Men's plans,
though the best, are not always in accord with the natural course of
things."

"I have seen such changes and their result, holiness," answered
Pentuer.

"At certain temples various trials have been made at curing the sick,
teaching children, rearing cattle, cultivating plants, and reforming
men, and the following has happened: When they gave a lean and lazy man
good food, and rest every seventh day, the man became sturdy, willing
to work, and he dug more land than before. A laborer who receives wages
is more cheerful and does more work than a slave, even though beaten
with whips of iron. Well-nourished people have more children than
hungry and overworked ones; the children of free men are healthy and
strong; those of slaves are fragile, gloomy, inclined to stealing and
to lying. Men have convinced themselves that land tilled by its owner
gives one half more grain and vegetables than land tilled by captives.

"I will tell a most curious thing to thee, holiness: When they play on
musical instruments to ploughmen, the men and the oxen work better,
more quickly, and tire themselves less than when there is no music. All
this has been verified at our temples."

The pharaoh smiled.

"I must," said he, "have music on my lands and in the quarries. But if
the priests convince themselves of such wonders as Thou art relating,
why act as they do on their own estates?"

Pentuer dropped his head.

"Because," replied he, sighing, "not all priests are sages, not all
have noble hearts."

"That is it!" exclaimed the pharaoh.

"And now tell me, Thou who art a son of earth tillers, and knowest that
among priests there are fools and rioters, tell me, why Thou art
unwilling to serve me in a struggle against the priesthood? Thou
knowest that I cannot improve the lot of the working man unless first I
teach the priests obedience to my orders."

Pentuer wrung his hands.

"O lord," replied he, "a struggle with the priesthood is godless and
dangerous. More than one pharaoh began it, and was unable to finish."

"Because he was not supported by sages like thee!" burst out Ramses.
"And, indeed, I shall never understand why wise and honest priests bind
themselves to a band of rogues, such as the majority of this class
are."

Pentuer shook his head and began slowly, "During thirty thousand years
the sacred order of priests has nursed Egypt and made the country the
wonder of the world, which it is at present. And how have t