Hanou. And when she who is chosen goes forth from the house of the God.... Tell us, Zaya, tell us the manner of her going forth.
Zaya. Three days before the appointed day, in the town and throughout the land, they will begin the preparations for the festival. When the moment comes, the crowd will surge before the temple, guarded by Lybian soldiers. And she, she, the elect, the saviour, will come forth, ringed by the high priests of Ammon in purple and in gold, and aloft on a chariot where perfumes burn, deafened by sound of trumpet and cries of joy, she will behold the people stretch unnumbered arms to her....
All. Oh!
Delethi. And she will be borne to the Nile....
Zaya. And she will be borne to the Nile. She will board the barge of Ammon....
Delethi. And the barge will glide from the bank....
Zaya. And the barge will glide from the bank where all the crowd will bow their faces to the dust. [She stops, greatly moved] And when the barge returns she will be gone.
All [in low tones] And when the barge returns she will be gone.
Zaya. And after two days the waters of the Nile will rise.
All. The waters of the Nile will rise....