Now, Rames, my son, my blessing and
the blessing of him who shaped us be with you, and farewell."
Then Mermes kissed him on the brow and, turning, left the room, nor did
they ever meet again.
But Asti stayed awhile, and coming to him presently, looked Rames in the
eyes, and said:
"Mourn not. Separations are no new thing, death is no new thing; all
these sorrows have been on the earth for millions of years, and for
millions of years yet shall be. Live out your life, rejoicing if the
days be good, content if they be but ill, regretting nothing save your
sins, fearing nothing, expecting nothing, since all things are appointed
and cannot be changed."
"I hear," he answered humbly, "and I will not forget. Whether I succeed
or fail you shall not be ashamed for me."
Now his mother turned to go also, but paused and said:
"I have a gift for you, Rames, from one whose name may not be spoken."
"Give it to me," he said eagerly, "I feared that it was all but a
dream."
"Oh!" replied Asti scanning his face, "so there was a dream, was
there? Did it fall upon you last night when the daughter of Amen, my
foster-child, instructed you in secret?"
"The gift," said Rames, stretching out his hand.
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