There was no spell in the topaz eyes for Rameses. If her
sorcery affected him at all, it won no more than a cursory interest in
her next move.
"The night is too short to recount my reasons," he replied calmly, as
he put her arms away. "But I might point out the snarling cur, Siptah,
for one, and a few other comely lords of Egypt."
"What hast thou done in thy life?" she cried. "I am no more wicked
than thou; thou hast found delight in others beside whom I am all
innocence."
"It may be. Who knows but there is somewhat of the vulture-nostril in
man, tickled with a vague taint? But, even then, the sense is
fleeting, more or less as the natures of men vary. A man hath his
better moments, and how shall they be entirely pure in the presence of
shame? Nay, I would not mate and live for ever with mine own sins."
"Then as thou dost permit her spotlessness to cover her hate, let my
love for thee hide my sins. From the first I have loved thee unasked.
She is all unwon."
"Thou hast said it. She is unwon. But doth the lion prey upon the
carcass? Nay. His kill must be fresh and slain by his own might.
Thou didst stultify thyself by thine instant acquiescence. Come, let
us make an end to this.
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