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Be not wrath, lord, she said, shrinking from me as though she fearedthat I
might strike her. That Pharaoh cannot do, I said, having eaten of my bread.
Lord, she said in a great fright, I will tell all I know; it is butlittle.
That
Pharaoh cannot do, I said, having eaten of my bread.
At least this last
oracleof his is one of good omen, so let us accept it and be content. I know
not what it is, but it has to do with Myra. Nay, that was not in the nature of
either of them; theydid but say what they believed. Yet there was that on her
face which caused me to ask if aught wereamiss. Tell me that it will be the
Happy House for me and for Ramoseand for you too, dear Belus.
Because I would
have it so, she answered, tossing her head.
Wordsthat from another would
signify little or nothing, on his lips werefull of meaning.
Because times have
changed and we change with them, Ramose. Being thus adjured, it seems that I
must obey, said Belus slowly.
Is it my fault that an Apis is born amongst my
herd?
Myra, though I have seen some eight and thirty summers, can you loveme as
your husband?
Ramose, know that I do not wish to kill you if only I can be
surethat you will not plot against me. Myra, though I have seen some eight and
thirty summers, can you loveme as your husband?
Because times have changed and
we change with them, Ramose. Because times have changed and we change with
them, Ramose.
Thrusting them apart I saw her seatedon a couch with Amasis at
her side.
When he had staggered down thesteps and departed, Belus and I looked
at each other, saying nothing. I repeat those words, for the stars do not
change theirstory.
When Myra had gone I bethought me that I must ask my mother
to bepresent at our marriage. That Pharaoh cannot do, I said, having eaten of
my bread.
Come,Myra, let us sit without and watch the moon rise up on the
Nile.
Do you then desire always to remain near to me, Myra? Now shewill have
little left for which to wish. Ramose, he went on, if I were wise, I think that
I should cause youto be killed. My arms were about her, her head rested on my
shoulder. Yet there was that on her face which caused me to ask if aught
wereamiss.
When Myra had gone I bethought me that I must ask my mother to
bepresent at our marriage.
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