y most submissive prayer."

But neither in his voice nor his eyes was there submission when,
straightening himself, he continued,

"I have words from the supreme council of high priests."

"Utter them," said the pharaoh.

"It is known to thee, holiness, that a pharaoh who has not received
ordination as high priest cannot perform the highest sacrifices; that
is, dress and undress the miraculous Osiris."

"I understand," interrupted Ramses, "I am a pharaoh who has not
received the ordination of high priest."

"For that reason," continued Mefres, "the supreme council begs thee
submissively, holiness, to appoint a high priest to take thy place in
religious functions."

When they heard these decided words, the high priests and civil
dignitaries trembled and squirmed as if standing on hot stones, and the
generals touched their swords as if involuntarily. The holy Mefres
looked at them with unconcealed contempt, and fixed his cold glance
again on the face of the pharaoh.

But the lord of the world showed no trouble even this time.

"It is well," said he, "that Thou hast reminded me, worthiness, of this
important duty. The military profession and affairs of state do not
permit me to occupy myself with the ceremonies of our holy religion, so
I must appoint a substitute."

While speaking he looked around at the men assembled.

On the left of Herhor stood the holy Sem. Ramses glanced into his mild
and honest face and inquired suddenly,

"Who and what art thou, worthiness?"

"My name is Sem; I am high priest of the temple of Ptah in Pi-Bast."

"Thou wilt be my substitute in religious ceremonies," said the pharaoh,
pointing toward him with his finger.

A murmur of astonishment ran through the assembly.

After long meditation and counsels it would have been difficult to
select a more worthy priest for that high office.

Herhor grew much paler than before; Mefres pressed his blue lips
together tightly and dropped his eyelids.

A moment later the new pharaoh sat on his throne, which instead of feet
had the carved figures of princes and the kings of nine nations.

Soon Herhor gave to the lord, on a golden plate, a white and also a red
crown.

The sovereign placed the crowns on his own head in silence, while those
present fell prostrate.

That was not the solemn coronation; it was merely taking possession of
power.

When the priests had incensed the pharaoh and had sung a hymn to
Osiris, imploring that god to