_He mounts the terrace. The setting sun reddens the heavens._ SATNI [_to Yaouma_] At last I find you again, Yaouma. And you wear still the chain of maidenhood. You have waited for me? YAOUMA. Yes, Satni, I have waited for you. SATNI. The memory of you went with me always. YAOUMA. Listen!--[_Distant sound of voices_]. A WOMAN. Methinks 'tis Raouit of the next village. A MAN. No! No! 'Tis not that name. SATNI [_to Yaouma_] What matter their cries to you. Have you forgot our promises? YAOUMA. No--Listen!--[_Voices nearer_]. A WOMAN. 'Tis Amterra! 'Tis Amterra! ANOTHER. No! 'Tis Hihourr! ANOTHER. No! Amterra lives the other way. ANOTHER. One can hear nothing clearly now. ANOTHER. They are passing behind the palm grove. SATNI [_to Yaouma_] Answer me--you have ears only for their clamor--I love you, Yaouma. A VOICE. They are coming! They are coming! ANOTHER. Then 'tis Karma, of the next house. ANOTHER. No! 'tis Hene. Ahou, I tell you--or Karma! Karma! SATNI [_to Yaouma_] Have you, then, ceased to love me? YAOUMA [_distracted_] No, no, I love you--Satni--but I seem to hear my name amid the cries-- SATNI. Let them cry your name--I will watch over you. YAOUMA. Oh, Satni! If the God have chosen me? SATNI. What God? It is the priests who make him speak. _The sounds come nearer._ A VOICE. 'Tis Yaouma! they come here! Quick, quick, let us do them honor on their coming. ANOTHER. No! ANOTHER. Yes! ANOTHER. 'Tis she! ANOTHER. No! ANOTHER. Yes! yes! Yaouma! SATNI [_to Yaouma_] Do not be fooled. The God is but a stone. YAOUMA [_who no longer listens_] I have heard. It is my name--my name! A VOICE. They are coming!-- ANOTHER. They are here! _Every one begins to go out._ ANOTHER [_going_] 'Tis Yaouma! _Loud shouts without--"'Tis Yaouma--'Tis Yaouma--"_ STEWARD [_to Rheou_] Master, it is Yaouma. RHEOU. Go, as 'tis custom, let all go forth to meet those who come. _All go out save Yaouma and Satni._ SATNI. 'Tis you-- YAOUMA [_radiant_] 'Tis I! SATNI. You may refuse. YAOUMA. And leave Egypt-- SATNI. We will leave it together. YAOUMA. 'Tis I! Think of it, Satni! The God, out of all my companions, the God has chosen me! SATNI. Do not stay here. Come with me. YAOUMA [_listening_] Yes--yes--You hear them? It is I! SATNI. You are going to refuse! YAOUMA [_with a radiant smile_] You would love me no longer, if I refused. SATNI. But know you not, it is death? YAOUMA [_in ecstasy_] Yes, Satni, it is death! SATNI. You are mine--You are plighted to me--Come--Come! YAOUMA. Satni--Satni--you would not have me refuse? SATNI. I would. I love you. YAOUMA. Refuse to answer the call of the Gods. SATNI. The call of the Gods is death. YAOUMA. The God has chosen me, before all he has preferred me. He has preferred me to those who are fairer, to those who are richer. And I should hide myself! SATNI. It is out of pride then that you would die?