Say also who brought to you those glorious robes you wear here in this empty temple, and where is your foster-mother, Asti ?" "The gods fed me," answered the Queen gently, "and brought me these robes that I might seem the more worthy of you, O Prince.

And as for Asti, I sent her to Cyprus to fetch a scent they make there and nowhere else.

No, I forgot, it was yesterday she went to bring the scent from Cyprus that now is on my hair; to-day she is in Thebes, seeing to a business of mine.

That is no secret, I will tell it you--it is as to the carving of all the history of his murder and betrayal in the first chamber of the Pharaoh's tomb." Now at these magical and ill-omened words the courage of the company left them, so that they began to walk backwards towards the door, Abi going with them.
"What!" cried the Queen in a voice of sorrow that yet seemed laden with mockery.

"Would you leave me here alone?
Do my power and my wisdom frighten you?
Alas! I cannot help them, for when the full vase is tilted the wine will run out, and when light is set behind alabaster, then the white stone must shine.