utmosis, observing etiquette
for the first time.

"His holiness is pleased to inquire what thy wish is?" repeated
Tutmosis.

The deceitful Eunana, remaining on his knees, turned toward the
favorite, and said,

"Thou art the ear and eye of the land; Thou givest delight and life,
hence I will answer thee as at the judgment of Osiris: I have served in
the priests' regiment of the divine Isis ten years; I have fought six
years on the eastern boundary. Men of my age are commanders of
thousands, but I am only a centurion. I receive blows of sticks at
command of the god-fearing priests. And why is such injustice done me?
In the day-time I think of books, and at night I read them, since the
fool who leaves books as quickly as a gazelle takes to flight is of low
mind; he is like the ass which receives lashes, like the deaf man who
does not hear, and with whom one must speak with his fingers. In spite
of my love for science I am not puffed up with my own knowledge, but I
take counsel with all, for from each man it is possible to learn
something, and I surround with my esteem worthy sages."

The pharaoh moved impatiently, but listened on, knowing that an
Egyptian considered garrulousness as his duty and the highest honor to
superiors.

"This is what I am," said Eunana. "In a strange house I look not at
women. I give my attendants to eat what is proper, but when my turn
comes I dispute not about the division. I have a face which is
satisfied at all times, and in presence of superiors I act
respectfully. I never sit in the presence of an older man standing; I
am not forward, and without invitation I go not into other men's
houses. I am silent touching that which my eyes see, for I know that we
are deaf to men who use many words.

"Wisdom teaches that the body of a man is like a granary full of
various objects. Therefore, I choose at all times the good that is in
me and express it. I keep the bad shut up in my person. The deceits of
other men I repeat not, and as to that which is committed to me I
always accomplish it in the best manner possible.

"And what is my reward?" finished Eunana, raising his voice; "I suffer
cold, I go in rags, I am not able to lie on my back, it is so beaten. I
read in books that the priestly order rewards valor and prudence.
Indeed! that must have been at some other time, and very long ago. For
the priests of today turn from men of ability and drive strength and
valor out of the bones of officers