country would be ruined for a long period. Ye would lose
not only people, but the fertile soil, which would be buried by sand in
the absence of earth-tillers."

"We understand that," replied Herhor; "hence we have no thought of
attacking Assyria. But Phoenicia."

"What harm will it be to you," asked Beroes, "if the Assyrian robber
squeezes the Phoenician thief? Your merchants and ours will gain by
such action. But if ye want Phoenicians, let them settle on your
shores. I am sure that the richest and most adroit of them would flee
from Assyrian conquest."

"What would happen to our fleet, if the Assyrians settled in
Phoenicia?" inquired Herhor.

"That is not your fleet, but the Phoenician," replied Beroes. "When
Tyrian and Sidonian ships are lost to you, ye will build your own, and
exercise Egyptians in navigation. If ye have mind and a practical
character, ye will drive out Phoenician commerce from western regions."

Herhor waved his hand.

"I have told that which was commanded me," said Beroes, "and do ye that
which pleaseth you. But remember that ten evil years are impending."

"It seems to me, holy father," said Pentuer, "that Thou didst speak of
internal troubles which threaten Egypt in the future. What will they
be, if it please thee to answer thy servant?"

"Do not ask. Those are things which ye ought to know better than I, who
am a stranger. Clear sight will discover the disease, and experience
will give the remedy."

"Our working people are terribly oppressed by the great," whispered
Pentuer.

"Devotion has decreased," added Mefres.

"There are many who sigh for a foreign war," began Herhor. "I have seen
this long time that we cannot carry on one, unless ten years hence."

"Then will ye conclude a treaty with Assyria?" inquired the Chaldean.

"Amon, who knows my heart," answered Herhor, "knows how repugnant that
treaty is to me. It is not so long since those vile Assyrians paid us
tribute. But if thou, holy father, and the highest college say that the
fates are against us, we must make the treaty."

"We must indeed," added Mefres.

"In that case inform the priests in Babylon of your decision, and they
will arrange that King Assar shall send an embassy to Egypt. This
treaty, believe me, is of great advantage; without war ye will increase
your possessions. Indeed our priesthood have given deep thought to this
question."

"May all blessings fall on you, wealth, power, and wisdom," said
Mefres.