And there, behold, a tower exceeding tall
Set in a pleasant place; and a great wall
Was round it, and a garden to the north
With many trees. And Setne gave a call:
'Whose is this tower?' And heard an answer: 'Here
Dwells Ta-Buvuë, daughter of the Seer
Of Bast, she who is named The Beautiful.'
And Setne entered and no man was near.
And up the garden ways he went, and cast
His eyes on all and marvelled as he passed:
And Ta-Buvuë came and held his hand
And spoke: 'Now by the Holiness of Bast,
This day is happiness. Come to mine high
Chamber, we two alone amid the sky.'
So up the stair they went, to a cool room
Of turquoise wrought and lapis lazuli.
Couches were there, decked with fair linen strand
Like Pharaoh's couch; and cups of gold did stand
On a great dresser, and a cup of gold
Was filled with wine and laid in Setne's hand.
And Ta-Buvuë said: 'Take wine and meat.'
But he said: 'Love, how could I drink or eat?'
Then in a censer burning gums they brought
And spices rare and unguent for his feet.
Lo, none was like her, none that bore the name
Of woman! And his heart rose like a flame:
'O Ta-Buvuë, let the end be now:
Let us make perfect that for which we came!'
'Is not this house thine own and I thy bride?'
Said she: 'Yet one thing first shalt thou decide.
I am no common woman, but to Bast
Pure, and full-filled of majesty and pride.
Thy present wife put from thee, that no soul
Near me may stand; and write it in a scroll.
And all thy wealth of Priesthoods and of Powers,
With me alone thou shalt divide the whole.'
Said Setne: 'Call a scribe.' And at their call
The scribe came; and he wrote a scroll withal
And cast off Setne's wife; and Setne's wealth,
With Ta-Buvuë did he share it all.