And as for
Asti, I sent her to Cyprus to fetch a scent they make there and nowhere
else. No, I forgot, it was yesterday she went to bring the scent from
Cyprus that now is on my hair; to-day she is in Thebes, seeing to a
business of mine. That is no secret, I will tell it you--it is as to
the carving of all the history of his murder and betrayal in the first
chamber of the Pharaoh's tomb."
Now at these magical and ill-omened words the courage of the company
left them, so that they began to walk backwards towards the door, Abi
going with them.
"What!" cried the Queen in a voice of sorrow that yet seemed laden
with mockery. "Would you leave me here alone? Do my power and my wisdom
frighten you? Alas! I cannot help them, for when the full vase is tilted
the wine will run out, and when light is set behind alabaster, then the
white stone must shine. Yet am I one meet to adorn the palace of the
King, even such a king as you shall be, O Abi, whom Osiris loves. See,
now, I will dance and sing to you as once I sang to the Prince of Kesh
before the sword of Rames took away his life, so that you may judge of
me, Abi, you, who have looked upon so many lovely women.
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