IMHOTEP. I do remember my faults this day. The Pharaoh was wroth with his servants and put me in ward, both me and the Chief Baker. And we dreamed one night, I and he. And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, and he interpreted to us our dreams. And it came to pass, as he interpreted, so it was. Me thou hast restored to mine office, and the Chief Baker is hanged.
[Movement in the CROWD. All was attentive. The PHAHAOH leans forward.]
IMHOTEP. Behold, this slave is still in prison. I promised to remember him, but I forgat. Let him therefore be sent for, and he will interpret the King's dream aright.
PHARAOH. Have him hither swiftly!
[TEHUTI and four SOLDIERS march out in quick time, at the back.]
MENTHU: [Stepping forward.] The King cannot hearken to this slave!
ANSU. He boweth not to our gods.
IRI. What knoweth he of the stars?
PHARAOH: [Leans down towards the dwarf.] Can'st thou silence these chatterers?
PESBES. I can drown their voices. [He beckons.]
[Enter the MINSTRELS and SINGING-GIRLS, wildly breaking their way through the crowd. A dance.]
[The PHARAOH does not watch the dance; he is lost in gloomy thoughts. Re-enter TEHCTI, bringing on ENENKHET. The dancers disperse, but remain on the stage. TEHUTI and ENENKHET stand before the PHARAOH.]
