Part 2 (2/2)
[_The second acolyte moves nearer to the tripod and beats listlessly on his great gong at about the pace of a great clock striking slowly._
FIRST PRIEST: We will importune the G.o.ds as never before.
[_They heap up more herbs and spices. The smoke grows thicker and thicker. It streams upwards. They hover about it as before. At a sign the gong ceases._
The G.o.ds have spoken.
KING: What is their message?
FIRST PRIEST: Drink of the cup upon the Nubian's left.
KING: Ah. My G.o.ds defend me.
[_He seizes the cup boldly. He looks straight at the_ AMBa.s.sADOR, _whose face remains expressionless, merely watching. He lifts the cup upon the Nubian's left a little up from the tray._
[_He glances towards the priests._
[_Suddenly he starts. He has seen a strange expression upon the face of the priest. He puts the cup down. He strides a step nearer and looks at his face._
PRIEST!--Priest!---- What is that look in your eyes?
FIRST PRIEST: O King, I know not. I have given the message of the G.o.ds.
[_The_ KING _continues to search out his face._
KING: I mistrust it.
FIRST PRIEST: It is the message of the G.o.ds.
KING: I will drink of the other cup!
[_The_ KING _steps back to his place in the front of his throne where the Nubian stands beside him. He takes the cup upon the Nubian's right.
He gazes at the priest. He looks round at the Amba.s.sador, but sees nothing in that watchful, expressionless face._
[_He glances sidelong at the priest, then drinks, draining the cup at some length. He puts it down in silence. The face of the Amba.s.sador and the whole bulk of the Nubian remain motionless._
KING: An inestimable wine!
AMBa.s.sADOR: It is the Emperor's joy.
KING: Send for my Questioners.
[_There are weird whistles. Two dark men run on in loin clothes._
Ask these two priests the Seven Questions.
[_The_ QUESTIONERS _run nimbly up to the two priests and lead them away by the arm._
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