Nefertiti
Sethos, you heard me. It is the sacred night. The tear of Isis falls into our River when the dusk has passed to darkness. And I must worship.
Sethos
Menophis comes also with the dusk. You meet here every evening; and when he comes I am forgotten. May I not stay and be remembered—till he comes? (Implores.) Your beauty makes me slavish. Out of his plenty he will not miss so little, and I—starve.
Nefertiti
Not now. Sethos, I tell you, go! His coming, as you know, makes the dry desert live for me. I would not have him troubled for so little. He hardly is aware of your existence—as yet. But, should I ever need you—slave——!
Sethos
(Eagerly.) As yet! Need me! Oh, Nefertiti, if you could use me I should die of happiness.
Nefertiti
Then prepare to die, for the time may come.