"And what ought I to do, my friend, not to lose my kingdom?"
"I have told you many times, Uaenra: be merciful to yourself and others."
"To myself and others? Can one do both?"
"Yes."
"And what do you think, Dio?"
"I think one cannot."
Merira looked at her from under his brows, with mute derision.
"Do you remember, Merira, who it was said: 'I know the day when I shall not be'?" the king asked.
"I remember: the god Osiris."
"No, the man Osiris. It is the will of the Father that the Son should suffer and die for all. Blessed be my heavenly Father! I, too, know the day when I shall not be. It is drawing near—it has come already. Now my kingdom is coming to an end, now fulfil the last will of your king, Merira, son of Nehtaneb, and proclaim to men my decree concerning the false gods and the one true God, whose is the glory for ever and ever!"