CHAPTERVIII
OFTHEAWAKINGOFHARMACHIS；OFTHESIGHTOFDEATH；OFTHE
COMINGOFCLEOPATRA；ANDOFHERCOMFORTABLEWORDS
OncemoreIwoke；itwastofindmyselfinmyownchamber。Istartedup。Surely，I，too，haddreamedadream？Itcouldbenothingbutadream？ItcouldnotbethatIwoketoknowmyselfa/traitor！/Thattheopportunityhadgoneforever！ThatIhadbetrayedthecause，andthatlastnightthosebravemen，headedbymyuncle，hadwaitedinvainattheoutergate！ThatEgyptfromAbutoAthuwasevennowwaiting——waitinginvain！Nay，whateverelsemightbe，thiscouldnotbe！Oh，itwasanawfuldreamwhichIhaddreamed！asecondsuchwouldslayaman。Itwerebettertodiethanfacesuchanothervisionsentfromhell。But，thoughthethingwasnaughtbutahatefulphantasyofamindo’er-strained，wherewasInow？WherewasInow？IshouldbeintheAlabasterHall，waitingtillCharmioncameforth。
WherewasI？andOyeGods！whatwasthatdreadfulthing，whoseshapewastheshapeofaman？——thatthingdrapedinbloodstainedwhiteandhuddledinahideousheapatthefootofthecouchonwhichIseemedtolie？
Isprangatitwithashriek，asalionsprings，andstruckwithallmystrength。Theblowfellheavily，andbeneathitsweightthethingrolledoveruponitsside。Halfmadwithterror，Irentawaythewhitecovering；andthere，hiskneesboundbeneathhishangingjaw，wasthenakedbodyofaman——andthatmantheRomanCaptainPaulus！Therehelay，throughhisheartadagger——mydagger，handledwiththesphinxofgold！——andpinnedbyitsbladetohisbroadbreastascroll，andonthescroll，writingintheRomancharacter。Idrewnearandread，andthiswasthewriting:
HARMACHIDI。SALVERE。EGO。SUM。QUEM。SUBDERE。NORAS
PAULUS。ROMANUS。DISCE。HINC。QUID。PRODERE。PROSIT。”Greeting，Harmachis！IwasthatRomanPauluswhomthoudidstsuborn。Learnnowhowblessedaretraitors！”
SickandfaintIstaggeredbackfromthesightofthatwhitecorpsestainedwithitsownblood。SickandfaintIstaggeredback，tillthewallstayedme，whilewithoutthebirdssangamerrygreetingtotheday。Soitwasnodream，andIwaslost！lost！
Ithoughtofmyagedfather，Amenemhat。Yes，thevisionofhimflashedintomymind，ashewouldbe，whentheycametotellhimhisson’sshameandtheruinofallhishopes。Ithoughtofthatpatriotpriest，myuncleSepa，waitingthelongnightthroughforthesignalwhichnevercame。Ah，andanotherthoughtfollowedswift！Howwoulditgowiththem？Iwasnottheonlytraitor。I，too，hadbeenbetrayed。Bywhom？ByyonderPaulus，perchance。IfitwerePaulus，heknewbutlittleofthosewhoconspiredwithme。Butthesecretlistshadbeeninmyrobe。OOsiris！theyweregone！andthefateofPauluswouldbethefateofallthepatriotsinEgypt。Andatthisthoughtmymindgaveway。IsankandswoonedevenwhereIstood。
Mysensecamebacktome，andthelengtheningshadowstoldmethatitwasafternoon。Istaggeredtomyfeet；thecorpseofPauluswasstillthere，keepingitsawfulwatchaboveme。Irandesperatelytothedoor。Itwasbarred，andwithoutIheardthetrampofsentinels。AsI
stoodtheychallengedandgroundedtheirspears。Thentheboltswereshotback，thedooropened，andradiant，cladinroyalattire，cametheconqueringCleopatra。Shecamealone，andthedoorwasshutbehindher。Istoodlikeonedistraught；butshesweptontillshewasfacetofacewithme。”Greeting，Harmachis，”shesaid，smilingsweetly。”So，mymessengerhasfoundthee！”andshepointedtothecorpseofPaulus。”Pah！hehasanuglylook。Ho！guards！”
Thedoorwasopened，andtwoarmedGaulssteppedacrossthethreshold。”Takeawaythiscarrion，”saidCleopatra，”andflingittothekites。
Stay，drawthatdaggerfromhistraitorbreast。”Themenbowedlow，andtheknife，rustedredwithblood，wasdraggedfromtheheartofPaulusandlaiduponthetable。Thentheyseizedhimbytheheadandbodyandstaggeredthence，andIheardtheirheavyfootfallsastheyborehimdownthestairs。”Methinks，Harmachis，thouartinanevilcase，”shesaid，whenthesoundofthefootfallshaddiedaway。”HowstrangelythewheelofFortuneturns！Butforthattraitor，”andshenoddedtowardsthedoorthroughwhichthecorpseofPaulushadbeencarried，”Ishouldnowbeasillathingtolookonasheis，andtheredrustonyonderknifewouldhavebeengatheredfrom/my/heart。”
SoitwasPauluswhohadbetrayedme。”Ay，”shewenton，”andwhenthoucamesttomelastnight，I/knew/
thatthoucamesttoslay。When，timeupontime，thoudidstplacethyhandwithinthyrobe，Iknewthatitgraspedadaggerhilt，andthatthouwastgatheringthycouragetothedeedwhichthoudidstlittlelovetodo。Oh！itwasastrangewildhour，wellworththeliving，andIwonderedgreatly，frommomenttomoment，whichofustwainwouldconquer，aswematchedguilewithguileandforcetoforce！”Yea，Harmachis，theguardstrampbeforethydoor，butbenotdeceived。DidInotknowthatIholdtheetomebybondsmorestrongthanprisonchains——didInotknowthatIamhedgedfromillatthyhandsbyafenceofhonourharderfortheetopassthanallthespearsofallmylegions，thouhadstbeendeaderenow，Harmachis。See，hereisthyknife，”andshehandedmethedagger；”nowslaymeifthoucanst，”andshedrewnear，toreopenthebosomofherrobe，andstoodwaitingwithcalmeyes。”Thoucanstnotslayme，”shewenton；”fortherearethings，asI
knowwell，thatnoman——nomansuchasthouart——maydoandlive:andthisisthechiefofthem——toslaythewomanwhoisallhisown。Nay，staythyhand！Turnnotthatdaggeragainstthybreast，forifthoumaystnotslayme，byhowmuchmoremaystthounotslaythyself，O
thouforswornPriestofIsis！Artthou，then，soeagertofacethatoutragedMajestyinAmenti？Withwhateyes，thinkestthou，willtheHeavenlyMotherlookuponHerson，who，shamedinallthingsandfalsetohismostsacredvow，comestogreetHer，hislife-bloodonhishands？Where，then，willbethespaceforthyatonement？——if，indeed，thoumayestatone！”
ThenIcouldbearnomore，formyheartwasbroken。Alas！itwastootrue——Idarednotdie！IwascometosuchapassthatIdidnotevendaretodie！Iflungmyselfuponthecouchandwept——wepttearsofbloodandanguish。
ButCleopatracametome，and，seatingherselfbesideme，shestrovetocomfortme，throwingherarmsaboutmyneck。”Nay，love，lookup，”shesaid；”allisnotlostforthee，noramI
angeredagainstthee。Wedidplayamightygame；but，asIwarnedthee，Imatchedmywoman’smagicagainstthine，andIhaveconquered。
ButIwillbeopenwiththee。BothasQueenandwomanthouhastmypity——ay，andmore；nordoIlovetoseetheeplungedinsorrow。Itwaswellandrightthatthoushouldststrivetowinbackthatthronemyfathersseized，andtheancientlibertyofEgypt。MyselfaslawfulQueenhaddonethesame，norshrunkfromthedeedofdarknesstowhichIwassworn。Therein，then，thouhastmysympathy，thatevergoesouttowhatisgreatandbold。Itiswellalsothatthoushouldstgrieveoverthegreatnessofthyfall。Therein，then，aswoman——aslovingwoman——thouhastmysympathy。Norisalllost。Thyplanwasfoolish——
for，asIhold，Egyptcouldneverhavestoodalone——forthoughthouhadstwonthecrownandcountry——aswithoutadoubtthoumusthavedone——yettherewastheRomantobereckonedwith。Andforthyhopelearnthis:Iamlittleknown。ThereisnoheartinthiswidelandthatbeatswithatruerloveforancientKhemthandoesthisheartofmine——nay，notthineown，Harmachis。YetIhavebeenheavilyshackledheretofore——forwars，rebellions，envies，plots，havehemmedmeinoneveryside，sothatImightnotservemypeopleasIwould。Butthou，Harmachis，shaltshowmehow。Thoushaltbemycounsellorandmylove。
Isitalittlething，Harmachis，tohavewontheheartofCleopatra；
thatheart——fieonthee！——thatthouwouldsthavestilled？Yes，/thou/
shaltunitemetomypeopleandwewillreigntogether，thuslinkinginonethenewkingdomandtheoldandthenewthoughtandtheold。Sodoallthingsworkforgood——ay，fortheverybest:andthus，byanotherandagentlerroad，thoushaltclimbtoPharaoh’sthrone。”Seethouthis，Harmachis:thytreacheryshallbecloakedaboutasmuchasmaybe。Wasit，then，thyfaultthataRomanknavebetrayedthyplans？that，thereon，thouwastdrugged，thysecretpapersstolenandtheirkeyguessed？Willit，then，beablametothee，thegreatplotbeingbrokenandthosewhobuiltitscattered，thatthou，stillfaithfultothytrust，didstservetheeofsuchmeansasNaturegavethee，andwintheheartofEgypt’sQueen，that，throughhergentlelove，thoumightestyetattainthyendsandspreadthywingsofpoweracrossthelandofNile？AmIanill-counsellor，thinkestthou，Harmachis？”
Iliftedmyhead，andarayofhopecreptintothedarknessofmyheart；forwhenmenfalltheygraspatfeathers。Then，Ispokeforthefirsttime:”Andthosewithme——thosewhotrustedme——whatofthem？””Ay，”sheanswered，”Amenemhat，thyfather，theagedPriestofAbouthis；andSepa，thyuncle，thatfierypatriot，whosegreatheartishidbeneathsocommonashellofform；and——”
IthoughtshewouldhavesaidCharmion，butshenamedhernot。”Andmanyothers——oh，Iknowthemall！””Ay！”Isaid，”whatofthem？””Hearnow，Harmachis，”sheanswered，risingandplacingherhanduponmyarm，”forthysakeIwillshowmercytothem。Iwilldonomorethanmustbedone。IswearbymythroneandbyalltheGodsofEgyptthatnotonehairofthyagedfather’sheadshallbeharmedbyme；
and，ifitbenottoolate，IwillalsosparethyuncleSepa，ay，andtheothers。Iwillnotdoasdidmyforefather，Epiphanes，who，whentheEgyptiansroseagainsthim，draggedAthinis，Pausiras，Chesuphus，andIrobasthus，boundtohischariot——notasAchillesdraggedHector，butyetliving——roundthecitywalls。Iwillsparethemall，savetheHebrews，iftherebeanyHebrews；fortheJewsIhate。””TherearenoHebrews，”Isaid。”Itiswell，”shesaid，”fornoHebrewwillIeverspare。AmIthen，indeed，socruelawomanastheysay？Inthylist，Harmachis，weremanydoomedtodie；andIhavebuttakenthelifeofoneRomanknave，adoubletraitor，forhebetrayedbothmeandthee。Artthounotoverwhelmed，Harmachis，withtheweightofmercywhichIgivethee，because——suchareawoman’sreasons——thoupleasestme，Harmachis？Nay，bySerapis！”sheaddedwithalittlelaugh，”I’llchangemymind；I
willnotgivetheesomuchfornothing。Thoushaltbuyitfromme，andthepriceshallbeaheavyone——itshallbeakiss，Harmachis。””Nay，”Isaid，turningfromthatfairtemptress，”thepriceistooheavy；Ikissnomore。””Bethinkthee，”sheanswered，withaheavyfrown。”Bethinktheeandchoose。Iambutawoman，Harmachis，andonewhoisnotwonttosuetomen。Doasthouwilt；butthisIsaytothee——ifthoudostputmeaway，IwillgatherupthemercyIhavemetedout。Therefore，mostvirtuouspriest，choosethoubetweentheheavyburdenofmyloveandtheswiftdeathofthyagedfatherandofallthosewhoplottedwithhim。”
Iglancedatherandsawthatshewasangered，forhereyesshoneandherbosomheaved。So，Isighedandkissedher，therebysettingthesealuponmyshameandbondage。Then，smilinglikethetriumphantAphroditéoftheGreeks，shewentthence，bearingthedaggerwithher。
IknewnotyethowdeeplyIwasbetrayed；orwhyIwasstilllefttodrawthebreathoflife；orwhyCleopatra，thetiger-hearted，hadgrownmerciful。Ididnotknowthatshefearedtoslayme，lest，sostrongwastheplotandsofeebleherholdupontheDoubleCrown，thetumultthatmighttreadharduponthetidingsofmymurdershouldshakeherfromthethrone——evenwhenIwasnomore。IdidnotknowthatbecauseoffearandtheweightofpolicyonlysheshowedscantmercytothosewhomIhadbetrayed，orthatbecauseofcunningandnotfortheholysakeofwoman’slove——though，intruth，shelikedmewellenough——shechoserathertobindmetoherbythefibresofmyheart。
AndyetIwillsaythisinherbehalf:evenwhenthedanger-cloudhadmeltedfromherskyshekeptfaith，nor，savePaulusandoneother，didanysuffertheutmostpenaltyofdeathfortheirpartinthegreatplotagainstCleopatra’scrownanddynasty。Buttheysufferedmanyotherthings。
Andsoshewent，leavingthevisionofherglorytostrivewiththeshameandsorrowinmyheart。Oh，bitterwerethehoursthatcouldnotnowbemadelightwithprayer。ForthelinkbetweenmeandtheDivinewassnapped，andIsiscommunedwithHerPriestnomore。Bitterwerethehoursanddark，buteverthroughtheirdarknessshonethestarryeyesofCleopatra，andcametheechoofherwhisperedlove。Fornotyetwasthecupofsorrowfull。Hopestilllingeredinmyheart，andI
couldalmostthinkthatIhadfailedtosomehigherend，andthatinthedepthsofruinIshouldfindanotherandmoreflowerypathtotriumph。
Forthusthosewhosindeceivethemselves，strivingtolaytheburdenoftheirevildeedsuponthebackofFate，strivingtobelievetheirwickednessmaycompassgood，andtomurderConsciencewiththesharppleaofNecessity。Butitcanavailnothing，forhandinhanddownthepathofsinrushRemorseandRuin，andwoetohimtheyfollow！Ay，andwoetomewhoofallsinnersamthechief！
CHAPTERIX
OFTHEIMPRISONMENTOFHARMACHIS；OFTHESCORNOFCHARMION；
OFTHESETTINGFREEOFHARMACHIS；ANDOFTHECOMINGOFQUINTUSDELLIUS
ForaspaceofelevendaysIwasthuskeptprisonedinmychamber；nordidIseeanyoneexceptthesentriesatmydoors，theslaveswhoinsilencebroughtmefoodanddrink，andCleopatra’sself，whocamecontinually。But，thoughherwordsofloveweremany，shewouldtellmenothingofhowthingswentwithout。Shecameinmanymoods——nowgayandlaughing，nowfullofwisethoughtsandspeech，andnowpassionateonly，andtoeverymoodshegavesomenew-foundcharm。ShewasfulloftalkastohowIshouldhelphermakeEgyptgreat，andlessentheburdensonthepeople，andfrighttheRomaneaglesback。And，thoughatfirstIlistenedheavilywhenshespokethus，byslowadvanceasshewrappedmecloserandyetmorecloseinhermagicweb，fromwhichtherewasnoescape，mymindfellintimewithhers。ThenI，too，openedsomethingofmyheart，andsomewhatalsooftheplansthatI
hadformedforEgypt。Sheseemedtolistengladly，weighingthemall，andspokeofmeansandmethods，tellingmehowshewouldpurifytheFaithandrepairtheancienttemples——ay，andbuildnewonestotheGods。Andevershecreptdeeperintomyheart，tillatlength，nowthateveryotherthinghadgonefromme，Ilearnedtoloveherwithalltheunspentpassionofmyachingsoul。IhadnaughtlefttomebutCleopatra’slove，andItwinedmylifeaboutit，andbroodedonitasawidowoverheronlybabe。Andthustheveryauthorofmyshamebecamemyall，mydearestdear，andIlovedherwithastronglovethatgrewandgrew，tillitseemedtoswallowupthepastandmakethepresentadream。Forshehadconqueredme，shehadrobbedmeofmyhonour，andsteepedmetothelipsinshame，andI，poorfallen，blindedwretch，Ikissedtherodthatsmoteme，andwasherveryslave。
Ay，evennow，inthosedreamswhichstillcomewhenSleepunlocksthesecretheart，andsetsitsterrorsfreetoroamthroughtheopenedhallsofThought，Iseemtoseeherroyalform，aserstIsawit，comewitharmsoutstretchedandLove’sownlightshininginhereyes，withlipsapartandflowinglocks，andstampeduponherfacethelookofuttertendernessthatshealonecouldwear。Ay，still，afteralltheyears，Iseemtoseehercomeaserstshecame，andstillIwaketoknowheranunutterablelie！
Andthusonedayshecame。Shehadfledinhaste，shesaid，fromsomegreatcouncilsummonedconcerningthewarsofAntonyinSyria，andshecame，asshehadleftthecouncil，inallherrobesofstate，thesceptreinherhand，andonherbrowtheur？usdiademofgold。Thereshesatbeforeme，laughing；for，wearyingofthem，shehadtoldtheenvoystowhomshegaveaudienceinthecouncilthatshewascalledfromtheirpresencebyasuddenmessagecomefromRome；andthejestseemedmerrytoher。Suddenlysherose，tookthediademfromherbrow，andsetitonmyhair，andonmyshouldersherroyalmantle，andinmyhandthesceptre，andbowedthekneebeforeme。Then，laughingagain，shekissedmeonthelips，andsaidIwasindeedherKing。But，rememberinghowIhadbeencrownedinthehallsofAbouthis，andrememberingalsothatwreathofrosesofwhichtheodourhauntsmeyet，Irose，palewithwrath，andcastthetrinketsfromme，askinghowshedaredtomockme——hercagedbird。AndIthinktherewasthataboutmewhichstartledher，forshefellback。”Nay，Harmachis，”shesaid，”benotwroth！HowknowestthouthatI
mockthee？HowknowestthouthatthoushaltnotbePharaohinfactanddeed？””Whatmeanestthou？”Isaid。”Wiltthou，then，wedmebeforeEgypt？
HowelsecanIbePharaohnow？”
Shecastdownhereyes。”Perchance，love，itisinmymindtowedthee，”shesaidgently。”Listen，”shewenton:”Thougrowestpale，here，inthisprison，andthoudosteatlittle。Gainsaymenot！Iknowitfromtheslaves。Ihavekepttheehere，Harmachis，forthyownsake，thatissodeartome；andforthyownsake，andthyhonour’ssake，thoumuststillseemtobemyprisoner。Elsewouldstthoubeshamedandslain——ay，murderedsecretly。ButIcanmeettheeherenomore！thereforeto-morrowIshallfreetheeinall，saveinthename，andthoushaltoncemorebeseenatCourtasmyastronomer。AndIwillgivethisreason——thatthouhastclearedthyself；and，moreover，thatthyauguriesasregardsthewarhavebeenauguriesoftruth——as，indeed，theyhave，thoughforthisIhavenocausetothankthee，seeingthatthoudidstsuitthypropheciestofitthycause。Now，farewell；forImustreturntothoseheavy-browedambassadors；andgrownotsosuddenwroth，Harmachis，forwhoknowswhatmaycometopassbetwixttheeandme？”
And，withalittlenod，shewent，leavingitonmymindthatshehaditinherhearttowedmeopenly。Andofatruth，Ibelievethat，atthishour，suchwasherthought。For，ifshelovedmenot，stillsheheldmedear，andasyetshehadnotweariedofme。
OnthemorrowCleopatracamenot，butCharmioncame——Charmion，whomI
hadnotseensincethatfatalnightofruin。Sheenteredandstoodbeforeme，withpalefaceanddowncasteyes，andherfirstwordswerewordsofbitterness。”Pardonme，”shesaid，inhergentlevoice，”inthatIdaretocometotheeinCleopatra’splace。Thyjoyisnotdelayedforlong，forthoushaltseeherpresently。”
Ishrankatherwords，aswellImight，and，seeinghervantage，sheseizedit。”Icome，Harmachis——royalnomore！——Icometosaythatthouartfree！
Thouartfreetofacethineowninfamy，andseeitthrownbackfromeveryeyewhichtrustedthee，asshadowsarefromwater。Icometotelltheethatthegreatplot——theplotoftwentyyearsandmore——isatitsutterend。Nonehavebeenslain，indeed，unlessitisSepa，whohasvanished。Butalltheleadershavebeenseizedandputinchains，ordrivenfromtheland，andtheirpartyisbrokenandscattered。Thestormhasmeltedbeforeitburst。Egyptislost，andlostforever，forherlasthopeisgone！Nolongermayshestruggle——nowforalltimeshemustbowhernecktotheyoke，andbareherbacktotherodoftheoppressor！”
Igroanedaloud。”Alas，Iwasbetrayed！”Isaid。”Paulusbetrayedus。””Thouwastbetrayed？Nay，thouthyselfwastthebetrayer！HowcameitthatthoudidstnotslayCleopatrawhenthouwastalonewithher？
Speak，thouforsworn！””Shedruggedme，”Isaidagain。”OHarmachis！”answeredthepitilessgirl，”howlowartthoufallenfromthatPrincewhomonceIknew！——thouwhodostnotscorntobealiar！Yea，thouwastdrugged——druggedwithalove-philtre！Yea，thoudidstsellEgyptandthycauseforthepriceofawanton’skiss！ThouSorrowandthouShame！”shewenton，pointingherfingeratmeandliftinghereyestomyface，”thouScorn！——thouOutcast！——andthouContempt！Denyifitthoucanst。Ay，shrinkfromme——knowingwhatthouart，wellmaystthoushrink！CrawltoCleopatra’sfeet，andkisshersandalstillsuchtimeasitpleaseshertotrampletheeinthykindreddirt；butfromallhonestfolk/shrink！/——/shrink！/”
Mysoulquiveredbeneaththelashofherbitterscornandhate，butI
hadnowordstoanswer。”Howcomesit，”Isaidatlastinaheavyvoice，”thatthou，too，artnotbetrayed，butartstillheretotauntme，thouwhooncedidstswearthatthoudidstloveme？Beingawoman，hastthounopityforthefrailtyofman？””Mynamewasnotonthelists，”shesaid，droppingherdarkeyes。”Hereisanopportunity:betraymealso，Harmachis！Ay，itisbecauseIoncelovedthee——dostthou，indeed，rememberit？——thatIfeelthyfallthemore。Theshameofonewhomwehavelovedmustinsomesortbecomeourshame，andmusteverclingtous，becauseweblindlyheldathingsobaseclosetoourinmostheart。Artthoualso，then，afool？
Wouldstthou，freshfromthyroyalwanton’sarms，cometomeforcomfort——to/me/ofalltheworld？””HowknowI，”Isaid，”thatitwasnotthouwho，inthyjealousanger，didstbetrayourplans？Charmion，longagoSepawarnedmeagainstthee，andofatruthnowthatIrecall——””Itislikeatraitor，”shebrokein，reddeningtoherbrow，”tothinkthatallareofhisfamily，andholdacommonmind！Nay，Ibetrayedtheenot；itwasthatpoorknave，Paulus，whoseheartfailedhimatthelast，andwhoisrightlyserved。NorwillIstaytohearthoughtssobase。Harmachis——royalnomore！——Cleopatra，QueenofEgypt，bidsmesaythatthouartfree，andthatshewaitstheeintheAlabasterHall。”
Andshootingoneswiftglancethroughherlonglashesshecurtsiedandwasgone。
SooncemoreIcameandwentabouttheCourt，thoughbutsparingly，formyheartwasfullofshameandterror，andoneveryfaceIfearedtoseethescornofthosewhoknewmeforwhatIwas。ButIsawnothing，forallthosewhohadknowledgeoftheplothadfled，andCharmionhadspokennoword，forherownsake。Also，CleopatrahadputitaboutthatIwasinnocent。Butmyguiltlayheavyonme，andmademethinandworeawaythebeautyofmycountenance。AndthoughIwasfreeinname，yetIwaseverwatched；normightIstirbeyondthepalacegrounds。
AndatlengthcamethedaywhichbroughtwithitQuintusDellius，thatfalseRomanknightwhoeverservedtherisingstar。HeboreletterstoCleopatrafromMarcusAntonius，theTriumvir，who，freshfromthevictoryofPhilippi，wasnowinAsiawringinggoldfromthesubjectkingswithwhichtosatisfythegreedofhislegionaries。
WellImindmeoftheday。Cleopatra，cladinherrobesofstate，attendedbytheofficersofherCourt，amongwhomIstood，satinthegreathallonherthroneofgold，andbadetheheraldsadmittheAmbassadorofAntony，theTriumvir。Thegreatdoorswerethrownwide，andamidsttheblareoftrumpetsandsalutesoftheGallicguardstheRomancamein，cladinglitteringgoldenarmourandascarletcloakofsilk，andfollowedbyhissuiteofofficers。Hewassmooth-facedandfairtolookupon，andwithasuppleform；buthismouthwascold，andfalsewerehisshiftingeyes。Andwhiletheheraldscalledouthisname，titles，andoffices，hefixedhisgazeonCleopatra——whosatidlyonherthroneallradiantwithbeauty——asamanwhoisamazed。
Thenwhentheheraldshadmadeanend，andhestillstoodthus，notstirring，CleopatraspokeintheLatintongue:”Greetingtothee，nobleDellius，envoyofthemostmightyAntony，whoseshadowliesacrosstheworldasthoughMarshimselfnowtoweredupaboveuspettyPrinces——greetingandwelcometoourpoorcityofAlexandria。Unfold，wepraythee，thepurposeofthycoming。”
StillthecraftyDelliusmadenoanswer，butstoodasamanamazed。”Whatailsthee，nobleDellius，thatthoudostnotspeak？”askedCleopatra。”Hastthou，then，wanderedsolonginAsiathatthedoorsofRomanspeechareshuttothee？Whattonguehastthou？Nameit，andWewillspeakinit——foralltonguesareknowntoUs。”
Thenatlasthespokeinasoftfullvoice:”Oh，pardonme，mostlovelyEgypt，ifIhavethusbeenstrickendumbbeforethee:buttoogreatbeauty，likeDeathhimself，dothparalysethetongueandstealoursenseaway。Theeyesofhimwholooksuponthefiresofthemid-
daysunareblindtoallbeside，andthusthissuddenvisionofthyglory，royalEgypt，overwhelmedmymind，andleftmehelplessandunwittingofallthingselse。””Ofatruth，nobleDellius，”answeredCleopatra，”theyteachaprettyschoolofflatteryyonderinCilicia。””HowgoesthesayinghereinAlexandria？”repliedthecourtlyRoman:”’Thebreathofflatterycannotwaftacloud，’[*]doesitnot？Buttomytask。Here，royalEgypt，arelettersunderthehandandsealofthenobleAntonytreatingofcertainmattersoftheState。IsitthypleasurethatIshouldreadthemopenly？”
[*]Inotherwords，whatisDivineisbeyondthereachofhumanpraise——Editor。”Breakthesealsandread，”sheanswered。
Thenbowing，hebrokethesealsandread:”The/TriumviriReipublic？Constituend？/，bythemouthofMarcusAntonius，theTriumvir，toCleopatra，bygraceoftheRomanPeopleQueenofUpperandLowerEgypt，sendgreeting。Whereasithascometoourknowledgethatthou，Cleopatra，hast，contrarytothypromiseandthyduty，bothbythyservantAllienusandbythyservantSerapion，theGovernorofCyprus，aidedtherebelmurdererCassiusagainstthearmsofthemostnobleTriumvirate。And，whereasithascometoourknowledgethatthouthyselfwastbutlatelymakingreadyagreatfleettothisend。WesummontheethatthoudostwithoutdelayjourneytoCilicia，theretomeetthenobleAntony，andinpersonmakeanswerconcerningthesechargeswhicharelaidagainstthee。Andwewarntheethatifthoudostdisobeythisoursummonsitisatthyperil。
Farewell。”
TheeyesofCleopatraflashedasshehearkenedtothesehighwords，andIsawherhandstightenonthegoldenlions’headswhereontheyrested。”Wehavehadtheflattery，”shesaid；”andnow，lestwebecloyedwithsweets，wehaveitsantidote！Listenthou，Dellius:thechargesinthatletter，or，rather，inthatwritofsummons，arefalse，asallfolkcanbearuswitness。Butitisnotnow，anditisnottothee，thatWewillmakedefenceofouractsofwarandpolicy。NorwillWeleaveourkingdomtojourneyintofarCilicia，andthere，likesomepoorsuppliantatlaw，pleadourcausebeforetheCourtoftheNobleAntony。IfAntonywouldhavespeechwithus，andinquireconcerningthesehighmatters，theseaisopen，andhiswelcomeshallberoyal。
Lethimcomethither！ThatisouranswertotheeandtotheTriumvirate，ODellius！”
ButDelliussmiledasonewhowouldputawaytheweightofwrath，andoncemorespoke:”RoyalEgypt，thouknowestnotthenobleAntony。Heissternonpaper，andeverhesetsdownhisthoughtsasthoughhisstyluswereaspeardippedinthebloodofmen。Butfacetofacewithhim，thou，ofalltheworld，shaltfindhimthegentlestwarriorthateverwonabattle。
Beadvised，OEgypt！andcome。Sendmenothencewithsuchangrywords，forifthoudostdrawAntonytoAlexandria，thenwoetoAlexandria，tothepeopleoftheNile，andtothee，greatEgypt！Forthenhewillcomearmedandbreathingwar，anditshallgohardwiththee，whodostdefythegatheredmightofRome。Ipraythee，then，obeythissummons。CometoCilicia；comewithpeacefulgiftsandnotinarms。Comeinthybeauty，andtrickedinthybestattire，andthouhastnaughttofearfromthenobleAntony。”Hepausedandlookedathermeaningly；whileI，takinghisdrift，felttheangrybloodsurgeintomyface。
Cleopatra，too，understood，forIsawherrestherchinuponherhandandthecloudofthoughtgatheredinhereyes。Foratimeshesatthus，whilethecraftyDelliuswatchedhercuriously。AndCharmion，standingwiththeotherladiesbythethrone，shealsoreadhismeaning，forherfacelitup，asasummercloudlightsintheeveningwhenthebroadlightningflaresbehindit。Thenoncemoreitgrewpaleandquiet。
AtlengthCleopatraspoke。”Thisisaheavymatter，”shesaid，’andtherefore，nobleDellius，wemusthavetimetoletourjudgmentripen。
Restthouhere，andmaketheeasmerryasourpoorcircumstancesallow。Thoushalthavethyanswerwithintendays。”
Theenvoythoughtawhile，thenrepliedsmiling:”Itiswell，OEgypt；
onthetenthdayfromnowIwillattendformyanswer，andontheeleventhIsailhencetojoinAntonymyLord。”
Oncemore，atasignfromCleopatra，thetrumpetsblared，andhewithdrewbowing。
CHAPTERX
OFTHETROUBLEOFCLEOPATRA；OFHEROATHTOHARMACHIS；AND
OFTHETELLINGBYHARMACHISTOCLEOPATRAOFTHESECRETOF
THETREASURETHATLAYBENEATHTHEMASSOF”HER”
ThatsamenightCleopatrasummonedmetoherprivatechamber。Iwent，andfoundhermuchtroubledinmind；neverbeforehadIseenhersodeeplymoved。Shewasalone，and，likesometrappedlioness，walkedtoandfroacrossthemarblefloor，whilethoughtchasedthoughtacrosshermind，each，ascloudsscuddingoverthesea，foramomentcastingitsshadowinherdeepeyes。”Sothouartcome，Harmachis，”shesaid，restingforawhile，asshetookmyhand。”Counselme，forneverdidIneedcounselmore。Oh，whatdayshavetheGodsmeasuredouttome——daysrestlessastheocean！I
haveknownnopeacefromchildhoodup，anditseemsnoneshallIknow。
ScarcebyaverylittlehaveIescapedthydagger’spoint，Harmachis，whenthisnewtrouble，that，likeastorm，hasgatheredbeneaththehorizon’srim，suddenlyburstsoverme。Didstmarkthattigerishfop？
WellshouldIlovetotraphim！Howsofthespoke！Ay，hepurredlikeacat，andallthetimehestretchedhisclaws。Didstheartheletter，too？ithasanuglysound。IknowthisAntony。WhenIwasbutachild，buddingintowomanhood，Isawhim；butmyeyeswereeverquick，andI
tookhismeasure。HalfHerculesandhalfafool，withadashofgeniusveininghisfollythrough。Easilyledbythosewhoenteratthegatesofhisvoluptuoussense；butifcrossed，anironfoe。Truetohisfriends，if，indeed，helovesthem；andofttimesfalsetohisowninterest。Generous，hardy，andinadversityamanofvirtue；inprosperityasotandaslavetowoman。ThatisAntony。Howdealwithsuchaman，whomfateandopportunity，despitehimself，havesetonthecrestoffortune’swave？Onedayitwilloverwhelmhim；buttillthatdayhesweepsacrosstheworldandlaughsatthosewhodrown。””Antonyisbutaman，”Ianswered，”andamanwithmanyfoes；and，beingbutaman，hecanbeoverthrown。””Ay，hecanbeoverthrown；butheisoneofthree，Harmachis。NowthatCassiushathgonewhereallfoolsgo，Romehasthrownoutahydrahead。Crushone，andanotherhissesinthyface。There’sLepidus，andwithhim，thatyoungOctavianus，whosecoldeyesmayyetwithasmileoftriumphlookonthemurderedformsofempty，worthlessLepidus，ofAntony，andofCleopatra。IfIgonottoCilicia，markthou！AntonywillknitupapeacewiththeseParthians，and，takingthetalestheytellofmefortruth——and，indeed，thereistruthinthem——willfallwithallhisforceonEgypt。Andhowthen？””Howthen？Why，thenwe’lldrumhimbacktoRome。””Ah，thousayestso，and，perchance，Harmachis，hadInotwonthatgameweplayedtogethersometwelvedaysgone，thou，beingPharaoh，mightestwellhavedonethisthing，forroundthythroneoldEgyptwouldhavegathered。ButEgyptlovesnotmenormyGreekblood；andI
havebutnowscatteredthatgreatplotofthine，inwhichhalfthelandwasmeshed。Willthesemen，then，arisetosuccourme？WereEgypttruetome，Icould，indeed，holdmyownagainstalltheforcethatRomemaybring；butEgypthatesme，andhadasliefberuledbytheRomanastheGreek。StillImightmakedefencehadIthegold，forwithmoneysoldierscanbeboughttofeedthemawofmercenarybattle。
ButIhavenone；mytreasuriesaredry，andthoughthereiswealthintheland，yetdebtsperplexme。Thesewarshavebroughtmeruin，andI
knownothowtofindatalent。Perchance，Harmachis，thouwhoart，byhereditaryright，PriestofthePyramids，”andshedrewnearandlookedmeintheeyes，”perchance，iflongdescendedrumourdoesnotlie，thoucansttellmewhereIcantouchthegoldtosavethylandfromruin，andthyLovefromthegraspofAntony？Say，isitso？”
Ithoughtawhile，andthenIanswered:”Andifsuchataleweretrue，andifIcouldshowtheetreasurestoredbythemightyPharaohsofthemostfar-offageagainsttheneedsofKhem，howcanIknowthatthouwouldstindeedmakeuseofthatwealthtothosegoodends？””Isthere，then，atreasure？”sheaskedcuriously。”Nay，fretmenot，Harmachis；forofatruththeverynameofgoldatthistimeofwantislikethesightofwaterinthedesert。””Ibelieve，”Isaid，”thatthereissuchatreasure，thoughImyselfhaveneverseenit。ButIknowthis，thatifitstilllieintheplacewhereitwasset，itisbecausesoheavyacursewillrestuponhimwhoshalllayhandsonitwickedlyandforselfishends，thatnoneofthosePharaohstowhomithasbeenshownhavedaredtotouchit，howeversoretheirneed。””So，”shesaid，”theywerecowardlyaforetime，orelsetheirneedwasnotgreat。Wiltthoushowmethistreasure，then，Harmachis？””Perhaps，”Ianswered，”Iwillshowittotheeifitstillbethere，whenthouhastswornthatthouwiltuseittodefendEgyptfromthisRomanAntonyandforthewelfareofherpeople。””Iswearit！”shesaidearnestly。”Oh，IswearbyeveryGodinKhemthatifthoushowestmethisgreattreasure，IwilldefyAntonyandsendDelliusbacktoCiliciawithsharperwordsthanthosehebrought。
Yes，I’lldomore，Harmachis:sosoonasmaybe，Iwilltaketheetohusbandbeforealltheworld，andthouthyselfshaltcarryoutthyplansandbeatofftheRomaneagles。”
Thusshespoke，gazingatmewithtruthful，earnesteyes。Ibelievedher，andforthefirsttimesincemyfallwasforamomenthappy，thinkingthatallwasnotlosttome，andthatwithCleopatra，whomI
lovedthusmadly，Imightyetwinmyplaceandpowerback。”Swearit，Cleopatra！”Isaid。”Iswear，beloved！andthusIsealmyoath！”andshekissedmeontheforehead。AndI，too，kissedher；andwetalkedofwhatwewoulddowhenwewerewed，andhowweshouldovercometheRoman。
AndthusIwasagainbeguiled；thoughIbelievethat，haditnotbeenforthejealousangerofCharmion——which，asshallbeseen，waseverurgingherforwardtofreshdeedsofshame——CleopatrawouldhaveweddedmeandbrokenwiththeRoman。And，indeed，intheissue，ithadbeenbetterforherandEgypt。
Wesatfarintothenight，andIrevealedtohersomewhatofthatancientsecretofthemightytreasurehidbeneaththemassof/Her/。
Thither，itwasagreed，weshouldgoonthemorrow，andthesecondnightfromnowattemptitssearch。So，earlyonthenextday，aboatwassecretlymadeready，andCleopatraenteredit，veiledasanEgyptianladyabouttomakeapilgrimagetotheTempleofHoremkhu。
AndIalsoentered，cloakedasapilgrim，andwithustenofhermosttrustedservantsdisguisedassailors。ButCharmionwentnotwithus。
WesailedwithafairwindfromtheCanopicmouthoftheNile；andthatnight，pushingonwiththemoon，wereachedSaisatmidnight，andhererestedforawhile。Atdawnweoncemoreloosedourcraft，andallthatdaysailedswiftly，till，atlast，atthethirdhourfromthesunset，wecameinsightofthelightsofthatfortresswhichiscalledBabylon。Here，ontheoppositebankoftheriver，wemooredourshipsafelyinabedofreeds。
Then，onfootandsecretly，wesetoutforthepyramids，whichwereatadistanceoftwoleagues，Cleopatra，Iandonetrustedeunuch，forwelefttheotherservantswiththeboat。OnlyIcaughtanassforCleopatratoridethatwaswanderinginatilledfield，andthrewacloakuponit。ShesatonitandIledtheassbypathsIknew，theeunuchfollowingusonfoot。And，withinlittlemorethananhour，havinggainedthegreatcauseway，wesawthemightypyramidstoweringupthroughthemoonlitairandaweingustosilence。Wepassedoninuttersilence，throughthehauntedcityofthedead，forallaroundusstoodthesolemntombs，tillatlengthweclimbedtherockyhill，andstoodinthedeepshadowofKhufuKhut，thesplendidThroneofKhufu。”Ofatruth，”whisperedCleopatra，asshegazedupthedazzlingmarbleslopeaboveher，everywhereblazonedoverwithamillionmysticcharacters——”ofatruth，therewereGodsrulinginKheminthosedays，andnotmen。ThisplaceissadasDeath——ay，andasmightyandfarfromman。Isitherethatwemustenter？””Nay，”Ianswered，”itisnothere。Passon。”
Iledthewaythroughathousandancienttombs，tillwestoodintheshadowofUrtheGreat，andgazedathisredheaven-piercingmass。”Isitherethatwemustenter？”shewhisperedonceagain。”Nay，”Ianswered，”itisnothere。Passon。”
Wepassedonthroughmanymoretombs，tillwestoodintheshadowof/Her/，[*]andCleopatragazedastonishedatitspolishedbeauty，whichforthousandsofyears，nightbynight，hadmirroredbackthemoon，andattheblackgirdleofEthiopianstonethatcircleditsbaseabout。Forthisisthemostbeautifulofallpyramids。
[*]The”Upper，”nowknownastheThirdPyramid——Editor。”Isitthatwemustenter？”shesaid。
Ianswered，”Itishere。”
WepassedroundbetweentheTempleoftheWorshipofhisDivineMajesty，Menkau-ra，theOsirian，andinthebaseofthepyramidtillwecametothenorthside。HereinthecentreisgravedthenameofPharaohMenkau-ra，whobuiltthepyramidtobehistomb，andstoredhistreasureinitagainsttheneedofKhem。”Ifthetreasurestillremains，”IsaidtoCleopatra，”asitremainedinthedaysofmygreat-great-grandfather，whowasPriestofthisPyramidbeforeme，itishiddeepinthewombofthemassbeforethee，Cleopatra；norcanitbecomebywithouttoil，danger，andterrorofmind。Artthoupreparedtoenter——forthouthyselfmustenterandmustjudge？””Canstthounotgoinwiththeeunuch，Harmachis，andbringthetreasureforth？”shesaid，foralittlehercouragebegantofailher。”Nay，Cleopatra，”Ianswered，”notevenfortheeandforthewealofEgyptcanIdothisthing，forofallsinsitwouldbethegreatestsin。Butitislawfulformetodothis。I，ashereditaryholderofthesecret，may，upondemand，showtotherulingmonarchofKhemtheplacewherethetreasurelies，andshowalsothewarningthatiswritten。Andifonseeingandreading，thePharaohdeemsthattheneedofKhemissosoreandstraitthatitislawfulforhimtobravethecurseoftheDeadanddrawforththetreasure，itiswell，foronhisheadmustresttheweightofthisdreaddeed。Threemonarchs——sosaytherecordsthatIhaveread——havethusdaredtoenterinthetimeofneed。TheyweretheDivineQueenHatshepsu，thatwonderknowntotheGodsalone；herDivinebrotherTahutimesMen-Kheper-ra；andtheDivineRamesesMi-amen。ButofthesethreeMajesties，notonewhentheysawdaredtotouch；for，thoughsharptheirneed，itwasnotgreatenoughtoconsecratetheact。So，fearinglestthecurseshouldfalluponthem，theywenthencesorrowing。”
Shethoughtalittle，tillatlastherspiritovercameherfear。”AttheleastIwillseewithmineowneyes，”shesaid。”Itiswell，”Ianswered。Then，stoneshavingbeenpiledupbymeandtheeunuchwhowaswithusonacertainspotatthebaseofthepyramid，tosomewhatmorethantheheightofaman，Iclimbedonthemandsearchedforthesecretmark，nolargerthanaleaf。Ifounditwithsometrouble，fortheweatherandtherubbingofthewind-stirredsandhadworneventheEthiopianstone。Havingfoundit，Ipressedonitwithallmystrengthinacertainfashion。evenafterthelapseofmanyyearsthestoneswunground，showingalittleopening，throughwhichamanmightscarcelycreep。Asitswung，amightybat，whiteincolourasthoughwithunreckonedage，andsuchasIhadneverseenbeforeforbigness，forhismeasurewasthemeasureofahawk，flewforthandforamomenthoveredoverCleopatra，thensailedslowlyupandupincircles，tillatlasthewaslostinthebrightlightofthemoon。
ButCleopatrautteredacryofterror，andtheeunuch，whowaswatching，felldowninfear，believingittobetheguardianSpiritofthepyramid。AndI，too，feared，thoughIsaidnothing。ForevennowI
believethatitwastheSpiritofMenkau-ra，theOsirian，who，takingtheformofabat，flewforthfromhisholyHouseinwarning。
Iwaitedawhile，tillthefoulairshouldclearfromthepassage。
ThenIdrewoutthelamps，kindledthem，andpassedthem，tothenumberofthree，intotheentranceofthepassage。Thisdone，Iwenttotheeunuch，and，takinghimaside，IsworehimbythelivingspiritofHimwhosleepsatAbouthisthatheshouldnotrevealthosethingswhichhewasabouttosee。
Thisheswore，tremblingsorely，forhewasverymuchafraid。Nor，indeed，didherevealthem。
Thisdone，Iclamberedthroughtheopening，takingwithmeacoilofrope，whichIwoundaroundmymiddle，andbeckonedtoCleopatratocome。Makingfasttheskirtofherrobe，shecame，andIdrewherthroughtheopening，sothatatlengthshestoodbehindmeinthepassagewhichislinedwithslabsofgranite。Afterhercametheeunuch，andhealsostoodinthepassage。Then，havingtakencounseloftheplanofthepassagethatIhadbroughtwithme，andwhich，insignsthatnonebuttheinitiatedcanread，wascopiedfromthoseancientwritingsthathadcomedowntomethroughone-and-fortygenerationsofmypredecessors，thePriestsofthisPyramidof/Her/，andoftheworshipoftheTempleoftheDivineMenkau-ra，theOsirian，Iledthewaythroughthatdarksomeplacetowardstheuttersilenceofthetomb。Guidedbythefeeblelightofourlamps，wepasseddownthesteepincline，gaspingintheheatandthethick，stagnatedair。
Presentlywehadlefttheregionofthemasonryandwereslippingdownagalleryhewninthelivingrock。Fortwentypacesormoreitransteeply。Thenitsslopelessenedandshortlywefoundourselvesinachamberpaintedwhite，solowthatI，beingtall，hadscarcelyroomtostand；butinlengthfourpaces，andinbreadththree，andcasedthroughoutwithsculpturedpanels。HereCleopatrasankuponthefloorandrestedawhile，overcomebytheheatandtheutterdarkness。”Rise！”Isaid。”Wemustnotlingerhere，orwefaint。”
Sosherose，andpassinghandinhandthroughthatchamber，wefoundourselvesfacetofacewithamightydoorofgranite，letdownfromtheroofingrooves。OncemoreItookcounseloftheplan，pressedwithmyfootuponacertainstone，andwaited。Then，suddenlyandsoftly，Iknownotbywhatmeans，themassheaveditselffromitsbedoflivingrock。Wepassedbeneath，andfoundourselvesfacetofacewithaseconddoorofgranite。AgainIpressedonacertainspot，andthisdoorswungwideofitself，andwewentthrough，tofindourselvesfacetofacewithathirddoor，yetmoremightythanthetwothroughwhichwehadwonourway。Followingthesecretplan，Istruckthisdoorwithmyfootuponacertainspot，anditsankslowlyasthoughatawordofmagictillitsheadwaslevelwiththefloorofrock。Wecrossedandgainedanotherpassagewhich，descendinggentlyforalengthoffourteenpaces，ledusintoagreatchamber，pavedwithblackmarble，morethanninecubitshigh，byninecubitsbroad，andthirtycubitslong。Inthismarblefloorwassunkagreatsarcophagusofgranite，andonitslidweregravedthenameandtitlesoftheQueenofMenkau-ra。Inthischamber，too，theairwaspurer，thoughI
knownotbywhatmeansitcamethither。”Isthetreasurehere？”gaspedCleopatra。”Nay，”Ianswered；”followme，”andIledthewaytoagallery，whichweenteredthroughanopeninginthefloorofthegreatchamber。Ithadbeenclosedbyatrap-doorofstone，butthedoorwasopen。
Creepingalongthisshaft，orpassage，forsometenpaces，wecameatlengthtoawell，sevencubitsindepth。MakingfastoneendoftheropethatIhadbroughtaboutmybodyandtheothertoaringintherock，Iwaslowered，holdingthelampinmyhand，tillIstoodinthelastresting-placeoftheDivineMenkau-ra。Thentheropewasdrawnup，andCleopatra，beingmadefasttoit，wasletdownbytheeunuch，andIreceivedherinmyarms。ButIbadetheeunuch，sorelyagainsthiswill，sincehefearedtobeleftalone，awaitourreturnatthemouthoftheshaft。Foritwasnotlawfulthatheshouldenterwhitherwewent。
CHAPTERXI
OFTHETOMBOFTHEDIVINEMENKAU-RA；OFTHEWRITINGONTHE
BREASTOFMENKAU-RA；OFTHEDRAWINGFORTHOFTHETREASURE；
OFTHEDWELLERINTHETOMB；ANDOFTHEFLIGHTOFCLEOPATRA
ANDHARMACHISFROMTHEHOLYPLACE
Westoodwithinasmallarchedchamber，pavedandlinedwithgreatblocksofthegranitestoneofSyene。Therebeforeus——hewnfromasinglemassofbasaltshapedlikeawoodenhouseandrestingonasphinxwithafaceofgold——wasthesarcophagusoftheDivineMenkau-ra。
Westoodandgazedinawe，fortheweightofthesilenceandthesolemnityofthatholyplaceseemedtocrushus。Aboveus，cubitovercubitinitsmightymeasure，thepyramidtowereduptoheavenandwaskissedofthenightair。Butweweredeepinthebowelsoftherockbeneathitsbase。Wewerealonewiththedead，whoserestwewereabouttobreak；andnosoundofthemurmuringair，andnosightoflifecametodulltheawfuledgeofsolitude。Igazedonthesarcophagus；itsheavylidhadbeenliftedandrestedatitsside，andarounditthedustofageshadgatheredthick。”See，”Iwhispered，pointingtoawriting，daubedwithpigmentuponthewallinthesacredsymbolsofancienttimes。”Readit，Harmachis，”answeredCleopatra，inthesamelowvoice；”forIcannot。”
ThenIread:”I，RamesesMi-amen，inmydayandinmyhourofneed，visitedthissepulchre。But，thoughgreatmyneedandboldmyheart，I
darednotfacethecurseofMenkau-ra。Judge，Othouwhoshaltcomeafterme，and，ifthysoulispureandKhembeutterlydistressed，takethouthatwhichIhaveleft。””Where，then，isthetreasure？”shewhispered。”IsthatSphinx-faceofgold？””Eventhere，”Ianswered，pointingtothesarcophagus。”Drawnearandsee。”
Andshetookmyhandanddrewnear。
Thecoverwasoff，butthepaintedcoffinofthePharaohlayinthedepthsofthesarcophagus。WeclimbedtheSphinx，thenIblewthedustfromthecoffinwithmybreathandreadthatwhichwaswrittenonitslid。Andthiswaswritten:”PharaohMenkau-ra，theChildofHeaven。”PharaohMenkau-ra，RoyalSonoftheSun。”PharaohMenkau-ra，whodidstliebeneaththeheartofNout。”Nout，thyMother，wrapstheeinthespellofHerholyname。”ThenameofthyMother，Nout，isthemysteryofHeaven。”Nout，thyMother，gatherstheetothenumberoftheGods。”Nout，thyMother，breathesonthyfoesandutterlydestroysthem。”OPharaohMenkau-ra，wholivestforever！””Where，then，isthetreasure？”sheaskedagain。”Here，indeed，isthebodyoftheDivineMenkau-ra；butthefleshevenofPharaohsisnotgold，andifthefaceofthisSphinxbegoldhowmaywemoveit？”
ForanswerIbadeherstandupontheSphinxandgrasptheupperpartofthecoffinwhileIgraspeditsfoot。Then，atmyword，welifted，andthelidofthecase，whichwasnotfixed，cameaway，andwesetituponthefloor。AndthereinthecasewasthemummyofPharaoh，asithadbeenlaidthreethousandyearsbefore。Itwasalargemummy，andsomewhatungainly。Norwasitadornedwithagildedmask，asisthefashionofourday，fortheheadwaswrappedinclothesyellowwithage，whichweremadefastwithpinkflaxenbandages，underwhichwerepushedthestemsoflotus-blooms。Andonthebreast，wreathedroundwithlotus-flowers，layalargeplateofgoldcloselywrittenoverwithsacredwriting。Ilifteduptheplate，and，holdingittothelight，Iread:”I，Menkau-ra，theOsirian，aforetimePharaohoftheLandofKhem，whoinmydaydidlivejustlyandeverwalkedinthepathmarkedformyfeetbythedecreeoftheInvisible，whowasthebeginningandistheend，speakfrommytombtothosewhoaftermeshallforanhoursituponmyThrone。Behold，I，Menkau-ra，theOsirian，havinginthedaysofmylifebeenwarnedofadreamthatatimewillcomewhenKhemshallfeartofallintothehandsofstrangers，andhermonarchshallhavegreatneedoftreasurewherewithtofurnisharmiestodrivethebarbarianback，haveoutofmywisdomdonethisthing。ForithavingpleasedtheprotectingGodstogivemewealthbeyondanyPharaohwhohasbeensincethedaysofHorus——thousandsofcattleandgeese，thousandsofcalvesandasses，thousandsofmeasuresofcorn，andhundredsofmeasuresofgoldandgems；thiswealthIhaveusedsparingly，andthatwhichremainsIhavebarteredforpreciousstones——evenforemeralds，themostbeautifulandlargestthatareintheworld。
Thesestones，then，IhavestoredupagainstthatdayoftheneedofKhem。Butbecauseastherehavebeen，sothereshallbe，thosewhodowickedlyontheearth，andwho，inthelustofgain，mightseizethiswealththatIhavestored，andputittotheiruses；
behold，thouUnbornOne，whointhefulnessoftimeshaltstandabovemeandreadthisthatIhavecausedtobewritten，Ihavestoredthetreasurethus——evenamongmybones。Therefore，OthouUnbornOne，sleepinginthewombofNout，Isaythistothee！IfthouindeedhastneedofrichestosaveKhemfromthefoesofKhem，fearnotanddelaynot，buttearme，theOsirian，frommytomb，loosemywrappingsandripthetreasurefrommybreast，andallshallbewellwiththee；forthisonlyIdocommand，thatthoudostreplacemyboneswithinmyhollowcoffin。Butiftheneedbepassingandnotgreat，oriftherebeguileinthyheart，thenthecurseofMenkau-rabeonthee！Ontheebethecursethatshallsmitehimwhobreaksinuponthedead！Ontheebethecursethatfollowsthetraitor！OntheebethecursethatsmiteshimwhooutragestheMajestyoftheGods！Unhappyshaltthoulive，inbloodandmiseryshaltthoudie，andinmiseryshaltthoubetormentedforeverandforever！For，WickedOne，thereinAmentiweshallcomefacetoface！”Andtotheendofthekeepingofthissecret，I，Menkau-ra，havesetupaTempleofmyWorship，whichIhavebuiltupontheeasternsideofthismyHouseofDeath。ItshallbemadeknownfromtimetotimetotheHereditaryHighPriestofthismyTemple。
AndifanyHighPriestthatshallbedorevealthissecrettoanotherthanthePharaoh，orHerwhowearsthePharaoh’scrownandisseateduponthethroneofKhem，accursedbehealso。ThushaveI，Menkau-ra，theOsirian，written。Nowtothee，who，sleepinginthewombofNout，yetshalluponatimestandovermeandread，I
say，judgethou！andifthoujudgestevilly，ontheeshallfallthisthecurseofMenkau-rafromwhichthereisnoescape。
Greetingandfarewell。””Thouhastheard，OCleopatra，”Isaidsolemnly；”nowsearchthyheart；judgethou，andforthineownsakejudgejustly。”
Shebentherheadinthought。”Ifeartodothisthing，”shesaidpresently。”Letushence。””Itiswell，”Isaid，withalighteningoftheheart，andbentdowntoliftthewoodenlid。ForI，too，feared。”Andyet，whatsaidthewritingoftheDivineMenkau-ra？——itwasemeralds，wasitnot？Andemeraldsarenowsorareandhardtocomeby。EverdidIloveemeralds，andIcanneverfindthemwithoutaflaw。””Itisnotamatterofwhatthoudostlove，Cleopatra，”Isaid；”itisamatteroftheneedofKhemandofthesecretmeaningofthyheart，whichthoualonecanstknow。””Ay，surely，Harmachis；surely！AndisnottheneedofEgyptgreat？
Thereisnogoldinthetreasury，andhowcanIdefytheRomanifI
havenogold？AndhaveInotsworntotheethatIwillwedtheeanddefytheRoman；anddoInotswearitagain——yes，eveninthissolemnhour，withmyhandupondeadPharaoh’sheart？Why，hereisthatoccasionofwhichtheDivineMenkau-radreamed。Thouseestitisso，forelseHat-shepsuorRamesesorsomeotherPharaohhaddrawnforththegems。Butno；theyleftthemtocometothishourbecausethetimewasnotyetcome。Nowitmustbecome，forifItakenotthegemstheRomanwillsurelyseizeonEgypt，andthentherewillbenoPharaohtowhomthesecretmaybetold。Nay，letusawaywithfearsandtothework。Whydostlooksofrightened？Havingpurehearts，thereisnaughttofear，Harmachis。””Evenasthouwilt，”Isaidagain；”itisfortheetojudge，sinceifthoujudgestfalselyontheewillsurelyfallthecursefromwhichthereisnoescape。””So，Harmachis，takePharaoh’sheadandIwilltakehis——Oh，whatanawfulplaceisthis！”andsuddenlysheclungtome。”MethoughtI
sawashadowyonderinthedarkness！Methoughtthatitmovedtowardusandthenstraightwayvanished！Letusbegoing！Didstthouseenaught？””Isawnothing，Cleopatra；butmayhapitwastheSpiritoftheDivineMenkau-ra，forthespiriteverhoversrounditsmortaltenement。Letus，then，begoing；Ishallberightgladtogo。”
Shemadeasthoughtostart，thenturnedbackagainandspokeoncemore。”Itwasnaught——naughtbutthemindthat，insuchahouseofHorror，bodiesforththoseshadowyformsoffearitdreadstosee。Nay，Imustlookupontheseemeralds；indeed，ifIdie，Imustlook！Come——tothework！”andstooping，shewithherownhandsliftedfromthetomboneofthefouralabasterjars，eachsealedwiththegravenlikenessoftheheadsoftheprotectingGods，thatheldtheholyheartandentrailsoftheDivineMenkau-ra。Butnothingwasfoundinthesejars，saveonlywhatshouldbethere。
ThentogetherwemountedontheSphinx，andwithtoildrewforththebodyoftheDivinePharaoh，layingitontheground。NowCleopatratookmydagger，andwithitcutloosethebandageswhichheldthewrappingsintheirplace，andthelotus-flowersthathadbeensetinthembylovinghands，threethousandyearsbefore，felldownuponthepavement。Thenwesearchedandfoundtheendoftheouterbandage，whichwasfixedinatthehinderpartoftheneck。Thiswecutloose，foritwasgluedfast。Thisdone，webegantounrollthewrappingsoftheholycorpse。Settingmyshouldersagainstthesarcophagus，Isatupontherockyfloor，thebodyrestingonmyknees，and，asIturnedit，Cleopatraunwoundthecloths；andawesomewasthetask。Presentlysomethingfellout；itwasthesceptreofthePharaoh，fashionedofgold，andatitsendwasapomegranatecutfromasingleemerald。
Cleopatraseizedthesceptreandgazedonitinsilence。Thenoncemorewewentonwithourdreadbusiness。Andeverasweunwound，otherornamentsofgold，suchasareburiedwithPharaohs，fellfromthewrappings——collarsandbracelets，modelsofsistra，aninlaidaxe，andanimageoftheholyOsirisandoftheholyKhem。Atlengthallthebandageswereunwound，andbeneathwefoundacoveringofcoarsestlinen；forinthoseveryancientdaysthecraftsmenwerenotsoskilledinmatterspertainingtotheembalmingofthebodyastheyarenow。Andonthelinenwaswritteninanoval，”Menkau-ra，RoyalSonoftheSun。”Wecouldinnowiseloosenthislinen，itheldsofirmontothebody。Therefore，faintwiththegreatheat，chokedwithmummydustandtheodourofspices，andtremblingwithfearofourunholytask，wroughtinthatmostlonesomeandholyplace，welaidthebodydown，andrippedawaythelastcoveringwiththeknife。FirstweclearedPharaoh’shead，andnowthefacethatnomanhadgazedonforthreethousandyearswasopentoourview。Itwasagreatface，withaboldbrow，yetcrownedwiththeroyalur？us，beneathwhichthewhitelocks，stainedyellowbythespices，fellinlong，straightwisps。Notthecoldstampofdeath，andnottheslowflightofthreethousandyears，hadfoundpowertomarthedignityofthoseshrunkenfeatures。Wegazedonthem，andthen，madeboldwithfear，strippedthecoveringfromthebody。Thereatlastitlaybeforeus，stiff，yellow，anddreadtosee；andontheleftside，abovethethigh，wasthecutthroughwhichtheembalmershaddonetheirwork，butitwassewnupsodeftlythatwecouldscarcelyfindthemark。”Thegemsarewithin，”Iwhispered，forIfeltthatthebodywasveryheavy。”Now，ifthyheartfailtheenot，thoumustmakeanentrytothispoorhouseofclaythatoncewasPharaoh，”andIgaveherthedagger——thesamedaggerwhichhaddrunkthelifeofPaulus。”Itistoolatetodoubt，”sheanswered，liftingherwhitebeauteousfaceandfixingherblueeyesallbigwithterroruponmyown。Shetookthedagger，andwithsetteeththeQueenofthisdayplungeditintothedeadbreastofthePharaohofthreethousandyearsago。Andevenasshedidsotherecameagroaningsoundfromtheopeningtotheshaftwherewehadlefttheeunuch！Weleapttoourfeet，butheardnomore，andthelamp-lightstillstreameddownthroughtheopening。”Itisnothing，”Isaid。”Letusmakeanend。”
Thenwithmuchtoilwehackedandrentthehardfleshopen，andaswedidsoIheardtheknifepointgrateuponthegemswithin。
Cleopatraplungedherhandintothedeadbreastanddrewforthsomewhat。Sheheldittothelight，andgavealittlecry，forfromthedarknessofPharaoh’sheartthereflashedintolightandlifethemostbeauteousemeraldthatevermanbeheld。Itwasperfectincolour，verylarge，withoutaflaw，andfashionedtoascarab？usform，andontheundersidewasanoval，inscribedwiththedivinenameofMenkau-ra，SonoftheSun。
Again，again，andyetagain，sheplungedinherhandanddrewemeraldsfromPharaoh’sbreastbeddedthereinspices。Somewerefashionedandsomewerenot；butallwereperfectincolourwithoutaflaw，andinvaluepriceless。Againandagainsheplungedherwhitehandintothatdreadbreast，tillatlengthallwerefound，andtherewereonehundredandfortyandeightofsuchgemsasarenotknownintheworld。Thelasttimethatshesearchedshebroughtforthnotemeralds，indeed，buttwogreatpearls，wrappedinlinen，suchasneverhavebeenseen。Andofthesepearlsmorehereafter。
Soitwasdone，andallthemightytreasurelayglitteringinaheapbeforeus。Thereitlay，andthere，too，laytheregaliaofgold，thespicedandsickly-scentedwrappings，andthetornbodyofwhite-hairedPharaohMenkau-ra，theOsirian，theeverlivinginAmenti。
Werose，andagreatawefelluponus，nowthatthedeedwasdoneandourheartswerenomoreupbornebytherageofsearch——sogreatanawe，indeed，thatwecouldnotspeak。ImadeasigntoCleopatra。ShegraspedtheheadofPharaohandIgraspedhisfeet，andtogetherweliftedhim，climbedtheSphinx，andplacedhimoncemorewithinhiscoffin。Ipiledthetornmummyclothsoverhimandonthemlaidthelidofthecoffin。
Andnowwegatheredupthegreatgems，andsuchoftheornamentsasmightbecarriedwithease，andIhidthemasmanyasIcould，inthefoldsofmyrobe。ThosethatwereleftCleopatrahiduponherbreast。
Heavilyladenwiththepricelesstreasure，wegaveonelastlookatthesolemnplace，atthesarcophagusandtheSphinxonwhichitrested，whosegleamingfaceofcalmseemedtomockuswithitseverlastingsmileofwisdom。Thenweturnedandwentfromthetomb。
Attheshaftwehalted。Icalledtotheeunuch，whostayedabove，andmethoughtafaintmockinglaughansweredme。Toosmittenwithterrortocallagain，andfearingthat，shouldwedelay，Cleopatrawouldcertainlyswoon，Iseizedtherope，andbeingstrongandquickmountedbyitandgainedthepassage。Thereburntthelamp:buttheeunuchI
sawnot。Thinking，surely，thathewasalittlewaydownthepassage，andslept——as，intruth，hedid——IbadeCleopatramaketheropefastabouthermiddle，andwithmuchlabour，drewherup。Then，havingrestedawhile，wemovedwiththelampstoseekfortheeunuch。”Hewasstrickenwithterrorandhasfled，leavingthelamp，”saidCleopatra。”OyeGods！whois/that/seatedthere？”
Ipeeredintothedarkness，thrustingoutthelamps，andthiswaswhattheirlightfellon——thisattheverydreamofwhichmysoulsickens！
There，facingus，hisbackrestingagainsttherock，andhishandssplayedoneithersideuponthefloor，sattheeunuch——/dead！/Hiseyesandmouthwereopen，hisfatcheeksdroppeddown，histhinhairyetseemedtobristle，andonhiscountenancewasfrozensuchastampofhideousterroraswellmightturnthebeholder’sbrain。Andlo！
fixedtohischin，byitshinderclaws，hungthatgreyandmightybat，which，flyingforthwhenweenteredthepyramid，vanishedinthesky，but，returning，hadfollowedustoitsdepths。Thereithunguponthedeadman’schinslowlyrockingitselftoandfro，andwecouldseethefieryeyesshininginitshead。
Aghast，utterlyaghast，westoodandstaredatthehatefulsight；tillpresentlythebatspreadhishugewingsand，losinghishold，sailedtous。NowhehoveredbeforeCleopatra’sface，fanningherwithhiswhitewings。Thenwithascream，likeawoman’sshriekoffury，theaccursedThingflitteredon，seekinghisviolatedtomb，andvanisheddownthewellintothesepulchre。Ifellagainstthewall。ButCleopatrasankinaheapuponthefloor，and，coveringherheadwithherarms，sheshriekedtillthehollowpassagesrangwiththeechoesofhercries，thatseemedtogrowanddoubleandrushalongthedepthsinvolumesofshrillsound。”Rise！”Icried，”riseandletushencebeforetheSpiritshallreturntohauntus！Ifthoudostsufferthyselftobeoverwhelmedinthisplacethouartlostforever。”
Shestaggeredtoherfeet，andnevermayIforgetthelookuponherashyfaceorinherglowingeyes。Seizinglampswitharush，wepassedthedeadeunuch’shorridform，Iholdingherbythehand。Wegainedthegreatchamber，wherewasthesarcophagusoftheQueenofMenkau-ra，andtraverseditslength。Wefledalongthepassage。WhatiftheThinghadclosedthethreemightydoors？No；theywereopen，andwespedthroughthem；thelastonlydidIstaytoclose。Itouchedthestone，asIknewhow，andthegreatdoorcrasheddown，shuttingusofffromthepresenceofthedeadeunuchandtheHorrorthathadhungupontheeunuch’schin。Nowwewereinthewhitechamberwiththesculpturedpanels，andnowwefacedthelaststeepascent。Ohthatlastascent！TwiceCleopatraslippedandfelluponthepolishedfloor。
Thesecondtime——itwaswhenhalfthedistancehadbeendone——sheletfallherlamp，andwould，indeed，haverolleddowntheslidehadInotsavedher。ButindoingthusI，too，letfallmylampthatboundedawayintoshadowbeneathus，andwewereinutterdarkness。Andperchanceaboutus，inthedarkness，hoveredthatawfulThing！”Bebrave！”Icried；”Olove，bebrave，andstruggleon，orbotharelost！Theway，thoughsteep，isnotfar；and，thoughitbedark，wecanscarcecometoharminthisstraightshaft。Ifthegemsweightthee，castthemaway！””Nay，”shegasped，”thatIwillnot；thisshallnotbeenduredtonoend。Idiewiththem！”
ThenitwasthatIsawthegreatnessofthiswoman’sheart；forinthedark，andnotwithstandingtheterrorswehadpassedandtheawfulnessofourstate，sheclungtomeandclamberedonupthatdreadpassage。
Onweclambered，handinhand，withburstinghearts，tillthere，bythemercyortheangeroftheGods，atlengthwesawthefaintlightofthemoon，creepingthroughthelittleopeninginthepyramid。Onestrugglemore，nowtheholewasgained，andlikeabreathfromheaven，thesweetnightairplayeduponourbrows。Iclimbedthrough，and，standingonapileofstones，liftedanddraggedCleopatraafterme。
Shefelltothegroundandthensankdownuponitmotionless。
Ipressedupontheturningstonewithtremblinghands。Itswungtoandcaught，leavingnomarkofthesecretplaceofentry。ThenIleaptdownand，havingpushedawaythepileofstones，lookedonCleopatra。
Shehadswooned，andnotwithstandingthedustandgrimeuponherface，itwassopalethatatfirstIbelievedshemustbedead。ButplacingmyhanduponherheartIfeltitstirbeneath；and，beingspent，I
flungmyselfdownbesideheruponthesand，togatherupmystrengthagain。
CHAPTERXII
OFTHECOMINGBACKOFHARMACHIS；OFTHEGREETINGOFCHARMION；
ANDOFTHEANSWEROFCLEOPATRATOQUINTUSDELLIUS，THEAMBASSADOROFANTONYTHETRIUMVIR
PresentlyIliftedmyself，and，layingtheheadofEgypt’sQueenuponmyknee，strovetocallherbacktolife。Howfairsheseemed，eveninherdisarray，herlonghairstreamingdownherbreast！howdeadlyfairsheseemedinthefaintlight——thiswomanthestoryofwhosebeautyandwhosesinshalloutlivethesolidmassofthemightypyramidthattoweredoverus！Theheavinessofherswoonhadsmoothedawaythefalsenessofherface，andnothingwasleftbutthedivinestampofWoman’srichestloveliness，softenedbyshadowsofthenightanddignifiedbythecastofdeathlikesleep。Igazeduponherandallmyheartwentouttoher；itseemedthatIdidbutlovehermorebecauseofthedepthofthetreasonstowhichIhadsunktoreachher，andbecauseoftheterrorswehadoutfacedtogether。Wearyandspentwithfearsandthepangsofguilt，myheartsoughthersforrest，fornowshealonewaslefttome。Shehadsworntowedmealso，andwiththetreasurewehadwonwewouldmakeEgyptstrongandfreeherfromherfoes，andallshouldyetbewell。Ah！couldIhaveseenthepicturethatwastocome，how，andinwhatplaceandcircumstance，onceagainthisverywoman’sheadshouldbelaiduponmyknee，palewiththatcastofdeath！Ah！couldIhaveseen！
Ichafedherhandbetweenmyhands。Ibentdownandkissedheronthelips，andatmykissshewoke。Shewokewithalittlesoboffear——ashiverranalongherdelicatelimbs，andshestareduponmyfacewithwideeyes。”Ah！itisthou！”shesaid。”Imindme——thouhastsavedmefromthathorror-hauntedplace！”Andshethrewherarmsaboutmyneck，drewmetoherandkissedme。”Come，love，”shesaid，”letusbegoing！Iamsoreathirst，and——ah！soveryweary！Thegems，too，chafemybreast！
Neverwaswealthsohardlywon！Come，letusbegoingfromtheshadowofthisghostlyspot！SeethefaintlightsglancingfromthewingsofDawn。Howbeautifultheyare，andhowsweettobehold！Never，inthoseHallsofEternalNight，didIthinktolookupontheblushofdawnagain！Ah！Icanstillseethefaceofthatdeadslave，withtheHorrorhangingtohisbeardlesschin！Bethinkthee！——therehe’llsitforever——there——withtheHorror！Come；wheremaywefindwater？I
wouldgiveanemeraldforacupofwater！””AtthecanalonthebordersofthetilledlandbelowtheTempleofHoremkhu——itiscloseby，”Ianswered。”Ifanyseeus，wewillsaythatwearepilgrimswhohavelostourwayatnightamongthetombs。
Veilthyselfclosely，therefore，Cleopatra；andbewarelestthoudostshowaughtofthosegemsaboutthee。”
Sosheveiledherself，andIliftedherontotheasswhichwastetherednearathand。WewalkedslowlythroughtheplaintillwecametotheplacewherethesymboloftheGodHoremkhu，[*]fashionedasamightySphinx(whomtheGreekscallHarmachis)，andcrownedwiththeroyalcrownofEgypt，looksoutinmajestyacrosstheland，hiseyeseverfixedupontheEast。Aswewalkedthefirstarrowoftherisingsunquiveredthroughthegreyair，strikinguponHoremkhu’slipsofholycalm，andtheDawnkissedhergreetingtotheGodofDawn。Thenthelightgatheredandgrewuponthegleamingsidesoftwentypyramids，and，likeapromisefromLifetoDeath，restedontheportalsoftenthousandtombs。Itpouredinafloodofgoldacrossthedesertsand——itpiercedtheheavyskyofnight，andfellinbrightbeamsuponthegreenoffieldsandthetuftedcrestofpalms。ThenfromhishorizonbedroyalRaroseupinpompanditwasday。
[*]Thatis，”Horusonthehorizon”；andsignifiesthepowerofLightandGoodovercomingthepowerofDarknessandEvilincarnateinhisenemy，Typhon——Editor。
PassingthetempleofgraniteandofalabasterthatwasbuiltbeforethedaysofKhufu，tothegloryoftheMajestyofHoremkhu，wedescendedtheslope，andcametothebanksofthecanal。Therewedrank；andthatdraughtofmuddywaterwassweeterthanallthechoicestwineofAlexandria。Alsowewashedthemummydustandgrimefromourhandsandbrowsandmadeusclean。Asshebathedherneck，stoopingoverthewater，oneofthegreatemeraldsslippedfromCleopatra’sbreastandfellintothecanal，anditwasbutbychancethatatlengthIfounditinthemire。Then，oncemore，IliftedCleopatraontothebeast，andslowly，forIwasveryweary，wemarchedbacktothebanksofSihor，whereourcraftwas。Andhavingatlengthcomethither，seeingnoonesavesomefewpeasantsgoingouttolabouronthelands，Iturnedtheasslooseinthatsamefieldwherewehadfoundhim，andweboardedthecraftwhilethecrewwereyetsleeping。
Then，wakingthem，webadethemmakeallsail，sayingthatwehadlefttheeunuchtosojournawhilebehindus，asintruthwehad。Sowesailed，havingfirsthiddenawaythegemsandsuchoftheornamentsofgoldaswecouldbringtotheboat。
WespentfourdaysandmoreincomingtoAlexandria，forthewindwasforthemostpartagainstus；andtheywerehappydays！Atfirst，indeed，Cleopatrawassomewhatsilentandheavyatheart，forwhatshehadseenandfeltinthewombofthepyramidweighedherdown。ButsoonherImperialspiritawokeandshooktheburdenfromherbreast，andshebecameherselfagain——nowgay，nowlearned；nowloving，andnowcold；nowqueenly，andnowaltogethersimple——everchangingasthewindsofheaven，andastheheaven，deep，beauteous，andunsearchable！
Nightafternightforthosefourperfectnights，thelasthappyhoursIeverwastoknow，wesathandinhanduponthedeckandheardthewaterslapthevessel’sside，andwatchedthesoftfootfallofthemoonasshetrodthedepthsofNile。Therewesatandtalkedoflove，talkedofourmarriageandallthatwewoulddo。AlsoIdrewupplansofwarandofdefenceagainsttheRoman，whichnowwehadthemeanstocarryout；andsheapprovedthem，sweetlysayingthatwhatseemedgoodtomewasgoodtoher。Andsothetimepassedalltooswiftly。
OhthosenightsupontheNile！theirmemoryhauntsmeyet！YetinmydreamsIseethemoonbeamsbreakandquiver，andhearCleopatra’smurmuredwordsofloveminglewiththesoundofmurmuringwaters。Deadarethosedearnights，deadisthemoonthatlitthem；thewaterswhichrockedusontheirbreastarelostinthewidesaltsea，andwherewekissedandclungtherelipsunbornshallkissandcling！Howbeautifulwastheirpromise，doomed，likeanunfruitfulblossom，towither，fall，androt！andtheirfulfilment，ah，howdrear！Forallthingsendindarknessandinashes，andthosewhosowinfollyshallreapinsorrow。Ah！thosenightsupontheNile！
AndsoatlengthoncemorewestoodwithinthehatefulwallsofthatfairpalaceontheLochias，andthedreamwasdone。”WhitherhastthouwanderedwithCleopatra，Harmachis？”CharmionaskedofmewhenImetherbychanceonthatdayofreturn。”Onsomenewmissionofbetrayal？Orwasitbutalove-journey？””IwentwithCleopatrauponsecretbusinessoftheState，”Iansweredsternly。”So！Thosewhogosecretly，goevilly；andfoulbirdslovetoflyatnight。Notbutwhatthouartwise，foritwouldscarcebeseemthee，Harmachis，toshowthyfaceopenlyinEgypt。”
