Wedding of the Sisters
Knew him to be a priest of Hator, whose robe was embroidered
Down all its trailing expanse with figures of pipes and of tambours.
Down all its trailing expanse with figures of pipes and of tambours.
Poised on a bull-like neck, his head rose straight and defiant.
Jewels a-many he bore on his youthful arms, and he chanted
Low, while his teeth shone white and the temple rang with his laughter:
"I, merry Hator's priest, who have sipped till the close of the evening
Wine sweet as ever was drunk in Thebes, the opulent city,
Now have a tickling desire to eat here my supper untroubled,
Toasting my loaf at the embers that glow on the altar of Isis.
Sit, that we may divide it like brother and sister, my darling!
Then, timid child, thou shalt give me thy lips for a kiss to repay me."
Jewels a-many he bore on his youthful arms, and he chanted
Low, while his teeth shone white and the temple rang with his laughter:
"I, merry Hator's priest, who have sipped till the close of the evening
Wine sweet as ever was drunk in Thebes, the opulent city,
Now have a tickling desire to eat here my supper untroubled,
Toasting my loaf at the embers that glow on the altar of Isis.
Sit, that we may divide it like brother and sister, my darling!
Then, timid child, thou shalt give me thy lips for a kiss to repay me."
Blushing red with shame and terror, the maiden pushed from her
Sidewise the loaf that he broke so calmly over the fire.
Frantic with haste, she caught from the altar utensils a bell then,
Sidewise the loaf that he broke so calmly over the fire.
Frantic with haste, she caught from the altar utensils a bell then,
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