ments, where letters and information from all parts of the kingdom
awaited him.

Amasis was in the habit of observing most faithfully these
daily-repeated ceremonies and hours of work; the remaining portion of
the day he spent as it pleased him, and generally in cheerful society.

The priests reproached him with this, alleging that such a life was
not suited to a monarch; and on one occasion he had thus replied to the
indignant high-priest: "Look at this bow! if always bent it must lose
its power, but, if used for half of each day and then allowed to rest,
it will remain strong and useful till the string breaks."

Amasis had just signed his name to the last letter, granting the
petition of a Nornarch--[Administrator of a Province]--for money
to carry on different embankments rendered necessary by the last
inundation, when a servant entered, bringing a request from the
crown-prince Psamtik for an audience of a few minutes.

Amasis, who till this moment had been smiling cheerfully at the cheering
reports from all parts of the country, now became suddenly serious and
thoughtful. After long delay he answered: "Go and inform the prince that
he may appear."

Psamtik appeared, pale and gloomy as ever; he bowed low and
reverentially, on entering his father's presence.

Amasis nodded silently in return, and then asked abruptly and sternly:
"What is thy desire? my time is limited."

"For your son, more than for others," replied the prince with quivering
lips. "Seven times have I petitioned for the great favor, which thou
grantest for the first time to-day."

"No reproaches! I suspect the reason of thy visit. Thou desirest an
answer to thy doubts as to the birth of thy sister Nitetis."

"I have no curiosity; I come rather to warn thee, and to remind thee
that I am not the only one who is acquainted with this mystery."

"Speakest thou of Phanes?"

"Of whom else should I speak? He is banished from Egypt and from his
own country, and must leave Naukratis in a few days. What guarantee hast
thou, that he will not betray us to the Persians?"

"The friendship and kindness which I have always shown him."

"Dost thou believe in the gratitude of men?"

"No! but I rely on my own discernment of character. Phanes will not
betray us! he is my friend, I repeat it!"

"Thy friend perhaps, but my mortal enemy!"

"Then stand on thy guard! I have nothing to fear from him."

"For thyself perhaps nought, but for our country! O fathe