“Great is the mystery of our fates, my son.  Some there be who tell us that we are but bubbles born of the stream to be swallowed up by the stream, clouds born of the sky to be swallowed up by the sky, the offspring of chance like the beasts and the birds, gnats that dance for an hour in the sunlight and are gone.  But I believe it not, who hold that the gods clothe us with this robe of flesh for their own purpose, and that the spirit within us has been from the beginning and eternally will be.  Therefore I love not life and fear not death, knowing that these are but doors leading to the immortal house that is prepared for us.  The royal blood you have came to you 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: