Heliopolis--

PAKH. Have done!

_He knocks down the doll which the Exorcist holds over him.
The music stops suddenly._

EXORCIST. The evil spirits are strongest in him. He will die. Only his
son has the right to be with him at death.

_All go out save Pakh and Satni._

SATNI. My father--

PAKH. You are there, my son--'tis well--I am glad--that that maker of
spells is gone. [_Simply_] Heal me.

SATNI. Yes, father, you shall be healed. But you must have patience.

PAKH [_simply_] Heal me, now, at once.

SATNI. I cannot.

PAKH. Why do you not want to heal me?--See you not that I am wounded--I
suffer--come, give me ease--

SATNI. I would give all, that it were in my power to do so.

PAKH. You know prayers that our priests know not--

SATNI. I know no prayers.

PAKH [_in anguish_] You are not going to let me die?

SATNI. You will not die--have confidence.

PAKH. Confidence? In what? [_A pause_] You cannot heal me?

SATNI. I cannot.

PAKH. All your knowledge, then, is but knowledge of how to destroy--My
son!--I pray you--my blood goes out with my life--I do not want to die!
I pray you--give me your hand. I seem to be sinking into night--hold me
back--you will not let me die--your father! I am your father. I gave you
life--hold me back--all grows dim around me--But at least do
something--speak--say the incantations--[_He raises himself_] No! No! I
refuse to die! I am not old. [_Strongly_] I will not! I will not! Do not
let go my hand! I would live, live--All my life, I have worked, I have
sorrowed, I have suffered--Satni--will you let me go before I share the
peace and happiness you promised--

SATNI. Oh! My father!

PAKH. You weep--I am lost, then--Yes--I have seen it in your eyes. And
the silence deepens around me. To die--to die--[_A long pause_] And
after? [_Pause_] And so this is a poor man's life! Work from childhood,
blows. Then work, always, without profit. Only for bread. And still
work. For others. Not one pleasure. We die. And 'tis finished! You came
back to teach me that--Work--blows--misery--the end. [_A silence_] What
did you come here to do? Is that your work? [_Strongly_] Satni, Satni!
Give me back my faith! I want it! Ah! Why were you born a destroyer? Is
that your truth? You are evil--you were able to prove that all was
false. Prove to me now that you lied! I demand it! Give me back my
faith, give me back the simple mind that will comfort me.

SATNI. Do not despair-