Imounteduponthethrone，ofwhichthefootstoolisaSphinx，andthecanopytheovershadowingwingsofMa。ThenAmenemhatdrewnighonceagainandplacedthePshentuponmybrow，andonmyheadtheDoubleCrown，andtheRoyalRobeaboutmyshoulders，andinmyhandstheSceptreandtheScourge。”RoyalHarmachis，”hecried，”bytheseoutwardsignsandtokens，I，theHighPriestoftheTempleofRa-Men-MaatAbouthis，crowntheePharaohoftheUpperandLowerLand。Reignandprosper，OHopeofKhemi！””Reignandprosper，Pharaoh！”echoedtheDignitaries，bowingdownbeforeme。
Then，onebyone，theysworeallegiance，tillallhadsworn。And，havingsworn，myfathertookmebythehand；heledmeinsolemnprocessionintoeachofthesevenSanctuariesthatareinthisTempleofRa-Men-Ma，andineachImadeofferings，swungincense，andofficiatedaspriest。CladintheRoyalrobesImadeofferingsintheShrineofHorus，intheShrineofIsis，intheShrineofOsiris，intheShrineofAmen-Ra，intheShrineofHoremku，intheShrineofPtah，tillatlengthIreachedtheShrineoftheKing’sChamber。
Heretheymadetheirofferingtome，astheDivinePharaoh，andleftmeveryweary——butaKing。
[Herethefirstandsmallestofthepapyrusrollscomestoanend。]
BOOKII
THEFALLOFHARMACHIS
CHAPTERI
OFTHEFAREWELLOFAMENEMHATTOHARMACHIS；OFTHECOMING
OFHARMACHISTOALEXANDRIA；OFTHEEXHORTATIONOFSEPA；OF
THEPASSINGOFCLEOPATRAROBEDASISIS；ANDOFTHEOVERTHROW
OFTHEGLADIATORBYHARMACHIS
Nowthelongdaysofpreparationhadpassed，andthetimewasathand。
Iwasinitiated，andIwascrowned；sothatalthoughthecommonfolkknewmenot，orknewmeonlyasPriestofIsis，therewereinEgyptthousandswhoatheartboweddowntomeasPharaoh。Thehourwasathand，andmysoulwentforthtomeetit。ForIlongedtooverthrowtheforeigner，tosetEgyptfree，tomountthethronethatwasmyheritage，andcleansethetemplesofmyGods。Iwasfainforthestruggle，andIneverdoubtedofitsend。Ilookedintothemirror，andsawtriumphwrittenonmybrows。Thefuturestretchedapathofgloryfrommyfeet——ay，glitteringwithglorylikeSihorinthesun。I
communedwithmyMotherIsis；Isatwithinmychamberandtookcounselwithmyheart；Iplannednewtemples；IrevolvedgreatlawsthatI
wouldputforthformypeople’sweal；andinmyearsrangtheshoutsofexultationwhichshouldgreetvictoriousPharaohonhisthrone。
ButstillItarriedalittlewhileatAbouthis，and，havingbeencommandedtodoso，letmyhair，thathadbeenshorn，growagainlongandblackastheraven’swing，instructingmyselfmeanwhileinallmanlyexercisesandfeatsofarms。Also，forapurposewhichshallbeseen，IperfectedmyselfinthemagicartoftheEgyptians，andinthereadingofthestars，inwhichthings，indeed，Ialreadyhavegreatskill。
Now，thiswastheplanthathadbeenbuiltup。MyuncleSepahad，forawhile，lefttheTempleofAnnu，givingoutthathishealthhadfailedhim。ThencehehadmoveddowntoahouseinAlexandria，togatherstrength，ashesaid，fromthebreathofthesea，andalsotolearnforhimselfthewondersofthegreatMuseumandthegloryofCleopatra’sCourt。ThereitwasplannedthatIshouldjoinhim，forthere，atAlexandria，theeggoftheplotwashatching。Accordingly，whenatlastthesummonscame，allthingsbeingprepared，Imadereadyforthejourney，andpassedintomyfather’schambertoreceivehisblessingbeforeIwent。Theresattheoldman，asoncebeforehesatwhenhehadrebukedmebecauseIwentouttoslaythelion，hislongwhitebeardrestingonthetableofstoneandsacredwritingsinhishand。WhenIcameinherosefromhisseatandwouldhavekneltbeforeme，crying”Hail，Pharaoh！”butIcaughthimbythehand。”Itisnotmeet，myfather，”Isaid。”Itismeet，”heanswered，”itismeetthatIshouldbowbeforemyKing；butbeitasthouwilt。Andsothougoest，Harmachis；myblessingsgowiththee，Omyson！AndmayThosewhomIservegranttomethatmyoldeyesmay，indeed，beholdtheeonthethrone！Ihavesearchedlong，striving，Harmachis，toreadthefuturethatshallbe；
butIcanlearnnaughtbyallmywisdom。Itishidfromme，andattimesmyheartfails。Buthearthis，thereisdangerinthypath，anditcomesintheformofWoman。Ihaveknownitlong，andthereforethouhastbeencalledtotheworshipoftheheavenlyIsis，whobidshervotariesputawaythethoughtofwomantillsuchtimeassheshallthinkwelltoslackentherule。Oh，myson，Iwouldthatthouwertnotsostrongandfair——strongerandfairer，indeed，thananymaninEgypt，asaKingshouldbe——forinthatstrengthandbeautymaylieacauseofstumbling。Beware，then，ofthosewitchesofAlexandria，lest，likeaworm，someoneofthemcreepintomyheartandeatitssecretout。””Havenofear，myfather，”Ianswered，frowning，”mythoughtissetonotherthingsthanredlipsandsmilingeyes。””Itisgood，”heanswered；”somayitbefall。Andnowfarewell。Whennextwemeet，mayitbeinthathappyhourwhen，withallthepriestsoftheUpperLand，ImovedownfromAbouthistodomyhomagetoPharaohonhisthrone。”
SoIembracedhim，andwent。Alas！Ilittlethoughthowweshouldmeetagain。
ThusitcameaboutthatoncemoreIpasseddowntheNiletravellingasamanofnoestate。AndtosuchaswerecuriousaboutmeitwasgivenoutthatIwastheadoptedsonoftheHighPriestofAbouthis，havingbeenbroughtuptothepriesthood，andthatIhadatthelastrefusedtheserviceoftheGods，andchosentogotoAlexandria，toseekmyfortune。For，beitremembered，Iwasstillheldtobethegrandsonoftheoldwife，Atoua，byallthosewhodidnotknowthetruth。
Onthetenthnight，sailingwiththewind，wereachedthemightycityofAlexandria，thecityofathousandlights。AbovethemalltoweredthewhitePharos，thatwonderoftheworld，fromthecrownofwhichalightlikethelightofthesunblazedoutacrossthewatersoftheharbourtoguidemarinersontheirwayacrossthesea。Thevesselhavingbeencautiouslymadefasttothequay，foritwasnight，I
disembarkedandstoodwonderingatthevastmassofhouses，andconfusedbytheclamourofmanytongues。Forhereallpeoplesseemedtobegatheredtogether，eachspeakingafterthefashionofhisownland。AndasIstoodayoungmancameandtouchedmeontheshoulder，askingmeifIwasfromAbouthisandnamedHarmachis。Isaid”Yea。”
Then，bendingoverme，hewhisperedthesecretpass-wordintomyear，and，beckoningtotwoslaves，badethembringmybaggagefromtheship。Thistheydid，fightingtheirwaythroughthecrowdofporterswhowereclamouringforhire。ThenIfollowedhimdownthequay，whichwasborderedwithdrinking-places，whereallsortsofmenweregathered，tipplingwineandwatchingthedancingofwomen，someofwhomwerebutscantilyarrayed，andsomenotarrayedatall。
Andsowewentthroughthelamp-lithousestillatlastwereachedtheshoreofthegreatharbour，andturnedtotherightalongawidewaypavedwithgraniteandborderedbystronghouses，havingcloistersinfrontofthem，thelikeofwhichIhadneverseen。Turningoncemoretotherightwecametoaquieterportionofthecity，where，exceptforpartiesofstrollingrevellers，thestreetswerestill。Presentlymyguidehaltedatahousebuiltofwhitestone。Wepassedin，and，crossingasmallcourtyard，enteredachamberwheretherewasalight。
Andhere，atlast，IfoundmyuncleSepa，mostgladtoseemesafe。
WhenIhadwashedandeaten，hetoldmethatallthingswentwell，andthatasyettherewasnothoughtofevilattheCourt。Further，hesaid，ithavingcometotheearsoftheQueenthatthePriestofAnnuwassojourningatAlexandria，shesentforhimandcloselyquestionedhim——notastoanyplot，forofthatsheneverthought，butastotherumourwhichhadreachedher，thattherewastreasurehidintheGreatPyramidwhichisbyAnnu。For，beingeverwasteful，shewaseverinwantofmoney，andhadbethoughtherofopeningthePyramid。Buthelaughedather，tellingherthePyramidwastheburying-placeofthedivineKhufu，andthatheknewnothingofitssecrets。Thenshewasangered，andsworethatsosurelyassheruledinEgyptshewouldtearitdown，stonebystone，anddiscoverthesecretatitsheart。Againhelaughed，and，inthewordsoftheproverbwhichtheyhaveatAlexandria，toldherthat”MountainslivelongerthanKings。”Thereonshesmiledathisreadyanswer，andlethimgo。AlsomyuncleSepatoldmethatonthemorrowIshouldseethisCleopatra。Foritwasherbirthday(as，indeed，itwasalsomine)，and，dressedintherobesoftheHolyIsis，shewouldpassinstatefromherpalaceontheLochiastotheSerapeumtoofferasacrificeattheShrineofthefalseGodwhositsintheTemple。AndhesaidthatthereafterthefashionbywhichIshouldgainentrancetothehouseholdoftheQueenshouldbecontrived。
Then，beingveryweary，Iwenttorest，butcouldsleeplittleforthestrangenessoftheplace，thenoisesinthestreets，andthethoughtofthemorrow。Whileitwasyetdark，Irose，climbedthestairtotheroofofthehouse，andwaited。Presently，thesun’sraysshotoutlikearrows，andlituponthewhitewonderofthemarblePharos，whoselightinstantlysankanddied，asthough，indeed，thesunhadkilledit。NowtheraysfelluponthepalacesoftheLochiaswhereCleopatralay，andlitthemuptilltheyflamedlikeajewelsetonthedark，coolbosomofthesea。Awaythelightflew，kissingtheSoma’ssacreddome，beneathwhichAlexandersleeps，touchingthehightopsofathousandpalacesandtemples；pasttheporticoesofthegreatmuseumthatloomednearathand，strikingtheloftyShrine，where，carvedofivory，istheimageofthefalseGodSerapis，andatlastseemingtoloseitselfinthevastandgloomyNecropolis。Then，asthedawngatheredintoday，thefloodofbrightness，overbrimmingthebowlofnight，flowedintothelowerlandsandstreets，andshowedAlexandriaredinthesunriseasthemantleofaking，andshapedasamantle。
TheEtesianwindcameupfromthenorth，andsweptawaythevapourfromtheharbours，sothatIsawtheirbluewatersrockingathousandships。Isaw，too，thatmightymoletheHeptastadium；Isawthehundredsofstreets，thecountlesshouses，theinnumerablewealthandsplendourofAlexandriasetlikeaqueenbetweenlakeMareotisandtheocean，anddominatingboth，andIwasfilledwithwonder。This，then，wasonecityinmyheritageoflandsandcities！Well，itwasworththegrasping。Andhavinglookedmyfullandfedmyheart，asitwere，withthesightofsplendour，IcommunedwiththeHolyIsisandcamedownfromtheroof。
InthechamberbeneathwasmyuncleSepa。ItoldhimthatIhadbeenwatchingthesunriseoverthecityofAlexandria。”So！”hesaid，lookingatmefrombeneathhisshaggyeyebrows；”andwhatthinkestthouofAlexandria？””IthinkitislikesomecityoftheGods，”Ianswered。”Ay！”herepliedfiercely，”acityoftheinfernalGods——asinkofcorruption，abubblingwellofiniquity，ahomeoffalsefaithspringingfromfalsehearts。Iwouldthatnotonestoneofitwasleftuponanotherstone，andthatitswealthlaydeepbeneathyonderwaters！Iwouldthatthegullswerescreamingacrossitssite，andthatthewind，untaintedbyaGrecianbreath，sweptthroughitsruinsfromtheoceantoMareotis！OroyalHarmachis，letnottheluxuryandbeautyofAlexandriapoisonthysense；forintheirdeadlyair，Faithperishes，andReligioncannotspreadherheavenlywings。Whenthehourcomesfortheetorule，Harmachis，castdownthisaccursedcityand，asthyfathersdid，setupthythroneinthewhitewallsofMemphis。
ForItelltheethat，forEgypt，Alexandriaisbutasplendidgateofruin，and，whileitendures，allnationsoftheearthshallmarchthroughit，totheplunderoftheland，andallfalseFaithsshallnestleinitandbreedtheoverthrowofEgypt’sGods。”
Imadenoanswer，fortherewastruthinhiswords。Andyettomethecityseemedveryfairtolookon。Afterwehadeaten，myuncletoldmeitwasnowtimetosetouttoviewthemarchofCleopatra，asshewentintriumphtotheShrineofSerapis。Foralthoughshewouldnotpasstillwithintwohoursofthemidday，yetthesepeopleofAlexandriahavesogreataloveofshowsandidlingthathadwenotpresentlysetforth，bynomeanscouldwehavecomethroughthepressofthemultitudeswhowerealreadygatheringalongthehighwayswheretheQueenmustride。Sowewentouttotakeourplacesuponastand，builtoftimber，thathadbeensetupatthesideofthegreatroadwhichpiercesthroughthecity，totheCanopicGate。Formyunclehadalreadypurchasedarighttoenterthere，andthatdearly。
Wewonourwaywithmuchstrugglethroughthegreatcrowdsthatwerealreadygatheredinthestreetstillwereachedthescaffoldingoftimber，whichwasroofedinwithanawningandgailyhungwithscarletcloths。Hereweseatedourselvesuponabenchandwaitedforsomehours，watchingthemultitudepresspastshouting，singing，andtalkingloudlyinmanytongues。Atlengthsoldierscametocleartheroad，clad，aftertheRomanfashion，inbreast-platesofchain-armour。
Afterthemmarchedheraldsenjoiningsilence(atwhichthepopulationsungandshoutedallthemoreloudly)，andcryingthatCleopatra，theQueen，wascoming。ThenfollowedathousandCilicianskirmishers，athousandThracians，athousandMacedonians，andathousandGauls，eacharmedafterthefashionoftheircountry。ThenpassedfivehundredmenofthosewhoarecalledtheFencedHorsemen，forbothmenandhorseswerealtogethercoveredwithmail。Nextcameyouthsandmaidenssumptuouslydrapedandwearinggoldencrowns，andwiththemimagessymbolisingDayandNight，MorningandNoon，theHeavensandtheEarth。Afterthesewalkedmanyfairwomen，pouringperfumesontheroad，andothersscatteringbloomingflowers。Nowthereroseagreatshoutof”Cleopatra！Cleopatra！”andIheldmybreathandbentforwardtoseeherwhodaredtoputontherobesofIsis。
ButatthatmomentthemultitudesogatheredandthickenedinfrontofwhereIwasthatIcouldnolongerclearlysee。SoinmyeagernessI
leaptoverthebarrierofthescaffolding，and，beingverystrong，pushedmywaythroughthecrowdtillIreachedtheforemostrank。AndasIdidso，Nubianslavesarmedwiththickstavesandcrownedwithivy-leavesranup，strikingthepeople。OnemanInotedmoreespecially，forhewasagiant，and，beingstrong，wasinsolentbeyondmeasure，smitingthepeoplewithoutcause，as，indeed，isthewontoflowpersonssetinauthority。Forawomanstoodneartome，anEgyptianbyherface，bearingachildinherarms，whomtheman，seeingthatshewasweak，struckontheheadwithhisrodsothatshefellprone，andthepeoplemurmured。Butatthesightmybloodrushedofasuddenthroughmyveinsanddrownedmyreason。Iheldinmyhandastaffofolive-woodfromCyprus，andastheblackbrutelaughedatthesightofthestrickenwomanandherbaberollingontheground，I
swungthestaffaloftandsmote。SoshrewdlydidIstrike，thatthetoughrodsplituponthegiant’sshouldersandthebloodspurtedforth，staininghistrailingleavesofivy。
Then，withashriekofpainandfury——forthosewhosmitelovenotthattheybesmitten——heturnedandsprangatme！Andallthepeopleroundgaveback，saveonlythewomanwhocouldnotrise，leavingustwoinaringasitwere。Onhecamewitharush，and，ashecame，beingnowmad，Ismotehimwithmyclenchedfistbetweentheeyes，havingnothingelsewithwhichtosmite，andhestaggeredlikeanoxbeneaththefirstblowofthepriest’saxe。Thenthepeopleshouted，fortheylovetoseeafight，andthemanwasknowntothemasagladiatorvictoriousinthegames。Gatheringuphisstrength，theknavecameonwithanoath，and，whirlinghisheavystaffonhigh，struckmeinsuchafashionthat，hadInotavoidedtheblowbynimbleness，Ihadsurelybeenslain。But，asitchanced，thestaffhitupontheground，andsoheavilythatitflewinfragments。Thereonthemultitudeshoutedagain，andthegreatman，blindwithfury，rushedatmetosmitemedown。ButwithacryIsprangstraightathisthroat——
forhewassoheavyamanthatIknewIcouldnothopetothrowhimbystrength——ay，andgrippedit。ThereIclung，thoughhisfistsbatteredmelikebludgeons，drivingmythumbsintohisthroat。Roundandroundweturned，tillatlengthheflunghimselftotheearth，trustingthustoshakemeoff。ButIheldonfastaswerolledoverandoverontheground，tillatlasthegrewfaintforwantofbreath。ThenI，beinguppermost，drovemykneedownuponhischest，and，asIbelieve，shouldthushaveslainhiminmyragehadnotmyuncle，andotherstheregathered，fallenuponmeanddraggedmefromhim。
Andmeanwhile，thoughIknowitnot，thechariotinwhichtheQueensat，withelephantsgoingbeforeandlionsledafterit，hadreachedthespot，andhadbeenhaltedbecauseofthetumult。Ilookedup，andthustorn，panting，mywhitegarmentsstainedwiththebloodthathadrushedfromthemouthandnostrilsofthemightyNubian，IforthefirsttimesawCleopatrafacetoface。Herchariotwasallofgold，anddrawnbymilk-whitesteeds。Shesatinitwithtwofairgirls，cladinGreekattire，standingoneoneitherside，fanningherwithglitteringfans。OnherheadwasthecoveringofIsis，thegoldenhornsbetweenwhichrestedthemoon’srounddiskandtheemblemofOsiris’throne，withtheur？ustwinedaround。Beneaththiscoveringwasthevulturecapofgold，theblueenamelledwingsandthevultureheadwithgemmyeyes，underwhichherlongdarktressesflowedtowardsherfeet。Aboutherroundedneckwasabroadcollarofgoldstuddedwithemeraldsandcoral。Roundherarmsandwristswerebraceletsofgoldstuddedwithemeraldsandcoral，andinonehandsheheldtheholycrossofLifefashionedofcrystal，andintheotherthegoldenrodofroyalty。Herbreastwasbare，butunderitwasagarmentthatglistenedlikethescalycoveringofasnake，everywheresewnwithgems。Beneaththisrobewasaskirtofgoldencloth，halfhiddenbyascarfofthebroideredsilkofCos，fallinginfoldstothesandalsthat，fastenedwithgreatpearls，adornedherwhiteandtinyfeet。
AllthisIdiscernedataglance，asitwere。ThenIlookedupontheface——thatfacewhichseducedC？sar，ruinedEgypt，andwasdoomedtogiveOctavianthesceptreoftheworld。IlookedupontheflawlessGrecianfeatures，theroundedchin，thefull，richlips，thechisellednostrils，andtheearsfashionedlikedelicateshells。Isawtheforehead，low，broad，andlovely，thecrisped，darkhairfallinginheavywavesthatsparkledinthesun，thearchedeyebrows，andthelong，bentlashes。TherebeforemewasthegrandeurofherImperialshape。Thereburntthewonderfuleyes，huedliketheCyprianviolet——
eyesthatseemedtosleepandbroodonsecretthingsasnightbroodsuponthedesert，andyetasthenighttoshift，change，andbeilluminedbygleamsofsuddensplendourbornwithintheirstarrydepths。AllthosewondersIsaw，thoughIhavesmallskillintellingthem。ButeventhenIknewthatitwasnotinthesecharmsalonethatthemightofCleopatra’sbeautylay。Itwasratherinagloryandaradiancecastthroughthefleshlycoveringfromthefiercesoulwithin。ForshewasaThingofFlamelikeuntowhichnowomanhaseverbeenoreverwillbe。Evenwhenshebrooded，thefireofherquickheartshonethroughher。Butwhenshewoke，andthelightningleaptsuddenlyfromhereyes，andthepassion-ladenmusicofherspeechchimeduponherlips，ah！then，whocantellhowCleopatraseemed？Forinhermetallthesplendoursthathavebeengiventowomanforherglory，andallthegeniuswhichmanhaswonfromheaven。Andwiththemdwelteveryevilofthatgreatersort，whichfearingnothing，andmakingamockoflaws，hastakenempiresforitsplaceofplay，and，smiling，wateredthegrowthofitsdesireswiththerichbloodofmen。
Inherbreasttheygathered，togetherfashioningthatCleopatrawhomnomanmaydraw，andyetwhomnoman，havingseen，evercanforget。
TheyfashionedhergrandastheSpiritofStorm，lovelyasLightning，cruelasPestilence，yetwithaheart；andwhatshedidisknown。Woetotheworldwhensuchanothercomestocurseit！
ForamomentImetCleopatra’seyesassheidlybentherselftofindthetumult’scause。Atfirsttheyweresombreanddark，asthoughtheysawindeed，butthebrainreadnothing。Thentheyawoke，andtheirverycolourseemedtochangeasthecolouroftheseachangeswhenthewaterisshaken。First，therewasangerwritteninthem；nextanidlenoting；then，whenshelookeduponthehugebulkofthemanwhomIhadovercome，andknewhimforthegladiator，something，perchance，thatwasnotfarfromwonder。Attheleasttheysoftened，though，indeed，herfacechangednowhit。ButhewhowouldreadCleopatra’smindhadneedtowatchhereyes，forhercountenancevariedbutalittle。
Turning，shesaidsomewordtoherguards。Theycameforwardandledmetoher，whileallthemultitudewaitedsilentlytoseemeslain。
Istoodbeforeher，myarmsfoldedonmybreast。OvercomethoughIwasbythewonderofherlovelinessIhatedherinmyheart，thiswomanwhodaredtoclotheherselfinthedressofIsis，thisusurperwhosatuponmythrone，thiswantonsquanderingthewealthofEgyptinchariotsandperfumes。Whenshehadlookedmeoverfromheadtothefeet，shespakeinalowfullvoiceandinthetongueofKhemiwhichshealonehadlearnedofalltheLagid？:”Andwhoandwhatartthou，Egyptian——forEgyptianIseethouart——whodaresttosmitemyslavewhenImakeprogressthroughmycity？””IamHarmachis，”Iansweredboldly。”Harmachis，theastrologer，adoptedsonoftheHighPriestandGovernorofAbouthis，whoamcomehithertoseekmyfortune。Ismotethyslave，OQueen，becausefornofaulthestruckdownthewomanyonder。Askofthosewhosaw，royalEgypt。””Harmachis，”shesaid，”thenamehasahighsound——andthouhastahighlook；”andthen，speakingtoasoldierwhohadseenall，shebadehimtellherwhathadcometopass。Thishedidtruthfully，beingfriendlydisposedtowardsmebecauseIhadovercometheNubian。
Thereonsheturnedandspoketothegirlbearingthefanwhostoodbesideher——awomanwithcurlinghairandshydarkeyes，verybeautifultosee。Thegirlansweredsomewhat。ThenCleopatrabadethembringtheslavetoher。Sotheyledforwardthegiant，whohadfoundhisbreathagain，andwithhimthewomanwhomhehadsmittendown。”Thoudog！”shesaid，inthesamelowvoice；”thoucoward！who，beingstrong，didstsmitedownthiswoman，and，beingacoward，wastoverthrownofthisyoungman。See，thou，Iwillteachtheemanners。
Henceforth，whenthousmitestwomenitshallbewiththyleftarm。Ho，guards，seizethisblackslaveandstrikeoffhisrighthand。”
Hercommandgiven，shesankbackinhergoldenchariot，andagainthecloudgatheredinhereyes。Buttheguardsseizedthegiant，and，notwithstandinghiscriesandprayersformercy，struckoffhishandwithasworduponthewoodofthescaffoldingandhewascarriedawaygroaning。Thentheprocessionmovedonagain。Asitwentthefairwomanwiththefanturnedherhead，caughtmyeye，andsmiledandnoddedasthoughsherejoiced，atwhichIwonderedsomewhat。
Thepeoplecheeredalsoandmadejests，sayingthatIshouldsoonpracticeastrologyinthepalace。But，assoonaswemight，Iandmyuncleescaped，andmadeourwaybacktothehouse。Allthewhileheratedmeformyrashness；butwhenwecametothechamberofthehouseheembracedmeandrejoicedgreatly，becauseIhadoverthrownthegiantwithsolittlehurttomyself。
CHAPTERII
OFTHECOMINGOFCHARMION；ANDOFTHEWRATHOFSEPA
Thatsamenight，whilewesatatsupperinthehouse，therecameaknockuponthedoor。Itwasopened，andawomanpassedinwrappedfromheadtofootinalargedarkpeplosorcloakinsuchfashionthatherfacecouldnotbeclearlyseen。
Myunclerose，andashedidsothewomanutteredthesecretword。”Iamcome，myfather，”shesaidinasweetclearvoice，”thoughofatruthitwasnoteasytoescapetherevelsatthepalaceyonder。ButI
toldtheQueenthatthesunandtheriotinthestreetshadmademesick，andsheletmego。””Itiswell，”heanswered。”Unveilthyself；herethouartsafe。”
Withalittlesighofwearinesssheunclaspedthepeplosandletitslipfromher，givingtomysightthefaceandformofthatbeauteousgirlwhohadstoodtofanCleopatrainthechariot。Forshewasveryfairandpleasanttolookupon，andherGrecianrobesclungsweetlyabouthersupplelimbsandbuddingform。Herwaywardhair，flowinginahundredlittlecurls，wasboundinwithagoldenfillet，andonherfeetweresandalsfastenedwithstudsofgold。Hercheeksblushedlikeaflower，andherdarksofteyesweredowncast，asthoughwithmodesty，butsmilesanddimplestrembledaboutherlips。
Myunclefrownedwhenhiseyesfelluponherdress。”Whycomestthouinthisgarb，Charmion？”heaskedsternly。”Isnotthedressofthymothersgoodenoughforthee？Thisisnotimeorplaceforwoman’svanities。Thouartnotheretoconquer，buttoobey。””Nay，benotwroth，myfather，”sheansweredsoftly；”perchancethouknowestnotthatshewhomIservewillhavenoneofourEgyptiandress；itisoutoffashion。Towearitwouldhavebeentocourtsuspicion——alsoIcameinhaste。”AndasshespokeIsawthatallthewhileshewatchedmecovertlythroughthelonglasheswhichfringedhermodesteyes。”Well，well，”hesaidsharply，fixinghiskeenglanceuponherface，”doubtlessthouspeakesttruth，Charmion。Beevermindfulofthyoath，girl，andofthecausetowhichthouartsworn。Benotlight-minded，andIchargetheeforgetthebeautywithwhichthouhastbeencursed。
Formarkthouthis，Charmion:failusbutonejot，andvengeanceshallfallonthee——thevengeanceofmanandthevengeanceoftheGods！Tothisservice，”hecontinued，lashinghimselftoangerashewentontillhisgreatvoiceranginthenarrowroom，”thouhastbeenbred；tothisendthouhastbeeninstructedandplacedwherethouarttogaintheearofthatwickedwantonwhomthouseemesttoserve。Seethouforgetitnot；seethattheluxuryofyonderCourtdoesnotcorruptthypurityanddivertthyaim，Charmion，”andhiseyesflashedandhissmallformseemedtogrowtillitattainedtodignity——nay，almosttograndeur。”Charmion，”hewenton，advancingtowardsherwithoutstretchedfinger，”IsaythatattimesIdonottrustthee。ButtwonightsgoneIdreamedIsawtheestandinginthedesert。Isawtheelaughandliftthyhandtoheaven，andfromitfellarainofblood；thentheskysankdownonthelandofKhemandcoveredit。Whencecamethedream，girl，andwhatisitsmeaning？Ihavenaughtagainsttheeasyet；buthearken！OnthemomentthatIhave，thoughthouartofmykin，andI
havelovedthee——onthatmoment，Isay，Iwilldoomthosedelicatelimbs，whichthoulovestsomuchtoshow，tothekiteandthejackal，andthesoulwithintheetoallthetorturesoftheGods！Unburiedshaltthoulie，andbodilessandaccursedshaltthouwanderinAmenti！——
ay，foreverandever！”
Hepaused，forhissuddenburstofpassionhadspentitself。Butbyit，moreclearlythanbefore，Isawhowdeepaheartthismanhadbeneaththecloakofhismerrinessandsimplicityofmien，andhowfiercelythemindwithinhimwassetuponhisaim。Asforthegirl，sheshrankfromhimterrified，and，placingherhandsbeforehersweetface，begantoweep。”Nay，speaknotso，myfather，”shesaid，betweenhersobs；”forwhathaveIdone？Iknownothingoftheevilwanderingofthydreams。IamnosoothsayerthatIshouldreaddreams。HaveInotcarriedoutallthingsaccordingtothydesire？HaveInotbeenevermindfulofthatdreadoath？”——andshetrembled。”HaveInotplayedthespyandtoldtheeall？HaveInotwontheheartoftheQueen，sothatshelovesmeasasister，refusingmenothing——ay，andtheheartsofthoseabouther？Whydostthouaffrightmethuswiththywordsandthreats？”andsheweptafresh，lookingevenmorebeautifulinhersorrowthanshewasbefore。”Enough，enough，”heanswered；”whatIhavesaid，Ihavesaid。Bewarned，andaffrontoursightnomorewiththiswantondress。Thinkestthouthatwewouldfeedoureyesuponthoseroundedarms——wewhosestakeisEgyptandwhoarededicatedtotheGodsofEgypt？Girl，beholdthycousinandthyKing！”
Sheceasedweeping，wipinghereyeswithherchiton，andIsawthattheyseemedbutthesofterforhertears。”Methinks，mostroyalHarmachis，andbelovedCousin，”shesaid，asshebentbeforeme，”thatwearealreadymadeacquainted。””Yea，Cousin，”Ianswered，notwithoutshamefacedness，forIhadneverbeforespokentosofairamaid；”thouwertinthechariotwithCleopatrathisdaywhenIstruggledwiththeNubian？””Assuredly，”shesaid，withasmileandasuddenlightingoftheeyes，”itwasagallantfightandgallantlydidstthouoverthrowthatblackbrute。Isawthefrayand，thoughIknewtheenot，Igreatlyfearedforonesobrave。ButIpaidhimformyfright，foritwasIwhoputitintothemindofCleopatratobidtheguardsstrikeoffhishand——
now，knowingwhothouart，IwouldIhadsaidhishead。”Andshelookedupshootingaglanceatmeandthensmiled。”Enough，”putinmyuncleSepa，”thetimedrawson。Tellthouthymission，Charmion，andbegone。”
Thenhermannerchanged；shefoldedherhandsmeeklybeforeherandspoke:”LetPharaohhearkentohishandmaiden。IamthedaughterofPharaoh’suncle，thebrotherofhisfather，whoisnowlongdead，andthereforeinmyveinsalsoflowstheRoyalbloodofEgypt。AlsoIamoftheancientFaith，andhatetheseGreeks，andtoseetheesetuponthethronehasbeenmydearesthopenowformanyyears。TothisendI，Charmion，haveputasidemyrankandbecomeserving-womantoCleopatra，thatImightcutanotchinwhichthoucouldstsetthyfootwhenthehourcamefortheetoclimbthethrone。And，Pharaoh，thenotchiscut。”Thisthenisourplot，royalCousin。ThoumustgainanentrancetotheHouseholdandlearnitswaysandsecrets，and，sofarasmaybe，suborntheeunuchsandcaptains，someofwhomIhavealreadytempted。
Thisdone，andallthingsbeingpreparedwithout，thoumustslayCleopatra，and，aidedbymewiththosewhomIcontrol，intheconfusionthatshallensue，throwwidethegates，and，admittingthoseofourpartywhoareinwaiting，putsuchofthetroopsasremainfaithfultotheswordandseizetheBruchium。Whichbeingfinished，withintwodaysthoushaltholdthisfickleAlexandria。AtthesametimethosewhoaresworntotheeineverycityofEgyptshallriseinarms，andintendaysfromthedeathofCleopatrathoushaltindeedbePharaoh。Thisisthecounselwhichhasbeentaken，andthouseest，royalCousin，that，thoughouruncleyonderthinkssoillofme，I
havelearnedmypart——ay，andplayedit。””Ihearthee，Cousin，”Ianswered，marvellingthatsoyoungawoman——
shehadbuttwentyyears——couldweavesoboldaplot，forinitsorigintheschemewashers。ButinthosedaysIlittleknewCharmion。”Goon；howthenshallIgainentrancetothepalaceofCleopatra？””Nay，Cousin，asthingsareitiseasy。Thus:Cleopatralovestolookuponaman，and——givemepardon——thyfaceandformarefair。To-dayshenotedthem，andtwiceshesaidshewouldshehadaskedwherethatastrologermightbefound，forsheheldthatanastrologerwhocouldwellnighslayaNubiangladiatorwithhisbarehands，mustindeedbeamasterofthefortunatestars。IansweredherthatIwouldcauseinquirytobemade。Sohearken，royalHarmachis。AtmiddayCleopatrasleepsinherinnerhallwhichlooksoverthegardenstotheharbour。
Atthathourto-morrow，then，Iwillmeettheeatthegatesofthepalace，whitherthoushaltcomeboldlyaskingfortheLadyCharmion。I
willmakeappointmentfortheewithCleopatra，sothatsheshallseetheealonewhenshewakes，andtherestshallbeforthee，Harmachis。
Formuchshelovestoplaywiththemysteriesofmagic，andIhaveknownherstandwholenightswatchingthestarsandmakingapretencetoreadthem。AndbutlatelyshehassentawayDioscoridesthephysician，because，poorfool！heventuredonaprophecyfromtheconjunctionofthestars，thatCassiuswoulddefeatMarkAntony。
ThereonCleopatrasentorderstotheGeneralAllienus，biddinghimaddthelegionsshehadsenttoSyriatohelpAntonytothearmyofCassius，whosevictory，forsooth，was——accordingtoDioscorides——
writtenonthestars。But，asitchanced，AntonybeatCassiusfirstandBrutusafterwards，andsoDioscorideshasdeparted，andnowhelecturesonherbsinthemuseumforhisbread，andhatesthenameofstars。Buthisplaceisempty，andthoushaltfillit，andthenwewillworkinsecretandintheshadowofthesceptre。Ay，wewillworklikethewormattheheartofafruit，tillthetimeofpluckingcomes，andatthydagger’stouch，royalCousin，thefabricofthisGrecianthronecrumblestonothingness，andthewormthatrotteditburstshisservilecovering，and，inthesightofempires，spreadshisroyalwingso’erEgypt。”
Igazedatthisstrangegirloncemoreastonished，andsawthatherfacewaslitupwithsuchalightasIhadneverseenintheeyesofwoman。”Ah，”brokeinmyuncle，whowaswatchingher，”ah，Ilovetoseetheeso，girl；thereistheCharmionthatIknewandIbredup——nottheCourtgirlwhomIlikenot，drapedinsilksofCosandfragrantwithessences。Letthyhearthardeninthismould——ay，stampitwiththefervidzealofpatriotfaith，andthyrewardshallfindthee。Andnowcoverupthatshamelessdressofthineandleaveus，foritgrowslate。To-morrowHarmachisshallcome，asthouhastsaid，andsofarewell。”
Charmionbowedherhead，and，turning，wrappedherdark-huedpeplosroundher。Then，takingmyhand，shetoucheditwithherlipsandwentwithoutanyfurtherword。”Astrangewoman！”saidSepa，whenshehadgone；”amoststrangewoman，andanuncertain！””Methought，myuncle，”Isaid，”thatthouwastsomewhatharshwithher。””Ay，”heanswered，”butnotwithoutacause。Lookthou，Harmachis；
bewareofthisCharmion。Sheistoowayward，and，Ifearme，maybeledaway。Intruth，sheisaverywoman；and，likearestivehorse，willtakethepaththatpleasesher。Shehasbrainandfire，andshelovesourcause；butIpraythatthecausecomenotfacetofacewithherdesires，forwhatherheartissetonthatwillshedo，atanycostshewilldoit。ThereforeIfrightenedhernowwhileImay:forwhocanknowbutthatshewillpassbeyondmypower？Itellthee，thatinthisonegirl’shandlieallourlives:andifsheplayusfalse，whatthen？Alas！andalas！thatwemustusesuchtoolsasthese！Butitwasneedful:therewasnootherway；andyetImisdoubtedme。I
praythatitmaybewell；still，attimes，IfearmynieceCharmion——
sheistoofair，andthebloodofyouthrunstoowarminthoseblueveinsofhers。”Ah，woetothecausethatbuildsitsstrengthuponawoman’sfaith；
forwomenarefaithfulonlywheretheylove，andwhentheylovetheirfaithlessnessbecomestheirfaith。Theyarenotfixedasmenarefixed:theyrisemorehighandsinkmorelow——theyarestrongandchangefulasthesea。Harmachis，bewareofthisCharmion:for，liketheocean，shemayfloattheehome；or，liketheocean，shemaywreckthee，and，withthee，thehopeofEgypt！”
CHAPTERIII
OFTHECOMINGOFHARMACHISTOTHEPALACE；OFHOWHEDREW
PAULUSTHROUGHTHEGATES；OFCLEOPATRASLEEPING；ANDOFTHE
MAGICOFHARMACHISWHICHHESHOWEDHER
ThusitcametopassthatonthenextdayIarrayedmyselfinalongandflowingrobe，afterthefashionofamagicianorastrologer。I
placedacaponmyhead，aboutwhichwerebroideredimagesofthestars，andinmybeltascribe’spaletteandarollofpapyruswrittenoverwithmagicspellsandsigns。InmyhandIheldawandofebony，tippedwithivory，suchasisusedbypriestsandmastersofmagic。
Amongthese，indeed，Itookhighrank，fillingmyknowledgeoftheirsecretswhichIhadlearnedatAnnuwhatIlackedinthatskillwhichcomesfromuse。Andsowithnosmallshame，forIlovenotsuchplayandholdthiscommonmagicincontempt，IsetforththroughtheBruchiumtothepalaceontheLochias，beingguidedonmywaybymyuncleSepa。Atlength，passinguptheavenueofsphinxes，wecametothegreatmarblegatewayandthegatesofbronze，withinwhichistheguard-house。Heremyuncleleftme，breathingmanyprayersformysafetyandsuccess。ButIadvancedwithaneasyairtothegate，whereIwasroughlychallengedbytheGallicsentries，andaskedofmyname，following，andbusiness。Igavemyname，Harmachis，theastrologer，sayingthatmybusinesswaswiththeLadyCharmion，theQueen’slady。
Thereonthemanmadeasthoughtoletmepassin，whenacaptainoftheguard，aRomannamedPaulus，cameforwardandforbadeit。Now，thisPauluswasalargelimbedman，withawoman’sface，andahandthatshookfromwine-bibbing。Stillheknewmeagain。”Why，”hecried，intheLatintongue，toonewhocamewithhim，”thisisthefellowwhowrestledyesterdaywiththeNubiangladiator，thatsamewhonowhowlsforhislosthandunderneathmywindow。Cursesontheblackbrute！Ihadabetuponhimforthegames！IhavebackedhimagainstCaius，andnowhe’llneverfightagain，andImustlosemymoney，allthroughthisastrologer。Whatisitthousayest？——thouhastbusinesswiththeLadyCharmion？Nay，then，thatsettlesit。Iwillnotlettheethrough。Fellow，IworshiptheLadyCharmion——ay，weallworshipher，thoughshegivesusmoreslapsthansighs。Anddostthouthinkthatwewillsufferanastrologerwithsucheyesandsuchachestasthinetocutinthegame？——byBacchus，no！Shemustcomeouttokeepthetryst，forinthoushaltnotgo。””Sir，”Isaidhumblyandyetwithdignity，”IpraythatamessagemaybesenttotheLadyCharmion，formybusinesswillnotbrookdelay。””YeGods！”answeredthefool，”whomhaveweherethathecannotwait？
AC？sarindisguise？Nay，beoff——beoff！ifthouwouldstnotlearnhowaspear-prickfeelsbehind。””Nay，”putintheotherofficer，”heisanastrologer；makehimprophesy——makehimplaytricks。””Ay，”criedtheotherswhohadsaunteredup，”letthefellowshowhisart。Ifheisamagicianhecanpassthegates，PaulusornoPaulus。””Rightwillingly，goodSirs，”Ianswered；forIsawnoothermeansofentering。”Wiltthou，myyoungandnobleLord”——andIaddressedhimwhowaswithPaulus——”sufferthatIlooktheeintheeyes；perhapsI
mayreadwhatiswrittenthere？””Right，”answeredtheyouth；”butIwishthattheLadyCharmionwasthesorceress。Iwouldstareheroutofcountenance，Iwarrant。”
Itookhimbythehandandgazeddeepintohiseyes。”Isee，”Isaid，”afieldofbattleatnight，andaboutitbodiesstretched——amongthemis/thy/body，andahyenatearsitsthroat。MostnobleSir，thoushaltdiebysword-thrustswithinayear。””ByBacchus！”saidtheyouth，turningwhitetothegills，”thouartanill-omenedsorcerer！”Andheslunkoff——shortlyafterwards，asitchanced，tomeetthisveryfate。ForhewassentonserviceandslaininCyprus。”Nowforthee，greatCaptain！”Isaid，speakingtoPaulus。”IwillshowtheehowIwillpassthosegateswithoutthyleave——ay，anddrawtheethroughthemafterme。Bepleasedtofixthyprincelygazeuponthepointofthiswandinmyhand。”
Beingurgedbyhiscomradeshedidthis，unwillingly；andIlethimgazetillIsawhiseyesgrowemptyasanowl’seyesinthesun。ThenIsuddenlywithdrewthewand，and，shiftingmycountenanceintotheplaceofit，Iseizedhimwithmywillandstare，and，beginningtoturnroundandround，drewhimafterme，hisfiercefacedrawnfixed，asitwere，almosttomyown。ThenImovedslowlybackwardstillIhadpassedthegates，stilldrawinghimafterme，andsuddenlyjerkedmyheadaway。Hefelltotheground，torisewipinghisbrowandlookingveryfoolish。”Artthoucontent，mostnobleCaptain？”Isaid。”Thouseestwehavepassedthegates。WouldanyothernobleSirwishthatIshouldshowmoreofmyskill？””ByTaranis，LordofThunder，andalltheGodsofOlympusthrownin，no！”growledanoldCenturion，aGaulnamedBrennus，”Iliketheenot，Isay。ThemanwhocoulddragourPaulusthroughthosegatesbytheeye，asitwere，isnotamantoplaywith。Paulus，too，whoalwaysgoesthewayyoudon’twanthim——backwards，likeanass——Paulus！Why，sirrah，thouneedstmusthaveawomaninoneeyeandawine-cupintheothertodrawourPaulusthus。”
Atthismomentthetalkwasbroken，forCharmionherselfcamedownthemarblepath，followedbyanarmedslave。Shewalkedcalmandcarelessly，herhandsfoldedbehindher，andhereyesgazingatnothingness，asitwere。ButitwaswhenCharmionthuslookeduponnothingthatshesawmost。Andasshecametheofficersandmenoftheguardmadewayforherbowing，for，asIlearnedafterwards，thisgirl，nexttoCleopatra’sself，wieldedmorepowerthananyoneaboutthepalace。”Whatisthistumult，Brennus？”shesaid，speakingtotheCenturion，andmakingasifshesawmenot；”knowestthounotthattheQueensleepsatthishour，andifshebeawakeneditisthouwhomustanswerforit，andthatdearly？””Nay，Lady，”saidtheCenturion，humbly；”butitisthus。Wehavehere”——andhejerkedhisthumbtowardsme——”amagicianofthemostpestilent——um，Icravehispardon——oftheverybestsort，forhehathbutjustnow，onlybyplacinghiseyesclosetothenoseoftheworthyCaptainPaulus，draggedhim，thesaidPaulus，throughthegatesthatPaulussworethemagicianshouldnotpass。Bythesametoken，lady，themagiciansaysthathehasbusinesswithyou——whichgrievesmeforyoursake。”
Charmionturnedandlookedatmecarelessly。”Ay，Iremember，”shesaid；”andsohehas——atleast，theQueenwouldseehistricks；butifhecandononebetterthancauseasot”——hereshecastaglanceofscornatthewonderingPaulus——”tofollowhisnosethroughthegatesheguards，hehadbettergowhencehecame。Followme，SirMagician；
andforthee，Brennus，Isay，keepthyriotouscrewmorequiet。Forthee，mosthonourablePaulus，gettheesober，andnexttimeIamaskedforatthegatesgivehimwhoasksahearing。”And，withaqueenlynodofhersmallhead，sheturnedandledtheway，followedatadistancebymyselfandthearmedslave。
Wepassedupthemarblewalkwhichrunsthroughthegardengrounds，andissetoneithersidewithmarblestatues，forthemostpartofheathenGodsandGoddesses，withwhichtheseLagid？werenotashamedtodefiletheirroyaldwellings。AtlengthwecametoabeautifulporticowithflutedcolumnsoftheGrecianstyleofart，wherewefoundmoreguards，whomadewayfortheLadyCharmion。Crossingtheporticowereachedamarblevestibulewhereafountainsplashedsoftly，andthencebyalowdoorwayasecondchamber，knownastheAlabasterHall，mostbeautifultosee。Itsroofwasupheldbylightcolumnsofblackmarble，butallitswallswerepanelledwithalabaster，onwhichGrecianlegendswereengraved。Itsfloorwasofrichandmany-huedmosaicthattoldthetaleofthepassionofPsychefortheGrecianGodofLove，andaboutitweresetchairsofivoryandgold。Charmionbadethearmedslavestayatthedoorwayofthischamber，sothatwepassedinalone，fortheplacewasemptyexceptfortwoeunuchswhostoodwithdrawnswordsbeforethecurtainatthefurtherend。”Iamvexed，myLord，”shesaid，speakingverylowandshyly，”thatthoushouldsthavemetwithsuchaffrontsatthegate；buttheguardthereservedadoublewatch，andIhadgivenmycommandstotheofficerofthecompanythatshouldhaverelievedit。ThoseRomanofficersareeverinsolent，who，thoughtheyseemtoserve，knowwellthatEgyptistheirplaything。Butitisnotamiss，fortheseroughsoldiersaresuperstitious，andwillfearthee。NowbidethouherewhileIgointoCleopatra’schamber，whereshesleeps。Ihavebutjustsunghertosleep，andifshebeawakeIwillcallthee，forshewaitsthycoming。”Andwithoutmorewordssheglidedfrommyside。
Inalittletimeshereturned，andcomingtomespoke:”Wouldstseethefairestwomaninalltheworld，asleep？”shewhispered；”ifso，followme。Nay，fearnot；whensheawakesshewillbutlaugh，forshebademebesuretobringtheeinstantly，whethershesleptorwoke。See，Ihavehersignet。”
Sowepassedupthebeautifulchambertillwecametowheretheeunuchsstoodwithdrawnswords，andthesewouldhavebarredmyentry。
ButCharmionfrowned，anddrawingthesignetfromherbosomhelditbeforetheireyes。Havingexaminedthewritingthatwasonthering，theybowed，droppingtheirswordpointsandwepassedthroughtheheavycurtainsbroideredwithgoldintotheresting-placeofCleopatra。Itwasbeautifulbeyondimagining——beautifulwithmanycolouredmarbles，withgoldandivory，gemsandflowers——allartcanfurnishandallluxurycandreamofwerehere。Herewerepicturessorealthatbirdsmighthavepeckedthepaintedfruits；herewerestatuesofwoman’slovelinessfrozenintostone；hereweredraperiesfineassoftestsilk，butwovenofawebofgold；herewerecouchesandcarpetssuchasIneversaw。Theair，too，wassweetwithperfume，whilethroughtheopenwindowplacescamethefarmurmurofthesea。
Andatthefurtherendofthechamber，onacouchofgleamingsilkandshelteredbyanetoffinestgauze，Cleopatralayasleep。Thereshelay——thefairestthingthatmaneversaw——fairerthanadream，andthewebofherdarkhairflowedallabouther。Onewhite，roundedarmmadeapillowforherhead，andonehungdowntowardstheground。Herrichlipswerepartedinasmile，showingtheivorylinesofteeth；andherrosylimbsweredrapedinsothinarobeofthesilkofCos，heldaboutherbyajewelledgirdle，thatthewhitegleamoffleshshonethroughit。Istoodastonished，andthoughmythoughtshadlittlebentthatway，thesightofherbeautystruckmelikeablow，sothatforamomentIlostmyselfasitwereinthevisionofitspower，andwasgrievedatheartbecauseImustslaysofairathing。
Turningsuddenlyfromthesight，IfoundCharmionwatchingmewithherquickeyes——watchingasthoughshewouldsearchmyheart。And，indeed，somethingofmythoughtmusthavebeenwrittenonmyfaceinalanguagethatshecouldread，forshewhisperedinmyear:”Ay，itispity，isitnot？Harmachis，beingbutaman，methinksthatthouwiltneedallthyghostlystrengthtonervetheetothedeed！”
Ifrowned，butbeforeIcouldframeananswershetouchedmelightlyonthearmandpointedtotheQueen。Achangehadcomeuponher:herhandswereclenched，andaboutherface，allrosywiththehueofsleep，gatheredacloudoffear。Herbreathcamequick，sheraisedherarmsasthoughtowardawayablow，thenwithastifledmoansatupandopenedthewindowsofhereyes。Theyweredark，darkasnight；butwhenthelightfoundthemtheygrewblueastheskygrowsbluebeforetheblushingofthedawn。”C？sarion？”shesaid；”whereismysonC？sarion？——Wasitthenadream？
IdreamedthatJulius——Juliuswhoisdead——cametome，abloodytogawrappedabouthisface，andhavingthrownhisarmsabouthischildledhimaway。ThenIdreamedIdied——diedinbloodandagony；andoneI
mightnotseemockedmeasIdied。/Ah！/whoisthatman？””Peace，Madam！peace！”saidCharmion。”ItisbutthemagicianHarmachis，whomthoudidstbidmebringtotheeatthishour。””Ah！themagician——thatHarmachiswhooverthrewthegiant？Iremembernow。Heiswelcome。Tellme，SirMagician，canthymagicmirrorcallforthananswertothisdream？Nay，howstrangeathingisSleep，thatwrappingthemindinawebofdarkness，straightlycompelsittoitswill！Whence，then，comethoseimagesoffearrisingonthehorizonofthesoullikesomeuntimelymoonuponamiddaysky？WhograntsthempowertostalksolifelikefromMemory’shalls，and，pointingtotheirwounds，thusconfrontthePresentwiththePast？Arethey，then，messengers？Doesthehalf-deathofsleepgivethemfootholdinourbrains，andthusupknitthecutthreadofhumankinship？ThatwasC？sar’sself，Itellthee，whobutnowstoodatmysideandmurmuredthroughhismuffledrobewarningwordsofwhichthememoryislosttome。Readmethisriddle，thouEgyptianSphinx，[*]andI’llshowtheearosierpathtofortunethanallthystarscanpoint。Thouhastbroughttheomen，solvethouitsproblem。”
[*]Alludingtohisname。HarmachiswastheGreciantitleofthedivinityoftheSphinx，asHoremkhuwastheEgyptian——Editor。”Icomeinagoodhour，mostmightyQueen，”Ianswered，”forIhavesomeskillinthemysteriesofSleep，thatis，asthouhastrightlyguessed，astairbywhichthosewhoaregatheredtoOsirismayfromtimetotimeenteratthegatewaysofourlivingsense，and，bysignsandwordsthatcanbereadofinstructedmortals，repeattheechoesofthatHallofTruthwhichistheirhabitation。Yes，SleepisastairbywhichthemessengersoftheguardianGodsmaydescendinmanyshapesuponthespiritoftheirchoice。For，OQueen，tothosewhoholdthekey，themadnessofourdreamscanshowaclearerpurposeandspeakmorecertainlythanalltheactedwisdomofourwakinglife，whichisadreamindeed。ThoudidstseegreatC？sarinhisbloodyrobe，andhethrewhisarmsaboutthePrinceC？sarionandledhimhence。Hearkennowtothesecretofthyvision。ItwasC？sar’sselfthousawestcomingtothysidefromAmentiinsuchaguiseasmightnotbemistaken。WhenheembracedthechildC？sarionhediditforasignthattohim，andhimalone，hadpassedhisgreatnessandhislove。
WhenheseemedtoleadhimhenceheledhimforthfromEgypttobecrownedintheCapitol，crownedtheEmperorofRomeandLordofalltheLands。Fortherest，Iknownot。Itishidfromme。”
Thus，then，Ireadthevision，thoughtomysenseithadadarkermeaning。ButitisnotwelltoprophesyeviluntoKings。
MeanwhileCleopatrahadrisen，and，havingthrownbackthegnatgauze，wasseatedupontheedgeofhercouch，hereyesfixeduponmyface，whileherfingersplayedwithhergirdle’sjewelledends。”Ofatruth，”shecried，”thouartthebestofallmagicians，forthoureadestmyheart，anddrawestahiddensweetoutoftheroughshellofevilomen！””Ay，OQueen，”saidCharmion，whostoodbywithdowncasteyes，andI
thoughtthattherewasbittermeaninginhersofttones；”maynorougherwordseveraffrontthyears，andnoevilpresagetreadlesscloselyuponitshappysense。”
Cleopatraplacedherhandsbehindherheadand，leaningback，lookedatmewithhalf-shuteyes。”Come，showusofthymagic，Egyptian，”shesaid。”Itisyethotabroad，andIamwearyofthoseHebrewAmbassadorsandtheirtalkofHerodandJerusalem。IhatethatHerod，asheshallfind——andwillhavenoneoftheAmbassadorsto-day，thoughIyearnalittletotrymyHebrewonthem。Whatcanstthoudo？Hastthounonewtrick？BySerapis！ifthoucanstconjureaswellasthoucanstprophesy，thoushalthaveaplaceatCourt，withpayandperquisitestoboot，ifthyloftysouldoesnotscornperquisites。””Nay，”Ianswered，”alltricksareold；buttherearesomeformsofmagictoberarelyused，andwithdiscretion，thatmaybenewtothee，OQueen！Artthouafraidtoventureonthecharm？””Ifearnothing；goonanddothyworst。Come，Charmion，andsitbyme。But，stay，whereareallthegirls？——IrasandMerira？——they，too，lovemagic。””Notso，”Isaid；”thecharmsworkillbeforesomany。Nowbehold！”
and，gazingatthetwain，Icastmywanduponthemarbleandmurmuredaspell。Foramomentitwasstill，andthen，asImuttered，therodslowlybegantowrithe。Itbentitself，itstoodonend，andmovedofitsownmotion。Nextitputonscales，andbeholditwasaserpentthatcrawledandfiercelyhissed。”Fieonthee！”criedCleopatra，clappingherhands；”callestthouthatmagic？Why，itisanoldtrickthatanywaysideconjurercando。I
haveseenitascoreoftimes。””Wait，OQueen，”Ianswered，”thouhastnotseenall。”And，asI
spoke，theserpentseemedtobreakinfragments，andfromeachfragmentgrewanewserpent。Andthese，too，brokeinfragmentsandbredothers，tillinalittlewhiletheplace，totheirglamouredsight，wasaseethingseaofsnakes，thatcrawled，hissed，andknottedthemselvesinknots。ThenImadeasign，andtheserpentsgatheredthemselvesroundme，andseemedslowlytotwinethemselvesaboutmybodyandmylimbs，till，savemyface，Iwaswreathedthickwithhissingsnakes。”Oh，horrible！horrible！”criedCharmion，hidinghercountenanceintheskirtoftheQueen’sgarment。”Nay，enough，Magician，enough！”saidtheQueen:”thymagicoverwhelmsus。”
Iwavedmysnake-wrappedarms，andallwasgone。Thereatmyfeetlaytheblackwandtippedwithivory，andnaughtbeside。
Thetwowomenlookeduponeachotherandgaspedwithwonder。ButI
tookupthewandandstoodwithfoldedarmsbeforethem。”IstheQueencontentwithmypoorart？”Iaskedmosthumbly。”Ay，thatIam，Egyptian；neverdidIseeitslike！ThouartCourtastronomerfromthisdayforward，withrightofaccesstotheQueen’spresence。Hastthoumoreofsuchmagicatthycall？””Yea，royalEgypt；sufferthatthechamberbealittledarkened，andI
willshowtheeonemorething。””HalfamIafraid，”sheanswered；”neverthelessdothouasthisHarmachissays，Charmion。”
Sothecurtainsweredrawnandthechambermadeasthoughthetwilightwereathand。Icameforward，andstoodbesideCleopatra。”Gazethouthere！”Isaidsternly，pointingwithmywandtotheemptyspacewhereIhadbeen，”andthoushaltbeholdthatwhichisinthymind。”
Thenforalittlespacewassilence，whilethetwowomengazedfixedlyandhalffearfulatthespot。
Andastheygazedacloudgatheredbeforethem。Veryslowlyittookshapeandform，andtheformittookwastheformofaman，thoughasyethewasbutvaguelymappeduponthetwilight，andseemednowtogrowandnowtomeltaway。
ThenIcriedwithaloudvoice:”Spirit，Iconjurethee，/appear！/”
AndasIcriedtheThing，perfectineverypart，leaptintoformbeforeus，suddenlyastheflashofday。HisshapewastheshapeofroyalC？sar，thetogathrownabouthisface，andonhisformavestmentbloodyfromahundredwounds。Aninstantsohestood，thenI
wavedmywandandhewasgone。
Iturnedtothetwowomenonthecouch，andsawCleopatra’slovelyfaceallclothedinterror。Herlipswereashywhite，hereyesstaredwide，andallthefleshwasshakingonherbones。”Man！”shegasped；”man！whoandwhatartthouwhocanstbringthedeadbeforeoureyes？””IamtheQueen’sastronomer，magician，servant——whattheQueenwills，”Ianswered，laughing。”WasthistheformthatwasontheQueen’smind？”
Shemadenoanswer，but，rising，leftthechamberbyanotherdoor。
ThenCharmionrosealsoandtookherhandsfromherface，forshe，too，hadbeenstrickenwithdread。”Howdostthouthesethings，royalHarmachis？”shesaid。”Tellme；forofatruthIfearthee。””Benotafraid，”Ianswered。”Perchancethoudidstseenothingbutwhatwasinmymind。Allthingsareshadows。Howcanstthou，then，knowtheirnature，orwhatisandwhatonlyseemstobe？Buthowgoesit？Remember，Charmion，thissportisplayedtoanend。””Itgoeswell，”shesaid。”Byto-morrowmorning’sdawnthesetaleswillhavegoneround，andthouwiltbemorefearedthananymaninAlexandria。Followme，Ipraythee。”
CHAPTERIV
OFTHEWAYSOFCHARMION；ANDOFTHECROWNINGOFHARMACHIS
ASTHEKINGOFLOVE
OnthefollowingdayIreceivedthewritingofmyappointmentasAstrologerandMagician-in-ChieftotheQueen，withthepayandperquisitesofthatoffice，whichwerenotsmall。Roomsweregivenmeinthepalace，also，throughwhichIpassedatnighttothehighwatch-tower，whenceIlookedonthestarsanddrewtheirauguries。ForatthistimeCleopatrawasmuchtroubledaboutmatterspolitical，andnotknowinghowthegreatstruggleamongtheRomanfactionswouldend，butbeingverydesiroustosidewiththestrongest，shetookconstantcounselwithmeastothewarningsofthestars。TheseIreadtoherinsuchmannerasbestseemedtofitthehighinterestofmyends。ForAntony，theRomanTriumvir，wasnowinAsiaMinor，and，rumourran，verywrothbecauseithadbeentoldhimthatCleopatrawashostiletotheTriumvirate，inthatherGeneral，Serapion，hadaidedCassius。ButCleopatraprotestedloudlytomeandothersthatSerapionhadactedagainstherwill。YetCharmiontoldmethat，aswithAllienus，itwasbecauseofaprophecyofDioscoridestheunluckythattheQueenherselfhadsecretlyorderedSerapionsotodo。Still，thisdidnotsaveSerapion，fortoprovetoAntonythatshewasinnocentshedraggedtheGeneralfromthesanctuaryandslewhim。Woebetothosewhocarryoutthewilloftyrantsifthescaleshouldriseagainstthem！AndsoSerapionperished。
Meanwhileallthingswentwellwithus，forthemindsofCleopatraandthoseaboutherweresosetuponaffairsabroadthatneithershenortheythoughtofrevoltathome。ButdaybydayourpartygatheredstrengthinthecitiesofEgypt，andeveninAlexandria，whichistoEgyptasanotherland，allthingsbeingforeignthere。Daybyday，thosewhodoubtedwerewonoverandsworntothecausebythatoathwhichcannotbebroken，andourplansofactionmorefirmlylaid。AndeveryotherdayIwentforthfromthepalacetotakecounselwithmyuncleSepa，andthereathishousemettheNoblesandthegreatpriestswhowereforthepartyofKhem。
IsawmuchofCleopatra，theQueen，andIwasevermoreastonishedatthewealthandsplendourofhermind，thatforrichnessandvarietywasasawovenclothofgoldthrowingbackalllightsfromitschangingface。Shefearedmesomewhat，andthereforewishedtomakeafriendofme，askingmeofmanymattersthatseemedtobebeyondtheprovinceofmyoffice。IsawmuchoftheLadyCharmionalso——indeed，shewaseveratmyside，sothatIscarceknewwhenshecameandwhenshewent。Forshewoulddrawnighwiththatsoftstepofhers，andI
wouldturntofindherathandandwatchingmebeneaththelonglashesofherdowncasteyes。Therewasnoservicethatwastoohardforher，andnotasktoolong；fordayandnightshelabouredformeandforourcause。
ButwhenIthankedherforherloyalty，andsaiditshouldbehadinmindinthattimewhichwasathand，shestampedherfoot，andpoutedwithherlips，likeanangrychild，sayingthat，amongallthethingswhichIhadlearned，thishadInotlearned——thatLove’sserviceaskednopayment，andwasitsownguerdon。AndI，beinginnocentinsuchmatters，and，foolishthatIwas，holdingthewaysofwomenasofsmallaccount，readhersayingsinthesensethatherservicestothecauseofKhem，whichsheloved，broughtwiththemtheirownreward。
ButwhenIpraisedsofineaspirit，sheburstintoangrytearsandleftmewondering。ForIknewnothingofthetroubleatherheart。I
knewnotthenthat，unsought，thiswomanhadgivenmeherlove，andthatshewasrentandtornbypangsofpassionfixedlikearrowsinherbreast。Ididnotknow——howshouldIknowit，whoneverlookeduponherotherwisethanasaninstrumentofourjointandholycause？
Herbeautyneverstirredme——no，notevenwhensheleanedovermeandbreatheduponmyhair，Ineverthoughtofitotherwisethanasamanthinksofthebeautyofastatue。WhathadItodowithsuchdelights，IwhowassworntoIsisanddedicatetothecauseofEgypt？OyeGods，bearmewitnessthatIaminnocentofthisthingwhichwasthesourceofallmywoeandthewoeofKhem！
Howstrangeathingisthisloveofwoman，thatissosmallinitsbeginningandinitsendssogreat！See，atthefirstitisasthelittlespringofwaterwellingfromamountain’sheart。Andatthelastwhatisit？Itisamightyriverthatfloatsargosiesofjoyandmakeswidelandstosmile。Or，perchance，itisatorrenttowashinafloodofruinacrossthefieldsofHope，burstinginthebarriersofdesign，andbringingtotumblednothingnessthetenementofman’spurityandthetemplesofhisfaith。ForwhentheInvisibleconceivedtheorderoftheuniverseHesetthisseedofwoman’slovewithinitsplan，thatbyitsmostunequalgrowthisdoomedtobringaboutequalityoflaw。Fornowitliftsthelowtoheightsuntold，andnowitbringsthenobletothelevelofthedust。Andthus，whileWoman，thatgreatsurpriseofnature，is，GoodandEvilcannevergrowapart。
ForstillShestands，and，blindwithlove，shootstheshuttleofourfate，andpourssweetwaterintothecupofbitterness，andpoisonsthewholesomebreathoflifewiththedoomofherdesire。Turnthiswayandturnthat，Sheisathandtomeetthee。Herweaknessisthystrength，hermightisthyundoing。Ofherthouart，toherthougoest。Sheisthyslave，yetholdstheecaptive；athertouchhonourwithers，locksopen，andbarriersfall。Sheisinfiniteasocean，sheisvariableasheaven，andhernameistheUnforeseen。Man，strivenottoescapefromWomanandtheloveofwoman；for，flywherethouwilt，Sheisyetthyfate，andwhate’erthoubuildestthoubuildestitforher！
AndthusitcametopassthatI，Harmachis，whohadputsuchmattersfarfromme，wasyetdoomedtofallbythethingIheldofnoaccount。
For，see，thisCharmion:shelovedme——why，Iknownot。Ofherownthoughtshelearnedtoloveme，andofherlovecamewhatshallbetold。ButI，knowingnaught，treatedherlikeasister，walkingasitwerehandinhandwithhertowardsourcommonend。
Andsothetimepassedon，till，atlength，allthingsweremadeready。
Itwasthenightbeforethenightwhentheblowshouldfall，andtherewererevellingsinthepalace。ThatverydayIhadseenSepa，andwithhimthecaptainsofabandoffivehundredmen，whoshouldburstintothepalaceatmidnightonthemorrow，whenIhadslainCleopatratheQueen，andputtheRomanandtheGalliclegionariestothesword。ThatverydayIhadsubornedtheCaptainPauluswho，sinceIdrewhimthroughthegates，wasmywill’sslave。HalfbyfearandhalfbypromisesofgreatrewardIhadprevaileduponhim，forthewatchwashis，tounbarthatsmallgatewhichfacestotheEastatthesignalonthemorrownight。
Allwasmadeready——theflowerofFreedomthathadbeenfive-and-
twentyyearsingrowthwasonthepointofbloom。ArmedcompaniesweregatheringineverycityfromAbutoAthu，andspieslookedoutfromtheirwalls，awaitingthecomingofthemessengerwhoshouldbringtidingsthatCleopatrawasnomoreandthatHarmachis，theroyalEgyptian，hadseizedthethrone。
Allwasprepared，triumphhunginmyhandasaripefruittothehandoftheplucker。YetasIsatattheroyalfeastmyheartwasheavy，andashadowofcomingwoelaycoldwithinmymind。Isatthereinaplaceofhonour，nearthemajestyofCleopatra，andlookeddownthelinesofguests，brightwithgemsandgarlandedwithflowers，markingthosewhomIhaddoomedtodie。TherebeforemelayCleopatrainallherbeauty，whichthrilledthebeholderasheisthrilledbytherushingofthemidnightgale，orbythesightofstormywaters。I
gazedonherasshetouchedherlipswithwineandtoyedwiththechapletofrosesonherbrow，thinkingofthedaggerbeneathmyrobethatIhadsworntoburyinherbreast。Again，andyetagain，Igazedandstrovetohateher，strovetorejoicethatshemustdie——andcouldnot。There，too，behindher——watchingmenow，asever，withherdeep-
fringedeyes——wasthelovelyLadyCharmion。Who，tolookatherinnocentface，wouldbelievethatshewasthesetterofthatsnareinwhichtheQueenwholovedhershouldmiserablyperish？Whowoulddreamthatthesecretofsomuchdeathwaslockedinhergirlishbreast？I
gazed，andgrewsickatheartbecauseImustanointmythronewithblood，andbyevilsweepawaytheeviloftheland。AtthathourI
wished，indeed，thatIwasnothingbutsomehumblehusbandman，whoinitsseasongrowsandinitsseasongarnersthegoldengrain！Alas！theseedthatIhadbeendoomedtosowwastheseedofDeath，andnowI
mustreaptheredfruitoftheharvest！”Why，Harmachis，whatailsthee？”saidCleopatra，smilingherslowsmile。”Hasthegoldenskeinofstarsgottangled，myastronomer？ordostthouplansomenewfeatofmagic？Saywhatisitthatthoudostsopoorlygraceourfeast？Nay，now，didInotknow，havingmadeinquiry，thatthingssolowaswepoorwomenarefarbeneaththygaze，why，IshouldswearthatEroshadfoundtheeout，Harmachis！””Nay，thatIamspared，OQueen，”Ianswered。”Theservantofthestarsmarksnotthesmallerlightofwoman’seyes，andthereinishehappy！”
Cleopatraleanedherselftowardsme，lookingonmelongandsteadilyinsuchfashionthat，despitemywill，thebloodflutteredatmyheart。”Boastnot，thouproudEgyptian，”shesaidinalowvoicewhichnonebutIandCharmioncouldhear，”lestperchancethoudosttemptmetomatchmymagicagainstthine。Whatwomancanforgivethatamanshouldpushusbyasthingsofnoaccount？ItisaninsulttooursexwhichNature’sselfabhors，”andsheleanedbackagainandlaughedmostmusically。But，glancingup，IsawCharmion，herteethonherlipandanangryfrownuponherbrow。
