Emily Dickinson Lexicon

Cleopatra, proper n. [Gr. kleos, glory + patēr, father, 'fame of her fatherland'.]

Cleopatra VII (c. 69-30 B.C.); beautiful queen of Egypt; woman who sailed down the Nile in a luxurious golden barge; tragic heroine of Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra [see ED's letters]; [fig.] a powerful leader; a colorful persona; an elegant person who enjoys excess; [kenning “Cleopatra's Company”] resplendent golden sunset display.