(_Understanding._) It is the lust of life--of woman! _Menophis_ It is love. [_The dusk is turning into darkness. The stars begin to peep._ _Rames_ I may not influence you. Years ago I heard these two calls, as you do, singing in my soul. _Menophis_ (_Looking eagerly, with respect, into the old man’s face._) And you have never known regret? _Rames_ (_Gravely._) I have known perfect joy. _Menophis_ To yield what is most dear to another is very hard. Oh, Rames, I am so young, the choice is difficult. If I had some sign that Aton accepts me----! (_With rising passion._) Aton, guide my decision and grant my choice be wise! [_NEFERTITI is seen returning. SETHOS is with her. They are laughing together. SETHOS’ arm is about NEFERTITI. MENOPHIS does not see them._ _Rames_ Weigh carefully. Hear every call with honesty. Aton, indeed, does call you, but it is all or nothing. (_Withdraws slowly down river bank towards the Temple. Waves his hand solemnly._) I leave you--to yourself. [_Exit._ _Menophis_ Great Aton, guide me. [_Stretches arms to the sky; looks up at stars. Then bows his head upon his hands in prayer. NEFERTITI draws near with SETHOS._ _Sethos_ My head spins, Nefertiti. Then it was in play that you dismissed me? I can hardly believe my happiness is real. [_Tries to embrace her._ _Nefertiti_ (_Escaping gaily._) Everything’s real--at the moment when--you’ve got it. [_MENOPHIS hears their voices. Turns and sees them._ _Menophis_ With … Sethos…! (_To her._) You’ve come back…! _Nefertiti_ (_Pretending she has just noticed him._) The river bank is public, I believe. All Memphis will be here presently--this sacred night. (_Mocking._) Forgive me--forgive _us_--if we disturbed your meditations. (_Glancing at SETHOS._) We enjoy the starlight like the other lovers! _Menophis_ Together! _Sethos_ A young girl does not come out unattended. I am proud that Nefertiti accepts my protection--as before. _Menophis_ Little Child! _Nefertiti_ (_To SETHOS, laughing._) Menophis, you know, is half a priest already. He has put aside all common things--youth, dancing, laughter--love. _Sethos_ (_Half insolently._) Wise Menophis! I envy a man grown old before his time. He has had some bitter disappointment probably. _Menophis_ (_Suffering keenly._) If you _really_ love each other, I---- _Sethos_ Come this way, Nefertiti. I hear a pipe. (_Melody on pipe heard faintly._) Let’s go and dance. This atmosphere is too holy. (_Tries to draw her away._) _Menophis_ (_Pain._) Can this be a sign from Aton--that you are worthless? _Nefertiti_ (_Stung._) We’ll dance, yes, as we did at Memphis when the harvest ripened. And then we’ll bathe together, Sethos. It all is worship, and my blood this sacred night is burning---- _Sethos_ (_Wild._) And to-morrow I may see your father----?