om I learned it."

"Then we may believe that you are mistaken, and that some impostor is
fooling you. We will enquire who has devised such a trick, and he shall
be punished! To scorn the voice of the Divinity is a sin, and he who
lends his ear to a lie is far from the truth. Sacred and thrice sacred
is the heart, blind fool, that I purpose to-morrow to show to the
people, and before which you yourself--if not with good will, then by
compulsion--shall fall, prostrate in the dust.

"Go now, and reflect on the words with which you will stir the souls of
the people to-morrow morning; but know one thing--Truth has many forms,
and her aspects are as manifold as those of the Godhead. As the sun does
not travel over a level plain or by a straight path--as the stars follow
a circuitous course, which we compare with the windings of the snake
Mehen,--so the elect, who look out over time and space, and on whom the
conduct of human life devolves, are not only permitted, but commanded,
to follow indirect ways in order to reach the highest aims, ways that
you do not understand, and which you may fancy deviate widely from the
path of truth. You look only at to-day, we look forward to the morrow,
and what we announce as truth you must needs believe. And mark my words:
A lie stains the soul, but doubt eats into it."

Ameni had spoken with strong excitement; when Pentaur had left the room,
and he was alone with Gagabu, he exclaimed:

"What things are these? Who is ruining the innocent child-like spirit of
this highly favored youth?"

"He is ruining it himself," replied Gagabu. "He is putting aside the old
law, for he feels a new one growing up in his own breast."

"But the laws," exclaimed Ameni, "grow and spread like shadowy woods;
they are made by no one. I loved the poet, yet I must restrain him, else
he will break down all barriers, like the Nile when it swells too high.
And what he says of the miracle--"

"Did you devise it?"

"By the Holy One--no!" cried Ameni.

"And yet Pentaur is sincere, and inclined to faith," said the old man
doubtfully.

"I know it," returned Ameni. "It happened as he said. But who did it,
and who told him of the shameful deed?"

Both the priests stood thoughtfully gazing at the floor.

Ameni first broke the silence.

"Pentaur came in with Nebsecht," he exclaimed, "and they are intimate
friends. Where was the leech while I was staying in Thebes?"

"He was taking care of the child hurt by Bent-