t, in whose household I understand the woman dwells. If
it pleases him to surrender her who, I take it, is a witch or a cunning
worker of tricks, to her betrothed and her kindred, let him do so. It is
not for Pharaoh to judge of the fate of private slaves."

The man wheeled round and addressed Seti, saying:

"You have heard, Son of the King. Will you deliver up this woman?"

"Neither do I promise to deliver her up nor not to deliver her up,"
answered Seti, "since the lady Merapi is no member of my household, nor
have I any authority over her. She who saved my life dwells within my
walls for safety's sake. If it pleases her to go, she can go; if it
pleases her to remain, she can remain. When this Court is finished I
give you safe-conduct to appear and in my presence learn her pleasure
from her lips."

"You have your answer; now be gone," said Nehesi.

"Nay," cried the man, "I have more words to speak. Thus say the Fathers
of Israel: We know the black counsel of your heart, O Pharaoh. It has
been revealed to us that it is in your mind to put the Hebrews to the
sword, as it is in the mind of the Prince of Egypt to save them from
the sword. Change that mind of yours, O Pharaoh, and swiftly, lest death
fall upon you from heaven above."

"Cease!" thundered Meneptah in a voice that stilled the murmurs of the
court. "Dog of a Hebrew, do you dare to threaten Pharaoh on his
own throne? I tell you that were you not a messenger, and therefore
according to our ancient law safe till the sun sets, you should be hewn
limb from limb. Away with him, and if he is found in this city after
nightfall let him be slain!"

Then certain of the councillors sprang upon the man and thrust him forth
roughly. At the door he wrenched himself free and shouted:

"Think upon my words, Pharaoh, before this sun has set. And you, great
ones of Egypt, think on them also before it appears again."

They drove him out with blows and the doors were shut. Once more
Meneptah began to speak, saying:

"Now that this brawler is gone, what have you to say to me, Prince of
Egypt? Do you still give me the counsel that you wrote in the roll? Do
you still refuse, as heir of the Throne, to assent to my decree that
these accursed Hebrews be destroyed with the sword of my justice?"

Now all turned their eyes on Seti, who thought a while, and answered:

"Let Pharaoh pardon me, but the counsel that I gave I still give; the
assent that I refused I still refuse, bec