Sethos
Oh, may it happen soon!
Nefertiti
(Teasing.) The Gods alone know what may happen, and when. You are my slave. Then, vanish!
Sethos
(Bowing.) Your slave obeys. (Rising.) But your lover will wait among the palm-trees yonder. Menophis may not come. The Gods know what will happen, and it is said the Gods have claimed him for themselves. He is a prize, it seems, that earth and heaven both desire. I have heard rumours. (Moves off lingeringly.) If you need escort back to Memphis your lightest call will reach me.
Nefertiti
Go! I shall not need your escort. My happiness and his are in the keeping of the Gods. Leave me to worship.
Sethos
(With boy’s passion.) Oh, Nefertiti, the wild sweetness of the desert is in your breath! To me you are holy as our sacred River! May the Gods grant you all your heart’s desire. Sethos is your slave for ever—even though his heart should break.