outhful pharaoh. He is hasty in
anger, but he knows how to be grateful. I have experienced that.

"Every word is an error," interrupted the stubborn Mefres. "First of
all, this prince is not the pharaoh yet, for he has not been crowned in
a temple. Second, he will never be a real pharaoh, since through
contempt he will never be ordained a high priest. And finally, we do
not need his favor, while he needs the favor of the gods, whom he
insults at every step he makes."

Mefres, who had been panting from anger, stopped and began anew,

"He spent a month in the temple of Hator, he listened to the highest
wisdom, and immediately afterward betook himself to the Phoenicians.
What do I say? He visited the idol house of Astarte and took thence a
priestess an offence against all religions. After that he reviled my
piety, in public; conspired with such frivolous minds as his own, and
with the aid of Phoenicians stole state secrets. And when he ascended
the throne I speak incorrectly, when he had barely stood on the first
step of the throne, he tried to make the priests odious; he disturbed
the earth-tillers and the warriors, and renewed vows with his friends
the Phoenicians.

"Dost thou, worthy Herhor, forget all this? And if Thou remember, dost
Thou not understand the dangers which threaten us from this milksop?
Still he has under his hand the rudder of the ship of state, which he
pushes in among rocks and eddies. Who will assure me that this madman,
who yesterday summoned to his presence the Phoenicians, but quarreled
with them today, will not do something to-morrow which will expose
Egypt to destruction?"

"And therefore, what?" inquired Herhor, looking into his eyes quickly.

"This we have no reason to show him gratitude, which would really be
weakness. But since he wants money at once, we will not give him
money."

"But but then what?" inquired Herhor.

"Afterward he will govern the state and increase the army without
money," answered the irritated Mefres.

"But if his famished army wants to rob temples?"

"Ha! ha! ha!" burst out Mefres, but suddenly he grew serious and bowing
said in an ironical tone,

"That pertains to thee, worthiness. A man who for so many years has
directed the state should prepare for such dangers."

"Let us suppose," said Herhor, slowly, "that I can find means against
dangers to the state. But canst thou, worthiness, who art the senior
high priest, provide against insults to the priestly