and of the Lord our God," answered the prophet, "we have
this to say to you, O Pharaoh. Lift the heavy yoke from off the neck of
the people of Israel. Bid that they cease from the labour of the making
of bricks to build your walls and cities."

"And if I refuse, what then?"

"Then the curse of Jahveh shall be on you, Pharaoh, and with plague upon
plague shall he smite this land of Egypt."

Now a sudden rage seized Meneptah.

"What!" he cried. "Do you dare to threaten me in my own palace, and
would ye cause all the multitude of the people of Israel who have grown
fat in the land to cease from their labours? Hearken, my servants, and,
scribes, write down my decree. Go ye to the country of Goshen and say
to the Israelites that the bricks they made they shall make as aforetime
and more work shall they do than aforetime in the days of my father,
Rameses. Only no more straw shall be given to them for the making of the
bricks. Because they are idle, let them go forth and gather the straw
themselves; let them gather it from the face of the fields."

There was silence for a while. Then with one voice both the prophets
spoke, pointing with their wands to Pharaoh:

"In the Name of the Lord God we curse you, Pharaoh, who soon shall die
and make answer for this sin. The people of Egypt we curse also. Ruin
shall be their portion; death shall be their bread and blood shall they
drink in a great darkness. Moreover, at the last Pharaoh shall let the
people go."

Then, waiting no answer, they turned and strode away side by side, nor
did any man hinder them in their goings. Again there was silence in the
hall, the silence of fear, for these were awful words that the prophets
had spoken. Pharaoh knew it, for his chin sank upon his breast and his
face that had been red with rage turned white. Userti hid her eyes with
her hand as though to shut out some evil vision, and even Seti seemed
ill at ease as though that awful curse had found a home within his
heart.

At a motion of Pharaoh's hand the Vizier Nehesi struck the ground
thrice with his wand of office and pointed to the door, thus giving
the accustomed sign that the Court was finished, whereon all the people
turned and went away with bent heads speaking no words one to another.
Presently the great hall was emptied save for the officers and guards
and those who attended upon Pharaoh. When everyone had gone Seti the
Prince rose and bowed before the throne.

"O Pharaoh," he said,