d only what was
commanded, and that with unwillingness. Finally, he had convinced
himself that really faithful and loving subjects were to be found only
among the aristocracy, for they were related to the family of the
pharaohs, or were of the noble order, and were grandsons of the men who
had fought under the great Ramses.

In every case those people rallied to the dynasty heartily, and were
ready to serve it with genuine readiness; not like the low people, who
when they had shouted a greeting ran back with all speed to their pigs
and their oxen.

But the chief object of his mission was not explained yet. Ramses not
only did not see clearly causes for the decrease of the royal income,
but he did not know how to formulate this question: Why is there evil,
and how can we correct it? He only felt that the legendary war of the
god Set with Osiris furnished no true explanation, and gave no means of
cure whatever.

But the prince, as the coming pharaoh, wished to have a great income,
like that of former rulers in Egypt. He was boiling with anger at the
very thought that when he had mounted the throne he would be as poor as
his father and perhaps even poorer.

"Never!" cried the prince, balling his fists.

To increase the royal property he was ready to rush sword in hand
against Set and hew that god into pieces, as Set had hewn his own
brother Osiris. But instead of the cruel divinity and his legions he
saw around him ignorance, the desert, and silence.

Under the influence of these struggles with his own thoughts, he seized
once the high priest Mefres.

"Tell me, holy father, to whom all wisdom is familiar, why does the
income of the state decrease, and in what manner can we add to it?"

Mefres raised his hands.

"May the spirit be blessed, worthy lord," cried the priest, "which
whispered such thoughts to thee. Oh, mayest Thou follow in the steps of
mighty pharaohs who built temples in all parts of Egypt, and through
canals and sluices increased the area of fertile land in this country."

The old man was so moved that he fell to weeping.

"First of all," said the prince, "answer what I ask; for how think of
temples and canals when the treasury is empty? The greatest misfortune
has befallen Egypt: its rulers are threatened with indigence. We must
examine this, first of all, and cure it; after that the rest will come
easily."

"This, prince, Thou wilt learn only in temples, at the foot of the
altar," said the h