_Ranoutet_ (_re-enters, muttering_). I come in peace; may peace come with me. (_Comes forward._) The rites for the slain are being carried out. Rest now, Lady Nouferou, and let the little Ouny fan you and call about you your own attendant spirits; for the spirits of the dead have passed to their own place. _Nouferou._ I am well; I need no rest. _Ranoutet_ (_firmly_). Rest, Lady Nouferou. (_Nouferou lies on the couch, and Ouny fans her with long feather fan._) _Aahmes_ (_to himself_). It were easy to die young, and live among the golden nets of heaven—to die and drift like the Hammametu dancing in the rays of the sun—to have neither thought nor human care, nor the stress of human life. _Ranoutet._ Do you forget Egypt, Aahmes? Would you have the destiny of those formless souls, whose little light flickers through the one short life they know, and then the rest is darkness? Is it in vain you have become part of your country, dedicated to her tradition; dedicated for ever to her destiny? Egypt has claimed her son, and Egypt is no foster-mother whose claim can be put lightly aside. There is no choice for her worshippers, for to fail in her service means death to the soul. _Aahmes._ Ah! Ranoutet, I know the terror of the second death, and my heart is Egypt’s! My heart longs for Egypt! As I have fought for Egypt in the past, so I will live for Egypt in the future! Is not such service easy when she speaks to me through you, the greatest priestess within the memory of the most ancient scribes? Give me your blessing, for we have to do great work to-night. _Ranoutet._ Let us go into the sanctuary together, for Hathor has heard my invocation. She will receive you as her minister. After the battle fought for Egypt comes the enlightenment. Then comes the supreme vision. This flesh shall fall from you. You shall be no more the warrior of Egypt, but shall know yourself to be the Lord of Space and Being! Your soul shall tremble and rejoice at her own image looming out of the darkness of what you now call life! The light of the world shall be revealed to you amid the clash of the worlds which shall own you their master, O lord of that which has no end and no beginning! _A Priest chanting without._ Flame round my crown the fiery snakes About me and around. The chantress sings, the sistrum shakes, In symphony of sound. Fire from the gods a lightning makes, Earth’s thundrous depths resound. _Ranoutet._ Accept the portent and receive the Yeoiret crown. (_Aahmes kneels and is crowned by Ranoutet._)