Isawtheomen，andeveninthebitteranguishofmyheartknewitsevilimport。Butthesetwaintooknonote。”Thoulovestme？”shesaid，mostsweetly；”howknowIthatthoulovestme？PerchanceitisFulviawhomthoulovest——Fulvia，thyweddedwife？””Nay，itisnotFulvia，’tisthou，Cleopatra，andthoualone。Manywomenhavelookedfavourablyuponmefrommyboyhoodup，buttoneveraonehaveIknownsuchdesireastothee，OthouWonderoftheWorld，likeuntowhomnowomaneverwas！Canstthouloveme，Cleopatra，andtomebetrue，notformyplaceorpower，notforthatwhichIcangiveorcanwithhold，notforthesternmusicofmylegion’stramp，orforthelightthatflowsfrommybrightStarofFortune；butformyself，forthesakeofAntony，theroughcaptain，grownoldincamps？
Ay，forthesakeofAntonythereveller，thefrail，theunfixedofpurpose，butwhoyetneverdiddesertafriend，orrobapoorman，ortakeanenemyunawares？Say，canstthouloveme，Egypt？Oh！ifthouwilt，why，IammorehappythanthoughIsatto-nightintheCapitolatRomecrownedabsoluteMonarchoftheWorld！”
And，everashespoke，shegazedonhimwithwonderfuleyes，andinthemshonealightoftruthandhonestysuchaswasstrangetome。”Thouspeakestplainly，”shesaid，”andthywordsaresweettomineears——theywouldbesweet，evenwerethingsotherwisethantheyare，forwhatwomanwouldnotlovetoseetheworld’smasteratherfeet？
Butthingsbeingastheyare，why，Antony，whatcanbesosweetasthysweetwords？Theharbourofhisresttothestorm-tossedmariner——
surelythatissweet！ThedreamofHeaven’sblisswhichcheersthepoorasceticpriestonhispathofsacrifice——surelythatissweet！
ThesightofDawn，therosy-fingered，cominginhispromisetogladthewatchingEarth——surelythatissweet！But，ah！notoneofthese，noralldeardelightfulthingsthatare，canmatchthehoney-sweetnessofthywordstome，OAntony！Forthouknowestnot——nevercanstthouknow——howdrearmylifehathbeen，andempty，sincethusitisordainedthatinloveonlycanwomanlosehersolitude！AndIhave/never/loved——nevermightIlove——tillthishappynight！Ay，takemeinthyarms，andletusswearagreatvowoflove——anoaththatmaynotbebrokenwhilelifeisinus！Behold！Antony！nowandforeverI
dovowmoststrictfidelityuntothee！NowandforeverIamthine，andthinealone！”
ThenCharmiontookmebythehandanddrewmethence。”Hastseenenough？”sheasked，whenwewereoncemorewithinthechamberandthelampwaslit。”Yea，”Ianswered；”myeyesareopened。”
CHAPTERXVI
OFTHEPLANOFCHARMION；OFTHECONFESSIONOFCHARMION；AND
OFTHEANSWEROFHARMACHIS
ForsomewhileIsatwithbowedhead，andthelastbitternessofshamesankintomysoul。This，then，wastheend。ForthisIhadbetrayedmyoaths；forthisIhadtoldthesecretofthepyramid；forthisIhadlostmyCrown，myHonour，and，perchance，myhopeofHeaven！CouldtherebeanothermaninthewideworldsosteepedinsorrowasIwasthatnight？Surelynotone！WhereshouldIturn？WhatcouldIdo？Andeventhroughthetempestofmytornheartthebittervoiceofjealousycalledaloud。ForIlovedthiswoman，towhomIhadgivenall；andsheatthismoment——shewas——Ah！Icouldnotbeartothinkofit；andinmyutteragony，myheartburstinariveroftearssuchasareterribletoweep！
ThenCharmiondrewnearme，andIsawthatshe，too，wasweeping。”Weepnot，Harmachis！”shesobbed，kneelingatmyside。”Icannotenduretoseetheeweep。Oh！whywouldstthounotbewarned？Thenhadstthoubeengreatandhappy，andnotasnow。Listen，Harmachis！
Thoudidsthearwhatthatfalseandtigerishwomansaid——to-morrowshehandstheeovertothemurderers！””Itiswell，”Igasped。”Nay:itisnotwell。Harmachis，givehernotthislasttriumphoverthee。Thouhastlostallsavelife:butwhileliferemains，hoperemainsalso，andwithhopethechanceofvengeance。””Ah！”Isaid，startingfrommyseat。”Ihadnotthoughtofthat。Ay——
thechanceofvengeance！Itwouldbesweettobeavenged！””Itwouldbesweet，Harmachis，andyetthis——Vengeanceisanarrowthatinfallingoftpierceshimwhoshotit。Myself——Iknowit，”andshesighed。”Butatrucetotalkandgrief。Therewillbetimeforustwaintogrieve，ifnottotalk，inalltheheavycomingyears。Thoumustfly——beforethecomingofthelightmustthoufly。Hereisaplan。To-morrow，erethedawn，agalleythatbutyesterdaycamefromAlexandria，bearingfruitandstores，sailsthitheragain，anditscaptainisknowntome，buttotheeheisnotknown。Now，IwillfindtheethegarbofaSyrianmerchant，andcloakthee，asIknowhow，andfurnishtheewithalettertothecaptainofthegalley。HeshallgivetheepassagetoAlexandria；fortohimthouwiltseembutasamerchantgoingonthebusinessofthytrade。Brennusisofficeroftheguardto-night，andBrennusisafriendtomeandthee。Perhapshewillguesssomewhat；or，perhaps，hewillnotguess；attheleast，theSyrianmerchantshallsafelypassthelines。Whatsayestthou？””Itiswell，”Iansweredwearily；”littledoIrecktheissue。””Restthou，then，here，Harmachis，whileImakethesemattersready；
and，Harmachis，grievenotovermuch；thereareotherswhoshouldgrievemoreheavilythanthou。”Andshewent，leavingmealonewithmyagonywhichrentmelikeatorture-bed。Haditnotbeenforthatfiercedesireofvengeancewhichfromtimetotimeflashedacrossmytormentedmindasthelightningoveramidnightsea，methinksmyreasonhadleftmeinthatdarkhour。AtlengthIheardherfootstepatthedoor，andsheentered，breathingheavily，forsheboreasackofclothinginherarms。”Itiswell，”shesaid:”hereisthegarbwithsparelinen，andwriting-tablets，andallthingsneedful。IhaveseenBrennusalso，andtoldhimthataSyrianmerchantwouldpasstheguardanhourbeforethedawn。Andthoughhemadepretenceofsleep，Ithinkheunderstood，forheanswered，yawning，thatiftheybuthadthepass-word，’Antony，’fiftySyrianmerchantsmightgothroughabouttheirlawfulbusiness。Andhereisthelettertothecaptain——thoucanstnotmistakethegalley，forsheismooredalongtotheright——asmallgalley，paintedblack，asthoudostenteronthegreatquay，and，moreover，thesailorsmakereadyforsailing。NowIwillwaitherewithout，whilethoudostputofftheliveryofthyserviceandarraythyself。”
WhenshewasgoneItoreoffmygorgeousgarmentsandspatuponthemandtrodthemontheground。ThenIputonthemodestrobeofamerchant，andboundthetabletsroundme，onmyfeetthesandalsofuntannedhide，andatmywaisttheknife。WhenitwasdoneCharmionenteredonceagainandlookedonme。”ToomuchartthoustilltheroyalHarmachis，”shesaid；”see，itmustbechanged。”
Thenshetookscissorsfromhertiring-table，and，biddingmebeseated，shecutoffmylocks，clippingthehairclosetothehead。
Nextshefoundstainsofsuchsortaswomenusetomakedarktheeyes，andmixedthemcunningly，rubbingthestuffonmyfaceandhandsandonthewhitemarkinmyhairwheretheswordofBrennushadbittentothebone。”Nowthouartchanged——somewhatfortheworse，Harmachis，”shesaid，withadrearylaugh，”scarcemyselfshouldIknowthee。Stay，thereisonemorething，”and，goingtoachestofgarments，shedrewthenceaheavybagofgold。”Takethouthis，”shesaid；”thouwilthaveneedofmoney。””Icannottakethygold，Charmion。””Yes，takeit。ItwasSepawhogaveittomeforthefurtheranceofourcause，andthereforeitisfittingthatthoushouldstspendit。
Moreover，ifIwantmoney，doubtlessAntony，whoishenceforthmymaster，willgivememore；heismuchbeholdentome，andthisheknowswell。There，wastenottheprecioustimeinhagglingo’erthepelf——notyetartthouallamerchant，Harmachis；”and，withoutmorewords，shethrustthepiecesintotheleatherbagthathungacrossmyshoulders。Thenshemadefastthesackcontainingthesparegarments，and，sowomanlythoughtfulwasshe，placedinitanalabasterjarofpigment，withwhichImightstainmycountenanceafresh，and，takingthebroideredrobesofmyofficethatIhadcastoff，hidtheminthesecretpassage。Andsoatlastallwasmadeready。”IsittimethatIshouldgo，”Iasked。”Notyetawhile。Bepatient，Harmachis，forbutonelittlehourmoremustthouenduremypresence，andthen，perchance，farewellforever。”
Imadeagesturesignifyingthatthiswasnotimeforsharpwords。”Forgivememyquicktongue，”shesaid；”butfromasaltspringbitterwaterswell。Beseated，Harmachis；Ihaveheavierwordstospeaktotheebeforethougoest。””Sayon，”Ianswered；”words，howeverheavy，canmovemenomore。”
Shestoodbeforemewithfoldedhands，andthelamp-lightshoneuponherbeauteousface。Inoticedidlyhowgreatwasitspallorandhowwideanddarkweretheringsaboutthedeepblackeyes。Twicesheliftedherwhitefaceandstrovetospeak，twicehervoicefailedher；
andwhenatlastitcameitwasinahoarsewhisper。”Icannotlettheego，”shesaid——”Icannotlettheegounwittingofthetruth。”/Harmachis，’twasIwhodidbetraythee！/”
Isprangtomyfeet，anoathuponmylips；butshecaughtmebythehand。”Oh，beseated，”shesaid——”beseatedandhearme；then，whenthouhastheart，dotomeasthouwilt。Listen。Fromthatevilmomentwhen，inthepresenceofthyuncleSepa，forthesecondtimeIseteyesuponthyface，Ilovedthee——howmuch，thoucanstlittleguess。ThinkuponthineownloveforCleopatra，anddoubleit，anddoubleitagain，andperchancethoumaystcomeneartomylove’smightysum。Ilovedthee，daybydayIlovedtheemore，tillintheeandfortheealoneIseemedtolive。Butthouwastcold——thouwastworsethancold！thoudidstdealwithmenotasabreathingwoman，butratherastheinstrumenttoanend——asatoolwithwhichtogravethyfortunes。AndthenIsaw——
yes，longbeforethouknewestitthyself——thyheart’stidewassettingstrongtowardsthatruinousshorewhereonto-daythylifeisbroken。
Andatlastthatnightcame，thatdreadfulnightwhen，hidwithinthechamber，Isawtheecastmykerchieftothewinds，andwithsweetwordscherishmyroyalRival’sgift。Then——oh，thouknowest——inmypainIbetrayedthesecretthatthouwouldstnotsee，andthoudidstmakeamockofme，Harmachis！Oh！theshameofit——thouinthyfoolishnessdidstmakeamockofme！Iwentthence，andwithinmewererisingallthetormentswhichcantearawoman’sheart，fornowIwassurethatthoudidstloveCleopatra！Ay，andsomadwasI，eventhatnightIwasmindedtobetraythee:butIthought——notyet，notyet；
to-morrowhemaysoften。Thencamethemorrow，andallwasreadyfortheburstingofthegreatplotthatshouldmaketheePharaoh。AndI
toocame——thoudostremember——andagainthoudidstputmeawaywhenI
spaketotheeinparables，assomethingoflittleworth——asathingtoosmalltoclaimamoment’sweightythought。And，knowingthatthiswasbecause——thoughthouknewestitnot——thoudidstloveCleopatra，whomnowthoumuststraightwayslay，Igrewmad，andawickedSpiritenteredintome，possessingmeutterly，sothatIwasmyselfnolonger，norcouldcontrolmyself。Andbecausethouhadstscornedme，I
didthis，tomyeverlastingshameandsorrow！——IpassedintoCleopatra’spresenceandbetrayedtheeandthosewiththee，andourholycause，sayingthatIhadfoundawritingwhichthouhadstletfallandreadallthistherein。”
Igaspedandsatsilent；andgazingsadlyatmeshewenton:”Whensheunderstoodhowgreatwastheplot，andhowdeepitsroots，Cleopatrawasmuchtroubled；and，atfirst，shewouldhavefledtoSaisortakenshipandrunforCyprus，butIshowedherthatthewayswerebarred。Thenshesaidshewouldcausetheetobeslain，there，inthechamber，andIlefthersobelieving；for，atthathour，Iwasgladthatthoushouldstbeslain——ay，evenifIweptoutmyheartuponthygrave，Harmachis。ButwhatsaidIjustnow？——Vengeanceisanarrowthatoftfallsonhimwholoosesit。Soitwaswithme；forbetweenmygoingandthycomingCleopatrahatchedadeeperplan。Shefearedthattoslaytheewouldonlybetolightafiercerfireofrevolt；butshesawthattobindtheetoher，and，havingleftmenawhileindoubt，toshowtheefaithless，wouldstriketheimminentdangeratitsrootsandwitherit。Thisplotonceformed，beinggreat，shedareditsdoubtfulissue，and——needIgoon？Thouknowest，Harmachis，howshewon；andthustheshaftofvengeancethatIloosedfelluponmyownhead。ForonthemorrowIknewthatIhadsinnedfornaught，thattheburdenofmybetrayalhadbeenlaidonthewretchedPaulus，andthatIhadbutruinedthecausetowhichIwasswornandgiventhemanIlovedtothearmsofwantonEgypt。”
Shebowedherheadawhile，andthen，asIspokenot，oncemorewenton:”Letallmysinbetold，Harmachis，andthenletjusticecome。Seenow，thisthinghappened。HalfdidCleopatralearntolovethee，anddeepinherheartshebethoughtheroftakingtheetoweddedhusband。
Forthesakeofthishalfloveofhersshesparedthelivesofthoseintheplotwhomshehadmeshed，bethinkingherthatifsheweddedtheeshemightusethemandtheetodrawtheheartofEgypt，whichlovesnothernoranyPtolemy。Andthen，onceagainsheentrappedthee，andinthyfollythoudidstbetraytoherthesecretofthehiddenwealthofEgypt，whichto-dayshesquanderstodelighttheluxuriousAntony；and，ofatruth，atthattimeshepurposedtomakegoodheroathandmarrythee。ButontheverymornwhenDelliuscameforanswershesentforme，andtellingmeall——formywit，aboveany，sheholdsatprice——demandedofmemyjudgmentwhethersheshoulddefyAntonyandwedthee，orwhethersheshouldputthethoughtawayandcometoAntony。AndI——nowmarkthouallmysin——I，inmybitterjealousy，ratherthanIwouldseeherthyweddedwifeandthouherlovinglord，counselledhermoststrictlythatsheshouldcometoAntony，wellknowing——forIhadhadspeechwithDellius——thatifshecame，thisweakAntonywouldfalllikearipefruitatherfeet，as，indeed，hehasfallen。AndbutnowIhaveshowntheetheissueofthescheme。AntonylovesCleopatraandCleopatralovesAntony，andthouartrobbed，andmattershavegonewellforme，whoofallwomenontheearthto-nightamthewretchedestbyfar。ForwhenIsawhowthyheartbrokebutnow，myheartseemedtobreakwiththine，andIcouldnolongerbeartheburdenofmyevildeeds，butknewthatImusttellthemandtakemypunishment。”Andnow，Harmachis，Ihavenomoretosay；savethatIthanktheeforthycourtesyinhearkening，andthisonethingIadd。DrivenbymygreatloveIhavesinnedagainsttheeuntodeath！Ihaveruinedthee，IhaveruinedKhem，andmyselfalsoIhaveruined！Letdeathrewardme！Slaythoume，Harmachis——Iwillgladlydieuponthysword；ay，andkissitsblade！Slaythoumeandgo；forifthouslayestmenot，myselfIwillsurelyslay！”Andshethrewherselfuponherknees，liftingherfairbreasttowardme，thatImightsmiteherwithmydagger。And，inmybitterfury，Iwasmindedtostrike；for，aboveall，Ithoughthow，whenIwasfallen，thiswoman，whoherselfwasmycauseofshame，hadscourgedmewithherwhipofscorn。Butitishardtoslayafairwoman；and，evenasIliftedmyhandtostrike，I
rememberedthatshehadnowtwicesavedmylife。”Woman！thoushamelesswoman！”Isaid，”arise！Islaytheenot！WhoamI，thatIshouldjudgethycrime，that，withmineown，dothovertopallearthlyjudgment？””Slayme，Harmachis！”shemoaned；”slayme，orIslaymyself！Myburdenistoogreatformetobear！Benotsodeadlycalm！Curseme，andslay！””Whatwasitthatthoudidstsaytomejustnow，Charmion——thatasI
hadsownsoImustreap？Itisnotlawfulthatthoushouldstslaythyself；itisnotlawfulthatI，thineequalinsin，shouldslaytheebecausethroughtheeIsinned。As/thou/hastsown，Charmion，somust/thou/alsoreap。Basewoman！whosecrueljealousyhasbroughtallthesewoesonmeandEgypt，live——liveon，andfromyeartoyearpluckthebitterfruitofcrime！HauntedbethysleepbyvisionsofthyoutragedGods，whosevengeanceawaitstheeandmeintheirdimAmenti！
Hauntedbethydaysbymemoriesofthatmanwhomthyfiercelovebroughttoshameandruin，andbythesightofKhemapreytotheinsatiateCleopatraandaslavetoRomanAntony。””Oh，speaknotthus，Harmachis！Thywordsaresharperthananysword；
andmoresurely，ifmoreslowly，shalltheyslay！Listen，Harmachis，”
andshegraspedmyrobe:”whenthouwastgreat，andallpowerlaywithinthygrasp，thoudidstrejectme。WiltrejectmenowthatCleopatrahastcasttheefromher——nowthatthouartpoorandshamedandwithnopillowtothyhead？StillamIfair，andstillIworshipthee。Letmeflywiththee，andmakeatonementformylifelonglove。
Or，ifthisbetoogreatathingtoask，letmebebutasthysisterandthyservant——thyveryslave，sothatImaystilllookuponthyface，andsharethytroubleandministertothee。OHarmachis，letmebutcomeandIwillbraveallthingsandendureallthings，andnothingbutDeathhimselfshallstaymefromthyside。ForIdobelievethatthelovethatsankmetosolowadepth，draggingtheewithme，canyetliftmetoanequalheight，andtheewithme！””Wouldsttemptmetofreshsin，woman？Anddostthouthink，Charmion，thatinsomehovelwhereImusthide，Icouldbear，daybyday，tolookuponthyfairface，andseeing，rememberthatthoselipsbetrayedme？Notthuseasilyshaltthouatone！ThisIknowevennow:manyandheavyshallbethylonelydaysofpenance！Perchancethathourofvengeanceyetmaycome，andperchancethoushaltlivetoplaythypartinit。ThoumuststillabideintheCourtofCleopatra；and，whilethouartthere，ifIyetlive，Iwillfromtimetotimefindmeanstogivetheetidings。PerhapsadaymaydawnwhenoncemoreIshallneedthyservice。Now，swearthat，inthisevent，thouwiltnotfailmeasecondtime。””Iswear，Harmachis！——Iswear！Mayeverlastingtorments，toohideoustobedreamed——morehideous，even，byfar，thanthosethatwringmenow——bemyportionifIfailtheeinonejotortittle——ay，thoughI
waitalifetimeforthyword！””Itiswell；seethatthoukeeptheoath——nottwicemaywebetray。I
gotoworkoutmyfate；abidethoutoworkoutthine。Perchanceourdiversthreadswilloncemoremingleerethewebbespun。Charmion，whounaskeddidstloveme——andwho，promptedbythatgentleloveofthine，didstbetrayandruinme——faretheewell！”
Shegazedwildlyuponmyface——shestretchedoutherarmsasthoughtoclaspme；then，intheagonyofherdespair，shecastherselfatlengthandgrovelledupontheground。
Itookupthesackofclothingandthestaffandgainedthedoor，and，asIpassedit，Ithrewonelastglanceuponher。Thereshelay，witharmsoutstretched——morewhitethanherwhiterobes——herdarkhairstreamingabouther，andherfairbrowshiddeninthedust。
AndthusIlefther，nordidIagainsetmyeyesuponhertillninelongyearshadcomeandgone。
[Hereendsthesecondandlargestrollofpapyrus。]
BOOKIII
THEVENGEANCEOFHARMACHIS
CHAPTERI
OFTHEESCAPEOFHARMACHISFROMTARSUS；OFHISBEINGCAST
FORTHASANOFFERINGTOTHEGODSOFTHESEA；OFHISSOJOURNIN
THEISLEOFCYPRUS；OFHISRETURNTOABOUTHIS；ANDOFTHE
DEATHOFAMENEMHAT
Imademywaydownthestairinsafety，andpresentlystoodinthecourtyardofthatgreathouse。Itwasbutanhourfromdawn，andnonewerestirring。Thelastrevellerhaddrunkhisfill，thedancing-girlshadceasedtheirdancing，andsilencelayuponthecity。Idrewnearthegate，andwaschallengedbyanofficerwhostoodonguard，wrappedinaheavycloak。”Whopasses，”saidthevoiceofBrennus。”Amerchant，mayitpleaseyou，Sir，who，havingbroughtgiftsfromAlexandriatoaladyoftheQueen’shousehold，and，havingbeenentertainedofthelady，nowdepartstohisgalley，”Iansweredinafeignedvoice。”Umph！”hegrowled。”TheladiesoftheQueen’shouseholdkeeptheirguestslate。Well；itisatimeoffestival。Thepass-word，SirShopkeeper？Withoutthepass-wordyoumustneedsreturnandcravethelady’sfurtherhospitality。””’/Antony/，’Sir；andarightgoodword，too。Ah！I’vewanderedfar，andneversawIsogoodlyamanorsogreatageneral。And，markyou，Sir！I’vetravelledfar，andseenmanygenerals。””Ay；’/Antony/’’stheword！AndAntonyisagoodgeneralinhisway——
whenitisasoberway，andwhenhecannotfindaskirttofollow。
I’veservedwithAntony——andagainsthim，too；andknowhispoints。
Well，well；he’sgotanarmfulnow！”
Andallthiswhilethathewasholdingmeintalk，thesentryhadbeenpacingtoandfrobeforethegate。Butnowhemovedalittlewaytotheright，leavingtheentranceclear。”Faretheewell，Harmachis，andbegone！”whisperedBrennus，leaningforwardandspeakingquickly。”Lingernot。ButattimesbethinktheeofBrennuswhoriskedhisnecktosavethine。Farewell，lad，IwouldthatweweresailingNorthtogether，”andheturnedhisbackuponmeandbegantohumatune。”Farewell，Brennus，thouhonestman，”Ianswered，andwasgone。And，asIheardlongafterwards，whenonthemorrowthehueandcrywasraisedbecausethemurdererscouldnotfindme，thoughtheysoughtmeeverywheretoslayme，Brennusdidmeaservice。Forhesworethatashekepthiswatchaloneanhouraftermidnighthesawmecomeandstandupontheparapetoftheroof，thatthenIstretchedoutmyrobesandtheybecamewingsonwhichIfloateduptoHeaven，leavinghimastonished。AndallthoseabouttheCourtlenteartothishistory，believinginit，becauseofthegreatfameofmymagic；andtheywonderedmuchwhatthemarvelmightportend。ThetalealsotravelledintoEgypt，anddidmuchtosavemygoodnameamongthosewhomIhadbetrayed；forthemoreignorantamongthembelievedthatIactednotofmywill，butofthewillofthedreadGods，whooftheirownpurposewaftedmeintoHeaven。Andthustothisdaythesayingrunsthat”/WhenHarmachiscomesagainEgyptshallbefree。/”Butalas，Harmachiscomesnomore！OnlyCleopatra，thoughshewasmuchafraid，doubtedherofthetale，andsentanarmedvesseltosearchfortheSyrianmerchant，butnottofindhim，asshallbetold。
WhenIreachedthegalleyofwhichCharmionhadspoken，Ifoundherabouttosail，andgavethewritingtothecaptain，whoconnedit，lookingonmecuriously，butsaidnothing。
SoIwentaboard，andimmediatelywedroppedswiftlydowntheriverwiththecurrent。Andhavingcometothemouthoftheriverunchallenged，thoughwepassedmanyvessels，weputouttoseawithastrongfavouringwindthatbeforenightfreshenedtoagreatgale。
Thenthesailormen，beingmuchafraid，wouldhaveputaboutandrunforthemouthofCydnusagain，butcouldnotbecauseofthewildnessofthesea。Allthatnightitblewfuriously，andbydawnourmastwascarriedaway，andwerolledhelplesslyinthetroughofthegreatwaves。ButIsatwrappedinacloak，littleheeding；andbecauseI
showednofearthesailorscriedoutthatIwasawizard，andsoughttocastmeintothesea，butthecaptainwouldnot。Atdawnthewindslackened，buterenoonitoncemoreblewinterriblefury，andatthefourthhourfromnoonwecameinsightoftherockycoastofthatcapeintheislandofCypruswhichiscalledDinaretum，whereisamountainnamedOlympus，andthither-wardswedriftedswiftly。Then，whenthesailorssawtheterriblerocks，andhowthegreatwavesthatsmoteonthemspoutedupinfoam，oncemoretheygrewmuchafraid，andcriedoutintheirfear。For，seeingthatIstillsatunmoved，theysworethatIcertainlywasawizard，andcametocastmeforthasasacrificetotheGodsofthesea。Andthistimethecaptainwasover-
ruled，andsaidnothing。Therefore，whentheycametomeIroseanddefiedthem，saying，”Castmeforth，ifyewill；butifyecastmeforthyeshallperish。”
ForinmyheartIcaredlittle，havingnomoreanyloveoflife，butratheradesiretodie，thoughIgreatlyfearedtopassintothepresenceofmyHolyMotherIsis。Butmywearinessandsorrowatthebitternessofmylotovercameeventhisheavyfear；sothatwhen，beingmadasbrutebeasts，theyseizedmeand，liftingme，hurledmeintotheragingwaters，IdidbututteroneprayertoIsisandmadereadyfordeath。ButitwasfatedthatIshouldnotdie；for，whenI
rosetothesurfaceofthewater，Isawasparofwoodfloatingnearme，towhichIswamandclung。Andagreatwavecameandsweptme，riding，asitwere，uponthespar，aswhenaboyIhadlearnedtodointhewatersoftheNile，pastthebulwarksofthegalleywherethefierce-facedsailorsclusteredtoseemedrown。Andwhentheysawmecomemountedonthewave，cursingthemasIcame，andsaw，too，thatthecolourofmyfacehadchanged——forthesaltwaterhadwashedwaythepigment，theyshriekedwithfearandthrewthemselvesdownuponthedeck。Andwithinaverylittlewhile，asIrodetowardtherockycoast，agreatwavepouredintothevessel，thatrolledbroadsideon，andpressedherdownintothedeep，whencesherosenomore。
Soshesankwithallhercrew。AndinthatsamestormalsosankthegalleywhichCleopatrahadsenttosearchfortheSyrianmerchant。
Thusalltracesofmewerelost，andofasuretyshebelievedthatI
wasdead。
ButIrodeontowardtheshore。Thewindshriekedandthesaltwaveslashedmyfaceas，alonewiththetempest，Irusheduponmyway，whilethesea-birdsscreamedaboutmyhead。Ifeltnofear，butratherawildupliftingoftheheart；andinthestressofmyimminentperiltheloveoflifeseemedtowakenagain。AndsoIplungedanddrifted，nowtossedhightowardtheloweringclouds，nowcastintothedeepvalleysofthesea，tillatlengththerockyheadlandloomedbeforeme，andIsawthebreakerssmiteuponthestubbornrocks，andthroughthescreamingofthewindheardthesullenthunderoftheirfallandthegroanofstonessuckedseawardfromthebeach。On！high-throneduponthemaneofamightybillow——fiftycubitsbeneathmethelevelofthehissingwaters；abovemetheinkysky！Itwasdone！Thesparwastornfromme，and，draggeddownwardsbytheweightofthebagofgoldandtheclingingofmygarments，Isankstrugglingfuriously。
NowIwasunder——thegreenlightforamomentstreamedthroughthewaters，andthencamedarkness，andonthedarknesspicturesofthepast。Pictureafterpicture——allthelongsceneoflifewaswrittenhere。TheninmyearsIonlyheardthesongofthenightingale，themurmurofthesummersea，andthemusicofCleopatra’slaughofvictory，followingmesoftlyandyetmoresoftasIsankawaytosleep。
Oncemoremylifecameback，andwithitasenseofdeadlysicknessandofachingpain。Iopenedmyeyesandsawakindfacebendingoverme，andknewthatIwasintheroomofabuildedhouse。”HowcameIhither？”Iaskedfaintly。”Ofatruth，Poseidonbroughtthee，Stranger，”answeredaroughvoiceinbarbarousGreek；”wefoundtheecasthighuponthebeachlikeadeaddolphinandbroughttheetoourhouse，forwearefisher-folk。
Andhere，methinks，thoumustlieawhile，forthyleftlegisbrokenbytheforceofthewaves。”
Istrovetomovemyfootandcouldnot。Itwastrue，thebonewasbrokenabovetheknee。”Whoartthou，andhowartthounamed？”askedtherough-beardedsailor。”IamanEgyptiantravellerwhoseshiphassunkinthefuryofthegale，andIamnamedOlympus，”Ianswered，forthesepeoplecalledamountainthatwehadsightedOlympus，andthereforeItookthenameathazard。AndasOlympusIwashenceforthknown。
Herewiththeseroughfisher-folkIabodeforthehalfofayear，payingthemalittleoutofthesumofgoldthathadcomesafelyashoreuponme。Foritwaslongbeforemybonesgrewtogetheragain，andthenIwasleftsomewhatofacripple；forI，whohadbeensotallandstraightandstrong，nowlimped——onelimbbeingshorterthantheother。AndafterIrecoveredfrommyhurt，Istilllivedthere，andtoiledwiththematthetradeoffishing；forIknewnotwhitherI
shouldgoorwhatIshoulddo，and，forawhile，Iwasfaintobecomeapeasantfisherman，andsowearmywearylifeaway。Andthesepeopleentreatedmekindly，though，asothers，theyfearedmemuch，holdingmetobeawizardbroughthitherbythesea。Formysorrowshadstampedsostrangeanaspectonmyfacethatmengazingatmegrewfearfulofwhatlaybeneathitscalm。
There，then，Iabode，tillatlength，onenightasIlayandstrovetosleep，greatrestlessnesscameuponme，andamightydesireoncemoretoseethefaceofSihor。ButwhetherthisdesirewasoftheGodsorbornofmyownheart，notknowing，Icannottell。Sostrongwasit，attheleast，thatbeforeitwasdawnIrosefrommybedofstrawandclothedmyselfinmyfishergarb，and，becauseIhadnowishtoanswerquestions，thusItookfarewellofmyhumblehosts。FirstIplacedsomepiecesofgoldonthewell-cleanedtableofwood，andthentakingapotofflourIstreweditintheformofletters，writing:”ThisgiftfromOlympus，theEgyptian，whoreturnsintothesea。”
ThenIwent，andonthethirddayIcametothegreatcityofSalamis，thatisalsoonthesea。HereIabodeinthefishermen’squarterstillavesselwasabouttosailforAlexandria，andtothecaptainofthisvessel，amanofPaphos，Ihiredmyselfasasailor。Wesailedwithafavouringwind，andonthefifthdayIcametoAlexandria，thathatefulcity，andsawthelightdancingonitsgoldendomes。
HereImightnotabide。SoagainIhiredmyselfoutasasailor，givingmylabourinreturnforpassage，andwepasseduptheNile。AndIlearnedfromthetalkofmenthatCleopatrahadcomebacktoAlexandria，drawingAntonywithherandthattheylivedtogetherwithroyalstateinthepalaceontheLochias。Indeed，theboatmenalreadyhadasongthereon，whichtheysangastheylabouredattheoar。AlsoIheardhowthegalleythatwassenttosearchforthevesselwhichcarriedtheSyrianmerchanthadfounderedwithallhercrew，andthetalethattheQueen’sastronomer，Harmachis，hadflowntoHeavenfromtheroofofthehouseatTarsus。AndthesailorswonderedbecauseI
satandlabouredandwouldnotsingtheirribaldsongofthelovesofCleopatra。Forthey，too，begantofearme，andmutterconcerningmeamongthemselves。ThenIknewthatIwasamanaccursedandsetapart——amanwhomnonemightlove。
OnthesixthdaywedrewnightoAbouthis，whereIleftthecraft，andthesailorswererightgladtoseemego。And，withabreakingheart，Iwalkedthroughthefertilefields，seeingfacesthatIknewwell。
Butinmyroughdisguiseandlimpinggaitnoneknewme。Atlength，asthesunsank，Icameneartothegreatouterpylonofthetemple；andhereIcroucheddownintheruinsofahouse，notknowingwhyIhadcomeorwhatIwasabouttodo。LikealostoxIhadstrayedfromfar，backtothefieldsofmybirth，andforwhat？Ifmyfather，Amenemhat，stilllived，surelyhewouldturnhisfacefromme。Idarednotgointothepresenceofmyfather。Isathiddenthereamongthebrokenrafters，andidlywatchedthepylongates，toseeif，perchance，afaceIknewshouldissuefromthem。Butnonecameforthorenteredin，thoughthegreatgatesstoodwide；andthenIsawthatherbsweregrowingbetweenthestones，wherenoherbshadgrownforages。Whatcouldthisbe？Wasthetempledeserted？Nay；howcouldtheworshipoftheeternalGodshaveceased，thatforthousandsofyearshad，daybyday，beenofferedintheholyplace？Was，then，myfatherdead？Itwellmightbe。Andyet，whythissilence？Wherewerethepriests:
wheretheworshippers？
Icouldbearthedoubtnomore，butasthesunsankredIcreptlikeahuntedjackalthroughtheopengates，andontillIreachedthefirstgreatHallofPillars。HereIpausedandgazedaroundme——notasight，notasound，inthedimandholyplace！Iwentonwithabeatinghearttothesecondgreathall，thehallofsix-and-thirtypillarswhereI
hadbeencrownedLordofalltheLands:stillnotasightorasound！
Thence，halffearfulofmyownfootfall，soterriblydiditechointhesilenceofthedesertedHolies，IpasseddownthepassageofthenamesofthePharaohstowardsmyfather’schamber。Thecurtainstillswungoverthedoorway；butwhatwouldtherebewithin？——alsoemptiness？Iliftedit，andnoiselesslypassedin，andthereinhiscarvenchairatthetableonwhichhislongwhitebeardflowed，satmyfather，Amenemhat，cladinhispriestlyrobes。AtfirstIthoughtthathewasdead，hesatsostill；butatlengthheturnedhishead，andI
sawthathiseyeswerewhiteandsightless。Hewasblind，andhisfacewasthinasthefaceofadeadman，andwoefulwithageandgrief。
Istoodstillandfelttheblindeyeswanderingoverme。Icouldnotspeaktohim——Idarednotspeaktohim；Iwouldgoandhidemyselfafresh。
Ihadalreadyturnedandgraspedthecurtain，whenmyfatherspokeinadeep，slowvoice:”Comehither，thouwhowastmysonandartatraitor。Comehither，thouHarmachis，onwhomKhembuildedupherhope。Notinvain，then，haveIdrawntheefromfaraway！NotinvainhaveIheldmylifeinmetillIheardthyfootfallcreepingdowntheseemptyHolies，likethefootfallofathief！””Oh！myfather，”Igasped，astonished。”Thouartblind:howknowestthoume？””HowdoIknowthee？——andaskestthouthatwhohastlearnedofourlore？Enough，IknowtheeandIbroughttheehither。Would，Harmachis，thatIknewtheenot！WouldthatIhadbeenblastedoftheInvisibleereIdrewtheedownfromthewombofNout，tobemycurseandshame，andthelastwoeofKhem！””Oh，speaknotthus！”Imoaned；”isnotmyburdenalreadymorethanI
canbear？AmInotmyselfbetrayedandutterlyoutcast？Bepitiful，myfather！””Bepitiful！——bepitifultotheewhohastshownsogreatpity？ItwasthypitywhichgaveupnobleSepatodiebeneaththehandsofthetormentors！””Oh，notthat——notthat！”Icried。”Ay，traitor，that！——todieinagony，withhislastpoorbreathproclaimingthee，hismurderer，honestandinnocent！Bepitifultothee，whogavestalltheflowerofKhemasthepriceofawanton’sarms！——thinkestthouthat，labouringinthedarksomedesertmines，thosenobleonesinthoughtarepitifultothee，Harmachis？Bepitifultothee，bywhomthisHolyTempleofAbouthishathbeenravaged，itslandsseized，itspriestsscattered，andIalone，oldandwithered，lefttocountoutitsruin——tothee，whohastpouredthetreasuresof/Her/intothyleman’slap，whohastforswornThyself，thyCountry，thyBirthright，andthyGods！Yea，thusamIpitiful:Accursedbethou，fruitofmyloins！——Shamebethyportion，Agonythyend，andHellreceivetheeatthelast！Whereartthou？Yea，IgrewblindwithweepingwhenIheardthetruth——sure，theystrovetohideitfromme。
LetmefindtheethatImayspituponthee，thouRenegade！thouApostate！thouOutcast！”——andherosefromhisseatandstaggeredlikealivingWrathtowardme，smitingtheairwithhiswand。Andashecamewithoutstretchedarms，awfultosee，suddenlyhisendfoundhim，andwithacryhesankdownupontheground，theredbloodstreamingfromhislips。Irantohimandliftedhim；andashedied，hebabbled:”Hewasmyson，abright-eyedlovelyboy，andfullofpromiseastheSpring；andnow——andnow——oh，wouldthatheweredead！”
Thencameapauseandthebreathrattledinhisthroat。”Harmachis，”hegasped，”artthere？””Yea，father。””Harmachis，atone！——atone！Vengeancecanstillbewreaked——forgivenessmaystillbewon。There’sgold；I’vehiddenit——Atoua——shecantellthee——ah，thispain！Farewell！”
Andhestruggledfaintlyinmyarmsandwasdead。
Thus，then，didIandmyholyfather，thePrinceAmenemhat，meettogetherforthelasttimeintheflesh，andforthelasttimepart。
CHAPTERII
OFTHELASTMISERYOFHARMACHIS；OFTHECALLINGDOWNOFTHE
HOLYISISBYTHEWORDOFFEAR；OFTHEPROMISEOFISIS；OFTHE
COMINGOFATOUA，ANDOFTHEWORDSOFATOUA
Icroucheduponthefloorgazingatthedeadbodyofmyfather，whohadlivedtocurseme，theutterlyaccursed，whilethedarknesscreptandgatheredroundus，tillatlengththedeadandIwerealoneintheblacksilence。Oh，howtellthemiseryofthathour！Imaginationcannotdreamit，norwordspaintitforth。OncemoreinmywretchednessIbethoughtmeofdeath。Aknifewasatmygirdle，withwhichImightcutthethreadofsorrowandsetmyspiritfree。Free？
ay，freetoflyandfacethelastvengeanceoftheHolyGods！Alas！
andalas！Ididnotdaretodie。Bettertheearthwithallitswoesthanthequickapproachofthoseunimaginedterrorsthat，hoveringindimAmenti，waittheadventofthefallen。
Igrovelledonthegroundandwepttearsofagonyforthelostunchangingpast——wepttillIcouldweepnomore；butnoanswercamefromthesilence——noanswerbuttheechoesofmygrief。Notarayofhope！Mysoulwanderedinadarknessmoreutterthanthatwhichwasaboutme——IwasforsakenoftheGodsandcastoutofmen。TerrortookholduponmecrouchinginthatlonelyplacehardbythemajestyoftheawfulDead。Irosetofly。HowcouldIflyinthisgloom？——AndwhereshouldIflywhohadnoplaceofrefuge？OncemoreIcroucheddown，andthegreatfeargrewonmetillthecoldsweatranfrommybrowandmysoulwasfaintwithinme。Then，inmylastdespair，IprayedaloudtoIsis，towhomIhadnotdaredtoprayformanydays。”OIsis！HolyMother！”Icried；”putawayThywrath，andofThineinfinitepity，OThouall-pitiful，hearkentothevoiceoftheanguishofhimwhowasThysonandservant，butwhobysinhathfallenfromthevisionofThylove。OthronedGlory，who，beinginallthings，hastofallthingsunderstandingandofallgriefsknowledge，casttheweightofThymercyagainstthescaleofmyevil-doing，andmakethebalanceequal。Lookdownuponmywoe，andmeasureit；countupthesumofmyrepentanceandtakeThounoteofthefloodofsorrowthatsweepsmysoulaway。OThouHoly，whomitwasgiventometolookuponfacetoface，bythatdreadhourofcommuneIsummonThee；IsummonTheebythemysticword。Come，then，inmercy，tosaveme；or，inanger，tomakeanendofthatwhichcannomorebeborne。”
And，risingfrommyknees，IstretchedoutmyarmsanddaredtocryaloudtheWordofFear，tousewhichunworthilyisdeath。
Swiftlytheanswercame。ForinthesilenceIheardthesoundoftheshakensistraheraldingthecomingoftheGlory。Then，atthefarendofthechamber，grewthesemblanceofthehornedmoon，gleamingfaintlyinthedarkness，andbetwixtthegoldenhornsrestedasmalldarkcloud，inandoutofwhichthefieryserpentclimbed。
MykneeswaxedlooseinthepresenceoftheGlory，andIsankdownbeforeit。
Thenspakethesmall，sweetVoicewithinthecloud:”Harmachis，whowastmyservantandmyson，Ihaveheardthyprayer，andthesummonsthatthouhastdaredtoutter，whichonthelipsofonewithwhomIhavecommuned，hathpowertodrawMefromtheUttermost。Nomore，Harmachis，maywebeoneinthebondofLoveDivine，forthouhastputMeawayofthineownact。Therefore，afterthislongsilenceIcome，Harmachis，clothedinterrors，and，perchance，readyforvengeance，fornotlightlycanIsisbedrawnfromthehallsofHerDivinity。””Smite，Goddess！”Ianswered。”Smite，andgivemeovertothosewhowreakThyvengeance；forIcannolongerbeartheburdenofmywoe！””Andifthoucanstnotbearthyburdenhere，uponthisupperearth，”
camethesoftreply，”howthenshaltthoubearthegreaterburdenthatshallbelaidupontheethere，comingdefiledandyetunpurifiedintomydimrealmofDeath，thatisLifeandChangeunending？Nay，Harmachis，Ismitetheenot，fornotallamIwroththatthouhastdaredtouttertheawfulWordwhichcallsMedowntothee。Hearken，Harmachis；Ipraisenot，andIreproachnot，forIamtheMinisterofRewardandPunishmentandtheExecutrixofDecrees；andifIgive，I
giveinsilence；andifIsmite，insilencedoIsmite。Therefore，I
willaddnaughttothyburdenbytheweightofheavywords，thoughthroughtheeithascometopassthatsoonshallIsis，theMother-
Mystery，bebutamemoryinEgypt。Thouhastsinned，andheavyshallbethypunishment，asIdidwarnthee，bothinthefleshandinmykingdomofAmenti。ButItoldtheethatthereisaroadofrepentance，andsurelythyfeetaresetthereon，andthereinmustthouwalkwithahumbleheart，eatingofthebreadofbitterness，tillsuchtimeasthydoombemeasured。””HaveI，then，nohope，Oholy？””Thatwhichisdone，Harmachis，isdone，norcanitsissuesbealtered。Khemshallnomorebefreetillallitstemplesareasthedesertdust；strangePeoplesshall，fromagetoage，holdherhostageandinbonds；newReligionsshallariseandwitherwithintheshadowofherpyramids，fortoeveryWorld，Race，andAgethecountenancesoftheGodsarechanged。Thisisthetreethatshallspringfromthyseedofsin，Harmachis，andfromthesinofthosewhotemptedthee！””Alas！Iamundone！”Icried。”Yea，thouartundone；andyetshallthisbegiventothee:thyDestroyerthoushaltdestroy——forso，inthepurposeofmyjustice，itisordained。Whenthesigncomestothee，arise，gotoCleopatra，andinsuchmannerasIshallputintothyheartdoHeaven’svengeanceuponher！Andnowforthyselfoneword，forthouhastputMefromthee，Harmachis，andnomoreshallIcomefacetofacewiththeetill，cycleshence，thelastfruitofthysinhathceasedtobeuponthisearth！Yet，throughthevastnessoftheunnumberedyears，rememberthouthis:theLoveDivineisLoveEternal，whichcannotbeextinguished，thoughitbeeverlastinglyestranged。Repent，myson；
repentanddowellwhilethereisyettime，thatatthedimendofagesthoumayestoncemorebegathereduntoMe。Still，Harmachis，thoughthouseestMenot；still，whentheverynamebywhichthouknowestMehasbecomeameaninglessmysterytothosewhoshallbeafterthee；stillI，whosehoursareeternal——I，whohavewatchedUniverseswither，wane，and，beneaththebreathofTime，meltintonothingness；againtogather，and，re-born，threadthemazeofspace——
still，Isay，Ishallcompanionthee。Whereverthougoest，inwhateverformoflifethoulivest，thereIshallbe！Artthouwaftedtothefartheststar，artthouburiedinAmenti’slowestdeep——inlives，indeaths，insleeps，inwakings，inremembrances，inoblivions，inallthefeversoftheouterLife，inallthechangesoftheSpirit——still，ifthouwiltbutatoneandforgetMenomore，Ishallbewiththee，waitingthinehourofredemption。ForthisisthenatureofLoveDivine，wherewithitlovesthatwhichpartakesofitsdivinityandbytheholytiehathoncebeenboundtoit。Judgethen，Harmachis:wasitwelltoputthisfromtheetowinthedustofearthlywoman？And，now，darenotagaintouttertheWordofPowertillthesethingsaredone！
Harmachis，forthisseason，faretheewell！”
AsthelastnoteofthesweetVoicediedaway，thefierysnakeclimbedintotheheartofthecloud。Nowthecloudrolledfromthehornsoflight，andwasgatheredintotheblackness。Thevisionofthecrescentmoongrewdimandvanished。Then，astheGoddesspassed，oncemorecamethefaintanddreadfulmusicoftheshakensistra，andallwasstill。
Ihidmyfaceinmyrobe，andeventhen，thoughmyoutstretchedhandcouldtouchthechillcorpseofthatfatherwhohaddiedcursingme，I
felthopecomebackintomyheart，knowingthatIwasnotaltogetherlostnorutterlyrejectedofHerwhomIhadforsaken，butwhomIyetloved。Andthenwearinessoverpoweredme，andIslept。
Iwoke，thefaintlightsofdawnwerecreepingfromtheopeningintheroof。Ghastlytheylayupontheshadowysculpturedwallsandghastlyuponthedeadfaceandwhitebeardofmyfather，thegatheredtoOsiris。Istartedup，rememberingallthings，andwonderinginmyheartwhatIshoulddo，andasIroseIheardafaintfootfallcreepingdownthepassageofthenamesofthePharaohs。”/La！La！La！/”mumbledavoicethatIknewforthevoiceoftheoldwife，Atoua。”Why，’tisdarkastheHouseoftheDead！TheHolyOneswhobuiltthisTemplelovednottheblessedsun，howevermuchtheyworshippedhim。Now，where’sthecurtain？”
Presentlyitwasdrawn，andAtouaentered，astickinonehandandabasketintheother。Herfacewassomewhatmorewrinkled，andherscantylocksweresomewhatwhiterthanaforetime，butfortherestshewasasshehadeverbeen。Shestoodandpeeredaroundwithhersharpblackeyes，forasyetshecouldseenothingbecauseoftheshadows。”Nowwhereishe？”shemuttered。”Osiris——glorytoHisname——sendthathehasnotwanderedinthenight，andheblind！Alack！thatIcouldnotreturnbeforethedark。Alack！andalack！whattimeshavewefallenon，whentheHolyHighPriestandtheGovernor，bydescent，ofAbouthis，isleftwithoneagedcronetoministertohisinfirmity！O
Harmachis，mypoorboy，thouhastlaidtroubleatourdoors！Why，what’sthis？Surelyhesleepsnot，thereupontheground？——’twillbehisdeath！Prince！HolyFather！Amenemhat！awake，arise！”andshehobbledtowardsthecorpse。”Why，howisit！ByHimwhosleeps，he’sdead！untendedandalone——/dead！dead！/”andshesentherlongwailofgriefringingupthesculpturedwalls。”Hush！woman，bestill！”Isaid，glidingfromtheshadows。”Oh，whatartthou？”shecried，castingdownherbasket。”Wickedman，hastthoumurderedthisHolyOne，theonlyHolyOneinEgypt？Surelythecursewillfallonthee，forthoughtheGodsdoseemtohaveforsakenusnowinourhouroftrial，yetistheirarmlong，andcertainlytheywillbeavengedonhimwhohathslaintheiranointed！””Lookonme，Atoua，”Icried。”Look！ay，Ilook——thouwickedwandererwhohastdaredthiscrueldeed！Harmachisisatraitorandlostfaraway，andAmenemhathisholyfatherismurdered，andnowI’mallalonewithoutkithorkin。Igavethemforhim。IgavethemforHarmachis，thetraitor！Come，slaymealso，thouwickedone！”
Itookasteptowardher，andshe，thinkingthatIwasabouttosmiteher，criedoutinfear:”Nay，goodSir，spareme！Eightyandsix，bytheHolyOnes，eightyandsix，comenextfloodofNile，andyetIwouldnotdie，thoughOsirisismercifultotheoldwhoservedhim！Comenonearer——help！help！””Thoufool，besilent，”Isaid；”knowestthoumenot？””Knowthee？CanIknoweverywanderingboatmantowhomSebekgrantstoearnalivelihoodtillTyphonclaimshisown？Andyet——why，’tisstrange——thatchangedcountenance！——thatscar！——thatstumblinggait！
Itisthou，Harmachis！——’tisthou，Omyboy！Artcomebacktogladmineoldeyes？Ihopedtheedead！Letmekissthee？——nay，Iforget。
Harmachisisatraitor，ay，andamurderer！HereliestheholyAmenemhat，murderedbythetraitor，Harmachis！Gettheegone！I’llhavenoneoftraitorsandofparricides！Gettheetothywanton！——itisnotthouwhomIdidnurse。””Peace！woman；peace！Islewnotmyfather——hedied，alas！——hediedeveninmyarms。””Ay，surely，andcursingthee，Harmachis！Thouhastgivendeathtohimwhogavetheelife！/La！la！/Iamold，andI’veseenmanyatrouble；
butthisistheheaviestofthemall！Ineverlikedthelooksofmummies；butIwouldIwereonethishour！Gettheegone，Ipraythee！””Oldnurse，reproachmenot！HaveInotenoughtobear？””Ah！yes，yes！——Ididforget！Well；andwhatisthysin？Awomanwasthybane，aswomenhavebeentothosebeforethee，andshallbetothoseafterthee。Andwhatawoman！/La！la！/Isawher，abeautysuchasneverwas——anarrowpointedbytheevilGodsfordestruction！Andthou，ayoungmanbredasapriest——anilltraining——averyilltraining！’Twasnofairmatch。Whocanwonderthatshemasteredthee？
Come，Harmachis；letmekissthee！Itisnotforawomantobehardonamanbecausehelovedoursextoomuch。Why，thatisbutnature；andNatureknowsherbusiness，elseshehadmadeusotherwise。Buthereisanevilcase。KnowestthouthatthisMacedonianQueenofthinehathseizedthetemplelandsandrevenues，anddrivenawaythepriests——
all，savetheholyAmenemhat，wholieshere，andwhomsheleft，Iknownotwhy；ay，andcausedtheworshipoftheGodstoceasewithinthesewalls。Well，he’sgone！——he’sgone！andindeedheisbetterwithOsiris，forhislifewasasoreburdentohim。Andharkthou，Harmachis:hehathnotlefttheeempty-handed；for，sosoonastheplotfailed，hegatheredallhiswealth，anditislarge，andhidit——
where，Icanshowthee——anditisthinebyrightofdescent。””Talknottomeofwealth，Atoua。WhereshallIgoandhowshallI
hidemyshame？””Ah！true，true；heremaystthounotabide，foriftheyfoundthee，surelytheywouldputtheetothedreadfuldeath——ay，tothedeathbythewaxencloth。Nay，Iwillhidethee，and，whenthefuneralritesoftheholyAmenemhathavebeenperformed，wewillflyhence，andcoverusfromtheeyesofmentillthesesorrowsareforgotten。/La！la！/itisasadworld，andfulloftroubleastheNilemudisfullofbeetles。Come，Harmachis，come。”
CHAPTERIII
OFTHELIFEOFHIMWHOWASNAMEDTHELEARNEDOLYMPUS，IN
THETOMBOFTHEHARPERSTHATISBYTáPé；OFHISCOUNSELTO
CLEOPATRA；OFTHEMESSAGEOFCHARMION；ANDOFTHEPASSING
OFOLYMPUSDOWNTOALEXANDRIA
Thesethingsthencametopass。ForeightydaysIwashiddenoftheoldwife，Atoua，whilethebodyofthePrince，myfather，wasmadereadyforburialbythoseskilledintheartsofembalming。Andwhenatlastallthingsweredoneinorder，Icreptfrommyhiding-placeandmadeofferingstothespiritofmyfather，andplacinglotus-
flowersonhisbreastwentthencesorrowing。Andonthefollowingday，fromwhereIlayhid，IsawthePriestsoftheTempleofOsirisandoftheholyshrineofIsiscomeforth，andinslowprocessionbearhispaintedcoffintothesacredlakeandlayitbeneaththefuneraltentintheconsecratedboat。Isawthemcelebratethesymbolofthetrialofthedead，andnamehimaboveallmenjust，andthenbearhimthencetolayhimbyhiswife，mymother，inthedeeptombthathehadhewnintherockneartotheresting-placeoftheHolyOsiris，where，notwithstandingmysins，I，too，hopetosleeperelong。Andwhenallthesethingsweredoneandthedeeptombsealed，thewealthofmyfatherhavingbeenremovedfromthehiddentreasuryandplacedinsafety，Ifled，disguised，withtheoldwife，Atoua，uptheNiletillwecametoTápé，[*]andhereinthisgreatcityIlayawhile，tillaplacecouldbefoundwhereIshouldhidemyself。
[*]Thebes——Editor。
AndsuchaplaceIfound。Fortothenorthofthegreatcityarebrownandruggedhills，anddesertvalleyblastedofthesun，andinthisplaceofdesolationtheDivinePharaohs，myforefathers，hollowedouttheirtombsinthesolidrock，themostpartofwhicharelosttothisday，socunninglyhavetheybeenhidden。Butsomeareopen，fortheaccursedPersiansandotherthievesbrokeintotheminsearchoftreasure。Andonenight——forbynightonlydidIleavemyhiding-place——justasthedawnwasbreakingonthemountaintops，Iwanderedaloneinthissadvalleyofdeath，liketowhichthereisnoother，andpresentlycametothemouthofatombhiddenamidgreatrocks，whichafterwardsIknewfortheplaceoftheburyingoftheDivineRameses，thethirdofthatname，nowlonggatheredtoOsiris。AndbythefaintlightofthedawncreepingthroughtheentranceIsawthatitwasspaciousandthatwithinwerechambers。
Onthefollowingnight，therefore，Ireturned，bearinglights，withAtoua，mynurse，whoeverministeredfaithfullytomeaswhenIwaslittleandwithoutdiscretion。AndwesearchedthemightytombandcametothegreatHalloftheSarcophagusofgranite，inwhichtheDivineRamesessleeps，andsawthemysticpaintingsonthewalls:thesymboloftheSnakeunending，thesymbolofRarestingupontheScarab？us，thesymbolofRarestinguponNout，thesymboloftheHeadlessmen，andmanyothers，whereof，beinginitiated，wellIreadthemysteries。AndopeningfromthelongdescendingpassageIfoundchambersinwhichwerepaintingsbeautifultobehold，andofallmannerofthings。Forbeneatheachchamberisentombedthemasterofthecraftofwhichthepaintingstell，hewhowasthechiefoftheservantsofthatcraftinthehouseofthisDivineRameses。Andonthewallsofthelastchamber——ontheleft-handside，lookingtowardtheHalloftheSarcophagus——arepaintingsexceedinglybeautiful，andtwoblindharpersplayingupontheirbentharpsbeforetheGodMou；andbeneaththeflooringtheseharpers，whoharpnomore，aresoftatsleep。Here，then，inthisgloomyplace，eveninthetomboftheHarpersandthecompanyofthedead，Itookupmyabode；andhereforeightlongyearsIworkedoutmypenanceandmadeatonementformysin。ButAtoua，becauseshelovedtobenearthelight，abodeinthechamberoftheBoats——thatis，thefirstchamberontheright-handsideofthegallerylookingtowardtheHalloftheSarcophagus。
Andthiswasthemannerofmylife。Oneveryseconddaytheoldwife，Atoua，wentforthandbroughtwaterfromthecityandsuchfoodasisnecessarytokeepthelifefromfailing，andalsotapersmadefromfat。AndonehouratthetimeofsunriseandonehouratthetimeofsunsetIdidgoforthalsotowanderinthevalleyformyhealth’ssakeandtosavemysightfromfailinginthegreatdarknessofthetomb。Buttheotherhoursofthedayandnight，exceptwhenIclimbedthemountaintowatchthecourseofthestars，Ispentinprayerandmeditationandsleep，tillthecloudofsinliftedfrommyheartandoncemoreIdrewneartotheGods，thoughwithIsis，myheavenlyMother，Imightspeaknomore。AndIgrewexceedinglywisealso，ponderingonallthosemysteriestowhichIheldthekey。Forabstinenceandprayerandsorrowfulsolitudeworeawaythegrossnessofmyflesh，andwiththeeyesoftheSpiritIlearnedtolookdeepintotheheartofthingstillthejoyofWisdomfelllikedewuponmysoul。
SoontherumourwaswaftedaboutthecitythatacertainholymannamedOlympusabodeinsolitudeinthetombsoftheawfulValleyoftheDead；andhithercamepeoplebearingsickthatImightcurethem。
AndIgavemymindtothestudyofsimples，inwhichAtouainstructedme；andbyloreandtheweightofmythoughtIgainedgreatskillinmedicine，andhealedmanysick。Andthusever，astimewenton，myfamewasnoisedabroad；foritwassaidthatIwasalsoamagicianandthatinthetombsIhadcommunewiththeSpiritsoftheDead。Andthis，indeed，Idid——thoughitisnotlawfulformetospeakofthesematters。Thus，then，itcametopassthatnomoreneedAtouagoforthtoseekfoodandwater，forthepeoplebroughtit——morethanwasneedful，forIwouldreceivenofee。Nowatfirst，fearinglestsomeinthehermitOlympusmightknowthelostHarmachis，Iwouldonlymeetthosewhocameinthedarknessofthetomb。Butafterwards，whenI
learnedhowitwasheldthroughallthelandthatHarmachiswascertainlynomore，Icameforthandsatinthemouthofthetomb，andministeredtothesick，andattimescalculatednativitiesforthegreat。Andthusmyfamegrewcontinually，tillatlengthfolkjourneyedevenfromMemphisandAlexandriatovisitme；andfromthemIlearnedhowAntonyhadleftCleopatraforawhile，and，Fulviabeingdead，hadmarriedOctavia，thesisterofC？sar。ManyotherthingsI
learnedalso。
AndinthesecondyearIdidthis:Idespatchedtheoldwife，Atoua，disguisedasasellerofsimples，toAlexandria，biddingherseekoutCharmion，and，ifyetshefoundherfaithful，revealtoherthesecretofmywayoflife。Soshewent，andinthefifthmonthfromhersailingreturned，bearingCharmion’sgreetingsandatoken。AndshetoldmethatshehadfoundmeanstoseeCharmion，and，intalk，hadletfallthenameofHarmachis，speakingofmeasonedead；atwhichCharmion，unabletocontrolhergrief，weptaloud。Then，readingherheart——fortheoldwifewasveryclever，andheldthekeyofknowledge——shetoldherthatHarmachisyetlived，andsenthergreetings。
ThereonCharmionweptyetmorewithjoy，andkissedtheoldwife，andmadehergifts，biddinghertellmethatshehadkepthervow，andwaitedformycomingandthehourofvengeance。So，havinglearnedmanysecrets，AtouareturnedagaintoTápé。
AndinthefollowingyearmessengerscametomefromCleopatra，bearingasealedrollandgreatgifts。Iopenedtheroll，andreadthisinit:”CleopatratoOlympus，thelearnedEgyptianwhodwellsintheValleyofDeathbyTápé——”Thefameofthyrenown，OlearnedOlympus，hathreachedourears。
Tellthou，then，thistous，andifthoutellestarightgreaterhonourandwealthshaltthouhavethananyinEgypt:HowshallwewinbacktheloveofnobleAntony，whoisbewitchedofcunningOctavia，andtarrieslongfromus？”
Now，inthisIsawthehandofCharmion，whohadmademyrenownknowntoCleopatra。
AllthatnightItookcounselwithmywisdom，andonthemorrowwrotemyanswerasitwasputintomyhearttothedestructionofCleopatraandAntony。AndthusIwrote:”OlympustheEgyptiantoCleopatratheQueen——”GoforthintoSyriawithonewhoshallbesenttoleadthee；thusshaltthouwinAntonytothyarmsagain，andwithhimgiftsmoregreatthanthoucanstdream。”
AndwiththisletterIdismissedthemessengers，biddingthemsharethepresentssentbyCleopatraamongtheircompany。
Sotheywentwondering。
ButCleopatra，seizingontheadvicetowhichherpassionpromptedher，departedstraightwaywithFonteiusCapitointoSyria，andtherethethingcameaboutasIhadforetold，forAntonywassubduedofherandgaveherthegreaterpartofCilicia，theoceanshoreofArabiaNabath？a，thebalm-bearingprovincesofJud？a，theprovinceofPh？nicia，theprovinceofC？le-Syria，therichisleofCyprus，andallthelibraryofPergamus。Andtothetwinchildrenthat，withthesonPtolemy，CleopatrahadbornetoAntony，heimpiouslygavethenamesof”Kings，theChildrenofKings”——ofAlexanderHelios，astheGreeksnamethesun，andofCleopatraSelene，themoon，thelong-winged。
Thesethingsthencametopass。
NowonherreturntoAlexandriaCleopatrasentmegreatgifts，ofwhichIwouldhavenone，andprayedme，thelearnedOlympus，tocometoheratAlexandria；butitwasnotyettime，andIwouldnot。ButthereaftersheandAntonysentmanytimestomeforcounsel，andI
evercounselledthemtotheirruin，nordidmypropheciesfail。
Thusthelongyearsrolledaway，andI，thehermitOlympus，thedwellerinatomb，theeaterofbreadandthedrinkerofwater，bystrengthofthewisdomthatwasgivenmeoftheavengingPower，becameoncemoregreatinKhem。ForIgreweverwiserasItrampledthedesiresofthefleshbeneathmyfeetandturnedmyeyestoheaven。
Atlengtheightfullyearswereaccomplished。ThewarwiththeParthianshadcomeandgone，andArtavasdes，KingofArmenia，hadbeenledintriumphthroughthestreetsofAlexandria。CleopatrahadvisitedSamosandAthens；and，byhercounselling，thenobleOctaviahadbeendriven，likesomediscardedconcubine，fromthehouseofAntonyatRome。Andnow，atthelast，themeasureofthefollyofAntonywasfulleventothebrim。ForthisMasteroftheWorldhadnolongerthegoodgiftofreason；hewaslostinCleopatraasIhadbeenlost。Therefore，intheevent，Octavianusdeclaredwaragainsthim。
AndasIsleptuponacertaindayinthechamberoftheHarpers，inthetombofPharaohthatisbyTápé，therecametomeavisionofmyfather，theagedAmenemhat，andhestoodoverme，leaningonhisstaff，andspoke，saying:”Lookforth，myson。”
ThenIlookedforth，andwiththeeyesofmyspiritsawthesea，andtwogreatfleetsgrapplinginwarhardbyarockycoast。AndtheemblemswerethoseofOctavian，andoftheotherthoseofCleopatraandAntony。TheshipsofAntonyandCleopatraboredownupontheshipsofC？sar，anddrovethemon，forvictoryinclinedtoAntony。
Ilookedagain。TheresatCleopatrainagold-deckedgalleywatchingthefightwitheagereyes。ThenIcastmySpiritonhersothatsheseemedtohearthevoiceofdeadHarmachiscryinginherear。”/Fly，Cleopatra，/”itseemedtosay，”/flyorperish！/”
Shelookedupwildly，andagainsheheardmySpirit’scry。Nowamightyfeartookholdofher。Shecalledaloudtothesailorstohoistthesailsandmakesignaltoherfleettoputabout。Thistheydidwonderingbutlittleloath，andfledinhastefromthebattle。
Thenagreatroarwentupfromfriendandfoe。”Cleopatraisfled！Cleopatraisfled！”AndIsawwreckandredruinfalluponthefleetofAntonyandawokefrommytrance。
Thedayspassed，andagainavisionofmyfathercametomeandspoke，saying:”Arise，myson！——thehourofvengeanceisathand！Thyplotshavenotfailed；thyprayershavebeenheard。BythebiddingoftheGods，asshesatinhergalleyatthefightofActium，theheartofCleopatrawasfilledwithfears，sothat，deemingsheheardthyvoicebiddingherflyorperish，shefledwithallherfleet。NowthestrengthofActiumisbrokenonthesea。Goforth，andasitshallbeputintothymind，sodothou。”
InthemorningIawoke，wondering，andwenttothemouthofthetomb，andthere，comingupthevalley，IsawthemessengersofCleopatra，andwiththemaRomanguard。”Whatwillyewithmenow？”Iasked，sternly。”ThisisthemessageoftheQueenandofgreatAntony，”answeredtheCaptain，bowinglowbeforeme，forIwasmuchfearedbyallmen。”TheQueencommandsthypresenceatAlexandria。Manytimeshasshesent，andthouwouldstnotcome；nowshebidstheetocome，andthatswiftly，forshehasneedofthycounsel。””AndifIsayNay，soldier，whatthen？””Thesearemyorders，mostholyOlympus；thatIbringtheebyforce。”
Ilaughedaloud。”Byforce，thoufool！Usenotsuchtalktome，lestI
smitetheewherethouart。Know，then，thatIcankillaswellascure！””Pardon，Ibeseechthee！”heanswered，shrinking。”IsaybutthosethingsthatIambid。””Well，Iknowit，Captain。Fearnot；Icome。”
SoonthatverydayIdeparted，togetherwiththeagedAtoua。Ay，I
wentassecretlyasIhadcome；andthetomboftheDivineRamesesknewmenomore。AndwithmeItookallthetreasuresofmyfather，Amenemhat，forIwasnotmindedtogotoAlexandriaempty-handedandasasuppliant，butratherasamanofmuchwealthandcondition。Now，asIwent，IlearnedthatAntony，followingCleopatra，had，indeed，fledfromActium，andknewthattheenddrewnigh。ForthisandmanyotherthingshadIforeseeninthedarknessofthetombofTápé，andplannedtobringabout。
Thus，then，IcametoAlexandria，andenteredintoahousewhichhadbeenmadereadyformeatthepalacegates。
AndthatverynightCharmioncametome——CharmionwhomIhadnotseenforninelongyears。
