that thrusts their husbands on them. Keep her unwed, Mother. Though it
should cost her her throne, still I say let her not be cast into the
arms of one she hates. Protect her in her trial, if such should come;
and if strength fails and the gods desert her, then hide her in the web
of the magic that you have, and preserve her undefiled, for so shall I
bless your name for ever."

"You fly at a rare bird, Rames, and there are many stronger hawks about
besides that one you slew; yes, royal eagles who may strike down the
pair of you. Yet I will do my best, who have long foreseen this hour,
and who pray that before my eyes shut in death, they may yet behold you
seated on the throne of your forefathers, crowned with power and with
such love and beauty as have never yet been given to man. Now hide that
ring upon your heart and your secret in it, as I shall, lest you should
return no more to Egypt. Moreover, follow your royal Star and no other.
Whatever counsel she may have given you, follow it also, stirring not to
right or left, for I say that in that maiden breast of hers there dwells
the wisdom of the gods."

Then holding up her hands over his head as though in blessing, Asti,
too, turned and left him.



So Rames went and was no more seen, and by degrees the talk as to the
matter of his victory over the Prince of Kesh, and as to his appointment
by the whim of the maiden Queen to command the splendid embassy of
atonement which she had despatched to the old King, the dead man's
father, died away for lack of anything to feed on.