out the treasures,
and lay them at the feet of the pharaoh. When their treasures fail, all
their power will be lost to the holy fathers. They will cease even to
work miracles, for to work them gold rings are needed."

The prince turned conversation to other subjects and gave Tutmosis the
sign of withdrawal. When alone, he began to meditate.

He would have been enchanted at the hostile disposition of the nobles
toward the priests, and the warlike instincts of the higher classes, if
the enthusiasm had not broken out so suddenly, and if Phoenicians were
not concealed behind it. This enjoined caution, for he understood that
in the affairs of Egypt it was better to trust the patriotism of
priests than the friendship of Phoenicians. He recalled, however, his
father's words, that Phoenicians were truth-speaking and faithful
whenever truth was in their interest. Beyond doubt the Phoenicians had
a great interest in not falling under control of Assyria. And it was
possible to depend on them as allies in case of war, for the defeat of
Egypt would injure, first of all, Phoenicia.

On the other hand, Ramses did not admit that Egyptian priests, even
when concluding such a harmful treaty with Assyria, thought of treason.
No, they were not traitors, they were slothful dignitaries. Peace
agreed with them, for during peace their treasures grew, and they
increased their influence. They did not wish for war, since war would
raise the pharaoh's power, and impose on them a grievous outlay.

So the young prince, despite his inexperience, understood that be must
be cautious, that he must not hasten, that he must not condemn, but
also that he must not trust too much. He had decided on war with
Assyria, not because the nobles and the pharaoh desired it, but because
Egypt needed slaves and also treasures.

But in making war he wished to make it with judgment. He wished to
bring the priestly order to it gradually, and only in case of
opposition to crush that order through the nobles and the army.

And just when the holy Mefres and Mentezufis were jeering at the
predictions of Sargon, who said that the heir would not yield to the
priests but force them to obedience, the prince had a plan to subject
them. And he saw what power he possessed for that purpose. The moment
to begin the war and the means of waging it he left to the future.

"Time will bring the best counsels," said he to himself.

He was calm and satisfied, like a man who after lo