ousand as profit, and captives and a hundred
thousand yearly tribute from newly conquered regions. After that,"
concluded the prince, "we could reckon with the priesthood!"

Ramses was excited. Still reflection came to him,

"But if Egypt was unable to wage a victorious war against Assyria?" His
blood boiled at this question. "How Egypt? Why should Egypt not trample
Assyria, when he appeared at the head of its armies, he a descendant of
Ramses the Great, who had hurled himself single-handed on the Hittite
war chariots and scattered them."

The prince could understand everything save this, that man might
conquer him and that he could not snatch victory from the greatest
enemy. He felt in himself endless daring, and he would have been
astounded if any enemy whatever had not fled at sight of his steeds in
full onrush. Did not the gods themselves stand on the war-chariot of
the pharaoh to defend his shield and smite with heavenly bolts his
enemies?

"But what did this Hiram say to me about gods?" thought the prince.
"And what will he show me in the temple of Astaroth? We shall see."

CHAPTER XXXI

THE old man kept his promise. Every day to the prince's palace in Pi-
Bast came crowds of slaves and long rows of asses bearing wheat,
barley, dried meat, woven stuffs, and wine. Phoenician merchants
brought gold and precious stones under inspection of Hiram's
assistants.

In this manner the heir received in the course of five days the hundred
talents promised. Hiram accounted a lower per cent to himself, one
talent for four, in a year. He asked no pledge, but was satisfied with
the receipt of the prince, certified before a tribunal.

The needs of the court were satisfied bountifully. Three favorites of
the viceroy received new robes, a number of special perfumes, and
female slaves of various colors. The servants had abundance of food and
wine, the pharaoh's laborers received arrears of pay, unusual rations
were issued to the army.

The court was delighted, the more since Tutmosis and other noble
youths, at the command of Hiram, received rather large loans, while the
nomarch of Habu and his higher officials received costly presents.

So feast followed feast and amusement amusement, though the heat
increased always. Seeing this general delight, the viceroy was
satisfied. He was troubled, however, by the bearing of Mefres and other
priests. Ramses thought that those dignitaries would reproach him for
having become s