain weave one + identity! Why, it is never to have lived, Harmachis!” + </p> + <p> + And ever as she murmured she drew nearer to me, till at last, with a long, + sweet sigh, she flung one arm about my neck, and gazed upon me with blue, + unfathomable eyes, and smiled her dark, slow smile, that, like an opening + flower, revealed beauty within beauty hidden. Nearer she bent her queenly + form, and still more near—now her perfumed breath played upon my + hair, and now her lips met mine. + </p> + <p> + And woe is me! In that kiss, more deadly and more strong than the embrace + of Death, were forgotten Isis, my heavenly Hope, Oaths, Honour, Country, + Friends, all things—all things save that Cleopatra clasped me in her + arms, and called me Love and Lord. + </p> + <p> + “Now pledge me,” she sighed; “pledge me one cup of wine in token of thy + love.” + </p> + <p> + I took the draught, and I drank deep; then too late I knew that it was + drugged. + </p> + <p> + I fell upon the couch, and, though my senses still were with me, I could + neither speak nor rise. + </p> + <p> + But Cleopatra, bending over me, drew the dagger from my robe. + </p> + <p> + “<i>I’ve won!</i>” she cried, shaking back her long hair. “I’ve won, and + for the stake of Egypt, why, ‘twas a game worth playing! With this dagger, + then, thou wouldst have slain me, O my royal Rival, whose myrmidons even + now are gathered at my palace gate? Art still awake? Now what hinders me + that I should not plunge it to <i>thy</i> heart?” + </p> + <p> + I heard and feebly pointed to my breast, for I was fain to die. She drew + herself to the full of her imperial height, and the great knife glittered + in her hand. Down it came till its edge pricked my flesh. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she cried again, and cast it from her, “too well I like thee. It + were pity to slay such a man! I give thee thy life. Live on, lost Pharaoh! + Live on, poor fallen Prince, blasted by a woman’s wit! Live on, Harmachis—to + adorn my triumph!” + </p> + <p> + Then sight left me; and in my ears I only heard the song of the + nightingale, the murmur of the sea, and the music of Cleopatra’s laugh of + victory. And as I sank away, the sound of that low laugh still followed me + into the land of sleep, and still it follows me through life to death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + OF THE AWAKING OF HARMACHIS; OF THE SIGHT OF DEATH; OF THE COMING OF + CLEOPATRA; AND OF HER COMFORTABLE WORDS + </p> + <p> + Once more I woke; it was to find myself in my own chamber. I started up. + Surely, I, too, had dreamed a dream? It could be nothing but a dream? It + could not be that I woke to know myself a <i>traitor!</i> That the + opportunity had gone for ever! That I had betrayed the cause, and that + last night those brave men, headed by my uncle, had waited in vain at the + outer gate! That Egypt from Abu to Athu was even now waiting—waiting + in vain! Nay, whatever else might be, this could not be! Oh, it was an + awful dream which I had dreamed! a second such would slay a man. It were + better to die than face such another vision sent from hell. But, though + the thing was naught but a hateful phantasy of a mind o’er-strained, where + was I now? Where was I now? I should be in the Alabaster Hall, waiting + till Charmion came forth. + </p> + <p> + Where was I? and O ye Gods! what was that dreadful thing, whose shape was + the shape of a man?—that thing draped in bloodstained white and + huddled in a hideous heap at the foot of the couch on which I seemed to + lie? + </p> + <p> + I sprang at it with a shriek, as a lion springs, and struck with all my + strength. The blow fell heavily, and beneath its weight the thing rolled + over upon its side. Half mad with terror, I rent away the white covering; + and there, his knees bound beneath his hanging jaw, was the naked body of + a man—and that man the Roman Captain Paulus! There he lay, through + his heart a dagger—my dagger, handled with the sphinx of gold!—and + pinned by its blade to his broad breast a scroll, and on the scroll, + writing in the Roman character. I drew near and read, and this was the + writing: + </p> + <p> + HARMACHIDI.SALVERE.EGO.SUM.QUEM.SUBDERE.NORAS + PAULUS.ROMANUS.DISCE.HINC.QUID.PRODERE.PROSIT. + </p> + <p> + “Greeting, Harmachis! I was that Roman Paulus whom thou didst suborn. + Learn now how blessed are traitors!” + </p> + <p> + Sick and faint I staggered back from the sight of that white corpse + stained with its own blood. Sick and faint I staggered back, till the wall + stayed me, while without the birds sang a merry greeting to the day. So it + was no dream, and I was lost! lost! + </p> + <p> + I thought of my aged father, Amenemhat. Yes, the vision of him flashed + into my mind, as he would be, when they came to tell him his son’s shame + and the ruin of all his hopes. I thought of that patriot priest, my uncle + Sepa, waiting the long night through for the signal which never came. Ah, + and another thought followed swift! How would it go with them? I was not + the only traitor. I, too, had been betrayed. By whom? By yonder Paulus, + perchance. If it were Paulus, he knew but little of those who conspired + with me. But the secret lists had been in my robe. O Osiris! they were + gone! and the fate of Paulus would be the fate of all the patriots in + Egypt. And at this thought my mind gave way. I sank and swooned even where + I stood. + </p> + <p> + My sense came back to me, and the lengthening shadows told me that it was + afternoon. I staggered to my feet; the corpse of Paulus was still there, + keeping its awful watch above me. I ran desperately to the door. It was + barred, and without I heard the tramp of sentinels. As I stood they + challenged and grounded their spears. Then the bolts were shot back, the + door opened, and radiant, clad in royal attire, came the conquering + Cleopatra. She came alone, and the door was shut behind her. I stood like + one distraught; but she swept on till she was face to face with me. + </p> + <p> + “Greeting, Harmachis,” she said, smiling sweetly. “So, my messenger has + found thee!” and she pointed to the corpse of Paulus. “Pah! he has an ugly + look. Ho! guards!” + </p> + <p> + The door was opened, and two armed Gauls stepped across the threshold. + </p> + <p> + “Take away this carrion,” said Cleopatra, “and fling it to the kites. + Stay, draw that dagger from his traitor breast.” The men bowed low, and + the knife, rusted red with blood, was dragged from the heart of Paulus and + laid upon the table. Then they seized him by the head and body and + staggered thence, and I heard their heavy footfalls as they bore him down + the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, Harmachis, thou art in an evil case,” she said, when the sound + of the footfalls had died away. “How strangely the wheel of Fortune turns! + But for that traitor,” and she nodded towards the door through which the + corpse of Paulus had been carried, “I should now be as ill a thing to look + on as he is, and the red rust on yonder knife would have been gathered + from <i>my</i> heart.” + </p> + <p> + So it was Paulus who had betrayed me. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” she went on, “and when thou camest to me last night, I <i>knew</i> + that thou camest to slay. When, time upon time, thou didst place thy hand + within thy robe, I knew that it grasped a dagger hilt, and that thou wast + gathering thy courage to the deed which thou didst little love to do. Oh! + it was a strange wild hour, well worth the living, and I wondered greatly, + from moment to moment, which of us twain would conquer, as we matched + guile with guile and force to force! + </p> + <p> + “Yea, Harmachis, the guards tramp before thy door, but be not deceived. + Did I not know that I hold thee to me by bonds more strong than prison + chains—did I not know that I am hedged from ill at thy hands by a + fence of honour harder for thee to pass than all the spears of all my + legions, thou hadst been dead ere now, Harmachis. See, here is thy knife,” + and she handed me the dagger; “now slay me if thou canst,” and she drew + near, tore open the bosom of her robe, and stood waiting with calm eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Thou canst not slay me,” she went on; “for there are things, as I know + well, that no man—no man such as thou art—may do and live: and + this is the chief of them—to slay the woman who is all his own. Nay, + stay thy hand! Turn not that dagger against thy breast, for if thou mayst + not slay me, by how much more mayst thou not slay thyself, O thou forsworn + Priest of Isis! Art thou, then, so eager to face that outraged Majesty in + Amenti? With what eyes, thinkest thou, will the Heavenly Mother look upon + Her son, who, shamed in all things and false to his most sacred vow, comes + to greet Her, his life-blood on his hands? Where, then, will be the space + for thy atonement?—if, indeed, thou mayest atone!” + </p> + <p> + Then I could bear no more, for my heart was broken. Alas! it was too true—I + dared not die! I was come to such a pass that I did not even dare to die! + I flung myself upon the couch and wept—wept tears of blood and + anguish. + </p> + <p> + But Cleopatra came to me, and, seating herself beside me, she strove to + comfort me, throwing her arms about my neck. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, love, look up,” she said; “all is not lost for thee, nor am I + angered against thee. We did play a mighty game; but, as I warned thee, I + matched my woman’s magic against thine, and I have conquered. But I will + be open with thee. Both as Queen and woman thou hast my pity—ay, and + more; nor do I love to see thee plunged in sorrow. It was well and right + that thou shouldst strive to win back that throne my fathers seized, and + the ancient liberty of Egypt. Myself as lawful Queen had done the same, + nor shrunk from the deed of darkness to which I was sworn. Therein, then, + thou hast my sympathy, that ever goes out to what is great and bold. It is + well also that thou shouldst grieve over the greatness of thy fall. + Therein, then, as woman—as loving woman—thou hast my sympathy. + Nor is all lost. Thy plan was foolish—for, as I hold, Egypt could + never have stood alone—for though thou hadst won the crown and + country—as without a doubt thou must have done—yet there was + the Roman to be reckoned with. And for thy hope learn this: I am little + known. There is no heart in this wide land that beats with a truer love + for ancient Khem than does this heart of mine—nay, not thine own, + Harmachis. Yet I have been heavily shackled heretofore—for wars, + rebellions, envies, plots, have hemmed me in on every side, so that I + might not serve my people as I would. But thou, Harmachis, shalt show me + how. Thou shalt be my counsellor and my love. Is it a little thing, + Harmachis, to have won the heart of Cleopatra; that heart—fie on + thee!—that thou wouldst have stilled? Yes, <i>thou</i> shalt unite + me to my people and we will reign together, thus linking in one the new + kingdom and the old and the new thought and the old. So do all things work + for good—ay, for the very best: and thus, by another and a gentler + road, thou shalt climb to Pharaoh’s throne. + </p> + <p> + “See thou this, Harmachis: thy treachery shall be cloaked about as much as + may be. Was it, then, thy fault that a Roman knave betrayed thy plans? + that, thereon, thou wast drugged, thy secret papers stolen and their key + guessed? Will it, then, be a blame to thee, the great plot being broken + and those who built it scattered, that thou, still faithful to thy trust, + didst serve thee of such means as Nature gave thee, and win the heart of + Egypt’s Queen, that, through her gentle love, thou mightest yet attain thy + ends and spread thy wings of power across the land of Nile? Am I an + ill-counsellor, thinkest thou, Harmachis?” + </p> + <p> + I lifted my head, and a ray of hope crept into the darkness of my heart; + for when men fall they grasp at feathers. Then, I spoke for the first + time: + </p> + <p> + “And those with me—those who trusted me—what of them?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” she answered, “Amenemhat, thy father, the aged Priest of Abouthis; + and Sepa, thy uncle, that fiery patriot, whose great heart is hid beneath + so common a shell of form; and——” + </p> + <p> + I thought she would have said Charmion, but she named her not. + </p> + <p> + “And many others—oh, I know them all!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” I said, “what of them?” + </p> + <p> + “Hear now, Harmachis,” she answered, rising and placing her hand upon my + arm, “for thy sake I will show mercy to them. I will do no more than must + be done. I swear by my throne and by all the Gods of Egypt that not one + hair of thy aged father’s head shall be harmed by me; and, if it be not + too late, I will also spare thy uncle Sepa, ay, and the others. I will not + do as did my forefather, Epiphanes, who, when the Egyptians rose against + him, dragged Athinis, Pausiras, Chesuphus, and Irobasthus, bound to his + chariot—not as Achilles dragged Hector, but yet living—round + the city walls. I will spare them all, save the Hebrews, if there be any + Hebrews; for the Jews I hate.” + </p> + <p> + “There are no Hebrews,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” she said, “for no Hebrew will I ever spare. Am I then, + indeed, so cruel a woman as they say? In thy list, Harmachis, were many + doomed to die; and I have but taken the life of one Roman knave, a double + traitor, for he betrayed both me and thee. Art thou not overwhelmed, + Harmachis, with the weight of mercy which I give thee, because—such + are a woman’s reasons—thou pleasest me, Harmachis? Nay, by Serapis!” + she added with a little laugh, “I’ll change my mind; I will not give thee + so much for nothing. Thou shalt buy it from me, and the price shall be a + heavy one—it shall be a kiss, Harmachis.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I said, turning from that fair temptress, “the price is too heavy; + I kiss no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Bethink thee,” she answered, with a heavy frown. “Bethink thee and + choose. I am but a woman, Harmachis, and one who is not wont to sue to + men. Do as thou wilt; but this I say to thee—if thou dost put me + away, I will gather up the mercy I have meted out. Therefore, most + virtuous priest, choose thou between the heavy burden of my love and the + swift death of thy aged father and of all those who plotted with him.” + </p> + <p> + I glanced at her and saw that she was angered, for her eyes shone and her + bosom heaved. So, I sighed and kissed her, thereby setting the seal upon + my shame and bondage. Then, smiling like the triumphant Aphrodité of the + Greeks, she went thence, bearing the dagger with her. + </p> + <p> + I knew not yet how deeply I was betrayed; or why I was still left to draw + the breath of life; or why Cleopatra, the tiger-hearted, had grown + merciful. I did not know that she feared to slay me, lest, so strong was + the plot and so feeble her hold upon the Double Crown, the tumult that + might tread hard upon the tidings of my murder should shake her from the + throne—even when I was no more. I did not know that because of fear + and the weight of policy only she showed scant mercy to those whom I had + betrayed, or that because of cunning and not for the holy sake of woman’s + love—though, in truth, she liked me well enough—she chose + rather to bind me to her by the fibres of my heart. And yet I will say + this in her behalf: even when the danger-cloud had melted from her sky she + kept faith, nor, save Paulus and one other, did any suffer the utmost + penalty of death for their part in the great plot against Cleopatra’s + crown and dynasty. But they suffered many other things. + </p> + <p> + And so she went, leaving the vision of her glory to strive with the shame + and sorrow in my heart. Oh, bitter were the hours that could not now be + made light with prayer. For the link between me and the Divine was + snapped, and Isis communed with Her Priest no more. Bitter were the hours + and dark, but ever through their darkness shone the starry eyes of + Cleopatra, and came the echo of her whispered love. For not yet was the + cup of sorrow full. Hope still lingered in my heart, and I could almost + think that I had failed to some higher end, and that in the depths of ruin + I should find another and more flowery path to triumph. + </p> + <p> + For thus those who sin deceive themselves, striving to lay the burden of + their evil deeds upon the back of Fate, striving to believe their + wickedness may compass good, and to murder Conscience with the sharp plea + of Necessity. But it can avail nothing, for hand in hand down the path of + sin rush Remorse and Ruin, and woe to him they follow! Ay, and woe to me + who of all sinners am the chief! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <p> + OF THE IMPRISONMENT OF HARMACHIS; OF THE SCORN OF CHARMION; OF THE SETTING + FREE OF HARMACHIS; AND OF THE COMING OF QUINTUS DELLIUS + </p> + <p> + For a space of eleven days I was thus kept prisoned in my chamber; nor did + I see anyone except the sentries at my doors, the slaves who in silence + brought me food and drink, and Cleopatra’s self, who came continually. + But, though her words of love were many, she would tell me nothing of how + things went without. She came in many moods—now gay and laughing, + now full of wise thoughts and speech, and now passionate only, and to + every mood she gave some new-found charm. She was full of talk as to how I + should help her make Egypt great, and lessen the burdens on the people, + and fright the Roman eagles back. And, though at first I listened heavily + when she spoke thus, by slow advance as she wrapped me closer and yet more + close in her magic web, from which there was no escape, my mind fell in + time with hers. Then I, too, opened something of my heart, and somewhat + also of the plans that I had formed for Egypt. She seemed to listen + gladly, weighing them all, and spoke of means and methods, telling me how + she would purify the Faith and repair the ancient temples—ay, and + build new ones to the Gods. And ever she crept deeper into my heart, till + at length, now that every other thing had gone from me, I learned to love + her with all the unspent passion of my aching soul. I had naught left to + me but Cleopatra’s love, and I twined my life about it, and brooded on it + as a widow over her only babe. And thus the very author of my shame became + my all, my dearest dear, and I loved her with a strong love that grew and + grew, till it seemed to swallow up the past and make the present a dream. + For she had conquered me, she had robbed me of my honour, and steeped me + to the lips in shame, and I, poor fallen, blinded wretch, I kissed the rod + that smote me, and was her very slave. + </p> + <p> + Ay, even now, in those dreams which still come when Sleep unlocks the + secret heart, and sets its terrors free to roam through the opened halls + of Thought, I seem to see her royal form, as erst I saw it, come with arms + outstretched and Love’s own light shining in her eyes, with lips apart and + flowing locks, and stamped upon her face the look of utter tenderness that + she alone could wear. Ay, still, after all the years, I seem to see her + come as erst she came, and still I wake to know her an unutterable lie! + </p> + <p> + And thus one day she came. She had fled in haste, she said, from some + great council summoned concerning the wars of Antony in Syria, and she + came, as she had left the council, in all her robes of state, the sceptre + in her hand, and on her brow the uræus diadem of gold. There she sat + before me, laughing; for, wearying of them, she had told the envoys to + whom she gave audience in the council that she was called from their + presence by a sudden message come from Rome; and the jest seemed merry to + her. Suddenly she rose, took the diadem from her brow, and set it on my + hair, and on my shoulders her royal mantle, and in my hand the sceptre, + and bowed the knee before me. Then, laughing again, she kissed me on the + lips, and said I was indeed her King. But, remembering how I had been + crowned in the halls of Abouthis, and remembering also that wreath of + roses of which the odour haunts me yet, I rose, pale with wrath, and cast + the trinkets from me, asking how she dared to mock me—her caged + bird. And I think there was that about me which startled her, for she fell + back. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Harmachis,” she said, “be not wroth! How knowest thou that I mock + thee? How knowest thou that thou shalt not be Pharaoh in fact and deed?” + </p> + <p> + “What meanest thou?” I said. “Wilt thou, then, wed me before Egypt? How + else can I be Pharaoh now?” + </p> + <p> + She cast down her eyes. “Perchance, love, it is in my mind to wed thee,” + she said gently. “Listen,” she went on: “Thou growest pale, here, in this + prison, and thou dost eat little. Gainsay me not! I know it from the + slaves. I have kept thee here, Harmachis, for thy own sake, that is so + dear to me; and for thy own sake, and thy honour’s sake, thou must still + seem to be my prisoner. Else wouldst thou be shamed and slain—ay, + murdered secretly. But I can meet thee here no more! therefore to-morrow I + shall free thee in all, save in the name, and thou shalt once more be seen + at Court as my astronomer. And I will give this reason—that thou + hast cleared thyself; and, moreover, that thy auguries as regards the war + have been auguries of truth—as, indeed, they have, though for this I + have no cause to thank thee, seeing that thou didst suit thy prophecies to + fit thy cause. Now, farewell; for I must return to those heavy-browed + ambassadors; and grow not so sudden wroth, Harmachis, for who knows what + may come to pass betwixt thee and me?” + </p> + <p> + And, with a little nod, she went, leaving it on my mind that she had it in + her heart to wed me openly. And of a truth, I believe that, at this hour, + such was her thought. For, if she loved me not, still she held me dear, + and as yet she had not wearied of me. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow Cleopatra came not, but Charmion came—Charmion, whom I + had not seen since that fatal night of ruin. She entered and stood before + me, with pale face and downcast eyes, and her first words were words of + bitterness. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” she said, in her gentle voice, “in that I dare to come to + thee in Cleopatra’s place. Thy joy is not delayed for long, for thou shalt + see her presently.” + </p> + <p> + I shrank at her words, as well I might, and, seeing her vantage, she + seized it. + </p> + <p> + “I come, Harmachis—royal no more!—I come to say that thou art + free! Thou art free to face thine own infamy, and see it thrown back from + every eye which trusted thee, as shadows are from water. I come to tell + thee that the great plot—the plot of twenty years and more—is + at its utter end. None have been slain, indeed, unless it is Sepa, who has + vanished. But all the leaders have been seized and put in chains, or + driven from the land, and their party is broken and scattered. The storm + has melted before it burst. Egypt is lost, and lost for ever, for her last + hope is gone! No longer may she struggle—now for all time she must + bow her neck to the yoke, and bare her back to the rod of the oppressor!” + </p> + <p> + I groaned aloud. “Alas, I was betrayed!” I said. “Paulus betrayed us.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wast betrayed? Nay, thou thyself wast the betrayer! How came it that + thou didst not slay Cleopatra when thou wast alone with her? Speak, thou + forsworn!” + </p> + <p> + “She drugged me,” I said again. + </p> + <p> + “O Harmachis!” answered the pitiless girl, “how low art thou fallen from + that Prince whom once I knew!—thou who dost not scorn to be a liar! + Yea, thou wast drugged—drugged with a love-philtre! Yea, thou didst + sell Egypt and thy cause for the price of a wanton’s kiss! Thou Sorrow and + thou Shame!” she went on, pointing her finger at me and lifting her eyes + to my face, “thou Scorn!—thou Outcast!—and thou Contempt! Deny + it if thou canst. Ay, shrink from me—knowing what thou art, well + mayst thou shrink! Crawl to Cleopatra’s feet, and kiss her sandals till + such time as it pleases her to trample thee in thy kindred dirt; but from + all honest folk <i>shrink!</i>—<i>shrink!</i>” + </p> + <p> + My soul quivered beneath the lash of her bitter scorn and hate, but I had + no words to answer. + </p> + <p> + “How comes it,” I said at last in a heavy voice, “that thou, too, art not + betrayed, but art still here to taunt me, thou who once didst swear that + thou didst love me? Being a woman, hast thou no pity for the frailty of + man?” + </p> + <p> + “My name was not on the lists,” she said, dropping her dark eyes. “Here is + an opportunity: betray me also, Harmachis! Ay, it is because I once loved + thee—dost thou, indeed, remember it?—that I feel thy fall the + more. The shame of one whom we have loved must in some sort become our + shame, and must ever cling to us, because we blindly held a thing so base + close to our inmost heart. Art thou also, then, a fool? Wouldst thou, + fresh from thy royal wanton’s arms, come to me for comfort—to <i>me</i> + of all the world?” + </p> + <p> + “How know I,” I said, “that it was not thou who, in thy jealous anger, + didst betray our plans? Charmion, long ago Sepa warned me against thee, + and of a truth now that I recall——” + </p> + <p> + “It is like a traitor,” she broke in, reddening to her brow, “to think + that all are of his family, and hold a common mind! Nay, I betrayed thee + not; it was that poor knave, Paulus, whose heart failed him at the last, + and who is rightly served. Nor will I stay to hear thoughts so base. + Harmachis—royal no more!—Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, bids me + say that thou art free, and that she waits thee in the Alabaster Hall.” + </p> + <p> + And shooting one swift glance through her long lashes she curtsied and was + gone. + </p> + <p> + So once more I came and went about the Court, though but sparingly, for my + heart was full of shame and terror, and on every face I feared to see the + scorn of those who knew me for what I was. But I saw nothing, for all + those who had knowledge of the plot had fled, and Charmion had spoken no + word, for her own sake. Also, Cleopatra had put it about that I was + innocent. But my guilt lay heavy on me, and made me thin and wore away the + beauty of my countenance. And though I was free in name, yet I was ever + watched; nor might I stir beyond the palace grounds. + </p> + <p> + And at length came the day which brought with it Quintus Dellius, that + false Roman knight who ever served the rising star. He bore letters to + Cleopatra from Marcus Antonius, the Triumvir, who, fresh from the victory + of Philippi, was now in Asia wringing gold from the subject kings with + which to satisfy the greed of his legionaries. + </p> + <p> + Well I mind me of the day. Cleopatra, clad in her robes of state, attended + by the officers of her Court, among whom I stood, sat in the great hall on + her throne of gold, and bade the heralds admit the Ambassador of Antony, + the Triumvir. The great doors were thrown wide, and amidst the blare of + trumpets and salutes of the Gallic guards the Roman came in, clad in + glittering golden armour and a scarlet cloak of silk, and followed by his + suite of officers. He was smooth-faced and fair to look upon, and with a + supple form; but his mouth was cold, and false were his shifting eyes. And + while the heralds called out his name, titles, and offices, he fixed his + gaze on Cleopatra—who sat idly on her throne all radiant with beauty—as + a man who is amazed. Then when the heralds had made an end, and he still + stood thus, not stirring, Cleopatra spoke in the Latin tongue: + </p> + <p> + “Greeting to thee, noble Dellius, envoy of the most mighty Antony, whose + shadow lies across the world as though Mars himself now towered up above + us petty Princes—greeting and welcome to our poor city of + Alexandria. Unfold, we pray thee, the purpose of thy coming.” + </p> + <p> + Still the crafty Dellius made no answer, but stood as a man amazed. + </p> + <p> + “What ails thee, noble Dellius, that thou dost not speak?” asked + Cleopatra. “Hast thou, then, wandered so long in Asia that the doors of + Roman speech are shut to thee? What tongue hast thou? Name it, and We will + speak in it—for all tongues are known to Us.” + </p> + <p> + Then at last he spoke in a soft full voice: “Oh, pardon me, most lovely + Egypt, if I have thus been stricken dumb before thee: but too great + beauty, like Death himself, doth paralyse the tongue and steal our sense + away. The eyes of him who looks upon the fires of the mid-day sun are + blind to all beside, and thus this sudden vision of thy glory, royal + Egypt, overwhelmed my mind, and left me helpless and unwitting of all + things else.” + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth, noble Dellius,” answered Cleopatra, “they teach a pretty + school of flattery yonder in Cilicia.” + </p> + <p> + “How goes the saying here in Alexandria?” replied the courtly Roman: “‘‘The + breath of flattery cannot waft a cloud,’ [*] does it not? But to my task. + Here, royal Egypt, are letters under the hand and seal of the noble Antony + treating of certain matters of the State. Is it thy pleasure that I should + read them openly?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] In other words, what is Divine is beyond the reach of + human praise.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “Break the seals and read,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + Then bowing, he broke the seals and read: + </p> + <p> + “The <i>Triumviri Reipublicæ Constituendæ</i>, by the mouth of Marcus + Antonius, the Triumvir, to Cleopatra, by grace of the Roman People Queen + of Upper and Lower Egypt, send greeting. Whereas it has come to our + knowledge that thou, Cleopatra, hast, contrary to thy promise and thy + duty, both by thy servant Allienus and by thy servant Serapion, the + Governor of Cyprus, aided the rebel murderer Cassius against the arms of + the most noble Triumvirate. And, whereas it has come to our knowledge that + thou thyself wast but lately making ready a great fleet to this end. We + summon thee that thou dost without delay journey to Cilicia, there to meet + the noble Antony, and in person make answer concerning these charges which + are laid against thee. And we warn thee that if thou dost disobey this our + summons it is at thy peril. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of Cleopatra flashed as she hearkened to these high words, and I + saw her hands tighten on the golden lions’ heads whereon they rested. + </p> + <p> + “We have had the flattery,” she said; “and now, lest we be cloyed with + sweets, we have its antidote! Listen thou, Dellius: the charges in that + letter, or, rather, in that writ of summons, are false, as all folk can + bear us witness. But it is not now, and it is not to thee, that We will + make defence of our acts of war and policy. Nor will We leave our kingdom + to journey into far Cilicia, and there, like some poor suppliant at law, + plead our cause before the Court of the Noble Antony. If Antony would have + speech with us, and inquire concerning these high matters, the sea is + open, and his welcome shall be royal. Let him come thither! That is our + answer to thee and to the Triumvirate, O Dellius!” + </p> + <p> + But Dellius smiled as one who would put away the weight of wrath, and once + more spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Royal Egypt, thou knowest not the noble Antony. He is stern on paper, and + ever he sets down his thoughts as though his stylus were a spear dipped in + the blood of men. But face to face with him, thou, of all the world, shalt + find him the gentlest warrior that ever won a battle. Be advised, O Egypt! + and come. Send me not hence with such angry words, for if thou dost draw + Antony to Alexandria, then woe to Alexandria, to the people of the Nile, + and to thee, great Egypt! For then he will come armed and breathing war, + and it shall go hard with thee, who dost defy the gathered might of Rome. + I pray thee, then, obey this summons. Come to Cilicia; come with peaceful + gifts and not in arms. Come in thy beauty, and tricked in thy best attire, + and thou hast naught to fear from the noble Antony.” He paused and looked + at her meaningly; while I, taking his drift, felt the angry blood surge + into my face. + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra, too, understood, for I saw her rest her chin upon her hand and + the cloud of thought gathered in her eyes. For a time she sat thus, while + the crafty Dellius watched her curiously. And Charmion, standing with the + other ladies by the throne, she also read his meaning, for her face lit + up, as a summer cloud lights in the evening when the broad lightning + flares behind it. Then once more it grew pale and quiet. + </p> + <p> + At length Cleopatra spoke. “This is a heavy matter,” she said, “and + therefore, noble Dellius, we must have time to let our judgment ripen. + Rest thou here, and make thee as merry as our poor circumstances allow. + Thou shalt have thy answer within ten days.” + </p> + <p> + The envoy thought awhile, then replied smiling: “It is well, O Egypt; on + the tenth day from now I will attend for my answer, and on the eleventh I + sail hence to join Antony my Lord.” + </p> + <p> + Once more, at a sign from Cleopatra, the trumpets blared, and he withdrew + bowing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <p> + 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” + </p> + <p> + That same night Cleopatra summoned me to her private chamber. I went, and + found her much troubled in mind; never before had I seen her so deeply + moved. She was alone, and, like some trapped lioness, walked to and fro + across the marble floor, while thought chased thought across her mind, + each, as clouds scudding over the sea, for a moment casting its shadow in + her deep eyes. + </p> + <p> + “So thou art come, Harmachis,” she said, resting for a while, as she took + my hand. “Counsel me, for never did I need counsel more. Oh, what days + have the Gods measured out to me—days restless as the ocean! I have + known no peace from childhood up, and it seems none shall I know. Scarce + by a very little have I escaped thy dagger’s point, Harmachis, when this + new trouble, that, like a storm, has gathered beneath the horizon’s rim, + suddenly bursts over me. Didst mark that tigerish fop? Well should I love + to trap him! How soft he spoke! Ay, he purred like a cat, and all the time + he stretched his claws. Didst hear the letter, too? it has an ugly sound. + I know this Antony. When I was but a child, budding into womanhood, I saw + him; but my eyes were ever quick, and I took his measure. Half Hercules + and half a fool, with a dash of genius veining his folly through. Easily + led by those who enter at the gates of his voluptuous sense; but if + crossed, an iron foe. True to his friends, if, indeed, he loves them; and + ofttimes false to his own interest. Generous, hardy, and in adversity a + man of virtue; in prosperity a sot and a slave to woman. That is Antony. + How deal with such a man, whom fate and opportunity, despite himself, have + set on the crest of fortune’s wave? One day it will overwhelm him; but + till that day he sweeps across the world and laughs at those who drown.” + </p> + <p> + “Antony is but a man,” I answered, “and a man with many foes; and, being + but a man, he can be overthrown.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, he can be overthrown; but he is one of three, Harmachis. Now that + Cassius hath gone where all fools go, Rome has thrown out a hydra head. + Crush one, and another hisses in thy face. There’s Lepidus, and with him, + that young Octavianus, whose cold eyes may yet with a smile of triumph + look on the murdered forms of empty, worthless Lepidus, of Antony, and of + Cleopatra. If I go not to Cilicia, mark thou! Antony will knit up a peace + with these Parthians, and, taking the tales they tell of me for truth—and, + indeed, there is truth in them—will fall with all his force on + Egypt. And how then?” + </p> + <p> + “How then? Why, then we’ll drum him back to Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, thou sayest so, and, perchance, Harmachis, had I not won that game we + played together some twelve days gone, thou, being Pharaoh, mightest well + have done this thing, for round thy throne old Egypt would have gathered. + But Egypt loves not me nor my Greek blood; and I have but now scattered + that great plot of thine, in which half the land was meshed. Will these + men, then, arise to succour me? Were Egypt true to me, I could, indeed, + hold my own against all the force that Rome may bring; but Egypt hates me, + and had as lief be ruled by the Roman as the Greek. Still I might make + defence had I the gold, for with money soldiers can be bought to feed the + maw of mercenary battle. But I have none; my treasuries are dry, and + though there is wealth in the land, yet debts perplex me. These wars have + brought me ruin, and I know not how to find a talent. Perchance, + Harmachis, thou who art, by hereditary right, Priest of the Pyramids,” and + she drew near and looked me in the eyes, “perchance, if long descended + rumour does not lie, thou canst tell me where I can touch the gold to save + thy land from ruin, and thy Love from the grasp of Antony? Say, is it so?” + </p> + <p> + I thought a while, and then I answered: + </p> + <p> + “And if such a tale were true, and if I could show thee treasure stored by + the mighty Pharaohs of the most far-off age against the needs of Khem, how + can I know that thou wouldst indeed make use of that wealth to those good + ends?” + </p> + <p> + “Is there, then, a treasure?” she asked curiously. “Nay, fret me not, + Harmachis; for of a truth the very name of gold at this time of want is + like the sight of water in the desert.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe,” I said, “that there is such a treasure, though I myself have + never seen it. But I know this, that if it still lie in the place where it + was set, it is because so heavy a curse will rest upon him who shall lay + hands on it wickedly and for selfish ends, that none of those Pharaohs to + whom it has been shown have dared to touch it, however sore their need.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” she said, “they were cowardly aforetime, or else their need was not + great. Wilt thou show me this treasure, then, Harmachis?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” I answered, “I will show it to thee if it still be there, when + thou hast sworn that thou wilt use it to defend Egypt from this Roman + Antony and for the welfare of her people.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear it!” she said earnestly. “Oh, 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. Yes, + I’ll do more, Harmachis: so soon as may be, I will take thee to husband + before all the world, and thou thyself shalt carry out thy plans and beat + off the Roman eagles.” + </p> + <p> + Thus she spoke, gazing at me with truthful, earnest eyes. I believed her, + and for the first time since my fall was for a moment happy, thinking that + all was not lost to me, and that with Cleopatra, whom I loved thus madly, + I might yet win my place and power back. + </p> + <p> + “Swear it, Cleopatra!” I said. + </p> + <p> + “I swear, beloved! and thus I seal my oath!” and she kissed me on the + forehead. And I, too, kissed her; and we talked of what we would do when + we were wed, and how we should overcome the Roman. + </p> + <p> + And thus I was again beguiled; though I believe that, had it not been for + the jealous anger of Charmion—which, as shall be seen, was ever + urging her forward to fresh deeds of shame—Cleopatra would have + wedded me and broken with the Roman. And, indeed, in the issue, it had + been better for her and Egypt. + </p> + <p> + We sat far into the night, and I revealed to her somewhat of that ancient + secret of the mighty treasure hid beneath the mass of <i>Her</i>. Thither, + it was agreed, we should go on the morrow, and the second night from now + attempt its search. So, early on the next day, a boat was secretly made + ready, and Cleopatra entered it, veiled as an Egyptian lady about to make + a pilgrimage to the Temple of Horemkhu. And I also entered, cloaked as a + pilgrim, and with us ten of her most trusted servants disguised as + sailors. But Charmion went not with us. We sailed with a fair wind from + the Canopic mouth of the Nile; and that night, pushing on with the moon, + we reached Sais at midnight, and here rested for a while. At dawn we once + more loosed our craft, and all that day sailed swiftly, till, at last, at + the third hour from the sunset, we came in sight of the lights of that + fortress which is called Babylon. Here, on the opposite bank of the river, + we moored our ship safely in a bed of reeds. + </p> + <p> + Then, on foot and secretly, we set out for the pyramids, which were at a + distance of two leagues, Cleopatra, I and one trusted eunuch, for we left + the other servants with the boat. Only I caught an ass for Cleopatra to + ride that was wandering in a tilled field, and threw a cloak upon it. She + sat on it and I led the ass by paths I knew, the eunuch following us on + foot. And, within little more than an hour, having gained the great + causeway, we saw the mighty pyramids towering up through the moonlit air + and aweing us to silence. We passed on in utter silence, through the + haunted city of the dead, for all around us stood the solemn tombs, till + at length we climbed the rocky hill, and stood in the deep shadow of Khufu + Khut, the splendid Throne of Khufu. + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth,” whispered Cleopatra, as she gazed up the dazzling marble + slope above her, everywhere blazoned over with a million mystic characters—“of + a truth, there were Gods ruling in Khem in those days, and not men. This + place is sad as Death—ay, and as mighty and far from man. Is it here + that we must enter?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered, “it is not here. Pass on.” + </p> + <p> + I led the way through a thousand ancient tombs, till we stood in the + shadow of Ur the Great, and gazed at his red heaven-piercing mass. + </p> + <p> + “Is it here that we must enter?” she whispered once again. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered, “it is not here. Pass on.” + </p> + <p> + We passed on through many more tombs, till we stood in the shadow of <i>Her</i>,[*] + and Cleopatra gazed astonished at its polished beauty, which for thousands + of years, night by night, had mirrored back the moon, and at the black + girdle of Ethiopian stone that circled its base about. For this is the + most beautiful of all pyramids. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] The “Upper,” now known as the Third Pyramid.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “Is it here that we must enter?” she said. + </p> + <p> + I answered, “It is here.” + </p> + <p> + We passed round between the Temple of the Worship of his Divine Majesty, + Menkau-ra, the Osirian, and in the base of the pyramid till we came to the + north side. Here in the centre is graved the name of Pharaoh Menkau-ra, + who built the pyramid to be his tomb, and stored his treasure in it + against the need of Khem. + </p> + <p> + “If the treasure still remains,” I said to Cleopatra, “as it remained in + the days of my great-great-grandfather, who was Priest of this Pyramid + before me, it is hid deep in the womb of the mass before thee, Cleopatra; + nor can it be come by without toil, danger, and terror of mind. Art thou + prepared to enter—for thou thyself must enter and must judge?” + </p> + <p> + “Canst thou not go in with the eunuch, Harmachis, and bring the treasure + forth?” she said, for a little her courage began to fail her. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Cleopatra,” I answered, “not even for thee and for the weal of Egypt + can I do this thing, for of all sins it would be the greatest sin. But it + is lawful for me to do this. I, as hereditary holder of the secret, may, + upon demand, show to the ruling monarch of Khem the place where the + treasure lies, and show also the warning that is written. And if on seeing + and reading, the Pharaoh deems that the need of Khem is so sore and strait + that it is lawful for him to brave the curse of the Dead and draw forth + the treasure, it is well, for on his head must rest the weight of this + dread deed. Three monarchs—so say the records that I have read—have + thus dared to enter in the time of need. They were the Divine Queen + Hatshepsu, that wonder known to the Gods alone; her Divine brother + Tahutimes Men-Kheper-ra; and the Divine Rameses Mi-amen. But of these + three Majesties, not one when they saw dared to touch; for, though sharp + their need, it was not great enough to consecrate the act. So, fearing + lest the curse should fall upon them, they went hence sorrowing.” + </p> + <p> + She thought a little, till at last her spirit overcame her fear. + </p> + <p> + “At the least I will see with mine own eyes,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” I answered. Then, stones having been piled up by me and the + eunuch who was with us on a certain spot at the base of the pyramid, to + somewhat more than the height of a man, I climbed on them and searched for + the secret mark, no larger than a leaf. I found it with some trouble, for + the weather and the rubbing of the wind-stirred sand had worn even the + Ethiopian stone. Having found it, I pressed on it with all my strength in + a certain fashion. Even after the lapse of many years the stone swung + round, showing a little opening, through which a man might scarcely creep. + As it swung, a mighty bat, white in colour as though with unreckoned age, + and such as I had never seen before for bigness, for his measure was the + measure of a hawk, flew forth and for a moment hovered over Cleopatra, + then sailed slowly up and up in circles, till at last he was lost in the + bright light of the moon. + </p> + <p> + But Cleopatra uttered a cry of terror, and the eunuch, who was watching, + fell down in fear, believing it to be the guardian Spirit of the pyramid. + And I, too, feared, though I said nothing. For 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. + </p> + <p> + I waited a while, till the foul air should clear from the passage. Then I + drew out the lamps, kindled them, and passed them, to the number of three, + into the entrance of the passage. This done, I went to the eunuch, and, + taking him aside, I swore him by the living spirit of Him who sleeps at + Abouthis that he should not reveal those things which he was about to see. + </p> + <p> + This he swore, trembling sorely, for he was very much afraid. Nor, indeed, + did he reveal them. + </p> + <p> + This done, I clambered through the opening, taking with me a coil of rope, + which I wound around my middle, and beckoned to Cleopatra to come. Making + fast the skirt of her robe, she came, and I drew her through the opening, + so that at length she stood behind me in the passage which is lined with + slabs of granite. After her came the eunuch, and he also stood in the + passage. Then, having taken counsel of the plan of the passage that I had + brought with me, and which, in signs that none but the initiated can read, + was copied from those ancient writings that had come down to me through + one-and-forty generations of my predecessors, the Priests of this Pyramid + of <i>Her</i>, and of the worship of the Temple of the Divine Menkau-ra, + the Osirian, I led the way through that darksome place towards the utter + silence of the tomb. Guided by the feeble light of our lamps, we passed + down the steep incline, gasping in the heat and the thick, stagnated air. + Presently we had left the region of the masonry and were slipping down a + gallery hewn in the living rock. For twenty paces or more it ran steeply. + Then its slope lessened and shortly we found ourselves in a chamber + painted white, so low that I, being tall, had scarcely room to stand; but + in length four paces, and in breadth three, and cased throughout with + sculptured panels. Here Cleopatra sank upon the floor and rested awhile, + overcome by the heat and the utter darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Rise!” I said. “We must not linger here, or we faint.” + </p> + <p> + So she rose, and passing hand in hand through that chamber, we found + ourselves face to face with a mighty door of granite, let down from the + roof in grooves. Once more I took counsel of the plan, pressed with my + foot upon a certain stone, and waited. Then, suddenly and softly, I know + not by what means, the mass heaved itself from its bed of living rock. We + passed beneath, and found ourselves face to face with a second door of + granite. Again I pressed on a certain spot, and this door swung wide of + itself, and we went through, to find ourselves face to face with a third + door, yet more mighty than the two through which we had won our way. + Following the secret plan, I struck this door with my foot upon a certain + spot, and it sank slowly as though at a word of magic till its head was + level with the floor of rock. We crossed and gained another passage which, + descending gently for a length of fourteen paces, led us into a great + chamber, paved with black marble, more than nine cubits high, by nine + cubits broad, and thirty cubits long. In this marble floor was sunk a + great sarcophagus of granite, and on its lid were graved the name and + titles of the Queen of Menkau-ra. In this chamber, too, the air was purer, + though I know not by what means it came thither. + </p> + <p> + “Is the treasure here?” gasped Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered; “follow me,” and I led the way to a gallery, which we + entered through an opening in the floor of the great chamber. It had been + closed by a trap-door of stone, but the door was open. Creeping along this + shaft, or passage, for some ten paces, we came at length to a well, seven + cubits in depth. Making fast one end of the rope that I had brought about + my body and the other to a ring in the rock, I was lowered, holding the + lamp in my hand, till I stood in the last resting-place of the Divine + Menkau-ra. Then the rope was drawn up, and Cleopatra, being made fast to + it, was let down by the eunuch, and I received her in my arms. But I bade + the eunuch, sorely against his will, since he feared to be left alone, + await our return at the mouth of the shaft. For it was not lawful that he + should enter whither we went. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <p> + OF THE TOMB OF THE DIVINE MENKAU-RA; OF THE WRITING ON THE BREAST OF + MENKAU-RA; OF THE DRAWING FORTH OF THE TREASURE; OF THE DWELLER IN THE + TOMB; AND OF THE FLIGHT OF CLEOPATRA AND HARMACHIS FROM THE HOLY PLACE + </p> + <p> + We stood within a small arched chamber, paved and lined with great blocks + of the granite stone of Syene. There before us—hewn from a single + mass of basalt shaped like a wooden house and resting on a sphinx with a + face of gold—was the sarcophagus of the Divine Menkau-ra. + </p> + <p> + We stood and gazed in awe, for the weight of the silence and the solemnity + of that holy place seemed to crush us. Above us, cubit over cubit in its + mighty measure, the pyramid towered up to heaven and was kissed of the + night air. But we were deep in the bowels of the rock beneath its base. We + were alone with the dead, whose rest we were about to break; and no sound + of the murmuring air, and no sight of life came to dull the awful edge of + solitude. I gazed on the sarcophagus; its heavy lid had been lifted and + rested at its side, and around it the dust of ages had gathered thick. + </p> + <p> + “See,” I whispered, pointing to a writing, daubed with pigment upon the + wall in the sacred symbols of ancient times. + </p> + <p> + “Read it, Harmachis,” answered Cleopatra, in the same low voice; “for I + cannot.” + </p> + <p> + Then I read: “I, Rameses Mi-amen, in my day and in my hour of need, + visited this sepulchre. But, though great my need and bold my heart, I + dared not face the curse of Menkau-ra. Judge, O thou who shalt come after + me, and, if thy soul is pure and Khem be utterly distressed, take thou + that which I have left.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, then, is the treasure?” she whispered. “Is that Sphinx-face of + gold?” + </p> + <p> + “Even there,” I answered, pointing to the sarcophagus. “Draw near and + see.” + </p> + <p> + And she took my hand and drew near. + </p> + <p> + The cover was off, but the painted coffin of the Pharaoh lay in the depths + of the sarcophagus. We climbed the Sphinx, then I blew the dust from the + coffin with my breath and read that which was written on its lid. And this + was written: + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh Menkau-ra, the Child of Heaven. + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh Menkau-ra, Royal Son of the Sun. + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh Menkau-ra, who didst lie beneath the heart of Nout. + </p> + <p> + “Nout, thy Mother, wraps thee in the spell of Her holy name. + </p> + <p> + “The name of thy Mother, Nout, is the mystery of Heaven. + </p> + <p> + “Nout, thy Mother, gathers thee to the number of the Gods. + </p> + <p> + “Nout, thy Mother, breathes on thy foes and utterly destroys them. + </p> + <p> + “O Pharaoh Menkau-ra, who livest for ever!” + </p> + <p> + “Where, then, is the treasure?” she asked again. “Here, indeed, is the + body of the Divine Menkau-ra; but the flesh even of Pharaohs is not gold, + and if the face of this Sphinx be gold how may we move it?” + </p> + <p> + For answer I bade her stand upon the Sphinx and grasp the upper part of + the coffin while I grasped its foot. Then, at my word, we lifted, and the + lid of the case, which was not fixed, came away, and we set it upon the + floor. And there in the case was the mummy of Pharaoh, as it had been laid + three thousand years before. It was a large mummy, and somewhat ungainly. + Nor was it adorned with a gilded mask, as is the fashion of our day, for + the head was wrapped in clothes yellow with age, which were made fast with + pink flaxen bandages, under which were pushed the stems of lotus-blooms. + And on the breast, wreathed round with lotus-flowers, lay a large plate of + gold closely written over with sacred writing. I lifted up the plate, and, + holding it to the light, I read: + </p> + <p> + “I, Menkau-ra, the Osirian, aforetime Pharaoh of the Land of Khem, who in + my day did live justly and ever walked in the path marked for my feet by + the decree of the Invisible, who was the beginning and is the end, speak + from my tomb to those who after me shall for an hour sit upon my Throne. + Behold, I, Menkau-ra, the Osirian, having in the days of my life been + warned of a dream that a time will come when Khem shall fear to fall into + the hands of strangers, and her monarch shall have great need of treasure + wherewith to furnish armies to drive the barbarian back, have out of my + wisdom done this thing. For it having pleased the protecting Gods to give + me wealth beyond any Pharaoh who has been since the days of Horus—thousands + of cattle and geese, thousands of calves and asses, thousands of measures + of corn, and hundreds of measures of gold and gems; this wealth I have + used sparingly, and that which remains I have bartered for precious stones—even + for emeralds, the most beautiful and largest that are in the world. These + stones, then, I have stored up against that day of the need of Khem. But + because as there have been, so there shall be, those who do wickedly on + the earth, and who, in the lust of gain, might seize this wealth that I + have stored, and put it to their uses; behold, thou Unborn One, who in the + fulness of time shalt stand above me and read this that I have caused to + be written, I have stored the treasure thus—even among my bones. + Therefore, O thou Unborn One, sleeping in the womb of Nout, I say this to + thee! If thou indeed hast need of riches to save Khem from the foes of + Khem, fear not and delay not, but tear me, the Osirian, from my tomb, + loose my wrappings and rip the treasure from my breast, and all shall be + well with thee; for this only I do command, that thou dost replace my + bones within my hollow coffin. But if the need be passing and not great, + or if there be guile in thy heart, then the curse of Menkau-ra be on thee! + On thee be the curse that shall smite him who breaks in upon the dead! On + thee be the curse that follows the traitor! On thee be the curse that + smites him who outrages the Majesty of the Gods! Unhappy shalt thou live, + in blood and misery shalt thou die, and in misery shalt thou be tormented + for ever and for ever! For, Wicked One, there in Amenti we shall come face + to face! + </p> + <p> + “And to the end of the keeping of this secret, I, Menkau-ra, have set up a + Temple of my Worship, which I have built upon the eastern side of this my + House of Death. It shall be made known from time to time to the Hereditary + High Priest of this my Temple. And if any High Priest that shall be do + reveal this secret to another than the Pharaoh, or Her who wears the + Pharaoh’s crown and is seated upon the throne of Khem, accursed be he + also. Thus have I, Menkau-ra, the Osirian, written. Now to thee, who, + sleeping in the womb of Nout, yet shall upon a time stand over me and + read, I say, judge thou! and if thou judgest evilly, on thee shall fall + this the curse of Menkau-ra from which there is no escape. Greeting and + farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast heard, O Cleopatra,” I said solemnly; “now search thy heart; + judge thou, and for thine own sake judge justly.” + </p> + <p> + She bent her head in thought. + </p> + <p> + “I fear to do this thing,” she said presently. “Let us hence.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” I said, with a lightening of the heart, and bent down to + lift the wooden lid. For I, too, feared. + </p> + <p> + “And yet, what said the writing of the Divine Menkau-ra?—it was + emeralds, was it not? And emeralds are now so rare and hard to come by. + Ever did I love emeralds, and I can never find them without a flaw.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not a matter of what thou dost love, Cleopatra,” I said; “it is a + matter of the need of Khem and of the secret meaning of thy heart, which + thou alone canst know.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, surely, Harmachis; surely! And is not the need of Egypt great? There + is no gold in the treasury, and how can I defy the Roman if I have no + gold? And have I not sworn to thee that I will wed thee and defy the + Roman; and do I not swear it again—yes, even in this solemn hour, + with my hand upon dead Pharaoh’s heart? Why, here is that occasion of + which the Divine Menkau-ra dreamed. Thou seest it is so, for else + Hat-shepsu or Rameses or some other Pharaoh had drawn forth the gems. But + no; they left them to come to this hour because the time was not yet come. + Now it must be come, for if I take not the gems the Roman will surely + seize on Egypt, and then there will be no Pharaoh to whom the secret may + be told. Nay, let us away with fears and to the work. Why dost look so + frightened? Having pure hearts, there is naught to fear, Harmachis.” + </p> + <p> + “Even as thou wilt,” I said again; “it is for thee to judge, since if thou + judgest falsely on thee will surely fall the curse from which there is no + escape.” + </p> + <p> + “So, Harmachis, take Pharaoh’s head and I will take his——Oh, + what an awful place is this!” and suddenly she clung to me. “Methought I + saw a shadow yonder in the darkness! Methought that it moved toward us and + then straightway vanished! Let us be going! Didst thou see naught?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw nothing, Cleopatra; but mayhap it was the Spirit of the Divine + Menkau-ra, for the spirit ever hovers round its mortal tenement. Let us, + then, be going; I shall be right glad to go.” + </p> + <p> + She made as though to start, then turned back again and spoke once more. + </p> + <p> + “It was naught—naught but the mind that, in such a house of Horror, + bodies forth those shadowy forms of fear it dreads to see. Nay, I must + look upon these emeralds; indeed, if I die, I must look! Come—to the + work!” and stooping, she with her own hands lifted from the tomb one of + the four alabaster jars, each sealed with the graven likeness of the heads + of the protecting Gods, that held the holy heart and entrails of the + Divine Menkau-ra. But nothing was found in these jars, save only what + should be there. + </p> + <p> + Then together we mounted on the Sphinx, and with toil drew forth the body + of the Divine Pharaoh, laying it on the ground. Now Cleopatra took my + dagger, and with it cut loose the bandages which held the wrappings in + their place, and the lotus-flowers that had been set in them by loving + hands, three thousand years before, fell down upon the pavement. Then we + searched and found the end of the outer bandage, which was fixed in at the + hinder part of the neck. This we cut loose, for it was glued fast. This + done, we began to unroll the wrappings of the holy corpse. Setting my + shoulders against the sarcophagus, I sat upon the rocky floor, the body + resting on my knees, and, as I turned it, Cleopatra unwound the cloths; + and awesome was the task. Presently something fell out; it was the sceptre + of the Pharaoh, fashioned of gold, and at its end was a pomegranate cut + from a single emerald. + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra seized the sceptre and gazed on it in silence. Then once more we + went on with our dread business. And ever as we unwound, other ornaments + of gold, such as are buried with Pharaohs, fell from the wrappings—collars + and bracelets, models of sistra, an inlaid axe, and an image of the holy + Osiris and of the holy Khem. At length all the bandages were unwound, and + beneath we found a covering of coarsest linen; for in those very ancient + days the craftsmen were not so skilled in matters pertaining to the + embalming of the body as they are now. And on the linen was written in an + oval, “Menkau-ra, Royal Son of the Sun.” We could in no wise loosen this + linen, it held so firm on to the body. Therefore, faint with the great + heat, choked with mummy dust and the odour of spices, and trembling with + fear of our unholy task, wrought in that most lonesome and holy place, we + laid the body down, and ripped away the last covering with the knife. + First we cleared Pharaoh’s head, and now the face that no man had gazed on + for three thousand years was open to our view. It was a great face, with a + bold brow, yet crowned with the royal uræus, beneath which the white + locks, stained yellow by the spices, fell in long, straight wisps. Not the + cold stamp of death, and not the slow flight of three thousand years, had + found power to mar the dignity of those shrunken features. We gazed on + them, and then, made bold with fear, stripped the covering from the body. + There at last it lay before us, stiff, yellow, and dread to see; and on + the left side, above the thigh, was the cut through which the embalmers + had done their work, but it was sewn up so deftly that we could scarcely + find the mark. + </p> + <p> + “The gems are within,” I whispered, for I felt that the body was very + heavy. “Now, if thy heart fail thee not, thou must make an entry to this + poor house of clay that once was Pharaoh,” and I gave her the dagger—the + same dagger which had drunk the life of Paulus. + </p> + <p> + “It is too late to doubt,” she answered, lifting her white beauteous face + and fixing her blue eyes all big with terror upon my own. She took the + dagger, and with set teeth the Queen of this day plunged it into the dead + breast of the Pharaoh of three thousand years ago. And even as she did so + there came a groaning sound from the opening to the shaft where we had + left the eunuch! We leapt to our feet, but heard no more, and the + lamp-light still streamed down through the opening. + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing,” I said. “Let us make an end.” + </p> + <p> + Then with much toil we hacked and rent the hard flesh open, and as we did + so I heard the knife point grate upon the gems within. + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra plunged her hand into the dead breast and drew forth somewhat. + She held it to the light, and gave a little cry, for from the darkness of + Pharaoh’s heart there flashed into light and life the most beauteous + emerald that ever man beheld. It was perfect in colour, very large, + without a flaw, and fashioned to a scarabæus form, and on the under side + was an oval, inscribed with the divine name of Menkau-ra, Son of the Sun. + </p> + <p> + Again, again, and yet again, she plunged in her hand and drew emeralds + from Pharaoh’s breast bedded there in spices. Some were fashioned and some + were not; but all were perfect in colour without a flaw, and in value + priceless. Again and again she plunged her white hand into that dread + breast, till at length all were found, and there were one hundred and + forty and eight of such gems as are not known in the world. The last time + that she searched she brought forth not emeralds, indeed, but two great + pearls, wrapped in linen, such as never have been seen. And of these + pearls more hereafter. + </p> + <p> + So it was done, and all the mighty treasure lay glittering in a heap + before us. There it lay, and there, too, lay the regalia of gold, the + spiced and sickly-scented wrappings, and the torn body of white-haired + Pharaoh Menkau-ra, the Osirian, the ever living in Amenti. + </p> + <p> + We rose, and a great awe fell upon us, now that the deed was done and our + hearts were no more upborne by the rage of search—so great an awe, + indeed, that we could not speak. I made a sign to Cleopatra. She grasped + the head of Pharaoh and I grasped his feet, and together we lifted him, + climbed the Sphinx, and placed him once more within his coffin. I piled + the torn mummy cloths over him and on them laid the lid of the coffin. + </p> + <p> + And now we gathered up the great gems, and such of the ornaments as might + be carried with ease, and I hid them as many as I could, in the folds of + my robe. Those that were left Cleopatra hid upon her breast. Heavily laden + with the priceless treasure, we gave one last look at the solemn place, at + the sarcophagus and the Sphinx on which it rested, whose gleaming face of + calm seemed to mock us with its everlasting smile of wisdom. Then we + turned and went from the tomb. + </p> + <p> + At the shaft we halted. I called to the eunuch, who stayed above, and + methought a faint mocking laugh answered me. Too smitten with terror to + call again, and fearing that, should we delay, Cleopatra would certainly + swoon, I seized the rope, and being strong and quick mounted by it and + gained the passage. There burnt the lamp: but the eunuch I saw not. + Thinking, surely, that he was a little way down the passage, and slept—as, + in truth, he did—I bade Cleopatra make the rope fast about her + middle, and with much labour, drew her up. Then, having rested awhile, we + moved with the lamps to seek for the eunuch. + </p> + <p> + “He was stricken with terror and has fled, leaving the lamp,” said + Cleopatra. “O ye Gods! who is <i>that</i> seated there?” + </p> + <p> + I peered into the darkness, thrusting out the lamps, and this was what + their light fell on—this at the very dream of which my soul sickens! + There, facing us, his back resting against the rock, and his hands splayed + on either side upon the floor, sat the eunuch—<i>dead!</i> His eyes + and mouth were open, his fat cheeks dropped down, his thin hair yet seemed + to bristle, and on his countenance was frozen such a stamp of hideous + terror as well might turn the beholder’s brain. And lo! fixed to his chin, + by its hinder claws, hung that grey and mighty bat, which, flying forth + when we entered the pyramid, vanished in the sky, but, returning, had + followed us to its depths. There it hung upon the dead man’s chin slowly + rocking itself to and fro, and we could see the fiery eyes shining in its + head. + </p> + <p> + Aghast, utterly aghast, we stood and stared at the hateful sight; till + presently the bat spread his huge wings and, losing his hold, sailed to + us. Now he hovered before Cleopatra’s face, fanning her with his white + wings. Then with a scream, like a woman’s shriek of fury, the accursed + Thing flittered on, seeking his violated tomb, and vanished down the well + into the sepulchre. I fell against the wall. But Cleopatra sank in a heap + upon the floor, and, covering her head with her arms, she shrieked till + the hollow passages rang with the echoes of her cries, that seemed to grow + and double and rush along the depths in volumes of shrill sound. + </p> + <p> + “Rise!” I cried, “rise and let us hence before the Spirit shall return to + haunt us! If thou dost suffer thyself to be overwhelmed in this place thou + art lost for ever.” + </p> + <p> + She staggered to her feet, and never may I forget the look upon her ashy + face or in her glowing eyes. Seizing lamps with a rush, we passed the dead + eunuch’s horrid form, I holding her by the hand. We gained the great + chamber, where was the sarcophagus of the Queen of Menkau-ra, and + traversed its length. We fled along the passage. What if the Thing had + closed the three mighty doors? No; they were open, and we sped through + them; the last only did I stay to close. I touched the stone, as I knew + how, and the great door crashed down, shutting us off from the presence of + the dead eunuch and the Horror that had hung upon the eunuch’s chin. Now + we were in the white chamber with the sculptured panels, and now we faced + the last steep ascent. Oh that last ascent! Twice Cleopatra slipped and + fell upon the polished floor. The second time—it was when half the + distance had been done—she let fall her lamp, and would, indeed, + have rolled down the slide had I not saved her. But in doing thus I, too, + let fall my lamp that bounded away into shadow beneath us, and we were in + utter darkness. And perchance about us, in the darkness, hovered that + awful Thing! + </p> + <p> + “Be brave!” I cried; “O love, be brave, and struggle on, or both are lost! + The way, though steep, is not far; and, though it be dark, we can scarce + come to harm in this straight shaft. If the gems weight thee, cast them + away!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she gasped, “that I will not; this shall not be endured to no end. + I die with them!” + </p> + <p> + Then it was that I saw the greatness of this woman’s heart; for in the + dark, and notwithstanding the terrors we had passed and the awfulness of + our state, she clung to me and clambered on up that dread passage. On we + clambered, hand in hand, with bursting hearts, till there, by the mercy or + the anger of the Gods, at length we saw the faint light of the moon, + creeping through the little opening in the pyramid. One struggle more, now + the hole was gained, and like a breath from heaven, the sweet night air + played upon our brows. I climbed through, and, standing on a pile of + stones, lifted and dragged Cleopatra after me. She fell to the ground and + then sank down upon it motionless. + </p> + <p> + I pressed upon the turning stone with trembling hands. It swung to and + caught, leaving no mark of the secret place of entry. Then I leapt down + and, having pushed away the pile of stones, looked on Cleopatra. She had + swooned, and notwithstanding the dust and grime upon her face, it was so + pale that at first I believed she must be dead. But placing my hand upon + her heart I felt it stir beneath; and, being spent, I flung myself down + beside her upon the sand, to gather up my strength again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <p> + OF THE COMING BACK OF HARMACHIS; OF THE GREETING OF CHARMION; AND OF THE + ANSWER OF CLEOPATRA TO QUINTUS DELLIUS, THE AMBASSADOR OF ANTONY THE + TRIUMVIR + </p> + <p> + Presently I lifted myself, and, laying the head of Egypt’s Queen upon my + knee, strove to call her back to life. How fair she seemed, even in her + disarray, her long hair streaming down her breast! how deadly fair she + seemed in the faint light—this woman the story of whose beauty and + whose sin shall outlive the solid mass of the mighty pyramid that towered + over us! The heaviness of her swoon had smoothed away the falseness of her + face, and nothing was left but the divine stamp of Woman’s richest + loveliness, softened by shadows of the night and dignified by the cast of + deathlike sleep. I gazed upon her and all my heart went out to her; it + seemed that I did but love her more because of the depth of the treasons + to which I had sunk to reach her, and because of the terrors we had + outfaced together. Weary and spent with fears and the pangs of guilt, my + heart sought hers for rest, for now she alone was left to me. She had + sworn to wed me also, and with the treasure we had won we would make Egypt + strong and free her from her foes, and all should yet be well. Ah! could I + have seen the picture that was to come, how, and in what place and + circumstance, once again this very woman’s head should be laid upon my + knee, pale with that cast of death! Ah! could I have seen! + </p> + <p> + I chafed her hand between my hands. I bent down and kissed her on the + lips, and at my kiss she woke. She woke with a little sob of fear—a + shiver ran along her delicate limbs, and she stared upon my face with wide + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it is thou!” she said. “I mind me—thou hast saved me from that + horror-haunted place!” And she threw her arms about my neck, drew me to + her and kissed me. “Come, love,” she said, “let us be going! I am sore + athirst, and—ah! so very weary! The gems, too, chafe my breast! + Never was wealth so hardly won! Come, let us be going from the shadow of + this ghostly spot! See the faint lights glancing from the wings of Dawn. + How beautiful they are, and how sweet to behold! Never, in those Halls of + Eternal Night, did I think to look upon the blush of dawn again! Ah! I can + still see the face of that dead slave, with the Horror hanging to his + beardless chin! Bethink thee!—there he’ll sit for ever—there—with + the Horror! Come; where may we find water? I would give an emerald for a + cup of water!” + </p> + <p> + “At the canal on the borders of the tilled land below the Temple of + Horemkhu—it is close by,” I answered. “If any see us, we will say + that we are pilgrims who have lost our way at night among the tombs. Veil + thyself closely, therefore, Cleopatra; and beware lest thou dost show + aught of those gems about thee.” + </p> + <p> + So she veiled herself, and I lifted her on to the ass which was tethered + near at hand. We walked slowly through the plain till we came to the place + where the symbol of the God Horemkhu,[*] fashioned as a mighty Sphinx + (whom the Greeks call Harmachis), and crowned with the royal crown of + Egypt, looks out in majesty across the land, his eyes ever fixed upon the + East. As we walked the first arrow of the rising sun quivered through the + grey air, striking upon Horemkhu’s lips of holy calm, and the Dawn kissed + her greeting to the God of Dawn. Then the light gathered and grew upon the + gleaming sides of twenty pyramids, and, like a promise from Life to Death, + rested on the portals of ten thousand tombs. It poured in a flood of gold + across the desert sand—it pierced the heavy sky of night, and fell + in bright beams upon the green of fields and the tufted crest of palms. + Then from his horizon bed royal Ra rose up in pomp and it was day. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] That is, “Horus on the horizon”; and signifies the power + of Light and Good overcoming the power of Darkness and Evil + incarnate in his enemy, Typhon.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + Passing the temple of granite and of alabaster that was built before the + days of Khufu, to the glory of the Majesty of Horemkhu, we descended the + slope, and came to the banks of the canal. There we drank; and that + draught of muddy water was sweeter than all the choicest wine of + Alexandria. Also we washed the mummy dust and grime from our hands and + brows and made us clean. As she bathed her neck, stooping over the water, + one of the great emeralds slipped from Cleopatra’s breast and fell into + the canal, and it was but by chance that at length I found it in the mire. + Then, once more, I lifted Cleopatra onto the beast, and slowly, for I was + very weary, we marched back to the banks of Sihor, where our craft was. + And having at length come thither, seeing no one save some few peasants + going out to labour on the lands, I turned the ass loose in that same + field where we had found him, and we boarded the craft while the crew were + yet sleeping. Then, waking them, we bade them make all sail, saying that + we had left the eunuch to sojourn a while behind us, as in truth we had. + So we sailed, having first hidden away the gems and such of the ornaments + of gold as we could bring to the boat. + </p> + <p> + We spent four days and more in coming to Alexandria, for the wind was for + the most part against us; and they were happy days! At first, indeed, + Cleopatra was somewhat silent and heavy at heart, for what she had seen + and felt in the womb of the pyramid weighed her down. But soon her + Imperial spirit awoke and shook the burden from her breast, and she became + herself again—now gay, now learned; now loving, and now cold; now + queenly, and now altogether simple—ever changing as the winds of + heaven, and as the heaven, deep, beauteous, and unsearchable! + </p> + <p> + Night after night for those four perfect nights, the last happy hours I + ever was to know, we sat hand in hand upon the deck and heard the waters + lap the vessel’s side, and watched the soft footfall of the moon as she + trod the depths of Nile. There we sat and talked of love, talked of our + marriage and all that we would do. Also I drew up plans of war and of + defence against the Roman, which now we had the means to carry out; and + she approved them, sweetly saying that what seemed good to me was good to + her. And so the time passed all too swiftly. + </p> + <p> + Oh those nights upon the Nile! their memory haunts me yet! Yet in my + dreams I see the moonbeams break and quiver, and hear Cleopatra’s murmured + words of love mingle with the sound of murmuring waters. Dead are those + dear nights, dead is the moon that lit them; the waters which rocked us on + their breast are lost in the wide salt sea, and where we kissed and clung + there lips unborn shall kiss and cling! How beautiful was their promise, + doomed, like an unfruitful blossom, to wither, fall, and rot! and their + fulfilment, ah, how drear! For all things end in darkness and in ashes, + and those who sow in folly shall reap in sorrow. Ah! those nights upon the + Nile! + </p> + <p> + And so at length once more we stood within the hateful walls of that fair + palace on the Lochias, and the dream was done. + </p> + <p> + “Whither hast thou wandered with Cleopatra, Harmachis?” Charmion asked of + me when I met her by chance on that day of return. “On some new mission of + betrayal? Or was it but a love-journey?” + </p> + <p> + “I went with Cleopatra upon secret business of the State,” I answered + sternly. + </p> + <p> + “So! Those who go secretly, go evilly; and foul birds love to fly at + night. Not but what thou art wise, for it would scarce beseem thee, + Harmachis, to show thy face openly in Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + I heard, and felt my passion rise within me, for I could ill bear this + fair girl’s scorn. + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou never a word without a sting?” I asked. “Know, then, that I + went whither thou hadst not dared to go, to gather means to hold Egypt + from the grasp of Antony.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” she answered, looking up swiftly. “Thou foolish man! Thou hadst done + better to save thy labour, for Antony will grasp Egypt in thy despite. + What power hast thou to-day in Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + “That he may do in my despite; but in despite of Cleopatra that he cannot + do,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but with the <i>aid</i> of Cleopatra he can and will do it,” she + answered with a bitter smile. “When the Queen sails in state up Cydnus + stream she will surely draw this coarse Antony thence to Alexandria, + conquering, and yet, like thee, a slave!” + </p> + <p> + “It is false! I say that it is false! Cleopatra goes not to Tarsus, and + Antony comes not to Alexandria; or, if he come, it will be to take the + chance of war.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, thinkest thou thus?” she answered with a little laugh. “Well, if it + please thee, think as thou wilt. Within three days thou shalt know. It is + pretty to see how easily thou art fooled. Farewell! Go, dream on Love, for + surely Love is sweet.” + </p> + <p> + And she went, leaving me angered and troubled at heart. + </p> + <p> + I saw Cleopatra no more that day, but on the day which followed I saw her. + She was in a heavy mood, and had no gentle word for me. I spake to her of + the defence of Egypt, but she put the matter away. + </p> + <p> + “Why dost thou weary me?” she said with anger; “canst thou not see that I + am lost in troubles? When Dellius has had his answer to-morrow then we + will speak of these matters.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” I said, “when Dellius has had his answer; and knowest thou that but + yesterday, Charmion—whom about the palace they name the ‘Keeper of + the Queen’s secrets’—Charmion swore that the answer would be ‘Go in + peace, I come to Antony!’” + </p> + <p> + “Charmion knows nothing of my heart,” said Cleopatra, stamping her foot in + anger, “and if she talk so freely the girl shall be scourged out of my + Court, as is her desert. Though, in truth,” she added, “she has more + wisdom in that small head of hers than all my privy councillors—ay, + and more wit to use it. Knowest thou that I have sold a portion of those + gems to the rich Jews of Alexandria, and at a great price, ay, at five + thousand sestertia for each one?[*] But a few, in truth, for they could + not buy more as yet. It was rare to see their eyes when they fell upon + them: they grew large as apples with avarice and wonder. And now leave me, + Harmachis, for I am weary. The memory of that dreadful night is with me + yet.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] About forty thousand pounds of our money.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + I bowed and rose to go, and yet stood wavering. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Cleopatra; it is of our marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Our marriage! Why, are we not indeed already wed?” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but not before the world. Thou didst promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Harmachis, I promised; and to-morrow, when I have rid me of this + Dellius, I will keep my promise, and name thee Cleopatra’s Lord before the + Court. See that thou art in thy place. Art content?” + </p> + <p> + And she stretched out her hand for me to kiss, looking on me with strange + eyes, as though she struggled with herself. Then I went; but that night I + strove once more to see Cleopatra, and could not. “The Lady Charmion was + with the Queen,” so said the eunuchs, and none might enter. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow the Court met in the great hall one hour before mid-day, and + I went thither with a trembling heart to hear Cleopatra’s answer to + Dellius, and to hear myself also named King-consort to the Queen of Egypt. + It was a full and splendid Court; there were councillors, lords, captains, + eunuchs, and waiting-women, all save Charmion. The house passed, but + Cleopatra and Charmion came not. At length Charmion entered gently by a + side entrance, and took her place among the waiting-ladies about the + throne. Even as she did so she cast a glance at me, and there was triumph + in her eyes, though I knew not over what she triumphed. I little guessed + that she had but now brought about my ruin and sealed the fate of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + Then presently the trumpets blared, and, clad in her robes of state, the + uræus crown upon her head, and on her breast, flashing like a star, that + great emerald scarabæus which she had dragged from dead Pharaoh’s heart, + Cleopatra swept in splendour to her throne, followed by a glittering guard + of Northmen. Her lovely face was dark, dark were her slumbrous eyes, and + none might read their message, though all that Court searched them for a + sign of what should come. She seated herself slowly as one who may not be + moved, and spoke to the chief of the heralds in the Greek tongue: + </p> + <p> + “Does the Ambassador of the noble Antony wait?” + </p> + <p> + The herald bowed low and made assent. + </p> + <p> + “Let him come in and hear our answer.” + </p> + <p> + The doors were flung wide, and, followed by his train of knights, Dellius, + clad in his golden armour and his purple mantle, walked with cat-like step + up the great hall, and made obeisance before the throne. + </p> + <p> + “Most royal and beauteous Egypt,” he said, in his soft voice, “as thou + hast graciously been pleased to bid me, thy servant, I am here to take thy + answer to the letter of the noble Antony the Triumvir, whom to-morrow I + sail to meet at Tarsus, in Cilicia. And I will say this, royal Egypt, + craving pardon the while for the boldness of my speech—bethink thee + well before words that cannot be unspoken fall from those sweet lips. Defy + Antony, and Antony will wreck thee. But, like thy mother Aphrodité, rise + glorious on his sight from the bosom of the Cyprian wave, and for wreck he + will give thee all that can be dear to woman’s royalty—Empire, and + pomp of place, cities and the sway of men, fame and wealth, and the Diadem + of rule made sure. For mark: Antony holds this Eastern World in the hollow + of his warlike hand; at his will kings are, and at his frown they cease to + be.” + </p> + <p> + And he bowed his head and, folding his hands meekly on his breast, awaited + answer. + </p> + <p> + For a while Cleopatra answered not, but sat like the Sphinx Horemkhu, dumb + and inscrutable, gazing with lost eyes down the length of that great hall. + </p> + <p> + Then, like soft music, her answer came; and trembling I listened for + Egypt’s challenge to the Roman: + </p> + <p> + “Noble Dellius,—We have bethought us much of the matter of thy + message from great Antony to our poor Royalty of Egypt. We have bethought + us much, and we have taken counsel from the oracles of the Gods, from the + wisest among our friends, and from the teachings of our heart, that ever, + like a nesting bird, broods over our people’s weal. Sharp are the words + that thou hast brought across the sea; methinks they had been better fitted + to the ears of some petty half-tamed prince than to those of Egypt’s + Queen. Therefore we have numbered the legions that we can gather, and the + triremes and the galleys wherewith we may breast the sea, and the moneys + which shall buy us all things wanting to our war. And we find this, that, + though Antony be strong, yet has Egypt naught to fear from the strength of + Antony.” + </p> + <p> + She paused, and a murmur of applause of her high words ran down the hall. + Only Dellius stretched out his hand as though to push them back. Then came + the end! + </p> + <p> + “Noble Dellius,—Half are we minded there to bid our tongue stop, + and, strong in our fortresses of stone, and our other fortresses built of + the hearts of men, abide the issue. And yet thou shalt not go thus. We are + guiltless of those charges against us that have come to the ears of noble + Antony, and which now he rudely shouts in ours; nor will we journey into + Cilicia to answer them.” + </p> + <p> + Here the murmur arose anew, while my heart beat high in triumph; and in + the pause that followed, Dellius spoke once more. + </p> + <p> + “Then, royal Egypt, my word to Antony is word of War?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she answered; “it shall be one of Peace. Listen; we said that we + would not come to make answer to these charges, nor will we. But”—and + she smiled for the first time—“we will gladly come, and that + swiftly, in royal friendship to make known our fellowship of peace upon + the banks of Cydnus.” + </p> + <p> + I heard, and was bewildered. Could I hear aright? Was it thus that + Cleopatra kept her oaths? Moved beyond the hold of reason, I lifted up my + voice and cried: + </p> + <p> + “O Queen, <i>remember!</i>” + </p> + <p> + She turned upon me like a lioness, with a flashing of the eyes and a swift + shake of her lovely head. + </p> + <p> + “Peace, Slave!” she said; “who bade thee break in upon our counsels? Mind + thou thy stars, and leave matters of the world to the rulers of the + world!” + </p> + <p> + I sank back shamed, and, as I did so, once more I saw the smile of triumph + on the face of Charmion, followed by what was, perhaps, the shadow of pity + for my fall. + </p> + <p> + “Now that yon brawling charlatan,” said Dellius, pointing at me with his + jewelled finger, “has been rebuked, grant me leave, O Egypt, to thank thee + from my heart for these gentle words——” + </p> + <p> + “We ask no thanks from thee, noble Dellius; nor lies it in thy mouth to + chide our servant,” broke in Cleopatra, frowning heavily; “we will take + thanks from the lips of Antony alone. Get thee to thy master, and say to + him that before he can make ready a fitting welcome our keels shall follow + in the track of thine. And now, farewell! Thou shalt find some small token + of our bounty upon thy vessel.” + </p> + <p> + Dellius bowed thrice and withdrew, while the Court stood waiting the + Queen’s word. And I, too, waited, wondering if she would yet make good her + promise, and name me royal Spouse there in the face of Egypt. But she said + nothing. Only, still frowning heavily, she rose, and, followed by her + guards, left the throne, and passed into the Alabaster Hall. Then the + Court broke up, and as the lords and councillors went by they looked on me + with mockery. For though none knew all my secret, nor how it stood between + me and Cleopatra, yet they were jealous of the favour shown me by the + Queen, and rejoiced greatly at my fall. But I took no heed of their + mocking as I stood dazed with misery and felt the world of Hope slip from + beneath my feet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <p> + OF THE REPROACH OF HARMACHIS; OF THE STRUGGLE OF HARMACHIS WITH THE + GUARDS; OF THE BLOW OF BRENNUS; AND OF THE SECRET SPEECH OF CLEOPATRA + </p> + <p> + And at length, all being gone, I, too, turned to go, when a eunuch struck + me on the shoulder and roughly bade me wait on the presence of the Queen. + An hour past this fellow would have crawled to me on his knees; but he had + heard, and now he treated me—so brutish is the nature of such slaves—as + the world treats the fallen, with scorn. For to come low after being great + is to learn all shame. Unhappy, therefore, are the Great, for they may + fall! + </p> + <p> + I turned upon the slave with so fierce a word that, cur-like, he sprang + behind me; then I passed on to the Alabaster Hall, and was admitted by the + guards. In the centre of the hall, near the fountain, sat Cleopatra, and + with her were Charmion and the Greek girl Iras, and Merira and other of + her waiting-ladies. “Go,” she said to these, “I would speak with my + astrologer.” So they went, and left us face to face. + </p> + <p> + “Stand thou there,” she said, lifting her eyes for the first time. “Come + not nigh me, Harmachis: I trust thee not. Perchance thou hast found + another dagger. Now, what hast thou to say? By what right didst thou dare + to break in upon my talk with the Roman?” + </p> + <p> + I felt the blood rush through me like a storm; bitterness and burning + anger took hold of my heart. “What hast <i>thou</i> to say, Cleopatra?” I + answered boldly. “Where is thy vow, sworn on the dead heart of Menkau-ra, + the ever-living? Where now thy challenge to this Roman Antony? Where thy + oath that thou wouldest call me ‘husband’ in the face of Egypt?” and I + choked and ceased. + </p> + <p> + “Well doth it become Harmachis, who never was forsworn, to speak to me of + oaths!” she said in bitter mockery. “And yet, O thou most pure Priest of + Isis; and yet, O thou most faithful friend, who never didst betray thy + friends; and yet, O thou most steadfast, honourable, and upright man, who + never bartered thy birthright, thy country, and thy cause for the price of + a woman’s passing love—by what token knowest thou that my word is + void?” + </p> + <p> + “I will not answer thy taunts, Cleopatra,” I said, holding back my heart + as best I might, “for I have earned them all, though not from thee. By + this token, then, I know it. Thou goest to visit Antony; thou goest, as + said that Roman knave, ‘tricked in thy best attire,’ to feast with him + whom thou shouldst give to vultures for their feast. Perhaps, for aught I + know, thou art about to squander those treasures that thou hast filched + from the body of Menkau-ra, those treasures stored against the need of + Egypt, upon wanton revels which shall complete the shame of Egypt. By + these things, then, I know that thou art forsworn, and I, who, loving + thee, believed thee, tricked; and by this, also, that thou who didst but + yesternight swear to wed me, dost to-day cover me with taunts, and even + before that Roman put me to an open shame!” + </p> + <p> + “To wed thee? and I did swear to wed thee? Well, and what is marriage? Is + it the union of the heart, that bond beautiful as gossamer and than + gossamer more light, which binds soul to soul, as they float through the + dreamy night of passion, a bond to be, perchance, melted in the dews of + dawn? Or is it the iron link of enforced, unchanging union whereby if + sinks the one the other must be dragged beneath the sea of circumstance, + there, like a punished slave, to perish of unavoidable corruption?[*] + Marriage! <i>I</i> to marry! <i>I</i> to forget freedom and court the + worst slavery of our sex, which, by the selfish will of man, the stronger, + still binds us to a bed grown hateful, and enforces a service that love + mayhap no longer hallows! Of what use, then, to be a Queen, if thereby I + may not escape the evil of the meanly born? Mark thou, Harmachis: Woman + being grown hath two ills to fear—Death and Marriage; and of these + twain is Marriage the more vile; for in Death we may find rest, but in + Marriage, should it fail us, we must find hell. Nay, being above the + breath of common slander that enviously would blast those who of true + virtue will not consent to stretch affection’s links, I <i>love</i>, + Harmachis; but I <i>marry</i> not!” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Referring to the Roman custom of chaining a living felon + to the body of one already dead.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “And yesternight, Cleopatra, thou didst swear that thou wouldst wed me, + and call me to thy side before the face of Egypt!” + </p> + <p> + “And yesternight, Harmachis, the red ring round the moon marked the coming + of the storm, and yet the day is fair! But who knows that the tempest may + not break to-morrow? Who knows that I have not chosen the easier path to + save Egypt from the Roman? Who knows, Harmachis, that thou shalt not still + call me wife?” + </p> + <p> + Then I no longer could bear her falsehood, for I saw that she but played + with me. And so I spoke that which was in my heart: + </p> + <p> + “Cleopatra!” I cried, “thou didst swear to protect Egypt, and thou art + about to betray Egypt to the Roman! Thou didst swear to use the treasures + that I revealed to thee for the service of Egypt, and thou art about to + use them to be her means of shame—to fashion them as fetters for her + wrists! Thou didst swear to wed me, who loved thee, and for thee gave all, + and thou dost mock me and reject me! Therefore I say—with the voice + of the dread Gods I say it!—that on <i>thee</i> shall fall the curse + of Menkau-ra, whom thou hast robbed indeed! Let me go hence and work out + my fate! Let me go, O thou fair Shame! thou living Lie! whom I have loved + to my doom, and who hast brought upon me the last curse of doom! Let me + hide myself and see thy face no more!” + </p> + <p> + She rose in her wrath, and she was terrible to see. + </p> + <p> + “Let thee go to stir up evil against me! Nay, Harmachis, thou shalt not go + to build new plots against my throne! I say to thee that thou, too, shalt + come to visit Antony in Cilicia, and there, perchance, I will let thee + go!” And ere I could answer, she had struck upon the silver gong that hung + near her. + </p> + <p> + Before its rich echo had died away, Charmion and the waiting-women entered + from one door, and from the other, a file of soldiers—four of them + of the Queen’s bodyguard, mighty men, with winged helmets and long fair + hair. + </p> + <p> + “Seize that traitor!” cried Cleopatra, pointing to me. The captain of the + guard—it was Brennus—saluted and came towards me with drawn + sword. + </p> + <p> + But I, being mad and desperate, and caring little if they slew me, flew + straight at his throat, and dealt him such a heavy blow that the great man + fell headlong, and his armour clashed upon the marble floor. As he fell I + seized his sword and targe, and, meeting the next, who rushed on me with a + shout, caught his blow upon the shield, and in answer smote with all my + strength. The sword fell where the neck is set into the shoulder, and, + shearing through the joints of his harness, slew him, so that his knees + were loosened and he sank down dead. And the third, as he came, I caught + upon the point of my sword before he could strike, and it pierced him and + he died. Then the last rushed on me with a cry of “Taranis!” and I, too, + rushed on him, for my blood was aflame. Now the women shrieked—only + Cleopatra said nothing, but stood and watched the unequal fray. We met, + and I struck with all my strength, and it was a mighty blow, for the sword + shore through the iron shell and shattered there, leaving me weaponless. + With a shout of triumph the guard swung up his sword and smote down upon + my head, but I caught the blow with my shield. Again he smote, and again I + parried; but when he raised his sword a third time I saw this might not + endure, so with a cry I hurled my buckler at his face. Glancing from his + shield it struck him on the breast and staggered him. Then, before he + could gain his balance, I rushed in beneath his guard and gripped him + round the middle. + </p> + <p> + For a full minute the tall man and I struggled furiously, and then, so + great was my strength in those days, I lifted him like a toy and dashed + him down upon the marble floor in such fashion that his bones were + shattered so that he spoke no more. But I could not save myself and fell + upon him, and as I fell the Captain Brennus, whom I had smitten to earth + with my fist, having once more found his sense, came up behind me and + smote me upon the head and shoulders with the sword of one of those whom I + had slain. But I being on the ground, the blow did not fall with all its + weight, also my thick hair and broidered cap broke its force; and thus it + came to pass that, though sorely wounded, the life was yet whole in me. + But I could struggle no more. + </p> + <p> + Then the cowardly eunuchs, who had gathered at the sound of blows and + stood huddled together like a herd of cattle, seeing that I was spent, + threw themselves upon me, and would have butchered me with their knives. + But Brennus, now that I was down, would strike no more, but stood waiting. + And the eunuchs had surely slain me, for Cleopatra watched like one who + watches in a dream and made no sign. Already my head was dragged back, and + their knife-points were at my throat, when Charmion, rushing forward, + threw herself upon me and, calling them “Dogs!” desperately thrust her + body before them in such fashion that they could not smite. Now Brennus + with an oath seized first one and then another and cast them from me. + </p> + <p> + “Spare his life, Queen!” he cried in his barbarous Latin. “By Jupiter, he + is a brave man! Myself felled like an ox in the shambles, and three of my + boys finished by a man without armour and taken unawares! I grudge them + not to such a man! A boon, Queen! spare his life, and give him to me!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, spare him! spare him!” cried Charmion, white and trembling. + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra drew near and looked upon the dead and him who lay dying as I + had dashed him to the ground, and on me, her lover of two days gone, whose + wounded head rested now on Charmion’s white robes. + </p> + <p> + I met the Queen’s glance. “Spare not!” I gasped; “<i>væ victis!</i>” Then + a flush gathered on her brow—methinks it was a flush of shame! + </p> + <p> + “Dost after all love this man at heart, Charmion,” she said with a little + laugh, “that thou didst thrust thy tender body between him and the knives + of these sexless hounds?” and she cast a look of scorn upon the eunuchs. + </p> + <p> + “Nay!” the girl answered fiercely; “but I cannot stand by to see a brave + man murdered by such as these.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” said Cleopatra, “he is a brave man, and he fought gallantly; I have + never seen so fierce a fight even in the games at Rome! Well, I spare his + life, though he is weak of me—womanish weak. Take him to his own + chamber and guard him there till he is healed or—dead.” + </p> + <p> + Then my brain reeled, a great sickness seized upon me, and I sank into the + nothingness of a swoon. + </p> + <p> + Dreams, dreams, dreams! without end and ever-changing, as for years and + years I seemed to toss upon a sea of agony. And through them a vision of a + dark-eyed woman’s tender face and the touch of a white hand soothing me to + rest. Visions, too, of a royal countenance bending at times over my + rocking bed—a countenance that I could not grasp, but whose beauty + flowed through my fevered veins and was a part of me—visions of + childhood and of the Temple towers of Abouthis, and of the white-haired + Amenemhat, my father—ay, and an ever-present vision of that dread + hall in Amenti, and of the small altar and the Spirits clad in flame! + There I seemed to wander everlastingly, calling on the Holy Mother, whose + memory I could not grasp; calling ever and in vain! For no cloud descended + upon the altar, only from time to time the great Voice pealed aloud: + “Strike out the name of Harmachis, child of Earth, from the living Book of + Her who Was and Is and Shall Be! <i>Lost! lost! lost!</i>” + </p> + <p> + And then another voice would answer: + </p> + <p> + “Not yet! not yet! Repentance is at hand; strike not out the name of + Harmachis, child of Earth, from the living Book of Her who Was and Is and + Shall Be! By suffering may sin be wiped away!” + </p> + <p> + I woke to find myself in my own chamber in the tower of the palace. I was + so weak that I scarce could lift my hand, and life seemed but to flutter + in my breast as flutters a dying dove. I could not turn my head; I could + not stir; yet in my heart there was a sense of rest and of dark trouble + done. The light from the lamp hurt my eyes: I shut them, and, as I shut + them, heard the sweep of a woman’s robes upon the stair, and a swift, + light step that I knew well. It was that of Cleopatra! + </p> + <p> + She entered and drew near. I felt her come! Every pulse of my poor frame + beat an answer to her footfall, and all my mighty love and hate rose from + the darkness of my death-like sleep, and rent me in their struggle! She + leaned over me; her ambrosial breath played upon my face: I could hear the + beating of her heart! Lower she leaned, till at last her lips touched me + softly on the brow. + </p> + <p> + “Poor man!” I heard her murmur. “Poor, weak, dying Man! Fate hath been + hard to thee! Thou wert too good to be the sport of such a one as I—the + pawn that I must move in my play of policy! Ah, Harmachis! thou shouldst + have ruled the game! Those plotting priests could give thee learning; but + they could not give thee knowledge of mankind, nor fence thee against the + march of Nature’s law. And thou didst love me with all thy heart—ah! + well I know it! Manlike, thou didst love the eyes that, as a pirate’s + lights, beckoned thee to shipwrecked ruin, and didst hang doting on the + lips which lied thy heart away and called thee ‘slave’! Well; the game was + fair, for thou wouldst have slain me; and yet I grieve. So thou dost die? + and this is my farewell to thee! Never may we meet again on earth; and, + perchance, it is well, for who knows, when my hour of tenderness is past, + how I might deal with thee, didst thou live? Thou dost die, they say—those + learned long-faced fools, who, if they let thee die, shall pay the price. + And where, then, shall we meet again when my last throw is thrown? We + shall be equal there, in the kingdom that Osiris rules. A little time, a + few years—perhaps to-morrow—and we shall meet; then, knowing + all I am, how wilt thou greet me? Nay, here, as there, still must thou + worship me! for injuries cannot touch the immortality of such a love as + thine. Contempt alone, like acid, can eat away the love of noble hearts, + and reveal the truth in its pitiful nakedness. Thou must still cling to + thee, Harmachis; for, whatever my sins, yet I am great and set above thy + scorn. Would that I could have loved thee as thou lovest me! Almost I did + so when thou slewest those guards; and yet—not quite. + </p> + <p> + “What a fenced city is my heart, that none can take it, and, even when I + throw the gates wide, no man may win its citadel! Oh, to put away this + loneliness and lose me in another’s soul! Oh, for a year, a month, an hour + to quite forget policy, peoples, and my pomp of place, and be but a loving + woman! Harmachis, fare thee well! Go join great Julius whom thy art called + up from death before me, and take Egypt’s greetings to him. Ah well! I + fooled thee, and I fooled Cæsar—perchance before all is done Fate + will find me, and myself I shall be fooled. Harmachis, fare thee well!” + </p> + <p> + She turned to go, and as she turned I heard the sweep of another dress and + the light fall of another woman’s foot. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it is thou, Charmion. Well, for all thy watching the man dies.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” she answered, in a voice thick with grief. “Ay, O Queen, so the + physicians say. Forty hours has he lain in stupor so deep that at times + his breath could barely lift this tiny feather’s weight, and hardly could + my ear, placed against his breast, take notice of the rising of his heart. + I have watched him now for ten long days, watched him day and night, till + my eyes stare wide with want of sleep, and for faintness I can scarce keep + myself from falling. And this is the end of all my labour! The coward blow + of that accursed Brennus has done its work, and Harmachis dies!” + </p> + <p> + “Love counts not its labour, Charmion, nor can it weight its tenderness on + the scale of purchase. That which it has it gives, and craves for more to + give and give, till the soul’s infinity be drained. Dear to thy heart are + these heavy nights of watching; sweet to thy weary eyes is that sad sight + of strength brought so low that it hangs upon thy weakness like a babe to + its mother’s breast! For, Charmion, thou dost love this man who loves thee + not, and now that he is helpless thou canst pour thy passion forth over + the unanswering darkness of his soul, and cheat thyself with dreams of + what yet might be.” + </p> + <p> + “I love him not, as thou hast proof, O Queen! How can I love one who would + have slain thee, who art as my heart’s sister? It is for pity that I nurse + him.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed a little as she answered, “Pity is love’s own twin, Charmion. + Wondrous wayward are the paths of woman’s love, and thou hast shown thine + strangely, that I know. But the more high the love, the deeper the gulf + whereinto it can fall—ay, and thence soar again to heaven, once more + to fall! Poor woman! thou art thy passion’s plaything: now tender as the + morning sky, and now, when jealousy grips thy heart, more cruel than the + sea. Well, thus are we made. Soon, after all this troubling, nothing will + be left thee but tears, remorse, and—memory.” + </p> + <p> + And she went forth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <p> + 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 + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra went, and for a while I lay silent, gathering up my strength to + speak. But Charmion came and stood over me, and I felt a great tear fall + from her dark eyes upon my face, as the first heavy drop of rain falls + from a thunder cloud. + </p> + <p> + “Thou goest,” she whispered; “thou goest fast whither I may not follow! O + Harmachis, how gladly would I give my life for thine!” + </p> + <p> + Then at length I opened my eyes, and spoke as best I could: + </p> + <p> + “Restrain thy grief, dear friend,” I said, “I live yet; and, in truth, I + feel as though new life gathered in my breast!” + </p> + <p> + She gave a little cry of joy, and I never saw aught more beautiful than + the change that came upon her weeping face! It was as when the first + lights of the day run up the pallor of that sad sky which veils the night + from dawn. All rosy grew her lovely countenance; her dim eyes shone out + like stars; and a smile of wonderment, more sweet than the sudden smile of + the sea as its ripples wake to brightness beneath the kiss of the risen + moon, broke through her rain of tears. + </p> + <p> + “Thou livest!” she cried, throwing herself on her knees beside my couch. + “Thou livest—and I thought thee gone! Thou art come back to me! Oh! + what say I? How foolish is a woman’s heart! ‘Tis this long watching! Nay; + sleep and rest thee, Harmachis!—why dost thou talk? Not one more + word, I command thee straitly! Where is the draught left by that + long-bearded fool? Nay thou shalt have no draught! There, sleep, + Harmachis; sleep!” and she crouched down at my side and laid her cool hand + upon my brow, murmuring, “<i>Sleep! sleep!</i>” + </p> + <p> + And when I woke there she was still, but the lights of dawn were peeping + through the casement. There she knelt, one hand upon my forehead, and her + head, in all its disarray of curls, resting upon her outstretched arm. + </p> + <p> + “Charmion,” I whispered, “have I slept?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly she was wide awake, and, gazing on me with tender eyes, “Yea, + thou hast slept, Harmachis.” + </p> + <p> + “How long, then, have I slept?” + </p> + <p> + “Nine hours.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou hast held thy place there, at my side, for nine long hours?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is nothing; I also have slept—I feared to waken thee if I + stirred.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, rest,” I said; “it shames me to think of this thing. Go rest thee, + Charmion!” + </p> + <p> + “Vex not thyself,” she answered; “see, I will bid a slave watch thee, and + to wake me if thou needest aught; I sleep there, in the outer chamber. + Peace—I go!” and she strove to rise, but, so cramped was she, fell + straightway on the floor. + </p> + <p> + I can scarcely tell the sense of shame that filled me when I saw her fall. + Alas! I could not stir to help her. + </p> + <p> + “It is naught,” she said; “move not, I did but catch my foot. There!” and + she rose, again to fall—“a pest upon my awkwardness! Why—I + must be sleeping. ‘Tis well now. I’ll send the slave;” and she staggered + thence like one overcome with wine. + </p> + <p> + And after that, I slept once more, for I was very weak. When I woke it was + afternoon, and I craved for food, which Charmion brought me. + </p> + <p> + I ate. “Then I die not,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she answered, with a toss of her head, “thou wilt live. In truth, I + did waste my pity on thee.” + </p> + <p> + “And thy pity saved my life,” I said wearily, for now I remembered. + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing,” she answered carelessly. “After all, thou art my cousin; + also, I love nursing—it is a woman’s trade. Like enough I had done + as much for any slave. Now, too, that the danger is past, I leave thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hadst done better to let me die, Charmion,” I said after a while, + “for life to me can now be only one long shame. Tell me, then, when sails + Cleopatra for Cilicia?” + </p> + <p> + “She sails in twenty days, and with such pomp and glory as Egypt has never + seen. Of a truth, I cannot guess where she has found the means to gather + in this store of splendour, as a husbandman gathers his golden harvest.” + </p> + <p> + But I, knowing whence the wealth came, groaned in bitterness of spirit, + and made no answer. + </p> + <p> + “Goest thou also, Charmion?” I asked presently. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I and all the Court. Thou, too—thou goest.” + </p> + <p> + “I go? Nay, why is this?” + </p> + <p> + “Because thou art Cleopatra’s slave, and must march in gilded chains + behind her chariot; because she fears to leave thee here in Khem; because + it is her will, and there is an end.” + </p> + <p> + “Charmion, can I not escape?” + </p> + <p> + “Escape, thou poor sick man? Nay, how canst thou escape? Even now thou art + most strictly guarded. And if thou didst escape, whither wouldst thou fly? + There’s not an honest man in Egypt but would spit on thee in scorn!” + </p> + <p> + Once more I groaned in spirit, and, being so very weak, I felt the tears + roll adown my cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Weep not!” she said hastily, and turning her face aside. “Be a man, and + brave these troubles out. Thou hast sown, now must thou reap; but after + harvest the waters rise and wash away the rotting roots, and then + seed-time comes again. Perchance, yonder in Cilicia, a way may be found, + when once more thou art strong, by which thou mayst fly—if in truth + thou canst bear thy life apart from Cleopatra’s smile; then in some far + land must thou dwell till these things are forgotten. And now my task is + done, so fare thee well! At times I will come to visit thee and see that + thou needest nothing.” + </p> + <p> + So she went, and I was nursed thenceforward, and that skilfully, by the + physician and two women-slaves; and as my wound healed so my strength came + back to me, slowly at first, then most swiftly. In four days from that + time I left my couch, and in three more I could walk an hour in the palace + gardens; another week and I could read and think, though I went no more to + Court. And at length one afternoon Charmion came and bade me make ready, + for the fleet would sail in two days, first for the coast of Syria, and + thence to the gulf of Issus and Cilicia. + </p> + <p> + Thereon, with all formality, and in writing, I craved leave of Cleopatra + that I might be left, urging that my health was so feeble that I could not + travel. But a message was sent to me in answer that I must come. + </p> + <p> + And so, on the appointed day, I was carried in a litter down to the boat, + and together with that very soldier who had cut me down, the Captain + Brennus, and others of his troop (who, indeed, were sent to guard me), we + rowed aboard a vessel where she lay at anchor with the rest of the great + fleet. For Cleopatra was voyaging as though to war in much pomp, and + escorted by a fleet of ships, among which her galley, built like a house + and lined throughout with cedar and silken hangings, was the most + beautiful and costly that the world has ever seen. But I went not on this + vessel, and therefore it chanced that I did not see Cleopatra or Charmion + till we landed at the mouth of the river Cydnus. + </p> + <p> + The signal being made, the fleet set sail; and, the wind being fair, we + came to Joppa on the evening of the second day. Thence we sailed slowly + with contrary winds up the coast of Syria, making Cæsarea, and Ptolemais, + and Tyrus, and Berytus, and past Lebanon’s white brow crowned with his + crest of cedars, on to Heraclea and across the gulf of Issus to the mouth + of Cydnus. And ever as we journeyed, the strong breath of the sea brought + back my health, till at length, save for a line of white upon my head + where the sword had fallen, I was almost as I had been. And one night, as + we drew near Cydnus, while Brennus and I sat alone together on the deck, + his eye fell upon the white mark his sword had made, and he swore a great + oath by his heathen Gods. “An thou hadst died, lad,” he said, “methinks I + could never again have held up my head! Ah! that was a coward stroke, and + I am shamed to think that it was I who struck it, and thou on the ground + with thy back to me! Knowest thou that when thou didst lie between life + and death, I came every day to ask tidings of thee? and I swore by Taranis + that if thou didst die I’d turn my back upon that soft palace life and + then away for the bonny North.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, trouble not, Brennus,” I answered; “it was thy duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap! but there are duties that a brave man should not do—nay, + not at the bidding of any Queen who ever ruled in Egypt! Thy blow had + dazed me or I had not struck. What is it, lad?—art in trouble with + this Queen of ours? Why art thou dragged a prisoner upon this pleasure + party? Knowest thou that we are strictly charged that if thou dost escape + our lives shall pay the price?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, in sore trouble, friend,” I answered; “ask me no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, being of the age thou art, there’s a woman in it—that I swear—and, + perchance, though I am rough and foolish, I might make a guess. Look thou, + lad, what sayest thou? I am weary of this service of Cleopatra and this + hot land of deserts and of luxury, that sap a man’s strength and drain his + pocket; and so are others whom I know of. What sayest thou: let’s take one + of these unwieldy vessels and away to the North? I’ll lead thee to a + better land than Egypt—a land of lake and mountain, and great + forests of sweet-scented pine; ay, and find thee a girl fit to mate with—my + own niece—a girl strong and tall, with wide blue eyes and long fair + hair, and arms that could crack thy ribs were she of a mind to hug thee! + Come, what sayest thou? Put away the past, and away for the bonny North, + and be a son to me.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment I thought, and then sadly shook my head; for though I was + sorely tempted to be gone, I knew that my fate lay in Egypt, and I might + not fly my fate. + </p> + <p> + “It may not be, Brennus,” I answered. “Fain would I that it might be, but + I am bound by a chain of destiny which I cannot break, and in the land of + Egypt I must live and die.” + </p> + <p> + “As thou wilt, lad,” said the old warrior. “I should have dearly loved to + marry thee among my people, and make a son of thee. At the least, remember + that while I am here thou hast Brennus for a friend. And one thing more; + beware of that beauteous Queen of thine, for, by Taranis, perhaps an hour + may come when she will hold that thou knowest too much, and then——” + and he drew his hand across his throat. “And now good night; a cup of + wine, then to sleep, for to-morrow the foolery——” + </p> + <p> + [Here several lengths of the second roll of papyrus are so broken as to be + undecipherable. They seem to have been descriptive of Cleopatra’s voyage + up the Cydnus to the city of Tarsus.] + </p> + <p> + “And—[the writing continues]—to those who could take joy in + such things, the sight must, indeed, have been a gallant one. For the + stern of our galley was covered with sheets of beaten gold, the sails were + of the scarlet of Tyre, and the oars of silver touched the water to a + measure of music. And there, in the centre of the vessel, beneath an + awning ablaze with gold embroidery, lay Cleopatra, attired as the Roman + Venus (and surely Venus was not more fair!), in thin robes of whitest + silk, bound in beneath her breast with a golden girdle delicately graven + over with scenes of love. All about her were little rosy boys, chosen for + their beauty, and clad in naught save downy wings strapped upon their + shoulders, and on their backs Cupid’s bow and quiver, who fanned her with + fans of plumes. Upon the vessel’s decks, handling the cordage, that was of + silken web, and softly singing to the sound of harps and the beat of oars, + were no rough sailors, but women lovely to behold, some robed as Graces + and some as Nereids—that is, scarce robed at all, except in their + scented hair. And behind the couch, with drawn sword, stood Brennus, in + splendid armour and winged helm of gold; and by him others—I among + them—in garments richly worked, and knew that I was indeed a slave! + On the high poop also burned censers filled with costliest incense, of + which the fragrant steam hung in little clouds about our wake.” + </p> + <p> + Thus, as in a dream of luxury, followed by many ships, we glided on + towards the wooded slopes of Taurus, at whose foot lay that ancient city + Tarshish. And ever as we came the people gathered on the banks and ran + before us, shouting: “Venus is risen from the sea! Venus hath come to + visit Bacchus!” We drew near to the city, and all its people—everyone + who could walk or be carried—crowded down in thousands to the docks, + and with them came the whole army of Antony, so that at length the + Triumvir was left alone upon the judgment seat. + </p> + <p> + Dellius, the false-tongued, came also, fawning and bowing, and in the name + of Antony gave the “Queen of Beauty” greeting, bidding her to a feast that + Antony had made ready. But she made high answer, and said, “Forsooth, it + is Antony who should wait on us; not we on Antony. Bid the noble Antony to + our poor table this night—else we dine alone.” + </p> + <p> + Dellius went, bowing to the ground; the feast was made ready; and then at + last I set eyes on Antony. He came clad in purple robes, a great man and + beautiful to see, set in the stout prime of life, with bright eyes of + blue, and curling hair, and features cut sharply as a Grecian gem. For he + was great of form and royal of mien, and with an open countenance on which + his thoughts were so clearly written that all might read them; only the + weakness of the mouth belied the power of the brow. He came attended by + his generals, and when he reached the couch where Cleopatra lay he stood + astonished, gazing on her with wide-opened eyes. She, too, gazed on him + earnestly; I saw the red blood run up beneath her skin, and a great pang + of jealousy seized upon my heart. And Charmion, who saw all beneath her + downcast eyes, saw this also and smiled. But Cleopatra spoke no word, only + she stretched out her white hand for him to kiss; and he, saying no word, + took her hand and kissed it. + </p> + <p> + “Behold, noble Antony!” she said at last in her voice of music, “thou hast + called me, and I am come.” + </p> + <p> + “Venus has come,” he answered in his deep notes, and still holding his + eyes fixed upon her face. “I called a woman—a Goddess hath risen + from the deep!” + </p> + <p> + “To find a God to greet her on the land,” she laughed with ready wit. + “Well, a truce to compliments, for being on the earth even Venus is + ahungered. Noble Antony, thy hand.” + </p> + <p> + The trumpets blared, and through the bowing crowd Cleopatra, followed by + her train, passed hand in hand with Antony to the feast. + </p> + <p> + [Here there is another break in the papyrus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <p> + OF THE FEAST OF CLEOPATRA; OF THE MELTING OF THE PEARL; OF THE SAYING OF + HARMACHIS; AND OF CLEOPATRA’S VOW OF LOVE + </p> + <p> + On the third night the feast was once more prepared in the hall of the + great house that had been set aside to the use of Cleopatra, and on this + night its splendour was greater even than on the nights before. For the + twelve couches that were set about the table were embossed with gold, and + those of Cleopatra and Antony were of gold set with jewels. The dishes + also were all of gold set with jewels, the walls were hung with purple + cloths sewn with gold, and on the floor, covered with a net of gold, fresh + roses were strewn ankle-deep, that as the slaves trod them sent up their + perfume. Once again I was bidden to stand, with Charmion and Iras and + Merira, behind the couch of Cleopatra, and, like a slave, from time to + time call out the hours as they flew. And there being no help, I went wild + at heart; but this I swore—it should be for the last time, since I + could not bear that shame. For though I would not yet believe what + Charmion told me—that Cleopatra was about to become the Love of + Antony—yet I could no more endure this ignominy and torture. For + from Cleopatra now I had no words save such as a Queen speaks to her + slave, and methinks it gave her dark heart pleasure to torment me. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came to pass that I, the Pharaoh, crowned of Khem, stood among + eunuchs and waiting-women behind the couch of Egypt’s Queen while the + feast went merrily and the wine-cup passed. And ever Antony sat, his eyes + fixed upon the face of Cleopatra, who from time to time let her deep + glance lose itself in his, and then for a little while their talk died + away. For he told her tales of war and of deeds that he had done—ay, + and love-jests such as are not meet for the ears of women. But she took + offence at nothing; rather, falling into his humour, she would cap his + stories with others of a finer wit, but not less shameless. + </p> + <p> + At length, the rich meal being finished, Antony gazed at the splendour + around him. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, then, most lovely Egypt,” he said; “are the sands of Nile + compact of gold, that thou canst, night by night, thus squander the ransom + of a King upon a single feast? Whence comes this untold wealth?” + </p> + <p> + I bethought me of the tomb of the Divine Menkau-ra, whose holy treasure + was thus wickedly wasted, and looked up so that Cleopatra’s eye caught + mine; but, reading my thoughts, she frowned heavily. + </p> + <p> + “Why, noble Antony,” she said, “surely it is nothing! In Egypt we have our + secrets, and know whence to conjure riches at our need. Say, what is the + value of this golden service, and of the meats and drinks that have been + set before us?” + </p> + <p> + He cast his eyes about, and hazarded a guess. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe a thousand sestertia.”[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] About eight thousand pounds of English money.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + “Thou hast understated it by half, noble Antony! But such as it is I will + give it thee and those with thee as a free token of my friendship. And + more will I show thee now: I myself will eat and drink ten thousand + sestertia at a draught.” + </p> + <p> + “That cannot be, fair Egypt!” + </p> + <p> + She laughed, and bade a slave bring her white vinegar in a glass. When it + was brought she set it before her and laughed again, while Antony, rising + from his couch, drew near and set himself at her side, and all the company + leant forward to see what she would do. And this she did. She took from + her ear one of those great pearls which last of all had been drawn from + the body of the Divine Pharaoh; and before any could guess her purpose she + let it fall into the vinegar. Then came silence, the silence of wonder, + and slowly the priceless pearl melted in the strong acid. When it was + melted she lifted the glass and shook it, then drank the vinegar, to the + last drop. + </p> + <p> + “More vinegar, slave!” she cried; “my meal is but half finished!” and she + drew forth the second pearl. + </p> + <p> + “By Bacchus, no! that shalt thou not!” cried Antony, snatching at her + hands; “I have seen enough;” and at that moment, moved to it by I know not + what, I called aloud: + </p> + <p> + “The hour falls, O Queen!—<i>the hour of the coming of the curse of + Menkau-ra!</i>” + </p> + <p> + An ashy whiteness grew upon Cleopatra’s face, and she turned upon me + furiously, while all the company gazed wondering, not knowing what the + words might mean. + </p> + <p> + “Thou ill-omened slave!” she cried. “Speak thus once more and thou shalt + be scourged with rods!—ay, scourged like an evildoer—that I + promise thee, Harmachis!” + </p> + <p> + “What means the knave of an astrologer?” asked Antony. “Speak, sirrah! and + make clear thy meaning, for those who deal in curses must warrant their + wares.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a servant of the Gods, noble Antony. That which the Gods put in my + mind that must I say; nor can I read their meaning,” I answered humbly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, oh! thou servest the Gods, dost thou, thou many-coloured mystery?” + This he said having reference to my splendid robes. “Well, I serve the + Goddesses, which is a softer cult. And there’s this between us: that + though what they put in my mind I say, neither can I read their meaning,” + and he glanced at Cleopatra as one who questions. + </p> + <p> + “Let the knave be,” she said impatiently; “to-morrow we’ll be rid of him. + Sirrah, begone!” + </p> + <p> + I bowed and went; and, as I went, I heard Antony say: “Well, he may be a + knave—for that all men are—but this for thy astrologer: he + hath a royal air and the eye of a King—ay, and wit in it.” + </p> + <p> + Without the door I paused, not knowing what to do, for I was bewildered + with misery. And, as I stood, someone touched me on the hand. I glanced up—it + was Charmion, who in the confusion of the rising of the guests, had + slipped away and followed me. + </p> + <p> + For in trouble Charmion was ever at my side. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me,” she whispered; “thou art in danger.” + </p> + <p> + I turned and followed her. Why should I not? + </p> + <p> + “Whither go we?” I asked at length. + </p> + <p> + “To my chamber,” she said. “Fear not; we ladies of Cleopatra’s Court have + small good fame to lose; if anyone by chance should see us, they’ll think + that it is a love-tryst, and such are all the fashion.” + </p> + <p> + I followed, and, presently, skirting the crowd, we came unseen to a little + side entrance that led to a stair, up which we passed. The stair ended in + a passage; we turned down it till we found a door on the left hand. + Charmion entered silently, and I followed her into a dark chamber. Being + in, she barred the door and, kindling tinder to a flame, lit a hanging + lamp. As the light grew strong I gazed around. The chamber was not large, + and had but one casement, closely shuttered. For the rest, it was simply + furnished, having white walls, some chests for garments, an ancient chair, + what I took to be a tiring table, on which were combs, perfumes, and all + the frippery that pertains to woman, and a white bed with a broidered + coverlid, over which was hung a gnat-gauze. + </p> + <p> + “Be seated, Harmachis,” she said, pointing to the chair. I took the chair, + and Charmion, throwing back the gnat-gauze, sat herself upon the bed + before me. + </p> + <p> + “Knowest thou what I heard Cleopatra say as thou didst leave the + banqueting-hall?” she asked presently. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I know not.” + </p> + <p> + “She gazed after thee, and, as I went over to her to do some service, she + murmured to herself: ‘By Serapis, I will make an end! I will wait no + longer: to-morrow he shall be strangled!’” + </p> + <p> + “So!” I said, “it may be; though, after all that has been, I can scarce + believe that she will murder me.” + </p> + <p> + “Why canst thou not believe it, thou most foolish of men? Dost forget how + nigh thou wast to death there in the Alabaster Hall? Who saved thee then + from the knives of the eunuchs? Was it Cleopatra? Or was it I and Brennus? + Stay, I will tell thee. Thou canst not yet believe it, because, in thy + folly, thou dost not think it possible that the woman who has but lately + been as a wife to thee can now, in so short a time, doom thee to be basely + done to death. Nay, answer not—I know all; and I tell thee this: + thou hast not measured the depth of Cleopatra’s perfidy, nor canst thou + dream the blackness of her wicked heart. She had surely slain thee in + Alexandria had she not feared that thy slaughter being noised abroad might + bring trouble on her. Therefore has she brought thee here to kill thee + secretly. For what more canst thou give her? She has thy heart’s love, and + is wearied of thy strength and beauty. She has robbed thee of thy royal + birthright and brought thee, a King, to stand amidst the waiting-women + behind her at her feasts; she has won from thee the great secret of the + holy treasure!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, thou knowest that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know all; and to-night thou seest how the wealth stored against + the need of Khem is being squandered to fill up the wanton luxury of + Khem’s Macedonian Queen! Thou seest how she has kept her oath to wed thee + honourably. Harmachis—at length thine eyes are open to the truth!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I see too well; and yet she swore she loved me, and I, poor fool, I + believed her!” + </p> + <p> + “She swore she loved thee!” answered Charmion, lifting her dark eyes: “now + I will show thee how she loves thee. Knowest thou what was this house? It + was a priest’s college; and, as thou wottest, Harmachis, priests have + their ways. This little room aforetime was the room of the Head Priest, + and the chamber that is beyond and below was the gathering-place of the + other priests. The old slave who keeps the house told me all this, and + also she revealed what I shall show thee. Now, Harmachis, be silent as the + dead, and follow me!” + </p> + <p> + She blew out the lamp, and by the little light that crept through the + shuttered casement led me by the hand to the far corner of the room. Here + she pressed upon the wall, and a door opened in its thickness. We entered, + and she closed the spring. Now we were in a little chamber, some five + cubits in length by four in breadth; for a faint light struggled into the + closet, and also the sound of voices, I knew not whence. Loosing my hand, + she crept to the end of the place, and looked steadfastly at the wall; + then crept back and, whispering “Silence!” led me forward with her. Then I + saw that there were eyeholes in the wall, which pierced it, and were + hidden on the farther side by carved work in stone. I looked through the + hole that was in front of me, and I saw this: six cubits below was the + level of the floor of another chamber, lit with fragrant lamps, and most + richly furnished. It was the sleeping-place of Cleopatra, and there, + within ten cubits of where we stood, sat Cleopatra on a gilded couch, and + by her side sat Antony. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” Cleopatra murmured—for this place was so built that every + word spoken in the room below came to the ears of the listener above—“tell + me, noble Antony, wast pleased with my poor festival?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” he answered in his deep soldier’s voice, “ay, Egypt, I have made + feasts, and been bidden to feasts, but never saw I aught like thine; and I + tell thee this, though I am rough of tongue and unskilled in pretty + sayings such as women love, thou wast the richest sight of all that + splendid board. The red wine was not so red as thy beauteous cheek, the + roses smelt not so sweet as the odour of thy hair, and no sapphire there + with its changing light was so lovely as thy eyes of ocean blue.” + </p> + <p> + “What! Praise from Antony! Sweet words from the lips of him whose writings + are so harsh! Why, it is praise indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” he went on, “it was a royal feast, though I grieve that thou didst + waste that great pearl; and what meant that hour-calling astrologer of + thine, with his ill-omened talk of the curse of Menkau-ra?” + </p> + <p> + A shadow fled across her glowing face. “I know not; he was lately wounded + in a brawl, and methinks the blow has crazed him.” + </p> + <p> + “He seemed not crazed, and there was that about his voice which rings in + my ears like some oracle of fate. So wildly, too, he looked upon thee, + Egypt, with those piercing eyes of his, like one who loved and yet hated + through the love.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a strange man, I tell thee, noble Antony, and a learned. Myself, at + times, I almost fear him, for he is deeply versed in the ancient arts of + Egypt. 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; and, indeed, I loved his wisdom, and to + listen to his deep talk of all hidden things.” + </p> + <p> + “By Bacchus, I grow jealous of the knave! And now, Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + “And now I have sucked his knowledge dry, and have no more cause to fear + him. Didst thou not see that I have made him stand these three nights a + slave amid my slaves, and call aloud the hours as they fled in festival. + No captive King marching in thy Roman triumphs can have suffered pangs so + keen as that proud Egyptian Prince when he stood shamed behind my couch.” + </p> + <p> + Here Charmion laid her hand on mine and pressed it, as though in + tenderness. + </p> + <p> + “Well, he shall trouble us no more with his words of evil omen,” Cleopatra + went on slowly; “to-morrow morn he dies—dies swiftly and in secret, + leaving no trace of what his fate has been. On this is my mind fixed; of a + truth, noble Antony, it is fixed. Even as I speak the fear of this man + grows and gathers in my breast. Half am I minded to give the word even + now, for I breathe not freely till he be dead,” and she made as though to + rise. + </p> + <p> + “Let it be till morning,” he said, catching her by the hand; “the soldiers + drink, and the deed will be ill done. ‘Tis pity too. I love not to think + of men slaughtered in their sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “In the morning, perchance, the hawk may have flown,” she answered, + pondering. “He hath keen ears, this Harmachis, and can summon things to + aid him that are not of the earth. Perchance, even now he hears me in the + spirit; for, of a truth, I seem to feel his presence breathing round me. I + could tell thee—but no, let him be! Noble Antony, be my tiring-woman + and loose me this crown of gold, it chafes my brow. Be gentle, hurt me not—so.” + </p> + <p> + He lifted the uræus crown from her brows, and she shook loose her heavy + weight of hair that fell about her like a garment. + </p> + <p> + “Take back thy crown, royal Egypt,” he said, speaking low, “take it from + my hand; I will not rob thee of it, but rather set it more firmly on that + beauteous brow.” + </p> + <p> + “What means my Lord?” she asked, smiling and looking into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What mean I? Why then, this: thou camest hither at my bidding to make + answer of the charges laid against thee as to matters politic. And knowest + thou, Egypt, that hadst thou been other than thou art thou hadst not gone + back to queen it on the Nile; for of this I am sure, the charges against + thee are true in fact. But, being what thou art—and look thou! never + did Nature serve a woman better!—I forgive thee all. For the sake of + thy grace and beauty I forgive thee that which had not been forgiven to + virtue, or to patriotism, or to the dignity of age! See now how good a + thing is woman’s wit and loveliness, that can make kings forget their duty + and cozen even blindfolded Justice to peep ere she lifts her sword! Take + back thy crown, O Egypt! It is now my care that, though it be heavy, it + shall not chafe thee.” + </p> + <p> + “These are royal words, most noble Antony,” she made answer; “gracious + and generous words, such as befit the Conqueror of the world! And touching + my misdeeds in the past—if misdeeds there have been—I say + this, and this alone—then I knew not Antony. For, knowing Antony, + who could sin against him? What woman could lift a sword against one who + must be to all women as a God—one who, seen and known, draws after + him the whole allegiance of the heart, as the sun draws flowers? And what + more can I say and not cross the bounds of woman’s modesty? Why, only this—set + that crown upon my brow, great Antony, and I will take it as a gift from + thee, by the giving made doubly dear, and to thy uses I will guard it. + </p> + <p> + “There, now I am thy vassal Queen, and through me all old Egypt that I + rule does homage to Antony the Triumvir, who shall be Antony the Emperor + of Rome and Khem’s Imperial Lord!” + </p> + <p> + And, having set the crown upon her locks, he stood gazing on her, grown + passionate in the warm breath of her living beauty, till at length he + caught her by both hands and drawing her to him kissed her thrice, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Cleopatra, I love thee, Sweet—I love thee as I never loved before.” + She drew back from his embrace, smiling softly; and as she did so the + golden circlet of the sacred snakes fell, being but loosely set upon her + brow, and rolled away into the darkness beyond the ring of light. + </p> + <p> + I saw the omen, and even in the bitter anguish of my heart knew its evil + import. But these twain took no note. + </p> + <p> + “Thou lovest me?” she said, most sweetly; “how know I that thou lovest me? + Perchance it is Fulvia whom thou lovest—Fulvia, thy wedded wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is not Fulvia, ‘tis thou, Cleopatra, and thou alone. Many women + have looked favourably upon me from my boyhood up, but to never a one have + I known such desire as to thee, O thou Wonder of the World, like unto whom + no woman ever was! Canst thou love me, Cleopatra, and to me be true, not + for my place or power, not for that which I can give or can withhold, not + for the stern music of my legion’s tramp, or for the light that flows from + my bright Star of Fortune; but for myself, for the sake of Antony, the + rough captain, grown old in camps? Ay, for the sake of Antony the + reveller, the frail, the unfixed of purpose, but who yet never did desert + a friend, or rob a poor man, or take an enemy unawares? Say, canst thou + love me, Egypt? Oh! if thou wilt, why, I am more happy than though I sat + to-night in the Capitol at Rome crowned absolute Monarch of the World!” + </p> + <p> + And, ever as he spoke, she gazed on him with wonderful eyes, and in them + shone a light of truth and honesty such as was strange to me. + </p> + <p> + “Thou speakest plainly,” she said, “and thy words are sweet to mine ears—they + would be sweet, even were things otherwise than they are, for what woman + would not love to see the world’s master at her feet? But things being as + they are, why, Antony, what can be so sweet as thy sweet words? The + harbour of his rest to the storm-tossed mariner—surely that is + sweet! The dream of Heaven’s bliss which cheers the poor ascetic priest on + his path of sacrifice—surely that is sweet! The sight of Dawn, the + rosy-fingered, coming in his promise to glad the watching Earth—surely + that is sweet! But, ah! not one of these, nor all dear delightful things + that are, can match the honey-sweetness of thy words to me, O Antony! For + thou knowest not—never canst thou know—how drear my life hath + been, and empty, since thus it is ordained that in love only can woman + lose her solitude! And I have <i>never</i> loved—never might I love—till + this happy night! Ay, take me in thy arms, and let us swear a great vow of + love—an oath that may not be broken while life is in us! Behold! + Antony! now and for ever I do vow most strict fidelity unto thee! Now and + for ever I am thine, and thine alone!” + </p> + <p> + Then Charmion took me by the hand and drew me thence. + </p> + <p> + “Hast seen enough?” she asked, when we were once more within the chamber + and the lamp was lit. + </p> + <p> + “Yea,” I answered; “my eyes are opened.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <p> + OF THE PLAN OF CHARMION; OF THE CONFESSION OF CHARMION; AND OF THE ANSWER + OF HARMACHIS + </p> + <p> + For some while I sat with bowed head, and the last bitterness of shame + sank into my soul. 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! Could there be + another man in the wide world so steeped in sorrow as I was that night? + Surely not one! Where should I turn? What could I do? And even through the + tempest of my torn heart the bitter voice of jealousy called aloud. For I + loved this woman, to whom I had given all; and she at this moment—she + was——Ah! I could not bear to think of it; and in my utter + agony, my heart burst in a river of tears such as are terrible to weep! + </p> + <p> + Then Charmion drew near me, and I saw that she, too, was weeping. + </p> + <p> + “Weep not, Harmachis!” she sobbed, kneeling at my side. “I cannot endure + to see thee weep. Oh! why wouldst thou not be warned? Then hadst thou been + great and happy, and not as now. Listen, Harmachis! Thou didst hear what + that false and tigerish woman said—to-morrow she hands thee over to + the murderers!” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” I gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Nay: it is not well. Harmachis, give her not this last triumph over thee. + Thou hast lost all save life: but while life remains, hope remains also, + and with hope the chance of vengeance.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” I said, starting from my seat. “I had not thought of that. Ay—the + chance of vengeance! It would be sweet to be avenged!” + </p> + <p> + “It would be sweet, Harmachis, and yet this—Vengeance is an arrow + that in falling oft pierces him who shot it. Myself—I know it,” and + she sighed. “But a truce to talk and grief. There will be time for us + twain to grieve, if not to talk, in all the heavy coming years. Thou must + fly—before the coming of the light must thou fly. Here is a plan. + To-morrow, ere the dawn, a galley that but yesterday came from Alexandria, + bearing fruit and stores, sails thither again, and its captain is known to + me, but to thee he is not known. Now, I will find thee the garb of a + Syrian merchant, and cloak thee, as I know how, and furnish thee with a + letter to the captain of the galley. He shall give thee passage to + Alexandria; for to him thou wilt seem but as a merchant going on the + business of thy trade. Brennus is officer of the guard to-night, and + Brennus is a friend to me and thee. Perhaps he will guess somewhat; or, + perhaps, he will not guess; at the least, the Syrian merchant shall safely + pass the lines. What sayest thou?” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” I answered wearily; “little do I reck the issue.” + </p> + <p> + “Rest thou, then, here, Harmachis, while I make these matters ready; and, + Harmachis, grieve not overmuch; there are others who should grieve more + heavily than thou.” And she went, leaving me alone with my agony which + rent me like a torture-bed. Had it not been for that fierce desire of + vengeance which from time to time flashed across my tormented mind as the + lightning over a midnight sea, methinks my reason had left me in that dark + hour. At length I heard her footstep at the door, and she entered, + breathing heavily, for she bore a sack of clothing in her arms. + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” she said: “here is the garb with spare linen, and + writing-tablets, and all things needful. I have seen Brennus also, and + told him that a Syrian merchant would pass the guard an hour before the + dawn. And though he made pretence of sleep, I think he understood, for he + answered, yawning, that if they but had the pass-word, ‘Antony,’ fifty + Syrian merchants might go through about their lawful business. And here is + the letter to the captain—thou canst not mistake the galley, for she + is moored along to the right—a small galley, painted black, as thou + dost enter on the great quay, and, moreover, the sailors make ready for + sailing. Now I will wait here without, while thou dost put off the livery + of thy service and array thyself.” + </p> + <p> + When she was gone I tore off my gorgeous garments and spat upon them and + trod them on the ground. Then I put on the modest robe of a merchant, and + bound the tablets round me, on my feet the sandals of untanned hide, and + at my waist the knife. When it was done Charmion entered once again and + looked on me. + </p> + <p> + “Too much art thou still the royal Harmachis,” she said; “see, it must be + changed.” + </p> + <p> + Then she took scissors from her tiring-table, and, bidding me be seated, + she cut off my locks, clipping the hair close to the head. Next she found + stains of such sort as women use to make dark the eyes, and mixed them + cunningly, rubbing the stuff on my face and hands and on the white mark in + my hair where the sword of Brennus had bitten to the bone. + </p> + <p> + “Now thou art changed—somewhat for the worse, Harmachis,” she said, + with a dreary laugh, “scarce myself should I know thee. Stay, there is one + more thing,” and, going to a chest of garments, she drew thence a heavy + bag of gold. + </p> + <p> + “Take thou this,” she said; “thou wilt have need of money.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot take thy gold, Charmion.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, take it. It was Sepa who gave it to me for the furtherance of our + cause, and therefore it is fitting that thou shouldst spend it. Moreover, + if I want money, doubtless Antony, who is henceforth my master, will give + me more; he is much beholden to me, and this he knows well. There, waste + not the precious time in haggling o’er the pelf—not yet art thou all + a merchant, Harmachis;” and, without more words, she thrust the pieces + into the leather bag that hung across my shoulders. Then she made fast the + sack containing the spare garments, and, so womanly thoughtful was she, + placed in it an alabaster jar of pigment, with which I might stain my + countenance afresh, and, taking the broidered robes of my office that I + had cast off, hid them in the secret passage. And so at last all was made + ready. + </p> + <p> + “Is it time that I should go?,” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet a while. Be patient, Harmachis, for but one little hour more must + thou endure my presence, and then, perchance, farewell for ever.” + </p> + <p> + I made a gesture signifying that this was no time for sharp words. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me my quick tongue,” she said; “but from a salt spring bitter + waters well. Be seated, Harmachis; I have heavier words to speak to thee + before thou goest.” + </p> + <p> + “Say on,” I answered; “words, however heavy, can move me no more.” + </p> + <p> + She stood before me with folded hands, and the lamp-light shone upon her + beauteous face. I noticed idly how great was its pallor and how wide and + dark were the rings about the deep black eyes. Twice she lifted her white + face and strove to speak, twice her voice failed her; and when at last it + came it was in a hoarse whisper. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot let thee go,” she said—“I cannot let thee go unwitting of + the truth. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Harmachis, ‘twas I who did betray thee!</i>” + </p> + <p> + I sprang to my feet, an oath upon my lips; but she caught me by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, be seated,” she said—“be seated and hear me; then, when thou + hast heard, do to me as thou wilt. Listen. From that evil moment when, in + the presence of thy uncle Sepa, for the second time I set eyes upon thy + face, I loved thee—how much, thou canst little guess. Think upon + thine own love for Cleopatra, and double it, and double it again, and + perchance thou mayst come near to my love’s mighty sum. I loved thee, day + by day I loved thee more, till in thee and for thee alone I seemed to + live. But thou wast cold—thou wast worse than cold! thou didst deal + with me not as a breathing woman, but rather as the instrument to an end—as + a tool with which to grave thy fortunes. And then I saw—yes, long + before thou knewest it thyself—thy heart’s tide was setting strong + towards that ruinous shore whereon to-day thy life is broken. And at last + that night came, that dreadful night when, hid within the chamber, I saw + thee cast my kerchief to the winds, and with sweet words cherish my royal + Rival’s gift. Then—oh, thou knowest—in my pain I betrayed the + secret that thou wouldst not see, and thou didst make a mock of me, + Harmachis! Oh! the shame of it—thou in thy foolishness didst make a + mock of me! I went thence, and within me were rising all the torments + which can tear a woman’s heart, for now I was sure that thou didst love + Cleopatra! Ay, and so mad was I, even that night I was minded to betray + thee: but I thought—not yet, not yet; to-morrow he may soften. Then + came the morrow, and all was ready for the bursting of the great plot that + should make thee Pharaoh. And I too came—thou dost remember—and + again thou didst put me away when I spake to thee in parables, as + something of little worth—as a thing too small to claim a moment’s + weighty thought. And, knowing that this was because—though thou + knewest it not—thou didst love Cleopatra, whom now thou must + straightway slay, I grew mad, and a wicked Spirit entered into me, + possessing me utterly, so that I was myself no longer, nor could control + myself. And because thou hadst scorned me, I did this, to my everlasting + shame and sorrow!—I passed into Cleopatra’s presence and betrayed + thee and those with thee, and our holy cause, saying that I had found a + writing which thou hadst let fall and read all this therein.” + </p> + <p> + I gasped and sat silent; and gazing sadly at me she went on: + </p> + <p> + “When she understood how great was the plot, and how deep its roots, + Cleopatra was much troubled; and, at first, she would have fled to Sais or + taken ship and run for Cyprus, but I showed her that the ways were barred. + Then she said she would cause thee to be slain, there, in the chamber, and + I left her so believing; for, at that hour, I was glad that thou shouldst + be slain—ay, even if I wept out my heart upon thy grave, Harmachis. + But what said I just now?—Vengeance is an arrow that oft falls on + him who looses it. So it was with me; for between my going and thy coming + Cleopatra hatched a deeper plan. She feared that to slay thee would only + be to light a fiercer fire of revolt; but she saw that to bind thee to + her, and, having left men awhile in doubt, to show thee faithless, would + strike the imminent danger at its roots and wither it. This plot once + formed, being great, she dared its doubtful issue, and—need I go on? + Thou knowest, Harmachis, how she won; and thus the shaft of vengeance that + I loosed fell upon my own head. For on the morrow I knew that I had sinned + for naught, that the burden of my betrayal had been laid on the wretched + Paulus, and that I had but ruined the cause to which I was sworn and given + the man I loved to the arms of wanton Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + She bowed her head awhile, and then, as I spoke not, once more went on: + </p> + <p> + “Let all my sin be told, Harmachis, and then let justice come. See now, + this thing happened. Half did Cleopatra learn to love thee, and deep in + her heart she bethought her of taking thee to wedded husband. For the sake + of this half love of hers she spared the lives of those in the plot whom + she had meshed, bethinking her that if she wedded thee she might use them + and thee to draw the heart of Egypt, which loves not her nor any Ptolemy. + And then, once again she entrapped thee, and in thy folly thou didst + betray to her the secret of the hidden wealth of Egypt, which to-day she + squanders to delight the luxurious Antony; and, of a truth, at that time + she purposed to make good her oath and marry thee. But on the very morn + when Dellius came for answer she sent for me, and telling me all—for + my wit, above any, she holds at price—demanded of me my judgment + whether she should defy Antony and wed thee, or whether she should put the + thought away and come to Antony. And I—now mark thou all my sin—I, + in my bitter jealousy, rather than I would see her thy wedded wife and + thou her loving lord, counselled her most strictly that she should come to + Antony, well knowing—for I had had speech with Dellius—that if + she came, this weak Antony would fall like a ripe fruit at her feet, as, + indeed, he has fallen. And but now I have shown thee the issue of the + scheme. Antony loves Cleopatra and Cleopatra loves Antony, and thou art + robbed, and matters have gone well for me, who of all women on the earth + to-night am the wretchedest by far. For when I saw how thy heart broke but + now, my heart seemed to break with thine, and I could no longer bear the + burden of my evil deeds, but knew that I must tell them and take my + punishment. + </p> + <p> + “And now, Harmachis, I have no more to say; save that I thank thee for thy + courtesy in hearkening, and this one thing I add. Driven by my great love + I have sinned against thee unto death! I have ruined thee, I have ruined + Khem, and myself also I have ruined! Let death reward me! Slay thou me, + Harmachis—I will gladly die upon thy sword; ay, and kiss its blade! + Slay thou me and go; for if thou slayest me not, myself I will surely + slay!” And she threw herself upon her knees, lifting her fair breast + toward me, that I might smite her with my dagger. And, in my bitter fury, + I was minded to strike; for, above all, I thought how, when I was fallen, + this woman, who herself was my cause of shame, had scourged me with her + whip of scorn. But it is hard to slay a fair woman; and, even as I lifted + my hand to strike, I remembered that she had now twice saved my life. + </p> + <p> + “Woman! thou shameless woman!” I said, “arise! I slay thee not! Who am I, + that I should judge thy crime, that, with mine own, doth overtop all + earthly judgment?” + </p> + <p> + “Slay me, Harmachis!” she moaned; “slay me, or I slay myself! My burden is + too great for me to bear! Be not so deadly calm! Curse me, and slay!” + </p> + <p> + “What was it that thou didst say to me just now, Charmion—that as I + had sown so I must reap? It is not lawful that thou shouldst slay thyself; + it is not lawful that I, thine equal in sin, should slay thee because + through thee I sinned. As <i>thou</i> hast sown, Charmion, so must <i>thou</i> + also reap. Base woman! whose cruel jealousy has brought all these woes on + me and Egypt, live—live on, and from year to year pluck the bitter + fruit of crime! Haunted be thy sleep by visions of thy outraged Gods, + whose vengeance awaits thee and me in their dim Amenti! Haunted be thy + days by memories of that man whom thy fierce love brought to shame and + ruin, and by the sight of Khem a prey to the insatiate Cleopatra and a + slave to Roman Antony.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, speak not thus, Harmachis! Thy words are sharper than any sword; and + more surely, if more slowly, shall they slay! Listen, Harmachis,” and she + grasped my robe: “when thou wast great, and all power lay within thy + grasp, thou didst reject me. Wilt reject me now that Cleopatra hast cast + thee from her—now that thou art poor and shamed and with no pillow + to thy head? Still am I fair, and still I worship thee. Let me fly with + thee, and make atonement for my lifelong love. Or, if this be too great a + thing to ask, let me be but as thy sister and thy servant—thy very + slave, so that I may still look upon thy face, and share thy trouble and + minister to thee. O Harmachis, let me but come and I will brave all things + and endure all things, and nothing but Death himself shall stay me from + thy side. For I do believe that the love that sank me to so low a depth, + dragging thee with me, can yet lift me to an equal height, and thee with + me!” + </p> + <p> + “Wouldst tempt me to fresh sin, woman? And dost thou think, Charmion, that + in some hovel where I must hide, I could bear, day by day, to look upon + thy fair face, and seeing, remember that those lips betrayed me? Not thus + easily shalt thou atone! This I know even now: many and heavy shall be thy + lonely days of penance! Perchance that hour of vengeance yet may come, and + perchance thou shalt live to play thy part in it. Thou must still abide in + the Court of Cleopatra; and, while thou art there, if I yet live, I will + from time to time find means to give thee tidings. Perhaps a day may dawn + when once more I shall need thy service. Now, swear that, in this event, + thou wilt not fail me a second time.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear, Harmachis!—I swear! May everlasting torments, too hideous + to be dreamed—more hideous, even, by far, than those that wring me + now—be my portion if I fail thee in one jot or tittle—ay, + though I wait a lifetime for thy word!” + </p> + <p> + “It is well; see that thou keep the oath—not twice may we betray. I + go to work out my fate; abide thou to work out thine. Perchance our divers + threads will once more mingle ere the web be spun. Charmion, who unasked + didst love me—and who, prompted by that gentle love of thine, didst + betray and ruin me—fare thee well!” + </p> + <p> + She gazed wildly upon my face—she stretched out her arms as though + to clasp me; then, in the agony of her despair, she cast herself at length + and grovelled upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + I took up the sack of clothing and the staff and gained the door, and, as + I passed it, I threw one last glance upon her. There she lay, with arms + outstretched—more white than her white robes—her dark hair + streaming about her, and her fair brows hidden in the dust. + </p> + <p> + And thus I left her, nor did I again set my eyes upon her till nine long + years had come and gone. + </p> + <p> + [Here ends the second and largest roll of papyrus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK III—THE VENGEANCE OF HARMACHIS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + OF THE ESCAPE OF HARMACHIS FROM TARSUS; OF HIS BEING CAST FORTH AS AN + OFFERING TO THE GODS OF THE SEA; OF HIS SOJOURN IN THE ISLE OF CYPRUS; OF + HIS RETURN TO ABOUTHIS; AND OF THE DEATH OF AMENEMHAT + </p> + <p> + I made my way down the stair in safety, and presently stood in the + courtyard of that great house. It was but an hour from dawn, and none were + stirring. The last reveller had drunk his fill, the dancing-girls had + ceased their dancing, and silence lay upon the city. I drew near the gate, + and was challenged by an officer who stood on guard, wrapped in a heavy + cloak. + </p> + <p> + “Who passes,” said the voice of Brennus. + </p> + <p> + “A merchant, may it please you, Sir, who, having brought gifts from + Alexandria to a lady of the Queen’s household, and, having been + entertained of the lady, now departs to his galley,” I answered in a + feigned voice. + </p> + <p> + “Umph!” he growled. “The ladies of the Queen’s household keep their guests + late. Well; it is a time of festival. The pass-word, Sir Shopkeeper? + Without the pass-word you must needs return and crave the lady’s further + hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + “‘<i>Antony</i>,’ Sir; and a right good word, too. Ah! I’ve wandered far, + and never saw I so goodly a man or so great a general. And, mark you, Sir! + I’ve travelled far, and seen many generals.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; ‘<i>Antony</i>’s the word! And Antony is a good general in his way—when + it is a sober way, and when he cannot find a skirt to follow. I’ve served + with Antony—and against him, too; and know his points. Well, well; + he’s got an armful now!” + </p> + <p> + And all this while that he was holding me in talk, the sentry had been + pacing to and fro before the gate. But now he moved a little way to the + right, leaving the entrance clear. + </p> + <p> + “Fare thee well, Harmachis, and begone!” whispered Brennus, leaning + forward and speaking quickly. “Linger not. But at times bethink thee of + Brennus who risked his neck to save thine. Farewell, lad, I would that we + were sailing North together,” and he turned his back upon me and began to + hum a tune. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Brennus, thou honest man,” I answered, and was gone. And, as I + heard long afterwards, when on the morrow the hue and cry was raised + because the murderers could not find me, though they sought me everywhere + to slay me, Brennus did me a service. For he swore that as he kept his + watch alone an hour after midnight he saw me come and stand upon the + parapet of the roof, that then I stretched out my robes and they became + wings on which I floated up to Heaven, leaving him astonished. And all + those about the Court lent ear to this history, believing in it, because + of the great fame of my magic; and they wondered much what the marvel + might portend. The tale also travelled into Egypt, and did much to save my + good name among those whom I had betrayed; for the more ignorant among + them believed that I acted not of my will, but of the will of the dread + Gods, who of their own purpose wafted me into Heaven. And thus to this day + the saying runs that “<i>When Harmachis comes again Egypt shall be free.</i>” + But alas, Harmachis comes no more! Only Cleopatra, though she was much + afraid, doubted her of the tale, and sent an armed vessel to search for + the Syrian merchant, but not to find him, as shall be told. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the galley of which Charmion had spoken, I found her about + to sail, and gave the writing to the captain, who conned it, looking on me + curiously, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + So I went aboard, and immediately we dropped swiftly down the river with + the current. And having come to the mouth of the river unchallenged, + though we passed many vessels, we put out to sea with a strong favouring + wind that before night freshened to a great gale. Then the sailor men, + being much afraid, would have put about and run for the mouth of Cydnus + again, but could not because of the wildness of the sea. All that night it + blew furiously, and by dawn our mast was carried away, and we rolled + helplessly in the trough of the great waves. But I sat wrapped in a cloak, + little heeding; and because I showed no fear the sailors cried out that I + was a wizard, and sought to cast me into the sea, but the captain would + not. At dawn the wind slackened, but ere noon it once more blew in + terrible fury, and at the fourth hour from noon we came in sight of the + rocky coast of that cape in the island of Cyprus which is called + Dinaretum, where is a mountain named Olympus, and thither-wards we drifted + swiftly. Then, when the sailors saw the terrible rocks, and how the great + waves that smote on them spouted up in foam, once more they grew much + afraid, and cried out in their fear. For, seeing that I still sat unmoved, + they swore that I certainly was a wizard, and came to cast me forth as a + sacrifice to the Gods of the sea. And this time the captain was + over-ruled, and said nothing. Therefore, when they came to me I rose and + defied them, saying, “Cast me forth, if ye will; but if ye cast me forth + ye shall perish.” + </p> + <p> + For in my heart I cared little, having no more any love of life, but + rather a desire to die, though I greatly feared to pass into the presence + of my Holy Mother Isis. But my weariness and sorrow at the bitterness of + my lot overcame even this heavy fear; so that when, being mad as brute + beasts, they seized me and, lifting me, hurled me into the raging waters, + I did but utter one prayer to Isis and made ready for death. But it was + fated that I should not die; for, when I rose to the surface of the water, + I saw a spar of wood floating near me, to which I swam and clung. And a + great wave came and swept me, riding, as it were, upon the spar, as when a + boy I had learned to do in the waters of the Nile, past the bulwarks of + the galley where the fierce-faced sailors clustered to see me drown. And + when they saw me come mounted on the wave, cursing them as I came, and + saw, too, that the colour of my face had changed—for the salt water + had washed way the pigment, they shrieked with fear and threw themselves + down upon the deck. And within a very little while, as I rode toward the + rocky coast, a great wave poured into the vessel, that rolled broadside + on, and pressed her down into the deep, whence she rose no more. + </p> + <p> + So she sank with all her crew. And in that same storm also sank the galley + which Cleopatra had sent to search for the Syrian merchant. Thus all + traces of me were lost, and of a surety she believed that I was dead. + </p> + <p> + But I rode on toward the shore. The wind shrieked and the salt waves + lashed my face as, alone with the tempest, I rushed upon my way, while the + sea-birds screamed about my head. I felt no fear, but rather a wild + uplifting of the heart; and in the stress of my imminent peril the love of + life seemed to waken again. And so I plunged and drifted, now tossed high + toward the lowering clouds, now cast into the deep valleys of the sea, + till at length the rocky headland loomed before me, and I saw the breakers + smite upon the stubborn rocks, and through the screaming of the wind heard + the sullen thunder of their fall and the groan of stones sucked seaward + from the beach. On! high-throned upon the mane of a mighty billow—fifty + cubits beneath me the level of the hissing waters; above me the inky sky! + It was done! The spar was torn from me, and, dragged downwards by the + weight of the bag of gold and the clinging of my garments, I sank + struggling furiously. + </p> + <p> + Now I was under—the green light for a moment streamed through the + waters, and then came darkness, and on the darkness pictures of the past. + Picture after picture—all the long scene of life was written here. + Then in my ears I only heard the song of the nightingale, the murmur of + the summer sea, and the music of Cleopatra’s laugh of victory, following + me softly and yet more soft as I sank away to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Once more my life came back, and with it a sense of deadly sickness and of + aching pain. I opened my eyes and saw a kind face bending over me, and + knew that I was in the room of a builded house. + </p> + <p> + “How came I hither?” I asked faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth, Poseidon brought thee, Stranger,” answered a rough voice in + barbarous Greek; “we found thee cast high upon the beach like a dead + dolphin and brought thee to our house, for we are fisher-folk. And here, + methinks, thou must lie a while, for thy left leg is broken by the force + of the waves.” + </p> + <p> + I strove to move my foot and could not. It was true, the bone was broken + above the knee. + </p> + <p> + “Who art thou, and how art thou named?” asked the rough-bearded sailor. + </p> + <p> + “I am an Egyptian traveller whose ship has sunk in the fury of the gale, + and I am named Olympus,” I answered, for these people called a mountain + that we had sighted Olympus, and therefore I took the name at hazard. And + as Olympus I was henceforth known. + </p> + <p> + Here with these rough fisher-folk I abode for the half of a year, paying + them a little out of the sum of gold that had come safely ashore upon me. + For it was long before my bones grew together again, and then I was left + somewhat of a cripple; for I, who had been so tall and straight and + strong, now limped—one limb being shorter than the other. And after + I recovered from my hurt, I still lived there, and toiled with them at the + trade of fishing; for I knew not whither I should go or what I should do, + and, for a while, I was fain to become a peasant fisherman, and so wear my + weary life away. And these people entreated me kindly, though, as others, + they feared me much, holding me to be a wizard brought hither by the sea. + For my sorrows had stamped so strange an aspect on my face that men gazing + at me grew fearful of what lay beneath its calm. + </p> + <p> + There, then, I abode, till at length, one night as I lay and strove to + sleep, great restlessness came upon me, and a mighty desire once more to + see the face of Sihor. But whether this desire was of the Gods or born of + my own heart, not knowing, I cannot tell. So strong was it, at the least, + that before it was dawn I rose from my bed of straw and clothed myself in + my fisher garb, and, because I had no wish to answer questions, thus I + took farewell of my humble hosts. First I placed some pieces of gold on + the well-cleaned table of wood, and then taking a pot of flour I strewed + it in the form of letters, writing: + </p> + <p> + “This gift from Olympus, the Egyptian, who returns into the sea.” + </p> + <p> + Then I went, and on the third day I came to the great city of Salamis, + that is also on the sea. Here I abode in the fishermen’s quarters till a + vessel was about to sail for Alexandria, and to the captain of this + vessel, a man of Paphos, I hired myself as a sailor. We sailed with a + favouring wind, and on the fifth day I came to Alexandria, that hateful + city, and saw the light dancing on its golden domes. + </p> + <p> + Here I might not abide. So again I hired myself out as a sailor, giving my + labour in return for passage, and we passed up the Nile. And I learned + from the talk of men that Cleopatra had come back to Alexandria, drawing + Antony with her and that they lived together with royal state in the + palace on the Lochias. Indeed, the boatmen already had a song thereon, + which they sang as they laboured at the oar. Also I heard how the galley + that was sent to search for the vessel which carried the Syrian merchant + had foundered with all her crew, and the tale that the Queen’s astronomer, + Harmachis, had flown to Heaven from the roof of the house at Tarsus. And + the sailors wondered because I sat and laboured and would not sing their + ribald song of the loves of Cleopatra. For they, too, began to fear me, + and mutter concerning me among themselves. Then I knew that I was a man + accursed and set apart—a man whom none might love. + </p> + <p> + On the sixth day we drew nigh to Abouthis, where I left the craft, and the + sailors were right glad to see me go. And, with a breaking heart, I walked + through the fertile fields, seeing faces that I knew well. But in my rough + disguise and limping gait none knew me. At length, as the sun sank, I came + near to the great outer pylon of the temple; and here I crouched down in + the ruins of a house, not knowing why I had come or what I was about to + do. Like a lost ox I had strayed from far, back to the fields of my birth, + and for what? If my father, Amenemhat, still lived, surely he would turn + his face from me. I dared not go into the presence of my father. I sat + hidden there among the broken rafters, and idly watched the pylon gates, + to see if, perchance, a face I knew should issue from them. But none came + forth or entered in, though the great gates stood wide; and then I saw + that herbs were growing between the stones, where no herbs had grown for + ages. What could this be? Was the temple deserted? Nay; how could the + worship of the eternal Gods have ceased, that for thousands of years had, + day by day, been offered in the holy place? Was, then, my father dead? It + well might be. And yet, why this silence? Where were the priests: where + the worshippers? + </p> + <p> + I could bear the doubt no more, but as the sun sank red I crept like a + hunted jackal through the open gates, and on till I reached the first + great Hall of Pillars. Here I paused and gazed around me—not a + sight, not a sound, in the dim and holy place! I went on with a beating + heart to the second great hall, the hall of six-and-thirty pillars where I + had been crowned Lord of all the Lands: still not a sight or a sound! + Thence, half fearful of my own footfall, so terribly did it echo in the + silence of the deserted Holies, I passed down the passage of the names of + the Pharaohs towards my father’s chamber. The curtain still swung over the + doorway; but what would there be within?—also emptiness? I lifted + it, and noiselessly passed in, and there in his carven chair at the table + on which his long white beard flowed, sat my father, Amenemhat, clad in + his priestly robes. At first I thought that he was dead, he sat so still; + but at length he turned his head, and I saw that his eyes were white and + sightless. He was blind, and his face was thin as the face of a dead man, + and woeful with age and grief. + </p> + <p> + I stood still and felt the blind eyes wandering over me. I could not speak + to him—I dared not speak to him; I would go and hide myself afresh. + </p> + <p> + I had already turned and grasped the curtain, when my father spoke in a + deep, slow voice: + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, thou who wast my son and art a traitor. Come hither, thou + Harmachis, on whom Khem builded up her hope. Not in vain, then, have I + drawn thee from far away! Not in vain have I held my life in me till I + heard thy footfall creeping down these empty Holies, like the footfall of + a thief!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my father,” I gasped, astonished. “Thou art blind: how knowest thou + me?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know thee?—and askest thou that who hast learned of our + lore? Enough, I know thee and I brought thee hither. Would, Harmachis, + that I knew thee not! Would that I had been blasted of the Invisible ere I + drew thee down from the womb of Nout, to be my curse and shame, and the + last woe of Khem!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, speak not thus!” I moaned; “is not my burden already more than I can + bear? Am I not myself betrayed and utterly outcast? Be pitiful, my + father!” + </p> + <p> + “Be pitiful!—be pitiful to thee who hast shown so great pity? It was + thy pity which gave up noble Sepa to die beneath the hands of the + tormentors!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not that—not that!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, traitor, that!—to die in agony, with his last poor breath + proclaiming thee, his murderer, honest and innocent! Be pitiful to thee, + who gavest all the flower of Khem as the price of a wanton’s arms!—thinkest + thou that, labouring in the darksome desert mines, those noble ones in + thought are pitiful to thee, Harmachis? Be pitiful to thee, by whom this + Holy Temple of Abouthis hath been ravaged, its lands seized, its priests + scattered, and I alone, old and withered, left to count out its ruin—to + thee, who hast poured the treasures of <i>Her</i> into thy leman’s lap, + who hast forsworn Thyself, thy Country, thy Birthright, and thy Gods! Yea, + thus am I pitiful: Accursed be thou, fruit of my loins!—Shame be thy + portion, Agony thy end, and Hell receive thee at the last! Where art thou? + Yea, I grew blind with weeping when I heard the truth—sure, they + strove to hide it from me. Let me find thee that I may spit upon thee, + thou Renegade! thou Apostate! thou Outcast!”—and he rose from his + seat and staggered like a living Wrath toward me, smiting the air with his + wand. And as he came with outstretched arms, awful to see, suddenly his + end found him, and with a cry he sank down upon the ground, the red blood + streaming from his lips. I ran to him and lifted him; and as he died, he + babbled: + </p> + <p> + “He was my son, a bright-eyed lovely boy, and full of promise as the + Spring; and now—and now—oh, would that he were dead!” + </p> + <p> + Then came a pause and the breath rattled in his throat. + </p> + <p> + “Harmachis,” he gasped, “art there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Harmachis, atone!—atone! Vengeance can still be wreaked—forgiveness + may still be won. There’s gold; I’ve hidden it—Atoua—she can + tell thee—ah, this pain! Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + And he struggled faintly in my arms and was dead. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, did I and my holy father, the Prince Amenemhat, meet together + for the last time in the flesh, and for the last time part. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + OF THE LAST MISERY OF HARMACHIS; OF THE CALLING DOWN OF THE HOLY ISIS BY + THE WORD OF FEAR; OF THE PROMISE OF ISIS; OF THE COMING OF ATOUA, AND OF + THE WORDS OF ATOUA + </p> + <p> + I crouched upon the floor gazing at the dead body of my father, who had + lived to curse me, the utterly accursed, while the darkness crept and + gathered round us, till at length the dead and I were alone in the black + silence. Oh, how tell the misery of that hour! Imagination cannot dream + it, nor words paint it forth. Once more in my wretchedness I bethought me + of death. A knife was at my girdle, with which I might cut the thread of + sorrow and set my spirit free. Free? ay, free to fly and face the last + vengeance of the Holy Gods! Alas! and alas! I did not dare to die. Better + the earth with all its woes than the quick approach of those unimagined + terrors that, hovering in dim Amenti, wait the advent of the fallen. + </p> + <p> + I grovelled on the ground and wept tears of agony for the lost unchanging + past—wept till I could weep no more; but no answer came from the + silence—no answer but the echoes of my grief. Not a ray of hope! My + soul wandered in a darkness more utter than that which was about me—I + was forsaken of the Gods and cast out of men. Terror took hold upon me + crouching in that lonely place hard by the majesty of the awful Dead. I + rose to fly. How could I fly in this gloom?—And where should I fly + who had no place of refuge? Once more I crouched down, and the great fear + grew on me till the cold sweat ran from my brow and my soul was faint + within me. Then, in my last despair, I prayed aloud to Isis, to whom I had + not dared to pray for many days. + </p> + <p> + “O Isis! Holy Mother!” I cried; “put away Thy wrath, and of Thine infinite + pity, O Thou all-pitiful, hearken to the voice of the anguish of him who + was Thy son and servant, but who by sin hath fallen from the vision of Thy + love. O throned Glory, who, being in all things, hast of all things + understanding and of all griefs knowledge, cast the weight of Thy mercy + against the scale of my evil-doing, and make the balance equal. Look down + upon my woe, and measure it; count up the sum of my repentance and take + Thou note of the flood of sorrow that sweeps my soul away. O Thou Holy, + whom it was given to me to look upon face to face, by that dread hour of + commune I summon Thee; I summon Thee by the mystic word. Come, then, in + mercy, to save me; or, in anger, to make an end of that which can no more + be borne.” + </p> + <p> + And, rising from my knees, I stretched out my arms and dared to cry aloud + the Word of Fear, to use which unworthily is death. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly the answer came. For in the silence I heard the sound of the + shaken sistra heralding the coming of the Glory. Then, at the far end of + the chamber, grew the semblance of the horned moon, gleaming faintly in + the darkness, and betwixt the golden horns rested a small dark cloud, in + and out of which the fiery serpent climbed. + </p> + <p> + My knees waxed loose in the presence of the Glory, and I sank down before + it. + </p> + <p> + Then spake the small, sweet Voice within the cloud: + </p> + <p> + “Harmachis, who wast my servant and my son, I have heard thy prayer, and + the summons that thou hast dared to utter, which on the lips of one with + whom I have communed, hath power to draw Me from the Uttermost. No more, + Harmachis, may we be one in the bond of Love Divine, for thou hast put Me + away of thine own act. Therefore, after this long silence I come, + Harmachis, clothed in terrors, and, perchance, ready for vengeance, for + not lightly can Isis be drawn from the halls of Her Divinity.” + </p> + <p> + “Smite, Goddess!” I answered. “Smite, and give me over to those who wreak + Thy vengeance; for I can no longer bear the burden of my woe!” + </p> + <p> + “And if thou canst not bear thy burden here, upon this upper earth,” came + the soft reply, “how then shalt thou bear the greater burden that shall be + laid upon thee there, coming defiled and yet unpurified into my dim realm + of Death, that is Life and Change unending? Nay, Harmachis, I smite thee + not, for not all am I wroth that thou hast dared to utter the awful Word + which calls Me down to thee. Hearken, Harmachis; I praise not, and I + reproach not, for I am the Minister of Reward and Punishment and the + Executrix of Decrees; and if I give, I give in silence; and if I smite, in + silence do I smite. Therefore, I will add naught to thy burden by the + weight of heavy words, though through thee it has come to pass that soon + shall Isis, the Mother-Mystery, be but a memory in Egypt. Thou hast + sinned, and heavy shall be thy punishment, as I did warn thee, both in the + flesh and in my kingdom of Amenti. But I told thee that there is a road of + repentance, and surely thy feet are set thereon, and therein must thou + walk with a humble heart, eating of the bread of bitterness, till such + time as thy doom be measured.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I, then, no hope, O holy?” + </p> + <p> + “That which is done, Harmachis, is done, nor can its issues be altered. + Khem shall no more be free till all its temples are as the desert dust; + strange Peoples shall, from age to age, hold her hostage and in bonds; new + Religions shall arise and wither within the shadow of her pyramids, for to + every World, Race, and Age the countenances of the Gods are changed. This + is the tree that shall spring from thy seed of sin, Harmachis, and from + the sin of those who tempted thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I am undone!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Yea, thou art undone; and yet shall this be given to thee: thy Destroyer + thou shalt destroy—for so, in the purpose of my justice, it is + ordained. When the sign comes to thee, arise, go to Cleopatra, and in such + manner as I shall put into thy heart do Heaven’s vengeance upon her! And + now for thyself one word, for thou hast put Me from thee, Harmachis, and + no more shall I come face to face with thee till, cycles hence, the last + fruit of thy sin hath ceased to be upon this earth! Yet, through the + vastness of the unnumbered years, remember thou this: the Love Divine is + Love Eternal, which cannot be extinguished, though it be everlastingly + estranged. Repent, my son; repent and do well while there is yet time, + that at the dim end of ages thou mayest once more be gathered unto Me. + Still, Harmachis, though thou seest Me not; still, when the very name by + which thou knowest Me has become a meaningless mystery to those who shall + be after thee; still I, whose hours are eternal—I, who have watched + Universes wither, wane, and, beneath the breath of Time, melt into + nothingness; again to gather, and, re-born, thread the maze of space—still, + I say, I shall companion thee. Wherever thou goest, in whatever form of + life thou livest, there I shall be! Art thou wafted to the farthest star, + art thou buried in Amenti’s lowest deep—in lives, in deaths, in + sleeps, in wakings, in remembrances, in oblivions, in all the fevers of + the outer Life, in all the changes of the Spirit—still, if thou wilt + but atone and forget Me no more, I shall be with thee, waiting thine hour + of redemption. For this is the nature of Love Divine, wherewith it loves + that which partakes of its divinity and by the holy tie hath once been + bound to it. Judge then, Harmachis: was it well to put this from thee to + win the dust of earthly woman? And, now, dare not again to utter the Word + of Power till these things are done! Harmachis, for this season, fare thee + well!” + </p> + <p> + As the last note of the sweet Voice died away, the fiery snake climbed + into the heart of the cloud. Now the cloud rolled from the horns of light, + and was gathered into the blackness. The vision of the crescent moon grew + dim and vanished. Then, as the Goddess passed, once more came the faint + and dreadful music of the shaken sistra, and all was still. + </p> + <p> + I hid my face in my robe, and even then, though my outstretched hand could + touch the chill corpse of that father who had died cursing me, I felt hope + come back into my heart, knowing that I was not altogether lost nor + utterly rejected of Her whom I had forsaken, but whom I yet loved. And + then weariness overpowered me, and I slept. + </p> + <p> + I woke, the faint lights of dawn were creeping from the opening in the + roof. Ghastly they lay upon the shadowy sculptured walls and ghastly upon + the dead face and white beard of my father, the gathered to Osiris. I + started up, remembering all things, and wondering in my heart what I + should do, and as I rose I heard a faint footfall creeping down the + passage of the names of the Pharaohs. + </p> + <p> + “<i>La! La! La!</i>” mumbled a voice that I knew for the voice of the old + wife, Atoua. “Why, ‘tis dark as the House of the Dead! The Holy Ones who + built this Temple loved not the blessed sun, however much they worshipped + him. Now, where’s the curtain?” + </p> + <p> + Presently it was drawn, and Atoua entered, a stick in one hand and a + basket in the other. Her face was somewhat more wrinkled, and her scanty + locks were somewhat whiter than aforetime, but for the rest she was as she + had ever been. She stood and peered around with her sharp black eyes, for + as yet she could see nothing because of the shadows. + </p> + <p> + “Now where is he?” she muttered. “Osiris—glory to His name—send + that he has not wandered in the night, and he blind! Alack! that I could + not return before the dark. Alack! and alack! what times have we fallen + on, when the Holy High Priest and the Governor, by descent, of Abouthis, + is left with one aged crone to minister to his infirmity! O Harmachis, my + poor boy, thou hast laid trouble at our doors! Why, what’s this? Surely he + sleeps not, there upon the ground?—‘twill be his death! Prince! Holy + Father! Amenemhat! awake, arise!” and she hobbled towards the corpse. + “Why, how is it! By Him who sleeps, he’s dead! untended and alone—<i>dead! + dead!</i>” and she sent her long wail of grief ringing up the sculptured + walls. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! woman, be still!” I said, gliding from the shadows. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what art thou?” she cried, casting down her basket. “Wicked man, hast + thou murdered this Holy One, the only Holy One in Egypt? Surely the curse + will fall on thee, for though the Gods do seem to have forsaken us now in + our hour of trial, yet is their arm long, and certainly they will be + avenged on him who hath slain their anointed!” + </p> + <p> + “Look on me, Atoua,” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Look! ay, I look—thou wicked wanderer who hast dared this cruel + deed! Harmachis is a traitor and lost far away, and Amenemhat his holy + father is murdered, and now I’m all alone without kith or kin. I gave them + for him. I gave them for Harmachis, the traitor! Come, slay me also, thou + wicked one!” + </p> + <p> + I took a step toward her, and she, thinking that I was about to smite her, + cried out in fear: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, good Sir, spare me! Eighty and six, by the Holy Ones, eighty and + six, come next flood of Nile, and yet I would not die, though Osiris is + merciful to the old who served him! Come no nearer—help! help!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou fool, be silent,” I said; “knowest thou me not?” + </p> + <p> + “Know thee? Can I know every wandering boatman to whom Sebek grants to + earn a livelihood till Typhon claims his own? And yet—why, ‘tis + strange—that changed countenance!—that scar!—that + stumbling gait! It is thou, Harmachis!—‘tis thou, O my boy! Art come + back to glad mine old eyes? I hoped thee dead! Let me kiss thee?—nay, + I forget. Harmachis is a traitor, ay, and a murderer! Here lies the holy + Amenemhat, murdered by the traitor, Harmachis! Get thee gone! I’ll have + none of traitors and of parricides! Get thee to thy wanton!—it is + not thou whom I did nurse.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace! woman; peace! I slew not my father—he died, alas!—he + died even in my arms.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, surely, and cursing thee, Harmachis! Thou hast given death to him who + gave thee life! <i>La! la!</i> I am old, and I’ve seen many a trouble; but + this is the heaviest of them all! I never liked the looks of mummies; but + I would I were one this hour! Get thee gone, I pray thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Old nurse, reproach me not! Have I not enough to bear?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes, yes!—I did forget! Well; and what is thy sin? A woman was + thy bane, as women have been to those before thee, and shall be to those + after thee. And what a woman! <i>La! la!</i> I saw her, a beauty such as + never was—an arrow pointed by the evil Gods for destruction! And + thou, a young man bred as a priest—an ill training—a very ill + training! ‘Twas no fair match. Who can wonder that she mastered thee? + Come, Harmachis; let me kiss thee! It is not for a woman to be hard on a + man because he loved our sex too much. Why, that is but nature; and Nature + knows her business, else she had made us otherwise. But here is an evil + case. Knowest thou that this Macedonian Queen of thine hath seized the + temple lands and revenues, and driven away the priests—all, save the + holy Amenemhat, who lies here, and whom she left, I know not why; ay, and + caused the worship of the Gods to cease within these walls. Well, he’s + gone!—he’s gone! and indeed he is better with Osiris, for his life + was a sore burden to him. And hark thou, Harmachis: he hath not left thee + empty-handed; for, so soon as the plot failed, he gathered all his wealth, + and it is large, and hid it—where, I can show thee—and it is + thine by right of descent.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk not to me of wealth, Atoua. Where shall I go and how shall I hide my + shame?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! true, true; here mayst thou not abide, for if they found thee, surely + they would put thee to the dreadful death—ay, to the death by the + waxen cloth. Nay, I will hide thee, and, when the funeral rites of the + holy Amenemhat have been performed, we will fly hence, and cover us from + the eyes of men till these sorrows are forgotten. <i>La! la!</i> it is a + sad world, and full of trouble as the Nile mud is full of beetles. Come, + Harmachis, come.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + OF THE LIFE OF HIM WHO WAS NAMED THE LEARNED OLYMPUS, IN THE TOMB OF THE + HARPERS THAT IS BY TÁPÉ; OF HIS COUNSEL TO CLEOPATRA; OF THE MESSAGE OF + CHARMION; AND OF THE PASSING OF OLYMPUS DOWN TO ALEXANDRIA + </p> + <p> + These things then came to pass. For eighty days I was hidden of the old + wife, Atoua, while the body of the Prince, my father, was made ready for + burial by those skilled in the arts of embalming. And when at last all + things were done in order, I crept from my hiding-place and made offerings + to the spirit of my father, and placing lotus-flowers on his breast went + thence sorrowing. And on the following day, from where I lay hid, I saw + the Priests of the Temple of Osiris and of the holy shrine of Isis come + forth, and in slow procession bear his painted coffin to the sacred lake + and lay it beneath the funeral tent in the consecrated boat. I saw them + celebrate the symbol of the trial of the dead, and name him above all men + just, and then bear him thence to lay him by his wife, my mother, in the + deep tomb that he had hewn in the rock near to the resting-place of the + Holy Osiris, where, notwithstanding my sins, I, too, hope to sleep ere + long. And when all these things were done and the deep tomb sealed, the + wealth of my father having been removed from the hidden treasury and + placed in safety, I fled, disguised, with the old wife, Atoua, up the Nile + till we came to Tápé,[*] and here in this great city I lay a while, till a + place could be found where I should hide myself. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] Thebes.—Editor. +</pre> + <p> + And such a place I found. For to the north of the great city are brown and + rugged hills, and desert valley blasted of the sun, and in this place of + desolation the Divine Pharaohs, my forefathers, hollowed out their tombs + in the solid rock, the most part of which are lost to this day, so + cunningly have they been hidden. But some are open, for the accursed + Persians and other thieves broke into them in search of treasure. And one + night—for by night only did I leave my hiding-place—just as + the dawn was breaking on the mountain tops, I wandered alone in this sad + valley of death, like to which there is no other, and presently came to + the mouth of a tomb hidden amid great rocks, which afterwards I knew for + the place of the burying of the Divine Rameses, the third of that name, + now long gathered to Osiris. And by the faint light of the dawn creeping + through the entrance I saw that it was spacious and that within were + chambers. + </p> + <p> + On the following night, therefore, I returned, bearing lights, with Atoua, + my nurse, who ever ministered faithfully to me as when I was little and + without discretion. And we searched the mighty tomb and came to the great + Hall of the Sarcophagus of granite, in which the Divine Rameses sleeps, + and saw the mystic paintings on the walls: the symbol of the Snake + unending, the symbol of Ra resting upon the Scarabæus, the symbol of Ra + resting upon Nout, the symbol of the Headless men, and many others, + whereof, being initiated, well I read the mysteries. And opening from the + long descending passage I found chambers in which were paintings beautiful + to behold, and of all manner of things. For beneath each chamber is + entombed the master of the craft of which the paintings tell, he who was + the chief of the servants of that craft in the house of this Divine + Rameses. And on the walls of the last chamber—on the left-hand side, + looking toward the Hall of the Sarcophagus—are paintings exceedingly + beautiful, and two blind harpers playing upon their bent harps before the + God Mou; and beneath the flooring these harpers, who harp no more, are + soft at sleep. Here, then, in this gloomy place, even in the tomb of the + Harpers and the company of the dead, I took up my abode; and here for + eight long years I worked out my penance and made atonement for my sin. + But Atoua, because she loved to be near the light, abode in the chamber of + the Boats—that is, the first chamber on the right-hand side of the + gallery looking toward the Hall of the Sarcophagus. + </p> + <p> + And this was the manner of my life. On every second day the old wife, + Atoua, went forth and brought water from the city and such food as is + necessary to keep the life from failing, and also tapers made from fat. + And one hour at the time of sunrise and one hour at the time of sunset I + did go forth also to wander in the valley for my health’s sake and to save + my sight from failing in the great darkness of the tomb. But the other + hours of the day and night, except when I climbed the mountain to watch + the course of the stars, I spent in prayer and meditation and sleep, till + the cloud of sin lifted from my heart and once more I drew near to the + Gods, though with Isis, my heavenly Mother, I might speak no more. And I + grew exceedingly wise also, pondering on all those mysteries to which I + held the key. For abstinence and prayer and sorrowful solitude wore away + the grossness of my flesh, and with the eyes of the Spirit I learned to + look deep into the heart of things till the joy of Wisdom fell like dew + upon my soul. + </p> + <p> + Soon the rumour was wafted about the city that a certain holy man named + Olympus abode in solitude in the tombs of the awful Valley of the Dead; + and hither came people bearing sick that I might cure them. And I gave my + mind to the study of simples, in which Atoua instructed me; and by lore + and the weight of my thought I gained great skill in medicine, and healed + many sick. And thus ever, as time went on, my fame was noised abroad; for + it was said that I was also a magician and that in the tombs I had commune + with the Spirits of the Dead. And this, indeed, I did—though it is + not lawful for me to speak of these matters. Thus, then, it came to pass + that no more need Atoua go forth to seek food and water, for the people + brought it—more than was needful, for I would receive no fee. Now at + first, fearing lest some in the hermit Olympus might know the lost + Harmachis, I would only meet those who came in the darkness of the tomb. + But afterwards, when I learned how it was held through all the land that + Harmachis was certainly no more, I came forth and sat in the mouth of the + tomb, and ministered to the sick, and at times calculated nativities for + the great. And thus my fame grew continually, till at length folk + journeyed even from Memphis and Alexandria to visit me; and from them I + learned how Antony had left Cleopatra for a while, and, Fulvia being dead, + had married Octavia, the sister of Cæsar. Many other things I learned + also. + </p> + <p> + And in the second year I did this: I despatched the old wife, Atoua, + disguised as a seller of simples, to Alexandria, bidding her seek out + Charmion, and, if yet she found her faithful, reveal to her the secret of + my way of life. So she went, and in the fifth month from her sailing + returned, bearing Charmion’s greetings and a token. And she told me that + she had found means to see Charmion, and, in talk, had let fall the name + of Harmachis, speaking of me as one dead; at which Charmion, unable to + control her grief, wept aloud. Then, reading her heart—for the old + wife was very clever, and held the key of knowledge—she told her + that Harmachis yet lived, and sent her greetings. Thereon Charmion wept + yet more with joy, and kissed the old wife, and made her gifts, bidding + her tell me that she had kept her vow, and waited for my coming and the + hour of vengeance. So, having learned many secrets, Atoua returned again + to Tápé. + </p> + <p> + And in the following year messengers came to me from Cleopatra, bearing a + sealed roll and great gifts. I opened the roll, and read this in it: + </p> + <p> + “Cleopatra to Olympus, the learned Egyptian who dwells in the Valley of + Death by Tápé— + </p> + <p> + “The fame of thy renown, O learned Olympus, hath reached our ears. Tell + thou, then, this to us, and if thou tellest aright greater honour and + wealth shalt thou have than any in Egypt: How shall we win back the love + of noble Antony, who is bewitched of cunning Octavia, and tarries long + from us?” + </p> + <p> + Now, in this I saw the hand of Charmion, who had made my renown known to + Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + All that night I took counsel with my wisdom, and on the morrow wrote my + answer as it was put into my heart to the destruction of Cleopatra and + Antony. And thus I wrote: + </p> + <p> + “Olympus the Egyptian to Cleopatra the Queen— + </p> + <p> + “Go forth into Syria with one who shall be sent to lead thee; thus shalt + thou win Antony to thy arms again, and with him gifts more great than thou + canst dream.” + </p> + <p> + And with this letter I dismissed the messengers, bidding them share the + presents sent by Cleopatra among their company. + </p> + <p> + So they went wondering. + </p> + <p> + But Cleopatra, seizing on the advice to which her passion prompted her, + departed straightway with Fonteius Capito into Syria, and there the thing + came about as I had foretold, for Antony was subdued of her and gave her + the greater part of Cilicia, the ocean shore of Arabia Nabathæa, the + balm-bearing provinces of Judæa, the province of Phoenicia, the province + of Coele-Syria, the rich isle of Cyprus, and all the library of Pergamus. + And to the twin children that, with the son Ptolemy, Cleopatra had borne + to Antony, he impiously gave the names of “Kings, the Children of Kings”—of + Alexander Helios, as the Greeks name the sun, and of Cleopatra Selene, the + moon, the long-winged. + </p> + <p> + These things then came to pass. + </p> + <p> + Now on her return to Alexandria Cleopatra sent me great gifts, of which I + would have none, and prayed me, the learned Olympus, to come to her at + Alexandria; but it was not yet time, and I would not. But thereafter she + and Antony sent many times to me for counsel, and I ever counselled them + to their ruin, nor did my prophecies fail. + </p> + <p> + Thus the long years rolled away, and I, the hermit Olympus, the dweller in + a tomb, the eater of bread and the drinker of water, by strength of the + wisdom that was given me of the avenging Power, became once more great in + Khem. For I grew ever wiser as I trampled the desires of the flesh beneath + my feet and turned my eyes to heaven. + </p> + <p> + At length eight full years were accomplished. The war with the Parthians + had come and gone, and Artavasdes, King of Armenia, had been led in + triumph through the streets of Alexandria. Cleopatra had visited Samos and + Athens; and, by her counselling, the noble Octavia had been driven, like + some discarded concubine, from the house of Antony at Rome. And now, at + the last, the measure of the folly of Antony was full even to the brim. + For this Master of the World had no longer the good gift of reason; he was + lost in Cleopatra as I had been lost. Therefore, in the event, Octavianus + declared war against him. + </p> + <p> + And as I slept upon a certain day in the chamber of the Harpers, in the + tomb of Pharaoh that is by Tápé, there came to me a vision of my father, + the aged Amenemhat, and he stood over me, leaning on his staff, and spoke, + saying: + </p> + <p> + “Look forth, my son.” + </p> + <p> + Then I looked forth, and with the eyes of my spirit saw the sea, and two + great fleets grappling in war hard by a rocky coast. And the emblems were + those of Octavian, and of the other those of Cleopatra and Antony. The + ships of Antony and Cleopatra bore down upon the ships of Cæsar, and drove + them on, for victory inclined to Antony. + </p> + <p> + I looked again. There sat Cleopatra in a gold-decked galley watching the + fight with eager eyes. Then I cast my Spirit on her so that she seemed to + hear the voice of dead Harmachis crying in her ear. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Fly, Cleopatra,</i>” it seemed to say, “<i>fly or perish!</i>” + </p> + <p> + She looked up wildly, and again she heard my Spirit’s cry. Now a mighty + fear took hold of her. She called aloud to the sailors to hoist the sails + and make signal to her fleet to put about. This they did wondering but + little loath, and fled in haste from the battle. + </p> + <p> + Then a great roar went up from friend and foe. + </p> + <p> + “Cleopatra is fled! Cleopatra is fled!” And I saw wreck and red ruin fall + upon the fleet of Antony and awoke from my trance. + </p> + <p> + The days passed, and again a vision of my father came to me and spoke, + saying: + </p> + <p> + “Arise, my son!—the hour of vengeance is at hand! Thy plots have not + failed; thy prayers have been heard. By the bidding of the Gods, as she + sat in her galley at the fight of Actium, the heart of Cleopatra was + filled with fears, so that, deeming she heard thy voice bidding her fly or + perish, she fled with all her fleet. Now the strength of Actium is broken + on the sea. Go forth, and as it shall be put into thy mind, so do thou.” + </p> + <p> + In the morning I awoke, wondering, and went to the mouth of the tomb, and + there, coming up the valley, I saw the messengers of Cleopatra, and with + them a Roman guard. + </p> + <p> + “What will ye with me now?” I asked, sternly. + </p> + <p> + “This is the message of the Queen and of great Antony,” answered the + Captain, bowing low before me, for I was much feared by all men. “The + Queen commands thy presence at Alexandria. Many times has she sent, and + thou wouldst not come; now she bids thee to come, and that swiftly, for + she has need of thy counsel.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I say Nay, soldier, what then?” + </p> + <p> + “These are my orders, most holy Olympus; that I bring thee by force.” + </p> + <p> + I laughed aloud. “By force, thou fool! Use not such talk to me, lest I + smite thee where thou art. Know, then, that I can kill as well as cure!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, I beseech thee!” he answered, shrinking. “I say but those things + that I am bid.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I know it, Captain. Fear not; I come.” + </p> + <p> + So on that very day I departed, together with the aged Atoua. Ay, I went + as secretly as I had come; and the tomb of the Divine Rameses knew me no + more. And with me I took all the treasures of my father, Amenemhat, for I + was not minded to go to Alexandria empty-handed and as a suppliant, but + rather as a man of much wealth and condition. Now, as I went, I learned + that Antony, following Cleopatra, had, indeed, fled from Actium, and knew + that the end drew nigh. For this and many other things had I foreseen in + the darkness of the tomb of Tápé, and planned to bring about. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, I came to Alexandria, and entered into a house which had been + made ready for me at the palace gates. + </p> + <p> + And that very night Charmion came to me—Charmion whom I had not seen + for nine long years. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + OF THE MEETING OF CHARMION WITH THE LEARNED OLYMPUS; OF HER SPEECH WITH + HIM; OF THE COMING OF OLYMPUS INTO THE PRESENCE OF CLEOPATRA; AND OF THE + COMMANDS OF CLEOPATRA. + </p> + <p> + Clad in my plain black robe, I sat in the guest-chamber of the house that + had been made ready for me. I sat in a carven lion-footed chair, and + looked upon the swinging lamps of scented oil, the pictured tapestries, + the rich Syrian rugs—and, amidst all this luxury, bethought me of + that tomb of the Harpers which is at Tápé, and of the nine long years of + dark loneliness and preparation. I sat; and crouched upon a rug near to + the door, lay the aged Atoua. Her hair was white as snow, and shrivelled + with age was the wrinkled countenance of the woman who, when all deserted + me, had yet clung to me, in her great love forgetting my great sins. Nine + years! nine long years! and now, once again, I set my foot in Alexandria! + Once again in the appointed circle of things I came forth from the + solitude of preparation to be a fate to Cleopatra; and this second time I + came not forth to fail. + </p> + <p> + And yet how changed the circumstance! I was out of the story: my part now + was but the part of the sword in the hands of Justice; I might no more + hope to make Egypt free and great and sit upon my lawful throne. Khem was + lost, and lost was I, Harmachis. In the rush and turmoil of events, the + great plot of which I had been the pivot was covered up and forgotten; + scarce a memory of it remained. The curtain of dark night was closing in + upon the history of my ancient Race; its very Gods were tottering to their + fall; I could already, in the spirit, hear the shriek of the Roman eagles + as they flapped their wings above the furthest banks of Sihor. + </p> + <p> + Presently I roused myself and bade Atoua go seek a mirror and bring it to + me, that I might look therein. + </p> + <p> + And I saw this: a face shrunken and pallid, on which no smile came; great + eyes grown wan with gazing into darkness looking out beneath the shaven + head, emptily, as the hollow eye-pits of a skull; a wizened halting form + wasted by abstinence, sorrow, and prayer; a long wild beard of iron grey; + thin blue-veined hands that ever trembled like a leaf; bowed shoulders and + lessened limbs. Time and grief had done their work indeed; scarce could I + think myself the same as when, the royal Harmachis—in all the + splendour of my strength and youthful beauty—I first had looked upon + the woman’s loveliness that did destroy me. And yet within me burned the + same fire as of yore; yet I was not changed, for time and grief have no + power to alter the immortal spirit of man. Seasons may come and go; Hope, + like a bird, may fly away; Passion may break its wings against the iron + bars of Fate; Illusions may crumble as the cloudy towers of sunset flame; + Faith, as running water, may slip from beneath our feet; Solitude may + stretch itself around us like the measureless desert sand; Old Age may + creep as the gathering night over our bowed heads grown hoary in their + shame—yea, bound to Fortune’s wheel, we may taste of every turn of + chance—now rule as Kings, now serve as Slaves; now love, now hate; + now prosper, and now perish. But still, through all, we are the same; for + this is the marvel of Identity. + </p> + <p> + And as I sat and thought these things in bitterness of heart, there came a + knocking at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Open, Atoua!” I said. + </p> + <p> + She rose and did my bidding; and a woman entered, clad in Grecian robes. + It was Charmion, still beautiful as of old, but sad faced now and very + sweet to see, with a patient fire slumbering in her downcast eyes. + </p> + <p> + She entered unattended; and, speaking no word, the old wife pointed to + where I sat, and went. + </p> + <p> + “Old man,” she said, addressing me, “lead me to the learned Olympus. I + come upon the Queen’s business.” + </p> + <p> + I rose, and, lifting my head, looked upon her. + </p> + <p> + She gazed, and gave a little cry. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” she whispered, glancing round, “surely thou art not that——” + And she paused. + </p> + <p> + “That Harmachis whom once thy foolish heart did love, O Charmion? Yes, I + am he and what thou seest, most fair lady. Yet is Harmachis dead whom thou + didst love; but Olympus, the skilled Egyptian, waits upon thy words!” + </p> + <p> + “Cease!” she said, “and of the past but one word, and then—why, let + it lie. Not well, with all thy wisdom, canst thou know a true woman’s + heart, if thou dost believe, Harmachis, that it can change with the + changes of the outer form, for then assuredly could no love follow its + beloved to that last place of change—the Grave. Know thou, learned + Physician, I am of that sort who, loving once, love always, and being not + beloved again, go virgin to the death.” + </p> + <p> + She ceased, and having naught to say, I bowed my head in answer. Yet + though I said nothing and though this woman’s passionate folly had been + the cause of all our ruin, to speak truth, in secret I was thankful to her + who, wooed of all and living in this shameless Court, had still through + the long years poured out her unreturned love upon an outcast, and who, + when that poor broken slave of Fortune came back in such unlovely guise, + held him yet dear at heart. For what man is there who does not prize that + gift most rare and beautiful, that one perfect thing which no gold can buy—a + woman’s unfeigned love? + </p> + <p> + “I thank thee that thou dost not answer,” she said; “for the bitter words + which thou didst pour upon me in those days that long are dead, and far + away in Tarsus, have not lost their poisonous sting, and in my heart is no + more place for the arrows of thy scorn, new venomed through thy solitary + years. So let it be. Behold! I put it from me, that wild passion of my + soul,” and she looked up and stretched out her hands as though to press + some unseen presence back, “I put it from me—though forget it I may + not! There, ‘tis done, Harmachis; no more shall my love trouble thee. + Enough for me that once more my eyes behold thee, before sleep seals thee + from their sight. Dost remember how, when I would have died by thy dear + hand, thou wouldst not slay, but didst bid me live to pluck the bitter + fruit of crime, and be accursed by visions of the evil I had wrought and + memories of thee whom I have ruined?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Charmion, I remember well.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely the cup of punishment has been filled. Oh! couldst thou see into + the record of my heart, and read in it the suffering that I have borne—borne + with a smiling face—thy justice would be satisfied indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “And yet, if report be true, Charmion, thou art the first of all the + Court, and therein the most powerful and beloved. Does not Octavianus give + it out that he makes war, not on Antony, nor even on his mistress, + Cleopatra, but on Charmion and Iras?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Harmachis, and think what it has been to me thus, because of my oath + to thee, to be forced to eat the bread and do the tasks of one whom so + bitterly I hate!—one who robbed me of thee, and who, through the + workings of my jealousy, brought me to be that which I am, brought thee to + shame, and all Egypt to its ruin! Can jewels and riches and the flattery + of princes and nobles bring happiness to such a one as I, who am more + wretched than the meanest scullion wench? Oh, I have often wept till I was + blind; and then, when the hour came, I must arise and tire me, and, with a + smile, go do the bidding of the Queen and that heavy Antony. May the Gods + grant me to see them dead—ay, the twain of them!—then myself I + shall be content to die! Thy lot has been hard, Harmachis; but at least + thou have been free, and many is the time that I have envied thee the + quiet of thy haunted cave.” + </p> + <p> + “I do perceive, O Charmion, that thou art mindful of thy oaths; and it is + well, for the hour of vengeance is at hand.” + </p> + <p> + “I am mindful, and in all things I have worked for thee in secret—for + thee, and for the utter ruin of Cleopatra and the Roman. I have fanned his + passion and her jealousy, I have egged her on to wickedness and him to + folly, and of all have I caused report to be brought to Cæsar. Listen! + thus stands the matter. Thou knowest how went the fight at Actium. Thither + went Cleopatra with her fleet, sorely against the will of Antony. But, as + thou sentest me word, I entreated him for the Queen, vowing to him, with + tears, that, did he leave her, she would die of grief; and he, poor slave, + believed me. And so she went, and in the thick of the fight, for what + cause I know not, though perchance thou knowest, Harmachis, she made + signal to her squadron, and, putting about fled from the battle, sailing + for Peloponnesus. And now, mark the end! When Antony saw that she was + gone, he, in his madness, took a galley, and deserting all, followed hard + after her, leaving his fleet to be shattered and sunk, and his great army + in Greece, of twenty legions and twelve thousand horse, without a leader. + And all this no man would believe, that Antony, the smitten of the Gods, + had fallen so deep in shame. Therefore for a while the army tarried, and + but now to-night comes news brought by Canidius, the General, that, worn + with doubt and being at length sure that Antony had deserted them, the + whole of his great force has yielded to Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + “And where, then, is Antony?” + </p> + <p> + “He has built him a habitation on a little isle in the Great Harbour and + named it Timonium; because, forsooth, like Timon, he cries out at the + ingratitude of mankind that has forsaken him. And there he lies smitten by + a fever of the mind, and thither thou must go at dawn, so wills the Queen, + to cure him of his ills and draw him to her arms; for he will not see her, + nor knows he yet the full measure of his woe. But first my bidding is to + lead thee instantly to Cleopatra, who would ask thy counsel.” + </p> + <p> + “I come,” I answered, rising. “Lead thou on.” + </p> + <p> + And so we passed the palace gates and along the Alabaster Hall, and + presently once again I stood before the door of Cleopatra’s chamber, and + once again Charmion left me to warn her of my coming. + </p> + <p> + Presently she came back and beckoned to me. “Make strong thy heart,” she + whispered, “and see that thou dost not betray thyself, for still are the + eyes of Cleopatra keen. Enter!” + </p> + <p> + “Keen, indeed, must they be to find Harmachis in the learned Olympus! Had + I not willed it, thyself thou hadst not known me, Charmion,” I made + answer. + </p> + <p> + Then I entered that remembered place and listened once more to the plash + of the fountain, the song of the nightingale, and the murmur of the summer + sea. With bowed head and halting gait I came, till at length I stood + before the couch of Cleopatra—that same golden couch on which she + had sat the night she overcame me. Then I gathered my strength, and looked + up. There before me was Cleopatra, glorious as of old, but, oh! how + changed since that night when I saw Antony clasp her in his arms at + Tarsus! Her beauty still clothed her like a garment; the eyes were yet + deep and unfathomable as the blue sea, the face still splendid in its + great loveliness. And yet all was changed. Time, that could not touch her + charms, had stamped upon her presence such a look of weary grief as may + not be written. Passion, beating ever in that fierce heart of hers, had + written his record on her brow, and in her eyes shone the sad lights of + sorrow. + </p> + <p> + I bowed low before this most royal woman, who once had been my love and + destruction, and yet knew me not. + </p> + <p> + She looked up wearily, and spoke in her slow, well remembered voice: + </p> + <p> + “So thou art come at length, Physician. How callest thou thyself?—Olympus? + ‘Tis a name of promise, for surely now that the Gods of Egypt have + deserted us, we do need aid from Olympus. Well, thou hast a learned air, + for learning goes not with beauty. Strange, too, there is that about thee + which recalls what I know not. Say, Olympus, have we met before?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, O Queen, have my eyes fallen on thee in the body,” I answered in a + feigned voice. “Never till this hour, when I come forth from my solitude + to do thy bidding and cure thee of thy ills!” + </p> + <p> + “Strange! and even in the voice—Pshaw! ‘tis some memory that I + cannot catch. In the body, thou sayest? then, perchance, I knew thee in a + dream?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, O Queen; we have met in dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a strange man, who talkest thus, but, if what I hear be true, + one well learned; and, indeed, I mind me of thy counsel when thou didst + bid me join my Lord Antony in Syria, and how things befell according to + thy word. Skilled must thou be in the casting of nativities and in the law + of auguries, of which these Alexandrian fools have little knowledge. Once + I knew such another man, one Harmachis,” and she sighed: “but he is long + dead—as I would I were also!—and at times I sorrow for him.” + </p> + <p> + She paused, while I sank my head upon my breast and stood silent. + </p> + <p> + “Interpret me this, Olympus. In the battle at that accursed Actium, just + as the fight raged thickest and Victory began to smile upon us, a great + terror seized my heart, and thick darkness seemed to fall before my eyes, + while in my ears a voice, ay, the voice of that long dead Harmachis, cried + ‘<i>Fly! fly, or perish!</i>’ and I fled. But from my heart the terror + leapt to the heart of Antony, and he followed after me, and thus was the + battle lost. Say, then, what God brought this evil thing about?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, O Queen,” I answered, “it was no God—for wherein hast thou + angered the Gods of Egypt? Hast thou robbed the temples of their Faith? + Hast thou betrayed the trust of Egypt? Having done none of these things, + how, then, can the Gods of Egypt be wroth with thee? Fear not, it was + nothing but some natural vapour of the mind that overcame thy gentle soul, + made sick with the sight and sound of slaughter; and as for the noble + Antony, where thou didst go needs must that he should follow.” + </p> + <p> + And as I spoke, Cleopatra turned white and trembled, glancing at me the + while to find my meaning. But I well knew that the thing was of the + avenging Gods, working through me, their instrument. + </p> + <p> + “Learned Olympus,” she said, not answering my words; “my Lord Antony is + sick and crazed with grief. Like some poor hunted slave he hides himself + in yonder sea-girt Tower and shuns mankind—yes, he shuns even me, + who, for his sake, endure so many woes. Now, this is my bidding to thee. + To-morrow, at the coming of the light, do thou, led by Charmion, my + waiting-lady, take boat and row thee to the Tower and there crave entry, + saying that ye bring tidings from the army. Then he will cause you to be + let in, and thou, Charmion, must break this heavy news that Canidius + bears; for Canidius himself I dare not send. And when his grief is past, + do thou, Olympus, soothe his fevered frame with thy draughts of value, and + his soul with honeyed words, and draw him back to me, and all will yet be + well. Do thou this, and thou shalt have gifts more than thou canst count, + for I am yet a Queen and yet can pay back those who serve my will.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not, O Queen,” I answered, “this thing shall be done, and I ask no + reward, who have come hither to do thy bidding to the end.” + </p> + <p> + So I bowed and went and, summoning Atoua, made ready a certain potion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <p> + OF THE DRAWING FORTH OF ANTONY FROM THE TIMONIUM BACK TO CLEOPATRA; OF THE + FEAST MADE BY CLEOPATRA; AND OF THE MANNER OF THE DEATH OF EUDOSIUS THE + STEWARD + </p> + <p> + Ere it was yet dawn Charmion came again, and we walked to the private + harbour of the palace. There, taking boat, we rowed to the island mount on + which stands the Timonium, a vaulted tower, strong, small, and round. And, + having landed, we twain came to the door and knocked, till at length a + grating was thrown open in the door, and an aged eunuch, looking forth, + roughly asked our business. + </p> + <p> + “Our business is with the Lord Antony,” said Charmion. + </p> + <p> + “Then it is no business, for Antony, my master, sees neither man nor + woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet will he see us, for we bring tidings. Go tell him that the Lady + Charmion brings tidings from the army.” + </p> + <p> + The man went, and presently returned. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord Antony would know if the tidings be good or ill, for, if ill, + then will he none of it, for with evil tidings he has been overfed of + late.” + </p> + <p> + “Why—why, it is both good and ill. Open, slave, I will make answer + to thy master!” and she slipped a purse of gold through the bars. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” he grumbled, as he took the purse, “the times are hard, and + likely to be harder; for when the lion’s down who will feed the jackal? + Give thy news thyself, and if it do but draw the noble Antony out of this + hall of Groans, I care not what it be. Now the palace door is open, and + there’s the road to the banqueting-chamber.” + </p> + <p> + We passed on, to find ourselves in a narrow passage, and, leaving the + eunuch to bar the door, advanced till we came to a curtain. Through this + entrance we went, and found ourselves in a vaulted chamber, ill-lighted + from the roof. On the further side of this rude chamber was a bed of rugs, + and on them crouched the figure of a man, his face hidden in the folds of + his toga. + </p> + <p> + “Most noble Antony,” said Charmion drawing near, “unwrap thy face and + hearken to me, for I bring thee tidings.” + </p> + <p> + Then he lifted up his head. His face was marred by sorrow; his tangled + hair, grizzled with years, hung about his hollow eyes, and white on his + chin was the stubble of an unshaven beard. His robe was squalid, and his + aspect more wretched than that of the poorest beggar at the temple gates. + To this, then, had the love of Cleopatra brought the glorious and renowned + Antony, aforetime Master of half the World! + </p> + <p> + “What will ye with me, Lady,” he asked, “who would perish here alone? And + who is this man who comes to gaze on fallen and forsaken Antony?” + </p> + <p> + “This is Olympus, noble Antony, that wise physician, the skilled in + auguries, of whom thou hast heard much, and whom Cleopatra, ever mindful + of thy welfare, though but little thou dost think of hers, has sent to + minister to thee.” + </p> + <p> + “And, can thy physician minister to a grief such as my grief? Can his + drugs give me back my galleys, my honour, and my peace? Nay! Away with thy + physician! What are thy tidings?—quick!—out with it! Hath + Canidius, perchance, conquered Cæsar? Tell me but that, and thou shalt + have a province for thy guerdon—ay! and if Octavianus be dead, + twenty thousand sestertia to fill its treasury. Speak—nay—speak + not! I fear the opening of thy lips as never I feared an earthly thing. + Surely the wheel of fortune has gone round and Canidius has conquered? Is + it not so? Nay—out with it! I can no more!” + </p> + <p> + “O noble Antony,” she said, “steel thy heart to hear that which I needs + must tell thee! Canidius is in Alexandria. He has fled far and fast, and + this is his report. For seven whole days did the legions wait the coming + of Antony, to lead them to victory, as aforetime, putting aside the offers + of the envoys of Cæsar. But Antony came not. And then it was rumoured that + Antony had fled to Tænarus, drawn thither by Cleopatra. The man who first + brought that tale to the camp the legionaries cried shame on—ay, and + beat him to the death! But ever it grew, until at length there was no more + room to doubt; and then, O Antony, thy officers slipped one by one away to + Cæsar, and where the officers go there the men follow. Nor is this all the + story; for thy allies—Bocchus of Africa, Tarcondimotus of Cilicia, + Mithridates of Commagene, Adallas of Thrace, Philadelphus of Paphlagonia, + Archelaus of Cappadocia, Herod of Judæa, Amyntas of Galatia, Polemon of + Pontus, and Malchus of Arabia—all, all have fled or bid their + generals fly back to whence they came; and already their ambassadors + crave cold Cæsar’s clemency.” + </p> + <p> + “Hast done thy croakings, thou raven in a peacock’s dress, or is there + more to come?” asked the smitten man, lifting his white and trembling face + from the shelter of his hands. “Tell me more; say that Egypt’s dead in all + her beauty; say that Octavianus lowers at the Canopic gate; and that, + headed by dead Cicero, all the ghosts of Hell do audibly shriek out the + fall of Antony! Yea, gather up every woe that can o’erwhelm those who once + were great, and loose them on the hoary head of him whom—in thy + gentleness—thou art still pleased to name ‘the noble Antony’!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my Lord, I have done.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and so have I done—done, quite done! It is altogether finished, + and thus I seal the end,” and snatching a sword from the couch, he would, + indeed, have slain himself had I not sprung forward and grasped his hand. + For it was not my purpose that he should die as yet; since had he died at + that hour Cleopatra had made her peace with Cæsar, who rather wished the + death of Antony than the ruin of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “Art mad, Antony? Art, indeed, a coward?” cried Charmion, “that thou + wouldst thus escape thy woes, and leave thy partner to face the sorrow out + alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, woman? Why not? She would not be long alone. There’s Cæsar to + keep her company. Octavianus loves a fair woman in his cold way, and still + is Cleopatra fair. Come now, thou Olympus! thou hast held my hand from + dealing death upon myself, advise me of thy wisdom. Shall I, then, submit + myself to Cæsar, and I, Triumvir, twice Consul, and aforetime absolute + Monarch of all the East, endure to follow in his triumph along those Roman + ways where I myself have passed in triumph?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Sire,” I answered. “If thou dost yield, then art thou doomed. All + last night I questioned of the Fates concerning thee, and I saw this: when + thy star draws near to Cæsar’s it pales and is swallowed up; but when it + passes from his radiance, then bright and big it shines, equal in glory to + his own. All is not lost, and while some part remains, everything may be + regained. Egypt can yet be held, armies can still be raised. Cæsar has + withdrawn himself; he is not yet at the gates of Alexandria, and perchance + may be appeased. Thy mind in its fever has fired thy body; thou art sick + and canst not judge aright. See, here, I have a potion that shall make + thee whole, for I am well skilled in the art of medicine,” and I held out + the phial. + </p> + <p> + “A potion, thou sayest man!” he cried. “More like it is a poison, and thou + a murderer, sent by false Egypt, who would fain be rid of me now that I + may no more be of service to her. The head of Antony is the peace offering + she would send to Cæsar—she for whom I have lost all! Give me thy + draught. By Bacchus! I will drink it, though it be the very elixir of + Death!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, noble Antony; it is no poison, and I am no murderer. See, I will + taste it, if thou wilt,” and I held forth the subtle drink that has the + power to fire the veins of men. + </p> + <p> + “Give it me, Physician. Desperate men are brave men. There!——Why, + what is this? Yours is a magic draught! My sorrows seem to roll away like + thunder-clouds before the southern gale, and the spring of Hope blooms + fresh upon the desert of my heart. Once more I am Antony, and once again I + see my legions’ spears asparkle in the sun, and hear the thunderous shout + of welcome as Antony—beloved Antony—rides in pomp of war along + his deep-formed lines! There’s hope! there’s hope! I may yet see the cold + brows of Cæsar—that Cæsar who never errs except from policy—robbed + of their victor bays and crowned with shameful dust!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” cried Charmion, “there still is hope, if thou wilt but play the man! + O my Lord! come back with us; come back to the loving arms of Cleopatra! + All night she lies upon her golden bed, and fills the hollow darkness with + her groans for ‘Antony!’ who, enamoured now of Grief, forgets his duty and + his love!” + </p> + <p> + “I come! I come! Shame upon me, that I dared to doubt her! Slave, bring + water, and a purple robe: not thus can I be seen of Cleopatra. Even now I + come.” + </p> + <p> + In this fashion, then, did we draw Antony back to Cleopatra, that the ruin + of the twain might be made sure. + </p> + <p> + We led him up the Alabaster Hall and into Cleopatra’s chamber, where she + lay, her cloudy hair about her face and breast, and tears flowing from her + deep eyes. + </p> + <p> + “O Egypt!” he cried, “behold me at thy feet!” + </p> + <p> + She sprang from the couch. “And art thou here, my love?” she murmured; + “then once again are all things well. Come near, and in these arms forget + thy sorrows and turn my grief to joy. Oh, Antony, while love is left to + us, still have we all!” + </p> + <p> + And she fell upon his breast and kissed him wildly. + </p> + <p> + That same day, Charmion came to me and bade me prepare a poison of the + most deadly power. And this at first I would not do, fearing that + Cleopatra would therewith make an end of Antony before his time. But + Charmion showed me that this was not so, and told me also for what purpose + was the poison. Therefore I summoned Atoua, the skilled in simples, and + all that afternoon we laboured at the deadly work. And when it was done, + Charmion came once more, bearing with her a chaplet of fresh roses, that + she bade me steep in the poison. + </p> + <p> + This then I did. + </p> + <p> + That night at the great feast of Cleopatra, I sat near Antony, who was at + her side, and wore the poisoned wreath. Now as the feast went on, the wine + flowed fast, till Antony and the Queen grew merry. And she told him of her + plans, and of how even now her galleys were being drawn by the canal that + leads from Bubastis on the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, to Clysma at the + head of the Bay of Heroopolis. For it was her design, should Cæsar prove + stubborn, to fly with Antony and her treasure down the Arabian Gulf, where + Cæsar had no fleet, and seek some new home in India, whither her foes + might not follow. But, indeed, this plan came to nothing, for the Arabs of + Petra burnt the galleys, incited thereto by a message sent by the Jews of + Alexandria, who hated Cleopatra and were hated of her. For I caused the + Jews to be warned of what was being done. + </p> + <p> + Now, when she had made an end of telling him, the Queen called on him to + drink a cup with her, to the success of this new scheme, bidding him, as + she did so, steep his wreath of roses in the wine, and make the draught + more sweet. This, then, he did, and it being done, she pledged him. But + when he was about to pledge her back, she caught his hand, crying “<i>Hold!</i>” + whereat he paused, wondering. + </p> + <p> + Now, among the servants of Cleopatra was one Eudosius, a steward; and this + Eudosius, seeing that the fortunes of Cleopatra were at an end, had laid a + plan to fly that very night to Cæsar, as many of his betters had done, + taking with him all the treasure in the palace that he could steal. But + this design being discovered to Cleopatra, she determined to be avenged + upon Eudosius. + </p> + <p> + “Eudosius,” she cried, for the man stood near; “come hither, thou faithful + servant! Seest thou this man, most noble Antony; through all our troubles + he has clung to us and been of comfort to us. Now, therefore, he shall be + rewarded according to his deserts and the measure of his faithfulness, and + that from thine own hand. Give him thy golden cup of wine, and let him + drink a pledge to our success; the cup shall be his guerdon.” + </p> + <p> + And still wondering, Antony gave it to the man, who, stricken in his + guilty mind, took it, and stood trembling. But he drank not. + </p> + <p> + “Drink! thou slave; drink!” cried Cleopatra, half rising from her seat and + flashing a fierce look on his white face. “By Serapis! so surely as I yet + shall sit in the Capitol at Rome, if thou dost thus flout the Lord Antony, + I’ll have thee scourged to the bones, and the red wine poured upon thy + open wounds to heal them! <i>Ah!</i> at length thou drinkest! Why, what is + it, good Eudosius? art sick? Surely, then, this wine must be as the water + of jealousy of those Jews, that has power to slay the false and strengthen + the honest only. Go, some of you, search this man’s room; methinks he is a + traitor!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the man stood, his hands to his head. Presently he began to + tremble, and then fell, clutching at his bosom, as though to tear out the + fire in his heart. He staggered, with livid, twisted face and foaming + lips, to where Cleopatra lay watching him with a slow and cruel smile. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, traitor! thou hast it now!” she said. “Prithee, is death sweet?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wanton!” yelled the dying man, “thou hast poisoned me! Thus mayst + thou also perish!” and with one shriek he flung himself upon her. She saw + his purpose, and swift and supple as a tiger sprang to one side, so that + he did but grasp her royal cloak, tearing it from its emerald clasp. Down + he fell upon the ground, rolling over and over in the purple chiton, till + presently he lay still and dead, his tormented face and frozen eyes + peering ghastly from its folds. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the Queen, with a hard laugh, “the slave died wondrous hard, + and fain would have drawn me with him. See, he has borrowed my garment for + a pall! Take him away and bury him in his livery.” + </p> + <p> + “What means Cleopatra?” said Antony, as the guards dragged the corpse + away; “the man drank of my cup. What is the purpose of this most sorry + jest?” + </p> + <p> + “It serves a double end, noble Antony! This very night that man would have + fled to Octavianus, bearing of our treasure with him. Well, I have lent + him wings, for the dead fly fast! Also this: thou didst fear that I should + poison thee, my Lord; nay, I know it. See now, Antony, how easy it were + that I should slay thee if I had the will. That wreath of roses which thou + didst steep within the cup is dewed with deadly bane. Had I, then, a mind + to make an end of thee, I had not stayed thy hand. O Antony, henceforth + trust me! Sooner would I slay myself than harm one hair of thy beloved + head! See, here come my messengers! Speak, what did ye find?” + </p> + <p> + “Royal Egypt, we found this. All things in the chamber of Eudosius are + made ready for flight, and in his baggage is much treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hearest?” she said, smiling darkly. “Think ye, my loyal servants + all, that Cleopatra is one with whom it is well to play the traitor? Be + warned by this Roman’s fate!” + </p> + <p> + Then a great silence of fear fell upon the company, and Antony sat also + silent. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <p> + OF THE WORKINGS OF THE LEARNED OLYMPUS AT MEMPHIS; OF THE POISONINGS OF + CLEOPATRA; OF THE SPEECH OF ANTONY TO HIS CAPTAINS; AND OF THE PASSING OF + ISIS FROM THE LAND OF KHEM + </p> + <p> + Now I, Harmachis, must make speed with my task, setting down that which is + permitted as shortly as may be, and leaving much untold. For of this I am + warned, that Doom draws on and my days are wellnigh sped. After the + drawing forth of Antony from the Timonium came that time of heavy quiet + which heralds the rising of the desert wind. Antony and Cleopatra once + again gave themselves up to luxury, and night by night feasted in + splendour at the palace. They sent ambassadors to Cæsar; but Cæsar would + have none of them; and, this hope being gone, they turned their minds to + the defence of Alexandria. Men were gathered, ships were built, and a + great force was made ready against the coming of Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + And now, aided by Charmion, I began my last work of hate and vengeance. I + wormed myself deep into the secrets of the palace, counselling all things + for evil. I bade Cleopatra keep Antony gay, lest he should brood upon his + sorrows: and thus she sapped his strength and energy with luxury and wine. + I gave him of my draughts—draughts that sank his soul in dreams of + happiness and power, leaving him to wake to a heavier misery. Soon, + without my healing medicine he could not sleep, and thus, being ever at + his side, I bound his weakened will to mine, till at last he would do + little if I said not “It is well.” Cleopatra, also grown very + superstitious, leaned much upon me; for I prophesied falsely to her in + secret. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, I wove other webs. My fame was great throughout Egypt, for + during the long years that I had dwelt in Tápé it had spread through all + the land. Therefore many men of note came to me, both for their health’s + sake and because it was known that I had the ear of Antony and the Queen; + and, in these days of doubt and trouble, they were fain to learn the + truth. All these men I worked upon with doubtful words, sapping their + loyalty; and I caused many to fall away, and yet none could bear an evil + report of what I had said. Also, Cleopatra sent me to Memphis, there to + move the Priests and Governors that they should gather men in Upper Egypt + for the defence of Alexandria. And I went and spoke to the priests with + such a double meaning and with so much wisdom that they knew me to be one + of the initiated in the deeper mysteries. But how I, Olympus the + physician, came thus to be initiated none might say. And afterwards they + sought me secretly, and I gave them the holy sign of brotherhood; and + thereunder bade them not to ask who I might be, but send no aid to + Cleopatra. Rather, I said, must they make peace with Cæsar, for by Cæsar’s + grace only could the worship of the Gods endure in Khem. So, having taken + counsel of the Holy Apis, they promised in public to give help to + Cleopatra, but in secret sent an embassy to Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, it came to pass that Egypt gave but little aid to its hated + Macedonian Queen. Thence from Memphis I came once more to Alexandria, and, + having made favourable report, continued my secret work. And, indeed, the + Alexandrians could not easily be stirred, for, as they say in the + marketplace, “The ass looks at its burden and is blind to its master.” + Cleopatra had oppressed them so long that the Roman was like a welcome + friend. + </p> + <p> + Thus the time passed on, and every night found Cleopatra with fewer + friends than that which had gone before, for in evil days friends fly like + swallows before the frost. Yet she would not give up Antony, whom she + loved; though to my knowledge Cæsar, by his freedman, Thyreus, made + promise to her of her dominions for herself and for her children if she + would but slay Antony, or even betray him bound. But to this her woman’s + heart—for still she had a heart—would not consent, and, + moreover, we counselled her against it, for of necessity we must hold him + to her, lest, Antony escaping or being slain, Cleopatra might ride out the + storm and yet be Queen of Egypt. And this grieved me, because Antony, + though weak, was still a brave man, and a great; and, moreover, in my own + heart I read the lesson of his woes. For were we not akin in wretchedness? + Had not the same woman robbed us of Empire, Friends, and Honour? But pity + has no place in politics, nor could it turn my feet from the path of + vengeance it was ordained that I should tread. Cæsar drew nigh; Pelusium + fell; the end was at hand. It was Charmion who brought the tidings to the + Queen and Antony, as they slept in the heat of the day, and I came with + her. + </p> + <p> + “Awake!” she cried. “Awake! This is no time for sleep! Seleucus hath + surrendered Pelusium to Cæsar, who marches straight on Alexandria!” + </p> + <p> + With a great oath, Antony sprang up and clutched Cleopatra by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast betrayed me—by the Gods I swear it! Now thou shalt pay + the price!” And snatching up his sword he drew it. + </p> + <p> + “Stay thy hand, Antony!” she cried. “It is false—I know naught of + this!” And she sprang upon him, and clung about his neck, weeping. “I know + naught, my Lord. Take thou the wife of Seleucus and his little children, + whom I hold in guard, and avenge thyself. O Antony, Antony! why dost thou + doubt me?” + </p> + <p> + Then Antony threw down his sword upon the marble, and, casting himself + upon the couch, hid his face, and groaned in bitterness of spirit. + </p> + <p> + But Charmion smiled, for it was she who had sent secretly to Seleucus, her + friend, counselling him to surrender forthwith, saying that no fight would + be made at Alexandria. And that very night Cleopatra took all her great + store of pearls and emeralds—those that remained of the treasure of + Menkau-ra—all her wealth of gold, ebony, ivory, and cinnamon, + treasure without price, and placed it in the mausoleum of granite which, + after our Egyptian fashion, she had built upon the hill that is by the + Temple of the Holy Isis. These riches she piled up upon a bed of flax, + that, when she fired it, all might perish in the flame and escape the + greed of money-loving Octavianus. And she slept henceforth in this tomb, + away from Antony; but in the daytime she still saw him at the palace. + </p> + <p> + But a little while after, when Cæsar with all his great force had already + crossed the Caponic mouth of the Nile and was hard on Alexandria, I came + to the palace, whither Cleopatra had summoned me. There I found her in the + Alabaster Hall, royally clad, a wild light in her eyes, and, with her, + Iras and Charmion, and before her guards; and stretched here and there + upon the marble, bodies of dead men, among whom lay one yet dying. + </p> + <p> + “Greeting, thou Olympus!” she cried. “Here is a sight to glad a + physician’s heart—men dead and men sick unto death!” + </p> + <p> + “What doest thou, O Queen?” I said affrighted. + </p> + <p> + “What do I? I wreak justice on these criminals and traitors; and, Olympus, + I learn the ways of death. I have caused six different poisons to be given + to these slaves, and with an attentive eye have watched their working. + That man,” and she pointed to a Nubian, “he went mad, and raved of his + native deserts and his mother. He thought himself a child again, poor + fool! and bade her hold him close to her breast and save him from the + darkness which drew near. And that Greek, he shrieked, and, shrieking, + died. And this, he wept and prayed for pity, and in the end, like a + coward, breathed his last. Now, note the Egyptian yonder, he who still + lives and groans; first he took the draught—the deadliest draught of + all, they swore—and yet the slave so dearly loves his life he will + not leave it! See, he yet strives to throw the poison from him; twice have + I given him the cup and yet he is athirst. What a drunkard we have here! + Man, man, knowest thou not that in death only can peace be found? Struggle + no more, but enter into rest.” And even as she spoke, the man, with a + great cry, gave up the spirit. + </p> + <p> + “There!” she cried, “at length the farce is played—away with those + slaves whom I have forced through the difficult gates of Joy!” and she + clapped her hands. But when they had borne the bodies thence she drew me + to her, and spoke thus: + </p> + <p> + “Olympus, for all thy prophecies, the end is at hand. Cæsar must conquer, + and I and my Lord Antony be lost. Now, therefore, the play being wellnigh + done, I must make ready to leave this stage of earth in such fashion as + becomes a Queen. For this cause, then, I do make trial of these poisons, + seeing that in my person I must soon endure those agonies of death that + to-day I give to others. These drugs please me not; some wrench out the + soul with cruel pains, and some too slowly work their end. But thou art + skilled in the medicines of death. Now, do thou prepare me such a draught + as shall, pangless, steal my life away.” + </p> + <p> + And as I listened the sense of triumph filled my bitter heart, for I knew + now that by my own hand should this ruined woman die and the justice of + the Gods be done. + </p> + <p> + “Spoken like a Queen, O Cleopatra!” I said. “Death shall cure thy ills, + and I will brew such a wine as shall draw him down a sudden friend and + sink thee in a sea of slumber whence, upon this earth, thou shalt never + wake again. Oh! fear not Death: Death is thy hope; and, surely, thou shalt + pass sinless and pure of heart into the dreadful presence of the Gods!” + </p> + <p> + She trembled. “And if the heart be not altogether pure, tell me—thou + dark man—what then? Nay, I fear not the Gods! for if the Gods of + Hell be men, there I shall Queen it also. At the least, having once been + royal, royal I shall ever be.” + </p> + <p> + And, as she spoke, suddenly from the palace gates came a great clamour, + and the noise of joyful shouting. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what is this?” she said, springing from her couch. + </p> + <p> + “Antony! Antony!” rose the cry; “Antony hath conquered!” + </p> + <p> + She turned swiftly and ran, her long hair streaming on the wind. I + followed her, more slowly, down the great hall, across the courtyards, to + the palace gates. And here she met Antony, riding through them, radiant + with smiles and clad in his Roman armour. When he saw her he leapt to the + ground, and, all armed as he was, clasped her to his breast. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” she cried; “is Cæsar fallen?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not altogether fallen, Egypt: but we have beat his horsemen back to + their trenches, and, like the beginning, so shall be the end, for, as they + say here, ‘Where the head goes, the tail will follow.’ Moreover, Cæsar has + my challenge, and if he will but meet me hand to hand, the world shall + soon see which is the better man, Antony or Octavian.” And even as he + spoke and the people cheered there came the cry of “A messenger from + Cæsar!” + </p> + <p> + The herald entered, and, bowing low, gave a writing to Antony, bowed + again, and went. Cleopatra snatched it from his hand, broke the silk and + read aloud: + </p> + <p> + “Cæsar to Antony, greeting. + </p> + <p> + “This answer to thy challenge: Can Antony find no better way of death than + beneath the sword of Cæsar? Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + And thereafter they cheered no more. + </p> + <p> + The darkness came, and before it was midnight, having feasted with his + friends who to-night went over his woes and to-morrow should betray him, + Antony went forth to the gathering of the captains of the land-forces and + of the fleet, attended by many, among whom was I. + </p> + <p> + When all were come together, he spoke to them, standing bareheaded in + their midst, beneath the radiance of the moon. And thus he most nobly + spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Friends and companions in arms! who yet cling to me, and whom many a time + I have led to victory, hearken to me now, who to-morrow may lie in the + dumb dust, disempired and dishonoured. This is our design: no longer will + we hang on poised wings above the flood of war, but will straightway + plunge, perchance thence to snatch the victor’s diadem, or, failing, there + to drown. Be now but true to me, and to your honour’s sake, and you may + still sit, the most proud of men, at my right hand in the Capitol of Rome. + Fail me now, and the cause of Antony is lost and so are ye. To-morrow’s + battle must be hazardous indeed, but we have stood many a time and faced a + fiercer peril, and ere the sun had sunk, once more have driven armies like + desert sands before our gale of valour and counted the spoil of hostile + kings. What have we to fear? Though allies be fled, still is our array as + strong as Cæsar’s! And show we but as high a heart, why, I swear to you, + upon my princely word, to-morrow night I shall deck yonder Canopic gate + with the heads of Octavian and his captains! + </p> + <p> + “Ay, cheer, and cheer again! I love that martial music which swells, not + as from the indifferent lips of clarions, now ‘neath the breath of Antony + and now of Cæsar, but rather out of the single hearts of men who love me. + Yet—and now I will speak low, as we do speak o’er the bier of some + beloved dead—yet, if Fortune should rise against me and if, borne + down by the weight of arms, Antony, the soldier, dies a soldier’s death, + leaving you to mourn him who ever was your friend, this is my will, that, + after our rough fashion of the camp, I here declare to you. You know where + all my treasure lies. Take it, most dear friends; and, in the memory of + Antony, make just division. Then go to Cæsar and speak thus: ‘Antony, the + dead, to Cæsar, the living, sends greeting; and, in the name of ancient + fellowship and of many a peril dared, craves this boon: the safety of + those who clung to him and that which he hath given them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Nay, let not my tears—for I must weep—overflow your eyes! + Why, it is not manly; ‘tis most womanish! All men must die, and death were + welcome were it not so lone. Should I fall, I leave my children to your + tender care—if, perchance, it may avail to save them from the fate + of helplessness. Soldiers, enough! to-morrow at the dawn we spring on + Cæsar’s throat, both by land and sea. Swear that ye will cling to me, even + to the last issue!” + </p> + <p> + “We swear!” they cried. “Noble Antony, we swear!” + </p> + <p> + “It is well! Once more my star grows bright; to-morrow, set in the highest + heaven, it yet may shine the lamp of Cæsar down! Till then, farewell!” + </p> + <p> + He turned to go. As he went they caught his hand and kissed it; and so + deeply were they moved that many wept like children; nor could Antony + master his grief, for, in the moonlight, I saw tears roll down his + furrowed cheeks and fall upon that mighty breast. + </p> + <p> + And, seeing all this, I was much troubled. For I well knew that if these + men held firm to Antony all might yet go well for Cleopatra; and though I + bore no ill-will against Antony, yet he must fall, and in that fall drag + down the woman who, like some poisonous plant, had twined herself about + his giant strength till it choked and mouldered in her embrace. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, when Antony went I went not, but stood back in the shadow + watching the faces of the lords and captains as they spoke together. + </p> + <p> + “Then it is agreed!” said he who should lead the fleet. “And this we swear + to, one and all, that we will cling to noble Antony to the last extremity + of fortune!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay! ay!” they answered. + </p> + <p> + “Ay! ay!” I said, speaking from the shadow; “cling, and <i>die!</i>” + </p> + <p> + They turned fiercely and seized me. + </p> + <p> + “Who is he?” quoth one. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis that dark-faced dog, Olympus!” cried another. “Olympus, the + magician!” + </p> + <p> + “Olympus, the traitor!” growled another; “put an end to him and his + magic!” and he drew his sword. + </p> + <p> + “Ay! slay him; he would betray the Lord Antony, whom he is paid to + doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold a while!” I said in a slow and solemn voice, “and beware how ye try + to murder the servant of the Gods. I am no traitor. For myself, I abide + the event here in Alexandria, but to you I say, Flee, flee to Cæsar! I + serve Antony and the Queen—I serve them truly; but above all I serve + the Holy Gods; and what they make known to me, that, Lords, I do know. And + I know this: that Antony is doomed, and Cleopatra is doomed, for Cæsar + conquers. Therefore, because I honour you, noble gentlemen, and think with + pity on your wives, left widowed, and your little fatherless children, + that shall, if ye hold to Antony, be sold as slaves—therefore, I + say, cling to Antony if ye will and die; or flee to Cæsar and be saved! + And this I say because it is so ordained of the Gods.” + </p> + <p> + “The Gods!” they growled; “what Gods? Slit the traitor’s throat, and stop + his ill-omened talk!” + </p> + <p> + “Let him show us a sign from his Gods or let him die: I do mistrust this + man,” said another. + </p> + <p> + “Stand back, ye fools!” I cried. “Stand back—free mine arms—and + I will show you a sign;” and there was that in my face which frightened + them, for they freed me and stood back. Then I lifted up my hands and + putting out all my strength of soul searched the depths of space till my + Spirit communed with the Spirit of my Mother Isis. Only the Word of Power + I uttered not, as I had been bidden. And the holy mystery of the Goddess + answered to my Spirit’s cry, falling in awful silence upon the face of the + earth. Deeper and deeper grew the terrible silence; even the dogs ceased + to howl, and in the city men stood still afeared. Then, from far away, + there came the ghostly music of the sistra. Faint it was at first, but + ever as it came it grew more loud, till the air shivered with the + unearthly sound of terror. I said naught, but pointed with my hand toward + the sky. And behold! bosomed upon the air, floated a vast veiled Shape + that, heralded by the swelling music of the sistra, drew slowly near, till + its shadow lay upon us. It came, it passed, it went toward the camp of + Cæsar, till at length the music died away, and the awful Shape was + swallowed in the night. + </p> + <p> + “It is Bacchus!” cried one. “Bacchus, who leaves lost Antony!” and, as he + spoke, there rose a groan of terror from all the camp. + </p> + <p> + But I knew that it was not Bacchus, the false God, but the Divine Isis who + deserted Khem, and, passing over the edge of the world, sought her home in + space, to be no more known of men. For though her worship is still upheld, + though still she is here and in all Earths, Isis manifests herself no more + in Egypt. I hid my face and prayed, but when I lifted it from my robe, lo! + all had fled and I was alone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <p> + OF THE SURRENDER OF THE TROOPS AND FLEET OF ANTONY BEFORE THE CANOPIC + GATE; OF THE END OF ANTONY, AND OF THE BREWING OF THE DRAUGHT OF DEATH + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, at dawn, Antony came forth and gave command that his fleet + should advance against the fleet of Cæsar, and that his cavalry should + open the land-battle with the cavalry of Cæsar. Accordingly, the fleet + advanced in a triple line, and the fleet of Cæsar came out to meet it. But + when they met, the galleys of Antony lifted their oars in greeting, and + passed over to the galleys of Cæsar; and they sailed away together. And + the cavalry of Antony rode forth beyond the Hippodrome to charge the + cavalry of Cæsar; but when they met, they lowered their swords and passed + over to the camp of Cæsar, deserting Antony. Then Antony grew mad with + rage and terrible to see. He shouted to his legions to stand firm and wait + attack; and for a little while they stood. One man, however—that + same officer who would have slain me on the yesternight—strove to + fly; but Antony seized him with his own hand, threw him to the earth, and, + springing from his horse, drew his sword to slay him. He held his sword on + high, while the man, covering his face, awaited death. But Antony dropped + his sword and bade him rise. + </p> + <p> + “Go!” he said. “Go to Cæsar, and prosper! I did love thee once. Why, then, + among so many traitors, should I single thee out for death?” + </p> + <p> + The man rose and looked upon him sorrowfully. Then, shame overwhelming + him, with a great cry he tore open his shirt of mail, plunged his sword + into his own heart and fell down dead. Antony stood and gazed at him, but + he said never a word. Meanwhile the ranks of Cæsar’s legions drew near, + and so soon as they crossed spears the legions of Antony turned and fled. + Then the soldiers of Cæsar stood still mocking them; but scarce a man was + slain, for they pursued not. + </p> + <p> + “Fly, Lord Antony! fly!” cried Eros, his servant, who alone with me stayed + by him. “Fly ere thou art dragged a prisoner to Cæsar!” + </p> + <p> + So he turned and fled, groaning heavily. I went with him, and as we rode + through the Canopic gate, where many folk stood wondering, Antony spoke to + me: + </p> + <p> + “Go, thou, Olympus; go to the Queen and say: ‘Antony sends greeting to + Cleopatra, who hath betrayed him! To Cleopatra he sends greeting and + farewell!’” + </p> + <p> + And so I went to the tomb, but Antony fled to the palace. When I came to + the tomb I knocked upon the door, and Charmion looked forth from the + window. + </p> + <p> + “Open,” I cried, and she opened. + </p> + <p> + “What news, Harmachis?” she whispered. + </p> + <p> + “Charmion,” I said, “the end is at hand. Antony is fled!” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” she answered; “I am aweary.” + </p> + <p> + And there on her golden bed sat Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + “Speak, man!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Antony has fled, his forces are fled, Cæsar draws near. To Cleopatra the + great Antony sends greeting and farewell. Greeting to Cleopatra who + betrayed him, and farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a lie!” she screamed; “I betrayed him not! Thou, Olympus, go + swiftly to Antony and answer thus: ‘To Antony, Cleopatra, who hath not + betrayed him, sends greeting and farewell. Cleopatra is no more.’” + </p> + <p> + And so I went, following out my purpose. In the Alabaster Hall I found + Antony pacing to and fro, tossing his hands toward heaven, and with him + Eros, for of all his servants Eros alone remained by this fallen man. + </p> + <p> + “Lord Antony,” I said, “Egypt bids thee farewell. Egypt is dead by her own + hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead! dead!” he whispered, “and is Egypt dead? and is that form of glory + now food for worms? Oh, what a woman was this! E’en now my heart goes out + towards her. And shall she outdo me at the last, I who have been so great; + shall I become so small that a woman can overtop my courage and pass where + I fear to follow? Eros, thou hast loved me from a boy—mindest thou + how I found thee starving in the desert, and made thee rich, giving thee + place and wealth? Come, now pay me back. Draw that sword thou wearest and + make an end of the woes of Antony.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Sire,” cried the Greek, “I cannot! How can I take away the life of + godlike Antony?” + </p> + <p> + “Answer me not, Eros; but in the last extreme of fate this I charge thee. + Do thou my bidding, or begone and leave me quite alone! No more will I see + thy face, thou unfaithful servant!” + </p> + <p> + Then Eros drew his sword and Antony knelt before him and bared his breast, + turning his eyes to heaven. But Eros, crying “I cannot! oh, I cannot!” + plunged the sword to his own heart, and fell dead. + </p> + <p> + Antony rose and gazed upon him. “Why, Eros, that was nobly done,” he said. + “Thou art greater than I, yet I have learned thy lesson!” and he knelt + down and kissed him. + </p> + <p> + Then, rising of a sudden, he drew the sword from the heart of Eros, + plunged it into his bowels, and fell, groaning, on the couch. + </p> + <p> + “O thou, Olympus,” he cried, “this pain is more than I can bear! Make an + end of me, Olympus!” + </p> + <p> + But pity stirred me, and I could not do this thing. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I drew the sword from his vitals, staunched the flow of blood, + and, calling to those who came crowding in to see Antony die, I bade them + summon Atoua from my house at the palace gates. Presently she came, + bringing with her simples and life-giving draughts. These I gave to + Antony, and bade Atoua go with such speed as her old limbs might to + Cleopatra, in the tomb, and tell her of the state of Antony. + </p> + <p> + So she went, and after a while returned, saying that the Queen yet lived + and summoned Antony to die in her arms. And with her came Diomedes. When + Antony heard, his ebbing strength came back, for he was fain to look upon + Cleopatra’s face again. So I called to the slaves—who peeped and + peered through curtains and from behind pillars to see this great man die—and + together, with much toil, we bore him thence till we came to the foot of + the Mausoleum. + </p> + <p> + But Cleopatra, being afraid of treachery, would no more throw wide the + door; so she let down a rope from the window and we made it fast beneath + the arms of Antony. Then did Cleopatra, who the while wept most bitterly, + together with Charmion and Iras the Greek, pull on the rope with all their + strength, while we lifted from below till the dying Antony swung in the + air, groaning heavily, and the blood dropped from his gaping wound. Twice + he nearly fell to earth: but Cleopatra, striving with the strength of love + and of despair, held him till at length she drew him through the + windowplace, while all who saw the dreadful sight wept bitterly, and beat + their breasts—all save myself and Charmion. + </p> + <p> + When he was in, once more the rope was let down, and, with some aid from + Charmion, I climbed into the tomb, drawing up the rope after me. There I + found Antony, laid upon the golden bed of Cleopatra; and she, her breast + bare, her face stained with tears, and her hair streaming wildly about + him, knelt at his side and kissed him, wiping the blood from his wounds + with her robes and hair. And let all my shame be written: as I stood and + watched her the old love awoke once more within me, and mad jealousy raged + in my heart because—though I could destroy these twain—I could + not destroy their love. + </p> + <p> + “O Antony! my Sweet, my Husband, and my God!” she moaned. “Cruel Antony, + hast thou the heart to die and leave me to my lonely shame? I will follow + thee swiftly to the grave. Antony, awake! awake!” + </p> + <p> + He lifted up his head and called for wine, which I gave him, mixing + therein a draught that might allay his pain, for it was great. And when he + had drunk he bade Cleopatra lie down on the bed beside him, and put her + arms about him; and this she did. Then was Antony once more a man; for, + forgetting his own misery and pain, he counselled her as to her own + safety: but to this talk she would not listen. + </p> + <p> + “The hour is short,” she said; “let us speak of this great love of ours + that hath been so long and may yet endure beyond the coasts of Death. + Mindest thou that night when first thou didst put thine arms about me and + call me ‘Love’? Oh! happy, happy night! Having known that night it is well + to have lived—even to this bitter end!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Egypt, I mind it well and dwell upon its memory, though from that + hour fortune has fled from me—lost in my depth of love for thee, + thou Beautiful. I mind it!” he gasped; “then didst thou drink the pearl in + wanton play, and then did that astrologer of thine call out his hour—‘The + hour of the coming of the curse of Menkau-ra.’ Through all the after-days + those words have haunted me, and now at the last they ring in my ears.” + </p> + <p> + “He is long dead, my love,” she whispered. + </p> + <p> + “If he be dead, then I am near him. What meant he?” + </p> + <p> + “He is dead, the accursed man!—no more of him! Oh! turn and kiss me, + for thy face grows white. The end is near!” + </p> + <p> + He kissed her on the lips, and for a little while so they stayed, to the + moment of death, babbling their passion in each other’s ears, like lovers + newly wed. Even to my jealous heart, it was a strange and awful thing to + see. + </p> + <p> + Presently, I saw the Change of Death gather on his face. His head fell + back. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Egypt; farewell!—I die!” + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra lifted herself upon her hands, gazed wildly on his ashen face, + and then, with a great cry, she sank back swooning. + </p> + <p> + But Antony yet lived, though the power of speech had left him. Then I drew + near and, kneeling, made pretence to minister to him. And as I ministered + I whispered in his ear: + </p> + <p> + “Antony,” I whispered, “Cleopatra was my love before she passed from me to + thee. I am Harmachis, that astrologer who stood behind thy couch at + Tarsus; and I have been the chief minister of thy ruin. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Die, Antony!—the curse of Menkau-ra hath fallen!</i>” + </p> + <p> + He raised himself, and stared upon my face. He could not speak, but, + gibbering, he pointed at me. Then with a groan his spirit fled. + </p> + <p> + Thus did I accomplish my revenge upon Roman Antony, the World-loser. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter, we recovered Cleopatra from her swoon, for not yet was I + minded that she should die. And taking the body of Antony, Cæsar + permitting, I and Atoua caused it to be most skilfully embalmed after our + Egyptian fashion, covering the face with a mask of gold fashioned like to + the features of Antony. Also I wrote upon his breast his name and titles, + and painted his name and the name of his father within his inner coffin, + and drew the form of the Holy Nout folding her wings about him. + </p> + <p> + Then with great pomp Cleopatra laid him in that sepulchre which had been + made ready, and in a sarcophagus of alabaster. Now, this sarcophagus was + fashioned so large that place was left in it for a second coffin, for + Cleopatra would lie by Antony at the last. + </p> + <p> + These things then happened. And but a little while after I learned tidings + from one Cornelius Dolabella, a noble Roman who waited upon Cæsar, and, + moved by the beauty that swayed the souls of all who looked upon her, had + pity for the woes of Cleopatra. He bade me warn her—for, as her + physician, it was allowed me to pass in and out of the tomb where she + dwelt—that in three days she would be sent away to Rome, together + with her children, save Cæsarion, whom Octavian had already slain, that + she might walk in the triumph of Cæsar. Accordingly I went in, and found + her sitting, as now she always sat, plunged in a half stupor, and before + her that blood-stained robe with which she had staunched the wounds of + Antony. For on this she would continually feast her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “See how faint they grow, Olympus,” she said, lifting her sad face and + pointing to the rusty stains, “and he so lately dead! Why, Gratitude could + not fade more fast. What is now thy news? Evil tidings is writ large in + those dark eyes of thine, which ever bring back to me something that still + slips my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “The news is ill, O Queen,” I answered. “I have this from the lips of + Dolabella, who has it straight from Cæsar’s secretary. On the third day + from now Cæsar will send thee and the Princes Ptolemy and Alexander and + the Princess Cleopatra to Rome, there to feast the eyes of the Roman mob, + and be led in triumph to that Capitol where thou didst swear to set thy + throne!” + </p> + <p> + “Never, never!” she cried, springing to her feet. “Never will I walk in + chains in Cæsar’s triumph! What must I do? Charmion, tell me what I can + do!” + </p> + <p> + And Charmion, rising, stood before her, looking at her through the long + lashes of her downcast eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Lady, thou canst die,” she said quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, of a truth I had forgotten; I can die. Olympus, hast thou the drug?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay; but if the Queen wills it, by to-morrow morn it shall be brewed—a + drug so swift and strong that not the Gods themselves can hold him who + drinks it back from sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Let it be made ready, thou Master of Death!” + </p> + <p> + I bowed, and withdrew myself; and all that night I and old Atoua laboured + at the distilling of the deadly draught. At length it was done, and Atoua + poured it into a crystal phial, and held it to the light of the fire; for + it was white as the purest water. + </p> + <p> + “<i>La! la!</i>” she sang, in her shrill voice; “a drink for a Queen! When + fifty drops of that water of my brewing have passed those red lips of + hers, thou wilt indeed be avenged of Cleopatra, O Harmachis! Ah, that I + could be there to see thy Ruin ruined! <i>La! la!</i> it would be sweet to + see!” + </p> + <p> + “Vengeance is an arrow that oft-times falls upon the archer’s head,” I + answered, bethinking me of Charmion’s saying. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + OF THE LAST SUPPER OF CLEOPATRA; OF THE SONG OF CHARMION; OF THE DRINKING + OF THE DRAUGHT OF DEATH; OF THE REVEALING OF HARMACHIS; OF THE SUMMONING + OF THE SPIRITS BY HARMACHIS; AND OF THE DEATH OF CLEOPATRA + </p> + <p> + On the morrow Cleopatra, having sought leave of Cæsar, visited the tomb of + Antony, crying that the Gods of Egypt had deserted her. And when she had + kissed the coffin and covered it with lotus-flowers she came back, bathed, + anointed herself, put on her most splendid robes, and, together with Iras, + Charmion, and myself, she supped. Now as she supped her spirit flared up + wildly, even as the sky lights up at sunset; and once more she laughed and + sparkled as in bygone years, telling us tales of feasts which she and + Antony had eaten of. Never, indeed, did I see her look more beauteous than + on that last fatal night of vengeance. And thus her mind drew on to that + supper at Tarsus when she drank the pearl. + </p> + <p> + “Strange,” she said; “strange that at the last the mind of Antony should + have turned back to that night among all the nights and to the saying of + Harmachis. Charmion, dost thou remember Harmachis the Egyptian?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, O Queen,” she answered slowly. + </p> + <p> + “And who, then, was Harmachis?” I asked; for I would learn if she sorrowed + o’er my memory. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell thee. It is a strange tale, and now that all is done it may + well be told. This Harmachis was of the ancient race of the Pharaohs, and, + having, indeed, been crowned in secret at Abydus, was sent hither to + Alexandria to carry out a great plot that had been formed against the rule + of us royal Lagidæ. He came and gained entry to the palace as my + astrologer, for he was very learned in all magic—much as thou art, + Olympus—and a man beautiful to see. Now this was his plot—that + he should slay me and be named Pharaoh. In truth it was a strong one, for + he had many friends in Egypt, and I had few. And on that very night when + he should carry out his purpose, yea, at the very hour, came Charmion + yonder, and told the plot to me; saying that she had chanced upon its + clue. But, in after days—though I have said little thereon to thee, + Charmion—I misdoubted me much of that tale of thine; for, by the + Gods! to this hour I believe that thou didst love Harmachis, and because + he scorned thee thou didst betray him; and for that cause also hast all + thy days remained a maid, which is a thing unnatural. Come, Charmion, tell + us; for naught matters now at the end.” + </p> + <p> + Charmion shivered and made answer: “It is true, O Queen; I also was of the + plot, and because Harmachis scorned me I betrayed him; and because of my + great love for him I have remained unwed.” And she glanced up at me and + caught my eyes, then let the modest lashes veil her own. + </p> + <p> + “So! I thought it. Strange are the ways of women! But little cause, + methinks, had that Harmachis to thank thee for thy love. What sayest thou, + Olympus? Ah, and so thou also wast a traitor, Charmion? How dangerous are + the paths which Monarchs tread! Well, I forgive thee, for thou hast served + me faithfully since that hour. + </p> + <p> + “But to my tale. Harmachis I dared not slay, lest his great party should + rise in fury and cast me from the throne. And now mark the issue. Though + he must murder me, in secret this Harmachis loved me, and something + thereof I guessed. I had striven a little to draw him to me, for the sake + of his beauty and his wit; and for the love of man Cleopatra never strove + in vain. Therefore when, with the dagger in his robe, he came to slay me, + I matched my charms against his will, and need I tell you, being man and + woman, how I won? Oh, never can I forget the look in the eyes of that + fallen prince, that forsworn priest, that discrowned Pharaoh, when, lost + in the poppied draught, I saw him sink into a shameful sleep whence he + might no more wake with honour! And, thereafter—till, in the end, I + wearied of him, and his sad learned mind, for his guilty soul forbade him + to be gay—a little I came to care for him, though not to love. But + he—he who loved me—clung to me as a drunkard to the cup which + ruins him. Deeming that I should wed him, he betrayed to me the secret of + the hidden wealth of the pyramid of <i>Her</i>—for at the time I + much needed treasure—and together we dared the terrors of the tomb + and drew it forth, even from dead Pharaoh’s breast. See, this emerald was + a part thereof!”—and she pointed to the great scarabæus that she had + drawn from the holy heart of Menkau-ra. + </p> + <p> + “And because of what was written in the tomb, and of that Thing which we + saw in the tomb—ah, pest upon it! why does its memory haunt me now?—and + also because of policy, for I would fain have won the love of the + Egyptians, I was minded to marry this Harmachis and declare his place and + lineage to the world—ay, and by his aid hold Egypt from the Roman. + For Dellius had then come to call me to Antony, and after much thought I + determined to send him back with sharp words. But on that very morning, as + I tired me for the Court, came Charmion yonder, and I told her this, for I + would see how the matter fell upon her mind. Now mark, Olympus, the power + of jealousy, that little wedge which yet has strength to rend the tree of + Empire, that secret sword which can carve the fate of Kings! This she + could in no wise bear—deny it, Charmion, if thou canst, for now it + is clear to me!—that the man she loved should be given to me as + husband—me, whom <i>he</i> loved! And therefore, with more skill and + wit than I can tell, she reasoned with me, showing that I should by no + means do this thing, but journey to Antony; and for that, Charmion, I + thank thee, now that all is come and gone. And by a very little, her words + weighed down my scale of judgment against Harmachis, and I went to Antony. + Thus it is through the jealous spleen of yonder fair Charmion and the + passion of a man on which I played as on a lyre, that all these things + have come to pass. For this cause Octavian sits a King in Alexandria; for + this cause Antony is discrowned and dead; and for this cause I, too, must + die to-night! Ah! Charmion! Charmion! thou hast much to answer, for thou + hast changed the story of the world; and yet, even now—I would not + have it otherwise!” + </p> + <p> + She paused awhile, covering her eyes with her hand; and, looking, I saw + great tears upon the cheek of Charmion. + </p> + <p> + “And of this Harmachis,” I asked; “where is he now, O Queen?” + </p> + <p> + “Where is he? In Amenti, forsooth—making his peace with Isis, + perchance. At Tarsus I saw Antony, and loved him; and from that moment I + loathed the sight of the Egyptian, and swore to make an end of him; for a + lover done with should be a lover dead. And, being jealous, he spoke some + words of evil omen, even at that Feast of the Pearl; and on the same night + I would have slain him, but before the deed was done, he was gone.” + </p> + <p> + “And whither was he gone?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay; that know not I. Brennus—he who led my guard, and last year + sailed North to join his own people—Brennus swore he saw him float + to the skies; but in this matter I misdoubted me of Brennus, for methinks + he loved the man. Nay, he sank off Cyprus, and was drowned; perchance + Charmion can tell us how?” + </p> + <p> + “I can tell thee nothing, O Queen; Harmachis is lost.” + </p> + <p> + “And well lost, Charmion, for he was an evil man to play with—ay, + although I bettered him I say it! Well he served my purpose; but I loved + him not, and even now I fear him; for it seemed to me that I heard his + voice summoning me to fly, through the din of the fight at Actium. Thanks + be to the Gods, as thou sayest, he is lost, and can no more be found.” + </p> + <p> + But I, listening, put forth my strength, and, by the arts I have, cast the + shadow of my Spirit upon the Spirit of Cleopatra so that she felt the + presence of the lost Harmachis. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, what is it?” she said. “By Serapis! I grow afraid! It seems to me + that I feel Harmachis here! His memory overwhelms me like a flood of + waters, and he these ten years dead! Oh! at such a time it is unholy!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, O Queen,” I answered, “if he be dead then he is everywhere, and well + at such a time—the time of thy own death—may his Spirit draw + near to welcome thine at its going.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak not thus, Olympus. I would see Harmachis no more; the count between + us is too heavy, and in another world than this more evenly, perchance + should we be matched. Ah, the terror passes! I was but unnerved. Well the + fool’s story hath served to wile away the heaviest of our hours, the hour + which ends in death. Sing to me, Charmion, sing, for thy voice is very + sweet, and I would soothe my soul to sleep. The memory of that Harmachis + has wrung me strangely! Sing, then, the last song I shall hear from those + tuneful lips of thine, the last of so many songs.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a sad hour for song, O Queen!” said Charmion; but, nevertheless, + she took her harp and sang. And thus she sang, very soft and low, the + dirge of the sweet-tongued Syrian Meleager: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Tears for my lady dead, + Heliodore! + Salt tears and strange to shed, + Over and o’er; + Go tears and low lament + Fare from her tomb, + Wend where my lady went, + Down through the gloom— + Sighs for my lady dead, + Tears do I send, + Long love remembered, + Mistress and friend! + Sad are the songs we sing, + Tears that we shed, + Empty the gifts we bring— + Gifts to the dead! + Ah, for my flower, my Love, + Hades hath taken, + Ah, for the dust above, + Scattered and shaken! + Mother of blade and grass, + Earth, in thy breast + Lull her that gentlest was, + Gently to rest! +</pre> + <p> + The music of her voice died away, and it was so sweet and sad that Iras + began to weep and the bright tears stood in Cleopatra’s stormy eyes. Only + I wept not; my tears were dry. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis a heavy song of thine, Charmion,” said the Queen. “Well, as thou + saidst, it is a sad hour for song, and thy dirge is fitted to the hour. + Sing it over me once again when I lie dead, Charmion. And now farewell to + music, and on to the end. Olympus, take yonder parchment and write what I + shall say.” + </p> + <p> + I took the parchment and the reed, and wrote thus in the Roman tongue: + </p> + <p> + “Cleopatra to Octavianus, greeting. + </p> + <p> + “This is the state of life. At length there comes an hour when, rather + than endure those burdens that overwhelm us, putting off the body we would + take wing into forgetfulness. Cæsar, thou hast conquered: take thou the + spoils of victory. But in thy triumph Cleopatra cannot walk. When all is + lost, then we must go to seek the lost. Thus in the desert of Despair the + brave do harvest Resolution. Cleopatra hath been great as Antony was + great, nor shall her fame be minished in the manner of her end. Slaves + live to endure their wrong; but Princes, treading with a firmer step, pass + through the gates of Wrong into the royal Dwellings of the Dead. This only + doth Egypt ask of Cæsar—that he suffer her to lie in the tomb of + Antony. Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + This I wrote, and having sealed the writing, Cleopatra bade me go find a + messenger, despatch it to Cæsar, and then return. So I went, and at the + door of the tomb I called a soldier who was not on duty, and, giving him + money, bade him take the letter to Cæsar. Then I went back, and there in + the chamber the three women stood in silence, Cleopatra clinging to the + arm of Iras, and Charmion a little apart watching the twain. + </p> + <p> + “If indeed thou art minded to make an end, O Queen,” I said, “the time is + short, for presently Cæsar will send his servants in answer to thy + letter,” and I drew forth the phial of white and deadly bane and set it + upon the board. + </p> + <p> + She took it in her hand and gazed thereon. “How innocent it seems!” she + said; “and yet therein lies my death. ‘Tis strange.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Queen, and the death of ten other folk. No need to take so long a + draught.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” she gasped—“how know I that it will slay outright? I have + seen so many die by poison and scarce one has died outright. And some—ah, + I cannot think on them!” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not,” I said, “I am a master of my craft. Or, if thou dost fear, + cast this poison forth and live. In Rome thou mayst still find happiness; + ay, in Rome, where thou shalt walk in Cæsar’s triumph, while the laughter + of the hard-eyed Latin women shall chime down the music of thy golden + chains.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I will die, Olympus. Oh, if one would but show the path.” + </p> + <p> + Then Iras loosed her hand and stepped forward. “Give me the draught, + Physician,” she said. “I go to make ready for my Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” I answered; “on thy own head be it!” and I poured from the + phial into a little golden goblet. + </p> + <p> + She raised it, curtsied low to Cleopatra, then, coming forward, kissed her + on the brow, and Charmion she also kissed. This done, tarrying not and + making no prayer, for Iras was a Greek, she drank, and, putting her hand + to her head, instantly fell down and died. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seest,” I said, breaking in upon the silence, “it is swift.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Olympus; thine is a master drug! Come now, I thirst; fill me the + bowl, lest Iras weary in waiting at the gates!” + </p> + <p> + So I poured afresh into the goblet; but this time, making pretence to + rinse the cup, I mixed a little water with the bane, for I was not minded + that she should die before she knew me. + </p> + <p> + Then did the royal Cleopatra, taking the goblet in her hand, turn her + lovely eyes to heaven and cry aloud: + </p> + <p> + “O ye Gods of Egypt! who have deserted me, to you no longer will I pray, + for your ears are shut unto my crying and your eyes blind to my griefs! + Therefore, I make entreaty of that last friend whom the Gods, departing, + leave to helpless man. Sweep hither, Death, whose winnowing wings enshadow + all the world, and give me ear! Draw nigh, thou King of Kings! who, with + an equal hand, bringest the fortunate head of one pillow with the slave, + and by thy spiritual breath dost waft the bubble of our life far from this + hell of earth! Hide me where winds blow not and waters cease to roll; + where wars are done and Cæsar’s legions cannot march! Take me to a new + dominion, and crown me Queen of Peace! Thou art my Lord, O Death, and in + thy kiss I have conceived. I am in labour of a Soul: see—it stands + new-born upon the edge of Time! Now—now—go, Life! Come, Sleep! + Come, Antony!” + </p> + <p> + And, with one glance to heaven, she drank, and cast the goblet to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + Then at last came the moment of my pent-up vengeance, and of the vengeance + of Egypt’s outraged Gods, and of the falling of the curse of Menkau-ra. + </p> + <p> + “What’s this?” she cried; “I grow cold, but I die not! Thou dark + physician, thou hast betrayed me!” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, Cleopatra! Presently shalt thou die and know the fury of the Gods! + <i>The curse of Menkau-ra hath fallen!</i> It is finished! Look upon me, + woman! Look upon this marred face, this twisted form, this living mass of + sorrow! <i>Look! look!</i> Who am I?” + </p> + <p> + She stared upon me wildly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! oh!” she shrieked, throwing up her arms; “at last I know thee! By the + Gods, thou art Harmachis!—Harmachis risen from the dead!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Harmachis risen from the dead to drag thee down to death and agony + eternal! See, thou Cleopatra; <i>I</i> have ruined thee as thou didst ruin + me! I, working in the dark, and helped of the angry Gods, have been thy + secret spring of woe! I filled thy heart with fear at Actium; I held the + Egyptians from thy aid; I sapped the strength of Antony; I showed the + portent of the Gods unto thy captains! By my hand at length thou diest, + for I am the instrument of Vengeance! Ruin I pay thee back for ruin, + Treachery for treachery, Death for death! Come hither, Charmion, partner + of my plots, who betrayed me, but, repenting, art the sharer of my + triumph, come watch this fallen wanton die!” + </p> + <p> + Cleopatra heard, and sank back upon the golden bed, groaning “And thou, + too, Charmion!” + </p> + <p> + A moment so she sat, then her Imperial spirit burnt up glorious before she + died. + </p> + <p> + She staggered from the bed, and, with arms outstretched, she cursed me. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! for one hour of life!” she cried—“one short hour, that therein + I might make thee die in such fashion as thou canst not dream, thou and + that false paramour of thine, who betrayed both me and thee! And thou + didst love me! Ah, <i>there</i> I have thee still! See, thou subtle, + plotting priest”—and with both hands she rent back the royal robes + from her bosom—“see, on this fair breast once night by night thy + head was pillowed, and thou didst sleep wrapped in these same arms. Now, + put away their memory <i>if thou canst!</i> I read it in thine eyes—that + mayst thou not! No torture which I bear can, in its sum, draw nigh to the + rage of that deep soul of thine, rent with longings never, never to be + reached! Harmachis, thou slave of slaves, from thy triumph-depths I snatch + a deeper triumph, and conquered yet I conquer! I spit upon thee—I + defy thee—and, dying, doom thee to the torment of thy deathless + love! O Antony! I come, my Antony!—I come to thy own dear arms! Soon + I shall find thee, and, wrapped in a love undying and divine, together we + will float through all the depths of space, and, lips to lips and eyes to + eyes, drink of desires grown more sweet with every draught! Or if I find + thee not, then I shall sink in peace down the poppied ways of Sleep: and + for me the breast of Night, whereon I shall be softly cradled, will yet + seem thy bosom, Antony! Oh, I die!—come, Antony—and give me + peace!” + </p> + <p> + Even in my fury I had quailed beneath her scorn, for home flew the arrows + of her winged words. Alas! and alas! it was <i>true</i>—the shaft of + my vengeance fell upon my own head; never had I loved her as I loved her + now. My soul was rent with jealous torture, and thus I swore she should + not die. + </p> + <p> + “Peace!” I cried; “what peace is there for thee? Oh! ye Holy Three, hear + now my prayer. Osiris, loosen Thou the bonds of Hell and send forth those + whom I shall summon! Come Ptolemy, poisoned of thy sister Cleopatra; come + Arsinoë, murdered in the sanctuary by thy sister Cleopatra; come Sepa, + tortured to death of Cleopatra; come Divine Menkau-ra, whose body + Cleopatra tore and whose curse she braved for greed; come one, come all + who have died at the hands of Cleopatra! Rush from the breast of Nout and + greet her who murdered you! By the link of mystic union, by the symbol of + the Life, Spirits, I summon you!” + </p> + <p> + Thus I spoke the spell; while Charmion, affrighted, clung to my robe, and + the dying Cleopatra, resting on her hands, swung slowly to and fro, gazing + with vacant eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then the answer came. The casement burst asunder, and on flittering wings + that great bat entered which last I had seen hanging to the eunuch’s chin + in the womb of the pyramid of <i>Her</i>. Thrice it circled round, once it + hovered o’er dead Iras, then flew to where the dying woman stood. To her + it flew, on her breast it settled, clinging to that emerald which was + dragged from the dead heart of Menkau-ra. Thrice the grey Horror screamed + aloud, thrice it beat its bony wings, and lo! it was gone. + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly within that chamber sprang up the Shapes of Death. There was + Arsinoë, the beautiful, even as she had shrunk beneath the butcher’s + knife. There was young Ptolemy, his features twisted by the poisoned cup. + There was the majesty of Menkau-ra, crowned with the uræus crown; there + was grave Sepa, his flesh all torn by the torturer’s hooks; there were + those poisoned slaves; and there were others without number, shadowy and + dreadful to behold! who, thronging that narrow chamber, stood silently + fixing their glassy eyes upon the face of her who slew them! + </p> + <p> + “Behold! Cleopatra!” I said. “<i>Behold thy peace, and die!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” said Charmion. “Behold and die! thou who didst rob me of my honour, + and Egypt of her King!” + </p> + <p> + She looked, she saw the awful Shapes—her Spirit, hurrying from the + flesh, mayhap could hear words to which my ears were deaf. Then her face + sank in with terror, her great eyes grew pale, and, shrieking, Cleopatra + fell and died: passing, with that dread company, to her appointed place. + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, I, Harmachis, fed my soul with vengeance, fulfilling the + justice of the Gods, and yet knew myself empty of all joy therein. For + though that thing we worship doth bring us ruin, and Love being more + pitiless than Death, we in turn do pay all our sorrow back; yet we must + worship on, yet stretch out our arms towards our lost Desire, and pour our + heart’s blood upon the shrine of our discrowned God. + </p> + <p> + For Love is of the Spirit, and knows not Death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <p> + OF THE FAREWELL OF CHARMION; OF THE DEATH OF CHARMION; OF THE DEATH OF THE + OLD WIFE, ATOUA; OF THE COMING OF HARMACHIS TO ABOUTHIS; OF HIS CONFESSION + IN THE HALL OF SIX-AND-THIRTY PILLARS; AND OF THE DECLARING OF THE DOOM OF + HARMACHIS + </p> + <p> + Charmion unclasped my arm, to which she had clung in terror. + </p> + <p> + “Thy vengeance, thou dark Harmachis,” she said, in a hoarse voice, “is a + thing hideous to behold! O lost Egypt, with all thy sins thou wast indeed + a Queen! + </p> + <p> + “Come, aid me, Prince; let us stretch this poor clay upon the bed and deck + it royally, so that it may give its dumb audience to the messengers of + Cæsar as becomes the last of Egypt’s Queens.” + </p> + <p> + I spoke no word in answer, for my heart was very heavy, and now that all + was done I was weary. Together, then, we lifted up the body and laid it on + the golden bed. Charmion placed the uræus crown upon the ivory brow, and + combed the night-dark hair that showed never a thread of silver, and, for + the last time, shut those eyes wherein had shone all the changing glories + of the sea. She folded the chill hands upon the breast whence Passion’s + breath had fled, and straightened the bent knees beneath the broidered + robe, and by the head set flowers. And there at length Cleopatra lay, more + splendid now in her cold majesty of death than in her richest hour of + breathing beauty! + </p> + <p> + We drew back and looked on her, and on dead Iras at her feet. + </p> + <p> + “It is done!” quoth Charmion; “we are avenged, and now, Harmachis, dost + follow by this same road?” And she nodded towards the phial on the board. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Charmion. I fly—I fly to a heavier death! Not thus easily may + I end my space of earthly penance.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it, Harmachis! And I, Harmachis—I fly also, but with swifter + wings. My game is played. I, too, have made atonement. Oh! what a bitter + fate is mine, to have brought misery on all I love, and, in the end, to + die unloved! To thee I have atoned; to my angered Gods I have atoned; and + now I go to find a way whereby I may atone to Cleopatra in that Hell where + she is, and which I must share! For she loved me well, Harmachis; and, now + that she is dead, methinks that, after thee, I loved her best of all. So + of her cup and the cup of Iras I will surely drink!” And she took the + phial, and with a steady hand poured what was left of the poison into the + goblet. + </p> + <p> + “Bethink thee, Charmion,” I said; “yet mayst thou live for many years, + hiding these sorrows beneath the withered days.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I may, but I will not! To live the prey of so many memories, the + fount of an undying shame that night by night, as I lie sleepless, shall + well afresh from my sorrow-stricken heart!—to live torn by a love I + cannot lose!—to stand alone like some storm-twisted tree, and, + sighing day by day to the winds of heaven, gaze upon the desert of my + life, while I wait the lingering lightning’s stroke—nay, that will + not I, Harmachis! I had died long since, but I lived on to serve thee; now + no more thou needest me, and I go. Oh, fare thee well!—for ever fare + thee well! For not again shall I look upon thy face, and where I go + thou goest not! For thou dost not love me who still dost love that queenly + woman thou hast hounded to the death! Her thou shalt never win, and I thee + shall never win, and this is the bitter end of Fate! See, Harmachis: I ask + one boon before I go and for all time become naught to thee but a memory + of shame. Tell me that thou dost forgive me so far as thine is to forgive, + and in token thereof kiss me—with no lover’s kiss, but kiss me on + the brow, and bid me pass in peace.” + </p> + <p> + And she drew near to me with arms outstretched and pitiful trembling lips + and gazed upon my face. + </p> + <p> + “Charmion,” I answered, “we are free to act for good or evil, and yet + methinks there is a Fate above our fate, that, blowing from some strange + shore, compels our little sails of purpose, set them as we will, and + drives us to destruction. I forgive thee, Charmion, as I trust in turn to + be forgiven, and by this kiss, the first and the last, I seal our peace.” + And with my lips I touched her brow. + </p> + <p> + She spoke no more; only for a little while she stood gazing on me with sad + eyes. Then she lifted the goblet, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Royal Harmachis, in this deadly cup I pledge thee! Would that I had drunk + of it ere ever I looked upon thy face! Pharaoh, who, thy sins outworn, yet + shalt rule in perfect peace o’er worlds I may not tread, who yet shalt + sway a kinglier sceptre than that I robbed thee of, for ever, fare thee + well!” + </p> + <p> + She drank, cast down the cup, and for a moment stood with the wide eyes of + one who looks for Death. Then He came, and Charmion the Egyptian fell + prone upon the floor, dead. And for a moment more I stood alone with the + dead. + </p> + <p> + I crept to the side of Cleopatra, and, now that none were left to see, I + sat down on the bed and laid her head upon my knee, as once before it had + been laid in that night of sacrilege beneath the shadow of the everlasting + pyramid. Then I kissed her chill brow and went from the House of Death—avenged, + but sorely smitten with despair! + </p> + <p> + “Physician,” said the officer of the Guard as I went through the gates, + “what passes yonder in the Monument? Methought I heard the sounds of + death.” + </p> + <p> + “Naught passes—all hath passed,” I made reply, and went. + </p> + <p> + And as I went in the darkness I heard the sound of voices and the running + of the feet of Cæsar’s messengers. + </p> + <p> + Flying swiftly to my house I found Atoua waiting at the gates. She drew me + into a quiet chamber and closed the doors. + </p> + <p> + “Is it done?” she asked, and turned her wrinkled face to mine, while the + lamplight streamed white upon her snowy hair. “Nay, why ask I—I know + that it is done!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, it is done, and well done, old wife! All are dead! Cleopatra, Iras, + Charmion—all save myself!” + </p> + <p> + The aged woman drew up her bent form and cried: “Now let me go in peace, + for I have seen my desire upon thy foes and the foes of Khem. <i>La! la!</i>—not + in vain have I lived on beyond the years of man! I have seen my desire + upon thy enemies—-I have gathered the dews of Death, and thy foe + hath drunk thereof! Fallen is the brow of Pride! the Shame of Khem is + level with the dust! Ah, would that I might have seen that wanton die!” + </p> + <p> + “Cease, woman! cease! The Dead are gathered to the Dead! Osiris holds them + fast, and everlasting silence seals their lips! Pursue not the fallen + great with insults! Up!—let us fly to Abouthis, that all may be + accomplished!” + </p> + <p> + “Fly thou, Harmachis!—Harmachis, fly—but I fly not! To this + end only I have lingered on the earth. Now I untie the knot of life and + let my spirit free! Fare thee well, Prince, the pilgrimage is done! + Harmachis, from a babe have I loved thee, and love thee yet!—but no + more in this world may I share thy griefs—I am spent. Osiris, take + thou my Spirit!” and her trembling knees gave way and she sank to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + I ran to her side and looked upon her. She was already dead, and I was + alone upon the earth without a friend to comfort me! + </p> + <p> + Then I turned and went, no man hindering me, for all was confusion in the + city, and departed from Alexandria in a vessel I had made ready. On the + eighth day, I landed, and, in the carrying out of my purpose, travelled on + foot across the fields to the Holy Shrine of Abouthis. And here, as I + knew, the worship of the Gods had been lately set up again in the Temple + of the Divine Sethi: for Charmion had caused Cleopatra to repent of her + decree of vengeance and to restore the lands that she had seized, though + the treasure she restored not. And the temple having been purified, now, + at the season of the Feast of Isis, all the High Priests of the ancient + Temples of Egypt were gathered together to celebrate the coming home of + the Gods into their holy place. + </p> + <p> + I gained the city. It was on the seventh day of the Feast of Isis. Even as + I came the long array wended through the well-remembered streets. I joined + in the multitude that followed, and with my voice swelled the chorus of + the solemn chant as we passed through the pylons into the imperishable + halls. How well known were the holy words: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Softly we tread, our measured footsteps falling + Within the Sanctuary Sevenfold; + Soft on the Dead that liveth are we calling: + ‘Return, Osiris, from thy Kingdom cold! + Return to them that worship thee of old!’” + </pre> + <p> + And then, when the sacred music ceased, as aforetime on the setting of the + majesty of Ra, the High Priest raised the statue of the living God and + held it on high before the multitude. + </p> + <p> + With a joyful shout of + </p> + <p> + “Osiris! our hope, Osiris! Osiris!” + </p> + <p> + the people tore the black wrappings from their dress, showing the white + robes beneath, and, as one man, bowed before the God. + </p> + <p> + Then they went to feast each at his home; but I stayed in the court of the + temple. + </p> + <p> + Presently a priest of the temple drew near, and asked me of my business. + And I answered him that I came from Alexandria, and would be led before + the council of the High Priests, for I knew that the Holy Priests were + gathered together debating the tidings from Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + Thereon the man left, and the High Priests, hearing that I was from + Alexandria, ordered that I should be led into their presence in the Hall + of Columns—and so I was led in. It was already dark, and between the + great pillars lights were set, as on that night when I was crowned Pharaoh + of the Upper and the Lower Land. There, too, was the long line of + Dignitaries seated in their carven chairs, and taking counsel together. + All was the same; the same cold images of Kings and Gods gazed with the + same empty eyes from the everlasting walls. Ay, more; among those gathered + there were five of the very men who, as leaders of the great plot, had sat + here to see me crowned, being the only conspirators who had escaped the + vengeance of Cleopatra and the clutching hand of Time. + </p> + <p> + I took my stand on the spot where once I had been crowned and made me + ready for the last act of shame with such bitterness of heart as cannot be + written. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is the physician Olympus,” said one. “He who lived a hermit in + the Tombs of Tápé, and who but lately was of the household of Cleopatra. + Is it, then, true that the Queen is dead by her own hand, Physician?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, holy Sirs, I am that physician; also Cleopatra is dead by <i>my</i> + hand.” + </p> + <p> + “By thy hand? Why, how comes this?—though well is she dead, + forsooth, the wicked wanton!” + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon, Sirs, and I will tell you all, for I am come hither to that + end. Perchance among you there may be some—methinks I see some—who, + nigh eleven years ago, were gathered in this hall to secretly crown one + Harmachis, Pharaoh of Khem?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true!” they said; “but how knowest thou these things, thou + Olympus?” + </p> + <p> + “Of the rest of those seven-and-thirty nobles,” I went on, making no + answer, “are two-and-thirty missing. Some are dead, as Amenemhat is dead; + some are slain, as Sepa is slain; and some, perchance, yet labour as + slaves within the mines, or live afar, fearing vengeance.” + </p> + <p> + “It is so,” they said: “alas! it is so. Harmachis the accursed betrayed + the plot, and sold himself to the wanton Cleopatra!” + </p> + <p> + “It is so,” I went on, lifting up my head. “Harmachis betrayed the plot + and sold himself to Cleopatra; and, holy Sirs—<i>I am that + Harmachis!</i>” + </p> + <p> + The Priests and Dignitaries gazed astonished. Some rose and spoke; some + said naught. + </p> + <p> + “I am that Harmachis! I am that traitor, trebly steeped in crime!—a + traitor to my Gods, a traitor to my Country, a traitor to my Oath! I come + hither to say that I have done this. I have executed the Divine vengeance + on her who ruined me and gave Egypt to the Roman. And now that, after + years of toil and patient waiting, this is accomplished by my wisdom and + the help of the angry Gods, behold I come with all my shame upon my head + to declare the thing I am, and take the traitor’s guerdon!” + </p> + <p> + “Mindest thou of the doom of him who hath broke the oath that may not be + broke?” asked he who first had spoken, in heavy tones. + </p> + <p> + “I know it well,” I answered; “I court that awful doom.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell us more of this matter, thou who wast Harmachis.” + </p> + <p> + So, in cold clear words, I laid bare all my shame, keeping back nothing. + And ever as I spoke I saw their faces grow more hard, and knew that for me + there was no mercy; nor did I ask it, nor, had I asked, could it have been + granted. + </p> + <p> + When, at last, I had done, they put me aside while they took counsel. Then + they drew me forth again, and the eldest among them, a man very old and + venerable, the Priest of the Temple of the Divine Hatshepu at Tápé, spoke, + in icy accents: + </p> + <p> + “Thou Harmachis, we have considered this matter. Thou hast sinned the + threefold deadly sin. On thy head lies the burden of the woe of Khem, this + day enthralled of Rome. To Isis, the Mother Mystery, thou hast offered the + deadly insult, and thou hast broken thy holy oath. For all of these sins + there is, as well thou knowest, but one reward, and that reward is thine. + Naught can it weigh in the balance of our justice that thou hast slain her + who was thy cause of stumbling; naught that thou comest to name thyself + the vilest thing who ever stood within these walls. On thee also must fall + the curse of Menkau-ra, thou false priest! thou forsworn patriot! thou + Pharaoh shameful and discrowned! Here, where we set the Double Crown upon + thy head, we doom thee to the doom! Go to thy dungeon and await the + falling of its stroke! Go, remembering what thou mightest have been and + what thou art, and may those Gods who through thy evil doing shall + perchance ere long cease to be worshipped within these holy temples, give + to thee that mercy which we deny! Lead him forth!” + </p> + <p> + So they took me and led me forth. With bowed head I went, looking not up, + and yet I felt their eyes burn upon my face. + </p> + <p> + Oh! surely of all my shames this is the heaviest! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <h3> + OF THE LAST WRITING OF HARMACHIS, THE ROYAL EGYPTIAN + </h3> + <p> + They led me to the prison chamber that is high in the pylon tower and here + I wait my doom. I know not when the sword of Fate shall fall. Week grows + to week, and month to month, and still it is delayed. Still it quivers + unseen above my head. I know that it will fall, but when I know not. + Perchance, I shall wake in some dead hour of midnight to hear the stealthy + steps of the slayers and be hurried forth. Perchance, they are now at + hand. Then will come the secret cell! the horror! the nameless coffin! and + at last it will be done! Oh, let it come! let it come swiftly! + </p> + <p> + All is written; I have held back nothing—my sin is sinned—my + vengeance is finished. Now all things end in darkness and in ashes, and I + prepare to face the terrors that are to come in other worlds than this. I + go, but not without hope I go: for, though I see Her not, though no more + She answers to my prayers, still I am aware of the Holy Isis, who is with + me for evermore, and whom I shall yet again behold face to face. And then + at last in that far day I shall find forgiveness; then the burden of my + guilt will roll from me and innocency come back and wrap me round, + bringing me holy Peace. + </p> + <p> + Oh! dear land of Khem, as in a dream I see thee! I see Nation after Nation + set its standard on thy shores, and its yoke upon thy neck! I see new + Religions without end calling out their truths upon the banks of Sihor, + and summoning thy people to their worship! I see thy temples—thy + holy temples—crumbling in the dust: a wonder to the sight of men + unborn, who shall peer into thy tombs and desecrate the great ones of thy + glory! I see thy mysteries a mockery to the unlearned, and thy wisdom + wasted like waters on the desert sands! I see the Roman Eagles stoop and + perish, their beaks yet red with the blood of men, and the long lights + dancing down the barbarian spears that follow in their wake! And then, at + last, I see Thee once more great, once more free, and having once more a + knowledge of thy Gods—ay, thy Gods with a changed countenance, and + called by other names, but still thy Gods! + </p> + <p> + The sun sinks over Abouthis. The red rays of Ra flame on temple roofs, + upon green fields, and the wide waters of father Sihor. So as a child I + watched him sink; just so his last kiss touched the further pylon’s + frowning brow; just that same shadow lay upon the tombs. All is unchanged! + I—I only am changed—so changed, and yet the same! + </p> + <p> + Oh, Cleopatra! Cleopatra! thou Destroyer! if I might but tear thy vision + from my heart! Of all my griefs, this is the heaviest grief—still + must I love thee! Still must I hug this serpent to my heart! Still in my + ears must ring that low laugh of triumph—the murmur of the falling + fountain—the song of the nightinga—— + </p> + <p> + [Here the writing on the third roll of papyrus abruptly ends. It would + almost seem that the writer was at this moment broken in upon by those who + came to lead him to his doom.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Cleopatra, by H. Rider Haggard + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CLEOPATRA *** + +***** This file should be named 2769-h.htm or 2769-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/6/2769/ + +Produced by John Bickers; Dagny; Emma Dudding; David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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