is predicament? In the Nile there are dangerous places through
which no boat can pass safely; so the wisdom of the helmsmen avoids
deadly whirlpools. It is the same with misfortunes of nations. A nation
is a boat, and an epoch is the river, which at certain periods has
whirlpools. If the frail boat of a fisherman can avoid peril, why
should not millions of people escape under similar conditions?"

"Thy words are wise," replied Beroes, "but I can answer in part only."

"Dost Thou not know all that will happen?" asked Herhor.

"Ask me not touching that which I know, but which I may not disclose at
this moment. Most important in your case is to keep peace for ten years
with Assyria. Ye have power to do that. Assyria still dreads you; she
knows not the juncture of evil fates above Egypt, and desires to wage
war with northern and eastern nations who live near the seacoast. Ye
might, therefore, conclude a treaty today with Assyria."

"On what conditions?" asked Herhor.

"On very good ones. Assyria will yield to you the land of Israel as far
as the city of Akko, and the land of Edom to the city of Elath. So your
boundaries will be advanced ten days march toward the north without
war, and ten days toward the east also."

"But Phoenicia?" inquired Herhor.

"Approach not temptation!" exclaimed Beroes. "If the pharaoh were to
stretch his hand today toward Phoenicia, in a month Assyrian armies
intended for the north and east would turn southward, and a year hence
or earlier their horses would be swimming in your sacred river."

"Egypt cannot renounce influence over Phoenicia," interrupted Herhor,
with an outburst.

"Should she not renounce she would prepare her own ruin," said the
Chaldean. "Moreover, I repeat the words of the highest college: 'Tell
Egypt,' declared the brothers in Babylon, 'to cower to the earth for
ten years, like a partridge, for the falcon of evil fate is watching
her. Tell her that we Chaldeans hate Assyria more than do the
Egyptians, for we endure the burden of its rule; but still we recommend
to the Egyptians peace with that bloodthirsty nation. Ten years is a
short period; after that not only can ye regain your ancient place, but
ye can save us.'."

"That is true!" added Mefres.

"Only consider," continued the Chaldean, "should Assyria begin war with
you, she would involve also Babylon, which hates warfare. War will
exhaust our wealth and stop the labor of wisdom. Even were ye not
defeated your