King Ramses heard the beauties of Selime, called the rose of Thebes. Enchanted, he disguises himself and goes to see her: he is bewitched by her and has her kidnapped and taken to his palaces, falling madly in love. Prayers are in vain for...See moreKing Ramses heard the beauties of Selime, called the rose of Thebes. Enchanted, he disguises himself and goes to see her: he is bewitched by her and has her kidnapped and taken to his palaces, falling madly in love. Prayers are in vain for the heart of Selime, who loves Ephraim, the shepherd, who, furious with jealousy, attacks the king's life and is put in prison. Now Selim is the arbitrator of Ephraim's fate; if she gives herself to him the shepherd will be free. But Selime disdainfully refuses, and Ramesses loses all hope of love. Then he orders that the shepherd should pick the rose of Thebes, and the wedding takes place with great solemnity. When the bride and groom are called to the palace, a casket is given to Selime by the King: it is the wedding gift. Ephraim opens it and finds there a style stained with blood: it is the weapon with which Ramesses pierced his heart. Written by
Guy Bellinger
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