_Sethos_ (_Bitterly._) The Gods have set me free of you, and I am glad. When next we meet, Menophis, you shall hear the soft promises she made me (_turns his back to go_), and how she spoke of _you_! (_Moves faster, as MENOPHIS advances threateningly._) She called you half woman and half monk--no man at all (_runs_), fit … only … for … the Temples! [_Exit._ _Nefertiti_ (_A last shot at him._) Yet if I raised my little finger you’d come tumbling back--a helpless slave! (_Turns to MENOPHIS._) I am ashamed. (_Demurely._) I did pretend he pleased me. _Menophis_ Little Child.… _Nefertiti_ (_Happy._) I was a little jealous of--of--your Aton. _Menophis_ And I, perhaps, of your … Sethos. [_They smile and embrace. The pipe is heard. She breaks away and dances before him happily._ _Nefertiti_ (_sings_) “Come, dance with me, and take my hand Beside the rising river; We’ll dance upon the starlit sand, And then through life--for ever.” _Menophis_ You are a daughter of the sun! _Nefertiti_ Isis and Aton both are in our blood! _Menophis_ Your beauty blinds me. I hear no other voice than your dear singing. I see no stars, your twinkling feet are everywhere. _Nefertiti_ (_Triumphantly._) It is the call of Life. [_A sound is heard, like wind in an Eolian harp, faint._ _Menophis_ (_Startled._) Listen! The moment comes. [_With the sound is mingled the lapping of water._ _Nefertiti_ (_Awed._) It is here. [_A star falls from the sky._ _Both together_ The Tear of Isis! _Menophis_ Our river takes it. _Nefertiti_ The waters rise. _Menophis_ Our choice is made--for ever. _Nefertiti_ My beloved. (_Embrace._) Mine … for ever and ever … all our future lives. _Menophis_ The Temple was a dream. Your beauty makes me see it. (_Breaks off as he sees RAMES and SETHOS approaching through the palms._) Rames comes. (_Makes to hide._) Great One of Visions! _Nefertiti_ (_Triumphantly._) And Sethos with him. Let them see us both. (_Catches his arm._) Do not hide, but tell them boldly of your glorious choice. [_RAMES and SETHOS have been talking together. SETHOS now turns and goes off towards the Temple, walking slowly with bowed head, but looking back over his shoulder sometimes. Disappears. RAMES comes slowly forward. Holds up his hands to bless them._ _Rames_ (_Smiling gravely._) May Aton bless you both--now--and in all lives to come. _Nefertiti_ (_Confidently._) Aton _has_ blessed us--both. _Menophis_ (_Dazed, troubled._) Rames--you come to know my choice. (_Very gravely._) The Tear has fallen. The river is rising, and I--(_lowers head_) I have heard the call. _Rames_ The choice is yours--(_solemnly_) and _hers_. _Menophis._ I have } chosen. The rising waters and the risen stars _Nefertiti._ He has } bear witness. _Rames_ They … bear … witness. _Menophis_