u from your mother and myself,
but that our lots should have been humble, while yours, mayhap, will be
splendid, does not move me to envy who perchance have been that you may
be. You go forth to fulfil your fortunes which I believe are great, I
bide here to fulfil mine which lead me to the tomb. I shall never see
you in your power, if power comes to you, nor will your triumphant
footsteps stir my sleep.

"Yet, Rames, remember that though you tread on cloth of gold and the
bowed necks of your enemies, though love be your companion and diadems
your crown, though flatteries float about you like incense in a shrine
till, at length, you deem yourself a god, those footsteps of yours still
lead to that same dark tomb and through it on to Judgment. Be great if
you can, but be good as well as great. Take no man's life because
you have the strength and hate him; wrong no woman because she is
defenceless or can be bought. Remember that the beggar child playing in
the sand may have a destiny more high than yours when all the earthly
count is reckoned. Remember that you share the air you breathe with
the cattle and the worm. Go your road rejoicing in your beauty and your
youth and the good gifts that are given you, but know, Rames, that at
the end of it I, who wait in the shadow of Osiris, I your father, shall
ask an account thereof, and that beyond me stand the gods of Justice to
test the web that you have woven. Now, Rames, my son, my blessing and
the blessing of him who shaped us be with you, and farewell."

Then Mermes kissed him on the brow and, turning, left the room, nor did
they ever meet again.

But Asti stayed awhile, and coming to him presently, looked Rames in the
eyes, and said:

"Mourn not. Separations are no new thing, death is no new thing; all
these sorrows have been on the earth for millions of years, and for
millions of years yet shall be. Live out your life, rejoicing if the
days be good, content if they be but ill, regretting nothing save your
sins, fearing nothing, expecting nothing, since all things are appointed
and cannot be changed."

"I hear," he answered humbly, "and I will not forget. Whether I succeed
or fail you shall not be ashamed for me."

Now his mother turned to go also, but paused and said:

"I have a gift for you, Rames, from one whose name may not be spoken."

"Give it to me," he said eagerly, "I feared that it was all but a
dream."

"Oh!" replied Asti scanning his face, "so there wa