Cleopatra
1889
Published in 1889, 'Cleopatra' by H. Rider Haggard is a historical novel that explores the life and reign of Cleopatra VII, the last Pharaoh of Egypt. The story is narrated by Harmachis, a fictional character of royal descent, who is tasked by the Priesthood of Isis to restore Egypt's monarchy by overthrowing Cleopatra and driving out Roman forces. The novel blends history and mythology, presenting a vivid portrayal of Cleopatra's complex character and the political turmoil of the Ptolemaic era.
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“Vengeance is an arrow that in falling oft pierces him who shot it””
— H. Rider Haggard
“For Woman, in her weakness, is yet the strongest force upon the earth. She is the helm of all things human; she comes in many shapes and knocks at many doors; she is quick and patient, and her passion is not ungovernable like that of man, but as a gentle steed that she can guide e'en where she will, and as occasion offers can now bit up and now give rein. She has a captain's eye, and stout must be that fortress of the heart in which she finds no place of vantage. Does thy blood beat fast in youth? She will outrun it, nor will her kisses tire. Art thou set toward ambition? She will unlock thy inner heart, and show thee roads that lead to glory. Art thou worn and weary? She has comfort in her breast. Art thou fallen? She can lift thee up, and to the illusion of thy sense gild defeat with triumph. Ay, Harmachis, she can do these things, for Nature ever fights upon her side; and while she does them she can deceive and shape a secret end in which thou hast no part. And thus Woman rules the world. For her are wars; for her men spend their strength in gathering gains; for her they do well and ill, and seek for greatness, to find oblivion. But still she sits like yonder Sphinx, and smiles; and no man has ever read all the riddle of her smile, or known all the mystery of her heart. Mock not! mock not! Harmachis; for he must be great indeed who can defy the power of Woman, which, pressing round him like the invisible air, is often strongest when the senses least discover it.””
— H. Rider Haggard
“pity has no place in politics,””
— H. Rider Haggard
“Never attack the strong until you are stronger.””
— H. Rider Haggard
“everything has its balance”
— H. Rider Haggard
“Sensuality begins sometimes with kindness, but it ends always in the most reckless and intolerable cruelty.””
— H. Rider Haggard
“The fool!" I broke in”
— H. Rider Haggard
“হাজার হাজার সৈন্য দারা আবদ্ধ রানীকে হত্যা করার চেয়ে নিজের অন্তরের কুপ্রবিত্তি কে হত্যা করা কঠিন।””
— H. Rider Haggard
“The case of Mark Antony affords one of the most extraordinary examples of the power of unlawful love to lead its deluded and infatuated victim into the very jaws of open and recognized destruction that history records.””
— H. Rider Haggard
