Yaouma. Peace, child.
Zaya [to Delethi] One thing is certain, someone must go upon the sacred barge?
Delethi. Without the sacrifice the Nile would not overflow, and all the land would remain barren.
Hanou. And the corn would not sprout, nor the beans, nor the maize, nor the lotus.
Delethi. And all the people would perish miserably.
Hanou. So that she who dies, sacrificed to the Nile, saves the lives of a whole people. That is a better thing, Nagaou, than to make one man's happiness.
A pause.
Yaouma [to herself] Perhaps.
Hanou. And on the appointed day one is borne from the house of the god to the Nile, surrounded by all the dwellers in the town.... The Pharaoh—health and strength be unto him!...