CHIEF PROPHET
It is better to give worship to the stars than to do good to man. It is better to be humble before the gods than proud in the face of your enemy though he do evil.
KING
Let the stars hearken yet and I will sacrifice a child to them—I will sacrifice a girl child to the twinkling stars and a male child to the stars that blink not, the stars of the steadfast eyes. (To his Spies) Let a boy and girl be brought for sacrifice. (Exit a Spy to the right looking at footprints) Will you accept this sacrifice to the god that the stars have sent? They say that the gods love children.
CHIEF PROPHET
I may refuse no sacrifice to the stars nor to the gods whom they send. (To the other Prophets) Make ready the sacrificial knives.
[The Prophets draw knives and sharpen them.
KING
Is it fitting that the sacrifice take place by the iron door where the god from the stars has trod, or must it be in the temple?
CHIEF PROPHET