Would she and Rames meet beyond the grave, she wondered? Would they wed
and bear children there, who should rule as Pharaohs in the Under-world?
Would Osiris redeem her mortal flesh, and Amen the Father, receive her;
or would she rush down into everlasting blackness where sleep is all in
all?
Oh! for one hour of strength and freedom, one short hour while at the
head of her armies she rolled down upon rebellious Memphis in her might,
and trod its high walls flat, and gave its palaces to the flames,
and cast its accursed prince to the jaws of crocodiles. Her sunk eyes
flashed at the thought of it, and her wasted bosom heaved, and lo! the
eyes of that royal queen of her dreams flashed also as though in answer,
and on its breast the jewels rose as though pride or anger lifted them.
Then this marvel came to pass, for the beautiful face--could her own
ever have been so beautiful?--the imperial face, bent forward a little,
and from the red lips came a soft voice, her own rich voice, that said:
"Speak your will, Queen, and it shall be done.
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