CHAPTERIV
OFTHEMEETINGOFCHARMIONWITHTHELEARNEDOLYMPUS；OFHER
SPEECHWITHHIM；OFTHECOMINGOFOLYMPUSINTOTHE
PRESENCEOFCLEOPATRA；ANDOFTHECOMMANDSOFCLEOPATRA。
Cladinmyplainblackrobe，Isatintheguest-chamberofthehousethathadbeenmadereadyforme。Isatinacarvenlion-footedchair，andlookedupontheswinginglampsofscentedoil，thepicturedtapestries，therichSyrianrugs——and，amidstallthisluxury，bethoughtmeofthattomboftheHarperswhichisatTápé，andoftheninelongyearsofdarklonelinessandpreparation。Isat；andcroucheduponarugneartothedoor，laytheagedAtoua。Herhairwaswhiteassnow，andshrivelledwithagewasthewrinkledcountenanceofthewomanwho，whenalldesertedme，hadyetclungtome，inhergreatloveforgettingmygreatsins。Nineyears！ninelongyears！andnow，onceagain，IsetmyfootinAlexandria！OnceagainintheappointedcircleofthingsIcameforthfromthesolitudeofpreparationtobeafatetoCleopatra；andthissecondtimeIcamenotforthtofail。
Andyethowchangedthecircumstance！Iwasoutofthestory:mypartnowwasbutthepartoftheswordinthehandsofJustice；ImightnomorehopetomakeEgyptfreeandgreatandsituponmylawfulthrone。
Khemwaslost，andlostwasI，Harmachis。Intherushandturmoilofevents，thegreatplotofwhichIhadbeenthepivotwascoveredupandforgotten；scarceamemoryofitremained。ThecurtainofdarknightwasclosinginuponthehistoryofmyancientRace；itsveryGodsweretotteringtotheirfall；Icouldalready，inthespirit，heartheshriekoftheRomaneaglesastheyflappedtheirwingsabovethefurthestbanksofSihor。
PresentlyIrousedmyselfandbadeAtouagoseekamirrorandbringittome，thatImightlooktherein。
AndIsawthis:afaceshrunkenandpallid，onwhichnosmilecame；
greateyesgrownwanwithgazingintodarknesslookingoutbeneaththeshavenhead，emptily，astheholloweye-pitsofaskull；awizenedhaltingformwastedbyabstinence，sorrow，andprayer；alongwildbeardofirongrey；thinblue-veinedhandsthatevertrembledlikealeaf；bowedshouldersandlessenedlimbs。Timeandgriefhaddonetheirworkindeed；scarcecouldIthinkmyselfthesameaswhen，theroyalHarmachis——inallthesplendourofmystrengthandyouthfulbeauty——Ifirsthadlookeduponthewoman’slovelinessthatdiddestroyme。Andyetwithinmeburnedthesamefireasofyore；yetI
wasnotchanged，fortimeandgriefhavenopowertoaltertheimmortalspiritofman。Seasonsmaycomeandgo；Hope，likeabird，mayflyaway；PassionmaybreakitswingsagainsttheironbarsofFate；Illusionsmaycrumbleasthecloudytowersofsunsetflame；
Faith，asrunningwater，mayslipfrombeneathourfeet；Solitudemaystretchitselfarounduslikethemeasurelessdesertsand；OldAgemaycreepasthegatheringnightoverourbowedheadsgrownhoaryintheirshame——yea，boundtoFortune’swheel，wemaytasteofeveryturnofchance——nowruleasKings，nowserveasSlaves；nowlove，nowhate；
nowprosper，andnowperish。Butstill，throughall，wearethesame；
forthisisthemarvelofIdentity。
AndasIsatandthoughtthesethingsinbitternessofheart，therecameaknockingatthedoor。”Open，Atoua！”Isaid。
Sheroseanddidmybidding；andawomanentered，cladinGrecianrobes。ItwasCharmion，stillbeautifulasofold，butsadfacednowandverysweettosee，withapatientfireslumberinginherdowncasteyes。
Sheenteredunattended；and，speakingnoword，theoldwifepointedtowhereIsat，andwent。”Oldman，”shesaid，addressingme，”leadmetothelearnedOlympus。I
comeupontheQueen’sbusiness。”
Irose，and，liftingmyhead，lookeduponher。
Shegazed，andgavealittlecry。”Surely，”shewhispered，glancinground，”surelythouartnotthat——”Andshepaused。”ThatHarmachiswhomoncethyfoolishheartdidlove，OCharmion？Yes，Iamheandwhatthouseest，mostfairlady。YetisHarmachisdeadwhomthoudidstlove；butOlympus，theskilledEgyptian，waitsuponthywords！””Cease！”shesaid，”andofthepastbutoneword，andthen——why，letitlie。Notwell，withallthywisdom，canstthouknowatruewoman’sheart，ifthoudostbelieve，Harmachis，thatitcanchangewiththechangesoftheouterform，forthenassuredlycouldnolovefollowitsbelovedtothatlastplaceofchange——theGrave。Knowthou，learnedPhysician，Iamofthatsortwho，lovingonce，lovealways，andbeingnotbelovedagain，govirgintothedeath。”
Sheceased，andhavingnaughttosay，Ibowedmyheadinanswer。YetthoughIsaidnothingandthoughthiswoman’spassionatefollyhadbeenthecauseofallourruin，tospeaktruth，insecretIwasthankfultoherwho，wooedofallandlivinginthisshamelessCourt，hadstillthroughthelongyearspouredoutherunreturnedloveuponanoutcast，andwho，whenthatpoorbrokenslaveofFortunecamebackinsuchunlovelyguise，heldhimyetdearatheart。Forwhatmanistherewhodoesnotprizethatgiftmostrareandbeautiful，thatoneperfectthingwhichnogoldcanbuy——awoman’sunfeignedlove？”Ithanktheethatthoudostnotanswer，”shesaid；”forthebitterwordswhichthoudidstpouruponmeinthosedaysthatlongaredead，andfarawayinTarsus，havenotlosttheirpoisonoussting，andinmyheartisnomoreplaceforthearrowsofthyscorn，newvenomedthroughthysolitaryyears。Soletitbe。Behold！Iputitfromme，thatwildpassionofmysoul，”andshelookedupandstretchedoutherhandsasthoughtopresssomeunseenpresenceback，”Iputitfromme——thoughforgetitImaynot！There，’tisdone，Harmachis；nomoreshallmylovetroublethee。Enoughformethatoncemoremyeyesbeholdthee，beforesleepsealstheefromtheirsight。Dostrememberhow，whenIwouldhavediedbythydearhand，thouwouldstnotslay，butdidstbidmelivetopluckthebitterfruitofcrime，andbeaccursedbyvisionsoftheevilIhadwroughtandmemoriesoftheewhomIhaveruined？””Ay，Charmion，Irememberwell。””Surelythecupofpunishmenthasbeenfilled。Oh！couldstthouseeintotherecordofmyheart，andreadinitthesufferingthatIhaveborne——bornewithasmilingface——thyjusticewouldbesatisfiedindeed！””Andyet，ifreportbetrue，Charmion，thouartthefirstofalltheCourt，andthereinthemostpowerfulandbeloved。DoesnotOctavianusgiveitoutthathemakeswar，notonAntony，norevenonhismistress，Cleopatra，butonCharmionandIras？””Yes，Harmachis，andthinkthatithasbeentomethus，becauseofmyoathtothee，tobeforcedtoeatthebreadanddothetasksofonewhomsobitterlyIhate！——onewhorobbedmeofthee，andwho，throughtheworkingsofmyjealousy，broughtmetobethatwhichIam，broughttheetoshame，andallEgypttoitsruin！CanjewelsandrichesandtheflatteryofprincesandnoblesbringhappinesstosuchaoneasI，whoammorewretchedthanthemeanestscullionwench？Oh，IhaveoftenwepttillIwasblind；andthen，whenthehourcame，Imustariseandtireme，and，withasmile，godothebiddingoftheQueenandthatheavyAntony。MaytheGodsgrantmetoseethemdead——ay，thetwainofthem！——thenmyselfIshallbecontenttodie！Thylothasbeenhard，Harmachis；butatleastthouhavebeenfree，andmanyisthetimethatIhaveenviedtheethequietofthyhauntedcave。””Idoperceive，OCharmion，thatthouartmindfulofthyoaths；anditiswell，forthehourofvengeanceisathand。””Iammindful，andinallthingsIhaveworkedfortheeinsecret——forthee，andfortheutterruinofCleopatraandtheRoman。Ihavefannedhispassionandherjealousy，Ihaveeggedherontowickednessandhimtofolly，andofallhaveIcausedreporttobebroughttoC？sar。
Listen！thusstandsthematter。ThouknowesthowwentthefightatActium。ThitherwentCleopatrawithherfleet，sorelyagainstthewillofAntony。But，asthousentestmeword，IentreatedhimfortheQueen，vowingtohim，withtears，that，didheleaveher，shewoulddieofgrief；andhe，poorslave，believedme。Andsoshewent，andinthethickofthefight，forwhatcauseIknownot，thoughperchancethouknowest，Harmachis，shemadesignaltohersquadron，and，puttingaboutfledfromthebattle，sailingforPeloponnesus。Andnow，marktheend！WhenAntonysawthatshewasgone，he，inhismadness，tookagalley，anddesertingall，followedhardafterher，leavinghisfleettobeshatteredandsunk，andhisgreatarmyinGreece，oftwentylegionsandtwelvethousandhorse，withoutaleader。Andallthisnomanwouldbelieve，thatAntony，thesmittenoftheGods，hadfallensodeepinshame。Thereforeforawhilethearmytarried，andbutnowto-nightcomesnewsbroughtbyCanidius，theGeneral，that，wornwithdoubtandbeingatlengthsurethatAntonyhaddesertedthem，thewholeofhisgreatforcehasyieldedtoC？sar。””Andwhere，then，isAntony？””HehasbuilthimahabitationonalittleisleintheGreatHarbourandnameditTimonium；because，forsooth，likeTimon，hecriesoutattheingratitudeofmankindthathasforsakenhim。Andthereheliessmittenbyafeverofthemind，andthitherthoumustgoatdawn，sowillstheQueen，tocurehimofhisillsanddrawhimtoherarms；forhewillnotseeher，norknowsheyetthefullmeasureofhiswoe。ButfirstmybiddingistoleadtheeinstantlytoCleopatra，whowouldaskthycounsel。””Icome，”Ianswered，rising。”Leadthouon。”
AndsowepassedthepalacegatesandalongtheAlabasterHall，andpresentlyonceagainIstoodbeforethedoorofCleopatra’schamber，andonceagainCharmionleftmetowarnherofmycoming。
Presentlyshecamebackandbeckonedtome。”Makestrongthyheart，”
shewhispered，”andseethatthoudostnotbetraythyself，forstillaretheeyesofCleopatrakeen。Enter！””Keen，indeed，musttheybetofindHarmachisinthelearnedOlympus！
HadInotwilledit，thyselfthouhadstnotknownme，Charmion，”I
madeanswer。
ThenIenteredthatrememberedplaceandlistenedoncemoretotheplashofthefountain，thesongofthenightingale，andthemurmurofthesummersea。WithbowedheadandhaltinggaitIcame，tillatlengthIstoodbeforethecouchofCleopatra——thatsamegoldencouchonwhichshehadsatthenightsheovercameme。ThenIgatheredmystrength，andlookedup。TherebeforemewasCleopatra，gloriousasofold，but，oh！howchangedsincethatnightwhenIsawAntonyclaspherinhisarmsatTarsus！Herbeautystillclothedherlikeagarment；
theeyeswereyetdeepandunfathomableasthebluesea，thefacestillsplendidinitsgreatloveliness。Andyetallwaschanged。Time，thatcouldnottouchhercharms，hadstampeduponherpresencesuchalookofwearygriefasmaynotbewritten。Passion，beatingeverinthatfierceheartofhers，hadwrittenhisrecordonherbrow，andinhereyesshonethesadlightsofsorrow。
Ibowedlowbeforethismostroyalwoman，whooncehadbeenmyloveanddestruction，andyetknewmenot。
Shelookedupwearily，andspokeinherslow，wellrememberedvoice:”Sothouartcomeatlength，Physician。Howcallestthouthyself？——
Olympus？’Tisanameofpromise，forsurelynowthattheGodsofEgypthavedesertedus，wedoneedaidfromOlympus。Well，thouhastalearnedair，forlearningdoesnotwithbeauty。Strange，too，thereisthatabouttheewhichrecallswhatIknownot。Say，Olympus，havewemetbefore？””Never，OQueen，havemyeyesfallenontheeinthebody，”Iansweredinafeignedvoice。”Nevertillthishour，whenIcomeforthfrommysolitudetodothybiddingandcuretheeofthyills！””Strange！andeveninthevoice——Pshaw！’tissomememorythatIcannotcatch。Inthebody，thousayest？then，perchance，Iknewtheeinadream？””Ay，OQueen；wehavemetindreams。””Thouartastrangeman，whotalkestthus，but，ifwhatIhearbetrue，onewelllearned；and，indeed，ImindmeofthycounselwhenthoudidstbidmejoinmyLordAntonyinSyria，andhowthingsbefellaccordingtothyword。Skilledmustthoubeinthecastingofnativitiesandinthelawofauguries，ofwhichtheseAlexandrianfoolshavelittleknowledge。OnceIknewsuchanotherman，oneHarmachis，”andshesighed:”butheislongdead——asIwouldIwerealso！——andattimesIsorrowforhim。”
Shepaused，whileIsankmyheaduponmybreastandstoodsilent。”Interpretmethis，Olympus。InthebattleatthataccursedActium，justasthefightragedthickestandVictorybegantosmileuponus，agreatterrorseizedmyheart，andthickdarknessseemedtofallbeforemyeyes，whileinmyearsavoice，ay，thevoiceofthatlongdeadHarmachis，cried’/Fly！fly，orperish！/’andIfled。ButfrommyhearttheterrorleapttotheheartofAntony，andhefollowedafterme，andthuswasthebattlelost。Say，then，whatGodbroughtthisevilthingabout？””Nay，OQueen，”Ianswered，”itwasnoGod——forwhereinhastthouangeredtheGodsofEgypt？HastthourobbedthetemplesoftheirFaith？HastthoubetrayedthetrustofEgypt？Havingdonenoneofthesethings，how，then，cantheGodsofEgyptbewrothwiththee？
Fearnot，itwasnothingbutsomenaturalvapourofthemindthatovercamethygentlesoul，madesickwiththesightandsoundofslaughter；andasforthenobleAntony，wherethoudidstgoneedsmustthatheshouldfollow。”
AndasIspoke，Cleopatraturnedwhiteandtrembled，glancingatmethewhiletofindmymeaning。ButIwellknewthatthethingwasoftheavengingGods，workingthroughme，theirinstrument。”LearnedOlympus，”shesaid，notansweringmywords；”myLordAntonyissickandcrazedwithgrief。Likesomepoorhuntedslavehehideshimselfinyondersea-girtTowerandshunsmankind——yes，heshunsevenme，who，forhissake，enduresomanywoes。Now，thisismybiddingtothee。To-morrow，atthecomingofthelight，dothou，ledbyCharmion，mywaiting-lady，takeboatandrowtheetotheTowerandtherecraveentry，sayingthatyebringtidingsfromthearmy。Thenhewillcauseyoutobeletin，andthou，Charmion，mustbreakthisheavynewsthatCanidiusbears；forCanidiushimselfIdarenotsend。Andwhenhisgriefispast，dothou，Olympus，soothehisfeveredframewiththydraughtsofvalue，andhissoulwithhoneyedwords，anddrawhimbacktome，andallwillyetbewell。Dothouthis，andthoushalthavegiftsmorethanthoucanstcount，forIamyetaQueenandyetcanpaybackthosewhoservemywill。””Fearnot，OQueen，”Ianswered，”thisthingshallbedone，andIasknoreward，whohavecomehithertodothybiddingtotheend。”
SoIbowedandwentand，summoningAtoua，madereadyacertainpotion。
CHAPTERV
OFTHEDRAWINGFORTHOFANTONYFROMTHETIMONIUMBACKTO
CLEOPATRA；OFTHEFEASTMADEBYCLEOPATRA；ANDOFTHEMANNER
OFTHEDEATHOFEUDOSIUSTHESTEWARD
EreitwasyetdawnCharmioncameagain，andwewalkedtotheprivateharbourofthepalace。There，takingboat，werowedtotheislandmountonwhichstandstheTimonium，avaultedtower，strong，small，andround。And，havinglanded，wetwaincametothedoorandknocked，tillatlengthagratingwasthrownopeninthedoor，andanagedeunuch，lookingforth，roughlyaskedourbusiness。”OurbusinessiswiththeLordAntony，”saidCharmion。”Thenitisnobusiness，forAntony，mymaster，seesneithermannorwoman。””Yetwillheseeus，forwebringtidings。GotellhimthattheLadyCharmionbringstidingsfromthearmy。”
Themanwent，andpresentlyreturned。”TheLordAntonywouldknowifthetidingsbegoodorill，for，ifill，thenwillhenoneofit，forwitheviltidingshehasbeenoverfedoflate。””Why——why，itisbothgoodandill。Open，slave，Iwillmakeanswertothymaster！”andsheslippedapurseofgoldthroughthebars。”Well，well，”hegrumbled，ashetookthepurse，”thetimesarehard，andlikelytobeharder；forwhenthelion’sdownwhowillfeedthejackal？Givethynewsthyself，andifitdobutdrawthenobleAntonyoutofthishallofGroans，Icarenotwhatitbe。Nowthepalacedoorisopen，andthere’stheroadtothebanqueting-chamber。”
Wepassedon，tofindourselvesinanarrowpassage，and，leavingtheeunuchtobarthedoor，advancedtillwecametoacurtain。Throughthisentrancewewent，andfoundourselvesinavaultedchamber，ill-
lightedfromtheroof。Onthefurthersideofthisrudechamberwasabedofrugs，andonthemcrouchedthefigureofaman，hisfacehiddeninthefoldsofhistoga。”MostnobleAntony，”saidCharmiondrawingnear，”unwrapthyfaceandhearkentome，forIbringtheetidings。”
Thenhelifteduphishead。Hisfacewasmarredbysorrow；histangledhair，grizzledwithyears，hungabouthisholloweyes，andwhiteonhischinwasthestubbleofanunshavenbeard。Hisrobewassqualid，andhisaspectmorewretchedthanthatofthepoorestbeggaratthetemplegates。Tothis，then，hadtheloveofCleopatrabroughtthegloriousandrenownedAntony，aforetimeMasterofhalftheWorld！”Whatwillyewithme，Lady，”heasked，”whowouldperishherealone？
AndwhoisthismanwhocomestogazeonfallenandforsakenAntony？””ThisisOlympus，nobleAntony，thatwisephysician，theskilledinauguries，ofwhomthouhastheardmuch，andwhomCleopatra，evermindfulofthywelfare，thoughbutlittlethoudostthinkofhers，hassenttoministertothee。””And，canthyphysicianministertoagriefsuchasmygrief？Canhisdrugsgivemebackmygalleys，myhonour，andmypeace？Nay！Awaywiththyphysician！Whatarethytidings？——quick！——outwithit！HathCanidius，perchance，conqueredC？sar？Tellmebutthat，andthoushalthaveaprovinceforthyguerdon——ay！andifOctavianusbedead，twentythousandsestertiatofillitstreasury。Speak——nay——speaknot！IfeartheopeningofthylipsasneverIfearedanearthlything。SurelythewheeloffortunehasgoneroundandCanidiushasconquered？Isitnotso？Nay——outwithit！Icannomore！””OnobleAntony，”shesaid，”steelthyhearttohearthatwhichI
needsmusttellthee！CanidiusisinAlexandria。Hehasfledfarandfast，andthisishisreport。ForsevenwholedaysdidthelegionswaitthecomingofAntony，toleadthemtovictory，asaforetime，puttingasidetheoffersoftheenvoysofC？sar。ButAntonycamenot。
AndthenitwasrumouredthatAntonyhadfledtoT？narus，drawnthitherbyCleopatra。Themanwhofirstbroughtthattaletothecampthelegionariescriedshameon——ay，andbeathimtothedeath！Buteveritgrew，untilatlengththerewasnomoreroomtodoubt；andthen，OAntony，thyofficersslippedonebyoneawaytoC？sar，andwheretheofficersgotherethemenfollow。Noristhisallthestory；
forthyallies——BocchusofAfrica，TarcondimotusofCilicia，MithridatesofCommagene，AdallasofThrace，PhiladelphusofPaphlagonia，ArchelausofCappadocia，HerodofJud？a，AmyntasofGalatia，PolemonofPontus，andMalchusofArabia——all，allhavefledorbidtheirgeneralsflybacktowhencetheycame；andalreadytheirambassador’scravecoldC？sar’sclemency。””Hastdonethycroakings，thouraveninapeacock’sdress，oristheremoretocome？”askedthesmittenman，liftinghiswhiteandtremblingfacefromtheshelterofhishands。”Tellmemore；saythatEgypt’sdeadinallherbeauty；saythatOctavianuslowersattheCanopicgate；andthat，headedbydeadCicero，alltheghostsofHelldoaudiblyshriekoutthefallofAntony！Yea，gatherupeverywoethatcano’erwhelmthosewhoonceweregreat，andloosethemonthehoaryheadofhimwhom——inthygentleness——thouartstillpleasedtoname’thenobleAntony’！””Nay，myLord，Ihavedone。””Ay，andsohaveIdone——done，quitedone！Itisaltogetherfinished，andthusIsealtheend，”andsnatchingaswordfromthecouch，hewould，indeed，haveslainhimselfhadInotsprungforwardandgraspedhishand。Foritwasnotmypurposethatheshoulddieasyet；sincehadhediedatthathourCleopatrahadmadeherpeacewithC？sar，whoratherwishedthedeathofAntonythantheruinofEgypt。”Artmad，Antony？Art，indeed，acoward？”criedCharmion，”thatthouwouldstthusescapethywoes，andleavethypartnertofacethesorrowoutalone？””Whynot，woman？Whynot？Shewouldnotbelongalone。There’sC？sartokeephercompany。Octavianuslovesafairwomaninhiscoldway，andstillisCleopatrafair。Comenow，thouOlympus！thouhastheldmyhandfromdealingdeathuponmyself，advisemeofthywisdom。ShallI，then，submitmyselftoC？sar，andI，Triumvir，twiceConsul，andaforetimeabsoluteMonarchofalltheEast，enduretofollowinhistriumphalongthoseRomanwayswhereImyselfhavepassedintriumph？””Nay，Sire，”Ianswered。”Ifthoudostyield，thenartthoudoomed。
AlllastnightIquestionedoftheFatesconcerningthee，andIsawthis:whenthystardrawsneartoC？sar’sitpalesandisswallowedup；butwhenitpassesfromhisradiance，thenbrightandbigitshines，equalinglorytohisown。Allisnotlost，andwhilesomepartremains，everythingmayberegained。Egyptcanyetbeheld，armiescanstillberaised。C？sarhaswithdrawnhimself；heisnotyetatthegatesofAlexandria，andperchancemaybeappeased。Thymindinitsfeverhasfiredthybody；thouartsickandcanstnotjudgearight。See，here，Ihaveapotionthatshallmaketheewhole，forI
amwellskilledintheartofmedicine，”andIheldoutthephial。”Apotion，thousayestman！”hecried。”Morelikeitisapoison，andthouamurderer，sentbyfalseEgypt，whowouldfainberidofmenowthatImaynomorebeofservicetoher。TheheadofAntonyisthepeaceofferingshewouldsendtoC？sar——sheforwhomIhavelostall！
Givemethydraught。ByBacchus！Iwilldrinkit，thoughitbetheveryelixirofDeath！””Nay，nobleAntony；itisnopoison，andIamnomurderer。See，Iwilltasteit，ifthouwilt，”andIheldforththesubtledrinkthathasthepowertofiretheveinsofmen。”Giveitme，Physician。Desperatemenarebravemen。There！——Why，whatisthis？Yoursisamagicdraught！Mysorrowsseemtorollawaylikethunder-cloudsbeforethesoutherngale，andthespringofHopebloomsfreshuponthedesertofmyheart。OncemoreIamAntony，andonceagainIseemylegions’spearsasparkleinthesun，andhearthethunderousshoutofwelcomeasAntony——belovedAntony——ridesinpompofwaralonghisdeep-formedlines！There’shope！there’shope！ImayyetseethecoldbrowsofC？sar——thatC？sarwhonevererrsexceptfrompolicy——robbedoftheirvictorbaysandcrownedwithshamefuldust！””Ay，”criedCharmion，”therestillishope，ifthouwiltbutplaytheman！OmyLord！comebackwithus；comebacktothelovingarmsofCleopatra！Allnightsheliesuponhergoldenbed，andfillsthehollowdarknesswithhergroansfor’Antony！’who，enamourednowofGrief，forgetshisdutyandhislove！””Icome！Icome！Shameuponme，thatIdaredtodoubther！Slave，bringwater，andapurplerobe:notthuscanIbeseenofCleopatra。
EvennowIcome。”
Inthisfashion，then，didwedrawAntonybacktoCleopatra，thattheruinofthetwainmightbemadesure。
WeledhimuptheAlabasterHallandintoCleopatra’schamber，whereshelay，hercloudyhairaboutherfaceandbreast，andtearsflowingfromherdeepeyes。”OEgypt！”hecried，”beholdmeatthyfeet！”
Shesprangfromthecouch。”Andartthouhere，mylove？”shemurmured；”thenonceagainareallthingswell。Comenear，andinthesearmsforgetthysorrowsandturnmygrieftojoy。Oh，Antony，whileloveislefttous，stillhaveweall！”
Andshefelluponhisbreastandkissedhimwildly。
Thatsameday，Charmioncametomeandbademeprepareapoisonofthemostdeadlypower。AndthisatfirstIwouldnotdo，fearingthatCleopatrawouldtherewithmakeanendofAntonybeforehistime。ButCharmionshowedmethatthiswasnotso，andtoldmealsoforwhatpurposewasthepoison。ThereforeIsummonedAtoua，theskilledinsimples，andallthatafternoonwelabouredatthedeadlywork。Andwhenitwasdone，Charmioncameoncemore，bearingwithherachapletoffreshroses，thatshebademesteepinthepoison。
ThisthenIdid。
ThatnightatthegreatfeastofCleopatra，IsatnearAntony，whowasatherside，andworethepoisonedwreath。Nowasthefeastwenton，thewineflowedfast，tillAntonyandtheQueengrewmerry。Andshetoldhimofherplans，andofhowevennowhergalleyswerebeingdrawnbythecanalthatleadsfromBubastisonthePelusiacbranchoftheNile，toClysmaattheheadoftheBayofHeroopolis。Foritwasherdesign，shouldC？sarprovestubborn，toflywithAntonyandhertreasuredowntheArabianGulf，whereC？sarhadnofleet，andseeksomenewhomeinIndia，whitherherfoesmightnotfollow。But，indeed，thisplancametonothing，fortheArabsofPetraburntthegalleys，incitedtheretobyamessagesentbytheJewsofAlexandria，whohatedCleopatraandwerehatedofher。ForIcausedtheJewstobewarnedofwhatwasbeingdone。
Now，whenshehadmadeanendoftellinghim，theQueencalledonhimtodrinkacupwithher，tothesuccessofthisnewscheme，biddinghim，asshedidso，steephiswreathofrosesinthewine，andmakethedraughtmoresweet。This，then，hedid，anditbeingdone，shepledgedhim。Butwhenhewasabouttopledgeherback，shecaughthishand，crying”/Hold！/”whereathepaused，wondering。
Now，amongtheservantsofCleopatrawasoneEudosius，asteward；andthisEudosius，seeingthatthefortunesofCleopatrawereatanend，hadlaidaplantoflythatverynighttoC？sar，asmanyofhisbettershaddone，takingwithhimallthetreasureinthepalacethathecouldsteal。ButthisdesignbeingdiscoveredtoCleopatra，shedeterminedtobeavengeduponEudosius。”Eudosius，”shecried，forthemanstoodnear；”comehither，thoufaithfulservant！Seestthouthisman，mostnobleAntony；throughallourtroubleshehasclungtousandbeenofcomforttous。Now，therefore，heshallberewardedaccordingtohisdesertsandthemeasureofhisfaithfulness，andthatfromthineownhand。Givehimthygoldencupofwine，andlethimdrinkapledgetooursuccess；thecupshallbehisguerdon。”
Andstillwondering，Antonygaveittotheman，who，strickeninhisguiltymind，tookit，andstoodtrembling。Buthedranknot。”Drink！thouslave；drink！”criedCleopatra，halfrisingfromherseatandflashingafiercelookonhiswhiteface。”BySerapis！sosurelyasIyetshallsitintheCapitolatRome，ifthoudostthusflouttheLordAntony，I’llhavetheescourgedtothebones，andtheredwinepoureduponthyopenwoundstohealthem！/Ah！/atlengththoudrinkest！Why，whatisit，goodEudosius？artsick？Surely，then，thiswinemustbeasthewaterofjealousyofthoseJews，thathaspowertoslaythefalseandstrengthenthehonestonly。Go，someofyou，searchthisman’sroom；methinksheisatraitor！”
Meanwhilethemanstood，hishandstohishead。Presentlyhebegantotremble，andthenfell，clutchingathisbosom，asthoughtotearoutthefireinhisheart。Hestaggered，withlivid，twistedfaceandfoaminglips，towhereCleopatralaywatchinghimwithaslowandcruelsmile。”Ah，traitor！thouhastitnow！”shesaid。”Prithee，isdeathsweet？””Thouwanton！”yelledthedyingman，”thouhastpoisonedme！Thusmaystthoualsoperish！”andwithoneshriekheflunghimselfuponher。Shesawhispurpose，andswiftandsuppleasatigersprangtooneside，sothathedidbutgraspherroyalcloak，tearingitfromitsemeraldclasp。Downhefellupontheground，rollingoverandoverinthepurplechiton，tillpresentlyhelaystillanddead，histormentedfaceandfrozeneyespeeringghastlyfromitsfolds。”Ah！”saidtheQueen，withahardlaugh，”theslavediedwondroushard，andfainwouldhavedrawnmewithhim。See，hehasborrowedmygarmentforapall！Takehimawayandburyhiminhislivery。””WhatmeansCleopatra？”saidAntony，astheguardsdraggedthecorpseaway；”themandrankofmycup。Whatisthepurposeofthismostsorryjest？””Itservesadoubleend，nobleAntony！ThisverynightthatmanwouldhavefledtoOctavianus，bearingofourtreasurewithhim。Well，I
havelenthimwings，forthedeadflyfast！Alsothis:thoudidstfearthatIshouldpoisonthee，myLord；nay，Iknowit。Seenow，Antony，howeasyitwerethatIshouldslaytheeifIhadthewill。Thatwreathofroseswhichthoudidststeepwithinthecupisdewedwithdeadlybane。HadI，then，amindtomakeanendofthee，Ihadnotstayedthyhand。OAntony，henceforthtrustme！SoonerwouldIslaymyselfthanharmonehairofthybelovedhead！See，herecomemymessengers！Speak，whatdidyefind？””RoyalEgypt，wefoundthis。AllthingsinthechamberofEudosiusaremadereadyforflight，andinhisbaggageismuchtreasure。””Thouhearest？”shesaid，smilingdarkly。”Thinkye，myloyalservantsall，thatCleopatraisonewithwhomitiswelltoplaythetraitor？
BewarnedbythisRoman’sfate！”
Thenagreatsilenceoffearfelluponthecompany，andAntonysatalsosilent。
CHAPTERVI
OFTHEWORKINGSOFTHELEARNEDOLYMPUSATMEMPHIS；OFTHE
POISONINGSOFCLEOPATRA；OFTHESPEECHOFANTONYTOHIS
CAPTAINS；ANDOFTHEPASSINGOFISISFROMTHELANDOFKHEM
NowI，Harmachis，mustmakespeedwithmytask，settingdownthatwhichispermittedasshortlyasmaybe，andleavingmuchuntold。ForofthisIamwarned，thatDoomdrawsonandmydaysarewellnighsped。
AfterthedrawingforthofAntonyfromtheTimoniumcamethattimeofheavyquietwhichheraldstherisingofthedesertwind。AntonyandCleopatraonceagaingavethemselvesuptoluxury，andnightbynightfeastedinsplendouratthepalace。TheysentambassadorstoC？sar；
butC？sarwouldhavenoneofthem；and，thishopebeinggone，theyturnedtheirmindstothedefenceofAlexandria。Menweregathered，shipswerebuilt，andagreatforcewasmadereadyagainstthecomingofC？sar。
Andnow，aidedbyCharmion，Ibeganmylastworkofhateandvengeance。Iwormedmyselfdeepintothesecretsofthepalace，counsellingallthingsforevil。IbadeCleopatrakeepAntonygay，lestheshouldbrooduponhissorrows:andthusshesappedhisstrengthandenergywithluxuryandwine。Igavehimofmydraughts——
draughtsthatsankhissoulindreamsofhappinessandpower，leavinghimtowaketoaheaviermisery。Soon，withoutmyhealingmedicinehecouldnotsleep，andthus，beingeverathisside，Iboundhisweakenedwilltomine，tillatlasthewoulddolittleifIsaidnot”Itiswell。”Cleopatra，alsogrownverysuperstitious，leanedmuchuponme；forIprophesiedfalselytoherinsecret。
Moreover，Iwoveotherwebs。MyfamewasgreatthroughoutEgypt，forduringthelongyearsthatIhaddweltinTápéithadspreadthroughalltheland。Thereforemanymenofnotecametome，bothfortheirhealth’ssakeandbecauseitwasknownthatIhadtheearofAntonyandtheQueen；and，inthesedaysofdoubtandtrouble，theywerefaintolearnthetruth。AllthesemenIworkeduponwithdoubtfulwords，sappingtheirloyalty；andIcausedmanytofallaway，andyetnonecouldbearanevilreportofwhatIhadsaid。Also，CleopatrasentmetoMemphis，theretomovethePriestsandGovernorsthattheyshouldgathermeninUpperEgyptforthedefenceofAlexandria。AndIwentandspoketothepriestswithsuchadoublemeaningandwithsomuchwisdomthattheyknewmetobeoneoftheinitiatedinthedeepermysteries。ButhowI，Olympusthephysician，camethustobeinitiatednonemightsay。Andafterwardstheysoughtmesecretly，andIgavethemtheholysignofbrotherhood；andthereunderbadethemnottoaskwhoImightbe，butsendnoaidtoCleopatra。Rather，Isaid，musttheymakepeacewithC？sar，forbyC？sar’sgraceonlycouldtheworshipoftheGodsendureinKhem。So，havingtakencounseloftheHolyApis，theypromisedinpublictogivehelptoCleopatra，butinsecretsentanembassytoC？sar。
Thus，then，itcametopassthatEgyptgavebutlittleaidtoitshatedMacedonianQueen。ThencefromMemphisIcameoncemoretoAlexandria，and，havingmadefavourablereport，continuedmysecretwork。And，indeed，theAlexandrianscouldnoteasilybestirred，for，astheysayinthemarketplace，”Theasslooksatitsburdenandisblindtoitsmaster。”CleopatrahadoppressedthemsolongthattheRomanwaslikeawelcomefriend。
Thusthetimepassedon，andeverynightfoundCleopatrawithfewerfriendsthanthatwhichhadgonebefore，forinevildaysfriendsflylikeswallowsbeforethefrost。YetshewouldnotgiveupAntony，whomsheloved；thoughtomyknowledgeC？sar，byhisfreedman，Thyreus，madepromisetoherofherdominionsforherselfandforherchildrenifshewouldbutslayAntony，orevenbetrayhimbound。Buttothisherwoman’sheart——forstillshehadaheart——wouldnotconsent，and，moreover，wecounselledheragainstit，forofnecessitywemustholdhimtoher，lest，Antonyescapingorbeingslain，CleopatramightrideoutthestormandyetbeQueenofEgypt。Andthisgrievedme，becauseAntony，thoughweak，wasstillabraveman，andagreat；and，moreover，inmyownheartIreadthelessonofhiswoes。Forwerewenotakininwretchedness？HadnotthesamewomanrobbedusofEmpire，Friends，andHonour？Butpityhasnoplaceinpolitics，norcoulditturnmyfeetfromthepathofvengeanceitwasordainedthatIshouldtread。C？sardrewnigh；Pelusiumfell；theendwasathand。ItwasCharmionwhobroughtthetidingstotheQueenandAntony，astheysleptintheheatoftheday，andIcamewithher。”Awake！”shecried。”Awake！Thisisnotimeforsleep！SeleucushathsurrenderedPelusiumtoC？sar，whomarchesstraightonAlexandria！”
Withagreatoath，AntonysprangupandclutchedCleopatrabythearm。”Thouhastbetrayedme——bytheGodsIswearit！Nowthoushaltpaytheprice！”Andsnatchinguphisswordhedrewit。”Staythyhand，Antony！”shecried。”Itisfalse——Iknownaughtofthis！”Andshespranguponhim，andclungabouthisneck，weeping。”I
knownaught，myLord。TakethouthewifeofSeleucusandhislittlechildren，whomIholdinguard，andavengethyself。OAntony，Antony！
whydostthoudoubtme？”
ThenAntonythrewdownhissworduponthemarble，and，castinghimselfuponthecouch，hidhisface，andgroanedinbitternessofspirit。
ButCharmionsmiled，foritwasshewhohadsentsecretlytoSeleucus，herfriend，counsellinghimtosurrenderforthwith，sayingthatnofightwouldbemadeatAlexandria。AndthatverynightCleopatratookallhergreatstoreofpearlsandemeralds——thosethatremainedofthetreasureofMenkau-ra——allherwealthofgold，ebony，ivory，andcinnamon，treasurewithoutprice，andplaceditinthemausoleumofgranitewhich，afterourEgyptianfashion，shehadbuiltuponthehillthatisbytheTempleoftheHolyIsis。Theserichesshepiledupuponabedofflax，that，whenshefiredit，allmightperishintheflameandescapethegreedofmoney-lovingOctavianus。Andsheslepthenceforthinthistomb，awayfromAntony；butinthedaytimeshestillsawhimatthepalace。
Butalittlewhileafter，whenC？sarwithallhisgreatforcehadalreadycrossedtheCaponicmouthoftheNileandwashardonAlexandria，Icametothepalace，whitherCleopatrahadsummonedme。
ThereIfoundherintheAlabasterHall，royallyclad，awildlightinhereyes，and，withher，IrasandCharmion，andbeforeherguards；andstretchedhereandthereuponthemarble，bodiesofdeadmen，amongwhomlayoneyetdying。”Greeting，thouOlympus！”shecried。”Hereisasighttogladaphysician’sheart——mendeadandmensickuntodeath！””Whatdoestthou，OQueen？”Isaidaffrighted。”WhatdoI？Iwreakjusticeonthesecriminalsandtraitors；and，Olympus，Ilearnthewaysofdeath。Ihavecausedsixdifferentpoisonstobegiventotheseslaves，andwithanattentiveeyehavewatchedtheirworking。Thatman，”andshepointedtoaNubian，”hewentmad，andravedofhisnativedesertsandhismother。Hethoughthimselfachildagain，poorfool！andbadeherholdhimclosetoherbreastandsavehimfromthedarknesswhichdrewnear。AndthatGreek，heshrieked，and，shrieking，died。Andthis，heweptandprayedforpity，andintheend，likeacoward，breathedhislast。Now，notetheEgyptianyonder，hewhostilllivesandgroans；firsthetookthedraught——thedeadliestdraughtofall，theyswore——andyettheslavesodearlyloveshislifehewillnotleaveit！See，heyetstrivestothrowthepoisonfromhim；twicehaveIgivenhimthecupandyetheisathirst。Whatadrunkardwehavehere！Man，man，knowestthounotthatindeathonlycanpeacebefound？Strugglenomore，butenterintorest。”Andevenasshespoke，theman，withagreatcry，gaveupthespirit。”There！”shecried，”atlengththefarceisplayed——awaywiththoseslaveswhomIhaveforcedthroughthedifficultgatesofJoy！”andsheclappedherhands。Butwhentheyhadbornethebodiesthenceshedrewmetoher，andspokethus:”Olympus，forallthyprophecies，theendisathand。C？sarmustconquer，andIandmyLordAntonybelost。Now，therefore，theplaybeingwellnighdone，ImustmakereadytoleavethisstageofearthinsuchfashionasbecomesaQueen。Forthiscause，then，Idomaketrialofthesepoisons，seeingthatinmypersonImustsoonendurethoseagoniesofdeaththatto-dayIgivetoothers。Thesedrugspleasemenot；somewrenchoutthesoulwithcruelpains，andsometooslowlyworktheirend。Butthouartskilledinthemedicinesofdeath。Now，dothoupreparemesuchadraughtasshall，pangless，stealmylifeaway。”
AndasIlistenedthesenseoftriumphfilledmybitterheart，forI
knewnowthatbymyownhandshouldthisruinedwomandieandthejusticeoftheGodsbedone。”SpokenlikeaQueen，OCleopatra！”Isaid。”Deathshallcurethyills，andIwillbrewsuchawineasshalldrawhimdownasuddenfriendandsinktheeinaseaofslumberwhence，uponthisearth，thoushaltneverwakeagain。Oh！fearnotDeath:Deathisthyhope；and，surely，thoushaltpasssinlessandpureofheartintothedreadfulpresenceoftheGods！”
Shetrembled。”Andiftheheartbenotaltogetherpure，tellme——thoudarkman——whatthen？Nay，IfearnottheGods！foriftheGodsofHellbemen，thereIshallQueenitalso。Attheleast，havingoncebeenroyal，royalIshalleverbe。”
And，asshespoke，suddenlyfromthepalacegatescameagreatclamour，andthenoiseofjoyfulshouting。”Why，whatisthis？”shesaid，springingfromhercouch。”Antony！Antony！”rosethecry；”Antonyhathconquered！”
Sheturnedswiftlyandran，herlonghairstreamingonthewind。I
followedher，moreslowly，downthegreathall，acrossthecourtyards，tothepalacegates。AndhereshemetAntony，ridingthroughthem，radiantwithsmilesandcladinhisRomanarmour。Whenhesawherheleapttotheground，and，allarmedashewas，claspedhertohisbreast。”Whatisit？”shecried；”isC？sarfallen？””Nay，notaltogetherfallen，Egypt:butwehavebeathishorsemenbacktotheirtrenches，and，likethebeginning，soshallbetheend，for，astheysayhere，’Wheretheheadgoes，thetailwillfollow。’
Moreover，C？sarhasmychallenge，andifhewillbutmeetmehandtohand，theworldshallsoonseewhichisthebetterman，AntonyorOctavian。”Andevenashespokeandthepeoplecheeredtherecamethecryof”AmessengerfromC？sar！”
Theheraldentered，and，bowinglow，gaveawritingtoAntony，bowedagain，andwent。Cleopatrasnatcheditfromhishand，brokethesilkandreadaloud:”C？sartoAntony，greeting。”Thisanswertothychallenge:CanAntonyfindnobetterwayofdeaththanbeneaththeswordofC？sar？Farewell！”
Andthereaftertheycheerednomore。
Thedarknesscame，andbeforeitwasmidnight，havingfeastedwithhisfriendswhoto-nightwentoverhiswoesandto-morrowshouldbetrayhim，Antonywentforthtothegatheringofthecaptainsoftheland-
forcesandofthefleet，attendedbymany，amongwhomwasI。
Whenallwerecometogether，hespoketothem，standingbareheadedintheirmidst，beneaththeradianceofthemoon。Andthushemostnoblyspoke:”Friendsandcompanionsinarms！whoyetclingtome，andwhommanyatimeIhaveledtovictory，hearkentomenow，whoto-morrowmaylieinthedumbdust，disempiredanddishonoured。Thisisourdesign:nolongerwillwehangonpoisedwingsabovethefloodofwar，butwillstraightwayplunge，perchancethencetosnatchthevictor’sdiadem，or，failing，theretodrown。Benowbuttruetome，andtoyourhonour’ssake，andyoumaystillsit，themostproudofmen，atmyrighthandintheCapitolofRome。Failmenow，andthecauseofAntonyislostandsoareye。To-morrow’sbattlemustbehazardousindeed，butwehavestoodmanyatimeandfacedafiercerperil，anderethesunhadsunk，oncemorehavedrivenarmieslikedesertsandsbeforeourgaleofvalourandcountedthespoilofhostilekings。Whathavewetofear？Thoughalliesbefled，stillisourarrayasstrongasC？sar’s！Andshowwebutashighaheart，why，Isweartoyou，uponmyprincelyword，to-morrownightIshalldeckyonderCanopicgatewiththeheadsofOctavianandhiscaptains！”Ay，cheer，andcheeragain！Ilovethatmartialmusicwhichswells，notasfromtheindifferentlipsofclarions，now’neaththebreathofAntonyandnowofC？sar，butratheroutofthesingleheartsofmenwholoveme。Yet——andnowIwillspeaklow，aswedospeako’erthebierofsomebeloveddead——yet，ifFortuneshouldriseagainstmeandif，bornedownbytheweightofarms，Antony，thesoldier，diesasoldier’sdeath，leavingyoutomournhimwhoeverwasyourfriend，thisismywill，that，afterourroughfashionofthecamp，Iheredeclaretoyou。Youknowwhereallmytreasurelies。Takeit，mostdearfriends；and，inthememoryofAntony，makejustdivision。ThengotoC？sarandspeakthus:’Antony，thedead，toC？sar，theliving，sendsgreeting；and，inthenameofancientfellowshipandofmanyaperildared，cravesthisboon:thesafetyofthosewhoclungtohimandthatwhichhehathgiventhem。’”Nay，letnotmytears——forImustweep——overflowyoureyes！Why，itisnotmanly；’tismostwomanish！Allmenmustdie，anddeathwerewelcomewereitnotsolone。ShouldIfall，Ileavemychildrentoyourtendercare——if，perchance，itmayavailtosavethemfromthefateofhelplessness。Soldiers，enough！to-morrowatthedawnwespringonC？sar’sthroat，bothbylandandsea。Swearthatyewillclingtome，eventothelastissue！””Weswear！”theycried。”NobleAntony，weswear！””Itiswell！Oncemoremystargrowsbright；to-morrow，setinthehighestheaven，ityetmayshinethelampofC？sardown！Tillthen，farewell！”
Heturnedtogo。Ashewenttheycaughthishandandkissedit；andsodeeplyweretheymovedthatmanyweptlikechildren；norcouldAntonymasterhisgrief，for，inthemoonlight，Isawtearsrolldownhisfurrowedcheeksandfalluponthatmightybreast。
And，seeingallthis，Iwasmuchtroubled。ForIwellknewthatifthesemenheldfirmtoAntonyallmightyetgowellforCleopatra；andthoughIborenoill-willagainstAntony，yethemustfall，andinthatfalldragdownthewomanwho，likesomepoisonousplant，hadtwinedherselfabouthisgiantstrengthtillitchokedandmoulderedinherembrace。
Therefore，whenAntonywentIwentnot，butstoodbackintheshadowwatchingthefacesofthelordsandcaptainsastheyspoketogether。”Thenitisagreed！”saidhewhoshouldleadthefleet。”Andthisweswearto，oneandall，thatwewillclingtonobleAntonytothelastextremityoffortune！””Ay！ay！”theyanswered。”Ay！ay！”Isaid，speakingfromtheshadow；”cling，and/die！/”
Theyturnedfiercelyandseizedme。”Whoishe？”quothone。”’Tisthatdark-faceddog，Olympus！”criedanother。”Olympus，themagician！””Olympus，thetraitor！”growledanother；”putanendtohimandhismagic！”andhedrewhissword。”Ay！slayhim；hewouldbetraytheLordAntony，whomheispaidtodoctor。””Holdawhile！”Isaidinaslowandsolemnvoice，”andbewarehowyetrytomurdertheservantoftheGods。Iamnotraitor。Formyself，I
abidetheeventhereinAlexandria，buttoyouIsay，Flee，fleetoC？sar！IserveAntonyandtheQueen——Iservethemtruly；butaboveallIservetheHolyGods；andwhattheymakeknowntome，that，Lords，I
doknow。AndIknowthis:thatAntonyisdoomed，andCleopatraisdoomed，forC？sarconquers。Therefore，becauseIhonouryou，noblegentlemen，andthinkwithpityonyourwives，leftwidowed，andyourlittlefatherlesschildren，thatshall，ifyeholdtoAntony，besoldasslaves——therefore，Isay，clingtoAntonyifyewillanddie；orfleetoC？sarandbesaved！AndthisIsaybecauseitissoordainedoftheGods。””TheGods！”theygrowled；”whatGods？Slitthetraitor’sthroat，andstophisill-omenedtalk！””LethimshowusasignfromhisGodsorlethimdie:Idomistrustthisman，”saidanother。”Standback，yefools！”Icried。”Standback——freeminearms——andI
willshowyouasign；”andtherewasthatinmyfacewhichfrightenedthem，fortheyfreedmeandstoodback。ThenIliftedupmyhandsandputtingoutallmystrengthofsoulsearchedthedepthsofspacetillmySpiritcommunedwiththeSpiritofmyMotherIsis。OnlytheWordofPowerIutterednot，asIhadbeenbidden。AndtheholymysteryoftheGoddessansweredtomySpirit’scry，fallinginawfulsilenceuponthefaceoftheearth。Deeperanddeepergrewtheterriblesilence；eventhedogsceasedtohowl，andinthecitymenstoodstillafeared。
Then，fromfaraway，therecametheghostlymusicofthesistra。Faintitwasatfirst，buteverasitcameitgrewmoreloud，tilltheairshiveredwiththeunearthlysoundofterror。Isaidnaught，butpointedwithmyhandtowardthesky。Andbehold！bosomedupontheair，floatedavastveiledShapethat，heraldedbytheswellingmusicofthesistra，drewslowlynear，tillitsshadowlayuponus。Itcame，itpassed，itwenttowardthecampofC？sar，tillatlengththemusicdiedaway，andtheawfulShapewasswallowedinthenight。”ItisBacchus！”criedone。”Bacchus，wholeaveslostAntony！”and，ashespoke，thereroseagroanofterrorfromallthecamp。
ButIknewthatitwasnotBacchus，thefalseGod，buttheDivineIsiswhodesertedKhem，and，passingovertheedgeoftheworld，soughtherhomeinspace，tobenomoreknownofmen。Forthoughherworshipisstillupheld，thoughstillsheishereandinallEarths，IsismanifestsherselfnomoreinEgypt。Ihidmyfaceandprayed，butwhenIlifteditfrommyrobe，lo！allhadfledandIwasalone。
CHAPTERVII
OFTHESURRENDEROFTHETROOPSANDFLEETOFANTONYBEFORE
THECANOPICGATE；OFTHEENDOFANTONY，ANDOFTHEBREWINGOF
THEDRAUGHTOFDEATH
Onthemorrow，atdawn，AntonycameforthandgavecommandthathisfleetshouldadvanceagainstthefleetofC？sar，andthathiscavalryshouldopentheland-battlewiththecavalryofC？sar。Accordingly，thefleetadvancedinatripleline，andthefleetofC？sarcameouttomeetit。Butwhentheymet，thegalleysofAntonyliftedtheiroarsingreeting，andpassedovertothegalleysofC？sar；andtheysailedawaytogether。AndthecavalryofAntonyrodeforthbeyondtheHippodrometochargethecavalryofC？sar；butwhentheymet，theyloweredtheirswordsandpassedovertothecampofC？sar，desertingAntony。ThenAntonygrewmadwithrageandterribletosee。Heshoutedtohislegionstostandfirmandwaitattack；andforalittlewhiletheystood。Oneman，however——thatsameofficerwhowouldhaveslainmeontheyesternight——strovetofly；butAntonyseizedhimwithhisownhand，threwhimtotheearth，and，springingfromhishorse，drewhisswordtoslayhim。Heheldhisswordonhigh，whiletheman，coveringhisface，awaiteddeath。ButAntonydroppedhisswordandbadehimrise。”Go！”hesaid。”GotoC？sar，andprosper！Ididlovetheeonce。Why，then，amongsomanytraitors，shouldIsingletheeoutfordeath？”
Themanroseandlookeduponhimsorrowfully。Then，shameoverwhelminghim，withagreatcryhetoreopenhisshirtofmail，plungedhisswordintohisownheartandfelldowndead。Antonystoodandgazedathim，buthesaidneveraword。MeanwhiletheranksofC？sar’slegionsdrewnear，andsosoonastheycrossedspearsthelegionsofAntonyturnedandfled。ThenthesoldiersofC？sarstoodstillmockingthem；
butscarceamanwasslain，fortheypursuednot。”Fly，LordAntony！fly！”criedEros，hisservant，whoalonewithmestayedbyhim。”FlyerethouartdraggedaprisonertoC？sar！”
Soheturnedandfled，groaningheavily。Iwentwithhim，andaswerodethroughtheCanopicgate，wheremanyfolkstoodwondering，Antonyspoketome:”Go，thou，Olympus；gototheQueenandsay:’AntonysendsgreetingtoCleopatra，whohathbetrayedhim！ToCleopatrahesendsgreetingandfarewell！’”
AndsoIwenttothetomb，butAntonyfledtothepalace。WhenIcametothetombIknockeduponthedoor，andCharmionlookedforthfromthewindow。”Open，”Icried，andsheopened。”Whatnews，Harmachis？”shewhispered。”Charmion，”Isaid，”theendisathand。Antonyisfled！””Itiswell，”sheanswered；”Iamaweary。”
AndthereonhergoldenbedsatCleopatra。”Speak，man！”shecried。”Antonyhasfled，hisforcesarefled，C？sardrawsnear。ToCleopatrathegreatAntonysendsgreetingandfarewell。GreetingtoCleopatrawhobetrayedhim，andfarewell。””Itisalie！”shescreamed；”Ibetrayedhimnot！Thou，Olympus，goswiftlytoAntonyandanswerthus:’ToAntony，Cleopatra，whohathnotbetrayedhim，sendsgreetingandfarewell。Cleopatraisnomore。’”
AndsoIwent，followingoutmypurpose。IntheAlabasterHallIfoundAntonypacingtoandfro，tossinghishandstowardheaven，andwithhimEros，forofallhisservantsErosaloneremainedbythisfallenman。”LordAntony，”Isaid，”Egyptbidstheefarewell。Egyptisdeadbyherownhand。””Dead！dead！”hewhispered，”andisEgyptdead？andisthatformofglorynowfoodforworms？Oh，whatawomanwasthis！E’ennowmyheartgoesouttowardsher。Andshallsheoutdomeatthelast，Iwhohavebeensogreat；shallIbecomesosmallthatawomancanovertopmycourageandpasswhereIfeartofollow？Eros，thouhastlovedmefromaboy——mindestthouhowIfoundtheestarvinginthedesert，andmadetheerich，givingtheeplaceandwealth？Come，nowpaymeback。DrawthatswordthouwearestandmakeanendofthewoesofAntony。””Oh，Sire，”criedtheGreek，”Icannot！HowcanItakeawaythelifeofgodlikeAntony？””Answermenot，Eros；butinthelastextremeoffatethisIchargethee。Dothoumybidding，orbegoneandleavemequitealone！NomorewillIseethyface，thouunfaithfulservant！”
ThenErosdrewhisswordandAntonykneltbeforehimandbaredhisbreast，turninghiseyestoheaven。ButEros，crying”Icannot！oh，I
cannot！”plungedtheswordtohisownheart，andfelldead。
Antonyroseandgazeduponhim。”Why，Eros，thatwasnoblydone，”hesaid。”ThouartgreaterthanI，yetIhavelearnedthylesson！”andhekneltdownandkissedhim。
Then，risingofasudden，hedrewtheswordfromtheheartofEros，plungeditintohisbowels，andfell，groaning，onthecouch。”Othou，Olympus，”hecried，”thispainismorethanIcanbear！Makeanendofme，Olympus！”
Butpitystirredme，andIcouldnotdothisthing。
ThereforeIdrewtheswordfromhisvitals，staunchedtheflowofblood，and，callingtothosewhocamecrowdingintoseeAntonydie，I
badethemsummonAtouafrommyhouseatthepalacegates。Presentlyshecame，bringingwithhersimplesandlife-givingdraughts。TheseI
gavetoAntony，andbadeAtouagowithsuchspeedasheroldlimbsmighttoCleopatra，inthetomb，andtellherofthestateofAntony。
Soshewent，andafterawhilereturned，sayingthattheQueenyetlivedandsummonedAntonytodieinherarms。AndwithhercameDiomedes。WhenAntonyheard，hisebbingstrengthcameback，forhewasfaintolookuponCleopatra’sfaceagain。SoIcalledtotheslaves——
whopeepedandpeeredthroughcurtainsandfrombehindpillarstoseethisgreatmandie——andtogether，withmuchtoil，weborehimthencetillwecametothefootoftheMausoleum。
ButCleopatra，beingafraidoftreachery，wouldnomorethrowwidethedoor；sosheletdownaropefromthewindowandwemadeitfastbeneaththearmsofAntony。ThendidCleopatra，whothewhileweptmostbitterly，togetherwithCharmionandIrastheGreek，pullontheropewithalltheirstrength，whileweliftedfrombelowtillthedyingAntonyswungintheair，groaningheavily，andtheblooddroppedfromhisgapingwound。Twicehenearlyfelltoearth:butCleopatra，strivingwiththestrengthofloveandofdespair，heldhimtillatlengthshedrewhimthroughthewindowplace，whileallwhosawthedreadfulsightweptbitterly，andbeattheirbreasts——allsavemyselfandCharmion。
Whenhewasin，oncemoretheropewasletdown，and，withsomeaidfromCharmion，Iclimbedintothetomb，drawinguptheropeafterme。
ThereIfoundAntony，laiduponthegoldenbedofCleopatra；andshe，herbreastbare，herfacestainedwithtears，andherhairstreamingwildlyabouthim，kneltathissideandkissedhim，wipingthebloodfromhiswoundswithherrobesandhair。Andletallmyshamebewritten:asIstoodandwatchedhertheoldloveawokeoncemorewithinme，andmadjealousyragedinmyheartbecause——thoughIcoulddestroythesetwain——Icouldnotdestroytheirlove。”OAntony！mySweet，myHusband，andmyGod！”shemoaned。”CruelAntony，hastthouthehearttodieandleavemetomylonelyshame？I
willfollowtheeswiftlytothegrave。Antony，awake！awake！”
Helifteduphisheadandcalledforwine，whichIgavehim，mixingthereinadraughtthatmightallayhispain，foritwasgreat。AndwhenhehaddrunkhebadeCleopatraliedownonthebedbesidehim，andputherarmsabouthim；andthisshedid。ThenwasAntonyoncemoreaman；for，forgettinghisownmiseryandpain，hecounselledherastoherownsafety:buttothistalkshewouldnotlisten。”Thehourisshort，”shesaid；”letusspeakofthisgreatloveofoursthathathbeensolongandmayyetendurebeyondthecoastsofDeath。Mindestthouthatnightwhenfirstthoudidstputthinearmsaboutmeandcallme’Love’？Oh！happy，happynight！Havingknownthatnightitiswelltohavelived——eventothisbitterend！””Ay，Egypt，Iminditwellanddwelluponitsmemory，thoughfromthathourfortunehasfledfromme——lostinmydepthofloveforthee，thouBeautiful。Imindit！”hegasped；”thendidstthoudrinkthepearlinwantonplay，andthendidthatastrologerofthinecallouthishour——
’ThehourofthecomingofthecurseofMenkau-ra。’Throughalltheafter-daysthosewordshavehauntedme，andnowatthelasttheyringinmyears。””Heislongdead，mylove，”shewhispered。”Ifhebedead，thenIamnearhim。Whatmeanthe？””Heisdead，theaccursedman！——nomoreofhim！Oh！turnandkissme，forthyfacegrowswhite。Theendisnear！”
Hekissedheronthelips，andforalittlewhilesotheystayed，tothemomentofdeath，babblingtheirpassionineachother’sears，likeloversnewlywed。Eventomyjealousheart，itwasastrangeandawfulthingtosee。
Presently，IsawtheChangeofDeathgatheronhisface。Hisheadfellback。”Farewell，Egypt；farewell！——Idie！”
Cleopatraliftedherselfuponherhands，gazedwildlyonhisashenface，andthen，withagreatcry，shesankbackswooning。
ButAntonyyetlived，thoughthepowerofspeechhadlefthim。ThenI
drewnearand，kneeling，madepretencetoministertohim。AndasI
ministeredIwhisperedinhisear:”Antony，”Iwhispered，”Cleopatrawasmylovebeforeshepassedfrommetothee。IamHarmachis，thatastrologerwhostoodbehindthycouchatTarsus；andIhavebeenthechiefministerofthyruin。”/Die，Antony！——thecurseofMenkau-rahathfallen！/”
Heraisedhimself，andstareduponmyface。Hecouldnotspeak，but，gibbering，hepointedatme。Thenwithagroanhisspiritfled。
ThusdidIaccomplishmyrevengeuponRomanAntony，theWorld-loser。
Thereafter，werecoveredCleopatrafromherswoon，fornotyetwasI
mindedthatsheshoulddie。AndtakingthebodyofAntony，C？sarpermitting，IandAtouacausedittobemostskilfullyembalmedafterourEgyptianfashion，coveringthefacewithamaskofgoldfashionedliketothefeaturesofAntony。AlsoIwroteuponhisbreasthisnameandtitles，andpaintedhisnameandthenameofhisfatherwithinhisinnercoffin，anddrewtheformoftheHolyNoutfoldingherwingsabouthim。
ThenwithgreatpompCleopatralaidhiminthatsepulchrewhichhadbeenmadeready，andinasarcophagusofalabaster。Now，thissarcophaguswasfashionedsolargethatplacewasleftinitforasecondcoffin，forCleopatrawouldliebyAntonyatthelast。
Thesethingsthenhappened。AndbutalittlewhileafterIlearnedtidingsfromoneCorneliusDolabella，anobleRomanwhowaiteduponC？sar，and，movedbythebeautythatswayedthesoulsofallwholookeduponher，hadpityforthewoesofCleopatra。Hebademewarnher——for，asherphysician，itwasallowedmetopassinandoutofthetombwhereshedwelt——thatinthreedaysshewouldbesentawaytoRome，togetherwithherchildren，saveC？sarion，whomOctavianhadalreadyslain，thatshemightwalkinthetriumphofC？sar。
AccordinglyIwentin，andfoundhersitting，asnowshealwayssat，plungedinahalfstupor，andbeforeherthatblood-stainedrobewithwhichshehadstaunchedthewoundsofAntony。Foronthisshewouldcontinuallyfeasthereyes。”Seehowfainttheygrow，Olympus，”shesaid，liftinghersadfaceandpointingtotherustystains，”andhesolatelydead！Why，Gratitudecouldnotfademorefast。Whatisnowthynews？Eviltidingsiswritlargeinthosedarkeyesofthine，whicheverbringbacktomesomethingthatstillslipsmymind。””Thenewsisill，OQueen，”Ianswered。”IhavethisfromthelipsofDolabella，whohasitstraightfromC？sar’ssecretary。OnthethirddayfromnowC？sarwillsendtheeandthePrincesPtolemyandAlexanderandthePrincessCleopatratoRome，theretofeasttheeyesoftheRomanmob，andbeledintriumphtothatCapitolwherethoudidstsweartosetthythrone！””Never，never！”shecried，springingtoherfeet。”NeverwillIwalkinchainsinC？sar’striumph！WhatmustIdo？Charmion，tellmewhatI
cando！”
AndCharmion，rising，stoodbeforeher，lookingatherthroughthelonglashesofherdowncasteyes。”Lady，thoucanstdie，”shesaidquietly。”Ay，ofatruthIhadforgotten；Icandie。Olympus，hastthouthedrug？””Nay；butiftheQueenwillsit，byto-morrowmornitshallbebrewed——adrugsoswiftandstrongthatnottheGodsthemselvescanholdhimwhodrinksitbackfromsleep。””Letitbemadeready，thouMasterofDeath！”
Ibowed，andwithdrewmyself；andallthatnightIandoldAtoualabouredatthedistillingofthedeadlydraught。Atlengthitwasdone，andAtouapoureditintoacrystalphial，andheldittothelightofthefire；foritwaswhiteasthepurestwater。”/La！la！/”shesang，inhershrillvoice；”adrinkforaQueen！Whenfiftydropsofthatwaterofmybrewinghavepassedthoseredlipsofhers，thouwiltindeedbeavengedofCleopatra，OHarmachis！Ah，thatIcouldbetheretoseethyRuinruined！/La！la！/itwouldbesweettosee！””Vengeanceisanarrowthatoft-timesfallsuponthearcher’shead，”I
answered，bethinkingmeofCharmion’ssaying。
CHAPTERVIII
OFTHELASTSUPPEROFCLEOPATRA；OFTHESONGOFCHARMION；
OFTHEDRINKINGOFTHEDRAUGHTOFDEATH；OFTHEREVEALINGOFHARMACHIS；
OFTHESUMMONINGOFTHESPIRITSBYHARMACHIS；
ANDOFTHEDEATHOFCLEOPATRA
OnthemorrowCleopatra，havingsoughtleaveofC？sar，visitedthetombofAntony，cryingthattheGodsofEgypthaddesertedher。Andwhenshehadkissedthecoffinandcovereditwithlotus-flowersshecameback，bathed，anointedherself，putonhermostsplendidrobes，and，togetherwithIras，Charmion，andmyself，shesupped。Nowasshesuppedherspiritflaredupwildly，evenastheskylightsupatsunset；andoncemoreshelaughedandsparkledasinbygoneyears，tellingustalesoffeastswhichsheandAntonyhadeatenof。Never，indeed，didIseeherlookmorebeauteousthanonthatlastfatalnightofvengeance。AndthusherminddrewontothatsupperatTarsuswhenshedrankthepearl。”Strange，”shesaid；”strangethatatthelastthemindofAntonyshouldhaveturnedbacktothatnightamongallthenightsandtothesayingofHarmachis。Charmion，dostthourememberHarmachistheEgyptian？””Surely，OQueen，”sheansweredslowly。”Andwho，then，wasHarmachis？”Iasked；forIwouldlearnifshesorrowedo’ermymemory。”Iwilltellthee。Itisastrangetale，andnowthatallisdoneitmaywellbetold。ThisHarmachiswasoftheancientraceofthePharaohs，and，having，indeed，beencrownedinsecretatAbydus，wassenthithertoAlexandriatocarryoutagreatplotthathadbeenformedagainsttheruleofusroyalLagid？。Hecameandgainedentrytothepalaceasmyastrologer，forhewasverylearnedinallmagic——
muchasthouart，Olympus——andamanbeautifultosee。Nowthiswashisplot——thatheshouldslaymeandbenamedPharaoh。Intruthitwasastrongone，forhehadmanyfriendsinEgypt，andIhadfew。Andonthatverynightwhenheshouldcarryouthispurpose，yea，attheveryhour，cameCharmionyonder，andtoldtheplottome；sayingthatshehadchanceduponitsclue。But，inafterdays——thoughIhavesaidlittlethereontothee，Charmion——Imisdoubtedmemuchofthattaleofthine；for，bytheGods！tothishourIbelievethatthoudidstloveHarmachis，andbecausehescornedtheethoudidstbetrayhim；andforthatcausealsohastallthydaysremainedamaid，whichisathingunnatural。Come，Charmion，tellus；fornaughtmattersnowattheend。”
