Yaouma. 'Tis a pity!
Yaouma. It would have been more beautiful. [A long grave pause] To go in the barge, on the Nile, that too had been more beautiful.
Rheou and the Steward enter
Rheou [agitated] Go in, Yaouma. [To the Steward] Conduct her to her mistress—and make known to her what has passed. [Yaouma and the Steward go out] Satni, terrible news has come to me: the Pharaoh, finding the people's enmity increase against him, has taken fright, and striking first, the blow has fallen on me. My goods are confiscated. I am sent to exile. The palace Chamberlain, but now, brought me the order to quit my house to-day, and deliver myself to the army leaving for Ethiopia.
Satni. Can you do nothing against this order?
Rheou. Yes. I can kill those who gave it.
Satni. Kill!
Rheou. Listen. I bring you the means to win the triumph of your ideas, and at the same time serve my cause. I can arm all the dwellers on my lands. We two must lead them. They will follow you, knowing you all powerful. Nay, hear me—wait. The soldiers, who fear you, will not dare resist us, we shall kill the high priest, the Pharaoh if need be—we shall be masters of Egypt.
Satni. I would not kill.