nd officers of state, behind came
the new Pharaoh and all the great ones of Egypt, while the sounds of
lamentation floated far over the face of the waters. They appeared, they
passed, they disappeared, and when they had vanished Seti wept a little,
for in his own fashion he loved his father.

"Of what use is it to be a king and named half-divine, Ana," he said to
me, "seeing that the end of such gods as these is the same as that of
the beggar at the gate?"

"This, Prince," I answered, "that a king can do more good than a beggar
while the breath is in his nostrils, and leave behind him a great
example to others."

"Or more harm, Ana. Also the beggar can leave a great example, that of
patience in affliction. Still, if I were sure that I should do nothing
but good, then perhaps I would be a king. But I have noted that those
who desire to do the most good often work the greatest harm."

"Which, if followed out, would be an argument for wishing to do evil,
Prince."

"Not so," he answered, "because good triumphs at the last. For good is
truth and truth rules earth and heaven."

"Then it is clear, Prince, that you should seek to be a king."

"I will remember the argument, Ana, if ever time brings me an
opportunity unstained by blood," he answered.

When the obsequies of Pharaoh were finished, Amenmeses returned to
Tanis, and there was crowned as Pharaoh. I attended this great ceremony,
bearing coronation gifts of certain royal ornaments which the Prince
sent to Pharaoh, saying it was not fit that he, as a private person,
should wear them any longer. These I presented to Pharaoh, who took them
doubtfully, declaring that he did not understand the Prince Seti's mind
and actions.

"They hide no snare, O Pharaoh," I said. "As you rejoice in the glory
that the gods have sent you, so the Prince my master rejoices in the
rest and peace which the gods have given him, asking no more."

"It may be so, Scribe, but I find this so strange a thing, that
sometimes I fear lest the rich flowers of this glory of mine should
hide some deadly snake, whereof the Prince knows, if he did not set it
there."

"I cannot say, O Pharaoh, but without doubt, although he could work no
guile, the Prince is not as are other men. His mind is both wide and
deep."

"Too deep for me," muttered Amenmeses. "Nevertheless, say to my royal
cousin that I thank him for his gifts, especially as some of them were
worn, when he was heir to Egypt, by my fathe