”Pardon，royalEgypt，”Iansweredcoldly，butwithsuchwitasIcouldsummon，”beforetheQueenofHeavenevenstarsgrowpale！”ThisIsaidofthemoon，whichisthesignoftheHolyMotherwhomCleopatradaredtorival，namingherselfIsiscometoearth。”Happilysaid，”sheanswered，clappingherwhitehands。”Why，here’sanastronomerwhohaswitandcanshapeacompliment！Nay，suchawondermustnotpassunnoted，lesttheGodsresentit。Charmion，takethisrose-chapletfrommyhairandsetituponthelearnedbrowofourHarmachis。Heshallbecrowned/KingofLove/，whetherhewillitornot。” CharmionliftedthechapletfromCleopatra’sbrowsand，bearingittowhereIwas，withasmilesetituponmyheadyetwarmandfragrantfromtheQueen’shair，butsoroughlythatshepainedmesomewhat。Shedidthisbecauseshewaswroth，althoughshesmiledwithherlipsandwhispered，”Anomen，royalHarmachis。”Forthoughshewassoverymuchawoman，yet，whenshewasangeredorsufferedjealousy，Charmionhadachildishway。
Havingthusfixedthechaplet，shecurtsiedlowbeforeme，andwiththesoftesttoneofmockerynamedme，intheGreektongue，”Harmachis，KingofLove。”ThenCleopatralaughedandpledgedmeas”KingofLove，”andsodidallthecompany，findingthejestamerryone。ForinAlexandriatheylovenotthosewholivestraitlyandturnasidefromwomen。
ButIsatthere，asmileuponmylips，andblackwrathinmyheart。
For，knowingwhoandwhatIwas，itirkedmetothinkmyselfajestforthefrivolousnoblesandlightbeautiesofCleopatra’sCourt。ButIwaschieflyangeredagainstCharmion，becauseshelaughedtheloudest，andIdidnotthenknowthatlaughterandbitternessareoftentheveilswithwhichasoreheartwrapsitsweaknessfromtheworld。”Anomen”shesaiditwas——thatcrownofflowers——andsoitprovedindeed。ForIwasfatedtobartertheDoubleDiademoftheUpperandtheLowerLandforawreathofpassion’srosesthatfadebeforetheyfullybloom，andPharaoh’sivorybedofstateforthepillowofafaithlesswoman’sbreast。”/KingofLove！/”theycrownedmeintheirmockery；ay，andKingofShame！AndI，withtheperfumedrosesonmybrow——I，bydescentandordinationthePharaohofEgypt——thoughtoftheimperishablehallsofAbouthisandofthatothercrowningwhichonthemorrowshouldbeconsummate。
Butstillsmiling，Ipledgedthemback，andansweredwithajest。Forrising，IbowedbeforeCleopatraandcravedleavetogo。”Venus，”I
said，speakingoftheplanetthatweknowasDonaouinthemorningandBonouintheevening，”wasintheascendant。Therefore，asnew-crownedKingofLove，ImustnowpasstodomyhomagetoitsQueen。”ForthesebarbariansnameVenusQueenofLove。
AndsoamidsttheirlaughterIwithdrawtomywatch-tower，and，dashingthatshamefulchapletdownamidsttheinstrumentsofmycraft，madepretencetonotetherollingofthestars。ThereIwaited，thinkingonmanythingsthatweretobe，untilCharmionshouldcomewiththelastlistsofthedoomedandthemessagesofmyuncleSepa，whomshehadseenthatevening。
Atlengththedooropenedsoftly，andshecamejewelledandcladinherwhiterobes，asshehadleftthefeast。
CHAPTERV
OFTHECOMINGOFCLEOPATRATOTHECHAMBEROFHARMACHIS；OF
THETHROWINGFORTHOFTHEKERCHIEFOFCHARMION；OFTHE
STARS；ANDOFTHEGIFTBYCLEOPATRAOFHERFRIENDSHIPTOHER
SERVANTHARMACHIS”Atlengththouartcome，Charmion，”Isaid。”Itisover-late。””Yea，myLord；butbynomeanscouldIescapeCleopatra。Hermoodisstrangelycrossedto-night。Iknownotwhatitmayportend。Strangewhimsandfanciesblowacrossitlikelightandcontraryairsuponasummersea，andIcannotreadherpurpose。””Well，well；enoughofCleopatra。Hastthouseenouruncle？””Yes，royalHarmachis。””Andhastthouthelastlists？””Yes；heretheyare，”andshedrewthemfromherbosom。”Hereisthelistofthosewho，aftertheQueen，mustcertainlybeputtothesword。AmongthemthouwiltnoteisthenameofthatoldGaulBrennus。
Igrieveforhim，forwearefriends；butitmustbe。Itisaheavylist。””Itisso，”Iansweredconningit；”whenmenwriteouttheircounttheyforgetnoitem，andourcountislong。Whatmustbemustbe。Nowforthenext。””Hereisthelistofthosetobespared，asfriendlyoruncertain；andherethatofthetownswhichwillcertainlyriseassoonasthemessengerreachestheirgateswithtidingsofthedeathofCleopatra。””Good。Andnow”——andIpaused——”andnowastothemannerofCleopatra’sdeath。Howhastthousettledit？Mustitbebymyownhand？””Yea，myLord，”sheanswered，andagainIcaughtthatnoteofbitternessinhervoice。”DoubtlessPharaohwillrejoicethathisshouldbethehandtoridthelandofthisfalseQueenandwantonwoman，andatoneblowbreakthechainswhichgalltheneckofEgypt。””Talknotthus，girl，”Isaid；”thouknowestwellthatIdonotrejoice，beingbutdriventotheactbydeepnecessityandthepressureofmyvows。Canshenot，then，bepoisoned？Orcannooneoftheeunuchsbesubornedtoslayher？Mysoulturnsfromthisbloodywork！Indeed，Imarvel，howeverheavybehercrimes，thatthoucanstspeaksolightlyofthedeathbytreacheryofonewholovesthee！””SurelyPharaohisover-tender，forgettingthegreatnessofthemomentandallthathangsuponthisdagger-strokethatshallcutthethreadofCleopatra’slife。Listen，Harmachis。/Thou/mustdothedeed，and/thou/alone！MyselfIwoulddoit，hadmyarmthestrength；butithasnot。Itcannotbedonebypoison，foreverydropshedrinksandeverymorselthatshalltouchherlipsisstrictlytastedbythreeseparatetasters，whocannotbesuborned。Normaytheeunuchsoftheguardbetrusted。Two，indeed，aresworntous；butthethirdcannotbecomeat。Hemustbecutdownafterwards；and，indeed，whensomanymenmustfall，whatmattersaeunuchmoreorless？Thusitshallbe，then。To-morrownight，atthreehoursbeforemidnightthoudostcastthefinalauguryoftheissueofthewar。Andthenthouwilt，asisagreed，descendalonewithme，havingthesignet，totheouterchamberoftheQueen’sapartment。ForthevesselbearingorderstotheLegionssailsfromAlexandriaatthefollowingdawn；andalonewithCleopatra，sinceshewillsthatthethingbekeptsecretasthesea，thouwiltreadthemessageofthestars。Andassheporesoverthepapyrus，thenmustthoustabherintheback，sothatshedies；andseethouthatthywillandarmfailtheenot！Thedeedbeingdone——andindeeditwillbeeasy——thouwilttakethesignetandpassouttowheretheeunuchis——fortheotherswillbewanting。Ifbyanychancethereistroublewithhim——buttherewillbenotrouble，forhedarenotentertheprivaterooms，andthesoundsofdeathcannotreachsofar——thoumustcuthimdown。ThenIwillmeetthee；and，passingon，wewillcometoPaulus，anditshallbemycaretoseethatheisneitherdrunknorbackward，forIknowhowtoholdhimtothetask。Andheandthosewithhimshallthrowopenthesidegate，whenSepaandthefivehundredchosenmenwhoareinwaitingshallpourinandcastthemselvesuponthesleepinglegionaries，puttingthemtothesword。
Why，thethingiseasysothouresttruetothyself，andletnowomanishfearscreepintothyheart。Whatisthisdagger’sthrust？Itisnothing，andyetuponithangthedestiniesofEgyptandtheworld。””Hush！”Isaid。”Whatisthat？——Ihearasound。”
Charmionrantothedoor，and，gazingdownthelong，darkpassage，listened。Inamomentshecameback，herfingeronherlips。”ItistheQueen，”shewhisperedhurriedly；”theQueenwhomountsthestairalone。IheardherbidIrastoleaveher。Imaynotbefoundalonewiththeeatthishour；ithasastrangelook，andshemaysuspect。
Whatwantsshehere？WherecanIhide？”
Iglancedround。AtthefurtherendofthechamberwasaheavycurtainthathidalittleplacebuiltinthethicknessofthewallwhichI
usedforthestorageofrollsandinstruments。”Hastethee——there！”Isaid，andsheglidedbehindthecurtain，whichswungbackandcoveredher。ThenIthrustthefatalscrollofdeathintothebosomofmyrobeandbentoverthemysticchart。PresentlyI
heardthesweepofwoman’srobesandtherecamealowknockuponthedoor。”Enter，whoeverthouart，”Isaid。
Thelatchlifted，andCleopatrasweptin，royallyarrayed，herdarkhairhangingaboutherandthesacredsnakeofroyaltyglisteningonherbrow。”Ofatruth，Harmachis，”shesaidwithasigh，asshesankintoaseat，”thepathtoheavenishardtoclimb！Ah！Iamweary，forthosestairsaremany。ButIwasminded，myastronomer，toseetheeinthyhaunts。””Iamhonouredovermuch，OQueen！”Isaidbowinglowbeforeher。”Artthounow？Andyetthatdarkfaceofthinehasasomewhatangrylook——thouarttooyoungandhandsomeforthisdrytrade，Harmachis。
Why，Ivowthouhastcastmywreathofrosesdownamidstthyrustytools！Kingswouldhavecherishedthatwreathalongwiththeirchoicestdiadems，Harmachis！andthoudostthrowitawayasathingofnoaccount！Why，whatamanartthou！Butstay；whatisthis？Alady’skerchief，byIsis！Nay，now，myHarmachis，howcame/this/here？Areourpoorkerchiefsalsoinstrumentsofthyhighart？Oh，fie，fie！——
haveIcaughtthee，then？Artthouindeedafox？””Nay，mostroyalCleopatra，nay！”Isaid，turning；forthekerchiefwhichhadfallenfromCharmion’sneckhadanawkwardlook。”Iknownot，indeed，howthefripperycamehere。Perhaps，someoneofthewomenwhokeepsthechambermayhaveletitfall。””Ah！so——so！”shesaiddryly，andstilllaughinglikearipplingbrook。”Yes，surely，theslave-womenwhokeepchambersownsuchtoysasthis，oftheveryfinestsilk，worthtwiceitsweightingold，andbroidered，too，inmanycolours。Why，myselfIshouldnotshametowearit！Ofatruthitseemsfamiliartomysight。”Andshethrewitroundherneckandsmoothedtheendswithherwhitehand。”Butthere；
doubtless，itisathingunholyinthineeyesthatthescarfofthybelovedshouldrestuponmypoorbreast。Takeit，Harmachis；takeit，andhideitinthybosom——nighthyheartindeed！”
Itooktheaccursedthing，and，mutteringwhatImaynotwrite，steppedontothegiddyplatformwhenceIwatchedthestars。Then，crushingitintoaball，Ithrewittothewindsofheaven。
AtthisthelovelyQueenlaughedoncemore。”Nay，thinknow，”shecried；”whatwouldtheladysaycouldsheseeherlove-gaugethuscasttoalltheworld？Mayhap，Harmachis，thouwouldstdealthuswithmywreathalso？See，therosesfade；castitforth，”and，stooping，shetookupthewreathandgaveittome。
Foramoment，sovexedwasI，Ihadamindtotakeheratherwordandsendthewreathtojointhekerchief。ButIthoughtbetterofit。”Nay，”Isaidmoresoftly，”itisaQueen’sgift，andIwillkeepit，”
and，asIspoke，Isawthecurtainshake。OftensincethatnightI
havesorrowedoverthosesimplewords。”GraciousthanksbetotheKingofLoveforthissmallmercy，”sheanswered，lookingatmestrangely。”Now，enoughofwit；comeforthuponthisbalcony——tellmeofthemysteryofthosestarsofthine。ForIalwayslovedthestars，thataresopureandbrightandcold，andsofarawayfromourfeveredtroubling。ThereIwouldwishtodwell，rockedonthedarkbosomofthenight，andlosingthelittlesenseofselfasIgazedforeveronthecountenanceofyonsweet-eyedspace。
Nay——whocantell，Harmachis？——perhapsthosestarspartakeofourverysubstance，and，linkedtousbyNature’sinvisiblechain，do，indeed，drawourdestinywiththemastheyroll。WhatsaystheGreekfableofhimwhobecameastar？Perchanceithastruth，foryondertinysparksmaybethesoulsofmen，butgrownmorepurelybrightandplacedinhappyresttoillumetheturmoiloftheirmother-earth。OraretheylampshunghighintheheavenlyvaultthatnightbynightsomeGodhead，whosewingsareDarkness，toucheswithhisimmortalfiresothattheyleapoutinansweringflame？Givemeofthywisdomandopenthesewonderstome，myservant，forIhavelittleknowledge。Yetmyheartislarge，andIwouldfillit，forIhavethewit，couldIbutfindtheteacher。”
Thereon，beinggladtofindfootingonasafershore，andmarvellingsomewhattolearnthatCleopatrahadaplaceforloftythoughts，I
spokeandwillinglytoldhersuchthingsasarelawful。Itoldherhowtheskyisaliquidmasspressingroundtheearthandrestingontheelasticpillarsoftheair，andhowaboveistheheavenlyoceanNout，inwhichtheplanetsfloatlikeshipsastheyrushupontheirradiantway。Itoldhermanythings，andamongstthemhow，throughthecertainnever-ceasingmovementoftheorbsoflight，theplanetVenus，thatwascalledDonaouwhensheshowedastheMorningStar，becametheplanetBonouwhenshecameasthesweetStarofEve。AndwhileIstoodandspokewatchingthestars，shesat，herhandsclaspeduponherknee，andwatchedmyface。”Ah！”shebrokeinatlength，”andsoVenusistobeseenbothinthemorningandtheeveningsky。Well，ofatruth，sheiseverywhere，thoughshebestlovesthenight。ButthoulovestnotthatIshouldusetheseLatinnamestothee。Come，wewilltalkintheancienttongueofKhem，whichIknowwell；Iamthefirst，markthou，ofalltheLagid？
whoknowit。Andnow，”shewenton，speakinginmyowntongue，butwithalittleforeignaccentthatdidbutmakehertalkmoresweet，”enoughofstars，for，whenallissaid，theyarebutficklethings，andperhapsmayevennowbestoringupanevilhourfortheeorme，orforbothofustogether。NotbutwhatIlovetoheartheespeakofthem，forthenthyfacelosesthatgloomycloudofthoughtwhichmarsitandgrowsquickandhuman。Harmachis，thouarttooyoungforsuchasolemntrade；methinksthatImustfindtheeabetter。Youthcomesbutonce；whywasteitinthesemusings？Itistimetothinkwhenwecannolongeract。Tellmehowoldartthou，Harmachis？””Ihavesix-and-twentyyears，OQueen，”Ianswered，”forIwasborninthefirstmonthofShomou，inthesummerseason，andonthethirddayofthemonth。””Why，then，weareofanageeventoaday，”shecried，”forItoohavesix-and-twentyyears，andItoowasbornonthethirddayofthefirstmonthofShomou。Well，thismaywesay:thosewhobegotusneedhavenoshame。ForifIbethefairestwomaninEgypt，methinks，Harmachis，thatthereisinEgyptnomanmorefairandstrongthanthou，ay，ormorelearned。Bornofthesameday，why，’tismanifestthatweweredestinedtostandtogether，I，astheQueen，andthou，perchance，Harmachis，asoneofthechiefpillarsofmythrone，andthustoworkeachother’sweal。””Ormaybeeachother’swoe，”Ianswered，lookingup；forhersweetspeechesstungmyearsandbroughtmorecolourtomyfacethanIlovedthatsheshouldseethere。”Nay，nevertalkofwoe。Beseatedherebyme，Harmachis，andletustalk，notasQueenandsubject，butasfriendtofriend。Thouwastangeredwithmeatthefeastto-nightbecauseImockedtheewithyonderwreath——wasitnotso？Nay，itwasbutajest。Didstthouknowhowheavyisthetaskofmonarchsandhowwearisomearetheirhours，thouwouldstnotbewrothbecauseIlitmydulnesswithajest。Oh，theywearyme，thoseprincesandthosenobles，andthosestiff-neckedpompousRomans。Tomyfacetheyvowthemselvesmyslaves，andbehindmybacktheymockmeandproclaimmetheservantoftheirTriumvirate，ortheirEmpire，ortheirRepublic，asthewheelofFortuneturns，andeachrisesonitsround！Thereisneveramanamongthem——nothingbutfools，parasites，andpuppets——neveramansincewiththeircowarddaggerstheyslewthatC？sarwhomalltheworldinarmswasnotstrongenoughtotame。AndImustplayoffoneagainsttheother，ifmaybe，bysodoing，IcankeepEgyptfromtheirgrip。Andforreward，what？
Why，thisismyreward——thatallmenspeakillofme——and，Iknowit，mysubjectshateme！Yes，Ibelievethat，womanthoughIam，theywouldmurdermecouldtheyfindameans！”
Shepaused，coveringhereyeswithherhand，anditwaswell，forherwordspiercedmesothatIshrankupontheseatbesideher。”Theythinkillofme，Iknowit；andcallmewanton，whohaveneversteppedasidesaveonce，whenIlovedthegreatestmanofalltheworld，andatthetouchoflovemypassionflamedindeed，butburntahallowedflame。TheseribaldAlexandriansswearthatIpoisonedPtolemy，mybrother——whomtheRomanSenatewould，mostunnaturally，haveforcedonme，hissister，asahusband！Butitisfalse:hesickenedanddiedoffever。AndevensotheysaythatIwouldslayArsino？，mysister——who，indeed，wouldslayme！——butthat，too，isfalse！Thoughshewillhavenoneofme，Ilovemysister。Yes，theyallthinkillofmewithoutacause；eventhoudostthinkillofme，Harmachis。”OHarmachis，beforethoujudgest，rememberwhatathingisenvy！——
thatfoulsicknessofthemindwhichmakesthejaundicedeyeofpettinesstoseeallthingsdistraught——toreadEvilwrittenontheopenfaceofGood，andfindimpurityinthewhitestvirgin’ssoul！
Thinkwhatathingitis，Harmachis，tobesetonhighabovethegapingcrowdofknaveswhohatetheeforthyfortuneandthywit；whognashtheirteethandshootthearrowsoftheirliesfromthecoveroftheirownobscureness，whencetheyhavenowingstosoar；andwhosehearts’questitistodragdownthynobilitytothelevelofthegroundlingandthefool！”Benot，then，swifttothinkeviloftheGreat，whoseeverywordandactissearchedforerrorbyamillionangryeyes，andwhosemosttinyfaultistrumpetedbyathousandthroats，tilltheworldshakeswithechoesoftheirsin！Saynot:’Itisthus，’tiscertainlythus’——say，rather:’Mayitnotbeotherwise？Haveweheardaright？Didshethisthingofherownwill？’Judgegently，Harmachis，aswertthouIthouwouldstbejudged。RememberthataQueenisneverfree。Sheis，indeed，butthepointandinstrumentofthoseforcespoliticwithwhichtheironbooksofhistoryaregraved。OHarmachis！bethoumyfriend——myfriendandcounsellor！——myfriendwhomIcantrustindeed！——
forhere，inthiscrowdedCourt，Iammoreutterlyalonethananysoulthatbreathesaboutitscorridors。But/thee/Itrust；thereisfaithwritteninthosequieteyes，andIammindedtolifttheehigh，Harmachis。Icannolongerbearmysolitudeofmind——ImustfindonewithwhomImaycommuneandspeakthatwhichlieswithinmyheart。I
havefaults，Iknowit；butIamnotallunworthyofthyfaith，forthereisgoodgrainamongtheevilseed。Say，Harmachis，wiltthoutakepityonmylonelinessandbefriendme，whohavelovers，courtiers，slaves，dependents，morethickthanIcancount，butneveronesingle/friend/？”andsheleanttowardsme，touchingmelightly，andgazedonmewithherwonderfulblueeyes。
Iwasovercome；thinkingofthemorrownight，shameandsorrowsmoteme。/I/，herfriend！——/I/，whoseassassindaggerlayagainstmybreast！Ibentmyhead，andasoboragroan，Iknownotwhich，burstfromtheagonyofmyheart。
ButCleopatra，thinkingonlythatIwasmovedbeyondmyselfbythesurpriseofhergraciousness，smiledsweetly，andsaid:”Itgrowslate；to-morrownightwhenthoubringesttheaugurieswewillspeakagain，OmyfriendHarmachis，andthoushaltanswerme。”
Andshegavemeherhandtokiss。ScarceknowingwhatIdid，Ikissedit，andinanothermomentshewasgone。
ButIstoodinthechamber，gazingafterherlikeoneasleep。
CHAPTERVI
OFTHEWORDSANDJEALOUSYOFCHARMION；OFTHELAUGHTEROF
HARMACHIS；OFTHEMAKINGREADYFORTHEDEEDOFBLOOD；ANDOFTHE
Istoodstill，plungedinthought。ThenbyhazardasitwereItookupthewreathofrosesandlookedonit。HowlongIstoodsoIknownot，butwhennextIliftedupmyeyestheyfellupontheformofCharmion，whom，indeed，Ihadaltogetherforgotten。AndthoughatthemomentI
thoughtbutlittleofit，Inotedvaguelythatshewasflushedasthoughwithanger，andbeatherfootuponthefloor。”Oh，itisthou，Charmion！”Isaid。”Whatailsthee？Artthoucrampedwithstandingsolonginthyhiding-place？WhydidstnotthousliphencewhenCleopatraledmetothebalcony？””Whereismykerchief？”sheasked，shootinganangryglanceatme。”I
letfallmybroideredkerchief。””Thykerchief！——why，didstthounotsee？Cleopatratwittedmeaboutit，andIflungitfromthebalcony。””Yes，Isaw，”answeredthegirl，”Isawbuttoowell。Thoudidstflingawaymykerchief，butthewreathofroses——thatthouwouldstnotflingaway。Itwas’aQueen’sgift，’forsooth，andthereforetheroyalHarmachis，thePriestofIsis，thechosenoftheGods，thecrownedPharaohwedtothewealofKhem，cherisheditandsavedit。Butmykerchief，stungbythelaughterofthatlightQueen，hecastaway！””Whatmeanestthou？”Iasked，astonishedatherbittertone。”Icannotreadthyriddles。””WhatmeanI？”sheanswered，tossingupherheadandshowingthewhitecurvesofherthroat。”Nay，Imeannaught，orall；takeitasthouwilt。WouldstknowwhatImean，Harmachis，mycousinandmyLord？”shewentoninahard，lowvoice。”ThenIwilltellthee——thouartindangerofthegreatoffence。ThisCleopatrahascastherfatalwilesaboutthee，andthougoestneartolovingher，Harmachis——tolovingherwhomto-morrowthoumustslay！Ay，standandstareatthatwreathinthyhand——thewreaththoucouldstnotsendtojoinmykerchief——
sureCleopatraworeitbutto-night！TheperfumeofthehairofC？sar’smistress——C？sar’sandothers’——yetmingleswiththeodourofitsroses！Now，prithee，Harmachis，howfardidstthoucarrythematteronyonderbalcony？forinthatholewhereIlayhidIcouldnothearorsee。’Tisasweetspotforlovers，isitnot？——ay，andasweethour，too？Venussurelyrulesthestarsto-night？”
Allofthisshesaidsoquietlyandinsosoftandmodestaway，thoughherwordswerenotmodest，andyetsobitterly，thateverysyllablecutmetotheheart，andangeredmetillIcouldfindnospeech。”Ofatruththouhastawiseeconomy，”shewenton，seeingheradvantage:”to-nightthoudostkissthelipsthatto-morrowthoushaltstillforever！Itisfrugaldealingwiththeoccasionofthemoment；
ay，worthyandhonourabledealing！”
ThenatlastIbrokeforth。”Girl，”Icried，”howdarestthouspeakthustome？MindestthouwhoandwhatIamthatthouloosestthypeevishgibesuponme？””Imindwhatitbehovestheetobe，”sheansweredquick。”Whatthouart，thatImindnotnow。Surelythouknowestalone——thouandCleopatra！””Whatmeanestthou？”Isaid。”AmItoblameiftheQueen——””TheQueen！Whathavewehere？PharaohownsaQueen！””IfCleopatrawillstocomehitherofanightandtalk——””Ofstars，Harmachis——surelyofstarsandroses，andnaughtbeside！”
AfterthatIknownotwhatIsaid；for，troubledasIwas，thegirl’sbittertongueandquietwaydrovemewellnightomadness。ButthisI
know:IspokesofiercelythatshecoweredbeforemeasshehadcoweredbeforemyuncleSepawhenheratedherbecauseofherGreciangarb。Andassheweptthen，sosheweptnow，onlymorepassionatelyandwithgreatsobs。
AtlengthIceased，half-shamedbutstillangryandsmartingsorely。
Forevenwhilesheweptshecouldfindatonguetoanswerwith——andawoman’sshaftsaresharp。”Thoushouldstnotspeaktomethus！”shesobbed；”itiscruel——itisunmanly！ButIforgetthouartbutapriest，notaman——except，mayhap，forCleopatra！””Whatrighthastthou？”Isaid。”Whatcanstthoumean？””WhatrighthaveI？”sheasked，lookingup，herdarkeyesallafloodwithtearsthatrandownhersweetfacelikethedewofmorningdownalily’sheart。”WhatrighthaveI？OHarmachis！artthoublind？DidstthounotknowbywhatrightIspeakthustothee？ThenImusttellthee。Well，itisthefashioninAlexandria！Bythatfirstandholyrightofwoman——bytherightofthegreatloveIbearthee，andwhich，itseems，thouhastnoeyestosee——bytherightofmygloryandmyshame。Oh，benotwrothwithme，Harmachis，norsetmedownaslight，becausethetruthatlasthasburstfromme；forIamnotso。Iamwhatthouwiltmakeme。Iamthewaxwithinthemoulder’shands，andasthoudostfashionmesoIshallbe。Therebreatheswithinmenowabreathofglory，blowingacrossthewatersofmysoul，thatcanwaftmetoendsmorenoblethaneverIhavedreamedafore，ifthouwiltbemypilotandmyguide。ButifIlosethee，thenIloseallthatholdsmefrommyworseself——andletshipwreckcome！Thouknowestmenot，Harmachis！thoucanstnotseehowbigaspiritstrugglesinthisfrailformofmine！TotheeIamagirl，clever，wayward，shallow。ButIammore！ShowmethyloftiestthoughtandIwillmatchit，thedeepestpuzzleofthymindandIwillmakeitclear。Ofonebloodweare，andlovecanravelupourlittledifferenceandmakeusgrowoneindeed。
Oneendwehave，onelandwelove，onevowbindsusboth。Takemetothyheart，Harmachis，setmebytheeontheDoubleThrone，andIswearthatIwilllifttheehigherthanevermanhasclimbed。Rejectme，andbewarelestIpulltheedown！Andnow，puttingasidethecolddelicacyofcustom，stungtoitbywhatIsawoftheartsofthatlovelylivingfalsehood，Cleopatra，whichforpastimeshepractisesonthyfolly，I
havespokenoutmyheart，andanswerthou！”Andsheclaspedherhandsand，drawingonepacenearer，gazed，allwhiteandtrembling，onmyface。
ForamomentIstoodstruckdumb，forthemagicofhervoiceandthepowerofherspeech，despitemyself，stirredmeliketherushofmusic。HadIlovedthewoman，doubtlessshemighthavefiredmewithherflame；butIlovedhernot，andIcouldnotplayatpassion。Andsothoughtcame，andwiththoughtthatlaughingmood，whichiseverapttofashionuponnervesstrainedtothepointofbreaking。Inaflash，asitwere，Ibethoughtmeofthewayinwhichshehadthatverynightforcedthewreathofrosesonmyhead，IthoughtofthekerchiefandhowIhadflungitforth。IthoughtofCharmioninthelittlechamberwatchingwhatsheheldtobetheartsofCleopatra，andofherbitterspeeches。Lastly，IthoughtofwhatmyuncleSepawouldsayofhercouldheseehernow，andofthestrangeandtangledskeininwhichIwasinmeshed。AndIlaughedaloud——thefool’slaughterthatwasmyknellofruin！
Sheturnedwhiteryet——whiteasthedead——andalookgrewuponherfacethatcheckedmyfoolishmirth。”Thoufindest，then，Harmachis，”
shesaidinalow，chokedvoice，anddroppingthelevelofhereyes，”thoufindestcauseofmerrimentinwhatIhavesaid？””Nay，”Ianswered；”nay，Charmion；forgivemeifIlaughed。Itwasratheralaughofdespair；forwhatamItosaytothee？Thouhastspokenhighwordsofallthoumightestbe:isitleftformetotelltheewhatthouart？”
Sheshrank，andIpaused。”Speak，”shesaid。”Thouknowest——nonesowell！——whoIamandwhatmymissionis:thouknowest——nonesowell！——thatIamsworntoIsis，andmay，bylawDivine，havenaughttodowiththee。””Ay，”shebrokein，inherlowvoice，andwithhereyesstillfixedupontheground——”ay，andIknowthatthyvowsarebrokeninspirit，ifnotinform——brokenlikewreathsofcloud；for，Harmachis——/thoulovestCleopatra！/””Itisalie！”Icried。”Thouwantongirl，whowouldstseducemefrommydutyandputmetoanopenshame！——who，ledbypassionorambition，ortheloveofevil，hastnotshamedtobreakthebarriersofthysexandspeakasthouhastspoken——bewarelestthougotoofar！Andifthouwilthaveananswer，hereitis，putstraightly，asthyquestion。
Charmion，outsidethematterofmydutyandmyvows，thouart/naught/
tome！——norforallthytenderglanceswillmyheartbeatonepulsemorefast！Hardlyartthounowmyfriend——for，ofatruth，Iscarcecantrustthee。But，oncemore:beware！Tomethoumayestdothyworst；butifthoudostdaretoliftafingeragainstourcause，thatdaythoudiest！Andnow，isthisplaydone？”
Andas，wildwithanger，Ispokethus，sheshrankback，andyetfurtherback，tillatlengthsherestedagainstthewall，hereyescoveredwithherhand。ButwhenIceasedshedroppedherhand，glancingup，andherfacewasasthefaceofastatue，inwhichthegreateyesglowedlikeembers，androundthemwasaringofpurpleshadow。”Notaltogetherdone，”sheansweredgently；”thearenamustyetbesanded！”Thisshesaidhavingreferencetothecoveringupofthebloodstainsatthegladiatorialshowswithfinesand。”Well，”shewenton，”wastenotthineangeronathingsovile。IhavethrownmythrowandIhavelost。/V？victis！/——ah！/V？victis！/Wiltthounotlendmethedaggerinthyrobe，thathereandnowImayendmyshame？No？Thenonewordmore，mostroyalHarmachis:ifthoucanst，forgetmyfolly；
but，attheleast，havenofearfromme。Iamnow，asever，thyservantandtheservantofourcause。Farewell！”
Andshewent，leaningherhandagainstthewall。ButI，passingtomychamber，flungmyselfuponmycouch，andgroanedinbitternessofspirit。Alas！weshapeourplans，andbyslowdegreesbuildupourhouseofHope，nevercountingonthegueststhattimeshallbringtolodgetherein。Forwhocanguardagainst——theUnforeseen？
AtlengthIslept，andmydreamswereevil。WhenIwokethelightofthedaywhichshouldseetheredfulfilmentoftheplotwasstreamingthroughthecasement，andthebirdssangmerrilyamongthegardenpalms。Iwoke，andasIwokethesenseoftroublepressedinuponme，forIrememberedthatbeforethisdaywasgatheredtothepastImustdipmyhandsinblood——yes，inthebloodofCleopatra，whotrustedme！
WhycouldInothateherasIshould？TherehadbeenatimewhenI
lookedontothisactofvengeancewithsomewhatofarighteousglowofzeal。Andnow——andnow——why，Iwouldfranklygivemyroyalbirthrighttobefreefromitsnecessity！But，alas！Iknewthattherewasnoescape。Imustdrainthiscuporbeforevercastaway。IfelttheeyesofEgyptwatchingme，andtheeyesofEgypt’sGods。IprayedtomyMotherIsistogivemestrengthtodothisdeed，andprayedasI
hadneverprayedbefore；andoh，wonder！noanswercame。Nay，howwasthis？What，then，hadloosedthelinkbetweenusthat，forthefirsttime，theGoddessdeignednoreplytohersonandchosenservant？
CoulditbethatIhadsinnedinheartagainsther？WhathadCharmionsaid——thatIlovedCleopatra？Wasthissicknesslove？Nay！athousandtimesnay！——itwasbuttherevoltofNatureagainstanactoftreacheryandblood。TheGoddessdidbuttrymystrength，orperchanceshealsoturnedherholycountenancefrommurder？
Irosefilledwithterroranddespair，andwentaboutmytasklikeamanwithoutasoul。Iconnedthefatallistsandnotedalltheplans——
ay，inmybrainIgathereduptheverywordsofthatproclamationofmyRoyaltywhich，onthemorrow，Ishouldissuetothestartledworld。”CitizensofAlexandriaanddwellersinthelandofEgypt，”itbegan，”CleopatratheMacedonianhath，bythecommandoftheGods，sufferedjusticeforhercrimes——”
AlltheseandotherthingsIdid，butIdidthemasamanwithoutasoul——asamanmovedbyaforcefromwithoutandnotfromwithin。Andsotheminutesworeaway。InthethirdhouroftheafternoonIwentasbyappointmentfixedtothehousewheremyuncleSepalodged，thatsamehousetowhichIhadbeenbroughtsomethreemonthsgonewhenI
enteredAlexandriaforthefirsttime。AndhereIfoundtheleadersoftherevoltinthecityassembledinsecretconclavetothenumberofseven。WhenIhadentered，andthedoorswerebarred，theyprostratedthemselves，andcried，”Hail，Pharaoh！”butIbadethemrise，sayingthatIwasnotyetPharaoh，forthechickenwasstillintheegg。”Yea，Prince，”saidmyuncle，”buthisbeakshowsthrough。NotinvainhathEgyptbroodedalltheseyears，ifthoufailnotwiththatdagger-
strokeofthineto-night；andhowcanstthoufail？Nothingcannowstopourcoursetovictory！””ItisonthekneesoftheGods，”Ianswered。”Nay，”hesaid，”theGodshaveplacedtheissueinthehandsofamortal——inthyhands，Harmachis！——andthereitissafe。See:herearethelastlists。Thirty-onethousandmenwhobeararmsaresworntorisewhenthetidingscometothem。WithinfivedayseverycitadelinEgyptwillbeinourhands，andthenwhathavewetofear？FromRomebutlittle，forherhandsarefull；and，besides，wewillmakealliancewiththeTriumvirate，and，ifneedbe，buythemoff。Forofmoneythereisplentyintheland，andifmorebewantedthou，Harmachis，knowestwhereitisstoredagainsttheneedofKhem，andoutsidetheRoman’sreachofarm。Whoistheretoharmus？Thereisnone。Perchance，inthisturbulentcity，theremaybestruggle，andacounter-plottobringArsino？toEgyptandsetheronthethrone。
ThereforeAlexandriamustbeseverelydealtwith——ay，eventodestruction，ifneedbe。AsforArsino？，thosegoforthto-morrowonthenewsoftheQueen’sdeathwhoshallslayhersecretly。””ThereremainstheladC？sarion，”Isaid。”RomemightclaimthroughC？sar’sson，andthechildofCleopatrainheritsCleopatra’srights。
Hereisadoubledanger。””Fearnot，”saidmyuncle；”to-morrowC？sarionjoinsthosewhobegathiminAmenti。Ihavemadeprovision。ThePtolemiesmustbestampedout，sothatnoshootshalleverspringfromthatrootblastedbyHeaven’svengeance。””Istherenoothermeans？”Iaskedsadly。”Myheartissickatthepromiseofthisredrainofblood。Iknowthechildwell；hehasCleopatra’sfireandbeautyandgreatC？sar’swit。Itwereshametomurderhim。””Nay，benotsochicken-hearted，Harmachis，”saidmyuncle，sternly。”Whatailsthee，then？Iftheladisthus，themorereasonthatheshoulddie。Wouldstthounurseupayoungliontoteartheefromthethrone？””Beitso，”Ianswered，sighing。”Atleastheissparedmuch，andwillgohenceinnocentofevil。Nowfortheplans。”
Wesatlongtakingcounsel，tillatlength，infaceofthegreatemergencyandourhighemprise，Ifeltsomethingofthespiritofformerdaysflowbackintomyheart。Atthelastallwasordered，andsoorderedthatitcouldscarcemiscarry，foritwasfixedthatifbyanychanceIcouldnotcometoslayCleopatraonthisnight，thentheplotshouldhanginthescaletillthemorrow，whenthedeedmustbedoneuponoccasion。ForthedeathofCleopatrawasthesignal。Thesemattersbeingfinished，oncemorewestoodand，ourhandsuponthesacredsymbol，sworetheoaththatmaynotbewritten。Andthenmyunclekissedmewithtearsofhopeandjoystandinginhiskeenblackeyes。Heblessedme，sayingthathewouldgladlygivehislife，ay，andahundredlives，iftheywerehis，ifhemightbutlivetoseeEgyptoncemoreanation，andme，Harmachis，thedescendantofitsroyalandancientblood，seatedonthethrone。Forhewasapatriotindeed，askingnothingforhimself，andgivingallthingstohiscause。AndIkissedhiminturn，andthusweparted。NordidIeverseehimmoreinthefleshwhohasearnedtherestthatasyetisdeniedtome。
SoIwent，and，therebeingyettime，walkedswiftlyfromplacetoplaceinthegreatcity，takingnoteofthepositionsofthegatesandoftheplaceswhereourforcesmustbegathered。AtlengthIcametothatquaywhereIhadlanded，andsawavesselsailingfortheopensea。Ilooked，andinmyheavinessofheartlongedthatIwereaboardofher，tobebornebyherwhitewingstosomefarshorewhereImightliveobscureanddieforgotten。AlsoIsawanothervesselthathaddroppeddowntheNile，fromwhosedeckthepassengerswerestreaming。
ForamomentIstoodwatchingthem，idlywonderingiftheywerefromAbouthis，whensuddenlyIheardafamiliarvoicebesideme。”/La！la！/”saidthevoice。”Why，whatacityisthisforanoldwomantoseekherfortunein！AndhowshallIfindthosetowhomIamknown？
Aswelllookfortherushinthepapyrus-roll。[*]Begone！thouknave！
andletmybasketofsimpleslie；or，bytheGods，I’lldoctortheewiththem！”
[*]Papyruswasmanufacturedfromthepithofrushes。HenceAtoua’ssaying——Editor。
Iturned，wondering，andfoundmyselffacetofacewithmyfoster-
nurse，Atoua。Sheknewmeinstantly，forIsawherstart，butinthepresenceofthepeopleshecheckedhersurprise。”GoodSir，”shewhined，liftingherwitheredcountenancetowardsme，andatthesametimemakingthesecretsign。”Bythydressthoushouldstbeanastronomer，andIwasspeciallytoldtoavoidastronomersasapackoflyingtricksterswhoworshiptheirownstaronly；and，therefore，Ispeaktothee，actingontheprincipleofcontraries，whichislawtouswomen。ForsurelyinthisAlexandria，whereallthingsareupsidedown，theastronomersmaybethehonestmen，sincetherestareclearlyknaves。”Andthen，beingbynowoutofearshotofthepress，”royalHarmachis，IamcomechargedwithamessagetotheefromthyfatherAmenemhat。””Ishewell？”Iasked。”Yes，heiswell，thoughwaitingforthemomenttrieshimsorely。””Andhismessage？””Itisthis。Hesendsgreetingtotheeandwithitwarningthatagreatdangerthreatensthee，thoughhecannotreadit。Thesearehiswords:’Besteadfastandprosper。’”
Ibowedmyheadandthewordsstruckanewchilloffearintomysoul。”Whenisthetime？”sheasked。”Thisverynight。Wheregoestthou？””TothehouseofthehonourableSepa，PriestofAnnu。Canstthouguidemethither？””Nay，Imaynotstay；norisitwisethatIshouldbeseenwiththee。
Hold！”andIcalledaporterwhowasidlingonthequay，and，givinghimapieceofmoney，badehimguidetheoldwifetothehouse。”Farewell，”shewhispered；”farewelltillto-morrow。Besteadfastandprosper。”
ThenIturnedandwentmywaythroughthecrowdedstreets，wherethepeoplemadeplaceforme，theastronomerofCleopatra，formyfamehadspreadabroad。
AndevenasIwentmyfootstepsseemedtobeat/Besteadfast，Besteadfast，Besteadfast/，tillatlastitwasasthoughtheverygroundcriedoutitswarningtome。
CHAPTERVII
OFTHEVEILEDWORDSOFCHARMION；OFTHEPASSINGOFHARMACHIS
INTOTHEPRESENCEOFCLEOPATRA；ANDOFTHEOVERTHROWOFHARMACHIS
Itwasnight，andIsataloneinmychamber，waitingthemomentwhen，asitwasagreed，CharmionshouldsummonmetopassdowntoCleopatra。
Isatalone，andtherebeforemelaythedaggerthatwastopierceher。Itwaslongandkeen，andthehandlewasformedofasphinxofsolidgold。Isatalone，questioningthefuture，butnoanswercame。
AtlengthIlookedup，andCharmionstoodbeforeme——Charmion，nolongergayandbright，butpaleoffaceandhollow-eyed。”RoyalHarmachis，”shesaid，”Cleopatrasummonsthee，presentlytodeclaretoherthevoicesofthestars。”
Sothehourhadfallen！”Itiswell，Charmion，”Ianswered。”Areallthingsinorder？””Yea，myLord；allthingsareinorder:wellprimedwithwine，Paulusguardsthegates，theeunuchsarewithdrawnsaveone，thelegionariessleep，andalreadySepaandhisforceliehidwithout。Nothinghasbeenneglected，andnolambskippingattheshambledoorscanbemoreinnocentofitsdoomthanisQueenCleopatra。””Itiswell，”Isaidagain；”letusbegoing，”andrising，Iplacedthedaggerinthebosomofmyrobe。Takingacupofwinethatstoodnear，Idrankdeepofit，forIhadscarcetastedfoodallthatday。”Oneword，”Charmionsaidhurriedly，”foritisnotyettime:lastnight——ah，lastnight——”andherbosomheaved，”Idreamedadreamthathauntsmestrangely，andperchancethoualsodidstdreamadream。Itwasalladreamand’tisforgotten:isitnotso，myLord？””Yes，yes，”Isaid；”whytroublestthoumethusatsuchanhour？””Nay，Iknownot；butto-night，Harmachis，Fateisinlabourofagreatevent，andinherpainfulthroesmayhapshe’llcrushmeinhergrip——meorthee，orthetwainofus，Harmachis。Andifthatbeso——
well，Iwouldhearfromthee，beforeitisdone，that’twasnaughtbutadream，andthatdreamforgot——””Yes，itisalladream，”Isaididly；”thouandI，andthesolidearth，andthisheavynightofterror，ay，andthiskeenknife——whatarethesebutdreams，andwithwhatfaceshallthewakingcome？””Sonow，thoufallestinmyhumour，royalHarmachis。Asthousayest，wedream；andwhilewedreamyetcanthevisionchange。Forthephantasiesofdreamsarewonderful，seeingthattheyhavenostability，butvarylikethevaporousedgeofsunsetclouds，buildingnowthisthing，andnowthat；beingnowdarkandheavy，andnowalightwithsplendour。Therefore，beforewewaketo-morrowtellmeoneword。
Isthatvisionoflastnight，whereinI/seemed/tobequiteshamed，andthoudidst/seem/tolaughuponmyshame，afixedphantasy，orcanit，perchance，yetchangeitscountenance？Forremember，whenthatwakingcomes，thevagariesofoursleepwillbemoreunalterableandmoreenduringthanarethepyramids。Thentheywillbegatheredintothatchangelessregionofthepastwhereallthings，greatandsmall——
ay，evendreams，Harmachis，are，eachinitsownsemblance，frozentostoneandbuiltintotheTombofTimeimmortal。””Nay，Charmion，”Ireplied，”IgrieveifIdidpainthee；butoverthatvisioncomesnochange。Isaidwhatwasinmyheartandthere’sanend。Thouartmycousinandmyfriend，Icanneverbemoretothee。””Itiswell——’tisverywell，”shesaid；”letitbeforgotten。Andnowonfromdream——todream，”andshesmiledwithsuchasmileasIhadneverseenherwearbefore；itwassadderandmorefatefulthananystampthatgriefcansetuponthebrow。
For，thoughbeingblindedbymyownfollyandthetroubleatmyheartIknewitnot，withthatsmile，thehappinessofyouthdiedforCharmiontheEgyptian；thehopeoflovefled；andtheholylinksofdutyburstasunder。WiththatsmilesheconsecratedherselftoEvil，sherenouncedherCountryandherGods，andtrampledonheroath。Ay，thatsmilemarksthemomentwhenthestreamofhistorychangeditscourse。ForhadIneverseenitonherfaceOctavianushadnotbestriddentheworld，andEgypthadoncemorebeenfreeandgreat。
Andyetitwasbutawoman’ssmile！”Whylookestthouthusstrangely，girl？”Iasked。”Indreamswesmile，”sheanswered。”Andnowitistime；followthoume。Befirmandprosper，royalHarmachis！”andbendingforwardshetookmyhandandkissedit。Then，withonestrangelastlook，sheturnedandledthewaydownthestairandthroughtheemptyhalls。
InthechamberthatiscalledtheAlabasterHall，theroofofwhichisupbornebycolumnsofblackmarble，westayed。ForbeyondwastheprivatechamberofCleopatra，thesameinwhichIhadseenhersleeping。”Abidethouhere，”shesaid，”whileItellCleopatraofthycoming，”
andsheglidedfrommyside。
Istoodforlong，mayhapinallthehalfofanhour，countingmyownheart-beats，and，asinadream，strivingtogatherupmystrengthtothatwhichlaybeforeme。
AtlengthCharmioncameback，herheadheldlowandwalkingheavily。”Cleopatrawaitsthee，”shesaid:”passon，thereisnoguard。””WheredoImeettheewhenwhatmustbedoneisdone？”Iaskedhoarsely。”Thoumeetestmehere，andthentoPaulus。Befirmandprosper。
Harmachis，faretheewell！”
AndsoIwent；butatthecurtainIturnedsuddenly，andthereinthemidstofthatlonelylamplithallIsawastrangesight。Faraway，insuchafashionthatthelightstruckfulluponher，stoodCharmion，herheadthrownback，herwhitearmsoutstretchedasthoughtoclasp，andonhergirlishfaceastampofanguishedpassionsoterribletoseethat，indeed，Icannottellit！ForshebelievedthatI，whomsheloved，waspassingtomydeath，andthiswasherlastfarewelltome。
ButIknewnaughtofthismatter；sowithanotherpassingpangofwonderIdrewasidethecurtains，gainedthedoorway，andstoodinCleopatra’schamber。Andthere，uponasilkencouchatthefarendoftheperfumedchamber，cladinwonderfulwhiteattire，restedCleopatra。Inherhandwasajewelledfanofostrichplumes，withwhichshegentlyfannedherself，andbyhersidewasherharpofivory，andalittletablewhereonwerefigsandgobletsandaflaskofruby-colouredwine。IdrewnearslowlythroughthesoftdimlighttowheretheWonderoftheWorldlayinallherglowingbeauty。And，indeed，Ihaveneverseenherlooksofairasshediduponthatfatalnight。Couchedinherambercushions，sheseemedtoshineasastaronthetwilight’sglow。Perfumecamefromherhairandrobes，musicfellfromherlips，andinherheavenlyeyesalllightschangedandgatheredasintheominousopal’sdisc。
Andthiswasthewomanwhom，presently，Imustslay！
SlowlyIdrewnear，bowingasIcame；butshetooknoheed。Shelaythere，andthejewelledfanfloatedtoandfrolikethebrightwingofsomehoveringbird。
AtlengthIstoodbeforeher，andsheglancedup，theostrich-plumespressedagainstherbreastasthoughtohideitsbeauty。”What！friend；artthoucome？”shesaid。”Itiswell；forIgrewlonelyhere。Nay；’tisawearyworld！Weknowsomanyfaces，andtherearesofewwhomwelovetoseeagain。Well，standnottheresomute，butbeseated。”Andshepointedwithherfantoacarvenchairthatwasplacednearherfeet。
OncemoreIbowedandtooktheseat。”IhaveobeyedtheQueen’sdesire，”Isaid，”andwithmuchcareandskillworkedoutthelessonsofthestars；andhereistherecordofmylabour。IftheQueenpermits，Iwillexpoundittoher。”AndI
rose，inorderthatImightpassroundthecouchand，assheread，stabherintheback。”Nay，Harmachis，”shesaidquietly，andwithaslowandlovelysmile。”Bidethouwherethouart，andgivemethewriting。BySerapis！thyfaceistoocomelyformetowishtolosethesightofit！”
Checkedinthisdesign，Icoulddonothingbuthandherthepapyrus，thinkingtomyselfthatwhileshereadIwouldarisesuddenlyandplungethedaggertoherheart。Shetookit，andasshedidsotouchedmyhand。Thenshemadepretencetoread。Butshereadnoword，forI
sawthathereyeswerefixeduponmeovertheedgeofthescroll。”Whyplacestthouthyhandwithinthyrobe？”sheaskedpresently；for，indeed，Iclutchedthedagger’shilt。”Isthyheartstirred？””Yea，OQueen，”Isaid；”itbeatshigh。”
Shegavenoanswer，butoncemoremadepretencetoread，andthewhileshewatchedme。
Itookcounselwithmyself。HowshouldIdothehatefuldeed？IfI
flungmyselfuponhernowshewouldseemeandscreamandstruggle。
Nay，Imustwaitachance。”Theauguriesarefavourable，then，Harmachis？”shesaidatlength，thoughthisshemusthaveguessed。”Yes，OQueen，”Ianswered。”Itiswell，”andshecastthewritingonthemarble。”Theshipsshallsail。For，goodorbad，Iamwearyofweighingchances。””Thisisaheavymatter，OQueen，”Isaid。”IhadwishedtoshowuponwhatcircumstanceIbasemyforecast。””Nay，notso，Harmachis；Ihaveweariedofthewaysofstars。Thouhastprophesied；thatisenoughforme；for，doubtless，beinghonest，thouhastwrittenhonestly。Therefore，savethouthyreasonsandwe’llbemerry。Whatshallwedo？Icoulddancetothee——therearenonewhocandancesowell！——butitwouldscarcebequeenly。Nay，Ihaveit。I
willsing。”And，leaningforward，sheraisedherself，and，bendingtheharptowardsher，strucksomewanderingchords。Thenherlowvoicebrokeoutinperfectandmostsweetsong。
Andthusshesang:”Nightonthesea，andnightuponthesky，Andmusicinourhearts，wefloatedthere，Lulledbythelowseavoices，thouandI，Andthewind’skissesinmycloudyhair:
Andthoudidstgazeonmeandcallmefair——
Enfoldedbythestarryrobeofnight——
Andthenthysingingthrilledupontheair，Voiceoftheheart’sdesireandLove’sdelight。
’Adrift，withstarlitskiesabove，Withstarlitseasbelow，Wemovewithallthesunsthatmove，Withalltheseasthatflow；
Forbondorfree，Earth，Sky，andSea，Wheelwithonecirclingwill，Andthyheartdriftethontome，Andonlytimestandsstill。
BetweentwoshoresofDeathwedrift，Behindarethingsforgot:
BeforethetideisdrivingswiftTolandsbeholdennot。
Above，theskyisfarandcold；
Below，themoaningseaSweepso’erthelovesthatwereofold，But，oh，Love！kissthoume。
Ah，lonelyaretheoceanways，Anddangerousthedeep，AndfrailthefairybarquethatstraysAbovetheseasasleep！
Ah，toilnomoreatsailnoroar，Wedrift，orbondorfree；
Onyonfarshorethebreakersroar，But，oh，Love！kissthoume。’”AndeverasthousangestIdrewnear，Thensuddensilenceheardourheartsthatbeat，Fornowtherewasanendofdoubtandfear，Nowpassionfilledmysoulandledmyfeet；
Thensilentdidstthourisethylovetomeet，Who，sinkingonthybreast，knewnaughtbutthee，AndinthehappynightIkissedthee，Sweet；
Ah，Sweet！betweenthestarlightandthesea。”
Thelastechoesofherrichnotesfloateddownthechamber，andslowlydiedaway；butinmyhearttheyrolledonandon。Ihaveheardamongthewomen-singersatAbouthisvoicesmoreperfectthanthevoiceofCleopatra，butneverhaveIheardonesothrillingorsosweetwithpassion’shoney-notes。Andindeeditwasnotthevoicealone，itwastheperfumedchamberinwhichwassetallthatcouldmovethesense；
itwasthepassionofthethoughtandwords，andthesurpassinggraceandlovelinessofthatmostroyalwomanwhosangthem。For，asshesang，Iseemedtothinkthatwetwainwereindeedfloatingalonewiththenight，uponthestarlitsummersea。Andwhensheceasedtotouchtheharp，and，rising，suddenlystretchedoutherarmstowardsme，andwiththelastlownotesofsongyetquiveringuponherlips，letfallthewonderofhereyesuponmyeyes，shealmostdrewmetoher。ButI
remembered，andwouldnot。”Hastthou，then，nowordofthanksformypoorsinging，Harmachis？”
shesaidatlength。”Yea，OQueen，”Ianswered，speakingverylow，formyvoicewaschoked；”butthysongsarenotgoodforthesonsofmentohear——ofatruththeyoverwhelmme！””Nay，Harmachis；thereisnofearforthee，”shesaidlaughingsoftly，”seeingthatIknowhowfarthythoughtsaresetfromwoman’sbeautyandthecommonweaknessofthysex。Withcoldironwemaysafelytoy。”
Ithoughtwithinmyselfthatcoldestironcanbebroughttowhitestheatifthefirebefierceenough。ButIsaidnothing，and，thoughmyhandtrembled，Ioncemoregraspedthedagger’shilt，and，wildwithfearatmyownweakness，setmyselftofindameanstoslayherwhileyetmysenseremained。”Comehither，Harmachis，”shewenton，inhersoftestvoice。”Come，sitbyme，andwewilltalktogether；forIhavemuchtotellthee，”
andshemadeplaceformeathersideuponthesilkenseat。
AndI，thinkingthatImightsomoreswiftlystrike，roseandseatedmyselfsomelittlewayfromheronthecouch，while，flingingbackherhead，shegazedonmewithherslumbrouseyes。
Nowwasmyoccasion，forherthroatandbreastwerebare，and，withamightyeffort，onceagainIliftedmyhandtoclutchthedagger-hilt。
But，morequickthanthought，shecaughtmyfingerswithherownandgentlyheldthem。”Whylookestthousowildly，Harmachis？”shesaid。”Artsick？””Ay，sickindeed！”Igasped。”Thenleanthouonthecushionsandrestthee，”sheanswered，stillholdingmyhand，fromwhichthestrengthhadfled。”Thefitwillsurelypass。Toolonghastthoulabouredwiththystars。Howsoftisthenightairthatflowsfromyondercasementheavywiththebreathoflilies！Harktothewhisperofthesealappingagainsttherocks，that，thoughitisfaint，yet，beingsostrong，dothalmostdrownthequickcoolfallofyonderfountain。ListtoPhilomel；howsweetfromafullheartofloveshesingshermessagetoherdear！Indeeditisalovelynight，andmostbeautifulisNature’smusic，sungwithahundredvoicesfromwindandtreesandbirdsandocean’swrinkledlips，andyetsungalltotune。Listen，Harmachis:Ihaveguessedsomethingconcerningthee。Thou，too，artofaroyalrace；nohumblebloodpoursinthoseveinsofthine。SurelysuchashootcouldspringbutfromthestockofPrinces？What！gazestthouattheleafmarkonmybreast？ItwasprickedthereinhonourofgreatOsiris，whomwiththeeIworship。See！””Letmehence，”Igroaned，strivingtorise；butallmystrengthhadgone。”Nay，notyetawhile。Thouwouldstnotleavemeyet？thou/canst/notleavemeyet。Harmachis，hastthouneverloved？””Nay，nay，OQueen！WhathaveItodowithlove？Letmehence！——Iamfaint——Iamfordone！””Nevertohaveloved——’tisstrange！Nevertohaveknownsomewoman-
heartbeatallintunetothine——nevertohaveseentheeyesofthyadoredaswimwithpassion’stears，asshesighedhervowsuponthybreast！——Nevertohaveloved！——nevertohavelostthyselfinthemysteryofanother’ssoul；nortohavelearnedhowNaturecanovercomeournakedloneliness，andwiththegoldenwebofloveoftwainweaveoneidentity！Why，itisnevertohavelived，Harmachis！”
Andeverasshemurmuredshedrewnearertome，tillatlast，withalong，sweetsigh，sheflungonearmaboutmyneck，andgazeduponmewithblue，unfathomableeyes，andsmiledherdark，slowsmile，that，likeanopeningflower，revealedbeautywithinbeautyhidden。Nearershebentherqueenlyform，andstillmorenear——nowherperfumedbreathplayeduponmyhair，andnowherlipsmetmine。
Andwoeisme！Inthatkiss，moredeadlyandmorestrongthantheembraceofDeath，wereforgottenIsis，myheavenlyHope，Oaths，Honour，Country，Friends，allthings——allthingssavethatCleopatraclaspedmeinherarms，andcalledmeLoveandLord。”Nowpledgeme，”shesighed；”pledgemeonecupofwineintokenofthylove。”
Itookthedraught，andIdrankdeep；thentoolateIknewthatitwasdrugged。
Ifelluponthecouch，and，thoughmysensesstillwerewithme，I
couldneitherspeaknorrise。
ButCleopatra，bendingoverme，drewthedaggerfrommyrobe。”/I’vewon！/”shecried，shakingbackherlonghair。”I’vewon，andforthestakeofEgypt，why，’twasagameworthplaying！Withthisdagger，then，thouwouldsthaveslainme，OmyroyalRival，whosemyrmidonsevennowaregatheredatmypalacegate？Artstillawake？
NowwhathindersmethatIshouldnotplungeitto/thy/heart？”
Iheardandfeeblypointedtomybreast，forIwasfaintodie。Shedrewherselftothefullofherimperialheight，andthegreatknifeglitteredinherhand。Downitcametillitsedgeprickedmyflesh。”Nay，”shecriedagain，andcastitfromher，”toowellIlikethee。
Itwerepitytoslaysuchaman！Igivetheethylife。Liveon，lostPharaoh！Liveon，poorfallenPrince，blastedbyawoman’swit！Liveon，Harmachis——toadornmytriumph！”
Thensightleftme；andinmyearsIonlyheardthesongofthenightingale，themurmurofthesea，andthemusicofCleopatra’slaughofvictory。AndasIsankaway，thesoundofthatlowlaughstillfollowedmeintothelandofsleep，andstillitfollowsmethroughlifetodeath。
