upon his crown. Take it, man, and set it on your head, and as King of
Kesh ask the hand of Egypt's Queen in marriage. Then who would say you
nay--not Egypt's Queen, I think, or the people of Egypt who hunger for
the rich Southern Land which they have lost."

So she spoke, and as these high words passed her lips she looked so
splendid and so royal that, dazzled by the greatness of her majesty.
Rames bowed himself before her as before the presence of a god. Then,
aware that she was trying him in the balance of her judgment, he
straightened himself and spoke to her as prince speaks to prince.

"Star of Amen," he said, "it is true that though here we are but your
humble subjects, the blood of my father and of myself is as high as
yours, and perhaps more ancient, and it is true that now yonder Amathel
is dead, after my father, in virtue of those who went before us I have
more right than any other to the inheritance of Kesh. Queen, I hear your
words, I will take it if I can, not for its own sake, but to win you,
and if I fail you will know that I died doing my best. Queen, we part
and this is a far journey. Perhaps we may never meet again; at the best
we must be separated for long. Queen, you have honoured me with your
love, and therefore I ask a promise of you, not as a woman only, but
as Queen. I ask that however strait may be the circumstances, whatever
reasons of State may push you on, while I live you will take no other
man to husband--no, not even if he offers you half the world in dower."

"I give it," she answered. "If you should learn that I am wed to any man
upon the earth then spit upon my name as a woman, and as Queen cast me
off and overthrow me if you can. Deal with me, Rames, as in such a case
I will deal with you. Only be sure of your tidings ere you believe them.
Now there is nothing more to say. Farewell to you, Rames, till we meet