irst time in his long and glorious
reign, honours it with his presence here to-day. As he said to me but
now, my royal brother is weak and aged with sickness, nor can we hope
that once his visit is ended, he will return again to the White-walled
City. But as it chances the gods have given him a boon which they denied
for long, the lovely daughter who shares his throne, and who, as we
believe and pray, will reign after him when it pleases him to ascend
into the kingdom of Osiris. Yet, my friends, it is evil that the safe
and lawful government of Egypt should hang on one frail life. Therefore
this is the toast to which I drink--that the Queen Neter-Tua, Morning
Star of Amen, Hathor Strong in Beauty, who has rejected so many suitors,
may before she departs from among us, find one to her liking, some
husband of royal blood, skilled in the art of rule, whose strength and
knowledge may serve to support her woman's weakness and inexperience in
that sad hour when she finds herself alone."

Now the audience, who well understood the inner meaning and objects of
this speech, rose and cheered furiously, as they had been schooled to
do, emptying their cups to Pharaoh and to Tua and shouting:

"We know the man. Take him, glorious Queen, take him, Daughter of Amen,
and reign for ever."

"What do they mean?" muttered Pharaoh, "I do not understand. Thank them,
my daughter, my voice is weak, and let us begone."

So Tua rose when at length there was silence and, looking round her
with flashing eyes, said in her clear voice that reached the furthest
recesses of the hall:

"The Pharaoh, my father, and I, the Queen of the Upper and the Lower
Lands, return thanks to you, our people of this city, for your loyal
greetings. But as for the words that the Prince Abi has spoken, we
understand them not. My prayer is that the Pharaoh may still reign in
glory for many years, but if he departs and I remain, learn, O people,
that you have naught to fear from the weakness and inexperience of your
Queen. Learn also that she seeks no husband, nor when she seeks will she
ever find one within the walls of Memphis. Rest you well, O people and
you, my Uncle Abi, as now with your good leave we will do also."

Then, turning, she took her father by the hand and went without more
words, leaving Abi staring at his guests while his guests stared back at
him.

When Tua had reached the pylon tower, where she lodged, and her ladies
had unrobed her and gone, she