But to-day thou wast tried and found wanting.
"He who would serve the Gods, Harmachis, must put aside the failings of the flesh.

Taunts must not move him, nor any lusts of man.

Thine is a high mission, but this thou must learn.

If thou learn it not, thou shalt fail therein; and then, my curse be on thee! and the curse of Egypt, and the curse of Egypt's broken Gods! For know thou this, that even the Gods, who are immortal, may, in the interwoven scheme of things, lean upon the man who is their instrument, as a warrior on his sword.

And woe be to the sword that snaps in the hour of battle, for it shall be thrown aside to rust or perchance be melted with fire! Therefore, make thy heart pure and high and strong; for thine is no common lot, and thine no mortal meed.