Music. The Pharaoh's procession enters. He is conducted down left where he remains invisible to the spectators. The High Priest mounts his throne. The people prostrate themselves.
High Priest. Ammon is great!
A pause.
The People. Ammon is great!
High Priest. The sanctuary is about to open.
Voices. The stones will roll back! I am afraid! The goddess will appear! We shall behold her! Hush! Hush!
The High Priest lifts his hands to heaven.
A Priest [in the recess, to some men ready to work the ropes, in a low voice] Now!
The men pull the ropes, the stones roll back. The crowd bow themselves flat on the ground. Those who cannot, hide their faces on their arms.
High Priest. Rise! Behold and pray! [A smothered cry of terror rises, women mad with terror are seized with nervous fits. They are carried out] O goddess! Thy people adore thee, and humble themselves before thee!