Iheard，andfeltmypassionrisewithinme，forIcouldillbearthisfairgirl’sscorn。”Hastthouneverawordwithoutasting？”Iasked。”Know，then，thatI
wentwhitherthouhadstnotdaredtogo，togathermeanstoholdEgyptfromthegraspofAntony。””So，”sheanswered，lookingupswiftly。”Thoufoolishman！Thouhadstdonebettertosavethylabour，forAntonywillgraspEgyptinthydespite。Whatpowerhastthouto-dayinEgypt？””Thathemaydoinmydespite；butindespiteofCleopatrathathecannotdo，”Isaid。”Nay，butwiththe/aid/ofCleopatrahecanandwilldoit，”sheansweredwithabittersmile。”WhentheQueensailsinstateupCydnusstreamshewillsurelydrawthiscoarseAntonythencetoAlexandria，conquering，andyet，likethee，aslave！””Itisfalse！Isaythatitisfalse！CleopatragoesnottoTarsus，andAntonycomesnottoAlexandria；or，ifhecome，itwillbetotakethechanceofwar。””Now，thinkestthouthus？”sheansweredwithalittlelaugh。”Well，ifitpleasethee，thinkasthouwilt。Withinthreedaysthoushaltknow。
Itisprettytoseehoweasilythouartfooled。Farewell！Go，dreamonLove，forsurelyLoveissweet。”
Andshewent，leavingmeangeredandtroubledatheart。
IsawCleopatranomorethatday，butonthedaywhichfollowedIsawher。Shewasinaheavymood，andhadnogentlewordforme。IspaketoherofthedefenceofEgypt，butsheputthematteraway。”Whydostthouwearyme？”shesaidwithanger；”canstthounotseethatIamlostintroubles？WhenDelliushashadhisanswerto-morrowthenwewillspeakofthesematters。””Ay，”Isaid，”whenDelliushashadhisanswer；andknowestthouthatbutyesterday，Charmion——whomaboutthepalacetheynamethe’KeeperoftheQueen’ssecrets’——Charmionsworethattheanswerwouldbe’Goinpeace，IcometoAntony！’””Charmionknowsnothingofmyheart，”saidCleopatra，stampingherfootinanger，”andifshetalksofreelythegirlshallbescourgedoutofmyCourt，asisherdesert。Though，intruth，”sheadded，”shehasmorewisdominthatsmallheadofhersthanallmyprivycouncillors——ay，andmorewittouseit。KnowestthouthatIhavesoldaportionofthosegemstotherichJewsofAlexandria，andatagreatprice，ay，atfivethousandsestertiaforeachone？[*]Butafew，intruth，fortheycouldnotbuymoreasyet。Itwasraretoseetheireyeswhentheyfelluponthem:theygrewlargeasappleswithavariceandwonder。Andnowleaveme，Harmachis，forIamweary。Thememoryofthatdreadfulnightiswithmeyet。”
[*]Aboutfortythousandpoundsofourmoney——Editor。
Ibowedandrosetogo，andyetstoodwavering。”Pardonme，Cleopatra；itisofourmarriage。””Ourmarriage！Why，arewenotindeedalreadywed？”sheanswered。”Yes；butnotbeforetheworld。Thoudidstpromise。””Ay，Harmachis，Ipromised；andto-morrow，whenIhaveridmeofthisDellius，Iwillkeepmypromise，andnametheeCleopatra’sLordbeforetheCourt。Seethatthouartinthyplace。Artcontent？”
Andshestretchedoutherhandformetokiss，lookingonmewithstrangeeyes，asthoughshestruggledwithherself。ThenIwent；butthatnightIstroveoncemoretoseeCleopatra，andcouldnot。”TheLadyCharmionwaswiththeQueen，”sosaidtheeunuchs，andnonemightenter。
OnthemorrowtheCourtmetinthegreathallonehourbeforemid-day，andIwentthitherwithatremblinghearttohearCleopatra’sanswertoDellius，andtohearmyselfalsonamedKing-consorttotheQueenofEgypt。ItwasafullandsplendidCourt；therewerecouncillors，lords，captains，eunuchs，andwaiting-women，allsaveCharmion。Thehousepassed，butCleopatraandCharmioncamenot。AtlengthCharmionenteredgentlybyasideentrance，andtookherplaceamongthewaiting-ladiesaboutthethrone。Evenasshedidsoshecastaglanceatme，andtherewastriumphinhereyes，thoughIknewnotoverwhatshetriumphed。IlittleguessedthatshehadbutnowbroughtaboutmyruinandsealedthefateofEgypt。
Thenpresentlythetrumpetsblared，and，cladinherrobesofstate，theur？uscrownuponherhead，andonherbreast，flashinglikeastar，thatgreatemeraldscarab？uswhichshehaddraggedfromdeadPharaoh’sheart，Cleopatrasweptinsplendourtoherthrone，followedbyaglitteringguardofNorthmen。Herlovelyfacewasdark，darkwereherslumbrouseyes，andnonemightreadtheirmessage，thoughallthatCourtsearchedthemforasignofwhatshouldcome。Sheseatedherselfslowlyasonewhomaynotbemoved，andspoketothechiefoftheheraldsintheGreektongue:”DoestheAmbassadorofthenobleAntonywait？”
Theheraldbowedlowandmadeassent。”Lethimcomeinandhearouranswer。”
Thedoorswereflungwide，and，followedbyhistrainofknights，Dellius，cladinhisgoldenarmourandhispurplemantle，walkedwithcat-likestepupthegreathall，andmadeobeisancebeforethethrone。”MostroyalandbeauteousEgypt，”hesaid，inhissoftvoice，”asthouhastgraciouslybeenpleasedtobidme，thyservant，IamheretotakethyanswertotheletterofthenobleAntonytheTriumvir，whomto-morrowIsailtomeetatTarsus，inCilicia。AndIwillsaythis，royalEgypt，cravingpardonthewhilefortheboldnessofmyspeech——
bethinktheewellbeforewordsthatcannotbeunspokenfallfromthosesweetlips。DefyAntony，andAntonywillwreckthee。But，likethymotherAphrodité，risegloriousonhissightfromthebosomoftheCyprianwave，andforwreckhewillgivetheeallthatcanbedeartowoman’sroyalty——Empire，andpompofplace，citiesandtheswayofmen，fameandwealth，andtheDiademofrulemadesure。Formark:
AntonyholdsthisEasternWorldinthehollowofhiswarlikehand；athiswillkingsare，andathisfrowntheyceasetobe。”
Andhebowedhisheadand，foldinghishandsmeeklyonhisbreast，awaitedanswer。
ForawhileCleopatraanswerednot，butsatliketheSphinxHoremkhu，dumbandinscrutable，gazingwithlosteyesdownthelengthofthatgreathall。
Then，likesoftmusic，heranswercame；andtremblingIlistenedforEgypt’schallengetotheRoman:”NobleDellius，——WehavebethoughtusmuchofthematterofthymessagefromgreatAntonytoourpoorRoyaltyofEgypt。Wehavebethoughtusmuch，andwehavetakencounselfromtheoraclesoftheGods，fromthewisestamongourfriends，andfromtheteachingsofourheart，thatever，likeanestingbird，broodsoverourpeople’sweal。
Sharparethewordsthatthouhasbroughtacrossthesea；methinkstheyhadbeenbetterfittedtotheearsofsomepettyhalf-tamedprincethantothoseofEgypt’sQueen。Thereforewehavenumberedthelegionsthatwecangather，andthetriremesandthegalleyswherewithwemaybreastthesea，andthemoneyswhichshallbuyusallthingswantingtoourwar。Andwefindthis，that，thoughAntonybestrong，yethasEgyptnaughttofearfromthestrengthofAntony。”
Shepaused，andamurmurofapplauseofherhighwordsrandownthehall。OnlyDelliusstretchedouthishandasthoughtopushthemback。
Thencametheend！”NobleDellius，——Halfarewemindedtheretobidourtonguestop，and，stronginourfortressesofstone，andourotherfortressesbuiltoftheheartsofmen，abidetheissue。Andyetthoushaltnotgothus。WeareguiltlessofthosechargesagainstusthathavecometotheearsofnobleAntony，andwhichnowherudelyshoutsinours；norwillwejourneyintoCiliciatoanswerthem。”
Herethemurmuraroseanew，whilemyheartbeathighintriumph；andinthepausethatfollowed，Delliusspokeoncemore。”Then，royalEgypt，mywordtoAntonyiswordofWar？””Nay，”sheanswered；”itshallbeoneofPeace。Listen；wesaidthatwewouldnotcometomakeanswertothesecharges，norwillwe。But”——
andshesmiledforthefirsttime——”wewillgladlycome，andthatswiftly，inroyalfriendshiptomakeknownourfellowshipofpeaceuponthebanksofCydnus。”
Iheard，andwasbewildered。CouldIheararight？WasitthusthatCleopatrakeptheroaths？Movedbeyondtheholdofreason，Iliftedupmyvoiceandcried:”OQueen，/remember！/”
Sheturneduponmelikealioness，withaflashingoftheeyesandaswiftshakeofherlovelyhead。”Peace，Slave！”shesaid；”whobadetheebreakinuponourcounsels？
Mindthouthystars，andleavemattersoftheworldtotherulersoftheworld！”
Isankbackshamed，and，asIdidso，oncemoreIsawthesmileoftriumphonthefaceofCharmion，followedbywhatwas，perhaps，theshadowofpityformyfall。”Nowthatyonbrawlingcharlatan，”saidDellius，pointingatmewithhisjewelledfinger，”hasbeenrebuked，grantmeleave，OEgypt，tothanktheefrommyheartforthesegentlewords——””Weasknothanksfromthee，nobleDellius；norliesitinthymouthtochideourservant，”brokeinCleopatra，frowningheavily；”wewilltakethanksfromthelipsofAntonyalone。Gettheetothymaster，andsaytohimthatbeforehecanmakereadyafittingwelcomeourkeelsshallfollowinthetrackofthine。Andnow，farewell！Thoushaltfindsomesmalltokenofourbountyuponthyvessel。”
Delliusbowedthriceandwithdrew，whiletheCourtstoodwaitingtheQueen’sword。AndI，too，waited，wonderingifshewouldyetmakegoodherpromise，andnamemeroyalSpousethereinthefaceofEgypt。Butshesaidnothing。Only，stillfrowningheavily，sherose，and，followedbyherguards，leftthethrone，andpassedintotheAlabasterHall。ThentheCourtbrokeup，andasthelordsandcouncillorswentbytheylookedonmewithmockery。Forthoughnoneknewallmysecret，norhowitstoodbetweenmeandCleopatra，yettheywerejealousofthefavourshownmebytheQueen，andrejoicedgreatlyatmyfall。ButItooknoheedoftheirmockingasIstooddazedwithmiseryandfelttheworldofHopeslipfrombeneathmyfeet。
CHAPTERXIII
OFTHEREPROACHOFHARMACHIS；OFTHESTRUGGLEOFHARMACHIS
WITHTHEGUARDS；OFTHEBLOWOFBRENNUS；ANDOFTHESECRET
SPEECHOFCLEOPATRA
Andatlength，allbeinggone，I，too，turnedtogo，whenaeunuchstruckmeontheshoulderandroughlybademewaitonthepresenceoftheQueen。Anhourpastthisfellowwouldhavecrawledtomeonhisknees；buthehadheard，andnowhetreatedme——sobrutishisthenatureofsuchslaves——astheworldtreatsthefallen，withscorn。Fortocomelowafterbeinggreatistolearnallshame。Unhappy，therefore，aretheGreat，fortheymayfall！
Iturnedupontheslavewithsofierceawordthat，cur-like，hesprangbehindme；thenIpassedontotheAlabasterHall，andwasadmittedbytheguards。Inthecentreofthehall，nearthefountain，satCleopatra，andwithherwereCharmionandtheGreekgirlIras，andMeriraandotherofherwaiting-ladies。”Go，”shesaidtothese，”I
wouldspeakwithmyastrologer。”Sotheywent，andleftusfacetoface。”Standthouthere，”shesaid，liftinghereyesforthefirsttime。”Comenotnighme，Harmachis:Itrusttheenot。Perchancethouhastfoundanotherdagger。Now，whathastthoutosay？BywhatrightdidstthoudaretobreakinuponmytalkwiththeRoman？”
Ifeltthebloodrushthroughmelikeastorm；bitternessandburningangertookholdofmyheart。”Whathast/thou/tosay，Cleopatra？”I
answeredboldly。”Whereisthyvow，swornonthedeadheartofMenkau-ra，theever-living？WherenowthychallengetothisRomanAntony？Wherethyoaththatthouwouldestcallme’husband’inthefaceofEgypt？”andIchokedandceased。”WelldothitbecomeHarmachis，whoneverwasforsworn，tospeaktomeofoaths！”shesaidinbittermockery。”Andyet，OthoumostpurePriestofIsis；andyet，Othoumostfaithfulfriend，whoneverdidstbetraythyfriends；andyet，Othoumoststeadfast，honourable，anduprightman，whoneverbarteredthybirthright，thycountry，andthycauseforthepriceofawoman’spassinglove——bywhattokenknowestthouthatmywordisvoid？””Iwillnotanswerthytaunts，Cleopatra，”Isaid，holdingbackmyheartasbestImight，”forIhaveearnedthemall，thoughnotfromthee。Bythistoken，then，Iknowit。ThougoesttovisitAntony；thougoest，assaidthatRomanknave，’trickedinthybestattire，’tofeastwithhimwhomthoushouldstgivetovulturesfortheirfeast。
Perhaps，foraughtIknow，thouartabouttosquanderthosetreasuresthatthouhastfilchedfromthebodyofMenkau-ra，thosetreasuresstoredagainsttheneedofEgypt，uponwantonrevelswhichshallcompletetheshameofEgypt。Bythesethings，then，Iknowthatthouartforsworn，andI，who，lovingthee，believedthee，tricked；andbythis，also，thatthouwhodidstbutyesternightsweartowedme，dostto-daycovermewithtaunts，andevenbeforethatRomanputmetoanopenshame！””Towedthee？andIdidsweartowedthee？Well，andwhatismarriage？
Isittheunionoftheheart，thatbondbeautifulasgossamerandthangossamermorelight，whichbindssoultosoul，astheyfloatthroughthedreamynightofpassion，abondtobe，perchance，meltedinthedewsofdawn？Orisittheironlinkofenforced，unchangingunionwherebyifsinkstheonetheothermustbedraggedbeneaththeseaofcircumstance，there，likeapunishedslave，toperishofunavoidablecorruption？[*]Marriage！/I/tomarry！/I/toforgetfreedomandcourttheworstslaveryofoursex，which，bytheselfishwillofman，thestronger，stillbindsustoabedgrownhateful，andenforcesaservicethatlovemayhapnolongerhallows！Ofwhatuse，then，tobeaQueen，iftherebyImaynotescapetheevilofthemeanlyborn？Markthou，Harmachis:Womanbeinggrownhathtwoillstofear——DeathandMarriage；andofthesetwainisMarriagethemorevile；forinDeathwemayfindrest，butinMarriage，shoulditfailus，wemustfindhell。Nay，beingabovethebreathofcommonslanderthatenviouslywouldblastthosewhooftruevirtuewillnotconsenttostretchaffection’slinks，I/love/，Harmachis；butI/marry/not！”
[*]ReferringtotheRomancustomofchainingalivingfelontothebodyofonealreadydead——Editor。”Andyesternight，Cleopatra，thoudidstswearthatthouwouldstwedme，andcallmetothysidebeforethefaceofEgypt！””Andyesternight，Harmachis，theredringroundthemoonmarkedthecomingofthestorm，andyetthedayisfair！Butwhoknowsthatthetempestmaynotbreakto-morrow？WhoknowsthatIhavenotchosentheeasierpathtosaveEgyptfromtheRoman？Whoknows，Harmachis，thatthoushaltnotstillcallmewife？”
ThenInolongercouldbearherfalsehood，forIsawthatshebutplayedwithme。AndsoIspokethatwhichwasinmyheart:”Cleopatra！”Icried，”thoudidstsweartoprotectEgypt，andthouartabouttobetrayEgypttotheRoman！ThoudidstsweartousethetreasuresthatIrevealedtotheefortheserviceofEgypt，andthouartabouttousethemtobehermeansofshame——tofashionthemasfettersforherwrists！Thoudidstsweartowedme，wholovedthee，andfortheegaveall，andthoudostmockmeandrejectme！ThereforeIsay——withthevoiceofthedreadGodsIsayit！——thaton/thee/
shallfallthecurseofMenkau-ra，whomthouhastrobbedindeed！Letmegohenceandworkoutmyfate！Letmego，OthoufairShame！thoulivingLie！whomIhavelovedtomydoom，andwhohastbroughtuponmethelastcurseofdoom！Letmehidemyselfandseethyfacenomore！”
Sheroseinherwrath，andshewasterribletosee。”Lettheegotostirupevilagainstme！Nay，Harmachis，thoushaltnotgotobuildnewplotsagainstmythrone！Isaytotheethatthou，too，shaltcometovisitAntonyinCilicia，andthere，perchance，I
willlettheego！”AndereIcouldanswer，shehadstruckuponthesilvergongthathungnearher。
Beforeitsrichechohaddiedaway，Charmionandthewaiting-womenenteredfromonedoor，andfromtheother，afileofsoldiers——fourofthemoftheQueen’sbodyguard，mightymen，withwingedhelmetsandlongfairhair。”Seizethattraitor！”criedCleopatra，pointingtome。Thecaptainoftheguard——itwasBrennus——salutedandcametowardsmewithdrawnsword。
ButI，beingmadanddesperate，andcaringlittleiftheyslewme，flewstraightathisthroat，anddealthimsuchaheavyblowthatthegreatmanfellheadlong，andhisarmourclasheduponthemarblefloor。
AshefellIseizedhisswordandtarge，and，meetingthenext，whorushedonmewithashout，caughthisblowupontheshield，andinanswersmotewithallmystrength。Theswordfellwheretheneckissetintotheshoulder，and，shearingthroughthejointsofhisharness，slewhim，sothathiskneeswereloosenedandhesankdowndead。Andthethird，ashecame，Icaughtuponthepointofmyswordbeforehecouldstrike，anditpiercedhimandhedied。Thenthelastrushedonmewithacryof”Taranis！”andI，too，rushedonhim，formybloodwasaflame。Nowthewomenshrieked——onlyCleopatrasaidnothing，butstoodandwatchedtheunequalfray。Wemet，andIstruckwithallmystrength，anditwasamightyblow，fortheswordshorethroughtheironshellandshatteredthere，leavingmeweaponless。
Withashoutoftriumphtheguardswunguphisswordandsmotedownuponmyhead，butIcaughttheblowwithmyshield。Againhesmote，andagainIparried；butwhenheraisedhisswordathirdtimeIsawthismightnotendure，sowithacryIhurledmybucklerathisface。
Glancingfromhisshielditstruckhimonthebreastandstaggeredhim。Then，beforehecouldgainhisbalance，Irushedinbeneathhisguardandgrippedhimroundthemiddle。
ForafullminutethetallmanandIstruggledfuriously，andthen，sogreatwasmystrengthinthosedays，Iliftedhimlikeatoyanddashedhimdownuponthemarblefloorinsuchfashionthathisboneswereshatteredsothathespokenomore。ButIcouldnotsavemyselfandfelluponhim，andasIfelltheCaptainBrennus，whomIhadsmittentoearthwithmyfist，havingoncemorefoundhissense，cameupbehindmeandsmotemeupontheheadandshoulderswiththeswordofoneofthosewhomIhadslain。ButIbeingontheground，theblowdidnotfallwithallitsweight，alsomythickhairandbroideredcapbrokeitsforce；andthusitcametopassthat，thoughsorelywounded，thelifewasyetwholeinme。ButIcouldstrugglenomore。
Thenthecowardlyeunuchs，whohadgatheredatthesoundofblowsandstoodhuddledtogetherlikeaherdofcattle，seeingthatIwasspent，threwthemselvesuponme，andwouldhavebutcheredmewiththeirknives。ButBrennus，nowthatIwasdown，wouldstrikenomore，butstoodwaiting。Andtheeunuchshadsurelyslainme，forCleopatrawatchedlikeonewhowatchesinadreamandmadenosign。Alreadymyheadwasdraggedback，andtheirknife-pointswereatmythroat，whenCharmion，rushingforward，threwherselfuponmeand，callingthem”Dogs！”desperatelythrustherbodybeforetheminsuchfashionthattheycouldnotsmite。NowBrennuswithanoathseizedfirstoneandthenanotherandcastthemfromme。”Sparehislife，Queen！”hecriedinhisbarbarousLatin。”ByJupiter，heisabraveman！Myselffelledlikeanoxintheshambles，andthreeofmyboysfinishedbyamanwithoutarmourandtakenunawares！I
grudgethemnottosuchaman！Aboon，Queen！sparehislife，andgivehimtome！””Ay，sparehim！sparehim！”criedCharmion，whiteandtrembling。
CleopatradrewnearandlookeduponthedeadandhimwholaydyingasIhaddashedhimtotheground，andonme，herloveroftwodaysgone，whosewoundedheadrestednowonCharmion’swhiterobes。
ImettheQueen’sglance。”Sparenot！”Igasped；”/v？victis！/”Thenaflushgatheredonherbrow——methinksitwasaflushofshame！”Dostafteralllovethismanatheart，Charmion，”shesaidwithalittlelaugh，”thatthoudidstthrustthytenderbodybetweenhimandtheknivesofthesesexlesshounds？”andshecastalookofscornupontheeunuchs。”Nay！”thegirlansweredfiercely；”butIcannotstandbytoseeabravemanmurderedbysuchasthese。””Ay！”saidCleopatra，”heisabraveman，andhefoughtgallantly；I
haveneverseensofierceafighteveninthegamesatRome！Well，I
sparehislife，thoughheisweakofme——womanishweak。Takehimtohisownchamberandguardhimtheretillheishealedor——dead。”
Thenmybrainreeled，agreatsicknessseizeduponme，andIsankintothenothingnessofaswoon。
Dreams，dreams，dreams！withoutendandever-changing，asforyearsandyearsIseemedtotossuponaseaofagony。Andthroughthemavisionofadark-eyedwoman’stenderfaceandthetouchofawhitehandsoothingmetorest。Visions，too，ofaroyalcountenancebendingattimesovermyrockingbed——acountenancethatIcouldnotgrasp，butwhosebeautyflowedthroughmyfeveredveinsandwasapartofme——visionsofchildhoodandoftheTempletowersofAbouthis，andofthewhite-hairedAmenemhat，myfather——ay，andanever-presentvisionofthatdreadhallinAmenti，andofthesmallaltarandtheSpiritscladinflame！ThereIseemedtowandereverlastingly，callingontheHolyMother，whosememoryIcouldnotgrasp；callingeverandinvain！
Fornoclouddescendeduponthealtar，onlyfromtimetotimethegreatVoicepealedaloud:”StrikeoutthenameofHarmachis，childofEarth，fromthelivingBookofHerwhoWasandIsandShallBe！/Lost！
lost！lost！/”
Andthenanothervoicewouldanswer:”Notyet！notyet！Repentanceisathand；strikenotoutthenameofHarmachis，childofEarth，fromthelivingBookofHerwhoWasandIsandShallBe！Bysufferingmaysinbewipedaway！”
Iwoketofindmyselfinmyownchamberinthetowerofthepalace。I
wassoweakthatIscarcecouldliftmyhand，andlifeseemedbuttoflutterinmybreastasfluttersadyingdove。Icouldnotturnmyhead；Icouldnotstir；yetinmyhearttherewasasenseofrestandofdarktroubledone。Thelightfromthelamphurtmyeyes:Ishutthem，and，asIshutthem，heardthesweepofawoman’srobesuponthestair，andaswift，lightstepthatIknewwell。ItwasthatofCleopatra！
Sheenteredanddrewnear。Ifelthercome！Everypulseofmypoorframebeatananswertoherfootfall，andallmymightyloveandhaterosefromthedarknessofmydeath-likesleep，andrentmeintheirstruggle！Sheleanedoverme；herambrosialbreathplayeduponmyface:Icouldhearthebeatingofherheart！Lowersheleaned，tillatlastherlipstouchedmesoftlyonthebrow。”Poorman！”Iheardhermurmur。”Poor，weak，dyingMan！Fatehathbeenhardtothee！ThouwerttoogoodtobethesportofsuchaoneasI——
thepawnthatImustmoveinmyplayofpolicy！Ah，Harmachis！thoushouldsthaveruledthegame！Thoseplottingpriestscouldgivetheelearning；buttheycouldnotgivetheeknowledgeofmankind，norfencetheeagainstthemarchofNature’slaw。Andthoudidstlovemewithallthyheart——ah！wellIknowit！Manlike，thoudidstlovetheeyesthat，asapirate’slights，beckonedtheetoshipwreckedruin，anddidsthangdotingonthelipswhichliedthyheartawayandcalledthee’slave’！Well；thegamewasfair，forthouwouldsthaveslainme；
andyetIgrieve。Sothoudostdie？andthisismyfarewelltothee！
Nevermaywemeetagainonearth；and，perchance，itiswell，forwhoknows，whenmyhouroftendernessispast，howImightdealwiththee，didstthoulive？Thoudostdie，theysay——thoselearnedlong-facedfools，who，iftheylettheedie，shallpaytheprice。Andwhere，then，shallwemeetagainwhenmylastthrowisthrown？Weshallbeequalthere，inthekingdomthatOsirisrules。Alittletime，afewyears——perhapsto-morrow——andweshallmeet；then，knowingallIam，howwiltthougreetme？Nay，here，asthere，stillmustthouworshipme！forinjuriescannottouchtheimmortalityofsuchaloveasthine。
Contemptalone，likeacid，caneatawaytheloveofnoblehearts，andrevealthetruthinitspitifulnakedness。Thoumuststillclingtothee，Harmachis；for，whatevermysins，yetIamgreatandsetabovethyscorn。WouldthatIcouldhavelovedtheeasthoulovestme！
AlmostIdidsowhenthouslewestthoseguards；andyet——notquite。”Whatafencedcityismyheart，thatnonecantakeit，and，evenwhenIthrowthegateswide，nomanmaywinitscitadel！Oh，toputawaythislonelinessandlosemeinanother’ssoul！Oh，forayear，amonth，anhourtoquiteforgetpolicy，peoples，andmypompofplace，andbebutalovingwoman！Harmachis，faretheewell！GojoingreatJuliuswhomthyartcalledupfromdeathbeforeme，andtakeEgypt’sgreetingstohim。Ahwell！Ifooledthee，andIfooledC？sar——
perchancebeforeallisdoneFatewillfindme，andmyselfIshallbefooled。Harmachis，faretheewell！”
Sheturnedtogo，andassheturnedIheardthesweepofanotherdressandthelightfallofanotherwoman’sfoot。”Ah！itisthou，Charmion。Well，forallthywatchingthemandies。””Ay，”sheanswered，inavoicethickwithgrief。”Ay，OQueen，sothephysicianssay。Fortyhourshashelaininstuporsodeepthatattimeshisbreathcouldbarelyliftthistinyfeather’sweight，andhardlycouldmyear，placedagainsthisbreast，takenoticeoftherisingofhisheart。Ihavewatchedhimnowfortenlongdays，watchedhimdayandnight，tillmyeyesstarewidewithwantofsleep，andforfaintnessIcanscarcekeepmyselffromfalling。Andthisistheendofallmylabour！ThecowardblowofthataccursedBrennushasdoneitswork，andHarmachisdies！””Lovecountsnotitslabour，Charmion，norcanitweightitstendernessonthescaleofpurchase。Thatwhichithasitgives，andcravesformoretogiveandgive，tillthesoul’sinfinitybedrained。
Deartothyheartaretheseheavynightsofwatching；sweettothywearyeyesisthatsadsightofstrengthbroughtsolowthatithangsuponthyweaknesslikeababetoitsmother’sbreast！For，Charmion，thoudostlovethismanwholovestheenot，andnowthatheishelplessthoucanstpourthypassionforthovertheunansweringdarknessofhissoul，andcheatthyselfwithdreamsofwhatyetmightbe。””Ilovehimnot，asthouhastproof，OQueen！HowcanIloveonewhowouldhaveslainthee，whoartasmyheart’ssister？ItisforpitythatInursehim。”
Shelaughedalittleassheanswered，”Pityislove’sowntwin，Charmion。Wondrouswaywardarethepathsofwoman’slove，andthouhastshownthinestrangely，thatIknow。Butthemorehighthelove，thedeeperthegulfwhereintoitcanfall——ay，andthencesoaragaintoheaven，oncemoretofall！Poorwoman！thouartthypassion’splaything:nowtenderasthemorningsky，andnow，whenjealousygripsthyheart，morecruelthanthesea。Well，thusarewemade。Soon，afterallthistroubling，nothingwillbelefttheebuttears，remorse，and——memory。”
Andshewentforth。
CHAPTERXIV
OFTHETENDERCAREOFCHARMION；OFTHEHEALINGOFHARMACHIS；
OFTHESAILINGOFTHEFLEETOFCLEOPATRAFORCILICIA；ANDOFTHE
SPEECHOFBRENNUSTOHARMACHIS
Cleopatrawent，andforawhileIlaysilent，gatheringupmystrengthtospeak。ButCharmioncameandstoodoverme，andIfeltagreattearfallfromherdarkeyesuponmyface，asthefirstheavydropofrainfallsfromathundercloud。”Thougoest，”shewhispered；”thougoestfastwhitherImaynotfollow！OHarmachis，howgladlywouldIgivemylifeforthine！”
ThenatlengthIopenedmyeyes，andspokeasbestIcould:”Restrainthygrief，dearfriend，”Isaid，”Iliveyet；and，intruth，Ifeelasthoughnewlifegatheredinmybreast！”
Shegavealittlecryofjoy，andIneversawaughtmorebeautifulthanthechangethatcameuponherweepingface！Itwasaswhenthefirstlightsofthedayrunupthepallorofthatsadskywhichveilsthenightfromdawn。Allrosygrewherlovelycountenance；herdimeyesshoneoutlikestars；andasmileofwonderment，moresweetthanthesuddensmileoftheseaasitsrippleswaketobrightnessbeneaththekissoftherisenmoon，brokethroughherrainoftears。”Thoulivest！”shecried，throwingherselfonherkneesbesidemycouch。”Thoulivest——andIthoughttheegone！Thouartcomebacktome！Oh！whatsayI？Howfoolishisawoman’sheart！’Tisthislongwatching！Nay；sleepandrestthee，Harmachis！——whydostthoutalk？
Notonemoreword，Icommandtheestraitly！Whereisthedraughtleftbythatlong-beardedfool？Naythoushalthavenodraught！There，sleep，Harmachis；sleep！”andshecroucheddownatmysideandlaidhercoolhanduponmybrow，murmuring，”/Sleep！sleep！/”
AndwhenIwokethereshewasstill，butthelightsofdawnwerepeepingthroughthecasement。Theresheknelt，onehanduponmyforehead，andherhead，inallitsdisarrayofcurls，restinguponheroutstretchedarm。”Charmion，”Iwhispered，”haveIslept？”
Instantlyshewaswideawake，and，gazingonmewithtendereyes，”Yea，thouhastslept，Harmachis。””Howlong，then，haveIslept？””Ninehours。””Andthouhastheldthyplacethere，atmyside，forninelonghours？””Yes，itisnothing；Ialsohaveslept——IfearedtowakentheeifI
stirred。””Go，rest，”Isaid；”itshamesmetothinkofthisthing。Gorestthee，Charmion！””Vexnotthyself，”sheanswered；”see，Iwillbidaslavewatchthee，andtowakemeifthouneedestaught；Isleepthere，intheouterchamber。Peace——Igo！”andshestrovetorise，but，socrampedwasshe，fellstraightwayonthefloor。
IcanscarcelytellthesenseofshamethatfilledmewhenIsawherfall。Alas！Icouldnotstirtohelpher。”Itisnaught，”shesaid；”movenot，Ididbutcatchmyfoot。There！”
andsherose，againtofall——”apestuponmyawkwardness！Why——Imustbesleeping。’Tiswellnow。I’llsendtheslave；”andshestaggeredthencelikeoneovercomewithwine。
Andafterthat，Isleptoncemore，forIwasveryweak。WhenIwokeitwasafternoon，andIcravedforfood，whichCharmionbroughtme。
Iate。”ThenIdienot，”Isaid。”Nay，”sheanswered，withatossofherhead，”thouwiltlive。Intruth，Ididwastemypityonthee。””Andthypitysavedmylife，”Isaidwearily，fornowIremembered。”Itisnothing，”sheansweredcarelessly。”Afterall，thouartmycousin；also，Ilovenursing——itisawoman’strade。LikeenoughIhaddoneasmuchforanyslave。Now，too，thatthedangerispast，Ileavethee。””Thouhadstdonebettertoletmedie，Charmion，”Isaidafterawhile，”forlifetomecannowbeonlyonelongshame。Tellme，then，whensailsCleopatraforCilicia？””Shesailsintwentydays，andwithsuchpompandgloryasEgypthasneverseen。Ofatruth，Icannotguesswhereshehasfoundthemeanstogatherinthisstoreofsplendour，asahusbandmangathershisgoldenharvest。”
ButI，knowingwhencethewealthcame，groanedinbitternessofspirit，andmadenoanswer。”Goestthoualso，Charmion？”Iaskedpresently。”Ay，IandalltheCourt。Thou，too——thougoest。””Igo？Nay，whyisthis？””BecausethouartCleopatra’sslave，andmustmarchingildedchainsbehindherchariot；becauseshefearstoleavetheehereinKhem；
becauseitisherwill，andthereisanend。””Charmion，canInotescape？””Escape，thoupoorsickman？Nay，howcanstthouescape？Evennowthouartmoststrictlyguarded。Andifthoudidstescape，whitherwouldstthoufly？There’snotanhonestmaninEgyptbutwouldspitontheeinscorn！”
OncemoreIgroanedinspirit，and，beingsoveryweak，Ifeltthetearsrolladownmycheek。”Weepnot！”shesaidhastily，andturningherfaceaside。”Beaman，andbravethesetroublesout。Thouhastsown，nowmustthoureap；butafterharvestthewatersriseandwashawaytherottingroots，andthenseed-timecomesagain。Perchance，yonderinCilicia，awaymaybefound，whenoncemorethouartstrong，bywhichthoumaystfly——ifintruththoucanstbearthylifeapartfromCleopatra’ssmile；theninsomefarlandmustthoudwelltillthesethingsareforgotten。Andnowmytaskisdone，sofaretheewell！AttimesIwillcometovisittheeandseethatthouneedestnothing。”
Soshewent，andIwasnursedthenceforward，andthatskilfully，bythephysicianandtwowomen-slaves；andasmywoundhealedsomystrengthcamebacktome，slowlyatfirst，thenmostswiftly。InfourdaysfromthattimeIleftmycouch，andinthreemoreIcouldwalkanhourinthepalacegardens；anotherweekandIcouldreadandthink，thoughIwentnomoretoCourt。AndatlengthoneafternoonCharmioncameandbadememakeready，forthefleetwouldsailintwodays，firstforthecoastofSyria，andthencetothegulfofIssusandCilicia。
Thereon，withallformality，andinwriting，IcravedleaveofCleopatrathatImightbeleft，urgingthatmyhealthwassofeeblethatIcouldnottravel。ButamessagewassenttomeinanswerthatI
mustcome。
Andso，ontheappointedday，Iwascarriedinalitterdowntotheboat，andtogetherwiththatverysoldierwhohadcutmedown，theCaptainBrennus，andothersofhistroop(who，indeed，weresenttoguardme)，werowedaboardavesselwhereshelayatanchorwiththerestofthegreatfleet。ForCleopatrawasvoyagingasthoughtowarinmuchpomp，andescortedbyafleetofships，amongwhichhergalley，builtlikeahouseandlinedthroughoutwithcedarandsilkenhangings，wasthemostbeautifulandcostlythattheworldhaseverseen。ButIwentnotonthisvessel，andthereforeitchancedthatI
didnotseeCleopatraorCharmiontillwelandedatthemouthoftheriverCydnus。
Thesignalbeingmade，thefleetsetsail；and，thewindbeingfair，wecametoJoppaontheeveningofthesecondday。ThencewesailedslowlywithcontrarywindsupthecoastofSyria，makingC？sarea，andPtolemais，andTyrus，andBerytus，andpastLebanon’swhitebrowcrownedwithhiscrestofcedars，ontoHeracleaandacrossthegulfofIssustothemouthofCydnus。Andeveraswejourneyed，thestrongbreathoftheseabroughtbackmyhealth，tillatlength，saveforalineofwhiteuponmyheadwheretheswordhadfallen，IwasalmostasIhadbeen。Andonenight，aswedrewnearCydnus，whileBrennusandI
satalonetogetheronthedeck，hiseyefelluponthewhitemarkhisswordhadmade，andhesworeagreatoathbyhisheathenGods。”Anthouhadstdied，lad，”hesaid，”methinksIcouldneveragainhaveheldupmyhead！Ah！thatwasacowardstroke，andIamshamedtothinkthatitwasIwhostruckit，andthouonthegroundwiththybacktome！Knowestthouthatwhenthoudidstliebetweenlifeanddeath，Icameeverydaytoasktidingsofthee？andIsworebyTaranisthatifthoudidstdieI’dturnmybackuponthatsoftpalacelifeandthenawayforthebonnyNorth。””Nay，troublenot，Brennus，”Ianswered；”itwasthyduty。””Mayhap！buttherearedutiesthatabravemanshouldnotdo——nay，notatthebiddingofanyQueenwhoeverruledinEgypt！ThyblowhaddazedmeorIhadnotstruck。Whatisit，lad？——artintroublewiththisQueenofours？Whyartthoudraggedaprisoneruponthispleasureparty？Knowestthouthatwearestrictlychargedthatifthoudostescapeourlivesshallpaytheprice？””Ay，insoretrouble，friend，”Ianswered；”askmenomore。””Then，beingoftheagethouart，there’sawomaninit——thatIswear——and，perchance，thoughIamroughandfoolish，Imightmakeaguess。
Lookthou，lad，whatsayestthou？IamwearyofthisserviceofCleopatraandthishotlandofdesertsandofluxury，thatsapaman’sstrengthanddrainhispocket；andsoareotherswhomIknowof。Whatsayestthou:let’stakeoneoftheseunwieldyvesselsandawaytotheNorth？I’llleadtheetoabetterlandthanEgypt——alandoflakeandmountain，andgreatforestsofsweet-scentedpine；ay，andfindtheeagirlfittomatewith——myownniece——agirlstrongandtall，withwideblueeyesandlongfairhair，andarmsthatcouldcrackthyribsweresheofamindtohugthee！Come，whatsayestthou？Putawaythepast，andawayforthebonnyNorth，andbeasontome。”
ForamomentIthought，andthensadlyshookmyhead；forthoughIwassorelytemptedtobegone，IknewthatmyfatelayinEgypt，andI
mightnotflymyfate。”Itmaynotbe，Brennus，”Ianswered。”FainwouldIthatitmightbe，butIamboundbyachainofdestinywhichIcannotbreak，andinthelandofEgyptImustliveanddie。””Asthouwilt，lad，”saidtheoldwarrior。”Ishouldhavedearlylovedtomarrytheeamongmypeople，andmakeasonofthee。Attheleast，rememberthatwhileIamherethouhastBrennusforafriend。Andonethingmore；bewareofthatbeauteousQueenofthine，for，byTaranis，perhapsanhourmaycomewhenshewillholdthatthouknowesttoomuch，andthen——”andhedrewhishandacrosshisthroat。”Andnowgoodnight；acupofwine，thentosleep，forto-morrowthefoolery——”
[Hereseverallengthsofthesecondrollofpapyrusaresobrokenastobeundecipherable。TheyseemtohavebeendescriptiveofCleopatra’svoyageuptheCydnustothecityofTarsus。]”And——[thewritingcontinues]——tothosewhocouldtakejoyinsuchthings，thesightmust，indeed，havebeenagallantone。Forthesternofourgalleywascoveredwithsheetsofbeatengold，thesailswereofthescarletofTyre，andtheoarsofsilvertouchedthewatertoameasureofmusic。Andthere，inthecentreofthevessel，beneathanawningablazewithgoldembroidery，layCleopatra，attiredastheRomanVenus(andsurelyVenuswasnotmorefair！)，inthinrobesofwhitestsilk，boundinbeneathherbreastwithagoldengirdledelicatelygravenoverwithscenesoflove。Allaboutherwerelittlerosyboys，chosenfortheirbeauty，andcladinnaughtsavedownywingsstrappedupontheirshoulders，andontheirbacksCupid’sbowandquiver，whofannedherwithfansofplumes。Uponthevessel’sdecks，handlingthecordage，thatwasofsilkenweb，andsoftlysingingtothesoundofharpsandthebeatofoars，werenoroughsailors，butwomenlovelytobehold，somerobedasGracesandsomeasNereids——thatis，scarcerobedatall，exceptintheirscentedhair。
Andbehindthecouch，withdrawnsword，stoodBrennus，insplendidarmourandwingedhelmofgold；andbyhimothers——Iamongthem——ingarmentsrichlyworked，andknewthatIwasindeedaslave！Onthehighpoopalsoburnedcensersfilledwithcostliestincense，ofwhichthefragrantsteamhunginlittlecloudsaboutourwake。
Thus，asinadreamofluxury，followedbymanyships，weglidedontowardsthewoodedslopesofTaurus，atwhosefootlaythatancientcityTarshish。Andeveraswecamethepeoplegatheredonthebanksandranbeforeus，shouting:”Venusisrisenfromthesea！VenushathcometovisitBacchus！”Wedrewneartothecity，andallitspeople——
everyonewhocouldwalkorbecarried——crowdeddowninthousandstothedocks，andwiththemcamethewholearmyofAntony，sothatatlengththeTriumvirwasleftaloneuponthejudgmentseat。
Dellius，thefalse-tongued，camealso，fawningandbowing，andinthenameofAntonygavethe”QueenofBeauty”greeting，biddinghertoafeastthatAntonyhadmadeready。Butshemadehighanswer，andsaid，”Forsooth，itisAntonywhoshouldwaitonus；notweonAntony。BidthenobleAntonytoourpoortablethisnight——elsewedinealone。”
Delliuswent，bowingtotheground；thefeastwasmadeready；andthenatlastIseteyesonAntony。Hecamecladinpurplerobes，agreatmanandbeautifultosee，setinthestoutprimeoflife，withbrighteyesofblue，andcurlinghair，andfeaturescutsharplyasaGreciangem。Forhewasgreatofformandroyalofmien，andwithanopencountenanceonwhichhisthoughtsweresoclearlywrittenthatallmightreadthem；onlytheweaknessofthemouthbeliedthepowerofthebrow。Hecameattendedbyhisgenerals，andwhenhereachedthecouchwhereCleopatralayhestoodastonished，gazingonherwithwide-openedeyes。She，too，gazedonhimearnestly；Isawtheredbloodrunupbeneathherskin，andagreatpangofjealousyseizeduponmyheart。AndCharmion，whosawallbeneathherdowncasteyes，sawthisalsoandsmiled。ButCleopatraspokenoword，onlyshestretchedoutherwhitehandforhimtokiss；andhe，sayingnoword，tookherhandandkissedit。”Behold，nobleAntony！”shesaidatlastinhervoiceofmusic，”thouhastcalledme，andIamcome。””Venushascome，”heansweredinhisdeepnotes，andstillholdinghiseyesfixeduponherface。”Icalledawoman——aGoddesshathrisenfromthedeep！””TofindaGodtogreetherontheland，”shelaughedwithreadywit。”Well，atrucetocompliments，forbeingontheearthevenVenusisahungered。NobleAntony，thyhand。”
Thetrumpetsblared，andthroughthebowingcrowdCleopatra，followedbyhertrain，passedhandinhandwithAntonytothefeast。
[Herethereisanotherbreakinthepapyrus。]
CHAPTERXV
OFTHEFEASTOFCLEOPATRA；OFTHEMELTINGOFTHEPEARL；
OFTHESAYINGOFHARMACHIS；ANDOFCLEOPATRA’SVOWOFLOVE
OnthethirdnightthefeastwasoncemorepreparedinthehallofthegreathousethathadbeensetasidetotheuseofCleopatra，andonthisnightitssplendourwasgreatereventhanonthenightsbefore。
Forthetwelvecouchesthatweresetaboutthetablewereembossedwithgold，andthoseofCleopatraandAntonywereofgoldsetwithjewels。Thedishesalsowereallofgoldsetwithjewels，thewallswerehungwithpurpleclothssewnwithgold，andonthefloor，coveredwithanetofgold，freshroseswerestrewnankle-deep，thatastheslavestrodthemsentuptheirperfume。OnceagainIwasbiddentostand，withCharmionandIrasandMerira，behindthecouchofCleopatra，and，likeaslave，fromtimetotimecalloutthehoursastheyflew。Andtherebeingnohelp，Iwentwildatheart；butthisI
swore——itshouldbeforthelasttime，sinceIcouldnotbearthatshame。ForthoughIwouldnotyetbelievewhatCharmiontoldme——thatCleopatrawasabouttobecometheLoveofAntony——yetIcouldnomoreendurethisignominyandtorture。ForfromCleopatranowIhadnowordssavesuchasaQueenspeakstoherslave，andmethinksitgaveherdarkheartpleasuretotormentme。
ThusitcametopassthatI，thePharaoh，crownedofKhem，stoodamongeunuchsandwaiting-womenbehindthecouchofEgypt’sQueenwhilethefeastwentmerrilyandthewine-cuppassed。AndeverAntonysat，hiseyesfixeduponthefaceofCleopatra，whofromtimetotimeletherdeepglanceloseitselfinhis，andthenforalittlewhiletheirtalkdiedaway。Forhetoldhertalesofwarandofdeedsthathehaddone——ay，andlove-jestssuchasarenotmeetfortheearsofwomen。Butshetookoffenceatnothing；rather，fallingintohishumour，shewouldcaphisstorieswithothersofafinerwit，butnotlessshameless。
Atlength，therichmealbeingfinished，Antonygazedatthesplendouraroundhim。”Tellme，then，mostlovelyEgypt，”hesaid；”arethesandsofNilecompactofgold，thatthoucanst，nightbynight，thussquandertheransomofaKinguponasinglefeast？Whencecomesthisuntoldwealth？”
IbethoughtmeofthetomboftheDivineMenkau-ra，whoseholytreasurewasthuswickedlywasted，andlookedupsothatCleopatra’seyecaughtmine；but，readingmythoughts，shefrownedheavily。”Why，nobleAntony，”shesaid，”surelyitisnothing！InEgyptwehaveoursecrets，andknowwhencetoconjurerichesatourneed。Say，whatisthevalueofthisgoldenservice，andofthemeatsanddrinksthathavebeensetbeforeus？”
Hecasthiseyesabout，andhazardedaguess。”Maybeathousandsestertia。”[*]
[*]AbouteightthousandpoundsofEnglishmoney——Editor。”Thouhastunderstateditbyhalf，nobleAntony！ButsuchasitisI
willgiveittheeandthosewiththeeasafreetokenofmyfriendship。AndmorewillIshowtheenow:Imyselfwilleatanddrinktenthousandsestertiaatadraught。””Thatcannotbe，fairEgypt！”
Shelaughed，andbadeaslavebringherwhitevinegarinaglass。Whenitwasbroughtshesetitbeforeherandlaughedagain，whileAntony，risingfromhiscouch，drewnearandsethimselfatherside，andallthecompanyleantforwardtoseewhatshewoulddo。Andthisshedid。
ShetookfromherearoneofthosegreatpearlswhichlastofallhadbeendrawnfromthebodyoftheDivinePharaoh；andbeforeanycouldguessherpurposesheletitfallintothevinegar。Thencamesilence，thesilenceofwonder，andslowlythepricelesspearlmeltedinthestrongacid。Whenitwasmeltedsheliftedtheglassandshookit，thendrankthevinegar，tothelastdrop。”Morevinegar，slave！”shecried；”mymealisbuthalffinished！”andshedrewforththesecondpearl。”ByBacchus，no！thatshaltthounot！”criedAntony，snatchingatherhands；”Ihaveseenenough；”andatthatmoment，movedtoitbyIknownotwhat，Icalledaloud:”Thehourfalls，OQueen！——/thehourofthecomingofthecurseofMenkau-ra！/”
AnashywhitenessgrewuponCleopatra’sface，andsheturneduponmefuriously，whileallthecompanygazedwondering，notknowingwhatthewordsmightmean。”Thouill-omenedslave！”shecried。”Speakthusoncemoreandthoushaltbescourgedwithrods！——ay，scourgedlikeanevildoer——thatI
promisethee，Harmachis！””Whatmeanstheknaveofanastrologer？”askedAntony。”Speak，sirrah！
andmakeclearthymeaning，forthosewhodealincursesmustwarranttheirwares。””IamaservantoftheGods，nobleAntony。ThatwhichtheGodsputinmymindthatmustIsay；norcanIreadtheirmeaning，”Iansweredhumbly。”Oh，oh！thouservesttheGods，dostthou，thoumany-colouredmystery？”Thishesaidhavingreferencetomysplendidrobes。”Well，I
servetheGoddesses，whichisasoftercult。Andthere’sthisbetweenus:thatthoughwhattheyputinmymindIsay，neithercanIreadtheirmeaning，”andheglancedatCleopatraasonewhoquestions。”Lettheknavebe，”shesaidimpatiently；”to-morrowwe’llberidofhim。Sirrah，begone！”
Ibowedandwent；and，asIwent，IheardAntonysay:”Well，hemaybeaknave——forthatallmenare——butthisforthyastrologer:hehatharoyalairandtheeyeofaKing——ay，andwitinit。”
WithoutthedoorIpaused，notknowingwhattodo，forIwasbewilderedwithmisery。And，asIstood，someonetouchedmeonthehand。Iglancedup——itwasCharmion，whointheconfusionoftherisingoftheguests，hadslippedawayandfollowedme。
ForintroubleCharmionwaseveratmyside。”Followme，”shewhispered；”thouartindanger。”
Iturnedandfollowedher。WhyshouldInot？”Whithergowe？”Iaskedatlength。”Tomychamber，”shesaid。”Fearnot；weladiesofCleopatra’sCourthavesmallgoodfametolose；ifanyonebychanceshouldseeus，they’llthinkthatitisalove-tryst，andsuchareallthefashion。”
Ifollowed，and，presently，skirtingthecrowd，wecameunseentoalittlesideentrancethatledtoastair，upwhichwepassed。Thestairendedinapassage；weturneddownittillwefoundadooronthelefthand。Charmionenteredsilently，andIfollowedherintoadarkchamber。Beingin，shebarredthedoorand，kindlingtindertoaflame，litahanginglamp。AsthelightgrewstrongIgazedaround。
Thechamberwasnotlarge，andhadbutonecasement，closelyshuttered。Fortherest，itwassimplyfurnished，havingwhitewalls，somechestsforgarments，anancientchair，whatItooktobeatiringtable，onwhichwerecombs，perfumes，andallthefripperythatpertainstowoman，andawhitebedwithabroideredcoverlid，overwhichwashungagnat-gauze。”Beseated，Harmachis，”shesaid，pointingtothechair。Itookthechair，andCharmion，throwingbackthegnat-gauze，satherselfuponthebedbeforeme。”KnowestthouwhatIheardCleopatrasayasthoudidstleavethebanqueting-hall？”sheaskedpresently。”Nay，Iknownot。””Shegazedafterthee，and，asIwentovertohertodosomeservice，shemurmuredtoherself:’BySerapis，Iwillmakeanend！Iwillwaitnolonger:to-morrowheshallbestrangled！’””So！”Isaid，”itmaybe；though，afterallthathasbeen，Icanscarcebelievethatshewillmurderme。””Whycanstthounotbelieveit，thoumostfoolishofmen？DostforgethownighthouwasttodeaththereintheAlabasterHall？Whosavedtheethenfromtheknivesoftheeunuchs？WasitCleopatra？OrwasitIandBrennus？Stay，Iwilltellthee。Thoucanstnotyetbelieveit，because，inthyfolly，thoudostnotthinkitpossiblethatthewomanwhohasbutlatelybeenasawifetotheecannow，insoshortatime，doomtheetobebaselydonetodeath。Nay，answernot——Iknowall；andItelltheethis:thouhastnotmeasuredthedepthofCleopatra’sperfidy，norcanstthoudreamtheblacknessofherwickedheart。ShehadsurelyslaintheeinAlexandriahadshenotfearedthatthyslaughterbeingnoisedabroadmightbringtroubleonher。Thereforehasshebroughttheeheretokilltheesecretly。Forwhatmorecanstthougiveher？Shehasthyheart’slove，andisweariedofthystrengthandbeauty。Shehasrobbedtheeofthyroyalbirthrightandbroughtthee，aKing，tostandamidstthewaiting-womenbehindheratherfeasts；shehaswonfromtheethegreatsecretoftheholytreasure！””Ah，thouknowestthat？””Yes，Iknowall；andto-nightthouseesthowthewealthstoredagainsttheneedofKhemisbeingsquanderedtofillupthewantonluxuryofKhem’sMacedonianQueen！Thouseesthowshehaskeptheroathtowedtheehonourably。Harmachis——atlengththineeyesareopentothetruth！””Ay，Iseetoowell；andyetshesworeshelovedme，andI，poorfool，Ibelievedher！””Shesworeshelovedthee！”answeredCharmion，liftingherdarkeyes:”nowIwillshowtheehowshelovesthee。Knowestthouwhatwasthishouse？Itwasapriest’scollege；and，asthouwottest，Harmachis，priestshavetheirways。ThislittleroomaforetimewastheroomoftheHeadPriest，andthechamberthatisbeyondandbelowwasthegathering-placeoftheotherpriests。Theoldslavewhokeepsthehousetoldmeallthis，andalsosherevealedwhatIshallshowthee。
Now，Harmachis，besilentasthedead，andfollowme！”
Sheblewoutthelamp，andbythelittlelightthatcreptthroughtheshutteredcasementledmebythehandtothefarcorneroftheroom。
Hereshepresseduponthewall，andadooropenedinitsthickness。Weentered，andsheclosedthespring。Nowwewereinalittlechamber，somefivecubitsinlengthbyfourinbreadth；forafaintlightstruggledintothecloset，andalsothesoundofvoices，Iknewnotwhence。Loosingmyhand，shecrepttotheendoftheplace，andlookedsteadfastlyatthewall；thencreptbackand，whispering”Silence！”
ledmeforwardwithher。ThenIsawthattherewereeyeholesinthewall，whichpiercedit，andwerehiddenonthefarthersidebycarvedworkinstone。Ilookedthroughtheholethatwasinfrontofme，andIsawthis:sixcubitsbelowwasthelevelofthefloorofanotherchamber，litwithfragrantlamps，andmostrichlyfurnished。Itwasthesleeping-placeofCleopatra，andthere，withintencubitsofwherewestood，satCleopatraonagildedcouch，andbyhersidesatAntony。”Tellme，”Cleopatramurmured——forthisplacewassobuiltthateverywordspokenintheroombelowcametotheearsofthelistenerabove——”tellme，nobleAntony，wastpleasedwithmypoorfestival？””Ay，”heansweredinhisdeepsoldier’svoice，”ay，Egypt，Ihavemadefeasts，andbeenbiddentofeasts，butneversawIaughtlikethine；
andItelltheethis，thoughIamroughoftongueandunskilledinprettysayingssuchaswomenlove，thouwasttherichestsightofallthatsplendidboard。Theredwinewasnotsoredasthybeauteouscheek，therosessmeltnotsosweetastheodourofthyhair，andnosapphiretherewithitschanginglightwassolovelyasthyeyesofoceanblue。””What！PraisefromAntony！Sweetwordsfromthelipsofhimwhosewritingsaresoharsh！Why，itispraiseindeed！””Ay，”hewenton，”itwasaroyalfeast，thoughIgrievethatthoudidstwastethatgreatpearl；andwhatmeantthathour-callingastrologerofthine，withhisill-omenedtalkofthecurseofMenkau-ra？”
Ashadowfledacrossherglowingface。”Iknownot；hewaslatelywoundedinabrawl，andmethinkstheblowhascrazedhim。””Heseemednotcrazed，andtherewasthatabouthisvoicewhichringsinmyearslikesomeoracleoffate。Sowildly，too，helookeduponthee，Egypt，withthosepiercingeyesofhis，likeonewholovedandyethatedthroughthelove。””Heisastrangeman，Itellthee，nobleAntony，andalearned。
Myself，attimes，Ialmostfearhim，forheisdeeplyversedintheancientartsofEgypt。Knowestthouthatthemanisofroyalblood，andonceheplottedtoslayme？ButIwonhimover，andslewhimnot，forhehadthekeytosecretsthatIfainwouldlearn；and，indeed，I
lovedhiswisdom，andtolistentohisdeeptalkofallhiddenthings。””ByBacchus，Igrowjealousoftheknave！Andnow，Egypt？””AndnowIhavesuckedhisknowledgedry，andhavenomorecausetofearhim。DidstthounotseethatIhavemadehimstandthesethreenightsaslaveamidmyslaves，andcallaloudthehoursastheyfledinfestival。NocaptiveKingmarchinginthyRomantriumphscanhavesufferedpangssokeenasthatproudEgyptianPrincewhenhestoodshamedbehindmycouch。”
HereCharmionlaidherhandonmineandpressedit，asthoughintenderness。”Well，heshalltroubleusnomorewithhiswordsofevilomen，”
Cleopatrawentonslowly；”to-morrowmornhedies——diesswiftlyandinsecret，leavingnotraceofwhathisfatehasbeen。Onthisismymindfixed；ofatruth，nobleAntony，itisfixed。EvenasIspeakthefearofthismangrowsandgathersinmybreast。HalfamImindedtogivethewordevennow，forIbreathenotfreelytillhebedead，”andshemadeasthoughtorise。”Letitbetillmorning，”hesaid，catchingherbythehand；”thesoldiersdrink，andthedeedwillbeilldone。’Tispitytoo。Ilovenottothinkofmenslaughteredintheirsleep。””Inthemorning，perchance，thehawkmayhaveflown，”sheanswered，pondering。”Hehathkeenears，thisHarmachis，andcansummonthingstoaidhimthatarenotoftheearth。Perchance，evennowhehearsmeinthespirit；for，ofatruth，Iseemtofeelhispresencebreathingroundme。Icouldtellthee——butno，lethimbe！NobleAntony，bemytiring-womanandloosemethiscrownofgold，itchafesmybrow。Begentle，hurtmenot——so。”
Heliftedtheur？uscrownfromherbrows，andsheshooklooseherheavyweightofhairthatfellaboutherlikeagarment。”Takebackthycrown，royalEgypt，”hesaid，speakinglow，”takeitfrommyhand；Iwillnotrobtheeofit，butrathersetitmorefirmlyonthatbeauteousbrow。””WhatmeansmyLord？”sheasked，smilingandlookingintohiseyes。”WhatmeanI？Whythen，this:thoucamesthitheratmybiddingtomakeanswerofthechargeslaidagainsttheeastomatterspolitic。Andknowestthou，Egypt，thathadstthoubeenotherthanthouartthouhadstnotgonebacktoqueenitontheNile；forofthisIamsure，thechargesagainsttheearetrueinfact。But，beingwhatthouart——
andlookthou！neverdidNatureserveawomanbetter！——Iforgivetheeall。ForthesakeofthygraceandbeautyIforgivetheethatwhichhadnotbeenforgiventovirtue，ortopatriotism，ortothedignityofage！Seenowhowgoodathingiswoman’switandloveliness，thatcanmakekingsforgettheirdutyandcozenevenblindfoldedJusticetopeeperesheliftshersword！Takebackthycrown，OEgypt！Itisnowmycarethat，thoughitbeheavy，itshallnotchafethee。””Theseareroyalwords，mostnotableAntony，”shemadeanswer；”graciousandgenerouswords，suchasbefittheConqueroroftheworld！Andtouchingmymisdeedsinthepast——ifmisdeedstherehavebeen——Isaythis，andthisalone——thenIknewnotAntony。For，knowingAntony，whocouldsinagainsthim？WhatwomancouldliftaswordagainstonewhomustbetoallwomenasaGod——onewho，seenandknown，drawsafterhimthewholeallegianceoftheheart，asthesundrawsflowers？AndwhatmorecanIsayandnotcrosstheboundsofwoman’smodesty？Why，onlythis——setthatcrownuponmybrow，greatAntony，andIwilltakeitasagiftfromthee，bythegivingmadedoublydear，andtothyusesIwillguardit。”There，nowIamthyvassalQueen，andthroughmealloldEgyptthatI
ruledoeshomagetoAntonytheTriumvir，whoshallbeAntonytheEmperorofRomeandKhem’sImperialLord！”
And，havingsetthecrownuponherlocks，hestoodgazingonher，grownpassionateinthewarmbreathofherlivingbeauty，tillatlengthhecaughtherbybothhandsanddrawinghertohimkissedherthrice，saying:”Cleopatra，Ilovethee，Sweet——IlovetheeasIneverlovedbefore。”
Shedrewbackfromhisembrace，smilingsoftly；andasshedidsothegoldencircletofthesacredsnakesfell，beingbutlooselysetuponherbrow，androlledawayintothedarknessbeyondtheringoflight。
