Cleopatra, being an account of the fall and vengeance of Harmachis, the royal Egyptian, as set forth by his own hand . OF THE SAYING OF HARMACHIS ; ANDOF CLEOPATRAS VOW OF LOVE. the third night the feast was oncemore prepared in the hall of thegreat house that had been set asideto the use of Cleopatra, and on thisnight its splendour was greater eventhan on the nights before. Forthe twelve couches that were setabout the table were embossed withgold, and those of Cleopatra and An-tony were of gold set with jewels. Thedishes also were all of gold set withjewels, the walls were hung with purpleclo
Cleopatra, being an account of the fall and vengeance of Harmachis, the royal Egyptian, as set forth by his own hand . OF THE SAYING OF HARMACHIS ; ANDOF CLEOPATRAS VOW OF LOVE. the third night the feast was oncemore prepared in the hall of thegreat house that had been set asideto the use of Cleopatra, and on thisnight its splendour was greater eventhan on the nights before. Forthe twelve couches that were setabout the table were embossed withgold, and those of Cleopatra and An-tony were of gold set with jewels. Thedishes also were all of gold set withjewels, the walls were hung with purplecloths sewn with gold, and on the floor, covered with a netof gold, fresh roses were strewn ankle-deep, that as the slavestrod them sent up their perfume. Once again I was biddento stand, with Charmion and Iras and Merira, behind thecouch of Cleopatra, and, like a slave, from time to time callout the hours as they flew. And there being no help, I wentwild at heart; but this I swore—it should be for the lasttime, since I could not bear that shame. For though Iwould not yet believe what Charmion told me—that Cleo-. 224 CLEOPA TRA patra was about to become the Love of Antony—yet I couldno more endure this ignominy and torture. For from Cleo-patra now I had no words save such as a Queen speaks toher slave, and methinks it gave her dark heart pleasure totorment me. Thus it came to pass that I, the Pharaoh, crowned of Khem,stood among eunuchs and waiting-women behind the couch ofEgypts Queen while the feast went merrily and the wine-cuppassed. And ever Antony sat, his eyes fixed upon the face ofCleopatra, who from time to time let her deep glance lose itselfin his, and then for a little while their talk died away. Forhe told her tales of war and of deeds that he had done—ay,and love-jests such as are not meet for the ears of women. But;she took offence at nothing; rather, falling into his humour,she would cap his stories with others of a finer wit, but notless shameless. At leng
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, bookpublisherlondo, bookyear1894
