"Ere the moon is hidden behind yonder palm-tree. . ."
"Verily? And Rameses will live long yet?"
"I know not. . . It may be that they are already bearing his ring unto thee."
At this moment the ministers entered with the edicts made ready.
"Chamberlain," cried Horus, clutching at his hand, "if I should die forthwith, wouldst thou fulfil my commands?"
"Mayst thou live, O Horus, unto thy grandsire's age!" answered the chamberlain. "But if straightway after him thou wert to stand before the judgment of Osiris, thine every edict should be accomplished, if only thou touch it with the sacred ring of the Pharaohs."
"The ring!" repeated Horus, "But where is it?"
"Once there was among the courtiers," whispered the captain of the host, "who told me that mighty Rameses is even now breathing his last."
"I have sent unto my deputy," added the high priest, "that so soon the heart of Rameses cease to beat, he shall remove the ring."
"I thank you," said Horus. "I am sorely stricken . . . ah, how sorely. But nevertheless I shall not utterly perish. I shall bequeath blessing, peace, happiness unto the people. and. . . my Berenice will regain freedom. . . Will it be long now?" he asked of the physician.
