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diff --git a/76242-h/76242-h.htm b/76242-h/76242-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..810bd72 --- /dev/null +++ b/76242-h/76242-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1630 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> + <head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title>The Beloved of Hathor and The Shrine of the Golden Hawk | Project Gutenberg</title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; } + h1 { display:inline; font-size:x-large;} + h2 { display:inline; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.5em;} + div.h2 { text-align: center; page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } + p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } + sup { vertical-align: top; font-size: 0.6em; } + .large { font-size: large; } + .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } + .small { font-size: small; } + .lg-container-l { text-align: left; } + .x-ebookmaker .lg-container-l { clear: both; } + .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; } + .x-ebookmaker .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } + .linegroup .group { } + .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } + div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } + .dl_1 p { text-align: left; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em; + padding-left: 2.5em; text-indent: -2.5em; } + div.dl_1 { margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em; text-align: left; } + span.dl_1 { text-indent: 0em; display: inline-block; text-align: left; + min-width: 2.5em;padding-right: 0.5em;; } + ul.ul_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em; + margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: disc; } + div.footnote {margin-left: 2.5em; } + div.footnote > :first-child { margin-top: 1em; } + div.footnote .label { display: inline-block; width: 0em; text-indent: -2.5em; + text-align: right; } + div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } + hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } + .x-ebookmaker hr.pb { display: none; } + .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } + .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } + .id001 { width:100%; } + .id002 { width:50%; } + .id003 { width:100px; } + .x-ebookmaker .id001 { margin-left:0%; width:100%; } + .x-ebookmaker .id002 { margin-left:25%; width:50%; } + .x-ebookmaker .id003 { margin-left:44%; width:12%; } + .figcenter img.ig001 { max-width:35em;} + .nf-center { text-align: center; } + .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; } + .c000 { margin-top: 1em; } + .c001 { margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + .c002 { margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + .c003 { margin-top: 4em; } + .c005 { margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + .c006 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 16%; width: 67%; margin-right: 17%; + margin-top: 1em; } + .c007 { margin-top: 2em; } + .c008 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } + .c009 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + .c010 { margin-left: 6.94%; margin-right: 6.94%; text-indent: 2.78%; + margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + .c011 { margin-left: 11.11%; } + .c012 { text-decoration: none; } + .c013 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; width: 10%; margin-left: 0; + margin-top: 1em; text-align: left; } + div.center-block {display:flex;justify-content:center; } + div.title-block {max-width:50%;text-align:justify; } + div.wide-block {max-width:67%;text-align:justify; } + div.leaf-block {display:flex;justify-content:center;width:100% } + div.leaf-block > span {margin-right:auto;margin-left:auto; } + div.curtain {letter-spacing:.3em; } + .transcribers-notes { width: 80%; margin: auto; padding: 0 1em; + background-color: #E3E4FA; border: 1px solid silver; + page-break-before:always;margin-top:4em; } + </style> + </head> + <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76242 ***</div> + +<div class="figcenter id001"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Front cover of book" class="ig001"> +</div> +<div class="pbb"> + <hr class="pb c000"> +</div> + +<p class="c001"></p> + +<div class="figcenter id001"> +<img src="images/title-block.jpg" alt="" class="ig001"> +</div> +<div class="center-block"> + +<div class="title-block"> + +<p class="c002">THE BELOVED OF HATHOR +AND THE SHRINE OF THE +GOLDEN HAWK. ❦ BY +FLORENCE FARR AND +O. SHAKESPEAR. <span style="float:right;">❦ ❦</span></p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> +<div class="nf-center c003"> + <div><span class="small">ALL COPYRIGHTS AND ACTING RIGHTS RESERVED BY THE AUTHORS</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="pbb"> + <hr class="pb c000"> +</div> + +<div class="center-block"> + +<div class="wide-block"> + +<div class="c005"><h1><span class="xlarge">THE BELOVED OF HATHOR, AND +THE SHRINE OF THE GOLDEN HAWK.</span></h1> +<span class="large">BY FLORENCE FARR, AUTHOR OF <cite>THE DANCING +FAUN</cite>, &c., AND O. SHAKESPEAR, AUTHOR OF +<cite>RUPERT ARMSTRONG</cite>, <cite>LOVE ON A MORTAL +LEASE</cite>, &c. <span style="float:right;">❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦</span></span></div> + +</div> + +</div> +<hr class="c006"> +<p class="c005">❦ The action takes place in the first play on the roof +of the Temple of Hathor, and in the second in a cave of +Mount Bakhua, the home of the Metal-working Fire +Magicians near Sinai. But the Authors wish the plays +to be represented, not scenically but decoratively, with +a simple white background or pale sienna hangings, so +arranged that the figures of the actors, moving across +the stage, may reproduce the effect of the ancient frescoes +or illuminated papyri.</p> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> +<div class="nf-center c007"> + <div><i>THE ARGUMENT OF THE BELOVED OF HATHOR.</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c002">❦ The scene is in the Temple of Hathor, at the time of +the expulsion of the Hyksos, about 1500 B.C. Aahmes, +the beloved of Hathor, has for many years been watched +over by her High Priestess, in order that through him +the great spiritual kingdom of Egypt might be restored. +His final choice is between this great destiny and the +mere splendour of material victory.</p> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> +<div class="nf-center c007"> + <div><i>CHARACTERS IN THE BELOVED OF HATHOR.</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Ranoutet</i>, the chief priestess of Hathor, and of royal +blood, aged thirty-five. She wears a long black wig +with a double fillet; a large square of cloth of gold is +wound closely round her figure under the arms; she +also wears a thin striped gauze overdress, an enamelled +and beaded collar, sandals, and armlets. She puts on a +vulture-crown during the war dance.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Nouferou</i>, the daughter of a man of noble rank and +of a wandering woman, who deserted him after the +birth of her child. Nouferou inherits the wild instincts +of her mother. She is seventeen years old. Her dress +is white and gold. The wig is short and surmounted +by a cone and lily.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Aahmes</i>, a warrior chief of the Red Race, afterwards +becomes king. He is in the prime of life. He wears an +embroidered waistcloth over a thin cotton shirt, a cloth +helmet, and carries a spear.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Ouny</i>, a child attendant of the Temple of Hathor. +Dressed in white.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ The Chanters and Musicians do not appear.</p> + +<div class="c007"></div> +<div class="center-block"> +<div class="leaf-block"> +<span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span> +</div></div> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> +<div class="nf-center c007"> + <div><i>THE ARGUMENT OF THE SHRINE OF THE GOLDEN HAWK.</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c002">❦ The scene is in a cave on Mount Bakhua, near +Sinai, about 4000 B.C. Gebuel, the Magician of Fire +and Metals, makes a talisman to Heru in the form of a +Golden Hawk, in the hope of overwhelming the power +of Zozer, King of Egypt, builder of the Step-pyramid at +Sakkara. Zozer finds this out, and sends his daughter, +who is skilled in the sombre mysteries of Isis, to win +for Egypt the Golden Hawk, giver of exultation of +heart.</p> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> +<div class="nf-center c007"> + <div><i>CHARACTERS IN THE SHRINE OF THE GOLDEN HAWK.</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Gebuel</i>, a magician who has earned a great reputation +for power in the brotherhood. He wears a richly +decorated robe of red and gold, sandals, and a conical +headdress with hawks’ eyes on either side of it. His +age is forty-five.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>The Priest of the Floods and Storms</i> wears a +robe and symbolic headdress of blue and green.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>The Priest of the Harvests and Famines</i> is also +dressed symbolically.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Nectoris</i>, daughter of Zozer, King of Egypt, is +dressed as a member of a religious order; her undergarment +and wig are of the ancient Egyptian pattern, +but she is completely veiled in a thick gauze drapery. +She is twenty-six years old.</p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>The Ka</i> has the same kind of dress. She is the +double or other self of Nectoris. The Ka is frequently +represented on ancient frescoes as a smaller figure +walking behind the king or queen. It represents the +subtle body, and supports and strengthens the more +material body.</p> + +<div class="pbb"> + <hr class="pb c000"> +</div> + +<div class="center-block"> + +<div class="h2"> + <h2 class="c008">THE BELOVED OF HATHOR</h2> +</div> + +</div> + +<p class="c009">❦ <i>The play is to be acted against a plain white backcloth +with pale brown hangings on either side, striped +to resemble the decoration of a papyrus roll.</i></p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Ranoutet is lying on a couch with lions’ heads. L., +an altar with cauldron, crown, and incense spoon. A +long fan in corner. Ranoutet holds some lotuses in +Egyptian fashion.</i></p> + +<p class="c002">❦ <i>Ouny enters with a festival basket on her head +containing lotuses and conical loaves.</i></p> + +<div class="c007"></div> +<div class="center-block"> +<div class="leaf-block"> +<span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span> +</div></div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Here are the offerings to the setting sun. (<i>She places offerings on altar and comes + forward.</i>) It is the last many brave men will see.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Has news arrived? Has the great Aahmes carried out his plan? Has our mighty leader drawn + the foes of Egypt into his net?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Lady of wisdom, it is so. They have bidden me tell you that victory comes with the dawn. + The Hyksos, hateful in our land, know nought of our armed men, who lie in wait for them, + by order of great Aahmes, along the road which they will follow to reach our city. + With the dawn the soldiers of Egypt will rise from their hiding places and slay the + Hyksos, and they shall be swept from our land. This is the message of Aahmes to you, O + lady of wisdom.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ouny kneels and touches the earth with her +head. Ranoutet rises and blesses her.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Dear messenger from the greatest in Egypt, may the gods protect you, and may the gods + protect Aahmes, now warrior, priest in future years, the light of all our hearts.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Great Aahmes is indeed a king of men. The leaders of the people love him above all + others. He stands almost as near their hearts as you do, lady.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Ah, yes, he is blessed from his birth. The foretelling of this victory has been long in + our ears; when it comes to pass we of the temple will receive him with great honour. He + is the beloved of Hathor, and her will has been his pleasure. If he can withstand + temptation in the supreme hour of earthly triumph, she will receive him into the great + mysteries.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Can Aahmes still be tempted—Aahmes, the lover of Hathor?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + The hour is at hand which is to try his strength of purpose. The goddess will give + us the victory, that our sacred land may be purged of the people of Asia, who have worked + in her evil and uncleanness; but the soul of Aahmes stands alone in the last trial, and + can know no strength but its own. No name but the name of Aahmes can be invoked; no power + but the power of Aahmes can prevail.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Lady of wisdom, terror pierces me like a spear. Can it be that the goddess will take back + her great gift even after his hands are raised to receive it? Can the goddess turn from + her beloved? and can Aahmes be an outcast from the sanctuary?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + These things are hidden in the heart of Hathor—the heart of mercy and justice. To her + mercy we commend him; to her justice we give him up without fear. O Hathor, great diviner + of beauty, who rulest in those places where desire fails, and the substance of human life + fades and passes into eternal truth; O Hathor, guard thy servant and do well to him.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Will you not aid him, mighty priestess?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + I will do all that is permitted. Bring me the secret mirror and the Lybian wax, the holy + herbs and oil. I will burn incense from all the corners of the world, and I will + have lustral water and the holy wands of power, the sacred Natron essence of the gods, + who alone can purify all shameful things by their touch. With these I will bless great + Aahmes and all his works once more. And I will send up an incantation in the hour of + battle, before which all the dreadful gods of Asia shall be bound because their + worshippers have made our land unclean with going to and fro.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny goes, saluting and muttering the formula</i>,</span> + I go in peace; may peace go with me!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ranoutet puts on a crown bound with Urcari +snakes and faces the place of the sun. She pours +out a libation.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + O Ra Toum, thou enterest the kingdom of our Lady of the West beyond the holy mountain + Mannu amid flaming orisons. Thou fallest into peace between the guardian serpents who are + on either side of thee. Thou art one with the sun-disk in the West, and its powers have + their place behind thee. Thy way divides the heavens, and the gods of the North and the + South bow before thee. I, too, bow before thee, O creator of the gods; before thee who + art king over the souls dwelling in the circle of thy path. The blessed one receives + thee into the deep shadows of her embrace as thou enterest into the mountain of the West.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She burns incense. Ouny returns with a +magic mirror, wax, cymbals, and serpent wands. +Ranoutet takes beeswax and begins to model it +into shape.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Voice outside.</i></span> + Will the great priestess Ranoutet receive the warrior chief Aahmes?</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ranoutet hastily takes off the ceremonial +crown, and directs Ouny to cover the altar, and +goes out. She re-enters, after Ouny has done +what is necessary, followed by Aahmes carrying +Nouferou. Ranoutet helps him lay her on the +couch.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + Her heart is silent, she has seen men slain.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + She seems of noble birth; how is it that she went unattended?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + The gods alone can tell. She is the Lady Nouferou. I found her helpless in the hands of + ruffians far from her home. Her father’s palace is an hour’s journey hence. I cannot take + her there to-night, and I come to ask you to shelter her.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + She is known to you?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + I have fought under her father’s leadership; and she was still a child when I last + feasted at his palace. How she came to this adventure I can in no way tell.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ranoutet restores Nouferou. Nouferou recovers +and holds out her hands to Aahmes, not seeing +Ranoutet.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i> (<i>to Aahmes, who kneels by her side</i>).</span> + You killed men for my sake. Oh, I am afraid! I see their hideous faces like beasts of + prey! their claws clutch at my heart! Oh, save me from this horror!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She throws herself into his arms.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>with anxiety</i>).</span> + Are the dead men still lying in the street?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + I had no eyes to see what the crowd did with them.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>crosses to the door</i>).</span> + I will send mourners to give notice of the dead. Until they have been purified no help + can come to Lady Nouferou. (<i>Exit muttering</i>) I go in peace; may peace go with me!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Where am I? Who is that stern-faced priestess?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes</i> (<i>rising</i>).</span> + She is the great Priestess Ranoutet, of the blood royal—the wisest of the devotees. She + is so near the hearts of the gods that they will do all things at her behest, and + Egypt has never known famine, plague, or defeat since she first served them; and when the + war is over and the new dynasty established she will be queen.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i> (<i>sadly</i>).</span> + She will be queen and you will be king. She can choose no other consort.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + No man may dare desire such a fate unless the gods decree it.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i> (<i>walks across</i>).</span> + Ah, no! I was forgetting. Love is not love among the priests. I was forgetting the fierce + laws of the gods, who stand between the lovers holding the sceptre of ritual, and at each + cry of nature sternly denying!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + And yet they say that the divine love which is given to the Children of Wisdom, that + their hearts may lie poised between the two infinities of life and death, is greater than + the earthly love, for it is the servant of life and the lord of death. (<i>He sits on the + end of the couch.</i>) But tell me how you left your home and came unattended to the city.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + I was forbidden to leave the palace. My father punishes—punishes like the gods—and stands + always denying me all joy in life. I was a rebel and ran out alone, evading my old nurse. + I longed to see the soldiers and hear the clash of arms, and hear the war chant; for + I am told, before a battle there is a wonderous dance no woman may see, when those about + to die deliver up their souls to <a id="tn-maut"></a>Maut, the Vulture-Mother and Avenger.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + Hush, these are mysteries of which none may speak.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + I burn for knowledge, for the freedom of a bird upon the wing. I am weary of the speech + of the wise, who have not wisdom; who would tell me that Egyptian women must always be + discreet and secret. I hear crying in me the blood of my mother, who was no Egyptian, but + a wanderer. It spoke in her, and she listened to its wooing as to a lover; and she + forsook my father, and, leaving me with him, she came back no more.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + Do you forget what fate awaited the wanderer?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + A short life my mother had. I, too, would live here for a little while, then go to join + the shining spirits outside the walls of heaven. I do not desire old age and ugliness in + Egypt, nor the great wisdom of the gods in heaven. To be always beautiful and young is + enough.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Aahmes rises, works round the back to R.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><a id="tn-muttering"></a><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>re-enters, muttering</i>).</span> + I come in peace; may peace come with me. (<i>Comes forward.</i>) The rites for the + slain are being carried out. Rest now, Lady Nouferou, and let the little Ouny fan you and + call about you your own attendant spirits; for the spirits of the dead have passed to + their own place.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + I am well; I need no rest.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>firmly</i>).</span> + Rest, Lady Nouferou.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nouferou lies on the couch, and Ouny fans +her with long feather fan.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes</i> (<i>to himself</i>).</span> + It were easy to die young, and live among the golden nets of heaven—to die and drift like + the Hammametu dancing in the rays of the sun—to have neither thought nor human care, nor + the stress of human life.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Do you forget Egypt, Aahmes? Would you have the destiny of those formless souls, whose + little light flickers through the one short life they know, and then the rest is + darkness? Is it in vain you have become part of your country, dedicated to her tradition; + dedicated for ever to her destiny? Egypt has claimed her son, and Egypt is no + foster-mother whose claim can be put lightly aside. There is no choice for her + worshippers, for to fail in her service means death to the soul.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + Ah! Ranoutet, I know the terror of the second death, and my heart is Egypt’s! My heart + longs for Egypt! As I have fought for Egypt in the past, so I will live for Egypt in the + future! Is not such service easy when she speaks to me through you, the greatest + priestess within the memory of the most ancient scribes? Give me your blessing, for we + have to do great work to-night.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Let us go into the sanctuary together, for Hathor has heard my invocation. She will + receive you as her minister. After the battle fought for Egypt comes the enlightenment. + Then comes the supreme vision. This flesh shall fall from you. You shall be no more the + warrior of Egypt, but shall know yourself to be the Lord of Space and Being! Your soul + shall tremble and rejoice at her own image looming out of the darkness of what you now + call life! The light of the world shall be revealed to you amid the clash of the worlds + which shall own you their master, O lord of that which has no end and no beginning!</p> + </div> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> + <div class="nf-center"> + <div><i>A Priest chanting without.</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Flame round my crown the fiery snakes</div> + <div class="line">About me and around.</div> + <div class="line">The chantress sings, the sistrum shakes,</div> + <div class="line">In symphony of sound.</div> + <div class="line">Fire from the gods a lightning makes,</div> + <div class="line">Earth’s thundrous depths resound.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Accept the portent and receive the <a id="tn-ye1"></a>Yeoiret crown.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Aahmes kneels and is crowned by Ranoutet.</i>)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">To thee the earth, to thee the power,</div> + <div class="line">The life and strength be given!</div> + <div class="line">The scarab rests upon the flower!</div> + <div class="line">The veil of the shrine is riven!</div> + <div class="line">The stars are falling, for the hour</div> + <div class="line">Sounds when the earth meets heaven.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + You hear the sacred hymn. The moment is propitious. Come to the shrine of the goddess. + To-night the battle for your soul must be fought and won!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Aahmes follows her out. In the meantime +Nouferou has been watching them intently. She +springs up and seizes the child, gazing intently +into its face as she speaks.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Ouny, Ouny, do you love me?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Yes.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Listen now, Ouny; my little Ouny. Do you love me very much?</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She takes it in her arms.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Yes.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i> (<i>covers it with kisses</i>).</span> + Now tell me how much you love me.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + I think you a very pretty lady.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i> (<i>laughs and clasps the child</i>).</span> + Quick! now tell me what is the ceremony the great Priestess Ranoutet performs to-night. + Tell me, where will it take place?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Here.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Tell me, will she make images of the enemies of Aahmes, and so contrive by her magical + arts that Aahmes shall overcome the hateful Hyksos?</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ouny nods.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Will she make a mighty image of Aahmes and small images of the Hyksos, and will she place + the foot of Aahmes on their heads, and will she place nooses round their necks, and give + the cords into the hands of Aahmes, that he may hold their lives in the hollow of his + hands?</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ouny nods again.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Fetch me some sacred wax, dear little Ouny, and I will help in the ceremony. I am well + skilled in magic, and would gladly aid the mighty priestess in these simple arts.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny</i> (<i>rises and goes to the covered altar</i>).</span> + All things await the Lady Ranoutet. There is much wax, and I will light the fire; it + will help you to do the work more quickly.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>The child lights the cauldron from the lamp +which Ranoutet brings in with her. Ranoutet +returns wearily. It is dark. She sinks on couch +in profound thought.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Lady, I have some simple skill in magic, and if you work to-night in the sacred Libyan + wax, I pray you let me help you. I long to try, and in some measure repay the noble + warrior chief.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>carelessly</i>).</span> + Hush! I am thinking. Anything you will. But I must rest in peace, to be ready for work at + the hour of battle. The soldiers have performed the sacred dance: the final preparations + are going on: they are stealing silently out of the town to reinforce the leading troops, + which even now surround the Hyksos. Aahmes will lead the attack at dawn; and dawn will be + the signal for the watchers of the night!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Sleep, lady, and I will mould the waxen images. One, half a cubit high for Aahmes; and + two, one finger’s breadth in height to represent the Hyksos leaders.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + That is the right proportion. I thank you for your service.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Goes out with lamp, which Ouny gives her, +in opposite direction to main entrance.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i></span> + (<i>takes wax and gives a small portion of it to Ouny</i>). Go, child, and make two + little images of the hideous Hyksos chiefs: copy them from the walls in the great court + of the Temple and bind them with cords. Then sit at the foot of the stairs and play your + psaltery softly, and I will call you when your mistress wakes.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + Thanks, noble lady! I go in peace; may peace go with me! (<i>Goes out.</i>)</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nouferou takes cauldron of fire; and wax. +She kneels by the altar and models the form of +a man; as she does so she says</i>:—)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Nou protect thy hair!</div> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Ra protect thine eyes!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Soft music begins.</i>)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Anubis protect thy lips!</div> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Isis protect thy neck!</div> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Selket protect thy body!</div> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Neith protect thine arms!</div> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Nut protect thy legs!</div> + <div class="line">O noble Aahmes, may Ptah protect thy feet!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"> </span> + I mould thee, Knoume moulds thee in beauty and strength, and nourishes thee in the fields + of the blessed! Heart of Aahmes, thou art the dwelling of the creator of Aahmes. + What thou doest, he will do; what thou lovest, he will love!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She places statue on altar, and slowly moves +round it, waving her arms. She stands before +the wax image and chants</i>:)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, follow me</div> + <div class="line">Where the poppy fields are white.</div> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, sleep the sleep</div> + <div class="line">Deep with dreams of love’s delight.</div> + </div> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, follow me</div> + <div class="line">Where there shines a hidden star.</div> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, turn thy feet</div> + <div class="line">Where the golden dreamings are.</div> + </div> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, follow me</div> + <div class="line">To the magic fields of sleep.</div> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, pluck the flower</div> + <div class="line">That it work a spell more deep.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Dances round the altar, then says</i>:)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, I am love,</div> + <div class="line">Calling loudly in thy heart.</div> + <div class="line">Aahmes, Aahmes, I am love;</div> + <div class="line">Never more shall I depart.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny</i> (<i>running in</i>).</span> + I must awake the noble Ranoutet. Great Aahmes is below.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Hush! I will awaken her. Go you and bid him enter.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ouny goes out. Nouferou puts out the fires. +It gets very dark. Aahmes enters, and she meets +him.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + The Priestess Ranoutet bid me watch that none disturbed her body, while she, in sleep, + sought counsel of the great Ancestral One, the ancient power that watches over Egypt.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + No matter—I came drawn by some desire—I would speak to you, I know not why.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i> (<i>puts out brazier</i>).</span> + Come rest a little, you cannot start till dawn. Your senses wander for want of sleep. Sit + here. (<i>Business. She presently walks round him, humming the air of the incantation + softly, and moving her arms as in the dance.</i>)</p> + </div> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Sleep, Aahmes, sleep and dream. (<i>He sleeps.</i>)</div> + <div class="line">Dream, Aahmes, dream and love. (<i>He gazes at her.</i>)</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She kneels on the end of the couch.</i>)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Love, Aahmes, love and live.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>He holds out his arms.</i>)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Live, Aahmes, live and dream.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She flings herself into his arms.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes</i> (<i>embracing her</i>).</span> + Nouferou!</p> + </div> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> + <div class="nf-center"> + <div>(<i>Men-at-arms chanting: the sound of marching troops.</i>)</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Gather the men-at-arms! the battle breaks,</div> + <div class="line">The weary waiting days are over.</div> + <div class="line">Let each man rush to battle as a lover.</div> + <div class="line">The dawn with clarion note awakes.</div> + <div class="line">Crowned with her radiance on our earth we stand,</div> + <div class="line">Tried warriors of a sacred land,</div> + <div class="line">Which trampling thunder shakes.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ranoutet enters; goes towards the altar; sees +Aahmes and Nouferou on the couch.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>in a loud voice</i>).</span> + Aahmes! the dawn! the dawn!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + What is the dawn to me? My life is here.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Egypt is crying to her son!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + Egypt is here.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ranoutet wrings her hands.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + I am the dawn, and I am Egypt! Beyond the circle of my arms lies the night. I am the + dawn, and I am Egypt! When I speak with my beloved the voices of all the world are + hushed, and he hears me only.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + O Hathor, look upon this image which I hold in the flames, that the spell may fall from + him in whose semblance it is made, and he may be undefiled before thee.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010"><a id="tn-chantcon"></a>(<i>The chant continues.</i>)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Drums batter, cymbals clash, our hearts and feet</div> + <div class="line">Responding to one splendid measure,</div> + <div class="line">Wrapt with the glory of our mighty pleasure!</div> + <div class="line">Standards on high our enemies to greet!</div> + <div class="line">Answering the dawn’s light with our eyes aglow,</div> + <div class="line">Serene and proud and passionate we go,</div> + <div class="line">Treading the pasture sweet.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + The banners are unfurled, standards are raised on high.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + Who is it that cries in the night?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Listen to my voice, O my beloved!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + O Hathor, let the spells woven by this woman dissolve before thee, thou flaming eye of + Heru. Let them fall from thy servant, that he may stand upright and cast them away as the + soul casts away mortality.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She reverses the dance. The chant continues</i>:)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">No man of us can be disheartened now;</div> + <div class="line">Death have we challenged by this trial;</div> + <div class="line">Before the hosts of death we dare denial.</div> + <div class="line">Swift mother of our arms, do thou,</div> + <div class="line">Who gavest us our land and the bright sun,</div> + <div class="line">Give us the perfecting of work begun;</div> + <div class="line">Only to thee we bow.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + The troops are in array!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + What am I dreaming?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + The glamour of the witch-girl is upon you; your eyes are sealed by her kiss. She has + breathed the spirit of her dream into you.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + I am the dawn, and I am Egypt. Sleep on, beloved, for our dreams are a reality and the + world a shadow.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>The chant continues.</i>)</p> + +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">O heart’s blood of remembrance! Long ago</div> + <div class="line">This land upheld our ancient fathers,</div> + <div class="line">And for this land, your land, our land now gathers</div> + <div class="line">One fellowship against the foe.</div> + <div class="line">The spears flash! Be they as your mothers’ eyes.</div> + <div class="line">The trump sounds! Hearken to your fathers’ cries!</div> + <div class="line">March you to battle so!<a id="r1"></a><a href="#f1" class="c012"><sup>[1]</sup></a></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes</i></span> + (<i>starting away while Nouferou clings to him</i>). Your eyes are demon’s eyes! Your + arms are chains about my neck! I am lost!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>He shakes her off.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + The spirit of Temptation has awakened in this girl. Through her Hathor has tried your + strength of purpose, and it has failed you. Go now to the battle, and pray to the mercy + of Hathor that she may use your arm to strike the Hyksos, so that you fail not in this + also.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><a id="tn-cries"></a><i>Aahmes</i></span> + (<i>cries</i>) I am lost! I am lost! (<i>As he goes voices outside.</i>) Aahmes! mighty + Aahmes!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><a id="tn-prays"></a><i>Ranoutet</i></span> + (<i>prays</i>). May Aahmes go forth like the panther of the South! May Aahmes go forth + under the ægis of Hathor in the radiance of her light! May Aahmes not forget Egypt, Egypt + the mother of the mighty! May Aahmes remember her in her need, that she may requite him!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span></p> +<div class="lg-container-l c011"> + <div class="linegroup"> + <div class="group"> + <div class="line">Woe, woe unto Egypt for the pain she has wrought!</div> + <div class="line">She has warred against love, and love shall abandon her!</div> + <div class="line">Wisdom is very powerful, but she cannot conquer love!</div> + <div class="line">Wisdom is immortal, but love will destroy her works!</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Silence! before the sacrilege of your speech reaches to heaven and awakes the wrath of + Hathor, which, shaking the four pillars of the world, would crush you into dust. Love + must serve and wisdom rule; but you would put love above all! Your love would have put + out the light that shines from the glory of Egypt, and serve the cause of Egypt’s foes! + You would have shamed Aahmes to all time that love might rule his soul one little hour!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + I would see Aahmes dead—dead and dishonoured before I’d give him up to you, Ranoutet!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Hush, hush! even now the battle begins! (<i>Enter Ouny.</i>) Give me the magic mirror. + (<i>She looks in it.</i>) Aahmes is in his chariot leading the attack. Help me, Ouny.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nouferou sits on the couch with her head bowed.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>to Ouny</i>).</span> + Lay the Hyksos’ chiefs under Aahmes’ feet, and when the sistrum is shaken and the lute is + plucked by the chanters and musicians in the temple court, the Lady Nouferou will help + you wave the holy wands around him, so that the immortal serpents, guardians of our land, + may weave the web of protection round him and round our troops.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Ouny arranges the images as in Egyptian +triumphs described above by Nouferou. Ranoutet +holds out serpent wands to Nouferou, who refuses +with a gesture.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>pleadingly</i>).</span> + To-night the goddess strives with the destroyer for Aahmes’ soul! Think! even now the + Threefold Terror may devour him!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + If Aahmes dies now he is mine—mine on the golden borders of heaven; if he lives he is + yours and Hathor’s.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + If Aahmes dies in sin, faithless to Hathor, his soul must die the second death! + There will be no light life for him on the horizons with you for playfellow.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + I will not believe it!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + That is the law of Hathor. Her servant must be faithful, or he dies body and soul, and + his name is trodden out by the Sebau in the deepest cavern of Duat.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Woe! woe! Desolation, oh desolation! Has Hathor no mercy?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Have you had mercy in your jealous rage? To the battle! to the battle! Do as I do, and + lift up your heart in prayer that Egypt may conquer, and that Aahmes may conquer in his + mortal combat! (<i>pause</i>). And listen to my voice, if Aahmes dies your life shall be + the forfeit! (<i>Seizes her throat.</i>) The traitress has short trial in time of war!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou.</i></span> + Mercy! mercy!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>contemptuously</i>).</span> + Mercy! see that your actions are fit for justice. (<i>The music in the temple court is + heard.</i>) Quick, to the serpent dance! (<i>Holding out the serpent wands.</i>) Here, + take the wands of power and weave the magic cord.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"> </span> + <i>The priests chant outside.</i> <a id="tn-ye2"></a>Yeioret!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nouferou and Ouny perform a dance.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Now call the spirits of the earth and sky!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"> </span> + <i>The priests chant.</i> Yakhu pout! Yakhu taw!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nouferou and Ouny dance.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + Now clash the cymbals (<i>presents them ceremonially</i>), and I will call on the + vultures of death—swift servants of the mother of our arms!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"> </span> + <i>The priests chant.</i> Maut! Maut!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nouferou and Ouny dance and clash cymbals. +Drums, sistrums, and cries of victory rising to +a great clamour without.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nouferou</i></span> + (<i>seizes the image of Aahmes and shrieks</i>). Then let Aahmes die!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She shatters it on the ground and rushes out, +Ouny hastens to replace it.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>sternly</i>).</span> + Go, bring the meaning of this clamour. (<i>Ouny goes.</i>)</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet</i></span> + (<i>gathering together the pieces of the image</i>). This deed brings judgment, for it + shows that the hour is come when the Truth that is eternal and the Truth that is of time + will divide the ways of Aahmes. As the semblance of Aahmes is broken, so shall the soul + of Aahmes be broken, and the victory be to the flesh alone. O Lady Hathor! thou hast + given this deed as a sign and an omen. Nouferou has shattered the semblance of Aahmes, + and has broken up the waters of his soul! They no longer reflect the divine image; + but the troubled fantasies of love and human life. Verily Thy judgments are keen and + sudden as the lightnings in heaven, and the thunders of Thy punishments make the earth + shake in fear! The ways wherein Thou comest and goest are tremendous, and no foot but + Thine may tread them!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny</i> (<i>returning</i>).</span> + Through the crowd I saw the father of Nouferou driving in his chariot with white horses, + and he stopped before the gates of the temple and asked for her, and she came out from + between the gates doing obeisance to him. She is white and tall, and the crowd rejoiced + to see her; but her father had no smile for her, and took her into his chariot and made + his way through the people, the horses plunging and scattering them; and I saw her no + more.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + That is well; let him look to her.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Shouts of</i> Aahmes! <i>outside</i>.)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ouny.</i></span> + The people shout because great Aahmes is in the midst of them. Their voice is like the + hoarse note of the marsh-birds. He comes that you should bless the victory.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Enter Aahmes. Kneels at Ranoutet’s feet.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Aahmes.</i></span> + O Priestess of Hathor, smite me across the mouth that I may be dumb, for I am not + worthy to speak in the temple! Take away my ears from me, that I may no longer hear + the voice of Hathor; that terrible voice which carries judgment: for I have failed in the + great trial.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Ranoutet.</i></span> + This plant of failure, Aahmes, which you have sown, bears a flower which to the outward + seeming is of splendid colour and a sweet smell, and its name is Power. Put it upon your + heart, and be strong to rule our people; but know that such a blossom is arid, and holds + no promise of immortal fruit. Have power and the ruling of the kingdom, but have sorrow + also, and eternal grief; because the doors of Hathor’s sanctuary open to you no more.</p> + </div> + +<div class="curtain"> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> +<div class="nf-center c007"> + <div>SLOW CURTAIN.</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="c013"> +<div class="footnote" id="f1"> +<p class="c002"><span class="label"><a href="#r1">1</a>.  </span>N.B.—This poem is largely quoted from “The Coming of War,” by +Lionel Johnson.</p> +</div> + +<div class="pbb"> + <hr class="pb c000"> +</div> + +<div class="center-block"> + +<div class="h2"> + <h2>THE SHRINE OF THE<br>GOLDEN HAWK.</h2><span style="float:right">❦ ❦</span> +</div> + +</div> + +<p class="c009">❦ <i>The Priest of the Waters is seated. Enter the +Priest of the Harvests.</i></p> + +<div class="c007"></div> +<div class="center-block"> +<div class="leaf-block"> +<span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span><span>❦</span> +</div></div> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + Our Master finishes his work to-night.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Waters.</i></span> + At last! Each day his spirit becomes more charged with lonely suspicion. I doubt + sometimes if this act of faith will bear good fruit for us.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + Do not fear. Gebuel, being a great magician and our master, has promised us the victory. + Even the Majesty of Egypt, whose name shakes our land, is to be overcome.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Waters.</i></span> + Gebuel shall overcome Zozer, the enemy of our arts.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + Hark! did you not hear the distant thunder? Which of us has dared name the king of Egypt + for these many years?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Waters.</i></span> + Pah! He, whom I have named, is the enemy of our arts. When I cursed the land of + Egypt with a great flood, he opened watercourses, and the evil became a good, and the + desert was no longer waste.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + The curse of famine, which I laid upon the land of Egypt, was unavailing. I cursed the + land when he, whom you have named, was using the strength of his people to build the + pyramid of six heights and four sides as a tower of magic; for it is raised above that + chamber which lies empty, hidden deep in the earth, waiting for the divine secret which + is to manifest in its depths and make full its vacancy.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Waters.</i></span> + Curse the king over Egypt, for he has wrought so that our power falls from us.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + Curse the king over Egypt, for he has annulled the ancient law to which all the works of + men have been obedient! He has made bread from the substance of heaven; wherewith he fed + his people when it was my will that they should starve.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Waters.</i></span> + To-night great Gebuel will bless the talisman of Heru, for the power of Heru is supreme: + and if his godhead is on our side, not even the Egyptian himself can work against our + will.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + The fire of Heru will take the form of the Golden Hawk; and his wings shall stretch + out, and he shall hover over the secret place which Gebuel, blessed be he, has made of + precious stones and rare metals. And our ancient glory shall be given to us once more.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Waters.</i></span> + So long as the Golden Hawk is with us, victory is with us.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + Only the taking from us of the Golden Hawk can take victory from us.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel</i> (<i>without</i>).</span> + Ruler of the rivers and the floods, prepare for the coming of the Hawk of the North!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Waters.</i></span> + Here I obey, great Gebuel.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Ruler of the Harvests and the Famines, prepare for the coming of the Hawk of the North!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i></span> + Here I obey, great Gebuel.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Gebuel enters, carrying the enamelled pectoral +of the Golden Hawk.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Let the ruler of the floods and of the storms stand on my right hand.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>The Priest of Waters brings libation vase to +his right.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Let the ruler of the harvest and the famines stand on my left hand.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010"><a id="tn-bringscorn"></a>(<i>The Priest of Harvests brings corn and a cone +of bread to his left.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Take the perfected talisman of the Golden Hawk between your hands while I invoke Heru, + who rests upon the central pillar of the world! Heru, whose four servers uphold the + shining adamantine heavens! Heru, who has sent forth his retinue to the uttermost limits + of the earth, and remains solitary in the midst whilst they wind the magic cord on the + circle of the wheel. Heru, the axletree of flame, the source of the fire of life!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>The priests each hold one side of the pectoral +while Gebuel rests his hands on their shoulders +and prays.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + O Ancient, before all time! Supreme Ruler over the work of That Mighty Countenance which + speaks the Word of Life! Pour thy golden fire into this Golden Hawk now coming into + being. I have made thee in the image of the mountain hawk which thou hast chosen to be + thy symbol because of his fearless eye, which alone can affront the eye of heaven. Thou + hast commanded, and I have made thy visible image in unchanging gold. May thy chosen ones + rejoice in its presence, feeling the spirit of peace resting upon them. (<i>Removes his + hands from the shoulders of the priests.</i>) Lift the bolt of the doors of the sanctuary.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Priests go out. Gebuel holds the pectoral on +high. Priests return.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Priests.</i></span> + It is done, mighty one.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Gebuel stands before the door. The priests +kneel on either side of him.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Hail in the holy place of thine Epiphany, solitary one! O thou who restest on the star in + the centre of the Northern heavens! That star which alone is immovable. Thou art the + celestial abode of our god, Star of the North! Divine Hawk, hovering in the blue night, + dark as lapis lazuli! Immovable eye, in the midst of the wheel of the stars, send down a + ray from thy splendid solitude upon this hawk—image of thee, thou solitary one, resting + upon the empty air, immovable as thou art in the midst of heaven. Let the <a + id="tn-priest"></a>Priest of the Harvest and the Famine do homage before Heru! (<i>He + prostrates himself.</i>) Let the Priest of the Floods and the Storms do homage before + Heru! (<i>He prostrates himself.</i>) Hail, Hawk of Gold! I give thy symbol into thine + own keeping. Hail to thee, resting over the Star of the North!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Veils himself and enters the sanctuary. The +priests rise and replace their symbols upon the +altar.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"> </span> + <a id="tn-poh"></a><i>The Priest of Harvests.</i> So long as Heru in the form of the + Golden Hawk is hidden within the shrine, victory is hidden between our hands.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"> </span> + <a id="tn-pow"></a><i>The Priest of Waters.</i> The Golden Hawk is hidden within the + shrine; and victory is hidden between our hands.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Gebuel re-enters trembling. The priests support +him.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + I am stricken by his eyes; I am stricken by the eyes of Heru.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>They lead him to the seat.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel</i> (<i>staring in front of him</i>).</span> + The Star of the North shines beyond the open gates; but some strong hand holds me back. I + have a strange knowledge of one coming—whose coming will bring darkness. (<i>Tries to + stand.</i>) I cannot stand. Close the doors quickly. Drop the bolt. (<i>This is + done.</i>) Bring me the sweet-smelling fire that I may breathe it and find strength. + (<i>They burn incense. He gradually recovers.</i>) Bring me the stones of wisdom, that I + may understand this portent. (<i>They bring two stones.</i>) Let the secret be read and + the sign given. Speak! let me know the riddle. (<i>He holds the stones to his ears. He + says to the priests</i>) Leave me, for the answer is adverse. There is a secret evil even + at the doors of this holy place. Go cleanse yourselves with rites till I summon you + again before me. (<i>The attendant priests go out.</i>) O Heru, dost thou demand that a + victim should be sacrificed? How have I unwittingly sinned against thee? Thou sayest, + “One must be made desolate.” Someone is to be made desolate.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nectoris knocks outside.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Who is there?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + A wanderer.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + There is food and shelter for all a little to the westward of this place.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I ask no food for the body. I come to feed the soul on wisdom. (<i>Gebuel opens the + door.</i>) Hail to you, guardian of the mysteries.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010"><a id="tn-manner"></a>(<i>She salutes him in the Egyptian manner.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + What wisdom do you seek?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + The wisdom of the Golden Hawk.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Who told you of this place?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + In my dreams I went into the forest where the bronze and gold serpents coil like flames + amid the leaves, and they made me wise with great sayings, and the spirits of power + passed into my spirit; for the forest was the forest of knowledge. But when I held the + image of the Hawk exalted on the standard of the crossed pole before the serpents, + they paled and grew dim in the presence of a strength greater than theirs; and as I + looked the wood became silent and empty, and the creatures of the wisdom, which is of + time, faded away.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + The serpent is wisdom from the beginning of time, but the Golden Hawk is poised in the + immensities between that which has been and the revelation of the last secret.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Even so. I saw before me the Hawk brooding with spread wings in space beyond the worlds, + in the midst of the network of the stars; and as its wings moved they fanned the golden + denseness of the air, and sparks arose and came and went like luminous winged creatures.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + They are the flames of life.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I saw three towers rising from the head of the bird like a great crown, and from them + sprang the souls of the heroes.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Even so. This is one of the greater mysteries.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + From the wings and the heart sprang the souls of the workers, who make beautiful all they + touch.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + The heart is the kindling will of the golden one.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + From the feet of the bird came the workers of less skill and cunning, and these make the + foundations of the works of beauty, and drift onwards, without the inspiration and the + kindling fire.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Where did you learn to discern these mysteries, my daughter?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Since my childhood I have lived among strangers in a place of dreams. I have wandered + from land to land searching for wisdom. I have but the sombre knowledge born of time, + which is shattered before the final ecstacy. Now my footsteps have brought me to you, O + great magician.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel</i> (<i>kindly</i>).</span> + You are welcome.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I have been guided by some star that smiled on my nativity, which was darkened until this + day in obedience to a wisdom higher than its own.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Why did you seek for me?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Your spirit springs from the triple crown. You alone can fill my soul, hungering for + satisfaction in that wisdom which is beyond, hidden behind the veil. (<i>Gebuel sighs, + feeling conscious of his own difficulties. He is genuine in his interest in + Nectoris.</i>) Will you not let me follow you one step beyond the threshold of the golden + sanctuary?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + O child of the serpent wisdom, do you not know that no mortal may look upon the face of + Heru and live? Only after the purifications of long silences, long fasts, and constant + uplifting of the heart, may one born of the human race purge himself of the perishable + substance of the life we know, and exchange it for the imperishable essence of the + shining ones. Only after such rites have been performed may you hope to pass through the + closed doors of the sanctuary.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris</i> (<i>with passion</i>).</span> + Let me but look upon the door.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + The door is there—your first duty is to keep vigil. But beware of the brightness hidden + in the heart of the shrine. To look upon it is to be blind; to be enfolded by its heat is + to pass through fires too potent for any human soul.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I will keep vigil.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + You are rash! being young, and do not know that there is a wisdom before which the sun + pales and the stars are put out.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Let me begin the vigil that it may be the sooner ended!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + To watch from this day until your span of earthly life is ended would not be long enough. + Be warned, let the shut door remain closed.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Father of Wisdom, put me to the test. I will endure all hardships.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + No hardship is before those who worship Heru. I ask nothing but obedience to my warning. + Keep vigil before the door of the sanctuary; the bolts are easy, the secret of secrets is + within, but remember the light of flame brings desolation. You are warned.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris</i> (<i>as if in a dream</i>).</span> + “The light shines forth and leaves you desolate.”</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel</i> (<i>suddenly becoming suspicious</i>).</span> + The words that were spoken to me out of the stones! Desolate—one to be made desolate! + Where have you heard those words?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + They passed through the air as you were speaking.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + The warning is given for the second time! To you the unseen spirits are not dumb. How + have you this power?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Great Master, I am but a little child in the presence of your wisdom. I come not to show + that I have knowledge, but to gain it by your aid. I have heard the voices of the unseen + ones since I was a child, and taken no thought of it.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Gebuel claps his hands. The priests enter.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Set guards about the door, and see that none go in or out this day.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>The priests salute and go out.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel</i> (<i>sardonically</i>).</span> + The secret of all knowledge is within the shrine. The vigil must be long. You will be + alone for many hours, and none will enter in to disturb you. Have courage!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Your look upon me is heavy and cold as stone. O Master, do you deny me the wisdom of the + Golden Hawk, for which I ask in all humility?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Again I say the secret is within the shrine. Keep vigil!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I am afraid! Your face has become like a mask of stone. The human face is hidden behind + it. I am afraid!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + The secret is within the shrine. Keep vigil till I come again. (<i>He goes.</i>)</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris</i> (<i>shrieks</i>).</span> + This terror kills me! (<i>She throws off her veil.</i>) Spirit of Zozer my father, I call + on you for help! My flesh fails—I cannot move, Father in thy magic shrine, save me! + Father in thy magic shrine, reign over me! Father in thy magic shrine, pour thy will into + me, for I am powerless alone! Spirit of Zozer my father, help thy child!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>She sinks on the floor. The Ka glides in and +covers herself with the veil.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Ka.</i></span> + Look upon me. I am with you. You have begun well, and are worthy of your + inheritance. Do not fail now. Have you forgotten your father’s words?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Sister of my soul! they are in my heart for ever.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Ka.</i></span> + Speak them.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + He said, a Golden Hawk has been fashioned by the magicians of Mount Bakhua, and will be + hidden by them in a sanctuary. Its capture would bring joy and great knowledge to Egypt. + If you, a woman wise with the serpent wisdom, should gain that sanctuary and bring back + the amulet, I will give the throne of Egypt to you and to your daughters for ever; that + honour may be paid to the woman of splendid courage. And no man shall reign over Egypt, + in his own right, from that day.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Ka.</i></span> + So he swore to you. You know what is within this shrine; enter and take the Golden One + for your people.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + The face of the Guardian was terrible when he left me, as though he knew I were tempting + the gods to my ruin. Can a mortal look on that hidden brightness and live?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Ka.</i></span> + You are not mortal. The pure essence of the gods, whereof your spirit is made, is but + veiled with a gossamer of substance. Have not we, O my sister soul, passed together + through the flames which cleanse us from mortality? Have I not stripped you naked of that + mortal flesh, which gives terror to the whirl of time and to the immensity of the abyss, + when your mortal heart died in you, and your spirit dared greatly in those spaces beyond + knowledge?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I will cast out trembling from my heart in this hour, and take the strong soul which no + passion can shake; that I may enter into the shrine and win the Golden One for my people + and the throne of Egypt for myself and my daughters.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Ka.</i></span> + Egypt is great and skilled in august mysteries; and to reign over her and to follow her + wisdom is to become equal with the gods; and when the last mysteries are won, even + greater than they. Kneel with me, that we may together call the powers forth from their + hidingplace, for the great Heru is not without us. We shall find him in ourselves.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1">(<i>They kneel.</i>)</span> + O thou whose wings cover the earth! cover the body of thy servant, that she may find the + living flame within herself, and enter without fear before thee! O Hawk of the North, + whose secret places are paved with fire which consumeth time and the substance thereof! + bless the feet of thy servant that she may pass unscathed to thy throne. O Heru, + whose eye pierces the earth and the heavens, bless the eyes of thy servant that she may + look upon thee and live. O Heru, on whose brow lies the weight of wisdom, bless the brow + of thy servant, that she may bind upon it the triple crown of glory; and that she may win + the wisdom of the Golden Hawk, and give it to her people.</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nectoris rises and enters the shrine. The Ka +looks after her.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Ka.</i></span> + The bolts are lifted and the doors turn in their sockets. She kneels, and fear wraps her + round as a grey garment. O sister, let the light of Heru pierce you. She rises, and her + fear is rent upon her as lightning rends the flesh. She is clothed in the cold fires of + the Northern Star. She flings her arms to the air, and a wild joy is in her heart. The + spirit and the flesh wrestle for victory, for she has yet some part in what is mortal. + She cannot breathe—she speaks at last!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris</i> (<i>within</i>).</span> + Let my feet move now in triumph to the music of the worlds beyond space, where thy mighty + heart beats out the rhythm, making the worlds to fall and rise in their order, and the + stars to follow in their courses! I am drunk with conquest, and I shake the sistrum + and dance with my naked feet unscathed upon thy golden floor! And the measures I dance + are to me as the movement of a great army which has scaled the awful walls of thy + majesty, and taken the fortress of thy wisdom!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>The Ka.</i></span> + She moves in the dance as one who sees a splendour which is beyond the eye of man. Her + limbs shine in the nimbus of the Hawk of Glory. She is more golden than the talisman upon + her breast. She is here! (<i>Dances.</i>) She is around me! (<i>Dances.</i>) Her + substance is not mortal! (<i>Dances.</i>) She is around me; the flames sweep over me, and + the shadows of time pass away! (<i>Dances.</i>) Nectoris, my sister soul, the victory is + won! (<i>Dances, and passes into the shrine.</i>)</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel</i> (<i>enters and looks round</i>).</span> + Yet another vigil broken! Heru has chosen his victim. He has called her into the shrine + that he may slay her. One more mortal light put out by the light of the gods!</p> + </div> + +<p class="c010">(<i>Nectoris appears at the door of the shrine, +radiant, looking younger and full of exultation. +The amulet is on her breast.</i>)</p> + + <div class="dl_1"> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + You are not slain before the face of Heru?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I am not slain!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + How have you, being unveiled, looked upon his face?</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I look unharmed upon the face of the god because his eyes are my eyes, and his power is + my power, his spirit is my spirit. I am an Egyptian and mistress of the mysteries. I have + become one with Heru, for I have eaten of his substance and I have drunk of his spirit, + and I am henceforth ruler of the holy places. Whoso is made one with the gods makes their + holy places desolate, and himself becomes their sanctuary; and his being is greater than + theirs, being made of their own substance. For he has devoured their mystical rites and + symbols, he has swallowed their shining forms, he has eaten the power and wisdom of every + god, and the period of his life is eternity!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Let the presence of Heru seal your blasphemous lips!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Yes, you are in the presence of the Flame of Life. I, a woman of Egypt, have been chosen + to pierce this mystery, and have entered into the shrine of the Golden One, and his fires + have not burned, neither has his eye wounded me. The wise sister of my spirit enfolded me + in safety, and gathered about me the shining garment of Heru. Enter in, O magician, + and look upon the place of flame. Enter into the empty shrine which has yielded its + treasure to me. The Golden Hawk is on my breast as a sign. Heru has put his finger upon + me and marked me for his own, and I am Egypt. I go to my own country that I may sit on + the throne and give wisdom and exultation of heart to my people.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Desolation has fallen upon me! I am myself the victim of Heru. Verily it is true, “In his + shining I have seen darkness, and the light of mine eyes has been put out.” You are + stronger than I; the amulet of the god lies upon your heart and does not strike you dead. + You have won it; let your triumph be enough. Give me back my Golden Hawk, which I have + made of the imperishable substance of the earth!</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + I carry the Golden Hawk to my father, wise and beautiful Zozer, builder of the pyramid of + six heights and four sides, that he may place it in the secret sanctuary under the bolt + of granite that will answer to the touch of his finger, but takes the strength of a + hundred men to lift.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + Daughter of Zozer, wise and beautiful, let the spirit of your victory remain with you, + and give me back my image of the god; that I, who am less than you, may see and + worship with mine eyes, which may only look upon the god in his semblance.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + You can follow Heru into Egypt, O magician, and so long the secret lord of this place! + Your day is darkened. Come with your god into Egypt, and serve him in that new land which + is thirsty for him; you shall see the dawn again when his light rises in a great country, + and you shall teach his wisdom.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + And if I follow you, will it be to forsake this shrine which I have made of precious + stones and metals, each stone with its own secret?—in chrysoprase the secret of vision, + in amethyst the inner fire of the soul, in chrysolyte the secret of seership, in lapis + lazuli the hidden wisdom, and in cornelian the secret of ritual.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Nectoris.</i></span> + Bring the dwellingplace of Heru with you, for it is sacred; and you are the master of + these things. And my people shall hold you in high honour, and your works shall live + after you, wrought in amethyst and in cornelian, in chrysoprase and in chrysolyte, and in + lapis lazuli. Bring the shrine of Heru, for his spirit goes before. And put chains on the + necks of your priests, and bend their wills to the will of the great one who rules + in Egypt, that there may be no more floods or famines in the land.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Gebuel.</i></span> + O wearer of the Golden Hawk! Daughter of Zozer of whom prophecy has spoken! Daughter of + Zozer, builder of the pyramid of which the six heights are the steps of wisdom, I follow + you, and my priests shall follow you; we are the victims upon his altar. Is not the + dwelling of Heru my dwelling? and shall not the shrine of Heru be the eternal + resting-place of my spirit? I follow you, O great among women, for you are the will of + Heru made manifest.</p> + <p><span class="dl_1"><i>Chorus of Priests.</i></span> + Immovable in heaven, we adore thee. Heru, Hawk of Gold, we adore thee.</p> + </div> + +<div class="curtain"> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> +<div class="nf-center c007"> + <div>CURTAIN.</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<p class="c009"><span class="small">NOTE.—It is interesting to point out that the final ecstasy of Nectoris +is quoted thought for thought from the earliest Egyptian texts which have +yet been discovered. Just as the Modern World has come to think of Heaven +as a state rather than as a place, so we learn from these texts that the +wise men of the Ancient World had gone a step farther, and knew the gods +to be states and not persons.</span></p> + +<div class="pbb"> + <hr class="pb c000"> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter id003"> +<img src="images/printer-logo.jpg" alt="Logo for F. F., printer, Croydon" class="ig001"> +</div> + +<div class="pbb"> + <hr class="pb c000"> +</div> +<div> + +<p class="c001"></p> + +</div> +<div class="transcribers-notes"> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> + <div class="nf-center"> + <div><span class="xlarge">Transcriber’s Notes</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class="c009">The text uses the terms “<a href="#tn-ye1">Yeoiret</a>” and “<a href="#tn-ye2">Yeioret</a>” once each. These are likely supposed to be the same, but since it was not clear which was correct, they have been left as printed.</p> + +<p class="c002">Itemized changes from the original text:</p> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> + <div class="nf-center"> + <div>In <i>The Beloved of Hathor</i>:</div> + </div> +</div> + + <ul class="ul_1"> + +<li>Changed “Mout” to “Maut” in line: <a href="#tn-maut">Maut, the Vulture-Mother</a></li> +<li>Adjusted final punctuation in stage direction: <a href="#tn-muttering">(<i>re-enters, muttering</i>).</a></li> +<li>Supplied missing opening parentheses in stage direction: <a href="#tn-chantcon">(<i>The chant continues.</i>)</a></li> +<li>Added period after stage direction: <a href="#tn-cries"><i>Aahmes</i> (<i>cries</i>).</a></li> +<li>Added period after stage direction: <a href="#tn-cries">(<i>As he goes voices outside.</i>)</a></li> +<li>Added period after stage direction: <a href="#tn-prays"><i>Ranoutet</i> (<i>prays</i>).</a></li> + </ul> + +<div class="nf-center-c1"> + <div class="nf-center"> + <div>In <i>The Shrine of the Golden Hawk</i>:</div> + </div> +</div> + + <ul class="ul_1"> +<li>Supplied missing opening parentheses in stage direction: <a href="#tn-bringscorn">(<i>The Priest of Harvests brings corn....</i></a></li> +<li>“Priests” changed to “Priest” in line: <a href="#tn-priest">Let the Priest of the Harvest and the Famine do homage before Heru!</a></li> +<li>“<i>Priest of the Harvests.</i>” changed to “<i>The Priest of Harvests.</i>” to match other occurrences before line: <a href="#tn-poh">So long as Heru in the form of the Golden Hawk....</a></li> +<li>“<i>Priest of the Waters.</i>” changed to “<i>The Priest of Waters.</i>” to match other occurrences before line: <a href="#tn-pow">The Golden Hawk is hidden within the shrine....</a></li> +<li>Adjusted final punctuation in stage direction: <a href="#tn-manner">(<i>She salutes him in the Egyptian manner.</i>)</a></li> + </ul> + +</div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76242 ***</div> + </body> + <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.57e (with regex) on 2025-03-11 17:26:57 GMT --> +</html> + diff --git a/76242-h/images/cover.jpg b/76242-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1499e70 --- /dev/null +++ b/76242-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/76242-h/images/printer-logo.jpg b/76242-h/images/printer-logo.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1d5b4f7 --- /dev/null +++ b/76242-h/images/printer-logo.jpg diff --git a/76242-h/images/title-block.jpg b/76242-h/images/title-block.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..99d3f3a --- /dev/null +++ b/76242-h/images/title-block.jpg |
