Your eyes are troubled, although I cannot see them. (_Looks down at the young man’s footsteps._) And your steps leave an uneven pattern on the sands. _Menophis_ (_Looking up._) There are too many voices in my ears; and all are sweet. I know not which is true. I am unhappy and afraid. My peace of yesterday is gone. _Rames_ These stars that watch you now shall watch your future lives as well. Before they pale at dawn they shall have marked your choice. They are rising in the east. They watch you--and they wait. _Menophis_ (_Turning his look away from the sky._) I came here to find peace--between the sunset and the sunrise. _Rames_ Sunrise and sunset--the two great moments of the day. Death and resurrection--the two great moments of our life. (_Watches him closely._) _Menophis_ Not death--a disappearance only (_smiles_) for a little time. _Rames_ (_Pleased._) To return again and again, each new life linked to those that went before; and each determined by opportunities left or taken. _Menophis_ The choice! Oh, Rames, there are two calls in me. I hear two voices always. My future life hangs upon the decision that I make. _Rames_ _You_ will not make it. It will make itself. The stronger call must win (_points across the Nile towards the sinking sun_). It is whether you shall live unto yourself alone, or consecrate your powers to Aton. (_Points towards the Temple._) It is not alone your future life that hangs upon the choice; it is your future lives. [_They spread their arms and bow towards the West. The sun sinks below the Libyan horizon of the desert. The dusk creeps up._ _Menophis_ (_Rising._) If only the whole of me could choose. I should then know that I am worthy. _Rames_ (_Approving._) There can be no half-heartedness in the service of our Deity. _Menophis_ (_With enthusiasm._) Our Deity--the sun! [_Turns and gazes at the great Temple of Aton whose white columns still gleam in the golden after-glow some distance across the desert._ _Rames_ (_Moving closer, with hand on his shoulder._) Egypt, our great land, now witnesses the climax of her splendour. A change, which is divine, steals over her. It is no longer the mere disc of the sun we worship; it is the power behind. _Menophis_ (_Reverently._) The heat and glory that are in Aton, eternal and all-loving Deity. _Rames_ (_Smiling._) Who calls you for the offering of--yourself. (_Pauses._) The Temples of our regenerated Egypt demand the best. _Menophis_ (_Eagerly._) And I might help towards this great uplifting? _Rames_ (_Gravely._) Menophis, Aton calls you to himself. _Menophis_ (_Enthusiasm and awe on his face._) I hear the call! _Rames_ (_Slowly._) But other, lesser, calls as well? _Menophis_ There can be no turning back! _Rames_ No turning back. _Menophis_ I must be sure! _Rames_ It is for ever. _Menophis_ (_Very low._) I know which call is highest, yet I hear that sweeter voice. If only I could smother it. _Rames_