hot kisses upon my breast, upon my lips. I stood still. I struggled not. I stood like the statue of the goddess. This cold calm of mine seemed to frighten him.
Are you woman?
he asked, hesitating.
Nay,
I hissed back, I am Isis. Woe to them who lay hands upon Isis!
He unloosed. He stood staring at me, and as he stared I saw his face change.
What is in your eyes?
he asked. All the devils in Egypt are looking out of your eyes.
Nay,
I answered, all the devils of hell look out of my eyes. Isis commands the devils of hell and unchains them, O death-clothed king.
What do you mean? What do you mean?
he asked.
That you will learn presently—in hell. Therefore bid farewell to the world, O Corpse of a king!
He glowered at me. He swayed to and fro. Then suddenly down he went like one pierced through the heart with an arrow. There he lay upon his back across the altar staring up at the moon.
Isis is in the moon!
he cried. She threatens me from the moon. Persians, be afraid of Isis the Moon-dweller. Bagoas! Physician! Physician! Bagoas! protect me from Isis. She is wringing my heart with her hands. Witch! Witch! loose my heart from your hands.
Thus he wailed in a horrible voice and these were his last words, for having spoken them he lifted his head, glaring about him with a twisted mouth, then let it fall heavily, rolled to the platform, and was still.
Bagoas and the physician ran to him.
The Curse of Isis has fallen upon the King of kings,
cried Bagoas.
