ssyria. Meanwhile the priests, in spite of their wisdom, not
merely do not wish to help me in my measures, but they present
resistance in the most dangerous manner.

"Let me, mother, convince them that not they, but I am the master of my
own heritage. I should not be able to take revenge on the submissive,
but I will trample on the necks of the insolent.

"They know this, but still do not trust, and with a lack of real power
they wish to frighten me by declaring some misfortune. That is their
last resource and weapon. When they understand that I do not fear their
terrors they will submit. And then not a stone will fall from their
temples, or one ring be lost from their treasures.

"I know those men! Today they put on a great front, for I am far from
them. But when I stretch out a bronze fist they will fall on their
faces, and all this confusion will end in general prosperity and
contentment."

The queen embraced his feet and went out comforted, imploring him,
however, to respect the gods and spare their servants.

After the departure of his mother he summoned Tutmosis.

"Tomorrow," said the pharaoh, "my troops will occupy the temples. But
tell the commanders of regiments, let them know that it is my will,
that the holy places must be inviolate, and that no one is to raise a
hand on any priest in Egypt."

"Even on Mefres and Herhor?" inquired Tutmosis.

"Even on them. They will be punished enough when they are put out of
their present positions; they will live in learned temples to pray and
investigate wisdom without hindrance."

"It will be as Thou commandest, holiness though."

Ramses raised his finger in sign that he did not wish to hear
arguments. And then, to change the conversation, he said, with a smile,

"Dost Thou remember, Tutmosis, the maneuvers at Pi-Bailos? Two years
have passed. When I was angry then at the insolence and greed of the
priests, couldst Thou think that I should reckon with them so early?
But poor Sarah and my little son. How beautiful he was!"

Two tears rolled down the pharaoh's cheeks.

"Indeed, if I were not a son of the gods, who are magnanimous and
merciful, my enemies would pass through grievous hours to-morrow. How
many humiliations have they put on me! How often have my eyes grown
dark from weeping!"

CHAPTER LXV

ON the 20th of Paofi Memphis looked as it might during a great solemn
festival. All occupations had ceased; even carriers were not bearing
burdens. The