"The day is hot, is it not?" asked he. "There are countries where in the month of Mechir white down falls from the sky, it is said; this down in the fire turns to water, and makes the air cold. Oh, Kama, beg thy gods to send me a little of that down, though what do I say? If they should cover Egypt with it, all that down might be turned into water and not cool the heart in me."
"For Thou art like the divine Amon; Thou art the sun concealed in human form," replied Kama. "Darkness flees from that place whither Thou turnest thy countenance, and under the gleam of thy glances flowers blossom."
The prince turned again to her.
"But be compassionate," whispered she. "Moreover, Thou art a kind god, hence Thou canst not be unjust to thy priestess."
The prince turned away again, and shook as if wishing to cast down a burden. Kama looked from beneath her drooping lids at him, and smiled slightly.
When silence had endured too long, she said,
"Thou hast commanded to summon me, Sovereign. Here I am, to hear what thy will is."
"Aha!" said the prince, recovering. "But tell me, O, priestess, aha! who was that who resembled me so closely, the man whom I saw that night in the temple?"
Kama placed a finger on her lips.
"A sacred mystery," whispered she.