Perchance, if I should die without issue, although you are not all royal, although there flows in your veins a blood that Egypt hates; although you could plot the murder of your lord and king, it may be well that when I am gone you should fill my place, for you are brave and of the ancient race on one side, if base-born on the other.

But I am not yet dead, and children may still come to me.

Abi, will you be a prisoner until Osiris calls me, or will you swear an oath ?" "I will swear an oath," answered the Prince hoarsely, for he knew his shame and danger.
"Then kneel here, and by the dreadful Name swear that you will lift no hand and plot no plot against me.

Swear that if a child, male or female, should be given to me, you will serve such a child truly as your lord and lawful Pharaoh.

In the presence of all this company, swear, knowing that if you break the oath in letter or in spirit, then all the gods of Egypt shall pour their curse upon your head in life, and in death shall give you over to the everlasting torments of the damned." So, having little choice, Abi swore by the Name and kissed the sceptre in token of his oath.
It was night.