never-healing wounds experienced happiness since the
pharaoh commanded to release them for the space of three days from
their labor.

Ramses XIII might feel proud and well satisfied, for no pharaoh in time
of triumph was received as he on his peaceful journey. So, nomarchs,
scribes, and high priests, seeing this boundless attachment of the
people, bent before the pharaoh and whispered,

"The people are like a herd of bulls, and we like prudent ants. Hence
we will honor our new lord so that he may enjoy health and protect us
from ruin."

In this way the opposition of dignitaries, very strong some mouths
earlier, had grown silent and yielded to boundless obedience. The whole
aristocracy, all the priests, fell on their faces before Ramses XIII;
Mefres and Herhor alone were unshaken.

Hence when the pharaoh returned from Sunnu to Thebes the chief
treasurer brought unfavorable news the first day to him.

"All the temples," said he, "refuse credit, and beg most obediently
that thou, holiness, command to pay in the course of two years all sums
which they have lent the treasury."

"I understand," said the pharaoh; "this is the work of holy Mefres. How
much do we owe them?"

"About fifty thousand talents."

"We have to pay fifty thousand talents in two years," repeated the
pharaoh. "Well, what more?"

"The taxes come in very slowly. During three months we have received
barely one-fourth of what is due us."

"What has happened?"

The treasurer was anxious.

"I have heard," said he, "that some people have explained to earth-
tillers that during thy reign they are not to pay taxes."

"Oh! ho!" cried Ramses, laughing. "Those 'some people' seem to me very
like the worthy Herhor. Well, what is this; does he want to kill me
with hunger? How can we meet current expenses?"

"At Hiram's command the Phoenicians lend us," answered the treasurer.
"We have received from them eight thousand talents already."

"But do ye give them notes?"

"Notes and mortgages," sighed the treasurer. "They say that this is a
simple formality. Still they settle on thy lands, and take what they
can from the people."

Delighted with the reception given him by the people and the obedience
of magnates, the pharaoh was not even angry at Herhor and Mefres. The
time of auger had passed, the moment of action had come, and Ramses
formed his plan that very day. He summoned for the morrow those in whom
he had most reliance: the high priest Sem, the p