CHARACTERS
The Pharaoh
The High Priest
Rheou
Satni
Pakh
Sokiti
Bitiou, the dwarf
Nourm
The Steward
The Exorcist
A Priest
The Paralyzed Youth
The Man with the Bandaged Head
The Two Sons of the Mad Woman
Mieris
Yaouma
Kirjipa
Zaya
Delethi
Nagaou
Hanou
Nahasi
Sitsinit
Mouene
Nazit
The Young Woman
The Mother
The Blind Girl
Five Mourners
The Scene is laid in Upper Egypt during the Middle Empire.
ACT I
Scene:—The first inner court of the house of Rheou. At the back between two lofty pylons the entrance leading up from below. Through the columns supporting the hanging garden which stretches across the back can be seen the Nile. A high terrace occupies the left of the scene. Steps lead up to it, and from there to the hanging garden. Along the side of the terrace a small delicately carved wooden statue of Isis stands on a sacrificial table. On the right is the peristyle leading to the inner dwelling of Akhounti. The bases of the columns are in the form of lotus buds, the shafts like lotus stems, the capitals full blown flowers. In the spaces between the columns are wooden statues of the gods.
Delethi is playing a harp. Nagaou dances before her. Nahasi is juggling with oranges, while Mouene sits watching a little bird in a cage. Yaouma reclines on the terrace supporting her head on her elbows and gazing out at the Nile. Zaya is beside her. On a carpet Sitsinit, lying flat upon her stomach with a writing box by her side, is busy painting an ibis on the left hand of Hanou, who lies in a similar attitude.
Sitsi. Did you not know? She, on whose left hand a black ibis has been painted, is certain of a happy day.