to whom he says in low tones_] Let the man Satni be taken
from the crypt where he is imprisoned [_The old man bows_] When I give
the signal let them bring him here. While the Pharaoh goes in procession
through the town let them do what I have told you [_The old man bows_]
[_To the others_] Rise! [_To the Pharaoh_] Son of Ammon-Ra, bow down
before him who represents the god. [_The Pharaoh rises and after a
slight hesitation bows down before the High Priest_] Withdraw, we would
pray. [_Motionless the High Priest and the Pharaoh wait till the last of
the assistants are gone_].

THE PHARAOH [_giving up his hieratic pose, angrily_] I would all the
flies of Egypt might eat thy tongue.

HIGH PRIEST [_without feeling_] The flies of Egypt are too many and my
tongue is too small, for your wish to be realized, Pharaoh.

THE PHARAOH. This is the result of my weakness!

HIGH PRIEST [_with flattering unction_] The Pharaoh, Son of
Ammon-Ra--Lord of the two Egypts--Friend of Ra--

THE PHARAOH. Enough! Enough! We are alone. There are none whom your
words may deceive. And your mock-reverence fools not me. You would not
let me put Satni to death, your subtleties confused my mind, I gave in
to you, and now Satni escapes us.

HIGH PRIEST. You should not let anger master you for that.

THE PHARAOH. Satni has foretold to thousands of ears that there will be
no miracle.

HIGH PRIEST. The miracle will be.

THE PHARAOH. Who knows that?

HIGH PRIEST. I.

THE PHARAOH. Satni has declared he will enter the temple--

HIGH PRIEST. 'Tis possible.

THE PHARAOH. He has declared he knows the secret recess, whence one of
your priests makes the head of the image move.

HIGH PRIEST. Most like he speaks the truth.

THE PHARAOH. He declares the miracle will not take place. If the people
suffer this disappointment, tell me what chance can there be for the war
of conquest I would wage in Ethiopia?

HIGH PRIEST. Why wage a war of conquest in Ethiopia?

THE PHARAOH. I need gold. I need women. I need slaves. There will be a
share of the spoil for your temple.

HIGH PRIEST. I like not bloodshed.

THE PHARAOH. The treasury is empty. Our whippings are useless now. Our
blows no longer bring forth taxes. If the people lose confidence in the
gods, what will happen to-morrow? Who will follow me, unless they
believe the gods confirm my orders?

HIGH PRIEST. Satni will not prevent the miracle.

THE PHARAOH. What do you know of it?

HIGH PRIEST.