Wedding of the Sisters
Massive its clapper of gold, with handle carven of amber
Brought by seamen of Sidon from regions of uttermost Thule.
Hollowly now in the lonely depths of the temple resounded
Four quick metallic blows, like wing-beats close to each other.
Harshly the great doors ground and sandals hurriedly pattered,
White-robed priestesses came from stairway and passage; amazed, they
Saw there the priest of Hator. But bitterly spoke the high priestess,
Eldest among them all, the ninety-year Bent-Amenemma:
"This is the sin predestined. In Isis' presence our sister
Stood with a man. In Isis' presence now must she be offered!
Sevenfold more than the sin the offering demanded, and therefore
Six more, the youngest, I doom to fall by the knife as atonement."
Therewith she felt for and drew a knife, but a thunderous wind-gust
Blew out the altar-flame. The trembling, terrified sisters,
Huddling close together, their prayers and formulas muttered.
Brought by seamen of Sidon from regions of uttermost Thule.
Hollowly now in the lonely depths of the temple resounded
Four quick metallic blows, like wing-beats close to each other.
Harshly the great doors ground and sandals hurriedly pattered,
White-robed priestesses came from stairway and passage; amazed, they
Saw there the priest of Hator. But bitterly spoke the high priestess,
Eldest among them all, the ninety-year Bent-Amenemma:
"This is the sin predestined. In Isis' presence our sister
Stood with a man. In Isis' presence now must she be offered!
Sevenfold more than the sin the offering demanded, and therefore
Six more, the youngest, I doom to fall by the knife as atonement."
Therewith she felt for and drew a knife, but a thunderous wind-gust
Blew out the altar-flame. The trembling, terrified sisters,
Huddling close together, their prayers and formulas muttered.
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