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diff --git a/5449-h/5449-h.htm b/5449-h/5449-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e4f2d35 --- /dev/null +++ b/5449-h/5449-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,25158 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + A Romance of Ancient Egypt, by Georg Ebers + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Uarda, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Uarda, Complete + A Romance Of Ancient Egypt + +Author: Georg Ebers + +Release Date: October 16, 2006 [EBook #5449] +Last Updated: August 25, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UARDA, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + A ROMANCE OF ANCIENT EGYPT + </h1> + <h3> + FROM THE HISTORICAL ROMANCES OF GEORG EBERS + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Georg Ebers + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated from the German by Clara Bell + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + DEDICATION. + + Thou knowest well from what this book arose. + When suffering seized and held me in its clasp + Thy fostering hand released me from its grasp, + And from amid the thorns there bloomed a rose. + Air, dew, and sunshine were bestowed by Thee, + And Thine it is; without these lines from me. + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF2"> + PREFACE TO THE FIFTH GERMAN EDITION. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0003"> <big><b>U A R D A</b></big> </a><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + In the winter of 1873 I spent some weeks in one of the tombs of the + Necropolis of Thebes in order to study the monuments of that solemn city + of the dead; and during my long rides in the silent desert the germ was + developed whence this book has since grown. The leisure of mind and body + required to write it was given me through a long but not disabling + illness. + </p> + <p> + In the first instance I intended to elucidate this story—like my + “Egyptian Princess”—with numerous and extensive notes placed at the + end; but I was led to give up this plan from finding that it would lead me + to the repetition of much that I had written in the notes to that earlier + work. + </p> + <p> + The numerous notes to the former novel had a threefold purpose. In the + first place they served to explain the text; in the second they were a + guarantee of the care with which I had striven to depict the + archaeological details in all their individuality from the records of the + monuments and of Classic Authors; and thirdly I hoped to supply the reader + who desired further knowledge of the period with some guide to his + studies. + </p> + <p> + In the present work I shall venture to content myself with the simple + statement that I have introduced nothing as proper to Egypt and to the + period of Rameses that cannot be proved by some authority; the numerous + monuments which have descended to us from the time of the Rameses, in fact + enable the enquirer to understand much of the aspect and arrangement of + Egyptian life, and to follow it step try step through the details of + religious, public, and private life, even of particular individuals. The + same remark cannot be made in regard to their mental life, and here many + an anachronism will slip in, many things will appear modern, and show the + coloring of the Christian mode of thought. + </p> + <p> + Every part of this book is intelligible without the aid of notes; but, for + the reader who seeks for further enlightenment, I have added some + foot-notes, and have not neglected to mention such works as afford more + detailed information on the subjects mentioned in the narrative. + </p> + <p> + The reader who wishes to follow the mind of the author in this work should + not trouble himself with the notes as he reads, but merely at the + beginning of each chapter read over the notes which belong to the + foregoing one. Every glance at the foot-notes must necessarily disturb and + injure the development of the tale as a work of art. The story stands here + as it flowed from one fount, and was supplied with notes only after its + completion. + </p> + <p> + A narrative of Herodotus combined with the Epos of Pentaur, of which so + many copies have been handed down to us, forms the foundation of the + story. + </p> + <p> + The treason of the Regent related by the Father of history is referable + perhaps to the reign of the third and not of the second Rameses. But it is + by no means certain that the Halicarnassian writer was in this case + misinformed; and in this fiction no history will be inculcated, only as a + background shall I offer a sketch of the time of Sesostris, from a + picturesque point of view, but with the nearest possible approach to + truth. It is true that to this end nothing has been neglected that could + be learnt from the monuments or the papyri; still the book is only a + romance, a poetic fiction, in which I wish all the facts derived from + history and all the costume drawn from the monuments to be regarded as + incidental, and the emotions of the actors in the story as what I attach + importance to. + </p> + <p> + But I must be allowed to make one observation. From studying the + conventional mode of execution of ancient Egyptian art—which was + strictly subject to the hieratic laws of type and proportion—we have + accustomed ourselves to imagine the inhabitants of the Nile-valley in the + time of the Pharaohs as tall and haggard men with little distinction of + individual physiognomy, and recently a great painter has sought to + represent them under this aspect in a modern picture. This is an error; + the Egyptians, in spite of their aversion to foreigners and their strong + attachment to their native soil, were one of the most intellectual and + active people of antiquity; and he who would represent them as they lived, + and to that end copies the forms which remain painted on the walls of the + temples and sepulchres, is the accomplice of those priestly corrupters of + art who compelled the painters and sculptors of the Pharaonic era to + abandon truth to nature in favor of their sacred laws of proportion. + </p> + <p> + He who desires to paint the ancient Egyptians with truth and fidelity, + must regard it in some sort as an act of enfranchisement; that is to say, + he must release the conventional forms from those fetters which were + peculiar to their art and altogether foreign to their real life. Indeed, + works of sculpture remain to us of the time of the first pyramid, which + represent men with the truth of nature, unfettered by the sacred canon. We + can recall the so-called “Village Judge” of Bulaq, the “Scribe” now in + Paris, and a few figures in bronze in different museums, as well as the + noble and characteristic busts of all epochs, which amply prove how great + the variety of individual physiognomy, and, with that, of individual + character was among the Egyptians. Alma Tadelna in London and Gustav + Richter in Berlin have, as painters, treated Egyptian subjects in a manner + which the poet recognizes and accepts with delight. + </p> + <p> + Many earlier witnesses than the late writer Flavius Vopiscus might be + referred to who show us the Egyptians as an industrious and peaceful + people, passionately devoted it is true to all that pertains to the other + world, but also enjoying the gifts of life to the fullest extent, nay + sometimes to excess. + </p> + <p> + Real men, such as we see around us in actual life, not silhouettes + constructed to the old priestly scale such as the monuments show us—real + living men dwelt by the old Nile-stream; and the poet who would represent + them must courageously seize on types out of the daily life of modern men + that surround him, without fear of deviating too far from reality, and, + placing them in their own long past time, color them only and clothe them + to correspond with it. + </p> + <p> + I have discussed the authorities for the conception of love which I have + ascribed to the ancients in the preface to the second edition of “An + Egyptian Princess.” + </p> + <p> + With these lines I send Uarda into the world; and in them I add my thanks + to those dear friends in whose beautiful home, embowered in green, + bird-haunted woods, I have so often refreshed my spirit and recovered my + strength, where I now write the last words of this book. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rheinbollerhutte, September 22, 1876. + GEORG EBERS. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF2" id="link2H_PREF2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE TO THE FIFTH GERMAN EDITION. + </h2> + <p> + The earlier editions of “Uarda” were published in such rapid succession, + that no extensive changes in the stereotyped text could be made; but from + the first issue, I have not ceased to correct it, and can now present to + the public this new fifth edition as a “revised” one. + </p> + <p> + Having felt a constantly increasing affection for “Uarda” during the time + I was writing, the friendly and comprehensive attention bestowed upon it + by our greatest critics and the favorable reception it met with in the + various classes of society, afforded me the utmost pleasure. + </p> + <p> + I owe the most sincere gratitude to the honored gentlemen, who called my + attention to certain errors, and among them will name particularly + Professor Paul Ascherson of Berlin, and Dr. C. Rohrbach of Gotha. Both + will find their remarks regarding mistakes in the geographical location of + plants, heeded in this new edition. + </p> + <p> + The notes, after mature deliberation, have been placed at the foot of the + pages instead of at the end of the book. + </p> + <p> + So many criticisms concerning the title “Uarda” have recently reached my + ears, that, rather by way of explanation than apology, I will here repeat + what I said in the preface to the third edition. + </p> + <p> + This title has its own history, and the more difficult it would be for me + to defend it, the more ready I am to allow an advocate to speak for me, an + advocate who bears a name no less distinguished than that of G. E. + Lessing, who says: + </p> + <p> + “Nanine? (by Voltaire, 1749). What sort of title is that? What thoughts + does it awake? Neither more nor less than a title should arouse. A title + must not be a bill of fare. The less it betrays of the contents, the + better it is. Author and spectator are both satisfied, and the ancients + rarely gave their comedies anything but insignificant names.” + </p> + <p> + This may be the case with “Uarda,” whose character is less prominent than + some others, it is true, but whose sorrows direct the destinies of my + other heroes and heroines. + </p> + <p> + Why should I conceal the fact? The character of “Uarda” and the present + story have grown out of the memory of a Fellah girl, half child, half + maiden, whom I saw suffer and die in a hut at Abu el Qurnah in the + Necropolis of Thebes. + </p> + <p> + I still persist in the conviction I have so frequently expressed, the + conviction that the fundamental traits of the life of the soul have + undergone very trivial modifications among civilized nations in all times + and ages, but will endeavor to explain the contrary opinion, held by my + opponents, by calling attention to the circumstance, that the expression + of these emotions show considerable variations among different peoples, + and at different epochs. I believe that Juvenal, one of the ancient + writers who best understood human nature, was right in saying: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Nil erit ulterius, quod nostris moribus addat + Posteritas: eadem cupient facientque minores.” + </pre> + <p> + Leipsic, October 15th, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + U A R D A. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 1. + </h2> + <p> + By the walls of Thebes—the old city of a hundred gates—the + Nile spreads to a broad river; the heights, which follow the stream on + both sides, here take a more decided outline; solitary, almost cone-shaped + peaks stand out sharply from the level background of the many-colored. + limestone hills, on which no palm-tree flourishes and in which no humble + desert-plant can strike root. Rocky crevasses and gorges cut more or less + deeply into the mountain range, and up to its ridge extends the desert, + destructive of all life, with sand and stones, with rocky cliffs and + reef-like, desert hills. + </p> + <p> + Behind the eastern range the desert spreads to the Red Sea; behind the + western it stretches without limit, into infinity. In the belief of the + Egyptians beyond it lay the region of the dead. + </p> + <p> + Between these two ranges of hills, which serve as walls or ramparts to + keep back the desert-sand, flows the fresh and bounteous Nile, bestowing + blessing and abundance; at once the father and the cradle of millions of + beings. On each shore spreads the wide plain of black and fruitful soil, + and in the depths many-shaped creatures, in coats of mail or scales, swarm + and find subsistence. + </p> + <p> + The lotos floats on the mirror of the waters, and among the papyrus reeds + by the shore water-fowl innumerable build their nests. Between the river + and the mountain-range lie fields, which after the seed-time are of a + shining blue-green, and towards the time of harvest glow like gold. Near + the brooks and water-wheels here and there stands a shady sycamore; and + date-palms, carefully tended, group themselves in groves. The fruitful + plain, watered and manured every year by the inundation, lies at the foot + of the sandy desert-hills behind it, and stands out like a garden + flower-bed from the gravel-path. + </p> + <p> + In the fourteenth century before Christ—for to so remote a date we + must direct the thoughts of the reader—impassable limits had been + set by the hand of man, in many places in Thebes, to the inroads of the + water; high dykes of stone and embankments protected the streets and + squares, the temples and the palaces, from the overflow. + </p> + <p> + Canals that could be tightly closed up led from the dykes to the land + within, and smaller branch-cuttings to the gardens of Thebes. + </p> + <p> + On the right, the eastern bank of the Nile, rose the buildings of the + far-famed residence of the Pharaohs. Close by the river stood the immense + and gaudy Temples of the city of Amon; behind these and at a short + distance from the Eastern hills—indeed at their very foot and partly + even on the soil of the desert—were the palaces of the King and + nobles, and the shady streets in which the high narrow houses of the + citizens stood in close rows. + </p> + <p> + Life was gay and busy in the streets of the capital of the Pharaohs. + </p> + <p> + The western shore of the Nile showed a quite different scene. Here too + there was no lack of stately buildings or thronging men; but while on the + farther side of the river there was a compact mass of houses, and the + citizens went cheerfully and openly about their day’s work, on this side + there were solitary splendid structures, round which little houses and + huts seemed to cling as children cling to the protection of a mother. And + these buildings lay in detached groups. + </p> + <p> + Any one climbing the hill and looking down would form the notion that + there lay below him a number of neighboring villages, each with its lordly + manor house. Looking from the plain up to the precipice of the western + hills, hundreds of closed portals could be seen, some solitary, others + closely ranged in rows; a great number of them towards the foot of the + slope, yet more half-way up, and a few at a considerable height. + </p> + <p> + And even more dissimilar were the slow-moving, solemn groups in the + roadways on this side, and the cheerful, confused throng yonder. There, on + the eastern shore, all were in eager pursuit of labor or recreation, + stirred by pleasure or by grief, active in deed and speech; here, in the + west, little was spoken, a spell seemed to check the footstep of the + wanderer, a pale hand to sadden the bright glance of every eye, and to + banish the smile from every lip. + </p> + <p> + And yet many a gaily-dressed bark stopped at the shore, there was no lack + of minstrel bands, grand processions passed on to the western heights; but + the Nile boats bore the dead, the songs sung here were songs of + lamentation, and the processions consisted of mourners following the + sarcophagus. + </p> + <p> + We are standing on the soil of the City of the Dead of Thebes. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless even here nothing is wanting for return and revival, for to + the Egyptian his dead died not. He closed his eyes, he bore him to the + Necropolis, to the house of the embalmer, or Kolchytes, and then to the + grave; but he knew that the souls of the departed lived on; that the + justified absorbed into Osiris floated over the Heavens in the vessel of + the Sun; that they appeared on earth in the form they choose to take upon + them, and that they might exert influence on the current of the lives of + the survivors. So he took care to give a worthy interment to his dead, + above all to have the body embalmed so as to endure long: and had fixed + times to bring fresh offerings for the dead of flesh and fowl, with + drink-offerings and sweet-smelling essences, and vegetables and flowers. + </p> + <p> + Neither at the obsequies nor at the offerings might the ministers of the + gods be absent, and the silent City of the Dead was regarded as a favored + sanctuary in which to establish schools and dwellings for the learned. + </p> + <p> + So it came to pass that in the temples and on the site Of the Necropolis, + large communities of priests dwelt together, and close to the extensive + embalming houses lived numerous Kolchytes, who handed down the secrets of + their art from father to son. + </p> + <p> + Besides these there were other manufactories and shops. In the former, + sarcophagi of stone and of wood, linen bands for enveloping mummies, and + amulets for decorating them, were made; in the latter, merchants kept + spices and essences, flowers, fruits, vegetables and pastry for sale. + Calves, gazelles, goats, geese and other fowl, were fed on enclosed + meadow-plats, and the mourners betook themselves thither to select what + they needed from among the beasts pronounced by the priests to be clean + for sacrifice, and to have them sealed with the sacred seal. Many bought + only part of a victim at the shambles—the poor could not even do + this. They bought only colored cakes in the shape of beasts, which + symbolically took the place of the calves and geese which their means were + unable to procure. In the handsomest shops sat servants of the priests, + who received forms written on rolls of papyrus which were filled up in the + writing room of the temple with those sacred verses which the departed + spirit must know and repeat to ward off the evil genius of the deep, to + open the gate of the under world, and to be held righteous before Osiris + and the forty-two assessors of the subterranean court of justice. + </p> + <p> + What took place within the temples was concealed from view, for each was + surrounded by a high enclosing wall with lofty, carefully-closed portals, + which were only opened when a chorus of priests came out to sing a pious + hymn, in the morning to Horus the rising god, and in the evening to Tum + the descending god. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The course of the Sun was compared to that of the life of Man. + He rose as the child Horns, grew by midday to the hero Ra, who + conquered the Uraeus snake for his diadem, and by evening was an old + Man, Tum. Light had been born of darkness, hence Tum was regarded + as older than Horns and the other gods of light.] +</pre> + <p> + As soon as the evening hymn of the priests was heard, the Necropolis was + deserted, for the mourners and those who were visiting the graves were + required by this time to return to their boats and to quit the City of the + Dead. Crowds of men who had marched in the processions of the west bank + hastened in disorder to the shore, driven on by the body of watchmen who + took it in turns to do this duty and to protect the graves against + robbers. The merchants closed their booths, the embalmers and workmen + ended their day’s work and retired to their houses, the priests returned + to the temples, and the inns were filled with guests, who had come hither + on long pilgrimages from a distance, and who preferred passing the night + in the vicinity of the dead whom they had come to visit, to going across + to the bustling noisy city farther shore. + </p> + <p> + The voices of the singers and of the wailing women were hushed, even the + song of the sailors on the numberless ferry boats from the western shore + to Thebes died away, its faint echo was now and then borne across on the + evening air, and at last all was still. + </p> + <p> + A cloudless sky spread over the silent City of the Dead, now and then + darkened for an instant by the swiftly passing shade of a bat returning to + its home in a cave or cleft of the rock after flying the whole evening + near the Nile to catch flies, to drink, and so prepare itself for the next + day’s sleep. From time to time black forms with long shadows glided over + the still illuminated plain—the jackals, who at this hour frequented + the shore to slake their thirst, and often fearlessly showed themselves in + troops in the vicinity of the pens of geese and goats. + </p> + <p> + It was forbidden to hunt these robbers, as they were accounted sacred to + the god Anubis, the tutelary of sepulchres; and indeed they did little + mischief, for they found abundant food in the tombs. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The jackal-headed god Anubis was the son of Osiris and Nephthys, + and the jackal was sacred to him. In the earliest ages even he is + prominent in the nether world. He conducts the mummifying process, + preserves the corpse, guards the Necropolis, and, as Hermes + Psychopompos (Hermanubis), opens the way for the souls. According + to Plutarch “He is the watch of the gods as the dog is the watch of + men.”] +</pre> + <p> + The remnants of the meat offerings from the altars were consumed by them; + to the perfect satisfaction of the devotees, who, when they found that by + the following day the meat had disappeared, believed that it had been + accepted and taken away by the spirits of the underworld. + </p> + <p> + They also did the duty of trusty watchers, for they were a dangerous foe + for any intruder who, under the shadow of the night, might attempt to + violate a grave. + </p> + <p> + Thus—on that summer evening of the year 1352 B.C., when we invite + the reader to accompany us to the Necropolis of Thebes—after the + priests’ hymn had died away, all was still in the City of the Dead. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers on guard were already returning from their first round when + suddenly, on the north side of the Necropolis, a dog barked loudly; soon a + second took up the cry, a third, a fourth. The captain of the watch called + to his men to halt, and, as the cry of the dogs spread and grew louder + every minute, commanded them to march towards the north. + </p> + <p> + The little troop had reached the high dyke which divided the west bank of + the Nile from a branch canal, and looked from thence over the plain as far + as the river and to the north of the Necropolis. Once more the word to + “halt” was given, and as the guard perceived the glare of torches in the + direction where the dogs were barking loudest, they hurried forward and + came up with the author of the disturbance near the Pylon of the temple + erected by Seti I., the deceased father of the reigning King Rameses II. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The two pyramidal towers joined by a gateway which formed the + entrance to an Egyptian temple were called the Pylon.] +</pre> + <p> + The moon was up, and her pale light flooded the stately structure, while + the walls glowed with the ruddy smoky light of the torches which flared in + the hands of black attendants. + </p> + <p> + A man of sturdy build, in sumptuous dress, was knocking at the + brass-covered temple door with the metal handle of a whip, so violently + that the blows rang far and loud through the night. Near him stood a + litter, and a chariot, to which were harnessed two fine horses. In the + litter sat a young woman, and in the carriage, next to the driver, was the + tall figure of a lady. Several men of the upper classes and many servants + stood around the litter and the chariot. Few words were exchanged; the + whole attention of the strangely lighted groups seemed concentrated on the + temple-gate. The darkness concealed the features of individuals, but the + mingled light of the moon and the torches was enough to reveal to the + gate-keeper, who looked down on the party from a tower of the Pylon, that + it was composed of persons of the highest rank; nay, perhaps of the royal + family. + </p> + <p> + He called aloud to the one who knocked, and asked him what was his will. + </p> + <p> + He looked up, and in a voice so rough and imperious, that the lady in the + litter shrank in horror as its tones suddenly violated the place of the + dead, he cried out—“How long are we to wait here for you—you + dirty hound? Come down and open the door and then ask questions. If the + torch-light is not bright enough to show you who is waiting, I will score + our name on your shoulders with my whip, and teach you how to receive + princely visitors.” + </p> + <p> + While the porter muttered an unintelligible answer and came down the steps + within to open the door, the lady in the chariot turned to her impatient + companion and said in a pleasant but yet decided voice, “You forget, + Paaker, that you are back again in Egypt, and that here you have to deal + not with the wild Schasu,—[A Semitic race of robbers in the cast of + Egypt.]—but with friendly priests of whom we have to solicit a + favor. We have always had to lament your roughness, which seems to me very + ill-suited to the unusual circumstances under which we approach this + sanctuary.” + </p> + <p> + Although these words were spoken in a tone rather of regret than of blame, + they wounded the sensibilities of the person addressed; his wide nostrils + began to twitch ominously, he clenched his right hand over the handle of + his whip, and, while he seemed to be bowing humbly, he struck such a heavy + blow on the bare leg of a slave who was standing near to him, an old + Ethiopian, that he shuddered as if from sudden cold, though-knowing his + lord only too well—he let no cry of pain escape him. Meanwhile the + gate-keeper had opened the door, and with him a tall young priest stepped + out into the open air to ask the will of the intruders. + </p> + <p> + Paaker would have seized the opportunity of speaking, but the lady in the + chariot interposed and said: + </p> + <p> + “I am Bent-Anat, the daughter of the King, and this lady in the litter is + Nefert, the wife of the noble Mena, the charioteer of my father. We were + going in company with these gentlemen to the north-west valley of the + Necropolis to see the new works there. You know the narrow pass in the + rocks which leads up the gorge. On the way home I myself held the reins + and I had the misfortune to drive over a girl who sat by the road with a + basket full of flowers, and to hurt her—to hurt her very badly I am + afraid. The wife of Mena with her own hands bound up the child, and then + she carried her to her father’s house—he is a paraschites—[One + who opened the bodies of the dead to prepare them for being embalmed.]—Pinem + is his name. I know not whether he is known to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast been into his house, Princess?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I was obliged, holy father,” she replied, “I know of course that + I have defiled myself by crossing the threshold of these people, but—” + </p> + <p> + “But,” cried the wife of Mena, raising herself in her litter, “Bent-Anat + can in a day be purified by thee or by her house-priest, while she can + hardly—or perhaps never—restore the child whole and sound + again to the unhappy father.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, the den of a paraschites is above every thing unclean,” said the + chamberlain Penbesa, master of the ceremonies to the princess, + interrupting the wife of Mena, “and I did not conceal my opinion when + Bent-Anat announced her intention of visiting the accursed hole in person. + I suggested,” he continued, turning to the priest, “that she should let + the girl be taken home, and send a royal present to the father.” + </p> + <p> + “And the princess?” asked the priest. + </p> + <p> + “She acted, as she always does, on her own judgment,” replied the master + of the ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + “And that always hits on the right course,” cried the wife of Mena. + </p> + <p> + “Would to God it were so!” said the princess in a subdued voice. Then she + continued, addressing the priest, “Thou knowest the will of the Gods and + the hearts of men, holy father, and I myself know that I give alms + willingly and help the poor even when there is none to plead for them but + their poverty. But after what has occurred here, and to these unhappy + people, it is I who come as a suppliant.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou?” said the chamberlain. + </p> + <p> + “I,” answered the princess with decision. The priest who up to this moment + had remained a silent witness of the scene raised his right hand as in + blessing and spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast done well. The Hathors fashioned thy heart and the Lady of + Truth guides it. Thou hast broken in on our night-prayers to request us to + send a doctor to the injured girl?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Hathor was Isis under a substantial form. She is the goddess of + the pure, light heaven, and bears the Sun-disk between cow-horns on + a cow’s head or on a human head with cow’s ears. She was named the + Fair, and all the pure joys of life are in her gift. Later she was + regarded as a Muse who beautifies life with enjoyment, love, song, + and the dance. She appears as a good fairy by the cradle of + children and decides their lot in life. She bears many names: and + several, generally seven, Hathors were represented, who personified + the attributes and influence of the goddess.] +</pre> + <p> + “Thou hast said.” + </p> + <p> + “I will ask the high-priest to send the best leech for outward wounds + immediately to the child. But where is the house of the paraschites Pinem? + I do not know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Northwards from the terrace of Hatasu,—[A great queen of the 18th + dynasty and guardian of two Pharaohs]—close to—; but I will + charge one of my attendants to conduct the leech. Besides, I want to know + early in the morning how the child is doing.—Paaker.” + </p> + <p> + The rough visitor, whom we already know, thus called upon, bowed to the + earth, his arms hanging by his sides, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “What dost thou command?” + </p> + <p> + “I appoint you guide to the physician,” said the princess. “It will be + easy to the king’s pioneer to find the little half-hidden house again— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The title here rendered pioneer was that of an officer whose duties + were those at once of a scout and of a Quarter-Master General. In + unknown and comparatively savage countries it was an onerous post. + —Translator.] +</pre> + <p> + besides, you share my guilt, for,” she added, turning to the priest, “I + confess that the misfortune happened because I would try with my horses to + overtake Paaker’s Syrian racers, which he declared to be swifter than the + Egyptian horses. It was a mad race.” + </p> + <p> + “And Amon be praised that it ended as it did,” exclaimed the master of the + ceremonies. “Packer’s chariot lies dashed in pieces in the valley, and his + best horse is badly hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “He will see to him when he has taken the physician to the house of the + paraschites,” said the princess. “Dost thou know, Penbesa—thou + anxious guardian of a thoughtless girl—that to-day for the first + time I am glad that my father is at the war in distant Satiland?”—[Asia]. + </p> + <p> + “He would not have welcomed us kindly!” said the master of the ceremonies, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “But the leech, the leech!” cried Bent-Anat. “Packer, it is settled then. + You will conduct him, and bring us to-morrow morning news of the wounded + girl.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker bowed; the princess bowed her head; the priest and his companions, + who meanwhile had come out of the temple and joined him, raised their + hands in blessing, and the belated procession moved towards the Nile. + </p> + <p> + Paaker remained alone with his two slaves; the commission with which the + princess had charged him greatly displeased him. So long as the moonlight + enabled him to distinguish the litter of Mena’s wife, he gazed after it; + then he endeavored to recollect the position of the hut of the + paraschites. The captain of the watch still stood with the guard at the + gate of the temple. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the dwelling of Pinem the paraschites?” asked Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with him?” + </p> + <p> + “That is no concern of yours,” retorted Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “Lout!” exclaimed the captain, “left face and forwards, my men.” + </p> + <p> + “Halt!” cried Paaker in a rage. “I am the king’s chief pioneer.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will all the more easily find the way back by which you came. + March.” + </p> + <p> + The words were followed by a peal of many-voiced laughter: the re-echoing + insult so confounded Paaker that he dropped his whip on the ground. The + slave, whom a short time since he had struck with it, humbly picked it up + and then followed his lord into the fore court of the temple. Both + attributed the titter, which they still could hear without being able to + detect its origin, to wandering spirits. But the mocking tones had been + heard too by the old gate-keeper, and the laughers were better known to + him than to the king’s pioneer; he strode with heavy steps to the door of + the temple through the black shadow of the pylon, and striking blindly + before him called out— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you good-for-nothing brood of Seth.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Typhon of the Greeks. The enemy of Osiris, of truth, good + and purity. Discord and strife in nature. Horns who fights against + him for his father Osiris, can throw him and stun him, but never + annihilate him.] +</pre> + <p> + “You gallows-birds and brood of hell—I am coming.” + </p> + <p> + The giggling ceased; a few youthful figures appeared in the moonlight, the + old man pursued them panting, and, after a short chase, a troop of youths + fled back through the temple gate. + </p> + <p> + The door-keeper had succeeded in catching one miscreant, a boy of + thirteen, and held him so tight by the ear that his pretty head seemed to + have grown in a horizontal direction from his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “I will take you before the school-master, you plague-of-locusts, you + swarm of bats!” cried the old man out of breath. But the dozen of + school-boys, who had availed themselves of the opportunity to break out of + bounds, gathered coaxing round him, with words of repentance, though every + eye sparkled with delight at the fun they had had, and of which no one + could deprive them; and when the biggest of them took the old man’s chin, + and promised to give him the wine which his mother was to send him next + day for the week’s use, the porter let go his prisoner—who tried to + rub the pain out of his burning ear—and cried out in harsher tones + than before: + </p> + <p> + “You will pay me, will you, to let you off! Do you think I will let your + tricks pass? You little know this old man. I will complain to the Gods, + not to the school-master; and as for your wine, youngster, I will offer it + as a libation, that heaven may forgive you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The temple where, in the fore-court, Paaker was waiting, and where the + priest had disappeared to call the leech, was called the “House of Seti”—[It + is still standing and known as the temple of Qurnah.]—and was one of + the largest in the City of the Dead. Only that magnificent building of the + time of the deposed royal race of the reigning king’s grandfather—that + temple which had been founded by Thotmes III., and whose gate-way + Amenophis III. had adorned with immense colossal statues—[That which + stands to the north is the famous musical statue, or Pillar of Memmon]—exceeded + it in the extent of its plan; in every other respect it held the + pre-eminence among the sanctuaries of the Necropolis. Rameses I. had + founded it shortly after he succeeded in seizing the Egyptian throne; and + his yet greater son Seti carried on the erection, in which the service of + the dead for the Manes of the members of the new royal family was + conducted, and the high festivals held in honor of the Gods of the + under-world. Great sums had been expended for its establishment, for the + maintenance of the priesthood of its sanctuary, and the support of the + institutions connected with it. These were intended to be equal to the + great original foundations of priestly learning at Heliopolis and Memphis; + they were regulated on the same pattern, and with the object of raising + the new royal residence of Upper Egypt, namely Thebes, above the capitals + of Lower Egypt in regard to philosophical distinction. + </p> + <p> + One of the most important of these foundations was a very celebrated + school of learning. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Every detail of this description of an Egyptian school is derived + from sources dating from the reign of Rameses II. and his + successor, Merneptah.] +</pre> + <p> + First there was the high-school, in which priests, physicians, judges, + mathematicians, astronomers, grammarians, and other learned men, not only + had the benefit of instruction, but, subsequently, when they had won + admission to the highest ranks of learning, and attained the dignity of + “Scribes,” were maintained at the cost of the king, and enabled to pursue + their philosophical speculations and researches, in freedom from all care, + and in the society of fellow-workers of equal birth and identical + interests. + </p> + <p> + An extensive library, in which thousands of papyrus-rolls were preserved, + and to which a manufactory of papyrus was attached, was at the disposal of + the learned; and some of them were intrusted with the education of the + younger disciples, who had been prepared in the elementary school, which + was also dependent on the House—or university—of Seti. The + lower school was open to every son of a free citizen, and was often + frequented by several hundred boys, who also found night-quarters there. + The parents were of course required either to pay for their maintenance, + or to send due supplies of provisions for the keep of their children at + school. + </p> + <p> + In a separate building lived the temple-boarders, a few sons of the + noblest families, who were brought up by the priests at a great expense to + their parents. + </p> + <p> + Seti I., the founder of this establishment, had had his own sons, not + excepting Rameses, his successor, educated here. + </p> + <p> + The elementary schools were strictly ruled, and the rod played so large a + part in them, that a pedagogue could record this saying: “The scholar’s + ears are at his back: when he is flogged then he hears.” + </p> + <p> + Those youths who wished to pass up from the lower to the high-school had + to undergo an examination. The student, when he had passed it, could + choose a master from among the learned of the higher grades, who undertook + to be his philosophical guide, and to whom he remained attached all his + life through, as a client to his patron. He could obtain the degree of + “Scribe” and qualify for public office by a second examination. + </p> + <p> + Near to these schools of learning there stood also a school of art, in + which instruction was given to students who desired to devote themselves + to architecture, sculpture, or painting; in these also the learner might + choose his master. + </p> + <p> + Every teacher in these institutions belonged to the priesthood of the + House of Seti. It consisted of more than eight hundred members, divided + into five classes, and conducted by three so-called Prophets. + </p> + <p> + The first prophet was the high-priest of the House of Seti, and at the + same time the superior of all the thousands of upper and under servants of + the divinities which belonged to the City of the Dead of Thebes. + </p> + <p> + The temple of Seti proper was a massive structure of limestone. A row of + Sphinxes led from the Nile to the surrounding wall, and to the first vast + pro-pylon, which formed the entrance to a broad fore-court, enclosed on + the two sides by colonnades, and beyond which stood a second gate-way. + When he had passed through this door, which stood between two towers, in + shape like truncated pyramids, the stranger came to a second court + resembling the first, closed at the farther end by a noble row of pillars, + which formed part of the central temple itself. + </p> + <p> + The innermost and last was dimly lighted by a few lamps. + </p> + <p> + Behind the temple of Seti stood large square structures of brick of the + Nile mud, which however had a handsome and decorative effect, as the + humble material of which they were constructed was plastered with lime, + and that again was painted with colored pictures and hieroglyphic + inscriptions. + </p> + <p> + The internal arrangement of all these houses was the same. In the midst + was an open court, on to which opened the doors of the rooms of the + priests and philosophers. On each side of the court was a shady, covered + colonnade of wood, and in the midst a tank with ornamental plants. In the + upper story were the apartments for the scholars, and instruction was + usually given in the paved courtyard strewn with mats. + </p> + <p> + The most imposing was the house of the chief prophets; it was + distinguished by its waving standards and stood about a hundred paces + behind the temple of Seti, between a well kept grove and a clear lake—the + sacred tank of the temple; but they only occupied it while fulfilling + their office, while the splendid houses which they lived in with their + wives and children, lay on the other side of the river, in Thebes proper. + </p> + <p> + The untimely visit to the temple could not remain unobserved by the colony + of sages. Just as ants when a hand breaks in on their dwelling, hurry + restlessly hither and thither, so an unwonted stir had agitated, not the + school-boys only, but the teachers and the priests. They collected in + groups near the outer walls, asking questions and hazarding guesses. A + messenger from the king had arrived—the princess Bent-Anat had been + attacked by the Kolchytes—and a wag among the school-boys who had + got out, declared that Paaker, the king’s pioneer, had been brought into + the temple by force to be made to learn to write better. As the subject of + the joke had formerly been a pupil of the House of Seti, and many + delectable stories of his errors in penmanship still survived in the + memory of the later generation of scholars, this information was received + with joyful applause; and it seemed to have a glimmer of probability, in + spite of the apparent contradiction that Paaker filled one of the highest + offices near the king, when a grave young priest declared that he had seen + the pioneer in the forecourt of the temple. + </p> + <p> + The lively discussion, the laughter and shouting of the boys at such an + unwonted hour, was not unobserved by the chief priest. + </p> + <p> + This remarkable prelate, Ameni the son of Nebket, a scion of an old and + noble family, was far more than merely the independent head of the + temple-brotherhood, among whom he was prominent for his power and wisdom; + for all the priesthood in the length and breadth of the land acknowledged + his supremacy, asked his advice in difficult cases, and never resisted the + decisions in spiritual matters which emanated from the House of Seti—that + is to say, from Ameni. He was the embodiment of the priestly idea; and if + at times he made heavy—nay extraordinary—demands on individual + fraternities, they were submitted to, for it was known by experience that + the indirect roads which he ordered them to follow all converged on one + goal, namely the exaltation of the power and dignity of the hierarchy. The + king appreciated this remarkable man, and had long endeavored to attach + him to the court, as keeper of the royal seal; but Ameni was not to be + induced to give up his apparently modest position; for he contemned all + outward show and ostentatious titles; he ventured sometimes to oppose a + decided resistance to the measures of the Pharaoh, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Pharaoh is the Hebrew form of the Egyptian Peraa—or Phrah. “The + great house,” “sublime house,” or “high gate” is the literal + meaning.] +</pre> + <p> + and was not minded to give up his unlimited control of the priests for the + sake of a limited dominion over what seemed to him petty external + concerns, in the service of a king who was only too independent and hard + to influence. + </p> + <p> + He regularly arranged his mode and habits of life in an exceptional way. + </p> + <p> + Eight days out of ten he remained in the temple entrusted to his charge; + two he devoted to his family, who lived on the other bank of the Nile; but + he let no one, not even those nearest to him, know what portion of the ten + days he gave up to recreation. He required only four hours of sleep. This + he usually took in a dark room which no sound could reach, and in the + middle of the day; never at night, when the coolness and quiet seemed to + add to his powers of work, and when from time to time he could give + himself up to the study of the starry heavens. + </p> + <p> + All the ceremonials that his position required of him, the cleansing, + purification, shaving, and fasting he fulfilled with painful exactitude, + and the outer bespoke the inner man. + </p> + <p> + Ameni was entering on his fiftieth year; his figure was tall, and had + escaped altogether the stoutness to which at that age the Oriental is + liable. The shape of his smoothly-shaven head was symmetrical and of a + long oval; his forehead was neither broad nor high, but his profile was + unusually delicate, and his face striking; his lips were thin and dry, and + his large and piercing eyes, though neither fiery nor brilliant, and + usually cast down to the ground under his thick eyebrows, were raised with + a full, clear, dispassionate gaze when it was necessary to see and to + examine. + </p> + <p> + The poet of the House of Seti, the young Pentaur, who knew these eyes, had + celebrated them in song, and had likened them to a well-disciplined army + which the general allows to rest before and after the battle, so that they + may march in full strength to victory in the fight. + </p> + <p> + The refined deliberateness of his nature had in it much that was royal as + well as priestly; it was partly intrinsic and born with him, partly the + result of his own mental self-control. He had many enemies, but calumny + seldom dared to attack the high character of Amemi. + </p> + <p> + The high-priest looked up in astonishment, as the disturbance in the court + of the temple broke in on his studies. + </p> + <p> + The room in which he was sitting was spacious and cool; the lower part of + the walls was lined with earthenware tiles, the upper half plastered and + painted. But little was visible of the masterpieces of the artists of the + establishment, for almost everywhere they were concealed by wooden closets + and shelves, in which were papyrus-rolls and wax-tablets. A large table, a + couch covered with a panther’s skin, a footstool in front of it, and on it + a crescent-shaped support for the head, made of ivory, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A support of crescent form on which the Egyptians rested their + heads. Many specimens were found in the catacombs, and similar + objects are still used in Nubia] +</pre> + <p> + several seats, a stand with beakers and jugs, and another with flasks of + all sizes, saucers, and boxes, composed the furniture of the room, which + was lighted by three lamps, shaped like birds and filled with kiki oil.—[Castor + oil, which was used in the lamps.] + </p> + <p> + Ameni wore a fine pleated robe of snow-white linen, which reached to his + ankles, round his hips was a scarf adorned with fringes, which in front + formed an apron, with broad, stiffened ends which fell to his knees; a + wide belt of white and silver brocade confined the drapery of his robe. + Round his throat and far down on his bare breast hung a necklace more than + a span deep, composed of pearls and agates, and his upper arm was covered + with broad gold bracelets. He rose from the ebony seat with lion’s feet, + on which he sat, and beckoned to a servant who squatted by one of the + walls of the sitting-room. He rose and without any word of command from + his master, he silently and carefully placed on the high-priest’s bare + head a long and thick curled wig, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Egyptians belonging to the higher classes wore wigs on their shaven + heads. Several are preserved in museums.] +</pre> + <p> + and threw a leopard-skin, with its head and claws overlaid with gold-leaf, + over his shoulders. A second servant held a metal mirror before Ameni, in + which he cast a look as he settled the panther-skin and head-gear. + </p> + <p> + A third servant was handing him the crosier, the insignia of his dignity + as a prelate, when a priest entered and announced the scribe Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + Ameni nodded, and the young priest who had talked with the princess + Bent-Anat at the temple-gate came into the room. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur knelt and kissed the hand of the prelate, who gave him his + blessing, and in a clear sweet voice, and rather formal and unfamiliar + language—as if he were reading rather than speaking, said: + </p> + <p> + “Rise, my son; your visit will save me a walk at this untimely hour, since + you can inform me of what disturbs the disciples in our temple. Speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Little of consequence has occurred, holy father,” replied Pentaur. “Nor + would I have disturbed thee at this hour, but that a quite unnecessary + tumult has been raised by the youths; and that the princess Bent-Anat + appeared in person to request the aid of a physician. The unusual hour and + the retinue that followed her—” + </p> + <p> + “Is the daughter of Pharaoh sick?” asked the prelate. + </p> + <p> + “No, father. She is well—even to wantonness, since—wishing to + prove the swiftness of her horses—she ran over the daughter of the + paraschites Pinem. Noble-hearted as she is, she herself carried the + sorely-wounded girl to her house.” + </p> + <p> + “She entered the dwelling of the unclean.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast said.” + </p> + <p> + “And she now asks to be purified?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I might venture to absolve her, father, for the purest humanity + led her to the act, which was no doubt a breach of discipline, but—” + </p> + <p> + “But,” asked the high-priest in a grave voice and he raised his eyes which + he had hitherto on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the young priest, and now his eyes fell, “which can surely be + no crime. When Ra—[The Egyptian Sun-god.]—in his golden bark + sails across the heavens, his light falls as freely and as bountifully on + the hut of the despised poor as on the Palace of the Pharaohs; and shall + the tender human heart withhold its pure light—which is benevolence—from + the wretched, only because they are base?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the poet Pentaur that speaks,” said the prelate, “and not the + priest to whom the privilege was given to be initiated into the highest + grade of the sages, and whom I call my brother and my equal. I have no + advantage over you, young man, but perishable learning, which the past has + won for you as much as for me—nothing but certain perceptions and + experiences that offer nothing new, to the world, but teach us, indeed, + that it is our part to maintain all that is ancient in living efficacy and + practice. That which you promised a few weeks since, I many years ago + vowed to the Gods; to guard knowledge as the exclusive possession of the + initiated. Like fire, it serves those who know its uses to the noblest + ends, but in the hands of children—and the people, the mob, can + never ripen into manhood—it is a destroying brand, raging and + unextinguishable, devouring all around it, and destroying all that has + been built and beautified by the past. And how can we remain the Sages and + continue to develop and absorb all learning within the shelter of our + temples, not only without endangering the weak, but for their benefit? You + know and have sworn to act after that knowledge. To bind the crowd to the + faith and the institutions of the fathers is your duty—is the duty + of every priest. Times have changed, my son; under the old kings the fire, + of which I spoke figuratively to you—the poet—was enclosed in + brazen walls which the people passed stupidly by. Now I see breaches in + the old fortifications; the eyes of the uninitiated have been sharpened, + and one tells the other what he fancies he has spied, though half-blinded, + through the glowing rifts.” + </p> + <p> + A slight emotion had given energy to the tones of the speaker, and while + he held the poet spell-bound with his piercing glance he continued: + </p> + <p> + “We curse and expel any one of the initiated who enlarges these breaches; + we punish even the friend who idly neglects to repair and close them with + beaten brass!” + </p> + <p> + “My father!” cried Pentaur, raising his head in astonishment while the + blood mounted to his cheeks. The high-priest went up to him and laid both + hands on his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + They were of equal height and of equally symmetrical build; even the + outline of their features was similar. Nevertheless no one would have + taken them to be even distantly related; their countenances were so + infinitely unlike in expression. + </p> + <p> + On the face of one were stamped a strong will and the power of firmly + guiding his life and commanding himself; on the other, an amiable desire + to overlook the faults and defects of the world, and to contemplate life + as it painted itself in the transfiguring magic-mirror of his poet’s soul. + Frankness and enjoyment spoke in his sparkling eye, but the subtle smile + on his lips when he was engaged in a discussion, or when his soul was + stirred, betrayed that Pentaur, far from childlike carelessness, had + fought many a severe mental battle, and had tasted the dark waters of + doubt. + </p> + <p> + At this moment mingled feelings were struggling in his soul. He felt as if + he must withstand the speaker; and yet the powerful presence of the other + exercised so strong an influence over his mind, long trained to + submission, that he was silent, and a pious thrill passed through him when + Ameni’s hands were laid on his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “I blame you,” said the high-priest, while he firmly held the young man, + “nay, to my sorrow I must chastise you; and yet,” he said, stepping back + and taking his right hand, “I rejoice in the necessity, for I love you and + honor you, as one whom the Unnameable has blessed with high gifts and + destined to great things. Man leaves a weed to grow unheeded or roots it + up but you are a noble tree, and I am like the gardener who has forgotten + to provide it with a prop, and who is now thankful to have detected a bend + that reminds him of his neglect. You look at me enquiringly, and I can see + in your eyes that I seem to you a severe judge. Of what are you accused? + You have suffered an institution of the past to be set aside. It does not + matter—so the short-sighted and heedless think; but I say to you, + you have doubly transgressed, because the wrong-doer was the king’s + daughter, whom all look up to, great and small, and whose actions may + serve as an example to the people. On whom then must a breach of the + ancient institutions lie with the darkest stain if not on the highest in + rank? In a few days it will be said the paraschites are men even as we + are, and the old law to avoid them as unclean is folly. And will the + reflections of the people, think you, end there, when it is so easy for + them to say that he who errs in one point may as well fail in all? In + questions of faith, my son, nothing is insignificant. If we open one tower + to the enemy he is master of the whole fortress. In these unsettled times + our sacred lore is like a chariot on the declivity of a precipice, and + under the wheels thereof a stone. A child takes away the stone, and the + chariot rolls down into the abyss and is dashed to pieces. Imagine the + princess to be that child, and the stone a loaf that she would fain give + to feed a beggar. Would you then give it to her if your father and your + mother and all that is dear and precious to you were in the chariot? + Answer not! the princess will visit the paraschites again to-morrow. You + must await her in the man’s hut, and there inform her that she has + transgressed and must crave to be purified by us. For this time you are + excused from any further punishment. + </p> + <p> + “Heaven has bestowed on you a gifted soul. Strive for that which is + wanting to you—the strength to subdue, to crush for One—and + you know that One—all things else—even the misguiding voice of + your heart, the treacherous voice of your judgment.—But stay! send + leeches to the house of the paraschites, and desire them to treat the + injured girl as though she were the queen herself. Who knows where the man + dwells?” + </p> + <p> + “The princess,” replied Pentaur, “has left Paaker, the king’s pioneer, + behind in the temple to conduct the leeches to the house of Pinem.” + </p> + <p> + The grave high-priest smiled and said. “Paaker! to attend the daughter of + a paraschites.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur half beseechingly and half in fun raised his eyes which he had + kept cast down. “And Pentaur,” he murmured, “the gardener’s son! who is to + refuse absolution to the king’s daughter!” + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur, the minister of the Gods—Pentaur, the priest—has not + to do with the daughter of the king, but with the transgressor of the + sacred institutions,” replied Ameni gravely. “Let Paaker know I wish to + speak with him.” + </p> + <p> + The poet bowed low and quitted the room, the high priest muttered to + himself: “He is not yet what he should be, and speech is of no effect with + him.” + </p> + <p> + For a while he was silent, walking to and fro in meditation; then he said + half aloud, “And the boy is destined to great things. What gifts of the + Gods doth he lack? He has the faculty of learning—of thinking—of + feeling—of winning all hearts, even mine. He keeps himself undefiled + and separate—” suddenly the prelate paused and struck his hand on + the back of a chair that stood by him. “I have it; he has not yet felt the + fire of ambition. We will light it for his profit and our own.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Pentauer hastened to execute the commands of the high-priest. He sent a + servant to escort Paaker, who was waiting in the forecourt, into the + presence of Ameni while he himself repaired to the physicians to impress + on them the most watchful care of the unfortunate girl. + </p> + <p> + Many proficients in the healing arts were brought up in the house of Seti, + but few used to remain after passing the examination for the degree of + Scribe. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [What is here stated with regard to the medical schools is + principally derived from the medical writings of the Egyptians + themselves, among which the “Ebers Papyrus” holds the first place, + “Medical Papyrus I.” of Berlin the second, and a hieratic MS. in + London which, like the first mentioned, has come down to us from the + 18th dynasty, takes the third. Also see Herodotus II. 84. Diodorus + I. 82.] +</pre> + <p> + The most gifted were sent to Heliopolis, where flourished, in the great + “Hall of the Ancients,” the most celebrated medical faculty of the whole + country, whence they returned to Thebes, endowed with the highest honors + in surgery, in ocular treatment, or in any other branch of their + profession, and became physicians to the king or made a living by + imparting their learning and by being called in to consult on serious + cases. + </p> + <p> + Naturally most of the doctors lived on the east bank of the Nile, in + Thebes proper, and even in private houses with their families; but each + was attached to a priestly college. + </p> + <p> + Whoever required a physician sent for him, not to his own house, but to a + temple. There a statement was required of the complaint from which the + sick was suffering, and it was left to the principal medical staff of the + sanctuary to select that of the healing art whose special knowledge + appeared to him to be suited for the treatment of the case. + </p> + <p> + Like all priests, the physicians lived on the income which came to them + from their landed property, from the gifts of the king, the contributions + of the laity, and the share which was given them of the state-revenues; + they expected no honorarium from their patients, but the restored sick + seldom neglected making a present to the sanctuary whence a physician had + come to them, and it was not unusual for the priestly leech to make the + recovery of the sufferer conditional on certain gifts to be offered to the + temple. + </p> + <p> + The medical knowledge of the Egyptians was, according to every indication, + very considerable; but it was natural that physicians, who stood by the + bed of sickness as “ordained servants of the Divinity,” should not be + satisfied with a rational treatment of the sufferer, and should rather + think that they could not dispense with the mystical effects of prayers + and vows. + </p> + <p> + Among the professors of medicine in the House of Seti there were men of + the most different gifts and bent of mind; but Pentaur was not for a + moment in doubt as to which should be entrusted with the treatment of the + girl who had been run over, and for whom he felt the greatest sympathy. + </p> + <p> + The one he chose was the grandson of a celebrated leech, long since dead, + whose name of Nebsecht he had inherited, and a beloved school-friend and + old comrade of Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + This young man had from his earliest years shown high and hereditary + talent for the profession to which he had devoted himself; he had selected + surgery + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Among the six hermetic books of medicine mentioned by Clement of + Alexandria, was one devoted to surgical instruments: otherwise the + very badly-set fractures found in some of the mummies do little + honor to the Egyptian surgeons.] +</pre> + <p> + for his special province at Heliopolis, and would certainly have attained + the dignity of teacher there if an impediment in his speech had not + debarred him from the viva voce recitation of formulas and prayers. + </p> + <p> + This circumstance, which was deeply lamented by his parents and tutors, + was in fact, in the best opinions, an advantage to him; for it often + happens that apparent superiority does us damage, and that from apparent + defect springs the saving of our life. + </p> + <p> + Thus, while the companions of Nebsecht were employed in declaiming or in + singing, he, thanks to his fettered tongue, could give himself up to his + inherited and almost passionate love of observing organic life; and his + teachers indulged up to a certain point his innate spirit of + investigation, and derived benefit from his knowledge of the human and + animal structures, and from the dexterity of his handling. + </p> + <p> + His deep aversion for the magical part of his profession would have + brought him heavy punishment, nay very likely would have cost him + expulsion from the craft, if he had ever given it expression in any form. + But Nebsecht’s was the silent and reserved nature of the learned man, who + free from all desire of external recognition, finds a rich satisfaction in + the delights of investigation; and he regarded every demand on him to give + proof of his capacity, as a vexatious but unavoidable intrusion on his + unassuming but laborious and fruitful investigations. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht was dearer and nearer to Pentaur than any other of his + associates. + </p> + <p> + He admired his learning and skill; and when the slightly-built surgeon, + who was indefatigable in his wanderings, roved through the thickets by the + Nile, the desert, or the mountain range, the young poet-priest accompanied + him with pleasure and with great benefit to himself, for his companion + observed a thousand things to which without him he would have remained for + ever blind; and the objects around him, which were known to him only by + their shapes, derived connection and significance from the explanations of + the naturalist, whose intractable tongue moved freely when it was required + to expound to his friend the peculiarities of organic beings whose + development he had been the first to detect. + </p> + <p> + The poet was dear in the sight of Nebsecht, and he loved Pentaur, who + possessed all the gifts he lacked; manly beauty, childlike lightness of + heart, the frankest openness, artistic power, and the gift of expressing + in word and song every emotion that stirred his soul. The poet was as a + novice in the order in which Nebsecht was master, but quite capable of + understanding its most difficult points; so it happened that Nebsecht + attached greater value to his judgment than to that of his own colleagues, + who showed themselves fettered by prejudice, while Pentaur’s decision + always was free and unbiassed. + </p> + <p> + The naturalist’s room lay on the ground floor, and had no living-rooms + above it, being under one of the granaries attached to the temple. It was + as large as a public hall, and yet Pentaur, making his way towards the + silent owner of the room, found it everywhere strewed with thick bundles + of every variety of plant, with cages of palm-twigs piled four or five + high, and a number of jars, large and small, covered with perforated + paper. Within these prisons moved all sorts of living creatures, from the + jerboa, the lizard of the Nile, and a light-colored species of owl, to + numerous specimens of frogs, snakes, scorpions and beetles. + </p> + <p> + On the solitary table in the middle of the room, near to a writing-stand, + lay bones of animals, with various sharp flints and bronze knives. + </p> + <p> + In a corner of this room lay a mat, on which stood a wooden head-prop, + indicating that the naturalist was in the habit of sleeping on it. + </p> + <p> + When Pentaur’s step was heard on the threshold of this strange abode, its + owner pushed a rather large object under the table, threw a cover over it, + and hid a sharp flint scalpel + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Egyptians seem to have preferred to use flint instruments for + surgical purposes, at any rate for the opening of bodies and for + circumcision. Many flint instruments have been found and preserved + in museums.] +</pre> + <p> + fixed into a wooden handle, which he had just been using, in the folds of + his robe-as a school-boy might hide some forbidden game from his master. + Then he crossed his arms, to give himself the aspect of a man who is + dreaming in harmless idleness. + </p> + <p> + The solitary lamp, which was fixed on a high stand near his chair, shed a + scanty light, which, however, sufficed to show him his trusted friend + Pentaur, who had disturbed Nebsecht in his prohibited occupations. + Nebsecht nodded to him as he entered, and, when he had seen who it was, + said: + </p> + <p> + “You need not have frightened me so!” Then he drew out from under the + table the object he had hidden—a living rabbit fastened down to a + board-and continued his interrupted observations on the body, which he had + opened and fastened back with wooden pins while the heart continued to + beat. + </p> + <p> + He took no further notice of Pentaur, who for some time silently watched + the investigator; then he laid his hand on his shoulder and said: + </p> + <p> + “Lock your door more carefully, when you are busy with forbidden things.” + </p> + <p> + “They took—they took away the bar of the door lately,” stammered the + naturalist, “when they caught me dissecting the hand of the forger + Ptahmes.”—[The law sentenced forgers to lose a hand.] + </p> + <p> + “The mummy of the poor man will find its right hand wanting,” answered the + poet. + </p> + <p> + “He will not want it out there.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you bury the least bit of an image in his grave?” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Small statuettes, placed in graves to help the dead in the work + performed in the under-world. They have axes and ploughs in their + hands, and seed-bags on their backs. The sixth chapter of the Book + of the Dead is inscribed on nearly all.] +</pre> + <p> + “Nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “You go very far, Nebsecht, and are not foreseeing, ‘He who needlessly + hurts an innocent animal shall be served in the same way by the spirits of + the netherworld,’ says the law; but I see what you will say. You hold it + lawful to put a beast to pain, when you can thereby increase that + knowledge by which you alleviate the sufferings of man, and enrich—” + </p> + <p> + “And do not you?” + </p> + <p> + A gentle smile passed over Pentaur’s face; leaned over the animal and + said: + </p> + <p> + “How curious! the little beast still lives and breathes; a man would have + long been dead under such treatment. His organism is perhaps of a more + precious, subtle, and so more fragile nature?” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps!” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you must know.” + </p> + <p> + “I—how should I?” asked the leech. “I have told you—they would + not even let me try to find out how the hand of a forger moves.” + </p> + <p> + “Consider, the scripture tells us the passage of the soul depends on the + preservation of the body.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht looked up with his cunning little eyes and shrugging his + shoulders, said: + </p> + <p> + “Then no doubt it is so: however these things do not concern me. Do what + you like with the souls of men; I seek to know something of their bodies, + and patch them when they are damaged as well as may be.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay-Toth be praised, at least you need not deny that you are master in + that art.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Toth is the god of the learned and of physicians. The Ibis was + sacred to him, and he was usually represented as Ibis-headed. Ra + created him “a beautiful light to show the name of his evil enemy.” + Originally the Dfoon-god, he became the lord of time and measure. + He is the weigher, the philosopher among the gods, the lord of + writing, of art and of learning. The Greeks called him Hermes + Trismegistus, i.e. threefold or “very great” which was, in fact, in + imitation of the Egyptians, whose name Toth or Techud signified + twofold, in the same way “very great”] +</pre> + <p> + “Who is master,” asked Nebsecht, “excepting God? I can do nothing, nothing + at all, and guide my instruments with hardly more certainty than a + sculptor condemned to work in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Something like the blind Resu then,” said Pentaur smiling, “who + understood painting better than all the painters who could see.” + </p> + <p> + “In my operations there is a ‘better’ and a ‘worse;’” said Nebsecht, “but + there is nothing ‘good.’” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must be satisfied with the ‘better,’ and I have come to claim + it,” said Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “Are you ill?” + </p> + <p> + “Isis be praised, I feel so well that I could uproot a palm-tree, but I + would ask you to visit a sick girl. The princess Bent-Anat—” + </p> + <p> + “The royal family has its own physicians.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me speak! the princess Bent-Anat has run over a young girl, and the + poor child is seriously hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said the student reflectively. “Is she over there in the city, + or here in the Necropolis?” + </p> + <p> + “Here. She is in fact the daughter of a paraschites.” + </p> + <p> + “Of a paraschites?” exclaimed Nebsecht, once more slipping the rabbit + under the table, “then I will go.” + </p> + <p> + “You curious fellow. I believe you expect to find something strange among + the unclean folk.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my affair; but I will go. What is the man’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “Pinem.” + </p> + <p> + “There will be nothing to be done with him,” muttered the student, + “however—who knows?” + </p> + <p> + With these words he rose, and opening a tightly closed flask he dropped + some strychnine on the nose and in the mouth of the rabbit, which + immediately ceased to breathe. Then he laid it in a box and said, “I am + ready.” + </p> + <p> + “But you cannot go out of doors in this stained dress.” + </p> + <p> + The physician nodded assent, and took from a chest a clean robe, which he + was about to throw on over the other! but Pentaur hindered him. “First + take off your working dress,” he said laughing. “I will help you. But, by + Besa, you have as many coats as an onion.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Besa, the god of the toilet of the Egyptians. He was represented + as a deformed pigmy. He led the women to conquest in love, and the + men in war. He was probably of Arab origin.] +</pre> + <p> + Pentaur was known as a mighty laugher among his companions, and his loud + voice rung in the quiet room, when he discovered that his friend was about + to put a third clean robe over two dirty ones, and wear no less than three + dresses at once. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht laughed too, and said, “Now I know why my clothes were so heavy, + and felt so intolerably hot at noon. While I get rid of my superfluous + clothing, will you go and ask the high-priest if I have leave to quit the + temple.” + </p> + <p> + “He commissioned me to send a leech to the paraschites, and added that the + girl was to be treated like a queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Ameni? and did he know that we have to do with a paraschites?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall begin to believe that broken limbs may be set with vows-aye, + vows! You know I cannot go alone to the sick, because my leather tongue is + unable to recite the sentences or to wring rich offerings for the temple + from the dying. Go, while I undress, to the prophet Gagabu and beg him to + send the pastophorus Teta, who usually accompanies me.” + </p> + <p> + “I would seek a young assistant rather than that blind old man.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. I should be glad if he would stay at home, and only let his + tongue creep after me like an eel or a slug. Head and heart have nothing + to do with his wordy operations, and they go on like an ox treading out + corn.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In Egypt, as in Palestine, beasts trod out the corn, as we learn + from many pictures in the catacombs, even in the remotest ages; + often with the addition of a weighted sledge, to the runners of + which rollers are attached. It is now called noreg.] +</pre> + <p> + “It is true,” said Pentaur; “just lately I saw the old man singing out his + litanies by a sick-bed, and all the time quietly counting the dates, of + which they had given him a whole sack-full.” + </p> + <p> + “He will be unwilling to go to the paraschites, who is poor, and he would + sooner seize the whole brood of scorpions yonder than take a piece of + bread from the hand of the unclean. Tell him to come and fetch me, and + drink some wine. There stands three days’ allowance; in this hot weather + it dims my sight. + </p> + <p> + “Does the paraschites live to the north or south of the Necropolis?” + </p> + <p> + “I think to the north. Paaker, the king’s pioneer, will show you the way.” + </p> + <p> + “He!” exclaimed the student, laughing. “What day in the calendar is this, + then? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Calendars have been preserved, the completest is the papyrus + Sallier IV., which has been admirably treated by F. Chabas. Many + days are noted as lucky, unlucky, etc. In the temples many + Calendars of feasts have been found, the most perfect at Medinet + Abu, deciphered by Dumich.] +</pre> + <p> + The child of a paraschites is to be tended like a princess, and a leech + have a noble to guide him, like the Pharaoh himself! I ought to have kept + on my three robes!” + </p> + <p> + “The night is warm,” said Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “But Paaker has strange ways with him. Only the day before yesterday I was + called to a poor boy whose collar bone he had simply smashed with his + stick. If I had been the princess’s horse I would rather have trodden him + down than a poor little girl.” + </p> + <p> + “So would I,” said Pentaur laughing, and left the room to request The + second prophet Gagabu, who was also the head of the medical staff of the + House of Seti, to send the blind pastophorus + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Pastophori were an order of priests to which the physicians + belonged.] +</pre> + <p> + Teta, with his friend as singer of the litany. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Pentaur knew where to seek Gagabu, for he himself had been invited to the + banquet which the prophet had prepared in honor of two sages who had + lately come to the House of Seti from the university of Chennu. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Chennu was situated on a bend of the Nile, not far from the Nubian + frontier; it is now called Gebel Silsilch; it was in very ancient + times the seat of a celebrated seminary.] +</pre> + <p> + In an open court, surrounded by gaily-painted wooden pillars, and lighted + by many lamps, sat the feasting priests in two long rows on comfortable + armchairs. Before each stood a little table, and servants were occupied in + supplying them with the dishes and drinks, which were laid out on a + splendid table in the middle of the court. Joints of gazelle, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Gazelles were tamed for domestic animals: we find them in the + representations of the herds of the wealthy Egyptians and as + slaughtered for food. The banquet is described from the pictures of + feasts which have been found in the tombs.] +</pre> + <p> + roast geese and ducks, meat pasties, artichokes, asparagus and other + vegetables, and various cakes and sweetmeats were carried to the guests, + and their beakers well-filled with the choice wines of which there was + never any lack in the lofts of the House of Seti. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Cellars maintain the mean temperature of the climate, and in Egypt + are hot Wine was best preserved in shady and airy lofts.] +</pre> + <p> + In the spaces between the guests stood servants with metal bowls, in which + they might wash their hands, and towels of fine linen. + </p> + <p> + When their hunger was appeased, the wine flowed more freely, and each + guest was decked with sweetly-smelling flowers, whose odor was supposed to + add to the vivacity of the conversation. + </p> + <p> + Many of the sharers in this feast wore long, snowwhite garments, and were + of the class of the Initiated into the mysteries of the faith, as well as + chiefs of the different orders of priests of the House of Seti. + </p> + <p> + The second prophet, Gagabu, who was to-day charged with the conduct of the + feast by Ameni—who on such occasions only showed himself for a few + minutes—was a short, stout man with a bald and almost spherical + head. His features were those of a man of advancing years, but + well-formed, and his smoothly-shaven, plump cheeks were well-rounded. His + grey eyes looked out cheerfully and observantly, but had a vivid sparkle + when he was excited and began to twitch his thick, sensual mouth. + </p> + <p> + Close by him stood the vacant, highly-ornamented chair of the high-priest, + and next to him sat the priests arrived from Chennu, two tall, + dark-colored old men. The remainder of the company was arranged in the + order of precedency, which they held in the priests’ colleges, and which + bore no relation to their respective ages. + </p> + <p> + But strictly as the guests were divided with reference to their rank, they + mixed without distinction in the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “We know how to value our call to Thebes,” said the elder of the strangers + from Chennu, Tuauf, whose essays were frequently used in the schools,—[Some + of them are still in existence]—“for while, on one hand, it brings + us into the neighborhood of the Pharaoh, where life, happiness, and safety + flourish, on the other it procures us the honor of counting ourselves + among your number; for, though the university of Chennu in former times + was so happy as to bring up many great men, whom she could call her own, + she can no longer compare with the House of Seti. Even Heliopolis and + Memphis are behind you; and if I, my humble self, nevertheless venture + boldly among you, it is because I ascribe your success as much to the + active influence of the Divinity in your temple, which may promote my + acquirements and achievements, as to your great gifts and your industry, + in which I will not be behind you. I have already seen your high-priest + Ameni—what a man! And who does not know thy name, Gagabu, or thine, + Meriapu?” + </p> + <p> + “And which of you,” asked the other new-comer, “may we greet as the author + of the most beautiful hymn to Amon, which was ever sung in the land of the + Sycamore? Which of you is Pentaur?” + </p> + <p> + “The empty chair yonder,” answered Gagabu, pointing to a seat at the lower + end of the table, “is his. He is the youngest of us all, but a great + future awaits him.” + </p> + <p> + “And his songs,” added the elder of the strangers. “Without doubt,” + replied the chief of the haruspices,—[One of the orders of priests + in the Egyptian hierarchy]—an old man with a large grey curly head, + that seemed too heavy for his thin neck, which stretched forward—perhaps + from the habit of constantly watching for signs—while his prominent + eyes glowed with a fanatical gleam. “Without doubt the Gods have granted + great gifts to our young friend, but it remains to be proved how he will + use them. I perceive a certain freedom of thought in the youth, which + pains me deeply. Although in his poems his flexible style certainly + follows the prescribed forms, his ideas transcend all tradition; and even + in the hymns intended for the ears of the people I find turns of thought, + which might well be called treason to the mysteries which only a few + months ago he swore to keep secret. For instance he says—and we sing—and + the laity hear— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “One only art Thou, Thou Creator of beings; + And Thou only makest all that is created. +</pre> + <p> + And again— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He is one only, Alone, without equal; + Dwelling alone in the holiest of holies.” + + [Hymn to Amon preserved in a papyrus roll at Bulaq, and deciphered + by Grehaut and L. Stern.] +</pre> + <p> + Such passages as these ought not to be sung in public, at least in times + like ours, when new ideas come in upon us from abroad, like the swarms of + locusts from the East.” + </p> + <p> + “Spoken to my very soul!” cried the treasurer of the temple, “Ameni + initiated this boy too early into the mysteries.” + </p> + <p> + “In my opinion, and I am his teacher,” said Gagabu, “our brotherhood may + be proud of a member who adds so brilliantly to the fame of our temple. + The people hear the hymns without looking closely at the meaning of the + words. I never saw the congregation more devout, than when the beautiful + and deeply-felt song of praise was sung at the feast of the stairs.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A particularly solemn festival in honor of Amon-Chem, held in the + temple of Medinet-Abu.] +</pre> + <p> + “Pentaur was always thy favorite,” said the former speaker. “Thou wouldst + not permit in any one else many things that are allowed to him. His hymns + are nevertheless to me and to many others a dangerous performance; and + canst thou dispute the fact that we have grounds for grave anxiety, and + that things happen and circumstances grow up around us which hinder us, + and at last may perhaps crush us, if we do not, while there is yet time, + inflexibly oppose them?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou bringest sand to the desert, and sugar to sprinkle over honey,” + exclaimed Gagabu, and his lips began to twitch. “Nothing is now as it + ought to be, and there will be a hard battle to fight; not with the sword, + but with this—and this.” And the impatient man touched his forehead + and his lips. “And who is there more competent than my disciple? There is + the champion of our cause, a second cap of Hor, that overthrew the evil + one with winged sunbeams, and you come and would clip his wings and blunt + his claws! Alas, alas, my lords! will you never understand that a lion + roars louder than a cat, and the sun shines brighter than an oil-lamp? Let + Pentuar alone, I say; or you will do as the man did, who, for fear of the + toothache, had his sound teeth drawn. Alas, alas, in the years to come we + shall have to bite deep into the flesh, till the blood flows, if we wish + to escape being eaten up ourselves!” + </p> + <p> + “The enemy is not unknown to us also,” said the elder priest from Chennu, + “although we, on the remote southern frontier of the kingdom, have escaped + many evils that in the north have eaten into our body like a cancer. Here + foreigners are now hardly looked upon at all as unclean and devilish.”—[“Typhonisch,” + belonging to Typhon or Seth.—Translator.] + </p> + <p> + “Hardly?” exclaimed the chief of the haruspices; “they are invited, + caressed, and honored. Like dust, when the simoon blows through the chinks + of a wooden house, they crowd into the houses and temples, taint our + manners and language; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [At no period Egyptian writers use more Semitic words than during + the reigns of Rameses II. and his son Mernephtah.] +</pre> + <p> + nay, on the throne of the successors of Ra sits a descendant—” + </p> + <p> + “Presumptuous man!” cried the voice of the high-priest, who at this + instant entered the hall, “Hold your tongue, and be not so bold as to wag + it against him who is our king, and wields the sceptre in this kingdom as + the Vicar of Ra.” + </p> + <p> + The speaker bowed and was silent, then he and all the company rose to + greet Ameni, who bowed to them all with polite dignity, took his seat, and + turning to Gagabu asked him carelessly: + </p> + <p> + “I find you all in most unpriestly excitement; what has disturbed your + equanimity?” + </p> + <p> + “We were discussing the overwhelming influx of foreigners into Egypt, and + the necessity of opposing some resistance to them.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find me one of the foremost in the attempt,” replied Ameni. “We + have endured much already, and news has arrived from the north, which + grieves me deeply.” + </p> + <p> + “Have our troops sustained a defeat?” + </p> + <p> + “They continue to be victorious, but thousands of our countrymen have + fallen victims in the fight or on the march. Rameses demands fresh + reinforcements. The pioneer, Paaker, has brought me a letter from our + brethren who accompany the king, and delivered a document from him to the + Regent, which contains the order to send to him fifty thousand fighting + men: and as the whole of the soldier-caste and all the auxiliaries are + already under arms, the bondmen of the temple, who till our acres, are to + be levied, and sent into Asia.” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of disapproval arose at these words. The chief of the haruspices + stamped his foot, and Gagabu asked: + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean to do?” + </p> + <p> + “To prepare to obey the commands of the king,” answered Ameni, “and to + call the heads of the temples of the city of Anion here without delay to + hold a council. Each must first in his holy of holies seek good counsel of + the Celestials. When we have come to a conclusion, we must next win the + Viceroy over to our side. Who yesterday assisted at his prayers?” + </p> + <p> + “It was my turn,” said the chief of the haruspices. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me to my abode, when the meal is over.” commanded Ameni. “But why + is our poet missing from our circle?” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Pentaur came into the hall, and while he bowed easily and + with dignity to the company and low before Ameni, he prayed him to grant + that the pastophorus Teta should accompany the leech Nebsecht to visit the + daughter of the paraschites. + </p> + <p> + Ameni nodded consent and exclaimed: “They must make haste. Paaker waits + for them at the great gate, and will accompany them in my chariot.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Pentaur had left the party of feasters, the old priest from + Chennu exclaimed, as he turned to Ameni: + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, holy father, just such a one and no other had I pictured your + poet. He is like the Sun-god, and his demeanor is that of a prince. He is + no doubt of noble birth.” + </p> + <p> + “His father is a homely gardener,” said the highpriest, “who indeed tills + the land apportioned to him with industry and prudence, but is of humble + birth and rough exterior. He sent Pentaur to the school at an early age, + and we have brought up the wonderfully gifted boy to be what he now is.” + </p> + <p> + “What office does he fill here in the temple?” + </p> + <p> + “He instructs the elder pupils of the high-school in grammar and + eloquence; he is also an excellent observer of the starry heavens, and a + most skilled interpreter of dreams,” replied Gagabu. “But here he is + again. To whom is Paaker conducting our stammering physician and his + assistant?” + </p> + <p> + “To the daughter of the paraschites, who has been run over,” answered + Pentaur. “But what a rough fellow this pioneer is. His voice hurts my + ears, and he spoke to our leeches as if they had been his slaves.” + </p> + <p> + “He was vexed with the commission the princess had devolved on him,” said + the high-priest benevolently, “and his unamiable disposition is hardly + mitigated by his real piety.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said an old priest, “his brother, who left us some years ago, + and who had chosen me for his guide and teacher, was a particularly + loveable and docile youth.” + </p> + <p> + “And his father,” said Ameni, “was one of the most superior energetic, and + withal subtle-minded of men.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he has derived his bad peculiarities from his mother?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means. She is a timid, amiable, soft-hearted woman.” + </p> + <p> + “But must the child always resemble its parents?” asked Pentaur. “Among + the sons of the sacred bull, sometimes not one bears the distinguishing + mark of his father.” + </p> + <p> + “And if Paaker’s father were indeed an Apis,” Gagabu laughing, “according + to your view the pioneer himself belongs, alas! to the peasant’s stable.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur did not contradict him, but said with a smile: + </p> + <p> + “Since he left the school bench, where his school-fellows called him the + wild ass on account of his unruliness, he has remained always the same. He + was stronger than most of them, and yet they knew no greater pleasure than + putting him in a rage.” + </p> + <p> + “Children are so cruel!” said Ameni. “They judge only by appearances, and + never enquire into the causes of them. The deficient are as guilty in + their eyes as the idle, and Paaker could put forward small claims to their + indulgence. I encourage freedom and merriment,” he continued turning to + the priests from Cheraw, “among our disciples, for in fettering the fresh + enjoyment of youth we lame our best assistant. The excrescences on the + natural growth of boys cannot be more surely or painlessly extirpated than + in their wild games. The school-boy is the school-boy’s best tutor.” + </p> + <p> + “But Paaker,” said the priest Meriapu, “was not improved by the + provocations of his companions. Constant contests with them increased that + roughness which now makes him the terror of his subordinates and alienates + all affection.” + </p> + <p> + “He is the most unhappy of all the many youths, who were intrusted to my + care,” said Ameni, “and I believe I know why,—he never had a + childlike disposition, even when in years he was still a child, and the + Gods had denied him the heavenly gift of good humor. Youth should be + modest, and he was assertive from his childhood. He took the sport of his + companions for earnest, and his father, who was unwise only as a tutor, + encouraged him to resistance instead of to forbearance, in the idea that + he thus would be steeled to the hard life of a Mohar.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The severe duties of the Mohar are well known from the papyrus of + Anastasi I. in the Brit. Mus., which has been ably treated by F. + Chabas, Voyage d’un Egyptien.] +</pre> + <p> + “I have often heard the deeds of the Mohar spoken of,” said the old priest + from Chennu, “yet I do not exactly know what his office requires of him.” + </p> + <p> + “He has to wander among the ignorant and insolent people of hostile + provinces, and to inform himself of the kind and number of the population, + to investigate the direction of the mountains, valleys, and rivers, to set + forth his observations, and to deliver them to the house of war, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Corresponding to our minister of war. A person of the highest + importance even in the earliest times.] +</pre> + <p> + so that the march of the troops may be guided by them.” + </p> + <p> + “The Mohar then must be equally skilled as a warrior and as a Scribe.” + </p> + <p> + “As thou sayest; and Paaker’s father was not a hero only, but at the same + time a writer, whose close and clear information depicted the country + through which he had travelled as plainly as if it were seen from a + mountain height. He was the first who took the title of Mohar. The king + held him in such high esteem, that he was inferior to no one but the king + himself, and the minister of the house of war.” + </p> + <p> + “Was he of noble race?” + </p> + <p> + “Of one of the oldest and noblest in the country. His father was the noble + warrior Assa,” answered the haruspex, “and he therefore, after he himself + had attained the highest consideration and vast wealth, escorted home the + niece of the King Hor-em-lieb, who would have had a claim to the throne, + as well as the Regent, if the grandfather of the present Rameses had not + seized it from the old family by violence.” + </p> + <p> + “Be careful of your words,” said Ameni, interrupting the rash old man. + “Rameses I. was and is the grandfather of our sovereign, and in the king’s + veins, from his mother’s side, flows the blood of the legitimate + descendants of the Sun-god.” + </p> + <p> + “But fuller and purer in those of the Regent the haruspex ventured to + retort. + </p> + <p> + “But Rameses wears the crown,” cried Ameni, “and will continue to wear it + so long as it pleases the Gods. Reflect—your hairs are grey, and + seditious words are like sparks, which are borne by the wind, but which, + if they fall, may set our home in a blaze. Continue your feasting, my + lords; but I would request you to speak no more this evening of the king + and his new decree. You, Pentaur, fulfil my orders to-morrow morning with + energy and prudence.” + </p> + <p> + The high-priest bowed and left the feast. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the door was shut behind him, the old priest from Chennu spoke. + </p> + <p> + “What we have learned concerning the pioneer of the king, a man who holds + so high an office, surprises me. Does he distinguish himself by a special + acuteness?” + </p> + <p> + “He was a steady learner, but of moderate ability.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the rank of Mohar then as high as that of a prince of the empire?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means.” + </p> + <p> + “How then is it—?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, as it is,” interrupted Gagabu. “The son of the vine-dresser has + his mouth full of grapes, and the child of the door-keeper opens the lock + with words.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” said an old priest who had hitherto kept silence. “Paaker + earned for himself the post of Mohar, and possesses many praiseworthy + qualities. He is indefatigable and faithful, quails before no danger, and + has always been earnestly devout from his boyhood. When the other scholars + carried their pocket-money to the fruit-sellers and confectioners at the + temple-gates, he would buy geese, and, when his mother sent him a handsome + sum, young gazelles, to offer to the Gods on the altars. No noble in the + land owns a greater treasure of charms and images of the Gods than he. To + the present time he is the most pious of men, and the offerings for the + dead, which he brings in the name of his late father, may be said to be + positively kingly.” + </p> + <p> + “We owe him gratitude for these gifts,” said the treasurer, “and the high + honor he pays his father, even after his death, is exceptional and + far-famed.” + </p> + <p> + “He emulates him in every respect,” sneered Gagabu; “and though he does + not resemble him in any feature, grows more and more like him. But + unfortunately, it is as the goose resembles the swan, or the owl resembles + the eagle. For his father’s noble pride he has overbearing haughtiness; + for kindly severity, rude harshness; for dignity, conceit; for + perseverance, obstinacy. Devout he is, and we profit by his gifts. The + treasurer may rejoice over them, and the dates off a crooked tree taste as + well as those off a straight one. But if I were the Divinity I should + prize them no higher than a hoopoe’s crest; for He, who sees into the + heart of the giver-alas! what does he see! Storms and darkness are of the + dominion of Seth, and in there—in there—” and the old man + struck his broad breast “all is wrath and tumult, and there is not a gleam + of the calm blue heaven of Ra, that shines soft and pure in the soul of + the pious; no, not a spot as large as this wheaten-cake.” + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou then sounded to the depths of his soul?” asked the haruspex. + </p> + <p> + “As this beaker!” exclaimed Gagabu, and he touched the rim of an empty + drinking-vessel. “For fifteen years without ceasing. The man has been of + service to us, is so still, and will continue to be. Our leeches extract + salves from bitter gall and deadly poisons; and folks like these—” + </p> + <p> + “Hatred speaks in thee,” said the haruspex, interrupting the indignant old + man. + </p> + <p> + “Hatred!” he retorted, and his lips quivered. “Hatred?” and he struck his + breast with his clenched hand. “It is true, it is no stranger to this old + heart. But open thine ears, O haruspex, and all you others too shall hear. + I recognize two sorts of hatred. The one is between man and man; that I + have gagged, smothered, killed, annihilated—with what efforts, the + Gods know. In past years I have certainly tasted its bitterness, and + served it like a wasp, which, though it knows that in stinging it must + die, yet uses its sting. But now I am old in years, that is in knowledge, + and I know that of all the powerful impulses which stir our hearts, one + only comes solely from Seth, one only belongs wholly to the Evil one and + that is hatred between man and man. Covetousness may lead to industry, + sensual appetites may beget noble fruit, but hatred is a devastator, and + in the soul that it occupies all that is noble grows not upwards and + towards the light, but downwards to the earth and to darkness. Everything + may be forgiven by the Gods, save only hatred between man and man. But + there is another sort of hatred that is pleasing to the Gods, and which + you must cherish if you would not miss their presence in your souls; that + is, hatred for all that hinders the growth of light and goodness and + purity—the hatred of Horus for Seth. The Gods would punish me if I + hated Paaker whose father was dear to me; but the spirits of darkness + would possess the old heart in my breast if it were devoid of horror for + the covetous and sordid devotee, who would fain buy earthly joys of the + Gods with gifts of beasts and wine, as men exchange an ass for a robe, in + whose soul seethe dark promptings. Paaker’s gifts can no more be pleasing + to the Celestials than a cask of attar of roses would please thee, + haruspex, in which scorpions, centipedes, and venomous snakes were + swimming. I have long led this man’s prayers, and never have I heard him + crave for noble gifts, but a thousand times for the injury of the men he + hates.” + </p> + <p> + “In the holiest prayers that come down to us from the past,” said the + haruspex, “the Gods are entreated to throw our enemies under our feet; + and, besides, I have often heard Paaker pray fervently for the bliss of + his parents.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a priest and one of the initiated,” cried Gagabu, “and you know + not—or will not seem to know—that by the enemies for whose + overthrow we pray, are meant only the demons of darkness and the + outlandish peoples by whom Egypt is endangered! Paaker prayed for his + parents? Ay, and so will he for his children, for they will be his future + as his fore fathers are his past. If he had a wife, his offerings would be + for her too, for she would be the half of his own present.” + </p> + <p> + “In spite of all this,” said the haruspex Septah, “you are too hard in + your judgment of Paaker, for although he was born under a lucky sign, the + Hathors denied him all that makes youth happy. The enemy for whose + destruction he prays is Mena, the king’s charioteer, and, indeed, he must + have been of superhuman magnanimity or of unmanly feebleness, if he could + have wished well to the man who robbed him of the beautiful wife who was + destined for him.” + </p> + <p> + “How could that happen?” asked the priest from Chennu. “A betrothal is + sacred.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In the demotic papyrus preserved at Bulaq (novel by Setnau) first + treated by H. Brugsch, the following words occur: “Is it not the + law, which unites one to another?” Betrothed brides are mentioned, + for instance on the sarcophagus of Unnefer at Bulaq.] +</pre> + <p> + “Paaker,” replied Septah, “was attached with all the strength of his + ungoverned but passionate and faithful heart to his cousin Nefert, the + sweetest maid in Thebes, the daughter of Katuti, his mother’s sister; and + she was promised to him to wife. Then his father, whom he accompanied on + his marches, was mortally wounded in Syria. The king stood by his + death-bed, and granting his last request, invested his son with his rank + and office: Paaker brought the mummy of his father home to Thebes, gave + him princely interment, and then before the time of mourning was over, + hastened back to Syria, where, while the king returned to Egypt, it was + his duty to reconnoitre the new possessions. At last he could quit the + scene of war with the hope of marrying Nefert. He rode his horse to death + the sooner to reach the goal of his desires; but when he reached Tanis, + the city of Rameses, the news met him that his affianced cousin had been + given to another, the handsomest and bravest man in Thebes—the noble + Mena. The more precious a thing is that we hope to possess, the more we + are justified in complaining of him who contests our claim, and can win it + from us. Paaker’s blood must have been as cold as a frog’s if he could + have forgiven Mena instead of hating him, and the cattle he has offered to + the Gods to bring down their wrath on the head of the traitor may be + counted by hundreds.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you accept them, knowing why they are offered, you do unwisely and + wrongly,” exclaimed Gagabu. “If I were a layman, I would take good care + not to worship a Divinity who condescends to serve the foulest human + fiends for a reward. But the omniscient Spirit, that rules the world in + accordance with eternal laws, knows nothing of these sacrifices, which + only tickle the nostrils of the evil one. The treasurer rejoices when a + beautiful spotless heifer is driven in among our herds. But Seth rubs his + red hands + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Red was the color of Seth and Typhon. The evil one is named the + Red, as for instance in the papyrus of fibers. Red-haired men were + typhonic.] +</pre> + <p> + with delight that he accepts it. My friends, I have heard the vows which + Paaker has poured out over our pure altars, like hogwash that men set + before swine. Pestilence and boils has he called down on Mena, and + barrenness and heartache on the poor sweet woman; and I really cannot + blame her for preferring a battle-horse to a hippopotamus—a Mena to + a Paaker.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet the Immortals must have thought his remonstrances less unjustifiable, + and have stricter views as to the inviolable nature of a betrothal than + you,” said the treasurer, “for Nefert, during four years of married life, + has passed only a few weeks with her wandering husband, and remains + childless. It is hard to me to understand how you, Gagabu, who so often + absolve where we condemn, can so relentlessly judge so great a benefactor + to our temple.” + </p> + <p> + “And I fail to comprehend,” exclaimed the old man, “how you—you who + so willingly condemn, can so weakly excuse this—this—call him + what you will.” + </p> + <p> + “He is indispensable to us at this time,” said the haruspex. + </p> + <p> + “Granted,” said Gagabu, lowering his tone. “And I think still to make use + of him, as the high-priest has done in past years with the best effect + when dangers have threatened us; and a dirty road serves when it makes for + the goal. The Gods themselves often permit safety to come from what is + evil, but shall we therefore call evil good—or say the hideous is + beautiful? Make use of the king’s pioneer as you will, but do not, because + you are indebted to him for gifts, neglect to judge him according to his + imaginings and deeds if you would deserve your title of the Initiated and + the Enlightened. Let him bring his cattle into our temple and pour his + gold into our treasury, but do not defile your souls with the thought that + the offerings of such a heart and such a hand are pleasing to the + Divinity. Above all,” and the voice of the old man had a heart-felt + impressiveness, “Above all, do not flatter the erring man—and this + is what you do, with the idea that he is walking in the right way; for + your, for our first duty, O my friends, is always this—to guide the + souls of those who trust in us to goodness and truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my master!” cried Pentaur, “how tender is thy severity.” + </p> + <p> + “I have shown the hideous sores of this man’s soul,” said the old man, as + he rose to quit the hall. “Your praise will aggravate them, your blame + will tend to heal them. Nay, if you are not content to do your duty, old + Gagabu will come some day with his knife, and will throw the sick man down + and cut out the canker.” + </p> + <p> + During this speech the haruspex had frequently shrugged his shoulders. Now + he said, turning to the priests from Chennu— + </p> + <p> + “Gagabu is a foolish, hot-headed old man, and you have heard from his lips + just such a sermon as the young scribes keep by them when they enter on + the duties of the care of souls. His sentiments are excellent, but he + easily overlooks small things for the sake of great ones. Ameni would tell + you that ten souls, no, nor a hundred, do not matter when the safety of + the whole is in question.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + The night during which the Princess Bent-Anat and her followers had + knocked at the gate of the House of Seti was past. + </p> + <p> + The fruitful freshness of the dawn gave way to the heat, which began to + pour down from the deep blue cloudless vault of heaven. The eye could no + longer gaze at the mighty globe of light whose rays pierced the fine white + dust which hung over the declivity of the hills that enclosed the city of + the dead on the west. The limestone rocks showed with blinding clearness, + the atmosphere quivered as if heated over a flame; each minute the shadows + grew shorter and their outlines sharper. + </p> + <p> + All the beasts which we saw peopling the Necropolis in the evening had now + withdrawn into their lurking places; only man defied the heat of the + summer day. Undisturbed he accomplished his daily work, and only laid his + tools aside for a moment, with a sigh, when a cooling breath blew across + the overflowing stream and fanned his brow. + </p> + <p> + The harbor or clock where those landed who crossed from eastern Thebes was + crowded with barks and boats waiting to return. + </p> + <p> + The crews of rowers and steersmen who were attached to priestly + brotherhoods or noble houses, were enjoying a rest till the parties they + had brought across the Nile drew towards them again in long processions. + </p> + <p> + Under a wide-spreading sycamore a vendor of eatables, spirituous drinks, + and acids for cooling the water, had set up his stall, and close to him, a + crowd of boatmen, and drivers shouted and disputed as they passed the time + in eager games at morra. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In Latin “micare digitis.” A game still constantly played in the + south of Europe, and frequently represented by the Egyptians. The + games depicted in the monuments are collected by Minutoli, in the + Leipziger Illustrirte Zeitung, 1852.] +</pre> + <p> + Many sailors lay on the decks of the vessels, others on the shore; here in + the thin shade of a palm tree, there in the full blaze of the sun, from + those burning rays they protected themselves by spreading the cotton + cloths, which served them for cloaks, over their faces. + </p> + <p> + Between the sleepers passed bondmen and slaves, brown and black, in long + files one behind the other, bending under the weight of heavy burdens, + which had to be conveyed to their destination at the temples for + sacrifice, or to the dealers in various wares. Builders dragged blocks of + stone, which had come from the quarries of Chennu and Suan, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Syene of the Greeks, non, called Assouan at the first + cataract.] +</pre> + <p> + on sledges to the site of a new temple; laborers poured water under the + runners, that the heavily loaded and dried wood should not take fire. + </p> + <p> + All these working men were driven with sticks by their overseers, and sang + at their labor; but the voices of the leaders sounded muffled and hoarse, + though, when after their frugal meal they enjoyed an hour of repose, they + might be heard loud enough. Their parched throats refused to sing in the + noontide of their labor. + </p> + <p> + Thick clouds of gnats followed these tormented gangs, who with dull and + spirit-broken endurance suffered alike the stings of the insects and the + blows of their driver. The gnats pursued them to the very heart of the + City of the dead, where they joined themselves to the flies and wasps, + which swarmed in countless crowds around the slaughter houses, cooks’ + shops, stalls of fried fish, and booths of meat, vegetable, honey, cakes + and drinks, which were doing a brisk business in spite of the noontide + heat and the oppressive atmosphere heated and filled with a mixture of + odors. + </p> + <p> + The nearer one got to the Libyan frontier, the quieter it became, and the + silence of death reigned in the broad north-west valley, where in the + southern slope the father of the reigning king had caused his tomb to be + hewn, and where the stone-mason of the Pharaoh had prepared a rock tomb + for him. + </p> + <p> + A newly made road led into this rocky gorge, whose steep yellow and brown + walls seemed scorched by the sun in many blackened spots, and looked like + a ghostly array of shades that had risen from the tombs in the night and + remained there. + </p> + <p> + At the entrance of this valley some blocks of stone formed a sort of + doorway, and through this, indifferent to the heat of day, a small but + brilliant troop of the men was passing. + </p> + <p> + Four slender youths as staff bearers led the procession, each clothed only + with an apron and a flowing head-cloth of gold brocade; the mid-day sun + played on their smooth, moist, red-brown skins, and their supple naked + feet hardly stirred the stones on the road. + </p> + <p> + Behind them followed an elegant, two-wheeled chariot, with two prancing + brown horses bearing tufts of red and blue feathers on their noble heads, + and seeming by the bearing of their arched necks and flowing tails to + express their pride in the gorgeous housings, richly embroidered in + silver, purple, and blue and golden ornaments, which they wore—and + even more in their beautiful, royal charioteer, Bent-Anat, the daughter of + Rameses, at whose lightest word they pricked their ears, and whose little + hand guided them with a scarcely perceptible touch. + </p> + <p> + Two young men dressed like the other runners followed the chariot, and + kept the rays of the sun off the face of their mistress with large fans of + snow-white ostrich feathers fastened to long wands. + </p> + <p> + By the side of Bent-Anat, so long as the road was wide enough to allow of + it, was carried Nefert, the wife of Mena, in her gilt litter, borne by + eight tawny bearers, who, running with a swift and equally measured step, + did not remain far behind the trotting horses of the princess and her + fan-bearers. + </p> + <p> + Both the women, whom we now see for the first time in daylight, were of + remarkable but altogether different beauty. + </p> + <p> + The wife of Mena had preserved the appearance of a maiden; her large + almond-shaped eyes had a dreamy surprised look out from under her long + eyelashes, and her figure of hardly the middle-height had acquired a + little stoutness without losing its youthful grace. No drop of foreign + blood flowed in her veins, as could be seen in the color of her skin, + which was of that fresh and equal line which holds a medium between golden + yellow and bronze brown—and which to this day is so charming in the + maidens of Abyssinia—in her straight nose, her well-formed brow, in + her smooth but thick black hair, and in the fineness of her hands and + feet, which were ornamented with circles of gold. + </p> + <p> + The maiden princess next to her had hardly reached her nineteenth year, + and yet something of a womanly self-consciousness betrayed itself in her + demeanor. Her stature was by almost a head taller than that of her friend, + her skin was fairer, her blue eyes kind and frank, without tricks of + glance, but clear and honest, her profile was noble but sharply cut, and + resembled that of her father, as a landscape in the mild and softening + light of the moon resembles the same landscape in the broad clear light of + day. The scarcely perceptible aquiline of her nose, she inherited from her + Semitic ancestors, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Many portraits have come down to us of Rameses: the finest is the + noble statue preserved at Turin. A likeness has been detected + between its profile, with its slightly aquiline nose, and that of + Napoleon I.] +</pre> + <p> + as well as the slightly waving abundance of her brown hair, over which she + wore a blue and white striped silk kerchief; its carefully-pleated folds + were held in place by a gold ring, from which in front a horned urarus + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A venomous Egyptian serpent which was adopted as the symbol of + sovereign power, in consequence of its swift effects for life or + death. It is never wanting to the diadem of the Pharaohs.] +</pre> + <p> + raised its head crowned with a disk of rubies. From her left temple a + large tress, plaited with gold thread, hung down to her waist, the sign of + her royal birth. She wore a purple dress of fine, almost transparent + stuff, that was confined with a gold belt and straps. Round her throat was + fastened a necklace like a collar, made of pearls and costly stones, and + hanging low down on her well-formed bosom. + </p> + <p> + Behind the princess stood her charioteer, an old officer of noble birth. + </p> + <p> + Three litters followed the chariot of the princess, and in each sat two + officers of the court; then came a dozen of slaves ready for any service, + and lastly a crowd of wand-bearers to drive off the idle populace, and of + lightly-armed soldiers, who—dressed only in the apron and head-cloth—each + bore a dagger-shaped sword in his girdle, an axe in his right hand, and in + his left; in token of his peaceful service, a palm-branch. + </p> + <p> + Like dolphins round a ship, little girls in long shirt-shaped garments + swarmed round the whole length of the advancing procession, bearing + water-jars on their steady heads, and at a sign from any one who was + thirsty were ready to give him a drink. With steps as light as the gazelle + they often outran the horses, and nothing could be more graceful than the + action with which the taller ones bent over with the water-jars held in + both arms to the drinker. + </p> + <p> + The courtiers, cooled and shaded by waving fans, and hardly perceiving the + noontide heat, conversed at their ease about indifferent matters, and the + princess pitied the poor horses, who were tormented as they ran, by + annoying gadflies; while the runners and soldiers, the litter-bearers and + fan-bearers, the girls with their jars and the panting slaves, were + compelled to exert themselves under the rays of the mid-day sun in the + service of their masters, till their sinews threatened to crack and their + lungs to burst their bodies. + </p> + <p> + At a spot where the road widened, and where, to the right, lay the steep + cross-valley where the last kings of the dethroned race were interred, the + procession stopped at a sign from Paaker, who preceded the princess, and + who drove his fiery black Syrian horses with so heavy a hand that the + bloody foam fell from their bits. + </p> + <p> + When the Mohar had given the reins into the hand of a servant, he sprang + from his chariot, and after the usual form of obeisance said to the + princess: + </p> + <p> + “In this valley lies the loathsome den of the people, to whom thou, O + princess, dost deign to do such high honor. Permit me to go forward as + guide to thy party.” + </p> + <p> + “We will go on foot,” said the princess, “and leave our followers behind + here.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker bowed, Bent-Anat threw the reins to her charioteer and sprang to + the ground, the wife of Mena and the courtiers left their litters, and the + fan-bearers and chamberlains were about to accompany their mistress on + foot into the little valley, when she turned round and ordered, “Remain + behind, all of you. Only Paaker and Nefert need go with me.” + </p> + <p> + The princess hastened forward into the gorge, which was oppressive with + the noon-tide heat; but she moderated her steps as soon as she observed + that the frailer Nefert found it difficult to follow her. + </p> + <p> + At a bend in the road Paaker stood still, and with him Bent-Anat and + Nefert. Neither of them had spoken a word during their walk. The valley + was perfectly still and deserted; on the highest pinnacles of the cliff, + which rose perpendicularly to the right, sat a long row of vultures, as + motionless as if the mid-day heat had taken all strength out of their + wings. + </p> + <p> + Paaker bowed before them as being the sacred animals of the Great Goddess + of Thebes, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [She formed a triad with Anion and Chunsu under the name of Muth. + The great “Sanctuary of the kingdom”—the temple of Karnak—was + dedicated to them.] +</pre> + <p> + and the two women silently followed his example. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said the Mohar, pointing to two huts close to the left cliff of + the valley, built of bricks made of dried Nile-mud, “there, the neatest, + next the cave in the rock.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat went towards the solitary hovel with a beating heart; Paaker let + the ladies go first. A few steps brought them to an ill-constructed fence + of canestalks, palm-branches, briars and straw, roughly thrown together. A + heart-rending cry of pain from within the hut trembled in the air and + arrested the steps of the two women. Nefert staggered and clung to her + stronger companion, whose beating heart she seemed to hear. Both stood a + few minutes as if spellbound, then the princess called Paaker, and said: + </p> + <p> + “You go first into the house.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker bowed to the ground. + </p> + <p> + “I will call the man out,” he said, “but how dare we step over his + threshold. Thou knowest such a proceeding will defile us.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert looked pleadingly at Bent-Anat, but the princess repeated her + command. + </p> + <p> + “Go before me; I have no fear of defilement.” The Mohar still hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Wilt thou provoke the Gods?—and defile thyself?” But the princess + let him say no more; she signed to Nefert, who raised her hands in horror + and aversion; so, with a shrug of her shoulders, she left her companion + behind with the Mohar, and stepped through an opening in the hedge into a + little court, where lay two brown goats; a donkey with his forelegs tied + together stood by, and a few hens were scattering the dust about in a vain + search for food. + </p> + <p> + Soon she stood, alone, before the door of the paraschites’ hovel. No one + perceived her, but she could not take her eyes-accustomed only to scenes + of order and splendor—from the gloomy but wonderfully strange + picture, which riveted her attention and her sympathy. At last she went up + to the doorway, which was too low for her tall figure. Her heart shrunk + painfully within her, and she would have wished to grow smaller, and, + instead of shining in splendor, to have found herself wrapped in a + beggar’s robe. + </p> + <p> + Could she step into this hovel decked with gold and jewels as if in + mockery?—like a tyrant who should feast at a groaning table and + compel the starving to look on at the banquet. Her delicate perception + made her feel what trenchant discord her appearance offered to all that + surrounded her, and the discord pained her; for she could not conceal from + herself that misery and external meanness were here entitled to give the + key-note and that her magnificence derived no especial grandeur from + contrast with all these modest accessories, amid dust, gloom, and + suffering, but rather became disproportionate and hideous, like a giant + among pigmies. + </p> + <p> + She had already gone too far to turn back, or she would willingly have + done so. The longer she gazed into the but, the more deeply she felt the + impotence of her princely power, the nothingness of the splendid gifts + with which she approached it, and that she might not tread the dusty floor + of this wretched hovel but in all humility, and to crave a pardon. + </p> + <p> + The room into which she looked was low but not very small, and obtained + from two cross lights a strange and unequal illumination; on one side the + light came through the door, and on the other through an opening in the + time-worn ceiling of the room, which had never before harbored so many and + such different guests. + </p> + <p> + All attention was concentrated on a group, which was clearly lighted up + from the doorway. + </p> + <p> + On the dusty floor of the room cowered an old woman, with dark + weather-beaten features and tangled hair that had long been grey. Her + black-blue cotton shirt was open over her withered bosom, and showed a + blue star tattooed upon it. + </p> + <p> + In her lap she supported with her hands the head of a girl, whose slender + body lay motionless on a narrow, ragged mat. The little white feet of the + sick girl almost touched the threshold. Near to them squatted a + benevolent-looking old man, who wore only a coarse apron, and sitting all + in a heap, bent forward now and then, rubbing the child’s feet with his + lean hands and muttering a few words to himself. + </p> + <p> + The sufferer wore nothing but a short petticoat of coarse light-blue + stuff. Her face, half resting on the lap of the old woman, was graceful + and regular in form, her eyes were half shut-like those of a child, whose + soul is wrapped in some sweet dream-but from her finely chiselled lips + there escaped from time to time a painful, almost convulsive sob. + </p> + <p> + An abundance of soft, but disordered reddish fair hair, in which clung a + few withered flowers, fell over the lap of the old woman and on to the mat + where she lay. Her cheeks were white and rosy-red, and when the young + surgeon Nebsecht—who sat by her side, near his blind, stupid + companion, the litany-singer—lifted the ragged cloth that had been + thrown over her bosom, which had been crushed by the chariot wheel, or + when she lifted her slender arm, it was seen that she had the shining + fairness of those daughters of the north who not unfrequently came to + Thebes among the king’s prisoners of war. + </p> + <p> + The two physicians sent hither from the House of Seti sat on the left side + of the maiden on a little carpet. From time to time one or the other laid + his hand over the heart of the sufferer, or listened to her breathing, or + opened his case of medicaments, and moistened the compress on her wounded + breast with a white ointment. + </p> + <p> + In a wide circle close to the wall of the room crouched several women, + young and old, friends of the paraschites, who from time to time gave + expression to their deep sympathy by a piercing cry of lamentation. One of + them rose at regular intervals to fill the earthen bowl by the side of the + physician with fresh water. As often as the sudden coolness of a fresh + compress on her hot bosom startled the sick girl, she opened her eyes, but + always soon to close them again for longer interval, and turned them at + first in surprise, and then with gentle reverence, towards a particular + spot. + </p> + <p> + These glances had hitherto been unobserved by him to whom they were + directed. + </p> + <p> + Leaning against the wall on the right hand side of the room, dressed in + his long, snow-white priest’s robe, Pentaur stood awaiting the princess. + His head-dress touched the ceiling, and the narrow streak of light, which + fell through the opening in the roof, streamed on his handsome head and + his breast, while all around him was veiled in twilight gloom. + </p> + <p> + Once more the suffering girl looked up, and her glance this time met the + eye of the young priest, who immediately raised his hand, and + half-mechanically, in a low voice, uttered the words of blessing; and then + once more fixed his gaze on the dingy floor, and pursued his own + reflections. + </p> + <p> + Some hours since he had come hither, obedient to the orders of Ameni, to + impress on the princess that she had defiled herself by touching a + paraschites, and could only be cleansed again by the hand of the priests. + </p> + <p> + He had crossed the threshold of the paraschites most reluctantly, and the + thought that he, of all men, had been selected to censure a deed of the + noblest humanity, and to bring her who had done it to judgment, weighed + upon him as a calamity. + </p> + <p> + In his intercourse with his friend Nebsecht, Pentaur had thrown off many + fetters, and given place to many thoughts that his master would have held + sinful and presumptuous; but at the same time he acknowledged the sanctity + of the old institutions, which were upheld by those whom he had learned to + regard as the divinely-appointed guardians of the spiritual possessions of + God’s people; nor was he wholly free from the pride of caste and the + haughtiness which, with prudent intent, were inculcated in the priests. He + held the common man, who put forth his strength to win a maintenance for + his belongings by honest bodily labor—the merchant—the artizan—the + peasant, nay even the warrior, as far beneath the godly brotherhood who + strove for only spiritual ends; and most of all he scorned the idler, + given up to sensual enjoyments. + </p> + <p> + He held him unclean who had been branded by the law; and how should it + have been otherwise? These people, who at the embalming of the dead opened + the body of the deceased, had become despised for their office of + mutilating the sacred temple of the soul; but no paraschites chose his + calling of his own free will.—[Diodorus I, 91]—It was handed + down from father to son, and he who was born a paraschites—so he was + taught—had to expiate an old guilt with which his soul had long ago + burdened itself in a former existence, within another body, and which had + deprived it of absolution in the nether world. It had passed through + various animal forms, and now began a new human course in the body of a + paraschites, once more to stand after death in the presence of the judges + of the under-world. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had crossed the threshold of the man he despised with aversion; + the man himself, sitting at the feet of the suffering girl, had exclaimed + as he saw the priest approaching the hovel: + </p> + <p> + “Yet another white robe! Does misfortune cleanse the unclean?” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had not answered the old man, who on his part took no further + notice of him, while he rubbed the girl’s feet by order of the leech; and + his hands impelled by tender anxiety untiringly continued the same + movement, as the water-wheel in the Nile keeps up without intermission its + steady motion in the stream. + </p> + <p> + “Does misfortune cleanse the unclean?” Pentaur asked himself. “Does it + indeed possess a purifying efficacy, and is it possible that the Gods, who + gave to fire the power of refining metals and to the winds power to sweep + the clouds from the sky, should desire that a man—made in their own + image—that a man should be tainted from his birth to his death with + an indelible stain?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at the face of the paraschites, and it seemed to him to resemble + that of his father. + </p> + <p> + This startled him! + </p> + <p> + And when he noticed how the woman, in whose lap the girl’s head was + resting, bent over the injured bosom of the child to catch her breathing, + which she feared had come to a stand-still—with the anguish of a + dove that is struck down by a hawk—he remembered a moment in his own + childhood, when he had lain trembling with fever on his little bed. What + then had happened to him, or had gone on around him, he had long + forgotten, but one image was deeply imprinted on his soul, that of the + face of his mother bending over him in deadly anguish, but who had gazed + on her sick boy not more tenderly, or more anxiously, than this despised + woman on her suffering child. + </p> + <p> + “There is only one utterly unselfish, utterly pure and utterly divine + love,” said he to himself, “and that is the love of Isis for Horus—the + love of a mother for her child. If these people were indeed so foul as to + defile every thing they touch, how would this pure, this tender, holy + impulse show itself even in them in all its beauty and perfection?” + </p> + <p> + “Still,” he continued, “the Celestials have implanted maternal love in the + breast of the lioness, of the typhonic river-horse of the Nile.” + </p> + <p> + He looked compassionately at the wife of the paraschites. + </p> + <p> + He saw her dark face as she turned it away from the sick girl. She had + felt her breathe, and a smile of happiness lighted up her old features; + she nodded first to the surgeon, and then with a deep sigh of relief to + her husband, who, while he did not cease the movement of his left hand, + held up his right hand in prayer to heaven, and his wife did the same. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to Pentaur that he could see the souls of these two, floating + above the youthful creature in holy union as they joined their hands; and + again he thought of his parents’ house, of the hour when his sweet, only + sister died. His mother had thrown herself weeping on the pale form, but + his father had stamped his foot and had thrown back his head, sobbing and + striking his forehead with his fist. + </p> + <p> + “How piously submissive and thankful are these unclean ones!” thought + Pentaur; and repugnance for the old laws began to take root in his heart. + “Maternal love may exist in the hyaena, but to seek and find God pertains + only to man, who has a noble aim. Up to the limits of eternity—and + God is eternal!—thought is denied to animals; they cannot even + smile. Even men cannot smile at first, for only physical life—an + animal soul—dwells in them; but soon a share of the world’s soul—beaming + intelligence—works within them, and first shows itself in the smile + of a child, which is as pure as the light and the truth from which it + comes. The child of the paraschites smiles like any other creature born of + woman, but how few aged men there are, even among the initiated, who can + smile as innocently and brightly as this woman who has grown grey under + open ill-treatment.” + </p> + <p> + Deep sympathy began to fill his heart, and he knelt down by the side of + the poor child, raised her arm, and prayed fervently to that One who had + created the heavens and who rules the world—to that One, whom the + mysteries of faith forbade him to name; and not to the innumerable gods, + whom the people worshipped, and who to him were nothing but incarnations + of the attributes of the One and only God of the initiated—of whom + he was one—who was thus brought down to the comprehension of the + laity. + </p> + <p> + He raised his soul to God in passionate emotion; but he prayed, not for + the child before him and for her recovery, but rather for the whole + despised race, and for its release from the old ban, for the enlightenment + of his own soul, imprisoned in doubts, and for strength to fulfil his hard + task with discretion. + </p> + <p> + The gaze of the sufferer followed him as he took up his former position. + </p> + <p> + The prayer had refreshed his soul and restored him to cheerfulness of + spirit. He began to reflect what conduct he must observe towards the + princess. + </p> + <p> + He had not met Bent-Anat for the first time yesterday; on the contrary, he + had frequently seen her in holiday processions, and at the high festivals + in the Necropolis, and like all his young companions had admired her proud + beauty—admired it as the distant light of the stars, or the + evening-glow on the horizon. + </p> + <p> + Now he must approach this lady with words of reproof. + </p> + <p> + He pictured to himself the moment when he must advance to meet her, and + could not help thinking of his little tutor Chufu, above whom he towered + by two heads while he was still a boy, and who used to call up his + admonitions to him from below. It was true, he himself was tall and slim, + but he felt as if to-day he were to play the part towards Bent-Anat of the + much-laughed-at little tutor. + </p> + <p> + His sense of the comic was touched, and asserted itself at this serious + moment, and with such melancholy surroundings. Life is rich in contrasts, + and a susceptible and highly-strung human soul would break down like a + bridge under the measured tread of soldiers, if it were allowed to let the + burden of the heaviest thoughts and strongest feelings work upon it in + undisturbed monotony; but just as in music every key-note has its + harmonies, so when we cause one chord of our heart to vibrate for long, + all sorts of strange notes respond and clang, often those which we least + expect. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur’s glance flew round the one low, over-filled room of the + paraschites’ hut, and like a lightning flash the thought, “How will the + princess and her train find room here?” flew through his mind. + </p> + <p> + His fancy was lively, and vividly brought before him how the daughter of + the Pharaoh with a crown on her proud head would bustle into the silent + chamber, how the chattering courtiers would follow her, and how the women + by the walls, the physicians by the side of the sick girl, the sleek white + cat from the chest where she sat, would rise and throng round her. There + must be frightful confusion. Then he imagined how the smart lords and + ladies would keep themselves far from the unclean, hold their slender + hands over their mouths and noses, and suggest to the old folks how they + ought to behave to the princess who condescended to bless them with her + presence. The old woman must lay down the head that rested in her bosom, + the paraschites must drop the feet he so anxiously rubbed, on the floor, + to rise and kiss the dust before Bent-Anat. Whereupon—the “mind’s + eye” of the young priest seemed to see it all—the courtiers fled + before him, pushing each other, and all crowded together into a corner, + and at last the princess threw a few silver or gold rings into the laps of + the father and mother, and perhaps to the girl too, and he seemed to hear + the courtiers all cry out: “Hail to the gracious daughter of the Sun!”—to + hear the joyful exclamations of the crowd of women—to see the + gorgeous apparition leave the hut of the despised people, and then to see, + instead of the lovely sick child who still breathed audibly, a silent + corpse on the crumpled mat, and in the place of the two tender nurses at + her head and feet, two heart-broken, loud-lamenting wretches. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur’s hot spirit was full of wrath. As soon as the noisy cortege + appeared actually in sight he would place himself in the doorway, forbid + the princess to enter, and receive her with strong words. + </p> + <p> + She could hardly come hither out of human kindness. + </p> + <p> + “She wants variety,” said he to himself, “something new at Court; for + there is little going on there now the king tarries with the troops in a + distant country; it tickles the vanity of the great to find themselves + once in a while in contact with the small, and it is well to have your + goodness of heart spoken of by the people. If a little misfortune + opportunely happens, it is not worth the trouble to inquire whether the + form of our benevolence does more good or mischief to such wretched + people.” + </p> + <p> + He ground his teeth angrily, and thought no more of the defilement which + might threaten Bent-Anat from the paraschites, but exclusively, on the + contrary, of the impending desecration by the princess of the holy + feelings astir in this silent room. + </p> + <p> + Excited as he was to fanaticism, his condemning lips could not fail to + find vigorous and impressive words. + </p> + <p> + He stood drawn to his full height and drawing his breath deeply, like a + spirit of light who holds his weapon raised to annihilate a demon of + darkness, and he looked out into the valley to perceive from afar the cry + of the runners and the rattle of the wheels of the gay train he expected. + </p> + <p> + And he saw the doorway darkened by a lowly, bending figure, who, with + folded arms, glided into the room and sank down silently by the side of + the sick girl. The physicians and the old people moved as if to rise; but + she signed to them without opening her lips, and with moist, expressive + eyes, to keep their places; she looked long and lovingly in the face of + the wounded girl, stroked her white arm, and turning to the old woman + softly whispered to her + </p> + <p> + “How pretty she is!” + </p> + <p> + The paraschites’ wife nodded assent, and the girl smiled and moved her + lips as though she had caught the words and wished to speak. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat took a rose from her hair and laid it on her bosom. + </p> + <p> + The paraschites, who had not taken his hands from the feet of the sick + child, but who had followed every movement of the princess, now whispered, + “May Hathor requite thee, who gave thee thy beauty.” + </p> + <p> + The princess turned to him and said, “Forgive the sorrow, I have caused + you.” + </p> + <p> + The old man stood up, letting the feet of the sick girl fall, and asked in + a clear loud voice: + </p> + <p> + “Art thou Bent-Anat?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am,” replied the princess, bowing her head low, and in so gentle a + voice, that it seemed as though she were ashamed of her proud name. + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the old man flashed. Then he said softly but decisively: + </p> + <p> + “Leave my hut then, it will defile thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Not till you have forgiven me for that which I did unintentionally.” + </p> + <p> + “Unintentionally! I believe thee,” replied the paraschites. “The hoofs of + thy horse became unclean when they trod on this white breast. Look here—” + and he lifted the cloth from the girl’s bosom, and showed her the deep red + wound, “Look here—here is the first rose you laid on my grandchild’s + bosom, and the second—there it goes.” + </p> + <p> + The paraschites raised his arm to fling the flower through the door of his + hut. But Pentaur had approached him, and with a grasp of iron held the old + man’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “Stay,” he cried in an eager tone, moderated however for the sake of the + sick girl. “The third rose, which this noble hand has offered you, your + sick heart and silly head have not even perceived. And yet you must know + it if only from your need, your longing for it. The fair blossom of pure + benevolence is laid on your child’s heart, and at your very feet, by this + proud princess. Not with gold, but with humility. And whoever the daughter + of Rameses approaches as her equal, bows before her, even if he were the + first prince in the Land of Egypt. Indeed, the Gods shall not forget this + deed of Bent-Anat. And you—forgive, if you desire to be forgiven + that guilt, which you bear as an inheritance from your fathers, and for + your own sins.” + </p> + <p> + The paraschites bowed his head at these words, and when he raised it the + anger had vanished from his well-cut features. He rubbed his wrist, which + had been squeezed by Pentaur’s iron fingers, and said in a tone which + betrayed all the bitterness of his feelings: + </p> + <p> + “Thy hand is hard, Priest, and thy words hit like the strokes of a hammer. + This fair lady is good and loving, and I know; that she did not drive her + horse intentionally over this poor girl, who is my grandchild and not my + daughter. If she were thy wife or the wife of the leech there, or the + child of the poor woman yonder, who supports life by collecting the feet + and feathers of the fowls that are slaughtered for sacrifice, I would not + only forgive her, but console her for having made herself like to me; fate + would have made her a murderess without any fault of her own, just as it + stamped me as unclean while I was still at my mother’s breast. Aye—I + would comfort her; and yet I am not very sensitive. Ye holy three of + Thebes!—[The triad of Thebes: Anion, Muth and Chunsu.]—how + should I be? Great and small get out of my way that I may not touch them, + and every day when I have done what it is my business to do they throw + stones at me. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The paraschites, with an Ethiopian knife, cuts the flesh of the + corpse as deeply as the law requires: but instantly takes to flight, + while the relatives of the deceased pursue him with stones, and + curses, as if they wished to throw the blame on him.] +</pre> + <p> + “The fulfilment of duty—which brings a living to other men, which + makes their happiness, and at the same time earns them honor, brings me + every day fresh disgrace and painful sores. But I complain to no man, and + must forgive—forgive—forgive, till at last all that men do to + me seems quite natural and unavoidable, and I take it all like the + scorching of the sun in summer, and the dust that the west wind blows into + my face. It does not make me happy, but what can I do? I forgive all—” + </p> + <p> + The voice of the paraschites had softened, and Bent-Anat, who looked down + on him with emotion, interrupted him, exclaiming with deep feeling: + </p> + <p> + “And so you will forgive me?—poor man!” + </p> + <p> + The old man looked steadily, not at her, but at Pentaur, while he replied: + “Poor man! aye, truly, poor man. You have driven me out of the world in + which you live, and so I made a world for myself in this hut. I do not + belong to you, and if I forget it, you drive me out as an intruder—nay + as a wolf, who breaks into your fold; but you belong just as little to me, + only when you play the wolf and fall upon me, I must bear it!” + </p> + <p> + “The princess came to your hut as a suppliant, and with the wish of doing + you some good,” said Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “May the avenging Gods reckon it to her, when they visit on her the crimes + of her father against me! Perhaps it may bring me to prison, but it must + come out. Seven sons were mine, and Rameses took them all from me and sent + them to death; the child of the youngest, this girl, the light of my eyes, + his daughter has brought to her death. Three of my boys the king left to + die of thirst by the Tenat, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Literally the “cutting” which, under Seti I., the father of + Rameses, was the first Suez Canal; a representation of it is found + on the northern outer wall of the temple of Karnak. It followed + nearly the same direction as the Fresh-water canal of Lesseps, and + fertilized the land of Goshen.] +</pre> + <p> + which is to join the Nile to the Red Sea, three were killed by the + Ethiopians, and the last, the star of my hopes, by this time is eaten by + the hyaenas of the north.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the old woman, in whose lap the head of the girl rested, + broke out into a loud cry, in which she was joined by all the other women. + </p> + <p> + The sufferer started up frightened, and opened her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “For whom are you wailing?” she asked feebly. “For your poor father,” said + the old woman. + </p> + <p> + The girl smiled like a child who detects some well-meant deceit, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Was not my father here, with you? He is here, in Thebes, and looked at + me, and kissed me, and said that he is bringing home plunder, and that a + good time is coming for you. The gold ring that he gave me I was fastening + into my dress, when the chariot passed over me. I was just pulling the + knots, when all grew black before my eyes, and I saw and heard nothing + more. Undo it, grandmother, the ring is for you; I meant to bring it to + you. You must buy a beast for sacrifice with it, and wine for grandfather, + and eye salve + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Egyptian mestem, that is stibium or antimony, which was + introduced into Egypt by the Asiatics at a very early period and + universally used.] +</pre> + <p> + for yourself, and sticks of mastic, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [At the present day the Egyptian women are fond of chewing them, on + account of their pleasant taste. The ancient Egyptians used various + pills. Receipts for such things are found in the Ebers Papyrus.] +</pre> + <p> + which you have so long lead to do without.” + </p> + <p> + The paraschites seemed to drink these words from the mouth of his + grandchild. Again he lifted his hand in prayer, again Pentaur observed + that his glance met that of his wife, and a large, warm tear fell from his + old eyes on to his callous hand. Then he sank down, for he thought the + sick child was deluded by a dream. But there were the knots in her dress. + </p> + <p> + With a trembling hand he untied them, and a gold ring rolled out on the + floor. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat picked it up, and gave it to the paraschites. “I came here in a + lucky hour,” she said, “for you have recovered your son and your child + will live.” + </p> + <p> + “She will live,” repeated the surgeon, who had remained a silent witness + of all that had occurred. + </p> + <p> + “She will stay with us,” murmured the old man, and then said, as he + approached the princess on his knees, and looked up at her beseechingly + with tearful eyes: + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me as I pardon thee; and if a pious wish may not turn to a curse + from the lips of the unclean, let me bless thee.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” said Bent-Anat, towards whom the old man raised his hand in + blessing. + </p> + <p> + Then she turned to Nebsecht, and ordered him to take anxious care of the + sick girl; she bent over her, kissed her forehead, laid her gold bracelet + by her side, and signing to Pentaur left the hut with him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + During the occurrence we have described, the king’s pioneer and the young + wife of Mena were obliged to wait for the princess. + </p> + <p> + The sun stood in the meridian, when Bent-Anat had gone into the hovel of + the paraschites. + </p> + <p> + The bare limestone rocks on each side of the valley and the sandy soil + between, shone with a vivid whiteness that hurt the eyes; not a hand’s + breadth of shade was anywhere to be seen, and the fan-beaters of the two, + who were waiting there, had, by command of the princess, staid behind with + the chariot and litters. + </p> + <p> + For a time they stood silently near each other, then the fair Nefert said, + wearily closing her almond-shaped eyes: + </p> + <p> + “How long Bent-Anat stays in the but of the unclean! I am perishing here. + What shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “Stay!” said Paaker, turning his back on the lady; and mounting a block of + stone by the side of the gorge, he cast a practised glance all round, and + returned to Nefert: “I have found a shady spot,” he said, “out there.” + </p> + <p> + Mena’s wife followed with her eyes the indication of his hand, and shook + her head. The gold ornaments on her head-dress rattled gently as she did + so, and a cold shiver passed over her slim body in spite of the midday + heat. + </p> + <p> + “Sechet is raging in the sky,” said Paaker. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A goddess with the head of a lioness or a cat, over which the Sun- + disk is usually found. She was the daughter of Ra, and in the form + of the Uraeus on her father’s crown personified the murderous heat + of the star of day. She incites man to the hot and wild passion of + love, and as a cat or lioness tears burning wounds in the limbs of + the guilty in the nether world; drunkenness and pleasure are her + gifts She was also named Bast and Astarte after her sister-divinity + among the Phoenicians.] +</pre> + <p> + “Let us avail ourselves of the shady spot, small though it be. At this + hour of the day many are struck with sickness.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” said Nefert, covering her neck with her hand. Then she went + towards two blocks of stone which leaned against each other, and between + them afforded the spot of shade, not many feet wide, which Paaker had + pointed out as a shelter from the sun. Paaker preceded her, and rolled a + flat piece of limestone, inlaid by nature with nodules of flint, under the + stone pavilion, crushed a few scorpions which had taken refuge there, + spread his head-cloth over the hard seat, and said, “Here you are + sheltered.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert sank down on the stone and watched the Mohar, who slowly and + silently paced backwards and forward in front of her. This incessant to + and fro of her companion at last became unendurable to her sensitive and + irritated nerves, and suddenly raising her head from her hand, on which + she had rested it, she exclaimed + </p> + <p> + “Pray stand still.” + </p> + <p> + The pioneer obeyed instantly, and looked, as he stood with his back to + her, towards the hovel of the paraschites. + </p> + <p> + After a short time Nefert said, “Say something to me!” + </p> + <p> + The Mohar turned his full face towards her, and she was frightened at the + wild fire that glowed in the glance with which he gazed at her. + </p> + <p> + Nefert’s eyes fell, and Paaker, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I would rather remain silent,” recommenced his walk, till Nefert called + to him again and said, + </p> + <p> + “I know you are angry with me; but I was but a child when I was betrothed + to you. I liked you too, and when in our games your mother called me your + little wife, I was really glad, and used to think how fine it would be + when I might call all your possessions mine, the house you would have so + splendidly restored for me after your father’s death, the noble gardens, + the fine horses in their stables, and all the male and female slaves!” + </p> + <p> + Paaker laughed, but the laugh sounded so forced and scornful that it cut + Nefert to the heart, and she went on, as if begging for indulgence: + </p> + <p> + “It was said that you were angry with us; and now you will take my words + as if I had cared only for your wealth; but I said, I liked you. Do you no + longer remember how I cried with you over your tales of the bad boys in + the school; and over your father’s severity? Then my uncle died;—then + you went to Asia.” + </p> + <p> + “And you,” interrupted Paaker, hardly and drily, “you broke your + bethrothal vows, and became the wife of the charioteer Mena. I know it + all; of what use is talking?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it grieves me that you should be angry, and your good mother + avoid our house. If only you could know what it is when love seizes one, + and one can no longer even think alone, but only near, and with, and in + the very arms of another; when one’s beating heart throbs in one’s very + temples, and even in one’s dreams one sees nothing—but one only.” + </p> + <p> + “And do I not know it?” cried Paaker, placing himself close before her + with his arms crossed. “Do I not know it? and you it was who taught me to + know it. When I thought of you, not blood, but burning fire, coursed in my + veins, and now you have filled them with poison; and here in this breast, + in which your image dwelt, as lovely as that of Hathor in her holy of + holies, all is like that sea in Syria which is called the Dead Sea, in + which every thing that tries to live presently dies and perishes.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker’s eyes rolled as he spoke, and his voice sounded hoarsely as he + went on. + </p> + <p> + “But Mena was near to the king—nearer than I, and your mother—” + </p> + <p> + “My mother!”—Nefert interrupted the angry Mohar. “My mother did not + choose my husband. I saw him driving the chariot, and to me he resembled + the Sun God, and he observed me, and looked at me, and his glance pierced + deep into my heart like a spear; and when, at the festival of the king’s + birthday, he spoke to me, it was just as if Hathor had thrown round me a + web of sweet, sounding sunbeams. And it was the same with Mena; he himself + has told me so since I have been his wife. For your sake my mother + rejected his suit, but I grew pale and dull with longing for him, and he + lost his bright spirit, and was so melancholy that the king remarked it, + and asked what weighed on his heart—for Rameses loves him as his own + son. Then Mena confessed to the Pharaoh that it was love that dimmed his + eye and weakened his strong hand; and then the king himself courted me for + his faithful servant, and my mother gave way, and we were made man and + wife, and all the joys of the justified in the fields of Aalu + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The fields of the blest, which were opened to glorified souls. In + the Book of the Dead it is shown that in them men linger, and sow + and reap by cool waters.] +</pre> + <p> + are shallow and feeble by the side of the bliss which we two have known—not + like mortal men, but like the celestial gods.” + </p> + <p> + Up to this point Nefert had fixed her large eyes on the sky, like a + glorified soul; but now her gaze fell, and she said softly— + </p> + <p> + “But the Cheta + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [An Aramaean race, according to Schrader’s excellent judgment. At + the time of our story the peoples of western Asia had allied + themselves to them.] +</pre> + <p> + disturbed our happiness, for the king took Mena with him to the war. + Fifteen times did the moon, rise upon our happiness, and then—” + </p> + <p> + “And then the Gods heard my prayer, and accepted my offerings,” said + Paaker, with a trembling voice, “and tore the robber of my joys from you, + and scorched your heart and his with desire. Do you think you can tell me + anything I do not know? Once again for fifteen days was Mena yours, and + now he has not returned again from the war which is raging hotly in Asia.” + </p> + <p> + “But he will return,” cried the young wife. + </p> + <p> + “Or possibly not,” laughed Paaker. “The Cheta, carry sharp weapons, and + there are many vultures in Lebanon, who perhaps at this hour are tearing + his flesh as he tore my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert rose at these words, her sensitive spirit bruised as with stones + thrown by a brutal hand, and attempted to leave her shady refuge to follow + the princess into the house of the parascllites; but her feet refused to + bear her, and she sank back trembling on her stone seat. She tried to find + words, but her tongue was powerless. Her powers of resistance forsook her + in her unutterable and soul-felt distress—heart-wrung, forsaken and + provoked. + </p> + <p> + A variety of painful sensations raised a hot vehement storm in her bosom, + which checked her breath, and at last found relief in a passionate and + convulsive weeping that shook her whole body. She saw nothing more, she + heard nothing more, she only shed tears and felt herself miserable. + </p> + <p> + Paaker stood over her in silence. + </p> + <p> + There are trees in the tropics, on which white blossoms hang close by the + withered fruit, there are days when the pale moon shows itself near the + clear bright sun;—and it is given to the soul of man to feel love + and hatred, both at the same time, and to direct both to the same end. + </p> + <p> + Nefert’s tears fell as dew, her sobs as manna on the soul of Paaker, which + hungered and thirsted for revenge. Her pain was joy to him, and yet the + sight of her beauty filled him with passion, his gaze lingered spell-bound + on her graceful form; he would have given all the bliss of heaven once, + only once, to hold her in his arms—once, only once, to hear a word + of love from her lips. + </p> + <p> + After some minutes Nefert’s tears grew less violent. With a weary, almost + indifferent gaze she looked at the Mohar, still standing before her, and + said in a soft tone of entreaty: + </p> + <p> + ‘My tongue is parched, fetch me a little water.” + </p> + <p> + “The princess may come out at any moment,” replied Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “But I am fainting,” said Nefert, and began again to cry gently. + </p> + <p> + Paaker shrugged his shoulders, and went farther into the valley, which he + knew as well as his father’s house; for in it was the tomb of his mother’s + ancestors, in which, as a boy, he had put up prayers at every full and new + moon, and laid gifts on the altar. + </p> + <p> + The hut of the paraschites was prohibited to him, but he knew that + scarcely a hundred paces from the spot where Nefert was sitting, lived an + old woman of evil repute, in whose hole in the rock he could not fail to + find a drink of water. + </p> + <p> + He hastened forward, half intoxicated with had seen and felt within the + last few minutes. + </p> + <p> + The door, which at night closed the cave against the intrusions of the + plunder-seeking jackals, was wide open, and the old woman sat outside + under a ragged piece of brown sail-cloth, fastened at one end to the rock + and at the other to two posts of rough wood. She was sorting a heap of + dark and light-colored roots, which lay in her lap. Near her was a wheel, + which turned in a high wooden fork. A wryneck made fast to it by a little + chain, and by springing from spoke to spoke kept it in continual motion.—[From + Theocritus’ idyl: The Sorceress.]—A large black cat crouched beside + her, and smelt at some ravens’ and owls’ heads, from which the eyes had + not long since been extracted. + </p> + <p> + Two sparrow-hawks sat huddled up over the door of the cave, out of which + came the sharp odor of burning juniper-berries; this was intended to + render the various emanations rising from the different strange + substances, which were collected and preserved there, innocuous. + </p> + <p> + As Paaker approached the cavern the old woman called out to some one + within: + </p> + <p> + “Is the wax cooking?” + </p> + <p> + An unintelligible murmur was heard in answer. + </p> + <p> + Then throw in the ape’s eyes, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The sentences and mediums employed by the witches, according to + papyrus-rolls which remain. I have availed myself of the Magic + papyrus of Harris, and of two in the Berlin collection, one of which + is in Greek. ] +</pre> + <p> + and the ibis feathers, and the scraps of linen with the black signs on + them. Stir it all a little; now put out the fire, + </p> + <p> + “Take the jug and fetch some water—make haste, here comes a + stranger.” + </p> + <p> + A sooty-black negro woman, with a piece of torn colorless stuff hanging + round her hips, set a large clay-jar on her grey woolly matted hair, and + without looking at him, went past Paaker, who was now close to the cave. + </p> + <p> + The old woman, a tall figure bent with years, with a sharply-cut and + wrinkled face, that might once have been handsome, made her preparations + for receiving the visitor by tying a gaudy kerchief over her head, + fastening her blue cotton garment round her throat, and flinging a fibre + mat over the birds’ heads. + </p> + <p> + Paaker called out to her, but she feigned to be deaf and not to hear his + voice. Only when he stood quite close to her, did she raise her shrewd, + twinkling eyes, and cry out: + </p> + <p> + “A lucky day! a white day that brings a noble guest and high honor.” + </p> + <p> + “Get up,” commanded Paaker, not giving her any greeting, but throwing a + silver ring among the roots that lay in her lap, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Egyptians had no coins before Alexander and the Ptolemies, but + used metals for exchange, usually in the form of rings.] +</pre> + <p> + “and give me in exchange for good money some water in a clean vessel.” + </p> + <p> + “Fine pure silver,” said the old woman, while she held the ring, which she + had quickly picked out from the roots, close to her eyes; “it is too much + for mere water, and too little for my good liquors.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t chatter, hussy, but make haste,” cried Paaker, taking another ring + from his money-bag and throwing it into her lap. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast an open hand,” said the old woman, speaking in the dialect of + the upper classes; “many doors must be open to thee, for money is a + pass-key that turns any lock. Would’st thou have water for thy good money? + Shall it protect thee against noxious beasts?—shall it help thee to + reach down a star? Shall it guide thee to secret paths?—It is thy + duty to lead the way. Shall it make heat cold, or cold warm? Shall it give + thee the power of reading hearts, or shall it beget beautiful dreams? Wilt + thou drink of the water of knowledge and see whether thy friend or thine + enemy—ha! if thine enemy shall die? Would’st thou a drink to + strengthen thy memory? Shall the water make thee invisible? or remove the + 6th toe from thy left foot?” + </p> + <p> + “You know me?” asked Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “How should I?” said the old woman, “but my eyes are sharp, and I can + prepare good waters for great and small.” + </p> + <p> + “Mere babble!” exclaimed Paaker, impatiently clutching at the whip in his + girdle; “make haste, for the lady for whom—” + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou want the water for a lady?” interrupted the old woman. “Who + would have thought it?—old men certainly ask for my philters much + oftener than young ones—but I can serve thee.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the old woman went into the cave, and soon returned with + a thin cylindrical flask of alabaster in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “This is the drink,” she said, giving the phial to Paaker. “Pour half into + water, and offer it to the lady. If it does not succeed at first, it is + certain the second time. A child may drink the water and it will not hurt + him, or if an old man takes it, it makes him gay. Ah, I know the taste of + it!” and she moistened her lips with the white fluid. “It can hurt no one, + but I will take no more of it, or old Hekt will be tormented with love and + longing for thee; and that would ill please the rich young lord, ha! ha! + If the drink is in vain I am paid enough, if it takes effect thou shalt + bring me three more gold rings; and thou wilt return, I know it well.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker had listened motionless to the old woman, and siezed the flask + eagerly, as if bidding defiance to some adversary; he put it in his money + bag, threw a few more rings at the feet of the witch, and once more + hastily demanded a bowl of Nile-water. + </p> + <p> + “Is my lord in such a hurry?” muttered the old woman, once more going into + the cave. “He asks if I know him? him certainly I do? but the darling? who + can it be hereabouts? perhaps little Uarda at the paraschites yonder. She + is pretty enough; but she is lying on a mat, run over and dying. We must + see what my lord means. He would have pleased me well enough, if I were + young; but he will reach the goal, for he is resolute and spares no one.” + </p> + <p> + While she muttered these and similar words, she filled a graceful cup of + glazed earthenware with filtered Nile-water, which she poured out of a + large porous clay jar, and laid a laurel leaf, on which was scratched two + hearts linked together by seven strokes, on the surface of the limpid + fluid. Then she stepped out into the air again. + </p> + <p> + As Paaker took the vessel from her looked at the laurel leaf, she said: + </p> + <p> + “This indeed binds hearts; three is the husband, four is the wife, seven + is the chachach, charcharachacha.”—[This jargon is fund in a + magic-papyrus at Berlin.] + </p> + <p> + The old woman sang this spell not without skill; but the Mohar appeared + not to listen to her jargon. He descended carefully into the valley, and + directed his steps to the resting place of the wife of Mena. + </p> + <p> + By the side of a rock, which hill him from Nefert, he paused, set the cup + on a flat block of stone, and drew the flask with the philter out of his + girdle. + </p> + <p> + His fingers trembled, but a thousand voices seemed to surge up and cry: + </p> + <p> + “Take it!—do it!—put in the drink!—now or never.” He + felt like a solitary traveller, who finds on his road the last will of a + relation whose possessions he had hoped for, but which disinherits him. + Shall he surrender it to the judge, or shall he destroy it. + </p> + <p> + Paaker was not merely outwardly devout; hitherto he had in everything + intended to act according to the prescriptions of the religion of his + fathers. Adultery was a heavy sin; but had not he an older right to Nefert + than the king’s charioteer? + </p> + <p> + He who followed the black arts of magic, should, according to the law, be + punished by death, and the old woman had a bad name for her evil arts; but + he had not sought her for the sake of the philter. Was it not possible + that the Manes of his forefathers, that the Gods themselves, moved by his + prayers and offerings, had put him in possession by an accident—which + was almost a miracle—of the magic potion efficacy he never for an + instant doubted? + </p> + <p> + Paaker’s associates held him to be a man of quick decision, and, in fact, + in difficult cases he could act with unusual rapidity, but what guided him + in these cases, was not the swift-winged judgment of a prepared and + well-schooled brain, but usually only resulted from the outcome of a play + of question and answer. + </p> + <p> + Amulets of the most various kinds hung round his neck, and from his + girdle, all consecrated by priests, and of special sanctity or the highest + efficacy. + </p> + <p> + There was the lapis lazuli eye, which hung to his girdle by a gold chain; + When he threw it on the ground, so as to lie on the earth, if its engraved + side turned to heaven, and its smooth side lay on the ground, he said + “yes;” in the other case, on the contrary, “no.” In his purse lay always a + statuette of the god Apheru, who opened roads; this he threw down at + cross-roads, and followed the direction which the pointed snout of the + image indicated. He frequently called into council the seal-ring of his + deceased father, an old family possession, which the chief priests of + Abydos had laid upon the holiest of the fourteen graves of Osiris, and + endowed with miraculous power. It consisted of a gold ring with a broad + signet, on which could be read the name of Thotmes III., who had long + since been deified, and from whom Paaker’s ancestors had derived it. If it + were desirable to consult the ring, the Mohar touched with the point of + his bronze dagger the engraved sign of the name, below which were + represented three objects sacred to the Gods, and three that were, on the + contrary, profane. If he hit one of the former, he concluded that his + father—who was gone to Osiris—concurred in his design; in the + contrary case he was careful to postpone it. Often he pressed the ring to + his heart, and awaited the first living creature that he might meet, + regarding it as a messenger from his father;—if it came to him from + the right hand as an encouragement, if from the left as a warning. + </p> + <p> + By degrees he had reduced these questionings to a system. All that he + found in nature he referred to himself and the current of his life. It was + at once touching, and pitiful, to see how closely he lived with the Manes + of his dead. His lively, but not exalted fancy, wherever he gave it play, + presented to the eye of his soul the image of his father and of an elder + brother who had died early, always in the same spot, and almost tangibly + distinct. + </p> + <p> + But he never conjured up the remembrance of the beloved dead in order to + think of them in silent melancholy—that sweet blossom of the thorny + wreath of sorrow; only for selfish ends. The appeal to the Manes of his + father he had found especially efficacious in certain desires and + difficulties; calling on the Manes of his brother was potent in certain + others; and so he turned from one to the other with the precision of a + carpenter, who rarely doubts whether he should give the preference to a + hatchet or a saw. + </p> + <p> + These doings he held to be well pleasing to the Gods, and as he was + convinced that the spirits of his dead had, after their justification, + passed into Osiris that is to say, as atoms forming part of the great + world-soul, at this time had a share in the direction of the universe—he + sacrificed to them not only in the family catacomb, but also in the + temples of the Necropolis dedicated to the worship of ancestors, and with + special preference in the House of Seti. + </p> + <p> + He accepted advice, nay even blame, from Ameni and the other priests under + his direction; and so lived full of a virtuous pride in being one of the + most zealous devotees in the land, and one of the most pleasing to the + Gods, a belief on which his pastors never threw any doubt. + </p> + <p> + Attended and guided at every step by supernatural powers, he wanted no + friend and no confidant. In the fleld, as in Thebes, he stood apart, and + passed among his comrades for a reserved man, rough and proud, but with a + strong will. + </p> + <p> + He had the power of calling up the image of his lost love with as much + vividness as the forms of the dead, and indulged in this magic, not only + through a hundred still nights, but in long rides and drives through + silent wastes. + </p> + <p> + Such visions were commonly followed by a vehement and boiling overflow of + his hatred against the charioteer, and a whole series of fervent prayers + for his destruction. + </p> + <p> + When Paaker set the cup of water for Nefert on the flat stone and felt for + the philter, his soul was so full of desire that there was no room for + hatred; still he could not altogether exclude the idea that he would + commit a great crime by making use of a magic drink. Before pouring the + fateful drops into the water, he would consult the oracle of the ring. The + dagger touched none of the holy symbols of the inscription on the signet, + and in other circumstances he would, without going any farther, have given + up his project. + </p> + <p> + But this time he unwillingly returned it to its sheath, pressed the gold + ring to his heart, muttered the name of his brother in Osiris, and awaited + the first living creature that might come towards him. + </p> + <p> + He had not long to wait, from the mountain slope opposite to him rose, + with heavy, slow wing-strokes, two light-colored vultures. + </p> + <p> + In anxious suspense he followed their flight, as they rose, higher and + higher. For a moment they poised motionless, borne up by the air, circled + round each other, then wheeled to the left and vanished behind the + mountains, denying him the fulfilment of his desire. + </p> + <p> + He hastily grasped the phial to fling it from him, but the surging passion + in his veins had deprived him of his self-control. Nefert’s image stood + before him as if beckoning him; a mysterious power clenched his fingers + close and yet closer round the phial, and with the same defiance which he + showed to his associates, he poured half of the philter into the cup and + approached his victim. + </p> + <p> + Nefert had meanwhile left her shady retreat and come towards him. + </p> + <p> + She silently accepted the water he offered her, and drank it with delight, + to the very dregs. + </p> + <p> + “‘Thank you,” she said, when she had recovered breath after her eager + draught. + </p> + <p> + “That has done me good! How fresh and acid the water tastes; but your hand + shakes, and you are heated by your quick run for me—poor man.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she looked at him with a peculiar expressive glance of + her large eyes, and gave him her right hand, which he pressed wildly to + his lips. + </p> + <p> + “That will do,” she said smiling; “here comes the princess with a priest, + out of the hovel of the unclean. With what frightful words you terrified + me just now. It is true I gave you just cause to be angry with me; but now + you are kind again—do you hear?—and will bring your mother + again to see mine. Not a word. I shall see, whether cousin Paaker refuses + me obedience.” + </p> + <p> + She threatened him playfully with her finger, and then growing grave she + added, with a look that pierced Paaker’s heart with pain, and yet with + ecstasy, “Let us leave off quarrelling. It is so much better when people + are kind to each other.” + </p> + <p> + After these words she walked towards the house of the paraschites, while + Paaker pressed his hands to his breast, and murmured: + </p> + <p> + “The drink is working, and she will be mine. I thank ye—ye + Immortals!” + </p> + <p> + But this thanksgiving, which hitherto he had never failed to utter when + any good fortune had befallen him, to-day died on his lips. Close before + him he saw the goal of his desires; there, under his eyes, lay the magic + spring longed for for years. A few steps farther, and he might slake at + its copious stream his thirst both for love and for revenge. + </p> + <p> + While he followed the wife of Mena, and replaced the phial carefully in + his girdle, so as to lose no drop of the precious fluid which, according + to the prescription of the old woman, he needed to use again, warning + voices spoke in his breast, to which he usually listened as to a fatherly + admonition; but at this moment he mocked at them, and even gave outward + expression to the mood that ruled him—for he flung up his right hand + like a drunken man, who turns away from the preacher of morality on his + way to the wine-cask; and yet passion held him so closely ensnared, that + the thought that he should live through the swift moments which would + change him from an honest man into a criminal, hardly dawned, darkly on + his soul. He had hitherto dared to indulge his desire for love and revenge + in thought only, and had left it to the Gods to act for themselves; now he + had taken his cause out of the hand of the Celestials, and gone into + action without them, and in spite of them. + </p> + <p> + The sorceress Hekt passed him; she wanted to see the woman for whom she + had given him the philter. He perceived her and shuddered, but soon the + old woman vanished among the rocks muttering. + </p> + <p> + “Look at the fellow with six toes. He makes himself comfortable with the + heritage of Assa.” + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the valley walked Nefert and the pioneer, with the + princess Bent-Anat and Pentaur who accompanied her. + </p> + <p> + When these two had come out of the hut of the paraschites, they stood + opposite each other in silence. The royal maiden pressed her hand to her + heart, and, like one who is thirsty, drank in the pure air of the mountain + valley with deeply drawn breath; she felt as if released from some + overwhelming burden, as if delivered from some frightful danger. + </p> + <p> + At last she turned to her companion, who gazed earnestly at the ground. + </p> + <p> + “What an hour!” she said. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur’s tall figure did not move, but he bowed his head in assent, as if + he were in a dream. Bent-Anat now saw him for the first time in fall + daylight; her large eyes rested on him with admiration, and she asked: + </p> + <p> + “Art thou the priest, who yesterday, after my first visit to this house, + so readily restored me to cleanness?” + </p> + <p> + “I am he,” replied Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “I recognized thy voice, and I am grateful to thee, for it was thou that + didst strengthen my courage to follow the impulse of my heart, in spite of + my spiritual guides, and to come here again. Thou wilt defend me if others + blame me.” + </p> + <p> + “I came here to pronounce thee unclean.” + </p> + <p> + “Then thou hast changed thy mind?” asked Bent-Anat, and a smile of + contempt curled her lips. + </p> + <p> + “I follow a high injunction, that commands us to keep the old institutions + sacred. If touching a paraschites, it is said, does not defile a princess, + whom then can it defile? for whose garment is more spotless than hers?” + </p> + <p> + “But this is a good man with all his meanness,” interrupted Bent-Anat, + “and in spite of the disgrace, which is the bread of life to him as honor + is to us. May the nine great Gods forgive me! but he who is in there is + loving, pious and brave, and pleases me—and thou, thou, who didst + think yesterday to purge away the taint of his touch with a word—what + prompts thee today to cast him with the lepers?” + </p> + <p> + “The admonition of an enlightened man, never to give up any link of the + old institutions; because thereby the already weakened chain may be + broken, and fall rattling to the ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Then thou condemnest me to uncleanness for the sake of all old + superstition, and of the populace, but not for my actions? Thou art + silent? Answer me now, if thou art such a one as I took the for, freely + and sincerely; for it concerns the peace of my soul.” Pentaur breathed + hard; and then from the depths of his soul, tormented by doubts, these + deeply-felt words forced themselves as if wrung from him; at first softly, + but louder as he went on. + </p> + <p> + “Thou dost compel me to say what I had better not even think; but rather + will I sin against obedience than against truth, the pure daughter of the + Sun, whose aspect, Bent-Anat, thou dost wear. Whether the paraschites is + unclean by birth or not, who am I that I should decide? But to me this man + appeared—as to thee—as one moved by the same pure and holy + emotions as stir and bless me and mine, and thee and every soul born of + woman; and I believe that the impressions of this hour have touched thy + soul as well as mine, not to taint, but to purify. If I am wrong, may the + many-named Gods forgive me, Whose breath lives and works in the + paraschites as well as in thee and me, in Whom I believe, and to Whom I + will ever address my humble songs, louder and more joyfully, as I learn + that all that lives and breathes, that weeps and rejoices, is the image of + their sublime nature, and born to equal joy and equal sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had raised his eyes to heaven; now they met the proud and joyful + radiance of the princess’ glance, while she frankly offered him her hand. + He humbly kissed her robe, but she said: + </p> + <p> + “Nay—not so. Lay thy hand in blessing on mine. Thou art a man and a + true priest. Now I can be satisfied to be regarded as unclean, for my + father also desires that, by us especially, the institutions of the past + that have so long continued should be respected, for the sake of the + people. Let us pray in common to the Gods, that these poor people may be + released from the old ban. How beautiful the world might be, if men would + but let man remain what the Celestials have made him. But Paaker and poor + Nefert are waiting in the scorching sun-come, follow me.” + </p> + <p> + She went forward, but after a few steps she turned round to him, and + asked: + </p> + <p> + “What is thy name?” + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou then art the poet of the House of Seti?” + </p> + <p> + “They call me so.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat stood still a moment, gazing full at him as at a kinsman whom we + meet for the first time face to face, and said: + </p> + <p> + “The Gods have given thee great gifts, for thy glance reaches farther and + pierces deeper than that of other men; and thou canst say in words what we + can only feel—I follow thee willingly!” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur blushed like a boy, and said, while Paaker and Nefert came nearer + to them: + </p> + <p> + “Till to-day life lay before me as if in twilight; but this moment shows + it me in another light. I have seen its deepest shadows; and,” he added in + a low tone “how glorious its light can be.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + An hour later, Bent-Anat and her train of followers stood before the gate + of the House of Seti. + </p> + <p> + Swift as a ball thrown from a man’s hand, a runner had sprung forward and + hurried on to announce the approach of the princess to the chief priest. + She stood alone in her chariot, in advance of all her companions, for + Pentaur had found a place with Paaker. At the gate of the temple they were + met by the head of the haruspices. + </p> + <p> + The great doors of the pylon were wide open, and afforded a view into the + forecourt of the sanctuary, paved with polished squares of stone, and + surrounded on three sides with colonnades. The walls and architraves, the + pillars and the fluted cornice, which slightly curved in over the court, + were gorgeous with many colored figures and painted decorations. In the + middle stood a great sacrificial altar, on which burned logs of cedar + wood, whilst fragrant balls of Kyphi + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Kyphi was a celebrated Egyptian incense. Recipes for its + preparation have been preserved in the papyrus of Ebers, in the + laboratories of the temples, and elsewhere. Parthey had three + different varieties prepared by the chemist, L. Voigt, in Berlin. + Kyphi after the formula of Dioskorides was the best. It consisted + of rosin, wine, rad, galangae, juniper berries, the root of the + aromatic rush, asphalte, mastic, myrrh, Burgundy grapes, and honey.] +</pre> + <p> + were consumed by the flames, filling the wide space with their heavy + perfume. Around, in semi-circular array, stood more than a hundred + white-robed priests, who all turned to face the approaching princess, and + sang heart-rending songs of lamentation. + </p> + <p> + Many of the inhabitants of the Necropolis had collected on either side of + the lines of sphinxes, between which the princess drove up to the + Sanctuary. But none asked what these songs of lamentation might signify, + for about this sacred place lamentation and mystery for ever lingered. + “Hail to the child of Rameses!”—“All hail to the daughter of the + Sun!” rang from a thousand throats; and the assembled multitude bowed + almost to the earth at the approach of the royal maiden. + </p> + <p> + At the pylon, the princess descended from her chariot, and preceded by the + chief of the haruspices, who had gravely and silently greeted her, passed + on to the door of the temple. But as she prepared to cross the forecourt, + suddenly, without warning, the priests’ chant swelled to a terrible, + almost thundering loudness, the clear, shrill voice of the Temple scholars + rising in passionate lament, supported by the deep and threatening roll of + the basses. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat started and checked her steps. Then she walked on again. + </p> + <p> + But on the threshold of the door, Ameni, in full pontifical robes, stood + before her in the way, his crozier extended as though to forbid her + entrance. + </p> + <p> + “The advent of the daughter of Rameses in her purity,” he cried in loud + and passionate tones, “augurs blessing to this sanctuary; but this abode + of the Gods closes its portals on the unclean, be they slaves or princes. + In the name of the Immortals, from whom thou art descended, I ask thee, + Bent-Anat, art thou clean, or hast thou, through the touch of the unclean, + defiled thyself and contaminated thy royal hand?” + </p> + <p> + Deep scarlet flushed the maiden’s cheeks, there was a rushing sound in her + ears as of a stormy sea surging close beside her, and her bosom rose and + fell in passionate emotion. The kingly blood in her veins boiled wildly; + she felt that an unworthy part had been assigned to her in a + carefully-premeditated scene; she forgot her resolution to accuse herself + of uncleanness, and already her lips were parted in vehement protest + against the priestly assumption that so deeply stirred her to rebellion, + when Ameni, who placed himself directly in front of the Princess, raised + his eyes, and turned them full upon her with all the depths of their + indwelling earnestness. + </p> + <p> + The words died away, and Bent-Anat stood silent, but she endured the gaze, + and returned it proudly and defiantly. + </p> + <p> + The blue veins started in Ameni’s forehead; yet he repressed the + resentment which was gathering like thunder clouds in his soul, and said, + with a voice that gradually deviated more and more from its usual + moderation: + </p> + <p> + “For the second time the Gods demand through me, their representative: + Hast thou entered this holy place in order that the Celestials may purge + thee of the defilement that stains thy body and soul?” + </p> + <p> + “My father will communicate the answer to thee,” replied Bent-Anat shortly + and proudly. + </p> + <p> + “Not to me,” returned Ameni, “but to the Gods, in whose name I now command + thee to quit this sanctuary, which is defiled by thy presence.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat’s whole form quivered. “I will go,” she said with sullen + dignity. + </p> + <p> + She turned to recross the gateway of the Pylon. At the first step her + glance met the eye of the poet. As one to whom it is vouchsafed to stand + and gaze at some great prodigy, so Pentaur had stood opposite the royal + maiden, uneasy and yet fascinated, agitated, yet with secretly uplifted + soul. Her deed seemed to him of boundless audacity, and yet one suited to + her true and noble nature. By her side, Ameni, his revered and admired + master, sank into insignificance; and when she turned to leave the temple, + his hand was raised indeed to hold her back, but as his glance met hers, + his hand refused its office, and sought instead to still the throbbing of + his overflowing heart. + </p> + <p> + The experienced priest, meanwhile, read the features of these two + guileless beings like an open book. A quickly-formed tie, he felt, linked + their souls, and the look which he saw them exchange startled him. The + rebellious princess had glanced at the poet as though claiming approbation + for her triumph, and Pentaur’s eyes had responded to the appeal. + </p> + <p> + One instant Ameni paused. Then he cried: “Bent-Anat!” + </p> + <p> + The princess turned to the priest, and looked at him gravely and + enquiringly. + </p> + <p> + Ameni took a step forward, and stood between her and the poet. + </p> + <p> + “Thou wouldst challenge the Gods to combat,” he said sternly. “That is + bold; but such daring it seems to me has grown up in thee because thou + canst count on an ally, who stands scarcely farther from the Immortals + than I myself. Hear this:—to thee, the misguided child, much may be + forgiven. But a servant of the Divinity,” and with these words he turned a + threatening glance on Pentaur—“a priest, who in the war of free-will + against law becomes a deserter, who forgets his duty and his oath—he + will not long stand beside thee to support thee, for he—even though + every God had blessed him with the richest gifts—he is damned. We + drive him from among us, we curse him, we—” + </p> + <p> + At these words Bent-Anat looked now at Ameni, trembling with excitement, + now at Pentaur standing opposite to her. Her face was red and white by + turns, as light and shade chase each other on the ground when at noon-day + a palm-grove is stirred by a storm. + </p> + <p> + The poet took a step towards her. + </p> + <p> + She felt that if he spoke it would be to defend all that she had done, and + to ruin himself. A deep sympathy, a nameless anguish seized her soul, and + before Pentaur could open his lips, she had sunk slowly down before Ameni, + saying in low tones: + </p> + <p> + “I have sinned and defiled myself; thou hast said it—as Pentaur said + it by the hut of the paraschites. Restore me to cleanness, Ameni, for I am + unclean.” + </p> + <p> + Like a flame that is crushed out by a hand, so the fire in the + high-priest’s eye was extinguished. Graciously, almost lovingly, he looked + down on the princess, blessed her and conducted her before the holy of + holies, there had clouds of incense wafted round her, anointed her with + the nine holy oils, and commanded her to return to the royal castle. + </p> + <p> + Yet, said he, her guilt was not expiated; she should shortly learn by what + prayers and exercises she might attain once more to perfect purity before + the Gods, of whom he purposed to enquire in the holy place. + </p> + <p> + During all these ceremonies the priests stationed in the forecourt + continued their lamentations. + </p> + <p> + The people standing before the temple listened to the priest’s chant, and + interrupted it from time to time with ringing cries of wailing, for + already a dark rumor of what was going on within had spread among the + multitude. + </p> + <p> + The sun was going down. The visitors to the Necropolis must soon be + leaving it, and Bent-Anat, for whose appearance the people impatiently + waited, would not show herself. One and another said the princess had been + cursed, because she had taken remedies to the fair and injured Uarda, who + was known to many of them. + </p> + <p> + Among the curious who had flocked together were many embalmers, laborers, + and humble folk, who lived in the Necropolis. The mutinous and refractory + temper of the Egyptians, which brought such heavy suffering on them under + their later foreign rulers, was aroused, and rising with every minute. + They reviled the pride of the priests, and their senseless, worthless, + institutions. A drunken soldier, who soon reeled back into the tavern + which he had but just left, distinguished himself as ringleader, and was + the first to pick up a heavy stone to fling at the huge brass-plated + temple gates. A few boys followed his example with shouts, and law-abiding + men even, urged by the clamor of fanatical women, let themselves be led + away to stone-flinging and words of abuse. + </p> + <p> + Within the House of Seti the priests’ chant went on uninterruptedly; but + at last, when the noise of the crowd grew louder, the great gate was + thrown open, and with a solemn step Ameni, in full robes, and followed by + twenty pastophori—[An order of priests]—who bore images of the + Gods and holy symbols on their shoulders—Ameni walked into the midst + of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + All were silent. + </p> + <p> + “Wherefore do you disturb our worship?” he asked loudly and calmly. + </p> + <p> + A roar of confused cries answered him, in which the frequently repeated + name of Bent-Anat could alone be distinguished. + </p> + <p> + Ameni preserved his immoveable composure, and, raising his crozier, he + cried— + </p> + <p> + “Make way for the daughter of Rameses, who sought and has found + purification from the Gods, who behold the guilt of the highest as of the + lowest among you. They reward the pious, but they punish the offender. + Kneel down and let us pray that they may forgive you, and bless both you + and your children.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni took the holy Sistrum + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A rattling metal instrument used by the Egyptians in the service of + the Gods. Many specimens are extant in Museums. Plutarch describes + it correctly, thus: “The Sistrum is rounded above, and the loop + holds the four bars which are shaken.” On the bend of the Sistrum + they often set the head of a cat with a human face.] +</pre> + <p> + from one of the attendant pastophori, and held it on high; the priests + behind him raised a solemn hymn, and the crowd sank on their knees; nor + did they move till the chant ceased and the high-priest again cried out: + </p> + <p> + “The Immortals bless you by me their servant. Leave this spot and make way + for the daughter of Rameses.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he withdrew into the temple, and the patrol, without + meeting with any opposition, cleared the road guarded by Sphinxes which + led to the Nile. + </p> + <p> + As Bent-Anat mounted her chariot Ameni said “Thou art the child of kings. + The house of thy father rests on the shoulders of the people. Loosen the + old laws which hold them subject, and the people will conduct themselves + like these fools.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni retired. Bent-Anat slowly arranged the reins in her hand, her eyes + resting the while on the poet, who, leaning against a door-post, gazed at + her in beatitude. She let her whip fall to the ground, that he might pick + it up and restore it to her, but he did not observe it. A runner sprang + forward and handed it to the princess, whose horses started off, tossing + themselves and neighing. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur remained as if spell-bound, standing by the pillar, till the + rattle of the departing wheels on the flag-way of the Avenue of Sphinxes + had altogether died away, and the reflection of the glowing sunset painted + the eastern hills with soft and rosy hues. + </p> + <p> + The far-sounding clang of a brass gong roused the poet from his ecstasy. + It was the tomtom calling him to duty, to the lecture on rhetoric which at + this hour he had to deliver to the young priests. He laid his left hand to + his heart, and pressed his right hand to his forehead, as if to collect in + its grasp his wandering thoughts; then silently and mechanically he went + towards the open court in which his disciples awaited him. But instead of, + as usual, considering on the way the subject he was to treat, his spirit + and heart were occupied with the occurrences of the last few hours. One + image reigned supreme in his imagination, filling it with delight—it + was that of the fairest woman, who, radiant in her royal dignity and + trembling with pride, had thrown herself in the dust for his sake. He felt + as if her action had invested her whole being with a new and princely + worth, as if her glance had brought light to his inmost soul, he seemed to + breathe a freer air, to be borne onward on winged feet. + </p> + <p> + In such a mood he appeared before his hearers. When he found himself + confronting all the the well-known faces, he remembered what it was he was + called upon to do. He supported himself against the wall of the court, and + opened the papyrus-roll handed to him by his favorite pupil, the young + Anana. It was the book which twenty-four hours ago he had promised to + begin upon. He looked now upon the characters that covered it, and felt + that he was unable to read a word. + </p> + <p> + With a powerful effort he collected himself, and looking upwards tried to + find the thread he had cut at the end of yesterday’s lecture, and intended + to resume to-day; but between yesterday and to-day, as it seemed to him, + lay a vast sea whose roaring surges stunned his memory and powers of + thought. + </p> + <p> + His scholars, squatting cross-legged on reed mats before him, gazed in + astonishment on their silent master who was usually so ready of speech, + and looked enquiringly at each other. A young priest whispered to his + neighbor, “He is praying—” and Anana noticed with silent anxiety the + strong hand of his teacher clutching the manuscript so tightly that the + slight material of which it consisted threatened to split. + </p> + <p> + At last Pentaur looked down; he had found a subject. While he was looking + upwards his gaze fell on the opposite wall, and the painted name of the + king with the accompanying title “the good God” met his eye. Starting from + these words he put this question to his hearers, “How do we apprehend the + Goodness of the Divinity?” + </p> + <p> + He challenged one priest after another to treat this subject as if he were + standing before his future congregation. + </p> + <p> + Several disciples rose, and spoke with more or less truth and feeling. At + last it came to Anana’s turn, who, in well-chosen words, praised the + purpose-full beauty of animate and inanimate creation, in which the + goodness of Amon + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Amon, that is to say, “the hidden one.” He was the God of Thebes, + which was under his aegis, and after the Hykssos were expelled from + the Nile-valley, he was united with Ra of Heliopolis and endowed + with the attributes of all the remaining Gods. His nature was more + and more spiritualized, till in the esoteric philosophy of the time + of the Rameses he is compared to the All filling and All guiding + intelligence. He is “the husband of his mother, his own father, and + his own son,” As the living Osiris, he is the soul and spirit of all + creation.] +</pre> + <p> + of Ra, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Ra, originally the Sun-God; later his name was introduced into the + pantheistic mystic philosophy for that of the God who is the + Universe.] +</pre> + <p> + and Ptah, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Ptah is the Greek Henhaistas, the oldest of the Gods, the great + maker of the material for the creation, the “first beginner,” by + whose side the seven Chnemu stand, as architects, to help him, and + who was named “the lord of truth,” because the laws and conditions + of being proceeded from him. He created also the germ of light, he + stood therefore at the head of the solar Gods, and was called the + creator of ice, from which, when he had cleft it, the sun and the + moan came forth. Hence his name “the opener.”] +</pre> + <p> + as well as of the other Gods, finds expression. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur listened to the youth with folded arms, now looking at him + enquiringly, now adding approbation. Then taking up the thread of the + discourse when it was ended, he began himself to speak. + </p> + <p> + Like obedient falcons at the call of the falconer, thoughts rushed down + into his mind, and the divine passion awakened in his breast glowed and + shone through his inspired language that soared every moment on freer and + stronger wings. Melting into pathos, exulting in rapture, he praised the + splendor of nature; and the words flowed from his lips like a limpid + crystal-clear stream as he glorified the eternal order of things, and the + incomprehensible wisdom and care of the Creator—the One, who is one + alone, and great and without equal. + </p> + <p> + “So incomparable,” he said in conclusion, “is the home which God has given + us. All that He—the One—has created is penetrated with His own + essence, and bears witness to His Goodness. He who knows how to find Him + sees Him everywhere, and lives at every instant in the enjoyment of His + glory. Seek Him, and when ye have found Him fall down and sing praises + before Him. But praise the Highest, not only in gratitude for the splendor + of that which he has created, but for having given us the capacity for + delight in his work. Ascend the mountain peaks and look on the distant + country, worship when the sunset glows with rubies, and the dawn with + roses, go out in the nighttime, and look at the stars as they travel in + eternal, unerring, immeasurable, and endless circles on silver barks + through the blue vault of heaven, stand by the cradle of the child, by the + buds of the flowers, and see how the mother bends over the one, and the + bright dew-drops fall on the other. But would you know where the stream of + divine goodness is most freely poured out, where the grace of the Creator + bestows the richest gifts, and where His holiest altars are prepared? In + your own heart; so long as it is pure and full of love. In such a heart, + nature is reflected as in a magic mirror, on whose surface the Beautiful + shines in three-fold beauty. There the eye can reach far away over stream, + and meadow, and hill, and take in the whole circle of the earth; there the + morning and evening-red shine, not like roses and rubies, but like the + very cheeks of the Goddess of Beauty; there the stars circle on, not in + silence, but with the mighty voices of the pure eternal harmonies of + heaven; there the child smiles like an infant-god, and the bud unfolds to + magic flowers; finally, there thankfulness grows broader and devotion + grows deeper, and we throw ourselves into the arms of a God, who—as + I imagine his glory—is a God to whom the sublime nine great Gods + pray as miserable and helpless suppliants.” + </p> + <p> + The tomtom which announced the end of the hour interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur ceased speaking with a deep sigh, and for a minute not a scholar + moved. + </p> + <p> + At last the poet laid the papyrus roll out of his hand, wiped the sweat + from his hot brow, and walked slowly towards the gate of the court, which + led into the sacred grove of the temple. He had hardly crossed the + threshold when he felt a hand laid upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + He looked round. Behind him stood Ameni. “You fascinated your hearers, my + friend,” said the high-priest, coldly; “it is a pity that only the Harp + was wanting.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni’s words fell on the agitated spirit of the poet like ice on the + breast of a man in fever. He knew this tone in his master’s voice, for + thus he was accustomed to reprove bad scholars and erring priests; but to + him he had never yet so spoken. + </p> + <p> + “It certainly would seem,” continued the high-priest, bitterly, “as if in + your intoxication you had forgotten what it becomes the teacher to utter + in the lecture-hall. Only a few weeks since you swore on my hands to guard + the mysteries, and this day you have offered the great secret of the + Unnameable one, the most sacred possession of the initiated, like some + cheap ware in the open market.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou cuttest with knives,” said Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “May they prove sharp, and extirpate the undeveloped canker, the rank weed + from your soul,” cried the high-priest. “You are young, too young; not + like the tender fruit-tree that lets itself be trained aright, and brought + to perfection, but like the green fruit on the ground, which will turn to + poison for the children who pick it up—yea even though it fall from + a sacred tree. Gagabu and I received you among us, against the opinion of + the majority of the initiated. We gainsaid all those who doubted your + ripeness because of your youth; and you swore to me, gratefully and + enthusiastically, to guard the mysteries and the law. To-day for the first + time I set you on the battle-field of life beyond the peaceful shelter of + the schools. And how have you defended the standard that it was incumbent + on you to uphold and maintain?” + </p> + <p> + “I did that which seemed to me to be right and true,” answered Pentaur + deeply moved. + </p> + <p> + “Right is the same for you as for us—what the law prescribes; and + what is truth?” + </p> + <p> + “None has lifted her veil,” said Pentaur, “but my soul is the offspring of + the soul-filled body of the All; a portion of the infallible spirit of the + Divinity stirs in my breast, and if it shows itself potent in me—” + </p> + <p> + “How easily we may mistake the flattering voice of self-love for that of + the Divinity!” + </p> + <p> + “Cannot the Divinity which works and speaks in me—as in thee—as + in each of us—recognize himself and his own voice?” + </p> + <p> + “If the crowd were to hear you,” Ameni interrupted him, “each would set + himself on his little throne, would proclaim the voice of the god within + him as his guide, tear the law to shreds, and let the fragments fly to the + desert on the east wind.” + </p> + <p> + “I am one of the elect whom thou thyself hast taught to seek and to find + the One. The light which I gaze on and am blest, would strike the crowd—I + do not deny it—with blindness—” + </p> + <p> + “And nevertheless you blind our disciples with the dangerous glare-” + </p> + <p> + “I am educating them for future sages.” + </p> + <p> + “And that with the hot overflow of a heart intoxicated with love!” + </p> + <p> + “Ameni!” + </p> + <p> + “I stand before you, uninvited, as your teacher, who reproves you out of + the law, which always and everywhere is wiser than the individual, whose + defender the king—among his highest titles—boasts of being, + and to which the sage bows as much as the common man whom we bring up to + blind belief—I stand before you as your father, who has loved you + from a child, and expected from none of his disciples more than from you; + and who will therefore neither lose you nor abandon the hope he has set + upon you— + </p> + <p> + “Make ready to leave our quiet house early tomorrow morning. You have + forfeited your office of teacher. You shall now go into the school of + life, and make yourself fit for the honored rank of the initiated which, + by my error, was bestowed on you too soon. You must leave your scholars + without any leave-taking, however hard it may appear to you. After the + star of Sothis + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The holy star of Isis, Sirius or the dog star, whose course in the + time of the Pharaohs coincided with the exact Solar year, and served + at a very early date as a foundation for the reckoning of time among + the Egyptians.] +</pre> + <p> + has risen come for your instructions. You must in these next months try to + lead the priesthood in the temple of Hatasu, and in that post to win back + my confidence which you have thrown away. No remonstrance; to-night you + will receive my blessing, and our authority—you must greet the + rising sun from the terrace of the new scene of your labors. May the + Unnameable stamp the law upon your soul!” + </p> + <p> + Ameni returned to his room. + </p> + <p> + He walked restlessly to and fro. + </p> + <p> + On a little table lay a mirror; he looked into the clear metal pane, and + laid it back in its place again, as if he had seen some strange and + displeasing countenance. + </p> + <p> + The events of the last few hours had moved him deeply, and shaken his + confidence in his unerring judgment of men and things. + </p> + <p> + The priests on the other bank of the Nile were Bent-Anat’s counsellors, + and he had heard the princess spoken of as a devout and gifted maiden. Her + incautious breach of the sacred institutions had seemed to him to offer a + welcome opportunity for humiliating—a member of the royal family. + </p> + <p> + Now he told himself that he had undervalued this young creature that he + had behaved clumsily, perhaps foolishly, to her; for he did not for a + moment conceal from himself that her sudden change of demeanor resulted + much more from the warm flow of her sympathy, or perhaps of her, + affection, than from any recognition of her guilt, and he could not + utilize her transgression with safety to himself, unless she felt herself + guilty. + </p> + <p> + Nor was he of so great a nature as to be wholly free from vanity, and his + vanity had been deeply wounded by the haughty resistance of the princess. + </p> + <p> + When he commanded Pentaur to meet the princess with words of reproof, he + had hoped to awaken his ambition through the proud sense of power over the + mighty ones of the earth. + </p> + <p> + And now? + </p> + <p> + How had his gifted admirer, the most hopeful of all his disciples, stood + the test. + </p> + <p> + The one ideal of his life, the unlimited dominion of the priestly idea + over the minds of men, and of the priesthood over the king himself, had + hitherto remained unintelligible to this singular young man. + </p> + <p> + He must learn to understand it. + </p> + <p> + “Here, as the least among a hundred who are his superiors, all the powers + of resistance of his soaring soul have been roused,” said Ameni to + himself. “In the temple of Hatasu he will have to rule over the inferior + orders of slaughterers of victims and incense-burners; and, by requiring + obedience, will learn to estimate the necessity of it. The rebel, to whom + a throne devolves, becomes a tyrant!” + </p> + <p> + “Pentuar’s poet soul,” so he continued to reflect “has quickly yielded + itself a prisoner to the charm of Bent-Anat; and what woman could resist + this highly favored being, who is radiant in beauty as Ra-Harmachis, and + from whose lips flows speech as sweet as Techuti’s. They ought never to + meet again, for no tie must bind him to the house of Rameses.” + </p> + <p> + Again he paced to and fro, and murmured: + </p> + <p> + “How is this? Two of my disciples have towered above their fellows, in + genius and gifts, like palm trees above their undergrowth. I brought them + up to succeed me, to inherit my labors and my hopes. + </p> + <p> + “Mesu fell away; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Mesu is the Egyptian name of Moses, whom we may consider as a + contemporary of Rameses, under whose successor the exodus of the + Jews from Egypt took place.] +</pre> + <p> + and Pentaur may follow him. Must my aim be an unworthy one because it does + not attract the noblest? Not so. Each feels himself made of better stuff + than his companions in destiny, constitutes his own law, and fears to see + the great expended in trifles; but I think otherwise; like a brook of + ferruginous water from Lebanon, I mix with the great stream, and tinge it + with my color.” + </p> + <p> + Thinking thus Ameni stood still. + </p> + <p> + Then he called to one of the so-called “holy fathers,” his private + secretary, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Draw up at once a document, to be sent to all the priests’-colleges in + the land. Inform them that the daughter of Rameses has lapsed seriously + from the law, and defiled herself, and direct that public—you hear + me public—prayers shall be put up for her purification in every + temple. Lay the letter before me to be signed within in hour. But no! Give + me your reed and palette; I will myself draw up the instructions.” + </p> + <p> + The “holy father” gave him writing materials, and retired into the + background. Ameni muttered: “The King will do us some unheard-of violence! + Well, this writing may be the first arrow in opposition to his lance.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + The moon was risen over the city of the living that lay opposite the + Necropolis of Thebes. + </p> + <p> + The evening song had died away in the temples, that stood about a mile + from the Nile, connected with each other by avenues of sphinxes and + pylons; but in the streets of the city life seemed only just really awake. + </p> + <p> + The coolness, which had succeeded the heat of the summer day, tempted the + citizens out into the air, in front of their doors or on the roofs and + turrets of their houses; or at the tavern-tables, where they listened to + the tales of the story-tellers while they refreshed them selves with beer, + wine, and the sweet juice of fruits. Many simple folks squatted in + circular groups on the ground, and joined in the burden of songs which + were led by an appointed singer, to the sound of a tabor and flute. + </p> + <p> + To the south of the temple of Amon stood the king’s palace, and near it, + in more or less extensive gardens, rose the houses of the magnates of the + kingdom, among which, one was distinguished by it splendor and extent. + </p> + <p> + Paaker, the king’s pioneer, had caused it to be erected after the death of + his father, in the place of the more homely dwelling of his ancestors, + when he hoped to bring home his cousin, and install her as its mistress. A + few yards further to the east was another stately though older and less + splendid house, which Mena, the king’s charioteer, had inherited from his + father, and which was inhabited by his wife Nefert and her mother Isatuti, + while he himself, in the distant Syrian land, shared the tent of the king, + as being his body-guard. Before the door of each house stood servants + bearing torches, and awaiting the long deferred return home of their + masters. + </p> + <p> + The gate, which gave admission to Paaker’s plot of ground through the wall + which surrounded it, was disproportionately, almost ostentatiously, high + and decorated with various paintings. On the right hand and on the left, + two cedar-trunks were erected as masts to carry standards; he had had them + felled for the purpose on Lebanon, and forwarded by ship to Pelusium on + the north-east coast of Egypt. Thence they were conveyed by the Nile to + Thebes. + </p> + <p> + On passing through the gate one entered a wide, paved court-yard, at the + sides of which walks extended, closed in at the back, and with roofs + supported on slender painted wooden columns. Here stood the pioneer’s + horses and chariots, here dwelt his slaves, and here the necessary store + of produce for the month’s requirements was kept. + </p> + <p> + In the farther wall of this store-court was a very high doorway, that led + into a large garden with rows of well-tended trees and trellised vines, + clumps of shrubs, flowers, and beds of vegetables. Palms, sycamores, and + acacia-trees, figs, pomegranates, and jasmine throve here particularly + well—for Paaker’s mother, Setchem, superintended the labors of the + gardeners; and in the large tank in the midst there was never any lack of + water for watering the beds and the roots of the trees, as it was always + supplied by two canals, into which wheels turned by oxen poured water day + and night from the Nile-stream. + </p> + <p> + On the right side of this plot of ground rose the one-storied dwelling + house, its length stretching into distant perspective, as it consisted of + a single row of living and bedrooms. Almost every room had its own door, + that opened into a veranda supported by colored wooden columns, and which + extended the whole length of the garden side of the house. This building + was joined at a right angle by a row of store-rooms, in which the + garden-produce in fruits and vegetables, the wine-jars, and the + possessions of the house in woven stuffs, skins, leather, and other + property were kept. + </p> + <p> + In a chamber of strong masonry lay safely locked up the vast riches + accumulated by Paaker’s father and by himself, in gold and silver rings, + vessels and figures of beasts. Nor was there lack of bars of copper and of + precious stones, particularly of lapis-lazuli and malachite. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the garden stood a handsomely decorated kiosk, and a + chapel with images of the Gods; in the background stood the statues of + Paaker’s ancestors in the form of Osiris wrapped in mummy-cloths. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The justified dead became Osiris; that is to say, attained to the + fullest union (Henosis) with the divinity.] +</pre> + <p> + The faces, which were likenesses, alone distinguished these statues from + each other. + </p> + <p> + The left side of the store-yard was veiled in gloom, yet the moonlight + revealed numerous dark figures clothed only with aprons, the slaves of the + king’s pioneer, who squatted on the ground in groups of five or six, or + lay near each other on thin mats of palm-bast, their hard beds. + </p> + <p> + Not far from the gate, on the right side of the court, a few lamps lighted + up a group of dusky men, the officers of Paaker’s household, who wore + short, shirt-shaped, white garments, and who sat on a carpet round a table + hardly two feet high. They were eating their evening-meal, consisting of a + roasted antelope, and large flat cakes of bread. Slaves waited on them, + and filled their earthen beakers with yellow beer. The steward cut up the + great roast on the table, offered the intendant of the gardens a piece of + antelope-leg, and said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Greeks and Romans report that the Egyptians were so addicted to + satire and pungent witticisms that they would hazard property and + life to gratify their love of mockery. The scandalous pictures in + the so-called kiosk of Medinet Habu, the caricatures in an + indescribable papyrus at Turin, confirm these statements. There is + a noteworthy passage in Flavius Vopiscus, that compares the + Egyptians to the French.] +</pre> + <p> + “My arms ache; the mob of slaves get more and more dirty and refractory.” + </p> + <p> + “I notice it in the palm-trees,” said the gardener, “you want so many + cudgels that their crowns will soon be as bare as a moulting bird.” + </p> + <p> + “We should do as the master does,” said the head-groom, “and get sticks of + ebony—they last a hundred years.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate longer than men’s bones,” laughed the chief neat-herd, who + had come in to town from the pioneer’s country estate, bringing with him + animals for sacrifices, butter and cheese. “If we were all to follow the + master’s example, we should soon have none but cripples in the servant’s + house.” + </p> + <p> + “Out there lies the lad whose collar-bone he broke yesterday,” said the + steward, “it is a pity, for he was a clever mat-platter. The old lord hit + softer.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to know!” cried a small voice, that sounded mockingly behind + the feasters. + </p> + <p> + They looked and laughed when they recognized the strange guest, who had + approached them unobserved. + </p> + <p> + The new comer was a deformed little man about as big as a five-year-old + boy, with a big head and oldish but uncommonly sharply-cut features. + </p> + <p> + The noblest Egyptians kept house-dwarfs for sport, and this little wight + served the wife of Mena in this capacity. He was called Nemu, or “the + dwarf,” and his sharp tongue made him much feared, though he was a + favorite, for he passed for a very clever fellow and was a good + tale-teller. + </p> + <p> + “Make room for me, my lords,” said the little man. “I take very little + room, and your beer and roast is in little danger from me, for my maw is + no bigger than a fly’s head.” + </p> + <p> + “But your gall is as big as that of a Nile-horse,” cried the cook. + </p> + <p> + “It grows,” said the dwarf laughing, “when a turn-spit and spoon-wielder + like you turns up. There—I will sit here.” + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome,” said the steward, “what do you bring?” + </p> + <p> + “Myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you bring nothing great.” + </p> + <p> + “Else I should not suit you either!” retorted the dwarf. “But seriously, + my lady mother, the noble Katuti, and the Regent, who just now is visiting + us, sent me here to ask you whether Paaker is not yet returned. He + accompanied the princess and Nefert to the City of the Dead, and the + ladies are not yet come in. We begin to be anxious, for it is already + late.” + </p> + <p> + The steward looked up at the starry sky and said: “The moon is already + tolerably high, and my lord meant to be home before sun-down.” + </p> + <p> + “The meal was ready,” sighed the cook. “I shall have to go to work again + if he does not remain all night.” + </p> + <p> + “How should he?” asked the steward. “He is with the princess Bent-Anat.” + </p> + <p> + “And my mistress,” added the dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “What will they say to each other,” laughed gardener; “your chief + litter-bearer declared that yesterday on the way to the City of the Dead + they did not speak a word to each other.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you blame the lord if he is angry with the lady who was betrothed to + him, and then was wed to another? When I think of the moment when he + learnt Nefert’s breach of faith I turn hot and cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Care the less for that,” sneered the dwarf, “since you must be hot in + summer and cold in winter.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not evening all day,” cried the head groom. “Paaker never forgets + an injury, and we shall live to see him pay Mena—high as he is—for + the affront he has offered him. + </p> + <p> + “My lady Katuti,” interrupted Nemu, “stores up the arrears of her + son-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides, she has long wished to renew the old friendship with your house, + and the Regent too preaches peace. Give me a piece of bread, steward. I am + hungry!” + </p> + <p> + “The sacks, into which Mena’s arrears flow seem to be empty,” laughed the + cook. + </p> + <p> + “Empty! empty! much like your wit!” answered the dwarf. “Give me a bit of + roast meat, steward; and you slaves bring me a drink of beer.” + </p> + <p> + “You just now said your maw was no bigger than a fly’s head,” cried the + cook, “and now you devour meat like the crocodiles in the sacred tank of + Seeland. You must come from a world of upside-down, where the men are as + small as flies, and the flies as big as the giants of the past.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, I might be much bigger,” mumbled the dwarf while he munched on + unconcernedly, “perhaps as big as your spite which grudges me the third + bit of meat, which the steward—may Zefa bless him with great + possessions—is cutting out of the back of the antelope.” + </p> + <p> + “There, take it, you glutton, but let out your girdle,” said the steward + laughing, “I had cut the slice for myself, and admire your sharp nose.” + </p> + <p> + “All noses,” said the dwarf, “they teach the knowing better than any + haruspex what is inside a man.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that?” cried the gardener. + </p> + <p> + “Only try to display your wisdom,” laughed the steward; “for, if you want + to talk, you must at last leave off eating.” + </p> + <p> + “The two may be combined,” said the dwarf. “Listen then! A hooked nose, + which I compare to a vulture’s beak, is never found together with a + submissive spirit. Think of the Pharaoh and all his haughty race. The + Regent, on the contrary, has a straight, well-shaped, medium-sized nose, + like the statue of Amon in the temple, and he is an upright soul, and as + good as the Gods. He is neither overbearing nor submissive beyond just + what is right; he holds neither with the great nor yet with the mean, but + with men of our stamp. There’s the king for us!” + </p> + <p> + “A king of noses!” exclaimed the cook, “I prefer the eagle Rameses. But + what do you say to the nose of your mistress Nefert?” + </p> + <p> + “It is delicate and slender and moves with every thought like the leaves + of flowers in a breath of wind, and her heart is exactly like it.” + </p> + <p> + “And Paaker?” asked the head groom. + </p> + <p> + “He has a large short nose with wide open nostrils. When Seth whirls up + the sand, and a grain of it flies up his nose, he waxes angry—so it + is Paaker’s nose, and that only, which is answerable for all your blue + bruises. His mother Setchem, the sister of my lady Katuti, has a little + roundish soft—” + </p> + <p> + “You pigmy,” cried the steward interrupting the speaker, “we have fed you + and let you abuse people to your heart’s content, but if you wag your + sharp tongue against our mistress, I will take you by the girdle and fling + you to the sky, so that the stars may remain sticking to your crooked + hump.” + </p> + <p> + At these words the dwarf rose, turned to go, and said indifferently: “I + would pick the stars carefully off my back, and send you the finest of the + planets in return for your juicy bit of roast. But here come the chariots. + Farewell! my lords, when the vulture’s beak seizes one of you and carries + you off to the war in Syria, remember the words of the little Nemu who + knows men and noses.” + </p> + <p> + The pioneer’s chariot rattled through the high gates into the court of his + house, the dogs in their leashes howled joyfully, the head groom hastened + towards Paaker and took the reins in his charge, the steward accompanied + him, and the head cook retired into the kitchen to make ready a fresh meal + for his master. + </p> + <p> + Before Paaker had reached the garden-gate, from the pylon of the enormous + temple of Amon, was heard first the far-sounding clang of hard-struck + plates of brass, and then the many-voiced chant of a solemn hymn. + </p> + <p> + The Mohar stood still, looked up to heaven, called to his servants—“The + divine star Sothis is risen!” threw himself on the earth, and lifted his + wards the star in prayer. + </p> + <p> + The slaves and officers immediately followed his example. + </p> + <p> + No circumstance in nature remained unobserved by the priestly guides of + the Egyptian people. Every phenomenon on earth or in the starry heavens + was greeted by them as the manifestation of a divinity, and they + surrounded the life of the inhabitants of the Nile-valley—from + morning to evening—from the beginning of the inundation to the days + of drought—with a web of chants and sacrifices, of processions and + festivals, which inseparably knit the human individual to the Divinity and + its earthly representatives the priesthood. + </p> + <p> + For many minutes the lord and his servants remained on their knees in + silence, their eyes fixed on the sacred star, and listening to the pious + chant of the priests. + </p> + <p> + As it died away Paaker rose. All around him still lay on the earth; only + one naked figure, strongly lighted by the clear moonlight, stood + motionless by a pillar near the slaves’ quarters. + </p> + <p> + The pioneer gave a sign, the attendants rose; but Paaker went with hasty + steps to the man who had disdained the act of devotion, which he had so + earnestly performed, and cried: + </p> + <p> + “Steward, a hundred strokes on the soles of the feet of this scoffer.” + </p> + <p> + The officer thus addressed bowed and said: “My lord, the surgeon commanded + the mat-weaver not to move and he cannot lift his arm. He is suffering + great pain. Thou didst break his collar-bone yesterday. + </p> + <p> + “It served him right!” said Paaker, raising his voice so much that the + injured man could not fail to hear it. Then he turned his back upon him, + and entered the garden; here he called the chief butler, and said: “Give + the slaves beer for their night draught—to all of them, and plenty.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later he stood before his mother, whom he found on the roof + of the house, which was decorated with leafy plants, just as she gave her + two-years’-old grand daughter, the child of her youngest son, into the + arms of her nurse, that she might take her to bed. + </p> + <p> + Paaker greeted the worthy matron with reverence. She was a woman of a + friendly, homely aspect; several little dogs were fawning at her feet. Her + son put aside the leaping favorites of the widow, whom they amused through + many long hours of loneliness, and turned to take the child in his arms + from those of the attendant. But the little one struggled with such loud + cries, and could not be pacified, that Paaker set it down on the ground, + and involuntarily exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “The naughty little thing!” + </p> + <p> + “She has been sweet and good the whole afternoon,” said his mother + Setchem. “She sees you so seldom.” + </p> + <p> + “May be,” replied Paaker; “still I know this—the dogs love me, but + no child will come to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You have such hard hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Take the squalling brat away,” said Paaker to the nurse. “Mother, I want + to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + Setchem quieted the child, gave it many kisses, and sent it to bed; then + she went up to her son, stroked his cheeks, and said: + </p> + <p> + “If the little one were your own, she would go to you at once, and teach + you that a child is the greatest blessing which the Gods bestow on us + mortals.” Paaker smiled and said: “I know what you are aiming at—but + leave it for the present, for I have something important to communicate to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked Setchem. + </p> + <p> + “To-day for the first time since—you know when, I have spoken to + Nefert. The past may be forgotten. You long for your sister; go to her, I + have nothing more to say against it.” + </p> + <p> + Setchem looked at her son with undisguised astonishment; her eyes which + easily filled with tears, now overflowed, and she hesitatingly asked: “Can + I believe my ears; child, have you?—” + </p> + <p> + “I have a wish,” said Paaker firmly, “that you should knit once more the + old ties of affection with your relations; the estrangement has lasted + long enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Much too long!” cried Setchem. + </p> + <p> + The pioneer looked in silence at the ground, and obeyed his mother’s sign + to sit down beside her. + </p> + <p> + “I knew,” she said, taking his hand, “that this day would bring us joy; + for I dreamt of your father in Osiris, and when I was being carried to the + temple, I was met, first by a white cow, and then by a wedding procession. + The white ram of Anion, too, touched the wheat-cakes that I offered him.”—[It + boded death to Germanicus when the Apis refused to eat out of his hand.] + </p> + <p> + “Those are lucky presages,” said Paaker in a tone of conviction. + </p> + <p> + “And let us hasten to seize with gratitude that which the Gods set before + us,” cried Setchem with joyful emotion. “I will go to-morrow to my sister + and tell her that we shall live together in our old affection, and share + both good and evil; we are both of the same race, and I know that, as + order and cleanliness preserve a house from ruin and rejoice the stranger, + so nothing but unity can keep up the happiness of the family and its + appearance before people. What is bygone is bygone, and let it be + forgotten. There are many women in Thebes besides Nefert, and a hundred + nobles in the land would esteem themselves happy to win you for a + son-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker rose, and began thoughtfully pacing the broad space, while Setchem + went on speaking. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” she said, “that I have touched a wound in thy heart; but it is + already closing, and it will heal when you are happier even than the + charioteer Mena, and need no longer hate him. Nefert is good, but she is + delicate and not clever, and scarcely equal to the management of so large + a household as ours. Ere long I too shall be wrapped in mummy-cloths, and + then if duty calls you into Syria some prudent housewife must take my + place. It is no small matter. Your grandfather Assa often would say that a + house well-conducted in every detail was a mark of a family owning an + unspotted name, and living with wise liberality and secure solidity, in + which each had his assigned place, his allotted duty to fulfil, and his + fixed rights to demand. How often have I prayed to the Hathors that they + may send you a wife after my own heart.” + </p> + <p> + “A Setchem I shall never find!” said Paaker kissing his mother’s forehead, + “women of your sort are dying out.” + </p> + <p> + “Flatterer!” laughed Setchem, shaking her finger at her son. But it is + true. Those who are now growing up dress and smarten themselves with + stuffs from Kaft,—[Phoenicia]—mix their language with Syrian + words, and leave the steward and housekeeper free when they themselves + ought to command. Even my sister Katuti, and Nefert— + </p> + <p> + “Nefert is different from other women,” interrupted Paaker, “and if you + had brought her up she would know how to manage a house as well as how to + ornament it.” + </p> + <p> + Setchem looked at her son in surprise; then she said, half to herself: + “Yes, yes, she is a sweet child; it is impossible for any one to be angry + with her who looks into her eyes. And yet I was cruel to her because you + were hurt by her, and because—but you know. But now you have + forgiven, I forgive her, willingly, her and her husband.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker’s brow clouded, and while he paused in front of his mother he said + with all the peculiar harshness of his voice: + </p> + <p> + “He shall pine away in the desert, and the hyaenas of the North shall tear + his unburied corpse.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Setchem covered her face with her veil, and clasped her + hands tightly over the amulets hanging round her neck. Then she said + softly: + </p> + <p> + “How terrible you can be! I know well that you hate the charioteer, for I + have seen the seven arrows over your couch over which is written ‘Death to + Mena.’ + </p> + <p> + “That is a Syrian charm which a man turns against any one whom he desires + to destroy. How black you look! Yes, it is a charm that is hateful to the + Gods, and that gives the evil one power over him that uses it. Leave it to + them to punish the criminal, for Osiris withdraws his favor from those who + choose the fiend for their ally.” + </p> + <p> + “My sacrifices,” replied Paaker, “secure me the favor of the Gods; but + Mena behaved to me like a vile robber, and I only return to him the evil + that belongs to him. Enough of this! and if you love me, never again utter + the name of my enemy before me. I have forgiven Nefert and her mother—that + may satisfy you.” + </p> + <p> + Setchem shook her head, and said: “What will it lead to! The war cannot + last for ever, and if Mena returns the reconciliation of to-day will turn + to all the more bitter enmity. I see only one remedy. Follow my advice, + and let me find you a wife worthy of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not now!” exclaimed Paaker impatiently. “In a few days I must go again + into the enemy’s country, and do not wish to leave my wife, like Mena, to + lead the life of a widow during my existence. Why urge it? my brother’s + wife and children are with you—that might satisfy you.” + </p> + <p> + “The Gods know how I love them,” answered Setchem; “but your brother Horns + is the younger, and you the elder, to whom the inheritance belongs. Your + little niece is a delightful plaything, but in your son I should see at + once the future stay of our race, the future head of the family; brought + up to my mind and your father’s; for all is sacred to me that my dead + husband wished. He rejoiced in your early betrothal to Nefert, and hoped + that a son of his eldest son should continue the race of Assa.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be by no fault of mine that any wish of his remains unfulfilled. + The stars are high, mother; sleep well, and if to-morrow you visit Nefert + and your sister, say to them that the doors of my house are open to them. + But stay! Katuti’s steward has offered to sell a herd of cattle to ours, + although the stock on Mena’s land can be but small. What does this mean?” + </p> + <p> + “You know my sister,” replied Setchem. “She manages Mena’s possessions, + has many requirements, tries to vie with the greatest in splendor, sees + the governor often in her house, her son is no doubt extravagant—and + so the most necessary things may often be wanting.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker shrugged his shoulders, once more embraced his mother and left her. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, he was standing in the spacious room in which he was + accustomed to sit and to sleep when he was in Thebes. The walls of this + room were whitewashed and decorated with pious glyphic writing, which + framed in the door and the windows opening into the garden. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the farther wall was a couch in the form of a lion. The + upper end of it imitated a lion’s head, and the foot, its curling tail; a + finely dressed lion’s skin was spread over the bell, and a headrest of + ebony, decorated with pious texts, stood on a high foot-step, ready for + the sleeper. + </p> + <p> + Above the bed various costly weapons and whips were elegantly displayed, + and below them the seven arrows over which Setchem had read the words + “Death to Mena.” They were written across a sentence which enjoined + feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and clothing the naked; + with loving-kindness, alike to the great and the humble. + </p> + <p> + A niche by the side of the bed-head was closed with a curtain of purple + stuff. + </p> + <p> + In each corner of the room stood a statue; three of them symbolized the + triad of Thebes-Anion, Muth, and Chunsu—and the fourth the dead + father of the pioneer. In front of each was a small altar for offerings, + with a hollow in it, in which was an odoriferous essence. On a wooden + stand were little images of the Gods and amulets in great number, and in + several painted chests lay the clothes, the ornaments and the papers of + the master. In the midst of the chamber stood a table and several + stool-shaped seats. + </p> + <p> + When Paaker entered the room he found it lighted with lamps, and a large + dog sprang joyfully to meet him. He let him spring upon him, threw him to + the ground, let him once more rush upon him, and then kissed his clever + head. + </p> + <p> + Before his bed an old negro of powerful build lay in deep sleep. Paaker + shoved him with his foot and called to him as he awoke— + </p> + <p> + “I am hungry.” + </p> + <p> + The grey-headed black man rose slowly, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was alone Paaker drew the philter from his girdle, looked at + it tenderly, and put it in a box, in which there were several flasks of + holy oils for sacrifice. He was accustomed every evening to fill the + hollows in the altars with fresh essences, and to prostrate himself in + prayer before the images of the Gods. To-day he stood before the statue of + his father, kissed its feet, and murmured: “Thy will shall be done.—The + woman whom thou didst intend for me shall indeed be mine—thy eldest + son’s.” + </p> + <p> + Then he walked to and fro and thought over the events of the day. + </p> + <p> + At last he stood still, with his arms crossed, and looked defiantly at the + holy images; like a traveller who drives away a false guide, and thinks to + find the road by himself. + </p> + <p> + His eye fell on the arrows over his bed; he smiled, and striking his broad + breast with his fist, he exclaimed, “I—I—I—” + </p> + <p> + His hound, who thought his master meant to call him, rushed up to him. He + pushed him off and said—“If you meet a hyaena in the desert, you + fall upon it without waiting till it is touched by my lance—and if + the Gods, my masters, delay, I myself will defend my right; but thou,” he + continued turning to the image of his father, “thou wilt support me.” + </p> + <p> + This soliloquy was interrupted by the slaves who brought in his meal. + </p> + <p> + Paaker glanced at the various dishes which the cook had prepared for him, + and asked: “How often shall I command that not a variety, but only one + large dish shall be dressed for me? And the wine?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art used never to touch it?” answered the old negro. + </p> + <p> + “But to-day I wish for some,” said the pioneer. “Bring one of the old jars + of red wine of Kakem.” + </p> + <p> + The slaves looked at each other in astonishment; the wine was brought, and + Paaker emptied beaker after beaker. When the servants had left him, the + boldest among them said: “Usually the master eats like a lion, and drinks + like a midge, but to-day—” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue!” cried his companion, “and come into the court, for + Paaker has sent us out beer. The Hathors must have met him.” + </p> + <p> + The occurrences of the day must indeed have taken deep hold on the inmost + soul of the pioneer; for he, the most sober of all the warriors of + Rameses, to whom intoxication was unknown, and who avoided the banquets of + his associates—now sat at the midnight hours, alone at his table, + and toped till his weary head grew heavy. + </p> + <p> + He collected himself, went towards his couch and drew the curtain which + concealed the niche at the head of the bed. A female figure, with the + head-dress and attributes of the Goddess Hathor, made of painted + limestone, revealed itself. + </p> + <p> + Her countenance had the features of the wife of Mena. + </p> + <p> + The king, four years since, had ordered a sculptor to execute a sacred + image with the lovely features of the newly-married bride of his + charioteer, and Paaker had succeeded in having a duplicate made. + </p> + <p> + He now knelt down on the couch, gazed on the image with moist eyes, looked + cautiously around to see if he was alone, leaned forward, pressed a kiss + to the delicate, cold stone lips; laid down and went to sleep without + undressing himself, and leaving the lamps to burn themselves out. + </p> + <p> + Restless dreams disturbed his spirit, and when the dawn grew grey, he + screamed out, tormented by a hideous vision, so pitifully, that the old + negro, who had laid himself near the dog at the foot of his bed, sprang up + alarmed, and while the dog howled, called him by his name to wake him. + </p> + <p> + Paaker awoke with a dull head-ache. The vision which had tormented him + stood vividly before his mind, and he endeavored to retain it that he + might summon a haruspex to interpret it. After the morbid fancies of the + preceding evening he felt sad and depressed. + </p> + <p> + The morning-hymn rang into his room with a warning voice from the temple + of Amon; he cast off evil thoughts, and resolved once more to resign the + conduct of his fate to the Gods, and to renounce all the arts of magic. + </p> + <p> + As he was accustomed, he got into the bath that was ready for him. While + splashing in the tepid water he thought with ever increasing eagerness of + Nefert and of the philter which at first he had meant not to offer to her, + but which actually was given to her by his hand, and which might by this + time have begun to exercise its charm. + </p> + <p> + Love placed rosy pictures—hatred set blood-red images before his + eyes. He strove to free himself from the temptations, which more and more + tightly closed in upon him, but it was with him as with a man who has + fallen into a bog, who, the more vehemently he tries to escape from the + mire, sinks the deeper. + </p> + <p> + As the sun rose, so rose his vital energy and his self-confidence, and + when he prepared to quit his dwelling, in his most costly clothing, he had + arrived once more at the decision of the night before, and had again + resolved to fight for his purpose, without—and if need were—against + the Gods. + </p> + <p> + The Mohar had chosen his road, and he never turned back when once he had + begun a journey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + It was noon: the rays of the sun found no way into the narrow shady + streets of the city of Thebes, but they blazed with scorching heat on the + broad dyke-road which led to the king’s castle, and which at this hour was + usually almost deserted. + </p> + <p> + To-day it was thronged with foot-passengers and chariots, with riders and + litter-bearers. + </p> + <p> + Here and there negroes poured water on the road out of skins, but the dust + was so deep, that, in spite of this, it shrouded the streets and the + passengers in a dry cloud, which extended not only over the city, but down + to the harbor where the boats of the inhabitants of the Necropolis landed + their freight. + </p> + <p> + The city of the Pharaohs was in unwonted agitation, for the storm-swift + breath of rumor had spread some news which excited both alarm and hope in + the huts of the poor as well as in the palaces of the great. + </p> + <p> + In the early morning three mounted messengers had arrived from the king’s + camp with heavy letter-bags, and had dismounted at the Regent’s palace. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Egyptians were great letter-writers, and many of their letters + have come down to us, they also had established postmen, and had a + word for them in their language “fai chat.”] +</pre> + <p> + As after a long drought the inhabitants of a village gaze up at the black + thunder-cloud that gathers above their heads promising the refreshing rain—but + that may also send the kindling lightning-flash or the destroying + hail-storm—so the hopes and the fears of the citizens were centred + on the news which came but rarely and at irregular intervals from the + scene of war; for there was scarcely a house in the huge city which had + not sent a father, a son, or a relative to the fighting hosts of the king + in the distant northeast. + </p> + <p> + And though the couriers from the camp were much oftener the heralds of + tears than of joy; though the written rolls which they brought told more + often of death and wounds than of promotion, royal favors, and conquered + spoil, yet they were expected with soul-felt longing and received with + shouts of joy. + </p> + <p> + Great and small hurried after their arrival to the Regent’s palace, and + the scribes—who distributed the letters and read the news which was + intended for public communication, and the lists of those who had fallen + or perished—were closely besieged with enquirers. + </p> + <p> + Man has nothing harder to endure than uncertainty, and generally, when in + suspense, looks forward to bad rather than to good news. And the bearers + of ill ride faster than the messengers of weal. + </p> + <p> + The Regent Ani resided in a building adjoining the king’s palace. His + business-quarters surrounded an immensely wide court, and consisted of a + great number of rooms opening on to this court, in which numerous scribes + worked with their chief. On the farther side was a large, veranda-like + hall open at the front, with a roof supported by pillars. + </p> + <p> + Here Ani was accustomed to hold courts of justice, and to receive + officers, messengers, and petitioners. To-day he sat, visible to all + comers, on a costly throne in this hall, surrounded by his numerous + followers, and overlooking the crowd of people whom the guardians of the + peace guided with long staves, admitting them in troops into the court of + the “High Gate,” and then again conducting them out. + </p> + <p> + What he saw and heard was nothing joyful, for from each group surrounding + a scribe arose a cry of woe. Few and far between were those who had to + tell of the rich booty that had fallen to their friends. + </p> + <p> + An invisible web woven of wailing and tears seemed to envelope the + assembly. + </p> + <p> + Here men were lamenting and casting dust upon their heads, there women + were rending their clothes, shrieking loudly, and crying as they waved + their veils “oh, my husband! oh, my father! oh, my brother!” + </p> + <p> + Parents who had received the news of the death of their son fell on each + other’s neck weeping; old men plucked out their grey hair and beard; young + women beat their forehead and breast, or implored the scribes who read out + the lists to let them see for themselves the name of the beloved one who + was for ever torn from them. + </p> + <p> + The passionate stirring of a soul, whether it be the result of joy or of + sorrow, among us moderns covers its features with a veil, which it had no + need of among the ancients. + </p> + <p> + Where the loudest laments sounded, a restless little being might be seen + hurrying from group to group; it was Nemu, Katuti’s dwarf, whom we know. + </p> + <p> + Now he stood near a woman of the better class, dissolved in tears because + her husband had fallen in the last battle. + </p> + <p> + “Can you read?” he asked her; “up there on the architrave is the name of + Rameses, with all his titles. Dispenser of life,’ he is called. Aye + indeed; he can create—widows; for he has all the husbands killed.” + </p> + <p> + Before the astonished woman could reply, he stood by a man sunk in woe, + and pulling his robe, said “Finer fellows than your son have never been + seen in Thebes. Let your youngest starve, or beat him to a cripple, else + he also will be dragged off to Syria; for Rameses needs much good Egyptian + meat for the Syrian vultures.” + </p> + <p> + The old man, who had hitherto stood there in silent despair, clenched his + fist. The dwarf pointed to the Regent, and said: “If he there wielded the + sceptre, there would be fewer orphans and beggars by the Nile. To-day its + sacred waters are still sweet, but soon it will taste as salt as the north + sea with all the tears that have been shed on its banks.” + </p> + <p> + It almost seemed as if the Regent had heard these words, for he rose from + his seat and lifted his hands like a man who is lamenting. + </p> + <p> + Many of the bystanders observed this action; and loud cries of anguish + filled the wide courtyard, which was soon cleared by soldiers to make room + for other troops of people who were thronging in. + </p> + <p> + While these gathered round the scribes, the Regent Ani sat with quiet + dignity on the throne, surrounded by his suite and his secretaries, and + held audiences. + </p> + <p> + He was a man at the close of his fortieth year and the favorite cousin of + the king. + </p> + <p> + Rameses I., the grandfather of the reigning monarch, had deposed the + legitimate royal family, and usurped the sceptre of the Pharaohs. He + descended from a Semitic race who had remained in Egypt at the time of the + expulsion of the Hyksos, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [These were an eastern race who migrated from Asia into Egypt, + conquered the lower Nile-valley, and ruled over it for nearly 500 + years, till they were driven out by the successors of the old + legitimate Pharaohs, whose dominion had been confined to upper + Egypt.] +</pre> + <p> + and had distinguished itself by warlike talents under Thotmes and + Amenophis. After his death he was succeeded by his son Seti, who sought to + earn a legitimate claim to the throne by marrying Tuaa, the grand-daughter + of Amenophis III. She presented him with an only son, whom he named after + his father Rameses. This prince might lay claim to perfect legitimacy + through his mother, who descended directly from the old house of + sovereigns; for in Egypt a noble family—even that of the Pharaohs—might + be perpetuated through women. + </p> + <p> + Seti proclaimed Rameses partner of his throne, so as to remove all doubt + as to the validity of his position. The young nephew of his wife Tuaa, the + Regent Ani, who was a few years younger than Rameses, he caused to be + brought up in the House of Seti, and treated him like his own son, while + the other members of the dethroned royal family were robbed of their + possessions or removed altogether. + </p> + <p> + Ani proved himself a faithful servant to Seti, and to his son, and was + trusted as a brother by the warlike and magnanimous Rameses, who however + never disguised from himself the fact that the blood in his own veins was + less purely royal than that which flowed in his cousin’s. + </p> + <p> + It was required of the race of the Pharaohs of Egypt that it should be + descended from the Sun-god Ra, and the Pharaoh could boast of this high + descent only through his mother—Ani through both parents. + </p> + <p> + But Rameses sat on the throne, held the sceptre with a strong hand, and + thirteen young sons promised to his house the lordship over Egypt to all + eternity. + </p> + <p> + When, after the death of his warlike father, he went to fresh conquests in + the north, he appointed Ani, who had proved himself worthy as governor of + the province of Kush, to the regency of the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + A vehement character often over estimates the man who is endowed with a quieter + temperament, into whose nature he cannot throw himself, and whose + excellences he is unable to imitate; so it happened that the deliberate + and passionless nature of his cousin impressed the fiery and warlike + Rameses. + </p> + <p> + Ani appeared to be devoid of ambition, or the spirit of enterprise; he + accepted the dignity that was laid upon him with apparent reluctance, and + seemed a particularly safe person, because he had lost both wife and + child, and could boast of no heir. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of more than middle height; his features were remarkably + regular—even beautifully, cut, but smooth and with little + expression. His clear blue eyes and thin lips gave no evidence of the + emotions that filled his heart; on the contrary, his countenance wore a + soft smile that could adapt itself to haughtiness, to humility, and to a + variety of shades of feeling, but which could never be entirely banished + from his face. + </p> + <p> + He had listened with affable condescension to the complaint of a landed + proprietor, whose cattle had been driven off for the king’s army, and had + promised that his case should be enquired into. The plundered man was + leaving full of hope; but when the scribe who sat at the feet of the + Regent enquired to whom the investigation of this encroachment of the + troops should be entrusted, Ani said: “Each one must bring a victim to the + war; it must remain among the things that are done, and cannot be undone.” + </p> + <p> + The Nomarch—[Chief of a Nome or district.]—of Suan, in the + southern part of the country, asked for funds for a necessary, new + embankment. The Regent listened to his eager representation with + benevolence, nay with expressions of sympathy; but assured him that the + war absorbed all the funds of the state, that the chests were empty; still + he felt inclined—even if they had not failed—to sacrifice a + part of his own income to preserve the endangered arable land of his + faithful province of Suan, to which he desired greeting. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Nomarch had left him, he commanded that a considerable sum + should be taken out of the Treasury, and sent after the petitioner. + </p> + <p> + From time to time in the middle of conversation, he arose, and made a + gesture of lamentation, to show to the assembled mourners in the court + that he sympathized in the losses which had fallen on them. + </p> + <p> + The sun had already passed the meridian, when a disturbance, accompanied + by loud cries, took possession of the masses of people, who stood round + the scribes in the palace court. + </p> + <p> + Many men and women were streaming together towards one spot, and even the + most impassive of the Thebans present turned their attention to an + incident so unusual in this place. + </p> + <p> + A detachment of constabulary made a way through the crushing and yelling + mob, and another division of Lybian police led a prisoner towards a side + gate of the court. Before they could reach it, a messenger came up with + them, from the Regent, who desired to be informed as to what happened. + </p> + <p> + The head of the officers of public safety followed him, and with eager + excitement informed Ani, who was waiting for him, that a tiny man, the + dwarf of the Lady Katuti, had for several hours been going about in the + court, and endeavoring to poison the minds of the citizens with seditious + speeches. + </p> + <p> + Ani ordered that the misguided man should be thrown into the dungeon; but + so soon as the chief officer had left him, he commanded his secretary to + have the dwarf brought into his presence before sundown. + </p> + <p> + While he was giving this order an excitement of another kind seized the + assembled multitude. + </p> + <p> + As the sea parted and stood on the right hand and on the left of the + Hebrews, so that no wave wetted the foot of the pursued fugitives, so the + crowd of people of their own free will, but as if in reverent submission + to some high command, parted and formed a broad way, through which walked + the high-priest of the House of Seti, as, full robed and accompanied by + some of the “holy fathers,” he now entered the court. + </p> + <p> + The Regent went to meet him, bowed before him, and then withdrew to the + back of the hall with him alone. “It is nevertheless incredible,” said + Ameni, “that our serfs are to follow the militia!” + </p> + <p> + “Rameses requires soldiers—to conquer,” replied the Regent. + </p> + <p> + “And we bread—to live,” exclaimed the priest. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless I am commanded, at once, before the seed-time, to levy the + temple-serfs. I regret the order, but the king is the will, and I am only + the hand.” + </p> + <p> + “The hand, which he makes use of to sequester ancient rights, and to open + a way to the desert over the fruitful land.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [“With good management,” said the first Napoleon, “the Nile + encroaches upon the desert, with bad management the desert + encroaches upon the Nile.”] +</pre> + <p> + “Your acres will not long remain unprovided for. Rameses will win new + victories with the increased army, and the help of the Gods.” + </p> + <p> + “The Gods! whom he insults!” + </p> + <p> + “After the conclusion of peace he will reconcile the Gods by doubly rich + gifts. He hopes confidently for an early end to the war, and writes to me + that after the next battle he wins he intends to offer terms to the Cheta. + A plan of the king’s is also spoken of—to marry again, and, indeed, + the daughter of the Cheta King Chetasar.” + </p> + <p> + Up to this moment the Regent had kept his eyes cast down. Now he raised + them, smiling, as if he would fain enjoy Ameni’s satisfaction, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “What dost thou say to this project?” + </p> + <p> + “I say,” returned Ameni, and his voice, usually so stern, took a tone of + amusement, “I say that Rameses seems to think that the blood of thy cousin + and of his mother, which gives him his right to the throne, is incapable + of pollution.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the blood of the Sun-god!” + </p> + <p> + “Which runs but half pure in his veins, but wholly pure in thine.” + </p> + <p> + The Regent made a deprecatory gesture, and said softly, with a smile which + resembled that of a dead man: + </p> + <p> + “We are not alone.” + </p> + <p> + “No one is here,” said Ameni, “who can hear us; and what I say is known to + every child.” + </p> + <p> + “But if it came to the king’s ears—” whispered Ani, “he—” + </p> + <p> + “He would perceive how unwise it is to derogate from the ancient rights of + those on whom it is incumbent to prove the purity of blood of the + sovereign of this land. However, Rameses sits on the throne; may life + bloom for him, with health and strength!”—[A formula which even in + private letters constantly follows the name of the Pharaoh.] + </p> + <p> + The Regent bowed, and then asked: + </p> + <p> + “Do you propose to obey the demand of the Pharaoh without delay?” + </p> + <p> + “He is the king. Our council, which will meet in a few days, can only + determine how, and not whether we shall fulfil his command.” + </p> + <p> + “You will retard the departure of the serfs, and Rameses requires them at + once. The bloody labor of the war demands new tools.” + </p> + <p> + “And the peace will perhaps demand a new master, who understands how to + employ the sons of the land to its greatest advantage—a genuine son + of Ra.” + </p> + <p> + The Regent stood opposite the high-priest, motionless as an image cast in + bronze, and remained silent; but Ameni lowered his staff before him as + before a god, and then went into the fore part of the hall. + </p> + <p> + When Ani followed him, a soft smile played as usual upon his countenance, + and full of dignity he took his seat on the throne. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou at an end of thy communications?” he asked the high-priest. + </p> + <p> + “It remains for me to inform you all,” replied Ameni with a louder voice, + to be heard by all the assembled dignitaries, “that the princess Bent-Anat + yesterday morning committed a heavy sin, and that in all the temples in + the land the Gods shall be entreated with offerings to take her + uncleanness from her.” + </p> + <p> + Again a shadow passed over the smile on the Regent’s countenance. He + looked meditatively on the ground, and then said: + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow I will visit the House of Seti; till then I beg that this + affair may be left to rest.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni bowed, and the Regent left the hall to withdraw to a wing of the + king’s palace, in which he dwelt. + </p> + <p> + On his writing-table lay sealed papers. He knew that they contained + important news for him; but he loved to do violence to his curiosity, to + test his resolution, and like an epicure to reserve the best dish till the + last. + </p> + <p> + He now glanced first at some unimportant letters. A dumb negro, who + squatted at his feet, burned the papyrus rolls which his master gave him + in a brazier. A secretary made notes of the short facts which Ani called + out to him, and the ground work was laid of the answers to the different + letters. + </p> + <p> + At a sign from his master this functionary quitted the room, and Ani then + slowly opened a letter from the king, whose address: “To my brother Ani,” + showed that it contained, not public, but private information. + </p> + <p> + On these lines, as he well knew, hung his future life, and the road it + should follow. + </p> + <p> + With a smile, that was meant to conceal even from himself his deep inward + agitation, he broke the wax which sealed the short manuscript in the royal + hand. + </p> + <p> + “What relates to Egypt, and my concern for my country, and the happy issue + of the war,” wrote the Pharaoh, “I have written to you by the hand of my + secretary; but these words are for the brother, who desires to be my son, + and I write to him myself. The lordly essence of the Divinity which dwells + in me, readily brings a quick ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to my lips, and it decides for + the best. Now you demand my daughter Bent-Anat to wife, and I should not + be Rameses if I did not freely confess that before I had read the last + words of your letter, a vehement ‘No’ rushed to my lips. I caused the + stars to be consulted, and the entrails of the victims to be examined, and + they were adverse to your request; and yet I could not refuse you, for you + are dear to me, and your blood is royal as my own. Even more royal, an old + friend said, and warned me against your ambition and your exaltation. Then + my heart changed, for I were not Seti’s son if I allow myself to injure a + friend through idle apprehensions; and he who stands so high that men fear + that he may try to rise above Rameses, seems to me to be worthy of + Bent-Anat. Woo her, and, should she consent freely, the marriage may be + celebrated on the day when I return home. You are young enough to make a + wife happy, and your mature wisdom will guard my child from misfortune. + Bent-Anat shall know that her father, and king, encourages your suit; but + pray too to the Hathors, that they may influence Bent-Anat’s heart in your + favor, for to her decision we must both submit.” + </p> + <p> + The Regent had changed color several times while reading this letter. Now + he laid it on the table with a shrug of his shoulders, stood up, clasped + his hand behind him, and, with his eyes cast meditatively on the floor, + leaned against one of the pillars which supported the beams of the roof. + </p> + <p> + The longer he thought, the less amiable his expression became. “A pill + sweetened with honey, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Two recipes for pills are found in the papyri, one with honey for + women, and one without for men.] +</pre> + <p> + such as they give to women,” he muttered to himself. Then he went back to + the table, read the king’s letter through once more, and said: “One may + learn from it how to deny by granting, and at the same time not to forget + to give it a brilliant show of magnanimity. Rameses knows his daughter. + She is a girl like any other, and will take good care not to choose a man + twice as old as herself, and who might be her father. Rameses will + ‘submit’—I am to I submit!’ And to what? to the judgment and the + choice of a wilful child!” + </p> + <p> + With these words he threw the letter so vehemently on to the table, that + it slipped off on to the floor. + </p> + <p> + The mute slave picked it up, and laid it carefully on the table again, + while his master threw a ball into a silver bason. + </p> + <p> + Several attendants rushed into the room, and Ani ordered them to bring to + him the captive dwarf of the Lady Katuti. His soul rose in indignation + against the king, who in his remote camp-tent could fancy he had made him + happy by a proof of his highest favor. When we are plotting against a man + we are inclined to regard him as an enemy, and if he offers us a rose we + believe it to be for the sake, not of the perfume, but of the thorns. + </p> + <p> + The dwarf Nemu was brought before the Regent and threw himself on the + ground at his feet. + </p> + <p> + Ani ordered the attendants to leave him, and said to the little man + </p> + <p> + “You compelled me to put you in prison. Stand up!” The dwarf rose and + said, “Be thanked—for my arrest too.” + </p> + <p> + The Regent looked at him in astonishment; but Nemu went on half humbly, + half in fun, “I feared for my life, but thou hast not only not shortened + it, but hast prolonged it; for in the solitude of the dungeon time seemed + long, and the minutes grown to hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your wit for the ladies,” replied the Regent. “Did I not know that + you meant well, and acted in accordance with the Lady Katuti’s fancy, I + would send you to the quarries.” + </p> + <p> + “My hands,” mumbled the dwarf, “could only break stones for a game of + draughts; but my tongue is like the water, which makes one peasant rich, + and carries away the fields of another.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall know how to dam it up.” + </p> + <p> + “For my lady and for thee it will always flow the right way,” said the + dwarf. “I showed the complaining citizens who it is that slaughters their + flesh and blood, and from whom to look for peace and content. I poured + caustic into their wounds, and praised the physician.” + </p> + <p> + “But unasked and recklessly,” interrupted Ani; “otherwise you have shown + yourself capable, and I am willing to spare you for a future time. But + overbusy friends are more damaging than intelligent enemies. When I need + your services I will call for you. Till then avoid speech. Now go to your + mistress, and carry to Katuti this letter which has arrived for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Hail to Ani, the son of the Sun!” cried the dwarf kissing the Regent’s + foot. “Have I no letter to carry to my mistress Nefert?” + </p> + <p> + “Greet her from me,” replied the Regent. “Tell Katuti I will visit her + after the next meal. The king’s charioteer has not written, yet I hear + that he is well. Go now, and be silent and discreet.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf quitted the room, and Ani went into an airy hall, in which his + luxurious meal was laid out, consisting of many dishes prepared with + special care. His appetite was gone, but he tasted of every dish, and gave + the steward, who attended on him, his opinion of each. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile he thought of the king’s letter, of Bent-Anat, and whether it + would be advisable to expose himself to a rejection on her part. + </p> + <p> + After the meal he gave himself up to his body-servant, who carefully + shaved, painted, dressed, and decorated him, and then held the mirror + before him. + </p> + <p> + He considered the reflection with anxious observation, and when he seated + himself in his litter to be borne to the house of his friend Katuti, he + said to himself that he still might claim to be called a handsome man. + </p> + <p> + If he paid his court to Bent-Anat—if she listened to his suit—what + then? + </p> + <p> + He would refer it to Katuti, who always knew how to say a decisive word + when he, entangled in a hundred pros and cons, feared to venture on a + final step. + </p> + <p> + By her advice he had sought to wed the princess, as a fresh mark of honor—as + an addition to his revenues—as a pledge for his personal safety. His + heart had never been more or less attached to her than to any other + beautiful woman in Egypt. Now her proud and noble personality stood before + his inward eye, and he felt as if he must look up to it as to a vision + high out of his reach. It vexed him that he had followed Katuti’s advice, + and he began to wish his suit had been repulsed. Marriage with Bent-Anat + seemed to him beset with difficulties. His mood was that of a man who + craves some brilliant position, though he knows that its requirements are + beyond his powers—that of an ambitious soul to whom kingly honors + are offered on condition that he will never remove a heavy crown from his + head. If indeed another plan should succeed, if—and his eyes flashed + eagerly—if fate set him on the seat of Rameses, then the alliance + with Bent-Anat would lose its terrors; there would he be her absolute King + and Lord and Master, and no one could require him to account for what he + might be to her, or vouchsafe to her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + During the events we have described the house of the charioteer Mena had + not remained free from visitors. + </p> + <p> + It resembled the neighboring estate of Paaker, though the buildings were + less new, the gay paint on the pillars and walls was faded, and the large + garden lacked careful attention. In the vicinity of the house only, a few + well-kept beds blazed with splendid flowers, and the open colonnade, which + was occupied by Katuti and her daughter, was furnished with royal + magnificence. + </p> + <p> + The elegantly carved seats were made of ivory, the tables of ebony, and + they, as well as the couches, had gilt feet. The artistically worked + Syrian drinking vessels on the sideboard, tables, and consoles were of + many forms; beautiful vases full of flowers stood everywhere; rare + perfumes rose from alabaster cups, and the foot sank in the thick pile of + the carpets which covered the floor. + </p> + <p> + And over the apparently careless arrangement of these various objects + there reigned a peculiar charm, an indescribably fascinating something. + </p> + <p> + Stretched at full-length on a couch, and playing with a silky-haired white + cat, lay the fair Nefert—fanned to coolness by a negro-girl—while + her mother Katuti nodded a last farewell to her sister Setchem and to + Paaker. + </p> + <p> + Both had crossed this threshold for the first time for four years, that is + since the marriage of Mena with Nefert, and the old enmity seemed now to + have given way to heartfelt reconciliation and mutual understanding. + </p> + <p> + After the pioneer and his mother had disappeared behind the pomegranate + shrubs at the entrance of the garden, Katuti turned to her daughter and + said: + </p> + <p> + “Who would have thought it yesterday? I believe Paaker loves you still.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert colored, and exclaimed softly, while she hit the kitten gently with + her fan— + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” + </p> + <p> + Katuti smiled. + </p> + <p> + She was a tall woman of noble demeanor, whose sharp but delicately-cut + features and sparkling eyes could still assert some pretensions to + feminine beauty. She wore a long robe, which reached below her ankles; it + was of costly material, but dark in color, and of a studied simplicity. + Instead of the ornaments in bracelets, anklets, ear and finger-rings, in + necklaces and clasps, which most of the Egyptian ladies—and indeed + her own sister and daughter—were accustomed to wear, she had only + fresh flowers, which were never wanting in the garden of her son-in-law. + Only a plain gold diadem, the badge of her royal descent, always rested, + from early morning till late at night, on her high brow—for a woman + too high, though nobly formed—and confined the long blue-black hair, + which fell unbraided down her back, as if its owner contemned the vain + labor of arranging it artistically. But nothing in her exterior was + unpremeditated, and the unbejewelled wearer of the diadem, in her plain + dress, and with her royal figure, was everywhere sure of being observed, + and of finding imitators of her dress, and indeed of her demeanor. + </p> + <p> + And yet Katuti had long lived in need; aye at the very hour when we first + make her acquaintance, she had little of her own, but lived on the estate + of her son-in-law as his guest, and as the administrator of his + possessions; and before the marriage of her daughter she had lived with + her children in a house belonging to her sister Setchem. + </p> + <p> + She had been the wife of her own brother, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Marriages between brothers and sisters were allowed in ancient + Egypt. The Ptolemaic princes adopted this, which was contrary to + the Macedonian customs. When Ptolemy II. Philadelphus married his + sister Arsinoe, it seems to have been thought necessary to excuse it + by the relative positions of Venus and Saturn at that period, and + the constraining influences of these planets.] +</pre> + <p> + who had died young, and who had squandered the greatest part of the + possessions which had been left to him by the new royal family, in an + extravagant love of display. + </p> + <p> + When she became a widow, she was received as a sister with her children by + her brother-in-law, Paaker’s father. She lived in a house of her own, + enjoyed the income of an estate assigned to her by the old Mohar, and left + to her son-in-law the care of educating her son, a handsome and + overbearing lad, with all the claims and pretensions of a youth of + distinction. + </p> + <p> + Such great benefits would have oppressed and disgraced the proud Katuti, + if she had been content with them and in every way agreed with the giver. + But this was by no means the case; rather, she believed that she might + pretend to a more brilliant outward position, felt herself hurt when her + heedless son, while he attended school, was warned to work more seriously, + as he would by and by have to rely on his own skill and his own strength. + And it had wounded her when occasionally her brother-in-law had suggested + economy, and had reminded her, in his straightforward way, of her narrow + means, and the uncertain future of her children. + </p> + <p> + At this she was deeply offended, for she ventured to say that her + relatives could never, with all their gifts, compensate for the insults + they heaped upon her; and thus taught them by experience that we quarrel + with no one more readily than with the benefactor whom we can never repay + for all the good he bestows on us. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, when her brother-in-law asked the hand of her daughter for + his son, she willingly gave her consent. + </p> + <p> + Nefert and Paaker had grown up together, and by this union she foresaw + that she could secure her own future and that of her children. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the death of the Mohar, the charioteer Mena had proposed for + Nefert’s hand, but would have been refused if the king himself had not + supported the suit of his favorite officer. After the wedding, she retired + with Nefert to Mena’s house, and undertook, while he was at the war, to + manage his great estates, which however had been greatly burthened with + debt by his father. + </p> + <p> + Fate put the means into her hands of indemnifying herself and her children + for many past privations, and she availed herself of them to gratify her + innate desire to be esteemed and admired; to obtain admission for her son, + splendidly equipped, into a company of chariot-warriors of the highest + class; and to surround her daughter with princely magnificence. + </p> + <p> + When the Regent, who had been a friend of her late husband, removed into + the palace of the Pharaohs, he made her advances, and the clever and + decided woman knew how to make herself at first agreeable, and finally + indispensable, to the vacillating man. + </p> + <p> + She availed herself of the circumstance that she, as well as he, was + descended from the old royal house to pique his ambition, and to open to + him a view, which even to think of, he would have considered forbidden as + a crime, before he became intimate with her. + </p> + <p> + Ani’s suit for the hand of the princess Bent-Anat was Katuti’s work. She + hoped that the Pharoah would refuse, and personally offend the Regent, and + so make him more inclined to tread the dangerous road which she was + endeavoring to smooth for him. The dwarf Nemu was her pliant tool. + </p> + <p> + She had not initiated him into her projects by any words; he however gave + utterance to every impulse of her mind in free language, which was + punished only with blows from a fan, and, only the day before, had been so + audacious as to say that if the Pharoah were called Ani instead of + Rameses, Katuti would be not a queen but a goddess for she would then have + not to obey, but rather to guide, the Pharaoh, who indeed himself was + related to the Immortals. + </p> + <p> + Katuti did not observe her daughter’s blush, for she was looking anxiously + out at the garden gate, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Where can Nemu be! There must be some news arrived for us from the army.” + </p> + <p> + “Mena has not written for so long,” Nefert said softly. “Ah! here is the + steward!” + </p> + <p> + Katuti turned to the officer, who had entered the veranda through a side + door: + </p> + <p> + “What do you bring,” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “The dealer Abscha,” was the answer, “presses for payment. The new Syrian + chariot and the purple cloth—” + </p> + <p> + “Sell some corn,” ordered Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible, for the tribute to the temples is not yet paid, and already + so much has been delivered to the dealers that scarcely enough remains + over for the maintenance of the household and for sowing.” + </p> + <p> + “Then pay with beasts.” + </p> + <p> + “But, madam,” said the steward sorrowfully, “only yesterday, we again sold + a herd to the Mohar; and the water-wheels must be turned, and the corn + must be thrashed, and we need beasts for sacrifice, and milk, butter, and + cheese, for the use of the house, and dung for firing.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In Egypt, where there is so little wood, to this day the dried dung + of beasts is the commonest kind of fuel.] +</pre> + <p> + Katuti looked thoughtfully at the ground. + </p> + <p> + “It must be,” she said presently. “Ride to Hermonthis, and say to the + keeper of the stud that he must have ten of Mena’s golden bays driven over + here.” + </p> + <p> + “I have already spoken to him,” said the steward, “but he maintains that + Mena strictly forbade him to part with even one of the horses, for he is + proud of the stock. Only for the chariot of the lady Nefert.” + </p> + <p> + “I require obedience,” said Katuti decidedly and cutting short the + steward’s words, “and I expect the horses to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “But the stud-master is a daring man, whom Mena looks upon as + indispensable, and he—” + </p> + <p> + “I command here, and not the absent,” cried Katuti enraged, “and I require + the horses in spite of the former orders of my son-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert, during this conversation, pulled herself up from her indolent + attitude. On hearing the last words she rose from her couch, and said, + with a decision which surprised even her mother— + </p> + <p> + “The orders of my husband must be obeyed. The horses that Mena loves shall + stay in their stalls. Take this armlet that the king gave me; it is worth + more than twenty horses.” + </p> + <p> + The steward examined the trinket, richly set with precious stones, and + looked enquiringly at Katuti. She shrugged her shoulders, nodded consent, + and said— + </p> + <p> + “Abscha shall hold it as a pledge till Mena’s booty arrives. For a year + your husband has sent nothing of importance.” + </p> + <p> + When the steward was gone, Nefert stretched herself again on her couch and + said wearily: + </p> + <p> + “I thought we were rich.” + </p> + <p> + “We might be,” said Katuti bitterly; but as she perceived that Nefert’s + cheeks again were glowing, she said amiably, “Our high rank imposes great + duties on us. Princely blood flows in our veins, and the eyes of the + people are turned on the wife of the most brilliant hero in the king’s + army. They shall not say that she is neglected by her husband. How long + Mena remains away!” + </p> + <p> + “I hear a noise in the court,” said Nefert. “The Regent is coming.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti turned again towards the garden. + </p> + <p> + A breathless slave rushed in, and announced that Bent-Anat, the daughter + of the king, had dismounted at the gate, and was approaching the garden + with the prince Rameri. + </p> + <p> + Nefert left her couch, and went with her mother to meet the exalted + visitors. + </p> + <p> + As the mother and daughter bowed to kiss the robe of the princess, + Bent-Anat signed them back from her. “Keep farther from me,” she said; + “the priests have not yet entirely absolved me from my uncleanness.” + </p> + <p> + “And in spite of them thou art clean in the sight of Ra!” exclaimed the + boy who accompanied her, her brother of seventeen, who was brought up at + the House of Seti, which however he was to leave in a few weeks—and + he kissed her. + </p> + <p> + “I shall complain to Ameni of this wild boy,” said Bent-Anat smiling. “He + would positively accompany me. Your husband, Nefert, is his model, and I + had no peace in the house, for we came to bring you good news.” + </p> + <p> + “From Mena?” asked the young wife, pressing her hand to her heart. + </p> + <p> + “As you say,” returned Bent-Anat. “My father praises his ability, and + writes that he, before all others, will have his choice at the dividing of + the spoil.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert threw a triumphant glance at her mother, and Katuti drew a deep + breath. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat stroked Nefert’s cheeks like those of a child. Then she turned + to Katuti, led her into the garden, and begged her to aid her, who had so + early lost her mother, with her advice in a weighty matter. + </p> + <p> + “My father,” she continued, after a few introductory words, “informs me + that the Regent Ani desires me for his wife, and advises me to reward the + fidelity of the worthy man with my hand. He advises it, you understand-he + does not command.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou?” asked Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “And I,” replied Bent-Anat decidedly, “must refuse him.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou must!” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat made a sign of assent and went on: + </p> + <p> + “It is quite clear to me. I can do nothing else.” + </p> + <p> + “Then thou dost not need my counsel, since even thy father, I well know, + will not be able to alter thy decision.” + </p> + <p> + “Not God even,” said Anat firmly. “But you are Ani’s friend, and as I + esteem him, I would save him from this humiliation. Endeavor to persuade + him to give up his suit. I will meet him as though I knew nothing of his + letter to my father.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti looked down reflectively. Then she said—“The Regent certainly + likes very well to pass his hours of leisure with me gossiping or playing + draughts, but I do not know that I should dare to speak to him of so grave + a matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Marriage-projects are women’s affairs,” said Bent-Anat, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “But the marriage of a princess is a state event,” replied the widow. “In + this case it is true the uncle + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Among the Orientals—and even the Spaniards—it was and is common + to give the name of uncle to a parent’s cousin.] +</pre> + <p> + only courts his niece, who is dear to him, and who he hopes will make the + second half of his life the brightest. Ani is kind and without severity. + Thou would’st win in him a husband, who would wait on thy looks, and bow + willingly to thy strong will.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat’s eyes flashed, and she hastily exclaimed: “That is exactly what + forces the decisive irrevocable ‘No’ to my lips. Do you think that because + I am as proud as my mother, and resolute like my father, that I wish for a + husband whom I could govern and lead as I would? How little you know me! I + will be obeyed by my dogs, my servants, my officers, if the Gods so will + it, by my children. Abject beings, who will kiss my feet, I meet on every + road, and can buy by the hundred, if I wish it, in the slave market. I may + be courted twenty times, and reject twenty suitors, but not because I fear + that they might bend my pride and my will; on the contrary, because I feel + them increased. The man to whom I could wish to offer my hand must be of a + loftier stamp, must be greater, firmer, and better than I, and I will + flutter after the mighty wing-strokes of his spirit, and smile at my own + weakness, and glory in admiring his superiority.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti listened to the maiden with the smile by which the experienced love + to signify their superiority over the visionary. + </p> + <p> + “Ancient times may have produced such men,” she said. “But if in these + days thou thinkest to find one, thou wilt wear the lock of youth, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The lock of youth was a curl of hair which all the younger members + of princely families wore at the side of the head. The young Horus + is represented with it.] +</pre> + <p> + till thou art grey. Our thinkers are no heroes, and our heroes are no + sages. Here come thy brother and Nefert.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you persuade Ani to give up his suit!” said the princess urgently. + </p> + <p> + “I will endeavor to do so, for thy sake,” replied Katuti. Then, turning + half to the young Rameri and half to his sister, she said: + </p> + <p> + “The chief of the House of Seti, Ameni, was in his youth such a man as + thou paintest, Bent-Anat. Tell us, thou son of Rameses, that art growing + up under the young sycamores, which shall some day over-shadow the + land-whom dost thou esteem the highest among thy companions? Is there one + among them, who is conspicuous above them all for a lofty spirit and + strength of intellect?” + </p> + <p> + The young Rameri looked gaily at the speaker, and said laughing: “We are + all much alike, and do more or less willingly what we are compelled, and + by preference every thing that we ought not.” + </p> + <p> + “A mighty soul—a youth, who promises to be a second Snefru, a + Thotmes, or even an Amem? Dost thou know none such in the House of Seti?” + asked the widow. “Oh yes!” cried Rameri with eager certainty. + </p> + <p> + “And he is—?” asked Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur, the poet,” exclaimed the youth. Bent-Anat’s face glowed with + scarlet color, while her, brother went on to explain. + </p> + <p> + “He is noble and of a lofty soul, and all the Gods dwell in him when he + speaks. Formerly we used to go to sleep in the lecture-hall; but his words + carry us away, and if we do not take in the full meaning of his thoughts, + yet we feel that they are genuine and noble.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat breathed quicker at these words, and her eyes hung on the boy’s + lips. + </p> + <p> + “You know him, Bent-Anat,” continued Rameri. “He was with you at the + paraschites’ house, and in the temple-court when Ameni pronounced you + unclean. He is as tall and handsome as the God Mentli, and I feel that he + is one of those whom we can never forget when once we have seen them. + Yesterday, after you had left the temple, he spoke as he never spoke + before; he poured fire into our souls. Do not laugh, Katuti, I feel it + burning still. This morning we were informed that he had been sent from + the temple, who knows where—and had left us a message of farewell. + It was not thought at all necessary to communicate the reason to us; but + we know more than the masters think. He did not reprove you strongly + enough, Bent-Anat, and therefore he is driven out of the House of Seti. We + have agreed to combine to ask for him to be recalled; Anana is drawing up + a letter to the chief priest, which we shall all subscribe. It would turn + out badly for one alone, but they cannot be at all of us at once. Very + likely they will have the sense to recall him. If not, we shall all + complain to our fathers, and they are not the meanest in the land.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a complete rebellion,” cried Katuti. “Take care, you lordlings; + Ameni and the other prophets are not to be trifled with.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor we either,” said Rameri laughing, “If Pentaur is kept in banishment, + I shall appeal to my father to place me at the school at Heliopolis or + Chennu, and the others will follow me. Come, Bent-Anat, I must be back in + the trap before sunset. Excuse me, Katuti, so we call the school. Here + comes your little Nemu.” + </p> + <p> + The brother and sister left the garden. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the ladies, who accompanied them, had turned their backs, + Bent-Anat grasped her brother’s hand with unaccustomed warmth, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Avoid all imprudence; but your demand is just, and I will help you with + all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as Bent-Anat had quitted Mena’s domain, the dwarf Nemu entered the + garden with a letter, and briefly related his adventures; but in such a + comical fashion that both the ladies laughed, and Katuti, with a lively + gaiety, which was usually foreign to her, while she warned him, at the + same time praised his acuteness. She looked at the seal of the letter and + said: + </p> + <p> + “This is a lucky day; it has brought us great things, and the promise of + greater things in the future.” Nefert came close up to her and said + imploringly: “Open the letter, and see if there is nothing in it from + him.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti unfastened the wax, looked through the letter with a hasty glance, + stroked the cheek of her child, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps your brother has written for him; I see no line in his + handwriting.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert on her side glanced at the letter, but not to read it, only to seek + some trace of the well-known handwriting of her husband. + </p> + <p> + Like all the Egyptian women of good family she could read, and during the + first two years of her married life she had often—very often—had + the opportunity of puzzling, and yet rejoicing, over the feeble signs + which the iron hand of the charioteer had scrawled on the papyrus for her + whose slender fingers could guide the reed pen with firmness and decision. + </p> + <p> + She examined the letter, and at last said, with tears in her eyes: + </p> + <p> + “Nothing! I will go to my room, mother.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti kissed her and said, “Hear first what your brother writes.” + </p> + <p> + But Nefert shook her head, turned away in silence, and disappeared into + the house. + </p> + <p> + Katuti was not very friendly to her son-in-law, but her heart clung to her + handsome, reckless son, the very image of her lost husband, the favorite + of women, and the gayest youth among the young nobles who composed the + chariot-guard of the king. + </p> + <p> + How fully he had written to-day—he who weilded the reed-pen so + laboriously. + </p> + <p> + This really was a letter; while, usually, he only asked in the fewest + words for fresh funds for the gratification of his extravagant tastes. + </p> + <p> + This time she might look for thanks, for not long since he must have + received a considerable supply, which she had abstracted from the income + of the possessions entrusted to her by her son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + She began to read. + </p> + <p> + The cheerfulness, with which she had met the dwarf, was insincere, and had + resembled the brilliant colors of the rainbow, which gleam over the + stagnant waters of a bog. A stone falls into the pool, the colors vanish, + dim mists rise up, and it becomes foul and clouded. + </p> + <p> + The news which her son’s letter contained fell, indeed, like a block of + stone on Katuti’s soul. + </p> + <p> + Our deepest sorrows always flow from the same source as might have filled + us with joy, and those wounds burn the fiercest which are inflicted by a + hand we love. + </p> + <p> + The farther Katuti went in the lamentably incorrect epistle—which + she could only decipher with difficulty—which her darling had + written to her, the paler grew her face, which she several times covered + with her trembling hands, from which the letter dropped. + </p> + <p> + Nemu squatted on the earth near her, and followed all her movements. + </p> + <p> + When she sprang forward with a heart-piercing scream, and pressed her + forehead to a rough palmtrunk, he crept up to her, kissed her feet, and + exclaimed with a depth of feeling that overcame even Katuti, who was + accustomed to hear only gay or bitter speeches from the lips of her jester— + </p> + <p> + “Mistress! lady! what has happened?” + </p> + <p> + Katuti collected herself, turned to him, and tried to speak; but her pale + lips remained closed, and her eyes gazed dimly into vacancy as though a + catalepsy had seized her. + </p> + <p> + “Mistress! Mistress!” cried the dwarf again, with growing agitation. “What + is the matter? shall I call thy daughter?” + </p> + <p> + Katuti made a sign with her hand, and cried feebly: “The wretches! the + reprobates!” + </p> + <p> + Her breath began to come quickly, the blood mounted to her cheeks and her + flashing eyes; she trod upon the letter, and wept so loud and + passionately, that the dwarf, who had never before seen tears in her eyes, + raised himself timidly, and said in mild reproach: “Katuti!” + </p> + <p> + She laughed bitterly, and said with a trembling voice: + </p> + <p> + “Why do you call my name so loud! it is disgraced and degraded. How the + nobles and the ladies will rejoice! Now envy can point at us with spiteful + joy—and a minute ago I was praising this day! They say one should + exhibit one’s happiness in the streets, and conceal one’s misery; on the + contrary, on the contrary! Even the Gods should not know of one’s hopes + and joys, for they too are envious and spiteful!” + </p> + <p> + Again she leaned her head against the palm-tree. “Thou speakest of shame, + and not of death,” said Nemu, “and I learned from thee that one should + give nothing up for lost excepting the dead.” + </p> + <p> + These words had a powerful effect on the agitated woman. Quickly and + vehemently she turned upon the dwarf saying. + </p> + <p> + “You are clever, and faithful too, so listen! but if you were Amon himself + there is nothing to be done—” + </p> + <p> + “We must try,” said Nemu, and his sharp eyes met those of his mistress. + </p> + <p> + “Speak,” he said, “and trust me. Perhaps I can be of no use; but that I + can be silent thou knowest.” + </p> + <p> + “Before long the children in the streets will talk of what this tells me,” + said Katuti, laughing with bitterness, “only Nefert must know nothing of + what has happened—nothing, mind; what is that? the Regent coming! + quick, fly; tell him I am suddenly taken ill, very ill; I cannot see him, + not now! No one is to be admitted—no one, do you hear?” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf went. + </p> + <p> + When he came back after he had fulfilled his errand, he found his mistress + still in a fever of excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” she said; “first the smaller matter, then the frightful, the + unspeakable. Rameses loads Mena with marks of his favor. It came to a + division of the spoils of war for the year; a great heap of treasure lay + ready for each of his followers, and the charioteer had to choose before + all the others.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said the dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” echoed Katuti. “Well! how did the worthy householder care for his + belongings at home, how did he seek to relieve his indebted estate? It is + disgraceful, hideous! He passed by the silver, the gold, the jewels, with + a laugh; and took the captive daughter of the Danaid princes, and led her + into his tent.” + </p> + <p> + “Shameful!” muttered the dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “Poor, poor Nefert!” cried Katuti, covering her face with her hands. + </p> + <p> + “And what more?” asked Nemu hastily. + </p> + <p> + “That,” said Katuti, “that is—but I will keep calm—quite calm + and quiet. You know my son. He is heedless, but he loves me and his sister + more than anything in the world. I, fool as I was, to persuade him to + economy, had vividly described our evil plight, and after that disgraceful + conduct of Mena he thought of us and of our anxieties. His share of the + booty was small, and could not help us. His comrades threw dice for the + shares they had obtained—he staked his to win more for us. He lost—all—all—and + at last against an enormous sum, still thinking of us, and only of us, he + staked the mummy of his dead father. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [It was a king of the fourth dynasty, named Asychis by Herodotus, + who it is admitted was the first to pledge the mummies of his + ancestors. “He who stakes this pledge and fails to redeem the debt + shall, after his death, rest neither in his father’s tomb nor in any + other, and sepulture shall be denied to his descendants.” Herod. + 11. 136.] +</pre> + <p> + He lost. If he does not redeem the pledge before the expiration of the + third month, he will fall into infamy, the mummy will belong to the + winner, and disgrace and ignominy will be my lot and his.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti pressed her hands on her face, the dwarf muttered to himself, “The + gambler and hypocrite!” When his mistress had grown calmer, he said: + </p> + <p> + “It is horrible, yet all is not lost. How much is the debt?” + </p> + <p> + It sounded like a heavy curse, when Katuti replied, “Thirty Babylonian + talents.”—[L7000 sterling in 1881.] + </p> + <p> + The dwarf cried out, as if an asp had stung him. “Who dared to bid against + such a mad stake?” + </p> + <p> + “The Lady Hathor’s son, Antef,” answered Katuti, “who has already gambled + away the inheritance of his fathers, in Thebes.” + </p> + <p> + “He will not remit one grain of wheat of his claim,” cried the dwarf. “And + Mena?” + </p> + <p> + “How could my son turn to him after what had happened? The poor child + implores me to ask the assistance of the Regent.” + </p> + <p> + “Of the Regent?” said the dwarf, shaking his big head. “Impossible!” + </p> + <p> + “I know, as matters now stand; but his place, his name.” + </p> + <p> + “Mistress,” said the dwarf, and deep purpose rang in the words, “do not + spoil the future for the sake of the present. If thy son loses his honor + under King Rameses, the future King, Ani, may restore it to him. If the + Regent now renders you all an important service, he will regard you as + amply paid when our efforts have succeeded, and he sits on the throne. He + lets himself be led by thee now because thou hast no need of his help, and + dost seem to work only for his sake, and for his elevation. As soon as + thou hast appealed to him, and he has assisted thee, all thy confidence + and freedom will be gone, and the more difficult he finds it to raise so + large a sum of money at once, the angrier he will be to think that thou + art making use of him. Thou knowest his circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “He is in debt,” said Katuti. “I know that.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou should’st know it,” cried the dwarf, “for thou thyself hast forced + him to enormous expenses. He has won the people of Thebes with dazzling + festive displays; as guardian of Apis + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [When Apis (the sacred bull) died under Ptolemy I. Soter, his + keepers spent not only the money which they had received for his + maintenance, in his obsequies but borrowed 50 talents of silver from + the king. In the time of Diodurus 100 talents were spent for the + same purpose.] +</pre> + <p> + he gave a large donation to Memphis; he bestowed thousands on the leaders + of the troops sent into Ethiopia, which were equipped by him; what his + spies cost him at, the camp of the king, thou knowest. He has borrowed + sums of money from most of the rich men in the country, and that is well, + for so many creditors are so many allies. The Regent is a bad debtor; but + the king Ani, they reckon, will be a grateful payer.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti looked at the dwarf in astonishment. “You know men!” she said. + </p> + <p> + “To my sorrow!” replied Nemu. “Do not apply to the Regent, and before thou + dost sacrifice the labor of years, and thy future greatness, and that of + those near to thee, sacrifice thy son’s honor.” + </p> + <p> + “And my husband’s, and my own?” exclaimed Katuti. “How can you know what + that is! Honor is a word that the slave may utter, but whose meaning he + can never comprehend; you rub the weals that are raised on you by blows; + to me every finger pointed at me in scorn makes a wound like an ashwood + lance with a poisoned tip of brass. Oh ye holy Gods! who can help us?” + </p> + <p> + The miserable woman pressed her hands over her eyes, as if to shut out the + sight of her own disgrace. The dwarf looked at her compassionately, and + said in a changed tone: + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou remember the diamond which fell out of Nefert’s handsomest + ring? We hunted for it, and could not find it. Next day, as I was going + through the room, I trod on something hard; I stooped down and found the + stone. What the noble organ of sight, the eye, overlooked, the callous + despised sole of the foot found; and perhaps the small slave, Nemu, who + knows nothing of honor, may succeed in finding a mode of escape which is + not revealed to the lofty soul of his mistress!” + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of?” asked Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “Escape,” answered the dwarf. “Is it true that thy sister Setchem has + visited thee, and that you are reconciled?” + </p> + <p> + “She offered me her hand, and I took it?” + </p> + <p> + “Then go to her. Men are never more helpful than after a reconciliation. + The enmity they have driven out, seems to leave as it were a + freshly-healed wound which must be touched with caution; and Setchem is of + thy own blood, and kind-hearted.” + </p> + <p> + “She is not rich,” replied Katuti. “Every palm in her garden comes from + her husband, and belongs to her children.” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker, too, was with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly only by the entreaty of his mother—he hates my + son-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” muttered the dwarf, “but if Nefert would ask him?” + </p> + <p> + The widow drew herself up indignantly. She felt that she had allowed the + dwarf too much freedom, and ordered him to leave her alone. + </p> + <p> + Nemu kissed her robe and asked timidly: + </p> + <p> + “Shall I forget that thou hast trusted me, or am I permitted to consider + further as to thy son’s safety?” Katuti stood for a moment undecided, then + she said: + </p> + <p> + “You were clever enough to find what I carelessly dropped; perhaps some + God may show you what I ought to do. Now leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “Wilt thou want me early to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will go to the Necropolis, and offer a sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “Go!” said Katuti, and went towards the house with the fatal letter in her + hand. + </p> + <p> + Nemu stayed behind alone; he looked thoughtfully at the ground, murmuring + to himself. + </p> + <p> + “She must not lose her honor; not at present, or indeed all will be lost. + What is this honor? We all come into the world without it, and most of us + go to the grave without knowing it, and very good folks notwithstanding. + Only a few who are rich and idle weave it in with the homely stuff of + their souls, as the Kuschites do their hair with grease and oils, till it + forms a cap of which, though it disfigures them, they are so proud that + they would rather have their ears cut off than the monstrous thing. I see, + I see—but before I open my mouth I will go to my mother. She knows + more than twenty prophets.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + Before the sun had risen the next morning, Nemu got himself ferried over + the Nile, with the small white ass which Mena’s deceased father had given + him many years before. He availed himself of the cool hour which precedes + the rising of the sun for his ride through the Necropolis. + </p> + <p> + Well acquainted as he was with every stock and stone, he avoided the high + roads which led to the goal of his expedition, and trotted towards the + hill which divides the valley of the royal tombs from the plain of the + Nile. + </p> + <p> + Before him opened a noble amphitheatre of lofty lime-stone peaks, the + background of the stately terrace-temple which the proud ancestress of two + kings of the fallen family, the great Hatasu, had erected to their memory, + and to the Goddess Hathor. + </p> + <p> + Nemu left the sanctuary to his left, and rode up the steep hill-path which + was the nearest way from the plain to the valley of the tombs. + </p> + <p> + Below him lay a bird’s eye view of the terrace-building of Hatasu, and + before him, still slumbering in cool dawn, was the Necropolis with its + houses and temples and colossal statues, the broad Nile glistening with + white sails under the morning mist; and, in the distant east, rosy with + the coming sun, stood Thebes and her gigantic temples. + </p> + <p> + But the dwarf saw nothing of the glorious panorama that lay at his feet; + absorbed in thought, and stooping over the neck of his ass, he let the + panting beast climb and rest at its pleasure. + </p> + <p> + When he had reached half the height of the hill, he perceived the sound of + footsteps coming nearer and nearer to him. + </p> + <p> + The vigorous walker had soon reached him, and bid him good morning, which + he civilly returned. + </p> + <p> + The hill-path was narrow, and when Nemu observed that the man who followed + him was a priest, he drew up his donkey on a level spot, and said + reverently: + </p> + <p> + “Pass on, holy father; for thy two feet carry thee quicker than my four.” + </p> + <p> + “A sufferer needs my help,” replied the leech Nebsecht, Pentaur’s friend, + whom we have already seen in the House of Seti, and by the bed of the + paraschites’ daughter; and he hastened on so as to gain on the slow pace + of the rider. + </p> + <p> + Then rose the glowing disk of the sun above the eastern horizon, and from + the sanctuaries below the travellers rose up the pious many-voiced chant + of praise. + </p> + <p> + Nemu slipped off his ass, and assumed an attitude of prayer; the priest + did the same; but while the dwarf devoutly fixed his eyes on the new birth + of the Sun-God from the eastern range, the priest’s eyes wandered to the + earth, and his raised hand fell to pick up a rare fossil shell which lay + on the path. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes Nebsecht rose, and Nemu followed him. + </p> + <p> + “It is a fine morning,” said the dwarf; “the holy fathers down there seem + more cheerful to-day than usual.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon laughed assent. “Do you belong to the Necropolis?” he said. + “Who here keeps dwarfs?” + </p> + <p> + “No one,” answered the little man. “But I will ask thee a question. Who + that lives here behind the hill is of so much importance, that a leech + from the House of Seti sacrifices his night’s rest for him?” + </p> + <p> + “The one I visit is mean, but the suffering is great,” answered Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + Nemu looked at him with admiration, and muttered, “That is noble, that is——” + but he did not finish his speech; he struck his brow and exclaimed, “You + are going, by the desire of the Princess Bent-Anat, to the child of the + paraschites that was run over. I guessed as much. The food must have an + excellent after-taste, if a gentleman rises so early to eat it. How is the + poor child doing?” + </p> + <p> + There was so much warmth in these last words that Nebsecht, who had + thought the dwarf’s reproach uncalled for, answered in a friendly tone: + </p> + <p> + “Not so badly; she may be saved.” + </p> + <p> + “The Gods be praised!” exclaimed Nemu, while the priest passed on. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht went up and down the hillside at a redoubled pace, and had long + taken his place by the couch of the wounded Uarda in the hovel of the + paraschites, when Nemu drew near to the abode of his Mother Hekt, from + whom Paaker had received the philter. + </p> + <p> + The old woman sat before the door of her cave. Near her lay a board, + fitted with cross pieces, between which a little boy was stretched in such + a way that they touched his head and his feet. + </p> + <p> + Hekt understood the art of making dwarfs; playthings in human form were + well paid for, and the child on the rack, with his pretty little face, + promised to be a valuable article. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the sorceress saw some one approaching, she stooped over the + child, took him up board and all in her arms, and carried him into the + cave. Then she said sternly: + </p> + <p> + “If you move, little one, I will flog you. Now let me tie you.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t tie me,” said the child, “I will be good and lie still.” + </p> + <p> + “Stretch yourself out,” ordered the old woman, and tied the child with a + rope to the board. “If you are quiet, I’ll give you a honey-cake + by-and-bye, and let you play with the young chickens.” + </p> + <p> + The child was quiet, and a soft smile of delight and hope sparkled in his + pretty eyes. His little hand caught the dress of the old woman, and with + the sweetest coaxing tone, which God bestows on the innocent voices of + children, he said: + </p> + <p> + “I will be as still as a mouse, and no one shall know that I am here; but + if you give me the honeycake you will untie me for a little, and let me go + to Uarda.” + </p> + <p> + “She is ill!—what do you want there?” + </p> + <p> + “I would take her the cake,” said the child, and his eyes glistened with + tears. + </p> + <p> + The old woman touched the child’s chin with her finger, and some + mysterious power prompted her to bend over him to kiss him. But before her + lips had touched his face she turned away, and said, in a hard tone: + </p> + <p> + “Lie still! by and bye we will see.” Then she stooped, and threw a brown + sack over the child. She went back into the open air, greeted Nemu, + entertained him with milk, bread and honey, gave him news of the girl who + had been run over, for he seemed to take her misfortune very much to + heart, and finally asked: + </p> + <p> + “What brings you here? The Nile was still narrow when you last found your + way to me, and now it has been falling some time. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This is the beginning of November. The Nile begins slowly to rise + early in June; between the 15th and 20th of July it suddenly swells + rapidly, and in the first half of October, not, as was formerly + supposed, at the end of September, the inundation reaches its + highest level. Heinrich Barth established these data beyond + dispute. After the water has begun to sink it rises once more in + October and to a higher level than before. Then it soon falls, at + first slowly, but by degrees quicker and quicker.] +</pre> + <p> + Are you sent by your mistress, or do you want my help? All the world is + alike. No one goes to see any one else unless he wants to make use of him. + What shall I give you?” + </p> + <p> + “I want nothing,” said the dwarf, “but—” + </p> + <p> + “You are commissioned by a third person,” said the witch, laughing. “It is + the same thing. Whoever wants a thing for some one else only thinks of his + own interest.” + </p> + <p> + “May be,” said Nemu. “At any rate your words show that you have not grown + less wise since I saw you last—and I am glad of it, for I want your + advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Advice is cheap. What is going on out there?” Nemu related to his mother + shortly, clearly, and without reserve, what was plotting in his mistress’s + house, and the frightful disgrace with which she was threatened through + her son. + </p> + <p> + The old woman shook her grey head thoughtfully several times: but she let + the little man go on to the end of his story without interrupting him. + Then she asked, and her eyes flashed as she spoke: + </p> + <p> + “And you really believe that you will succeed in putting the sparrow on + the eagle’s perch—Ani on the throne of Rameses?” + </p> + <p> + “The troops fighting in Ethiopia are for us,” cried Nemu. “The priests + declare themselves against the king, and recognize in Ani the genuine + blood of Ra.” + </p> + <p> + “That is much,” said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “And many dogs are the death of the gazelle,” said Nemu laughing. + </p> + <p> + “But Rameses is not a gazelle to run, but a lion,” said the old woman + gravely. “You are playing a high game.” + </p> + <p> + “We know it,” answered Nemu. “But it is for high stakes—there is + much to win.” + </p> + <p> + “And all to lose,” muttered the old woman, passing her fingers round her + scraggy neck. “Well, do as you please—it is all the same to me who + it is sends the young to be killed, and drives the old folks’ cattle from + the field. What do they want with me?” + </p> + <p> + “No one has sent me,” answered the dwarf. “I come of my own free fancy to + ask you what Katuti must do to save her son and her house from dishonor.” + </p> + <p> + “Hm!” hummed the witch, looking at Nemu while she raised herself on her + stick. “What has come to you that you take the fate of these great people + to heart as if it were your own?” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf reddened, and answered hesitatingly, “Katuti is a good mistress, + and, if things go well with her, there may be windfalls for you and me.” + </p> + <p> + Hekt shook her head doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “A loaf for you perhaps, and a crumb for me!” she said. “There is more + than that in your mind, and I can read your heart as if you were a ripped + up raven. You are one of those who can never keep their fingers at rest, + and must knead everybody’s dough; must push, and drive and stir something. + Every jacket is too tight for you. If you were three feet taller, and the + son of a priest, you might have gone far. High you will go, and high you + will end; as the friend of a king—or on the gallows.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman laughed; but Nemu bit his lips, and said: + </p> + <p> + “If you had sent me to school, and if I were not the son of a witch, and a + dwarf, I would play with men as they have played with me; for I am + cleverer than all of them, and none of their plans are hidden from me. A + hundred roads lie before me, when they don’t know whether to go out or in; + and where they rush heedlessly forwards I see the abyss that they are + running to.” + </p> + <p> + “And nevertheless you come to me?” said the old woman sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “I want your advice,” said Nemu seriously. “Four eyes see more than one, + and the impartial looker-on sees clearer than the player; besides you are + bound to help me.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman laughed loud in astonishment. “Bound!” she said, “I? and to + what if you please?” + </p> + <p> + “To help me,” replied the dwarf, half in entreaty, and half in reproach. + “You deprived me of my growth, and reduced me to a cripple.” + </p> + <p> + “Because no one is better off than you dwarfs,” interrupted the witch. + </p> + <p> + Nemu shook his head, and answered sadly— + </p> + <p> + “You have often said so—and perhaps for many others, who are born in + misery like me—perhaps-you are right; but for me—you have + spoilt my life; you have crippled not my body only but my soul, and have + condemned me to sufferings that are nameless and unutterable.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf’s big head sank on his breast, and with his left hand he pressed + his heart. + </p> + <p> + The old woman went up to him kindly. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you?” she asked, “I thought it was well with you in Mena’s + house.” + </p> + <p> + “You thought so?” cried the dwarf. “You who show me as in a mirror what I + am, and how mysterious powers throng and stir in me? You made me what I am + by your arts; you sold me to the treasurer of Rameses, and he gave me to + the father of Mena, his brother-in-law. Fifteen years ago! I was a young + man then, a youth like any other, only more passionate, more restless, and + fiery than they. I was given as a plaything to the young Mena, and he + harnessed me to his little chariot, and dressed me out with ribbons and + feathers, and flogged me when I did not go fast enough. How the girl—for + whom I would have given my life—the porter’s daughter, laughed when + I, dressed up in motley, hopped panting in front of the chariot and the + young lord’s whip whistled in my ears wringing the sweat from my brow, and + the blood from my broken heart. Then Mena’s father died, the boy, went to + school, and I waited on the wife of his steward, whom Katuti banished to + Hermonthis. That was a time! The little daughter of the house made a doll + of me, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Dolls belonging to the time of the Pharaohs are preserved in the + museums, for instance, the jointed ones at Leyden.] +</pre> + <p> + laid me in the cradle, and made me shut my eyes and pretend to sleep, + while love and hatred, and great projects were strong within me. If I + tried to resist they beat me with rods; and when once, in a rage, I forgot + myself, and hit little Mertitefs hard, Mena, who came in, hung me up in + the store-room to a nail by my girdle, and left me to swing there; he said + he had forgotten to take me down again. The rats fell upon me; here are + the scars, these little white spots here—look! They perhaps will + some day wear out, but the wounds that my spirit received in those hours + have not yet ceased to bleed. Then Mena married Nefert, and, with her, his + mother-in-law, Katuti, came into the house. She took me from the steward, + I became indispensable to her; she treats me like a man, she values my + intelligence and listens to my advice,—therefore I will make her + great, and with her, and through her, I will wax mighty. If Ani mounts the + throne, we wilt guide him—you, and I, and she! Rameses must fall, + and with him Mena, the boy who degraded my body and poisoned my soul!” + </p> + <p> + During this speech the old woman had stood in silence opposite the dwarf. + Now she sat down on her rough wooden seat, and said, while she proceeded + to pluck a lapwing: + </p> + <p> + “Now I understand you; you wish to be revenged. You hope to rise high, and + I am to whet your knife, and hold the ladder for you. Poor little man! + there, sit down-drink a gulp of milk to cool you, and listen to my advice. + Katuti wants a great deal of money to escape dishonor. She need only pick + it up—it lies at her door.” The dwarf looked at the witch in + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “The Mohar Paaker is her sister Setchem’s son. Is he not?” + </p> + <p> + “As you say.” + </p> + <p> + “Katuti’s daughter Nefert is the wife of your master Mena, and another + would like to tempt the neglected little hen into his yard.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean Paaker, to whom Nefert was promised before she went after Mena.” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker was with me the day before yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “With you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, with me, with old Hekt—to buy a love philter. I gave him one, + and as I was curious I went after him, saw him give the water to the + little lady, and found out her name.” + </p> + <p> + “And Nefert drank the magic drink?” asked the dwarf horrified. “Vinegar + and turnip juice,” laughed the old witch. “A lord who comes to me to win a + wife is ripe for any thing. Let Nefert ask Paaker for the money, and the + young scapegrace’s debts are paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Katuti is proud, and repulsed me severely when I proposed this.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she must sue to Paaker herself for the money. Go back to him, make + him hope that Nefert is inclined to him, tell him what distresses the + ladies, and if he refuses, but only if he refuses, let him see that you + know something of the little dose.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf looked meditatively on the ground, and then said, looking + admiringly at the old woman: “That is the right thing.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find out the lie without my telling you,” mumbled the witch; + “your business is not perhaps such a bad one as it seemed to me at first. + Katuti may thank the ne’er-do-well who staked his father’s corpse. You + don’t understand me? Well, if you are really the sharpest of them all over + there, what must the others be?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that people will speak well of my mistress for sacrificing so + large a sum for the sake—?” + </p> + <p> + “Whose sake? why speak well of her?” cried the old woman impatiently. + “Here we deal with other things, with actual facts. There stands Paaker—there + the wife of Mena. If the Mohar sacrifices a fortune for Nefert, he will be + her master, and Katuti will not stand in his way; she knows well enough + why her nephew pays for her. But some one else stops the way, and that is + Mena. It is worth while to get him out of the way. The charioteer stands + close to the Pharaoh, and the noose that is flung at one may easily fall + round the neck of the other too. Make the Mohar your ally, and it may + easily happen that your rat-bites may be paid for with mortal wounds, and + Rameses who, if you marched against him openly, might blow you to the + ground, may be hit by a lance thrown from an ambush. When the throne is + clear, the weak legs of the Regent may succeed in clambering up to it with + the help of the priests. Here you sit-open-mouthed; and I have told you + nothing that you might not have found out for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a perfect cask of wisdom!” exclaimed the dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “And now you will go away,” said Hekt, “and reveal your schemes to your + mistress and the Regent, and they will be astonished at your cleverness. + To-day you still know that I have shown you what you have to do; to-morrow + you will have forgotten it; and the day after to-morrow you will believe + yourself possessed by the inspiration of the nine great Gods. I know that; + but I cannot give anything for nothing. You live by your smallness, + another makes his living with his hard hands, I earn my scanty bread by + the thoughts of my brain. Listen! when you have half won Paaker, and Ani + shows himself inclined to make use of him, then say to him that I may know + a secret—and I do know one, I alone—which may make the Mohar + the sport of his wishes, and that I may be disposed to sell it.” + </p> + <p> + “That shall be done! certainly, mother,” cried the dwarf. “What do you + wish for?” + </p> + <p> + “Very little,” said the old woman. “Only a permit that makes me free to do + and to practise whatever I please, unmolested even by the priests, and to + receive an honorable burial after my death.” + </p> + <p> + “The Regent will hardly agree to that; for he must avoid everything that + may offend the servants of the Gods.” + </p> + <p> + “And do everything,” retorted the old woman, “that can degrade Rameses in + their sight. Ani, do you hear, need not write me a new license, but only + renew the old one granted to me by Rameses when I cured his favorite + horse. They burnt it with my other possessions, when they plundered my + house, and denounced me and my belongings for sorcery. The permit of + Rameses is what I want, nothing more.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have it,” said the dwarf. “Good-by; I am charged to look into + the tomb of our house, and see whether the offerings for the dead are + regularly set out; to pour out fresh essences and have various things + renewed. When Sechet has ceased to rage, and it is cooler, I shall come by + here again, for I should like to call on the paraschites, and see how the + poor child is.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + During this conversation two men had been busily occupied, in front of the + paraschites’ hut, in driving piles into the earth, and stretching a torn + linen cloth upon them. + </p> + <p> + One of them, old Pinem, whom we have seen tending his grandchild, + requested the other from time to time to consider the sick girl and to + work less noisily. + </p> + <p> + After they had finished their simple task, and spread a couch of fresh + straw under the awning, they too sat down on the earth, and looked at the + hut before which the surgeon Nebsecht was sitting waiting till the + sleeping girl should wake. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that?” asked the leech of the old man, pointing to his young + companion, a tall sunburnt soldier with a bushy red beard. + </p> + <p> + “My son,” replied the paraschites, “who is just returned from Syria.” + </p> + <p> + “Uarda’s father?” asked Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + The soldier nodded assent, and said with a rough voice, but not without + cordiality. + </p> + <p> + “No one could guess it by looking at us—she is so white and rosy. + Her mother was a foreigner, and she has turned out as delicate as she was. + I am afraid to touch her with my little finger—and there comes a + chariot over the brittle doll, and does not quite crush her, for she is + still alive.” + </p> + <p> + “Without the help of this holy father,” said the paraschites, approaching + the surgeon, and kissing his robe, “you would never have seen her alive + again. May the Gods reward thee for what thou hast done for its poor + folks!” + </p> + <p> + “And we can pay too,” cried the soldier, slapping a full purse that hung + at his gridle. “We have taken plunder in Syria, and I will buy a calf, and + give it to thy temple.” + </p> + <p> + “Offer a beast of dough, rather.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Hogs were sacrificed at the feasts of Selene (the Egyptian + Nechebt). The poor offer pigs made of dough. Herodotus II., 47. + Various kinds of cakes baked in the form of animals are represented + on the monuments.] +</pre> + <p> + replied Nebsecht, “and if you wish to show yourself grateful to me, give + the money to your father, so that he may feed and nurse your child in + accordance with my instructions.” + </p> + <p> + “Hm,” murmured the soldier; he took the purse from his girdle, flourished + it in his hand, and said, as he handed it to the paraschites: + </p> + <p> + “I should have liked to drink it! but take it, father, for the child and + my mother.” + </p> + <p> + While the old man hesitatingly put out his hand for the rich gift, the + soldier recollected himself and said, opening the purse: + </p> + <p> + “Let me take out a few rings, for to-day I cannot go dry. I have two or + three comrades lodging in the red Tavern. That is right. There,—take + the rest of the rubbish.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht nodded approvingly at the soldier, and he, as his father + gratefully kissed the surgeon’s hand, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Make the little one sound, holy father! It, is all over with gifts and + offerings, for I have nothing left; but there are two iron fists and a + breast like the wall of a fortress. If at any time thou dost want help, + call me, and I will protect thee against twenty enemies. Thou hast saved + my child—good! Life for life. I sign myself thy blood-ally—there.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he drew his poniard out of his girdle. He scratched his + arm, and let a few drops of his blood run down on a stone at the feet of + Nebsecht—“Look,” he said. “There is my bond, Kaschta has signed + himself thine, and thou canst dispose of my life as of thine own. What I + have said, I have said.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a man of peace,” Nebsecht stammered, “And my white robe protects me. + But I believe our patient is awake.” + </p> + <p> + The physician rose, and entered the hut. + </p> + <p> + Uarda’s pretty head lay on her grandmother’s lap, and her large blue eyes + turned contentedly on the priest. + </p> + <p> + “She might get up and go out into the air,” said the old woman. “She has + slept long and soundly.” The surgeon examined her pulse, and her wound, on + which green leaves were laid. + </p> + <p> + “Excellent,” he said; “who gave you this healing herb?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman shuddered, and hesitated; but Uarda said fearlessly; “Old + Hekt, who lives over there in the black cave.” + </p> + <p> + “The witch!” muttered Nebsecht. “But we will let the leaves remain; if + they do good, it is no matter where they came from.” + </p> + <p> + “Hekt tasted the drops thou didst give her,” said the old woman, “and + agreed that they were good.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we are satisfied with each other,” answered Nebsecht, with a smile + of amusement. “We will carry you now into the open air, little maid; for + the air in here is as heavy as lead, and your damaged lung requires + lighter nourishment.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, let me go out,” said the girl. “It is well that thou hast not + brought back the other with thee, who tormented me with his vows.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean blind Teta,” said Nebsecht, “he will not come again; but the + young priest who soothed your father, when he repulsed the princess, will + visit you. He is kindly disposed, and you should—you should—” + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur will come?” said the girl eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Before midday. But how do you know his name?” + </p> + <p> + “I know him,” said Uarda decidedly. + </p> + <p> + The surgeon looked at her surprised. + </p> + <p> + “You must not talk any more,” he said, “for your cheeks are glowing, and + the fever may return. We have arranged a tent for you, and now we will + carry you into the open air.” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” said the girl. “Grandmother, do my hair for me, it is so + heavy.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she endeavored to part her mass of long reddish-brown + hair with her slender hands, and to free it from the straws that had got + entangled in it. + </p> + <p> + “Lie still,” said the surgeon, in a warning voice. + </p> + <p> + “But it is so heavy,” said the sick girl, smiling and showing Nebsecht her + abundant wealth of golden hair as if it were a fatiguing burden. “Come, + grandmother, and help me.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman leaned over the child, and combed her long locks carefully + with a coarse comb made of grey horn, gently disengaged the straws from + the golden tangle, and at last laid two thick long plaits on her + granddaughter’s shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht knew that every movement of the wounded girl might do mischief, + and his impulse was to stop the old woman’s proceedings, but his tongue + seemed spell-bound. Surprised, motionless, and with crimson cheeks, he + stood opposite the girl, and his eyes followed every movement of her hands + with anxious observation. + </p> + <p> + She did not notice him. + </p> + <p> + When the old woman laid down the comb Uarda drew a long breath. + </p> + <p> + “Grandmother,” she said, “give me the mirror.” The old woman brought a + shard of dimly glazed, baked clay. The girl turned to the light, + contemplated the undefined reflection for a moment, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I have not seen a flower for so long, grandmother.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait, child,” she replied; she took from a jug the rose, which the + princess had laid on the bosom of her grandchild, and offered it to her. + Before Uarda could take it, the withered petals fell, and dropped upon + her. The surgeon stooped, gathered them up, and put them into the child’s + hand. + </p> + <p> + “How good you are!” she said; “I am called Uarda—like this flower—and + I love roses and the fresh air. Will you carry me out now?” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht called the paraschites, who came into the hut with his son, and + they carried the girl out into the air, and laid her under the humble tent + they had contrived for her. The soldier’s knees trembled while he held the + light burden of his daughter’s weight in his strong hands, and he sighed + when he laid her down on the mat. + </p> + <p> + “How blue the sky is!” cried Uarda. “Ah! grandfather has watered my + pomegranate, I thought so! and there come my doves! give me some corn in + my hand, grandmother. How pleased they are.” + </p> + <p> + The graceful birds, with black rings round their reddish-grey necks, flew + confidingly to her, and took the corn that she playfully laid between her + lips. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht looked on with astonishment at this pretty play. He felt as if a + new world had opened to him, and some new sense, hitherto unknown to him, + had been revealed to him within his breast. He silently sat down in front + of the but, and drew the picture of a rose on the sand with a reed-stem + that he picked up. + </p> + <p> + Perfect stillness was around him; the doves even had flown up, and settled + on the roof. Presently the dog barked, steps approached; Uarda lifted + herself up and said: + </p> + <p> + “Grandmother, it is the priest Pentaur.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you?” asked the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” answered the girl decidedly, and in a few moments a sonorous + voice cried: “Good day to you. How is your invalid?” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur was soon standing by Uarda; pleased to hear Nebsecht’s good + report, and with the sweet face of the girl. He had some flowers in his + hand, that a happy maiden had laid on the altar of the Goddess Hathor, + which he had served since the previous day, and he gave them to the sick + girl, who took them with a blush, and held them between her clasped hands. + </p> + <p> + “The great Goddess whom I serve sends you these,” said Pentaur, “and they + will bring you healing. Continue to resemble them. You are pure and fair + like them, and your course henceforth may be like theirs. As the sun gives + life to the grey horizon, so you bring joy to this dark but. Preserve your + innocence, and wherever you go you will bring love, as flowers spring in + every spot that is trodden by the golden foot of Hathor. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Hathor is frequently called “the golden,” particularly at Dendera + She has much in common with the “golden Aphrodite.”] +</pre> + <p> + May her blessing rest upon you!” + </p> + <p> + He had spoken the last words half to the old couple and half to Uarda, and + was already turning to depart when, behind a heap of dried reeds that lay + close to the awning over the girl, the bitter cry of a child was heard, + and a little boy came forward who held, as high as he could reach, a + little cake, of which the dog, who seemed to know him well, had snatched + half. + </p> + <p> + “How do you come here, Scherau?” the paraschites asked the weeping boy; + the unfortunate child that Hekt was bringing up as a dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted,” sobbed the little one, “to bring the cake to Uarda. She is ill—I + had so much—” + </p> + <p> + “Poor child,” said the paraschites, stroking the boy’s hair; “there-give + it to Uarda.” + </p> + <p> + Scherau went up to the sick girl, knelt down by her, and whispered with + streaming eyes: + </p> + <p> + “Take it! It is good, and very sweet, and if I get another cake, and Hekt + will let me out, I will bring it to you. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, good little Scherau,” said Uarda, kissing the child. Then she + turned to Pentaur and said: + </p> + <p> + “For weeks he has had nothing but papyrus-pith, and lotus-bread, and now + he brings me the cake which grandmother gave old Hekt yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + The child blushed all over, and stammered: + </p> + <p> + “It is only half—but I did not touch it. Your dog bit out this + piece, and this.” + </p> + <p> + He touched the honey with the tip of his finger, and put it to his lips. + “I was a long time behind the reeds there, for I did not like to come out + because of the strangers there.” He pointed to Nebsecht and Pentaur. “But + now I must go home,” he cried. + </p> + <p> + The child was going, but Pentaur stopped him, seized him, lifted him up in + his arms and kissed him; saying, as he turned to Nebsecht: + </p> + <p> + “They were wise, who represented Horus—the symbol of the triumph of + good over evil and of purity over the impure—in the form of a child. + Bless you, my little friend; be good, and always give away what you have + to make others happy. It will not make your house rich—but it will + your heart!” + </p> + <p> + Scherau clung to the priest, and involuntarily raised his little hand to + stroke Pentaur’s cheek. An unknown tenderness had filled his little heart, + and he felt as if he must throw his arms round the poet’s neck and cry + upon his breast. + </p> + <p> + But Pentaur set him down on the ground, and he trotted down into the + valley. There he paused. The sun was high in the heavens, and he must + return to the witch’s cave and his board, but he would so much like to go + a little farther—only as far as to the king’s tomb, which was quite + near. + </p> + <p> + Close by the door of this tomb was a thatch of palm-branches, and under + this the sculptor Batau, a very aged man, was accustomed to rest. The old + man was deaf, but he passed for the best artist of his time, and with + justice; he had designed the beautiful pictures and hieroglyphic + inscriptions in Seti’s splendid buildings at Abydos and Thebes, as well as + in the tomb of that prince, and he was now working at the decoration of + the walls in the grave of Rameses. + </p> + <p> + Scherau had often crept close up to him, and thoughtfully watched him at + work, and then tried himself to make animal and human figures out of a bit + of clay. + </p> + <p> + One day the old man had observed him. + </p> + <p> + The sculptor had silently taken his humble attempt out of his hand, and + had returned it to him with a smile of encouragement. + </p> + <p> + From that time a peculiar tie had sprung up between the two. Scherau would + venture to sit down by the sculptor, and try to imitate his finished + images. Not a word was exchanged between them, but often the deaf old man + would destroy the boy’s works, often on the contrary improve them with a + touch of his own hand, and not seldom nod at him to encourage him. + </p> + <p> + When he staid away the old man missed his pupil, and Scherau’s happiest + hours were those which he passed at his side. + </p> + <p> + He was not forbidden to take some clay home with him. There, when the old + woman’s back was turned, he moulded a variety of images which he destroyed + as soon as they were finished. + </p> + <p> + While he lay on his rack his hands were left free, and he tried to + reproduce the various forms which lived in his imagination, he forgot the + present in his artistic attempts, and his bitter lot acquired a flavor of + the sweetest enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + But to-day it was too late; he must give up his visit to the tomb of + Rameses. + </p> + <p> + Once more he looked back at the hut, and then hurried into the dark cave. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <h3> + Pentauer also soon quitted the but of the paraschites. + </h3> + <p> + Lost in meditation, he went along the hill-path which led to the temple + which Ameni had put under his direction. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This temple is well proportioned, and remains in good preservation. + Copies of the interesting pictures discovered in it are to be found + in the “Fleet of an Egyptian queen” by Dutnichen. Other details may + be found in Lepsius’ Monuments of Egypt, and a plan of the place has + recently been published by Mariette.] +</pre> + <p> + He foresaw many disturbed and anxious hours in the immediate future. + </p> + <p> + The sanctuary of which he was the superior, had been dedicated to her own + memory, and to the goddess Hathor, by Hatasu, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The daughter of Thotmes I., wife of her brother Thotmes II., and + predecessor of her second brother Thotmes III. An energetic woman + who executed great works, and caused herself to be represented with + the helmet and beard-case of a man.] +</pre> + <p> + a great queen of the dethroned dynasty. + </p> + <p> + The priests who served it were endowed with peculiar chartered privileges, + which hitherto had been strictly respected. Their dignity was hereditary, + going down from father to son, and they had the right of choosing their + director from among themselves. + </p> + <p> + Now their chief priest Rui was ill and dying, and Ameni, under whose + jurisdiction they came, had, without consulting them, sent the young poet + Pentaur to fill his place. + </p> + <p> + They had received the intruder most unwillingly, and combined strongly + against him when it became evident that he was disposed to establish a + severe rule and to abolish many abuses which had become established + customs. + </p> + <p> + They had devolved the greeting of the rising sun on the temple-servants; + Pentaur required that the younger ones at least should take part in + chanting the morning hymn, and himself led the choir. They had trafficked + with the offerings laid on the altar of the Goddess; the new master + repressed this abuse, as well as the extortions of which they were guilty + towards women in sorrow, who visited the temple of Hathor in greater + number than any other sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + The poet-brought up in the temple of Seti to self-control, order, + exactitude, and decent customs, deeply penetrated with a sense of the + dignity of his position, and accustomed to struggle with special zeal + against indolence of body and spirit—was disgusted with the slothful + life and fraudulent dealings of his subordinates; and the deeper insight + which yesterday’s experience had given him into the poverty and sorrow of + human existence, made him resolve with increased warmth that he would + awake them to a new life. + </p> + <p> + The conviction that the lazy herd whom he commanded was called upon to + pour consolation into a thousand sorrowing hearts, to dry innumerable + tears, and to clothe the dry sticks of despair with the fresh verdure of + hope, urged him to strong measures. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday he had seen how, with calm indifference, they had listened to + the deserted wife, the betrayed maiden, to the woman, who implored the + withheld blessing of children, to the anxious mother, the forlorn widow,—and + sought only to take advantage of sorrow, to extort gifts for the Goddess, + or better still for their own pockets or belly. + </p> + <p> + Now he was nearing the scene of his new labors. + </p> + <p> + There stood the reverend building, rising stately from the valley on four + terraces handsomely and singularly divided, and resting on the western + side against the high amphitheatre of yellow cliffs. + </p> + <p> + On the closely-joined foundation stones gigantic hawks were carved in + relief, each with the emblem of life, and symbolized Horus, the son of the + Goddess, who brings all that fades to fresh bloom, and all that dies to + resurrection. + </p> + <p> + On each terrace stood a hall open to the east, and supported on two and + twenty archaic pillars. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Polygonal pillars, which were used first in tomb-building under the + 12th dynasty, and after the expulsion of the Hyksos under the kings + of the 17th and 18th, in public buildings; but under the subsequent + races of kings they ceased to be employed.] +</pre> + <p> + On their inner walls elegant pictures and inscriptions in the finest + sculptured work recorded, for the benefit of posterity, the great things + that Hatasu had done with the help of the Gods of Thebes. + </p> + <p> + There were the ships which she had to send to Punt + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Arabia; apparently also the coast of east Africa south of Egypt as + far as Somali. The latest of the lists published by Mariette, of + the southern nations conquered by Thotmes III., mentions it. This + list was found on the pylon of the temple of Karnak.] +</pre> + <p> + to enrich Egypt with the treasures of the east; there the wonders brought + to Thebes from Arabia might be seen; there were delineated the houses of + the inhabitants of the land of frankincense, and all the fishes of the Red + Sea, in distinct and characteristic outline. + </p> + <p> + On the third and fourth terraces were the small adjoining rooms of Hatasu + and her brothers Thotmes II. and III., which were built against the rock, + and entered by granite doorways. In them purifications were accomplished, + the images of the Goddess worshipped, and the more distinguished + worshippers admitted to confess. The sacred cows of the Goddess were kept + in a side-building. + </p> + <p> + As Pentaur approached the great gate of the terrace-temple, he became the + witness of a scene which filled him with resentment. + </p> + <p> + A woman implored to be admitted into the forecourt, to pray at the altar + of the Goddess for her husband, who was very ill, but the sleek + gate-keeper drove her back with rough words. + </p> + <p> + “It is written up,” said he, pointing to the inscription over the gate, + “only the purified may set their foot across this threshold, and you + cannot be purified but by the smoke of incense.” + </p> + <p> + “Then swing the censer for me,” said the woman, and take this silver ring—it + is all I have.” + </p> + <p> + “A silver ring!” cried the porter, indignantly. “Shall the goddess be + impoverished for your sake! The grains of Anta, that would be used in + purifying you, would cost ten times as much.” + </p> + <p> + “But I have no more,” replied the woman, “my husband, for whom I come to + pray, is ill; he cannot work, and my children—” + </p> + <p> + “You fatten them up and deprive the goddess of her due,” cried the + gate-keeper. “Three rings down, or I shut the gate.” + </p> + <p> + “Be merciful,” said the woman, weeping. “What will become of us if Hathor + does not help my husband?” + </p> + <p> + “Will our goddess fetch the doctor?” asked the porter. “She has something + to do besides curing sick starvelings. Besides, that is not her office. Go + to Imhotep or to Chunsu the counsellor, or to the great Techuti herself, + who helps the sick. There is no quack medicine to be got here.” + </p> + <p> + “I only want comfort in my trouble,” said the woman. + </p> + <p> + “Comfort!” laughed the gate-keeper, measuring the comely young woman with + his eye. “That you may have cheaper.” + </p> + <p> + The woman turned pale, and drew back from the hand the man stretched out + towards her. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Pentaur, full of wrath, stepped between them. + </p> + <p> + He raised his hand in blessing over the woman, who bent low before him, + and said, “Whoever calls fervently on the Divinity is near to him. You are + pure. Enter.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as she had disappeared within the temple, the priest turned to the + gate-keeper and exclaimed: “Is this how you serve the goddess, is this how + you take advantage of a heart-wrung woman? Give me the keys of this gate. + Your office is taken from you, and early to-morrow you go out in the + fields, and keep the geese of Hathor.” + </p> + <p> + The porter threw himself on his knees with loud outcries; but Pentaur + turned his back upon him, entered the sanctuary, and mounted the steps + which led to his dwelling on the third terrace. + </p> + <p> + A few priests whom he passed turned their backs upon him, others looked + down at their dinners, eating noisily, and making as if they did not see + him. They had combined strongly, and were determined to expel the + inconvenient intruder at any price. + </p> + <p> + Having reached his room, which had been splendidly decorated for his + predecessor, Pentaur laid aside his new insignia, comparing sorrowfully + the past and the present. + </p> + <p> + To what an exchange Ameni had condemned him! Here, wherever he looked, he + met with sulkiness and aversion; while, when he walked through the courts + of the House of Seti, a hundred boys would hurry towards him, and cling + affectionately to his robe. Honored there by great and small, his every + word had had its value; and when each day he gave utterance to his + thoughts, what he bestowed came back to him refined by earnest discourse + with his associates and superiors, and he gained new treasures for his + inner life. + </p> + <p> + “What is rare,” thought he, “is full of charm; and yet how hard it is to + do without what is habitual!” The occurrences of the last few days passed + before his mental sight. Bent-Anat’s image appeared before him, and took a + more and more distinct and captivating form. His heart began to beat + wildly, the blood rushed faster through his veins; he hid his face in his + hands, and recalled every glance, every word from her lips. + </p> + <p> + “I follow thee willingly,” she had said to him before the hut of the + paraschites. Now he asked himself whether he were worthy of such a + follower. + </p> + <p> + He had indeed broken through the old bonds, but not to disgrace the house + that was dear to him, only to let new light into its dim chambers. + </p> + <p> + “To do what we have earnestly felt to be right,” said he to himself, “may + seem worthy of punishment to men, but cannot before God.” + </p> + <p> + He sighed and walked out into the terrace in a mood of lofty excitement, + and fully resolved to do here nothing but what was right, to lay the + foundation of all that was good. + </p> + <p> + “We men,” thought he, “prepare sorrow when we come into the world, and + lamentation when we leave it; and so it is our duty in the intermediate + time to fight with suffering, and to sow the seeds of joy. There are many + tears here to be wiped away. To work then!” The poet found none of his + subordinates on the upper terrace. They had all met in the forecourt of + the temple, and were listening to the gate-keeper’s tale, and seemed to + sympathize with his angry complaint—against whom Pentaur well knew. + </p> + <p> + With a firm step he went towards them and said: + </p> + <p> + “I have expelled this man from among us, for he is a disgrace to us. + To-morrow he quits the temple.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go at once,” replied the gate-keeper defiantly, “and in behalf of + the holy fathers (here he cast a significant glance at the priests), ask + the high-priest Ameni if the unclean are henceforth to be permitted to + enter this sanctuary.” + </p> + <p> + He was already approaching the gate, but Pentaur stepped before him, + saying resolutely: + </p> + <p> + “You will remain here and keep the geese to-morrow, day after to-morrow, + and until I choose to pardon you.” The gate-keeper looked enquiringly at + the priests. Not one moved. + </p> + <p> + “Go back into your house,” said Pentaur, going closer to him. + </p> + <p> + The porter obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur locked the door of the little room, gave the key to one of the + temple-servants, and said: “Perform his duty, watch the man, and if he + escapes you will go after the geese to-morrow too. See, my friends, how + many worshippers kneel there before our altars—go and fulfil your + office. I will wait in the confessional to receive complaints, and to + administer comfort.” + </p> + <p> + The priests separated and went to the votaries. Pentaur once more mounted + the steps, and sat down in the narrow confessional which was closed by a + curtain; on its wall the picture of Hatasu was to be seen, drawing the + milk of eternal life from the udders of the cow Hathor. + </p> + <p> + He had hardly taken his place when a temple-servant announced the arrival + of a veiled lady. The bearers of her litter were thickly veiled, and she + had requested to be conducted to the confession chamber. The servant + handed Pentaur a token by which the high-priest of the great temple of + Anion, on the other bank of the Nile, granted her the privilege of + entering the inner rooms of the temple with the Rechiu, and to communicate + with all priests, even with the highest of the initiated. + </p> + <p> + The poet withdrew behind a curtain, and awaited the stranger with a + disquiet that seemed to him all the more singular that he had frequently + found himself in a similar position. Even the noblest dignitaries had + often been transferred to him by Ameni when they had come to the temple to + have their visions interpreted. + </p> + <p> + A tall female figure entered the still, sultry stone room, sank on her + knees, and put up a long and absorbed prayer before the figure of Hathor. + Pentaur also, seen by no one, lifted his hands, and fervently addressed + himself to the omnipresent spirit with a prayer for strength and purity. + </p> + <p> + Just as his arms fell the lady raised her head. It was as though the + prayers of the two souls had united to mount upwards together. + </p> + <p> + The veiled lady rose and dropped her veil. + </p> + <p> + It was Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + In the agitation of her soul she had sought the goddess Hathor, who guides + the beating heart of woman and spins the threads which bind man and wife. + </p> + <p> + “High mistress of heaven! many-named and beautiful!” she began to pray + aloud, “golden Hathor! who knowest grief and ecstasy—the present and + the future—draw near to thy child, and guide the spirit of thy + servant, that he may advise me well. I am the daughter of a father who is + great and noble and truthful as one of the Gods. He advises me—he + will never compel me—to yield to a man whom I can never love. Nay, + another has met me, humble in birth but noble in spirit and in gifts—” + </p> + <p> + Thus far, Pentaur, incapable of speech, had overheard the princess. + </p> + <p> + Ought he to remain concealed and hear all her secret, or should he step + forth and show himself to her? His pride called loudly to him: “Now she + will speak your name; you are the chosen one of the fairest and noblest.” + But another voice to which he had accustomed himself to listen in severe + self-discipline made itself heard, and said—“Let her say nothing in + ignorance, that she need be ashamed of if she knew.” + </p> + <p> + He blushed for her;—he opened the curtain and went forward into the + presence of Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + The Princess drew back startled. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou Pentaur,” she asked, “or one of the Immortals?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Pentaur,” he answered firmly, “a man with all the weakness of his + race, but with a desire for what is good. Linger here and pour out thy + soul to our Goddess; my whole life shall be a prayer for thee.” + </p> + <p> + The poet looked full at her; then he turned quickly, as if to avoid a + danger, towards the door of the confessional. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat called his name, and he stayed his steps: + </p> + <p> + “The daughter of Rameses,” she said, “need offer no justification of her + appearance here, but the maiden Bent-Anat,” and she colored as she spoke, + “expected to find, not thee, but the old priest Rui, and she desired his + advice. Now leave me to pray.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat sank on her knees, and Pentaur went out into the open air. + </p> + <p> + When the princess too had left the confessional, loud voices were heard on + the south side of the terrace on which they stood. + </p> + <p> + She hastened towards the parapet. + </p> + <p> + “Hail to Pentaur!” was shouted up from below. The poet rushed forward, and + placed himself near the princess. Both looked down into the valley, and + could be seen by all. + </p> + <p> + “Hail, hail! Pentaur,” was called doubly loud, “Hail to our teacher! come + back to the House of Seti. Down with the persecutors of Pentaur—down + with our oppressors!” + </p> + <p> + At the head of the youths, who, so soon as they had found out whither the + poet had been exiled, had escaped to tell him that they were faithful to + him, stood the prince Rameri, who nodded triumphantly to his sister, and + Anana stepped forward to inform the honored teacher in a solemn and + well-studied speech, that, in the event of Ameni refusing to recall him, + they had decided requesting their fathers to place them at another school. + </p> + <p> + The young sage spoke well, and Bent-Anat followed his words, not without + approbation; but Pentaur’s face grew darker, and before his favorite + disciple had ended his speech he interrupted him sternly. + </p> + <p> + His voice was at first reproachful, and then complaining, and loud as he + spoke, only sorrow rang in his tones, and not anger. + </p> + <p> + “In truth,” he concluded, “every word that I have spoken to you I could + but find it in me to regret, if it has contributed to encourage you to + this mad act. You were born in palaces; learn to obey, that later you may + know how to command. Back to your school! You hesitate? Then I will come + out against you with the watchman, and drive you back, for you do me and + yourselves small honor by such a proof of affection. Go back to the school + you belong to.” + </p> + <p> + The school-boys dared make no answer, but surprised and disenchanted + turned to go home. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat cast down her eyes as she met those of her brother, who shrugged + his shoulders, and then she looked half shyly, half respectfully, at the + poet; but soon again her eyes turned to the plain below, for thick + dust-clouds whirled across it, the sound of hoofs and the rattle of wheels + became audible, and at the same moment the chariot of Septah, the chief + haruspex, and a vehicle with the heavily-armed guard of the House of Seti, + stopped near the terrace. + </p> + <p> + The angry old man sprang quickly to the ground, called the host of escaped + pupils to him in a stern voice, ordered the guard to drive them back to + the school, and hurried up to the temple gates like a vigorous youth. The + priests received him with the deepest reverence, and at once laid their + complaints before him. + </p> + <p> + He heard them willingly, but did not let them discuss the matter; then, + though with some difficulty, he quickly mounted the steps, down which + Bent-Anat came towards him. + </p> + <p> + The princess felt that she would divert all the blame and misunderstanding + to herself, if Septah recognized her; her hand involuntarily reached for + her veil, but she drew it back quickly, looked with quiet dignity into the + old man’s eyes, which flashed with anger, and proudly passed by him. The + haruspex bowed, but without giving her his blessing, and when he met + Pentaur on the second terrace, ordered that the temple should be cleared + of worshippers. + </p> + <p> + This was done in a few minutes, and the priests were witnesses of the most + painful, scene which had occurred for years in their quiet sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + The head of the haruspices of the House of Seti was the most determined + adversary of the poet who had so early been initiated into the mysteries, + and whose keen intellect often shook those very ramparts which the zealous + old man had, from conviction, labored to strengthen from his youth up. The + vexatious occurrences, of which he had been a witness at the House of + Seti, and here also but a few minutes since, he regarded as the + consequence of the unbridled license of an ill-regulated imagination, and + in stern language he called Pentaur to account for the “revolt” of the + school-boys. + </p> + <p> + “And besides our boys,” he exclaimed, “you have led the daughter of + Rameses astray. She was not yet purged of her uncleanness, and yet you + tempt her to an assignation, not even in the stranger’s quarters—but + in the holy house of this pure Divinity.” Undeserved praise is dangerous + to the weak; unjust blame may turn even the strong from the right way. + Pentaur indignantly repelled the accusations of the old man, called them + unworthy of his age, his position, and his name, and for fear that his + anger might carry him too far, turned his back upon him; but the haruspex + ordered him to remain, and in his presence questioned the priests, who + unanimously accused the poet of having admitted to the temple another + unpurified woman besides Bent-Anat, and of having expelled the gate-keeper + and thrown him into prison for opposing the crime. + </p> + <p> + The haruspex ordered that the “ill-used man” should be set at liberty. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur resisted this command, asserted his right to govern in this + temple, and with a trembling voice requested Septah to quit the place. + </p> + <p> + The haruspex showed him Ameni’s ring, by which, during his residence in + Thebes, he made him his plenipotentiary, degraded Pentaur from his + dignity, but ordered him not to quit the sanctuary till further notice, + and then finally departed from the temple of Hatasu. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had yielded in silence to the signet of his chief, and returned to + the confessional in which he had met Bent-Anat. He felt his soul shaken to + its very foundations, his thoughts were confused, his feelings struggling + with each other; he shivered, and when he heard the laughter of the + priests and the gatekeeper, who were triumphing in their easy victory, he + started and shuddered like a man who in passing a mirror should see a + brand of disgrace on his brow. + </p> + <p> + But by degrees he recovered himself, his spirit grew clearer, and when he + left the little room to look towards the east—where, on the farther + shore, rose the palace where Bent-Anat must be—a deep contempt for + his enemies filled his soul, and a proud feeling of renewed manly energy. + He did not conceal from himself that he had enemies; that a time of + struggle was beginning for him; but he looked forward to it like a young + hero to the morning of his first battle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + The afternoon shadows were already growing long, when a splendid chariot + drew up to the gates of the terrace-temple. Paaker, the chief pioneer, + stood up in it, driving his handsome and fiery Syrian horses. Behind him + stood an Ethiopian slave, and his big dog followed the swift team with his + tongue out. + </p> + <p> + As he approached the temple he heard himself called, and checked the pace + of his horses. A tiny man hurried up to him, and, as soon as he had + recognized in him the dwarf Nemu, he cried angrily: + </p> + <p> + “Is it for you, you rascal, that I stop my drive? What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “To crave,” said the little man, bowing humbly, “that, when thy business + in the city of the dead is finished, thou wilt carry me back to Thebes.” + </p> + <p> + “You are Mena’s dwarf?” asked the pioneer. + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” replied Nemu. “I belong to his neglected wife, the lady + Nefert. I can only cover the road very slowly with my little legs, while + the hoofs of your horses devour the way-as a crocodile does his prey.” + </p> + <p> + “Get up!” said Paaker. “Did you come here on foot?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord,” replied Nemu, “on an ass; but a demon entered into the + beast, and has struck it with sickness. I had to leave it on the road. The + beasts of Anubis will have a better supper than we to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Things are not done handsomely then at your mistress’s house?” asked + Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “We still have bread,” replied Nemu, “and the Nile is full of water. Much + meat is not necessary for women and dwarfs, but our last cattle take a + form which is too hard for human teeth.” + </p> + <p> + The pioneer did not understand the joke, and looked enquiringly at the + dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “The form of money,” said the little man, “and that cannot be chewed; soon + that will be gone too, and then the point will be to find a recipe for + making nutritious cakes out of earth, water, and palm-leaves. It makes + very little difference to me, a dwarf does not need much—but the + poor tender lady!” + </p> + <p> + Paaker touched his horses with such a violent stroke of his whip that they + reared high, and it took all his strength to control their spirit. + </p> + <p> + “The horses’ jaws will be broken,” muttered the slave behind. “What a + shame with such fine beasts!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you to pay for them?” growled Paaker. Then he turned again to the + dwarf, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Why does Mena let the ladies want?” + </p> + <p> + “He no longer cares for his wife,” replied the dwarf, casting his eyes + down sadly. “At the last division of the spoil he passed by the gold and + silver; and took a foreign woman into his tent. Evil demons have blinded + him, for where is there a woman fairer than Nefert?” + </p> + <p> + “You love your mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “As my very eyes!” + </p> + <p> + During this conversation they had arrived at the terrace-temple. Paaker + threw the reins to the slave, ordered him to wait with Nemu, and turned to + the gate-keeper to explain to him, with the help of a handful of gold, his + desire of being conducted to Pentaur, the chief of the temple. + </p> + <p> + The gate-keeper, swinging a censer before him with a hasty action, + admitted him into the sanctuary. “You will find him on the third terrace,” + he said, “but he is no longer our superior.” + </p> + <p> + “They said so in the temple of Seti, whence I have just come,” replied + Paaker. + </p> + <p> + The porter shrugged his shoulders with a sneer, and said: “The palm-tree + that is quickly set up falls down more quickly still.” Then he desired a + servant to conduct the stranger to Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + The poet recognized the Mohar at once, asked his will, and learned that he + was come to have a wonderful vision interpreted by him. + </p> + <p> + Paaker explained before relating his dream, that he did not ask this + service for nothing; and when the priest’s countenance darkened he added: + </p> + <p> + “I will send a fine beast for sacrifice to the Goddess if the + interpretation is favorable.” + </p> + <p> + “And in the opposite case?” asked Pentaur, who, in the House of Seti, + never would have anything whatever to do with the payments of the + worshippers or the offerings of the devout. + </p> + <p> + “I will offer a sheep,” replied Paaker, who did not perceive the subtle + irony that lurked in Pentaur’s words, and who was accustomed to pay for + the gifts of the Divinity in proportion to their value to himself. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur thought of the verdict which Gagabu, only two evenings since, had + passed on the Mohar, and it occurred to him that he would test how far the + man’s superstition would lead him. So he asked, while he suppressed a + smile: + </p> + <p> + “And if I can foretell nothing bad, but also nothing actually good?”— + </p> + <p> + “An antelope, and four geese,” answered Paaker promptly. + </p> + <p> + “But if I were altogether disinclined to put myself at your service?” + asked Pentaur. “If I thought it unworthy of a priest to let the Gods be + paid in proportion to their favors towards a particular person, like + corrupt officials; if I now showed you—you—and I have known + you from a school-boy, that there are things that cannot be bought with + inherited wealth?” + </p> + <p> + The pioneer drew back astonished and angry, but Pentaur continued calmly— + </p> + <p> + “I stand here as the minister of the Divinity; and nevertheless, I see by + your countenance, that you were on the point of lowering yourself by + showing to me your violent and extortionate spirit. + </p> + <p> + “The Immortals send us dreams, not to give us a foretaste of joy or + caution us against danger, but to remind us so to prepare our souls that + we may submit quietly to suffer evil, and with heartfelt gratitude accept + the good; and so gain from each profit for the inner life. I will not + interpret your dream! Come without gifts, but with a humble heart, and + with longing for inward purification, and I will pray to the Gods that + they may enlighten me, and give you such interpretation of even evil + dreams that they may be fruitful in blessing. + </p> + <p> + “Leave me, and quit the temple!” + </p> + <p> + Paaker ground his teeth with rage; but he controlled himself, and only + said as he slowly withdrew: + </p> + <p> + “If your office had not already been taken from you, the insolence with + which you have dismissed me might have cost you your place. We shall meet + again, and then you shall learn that inherited wealth in the right hand is + worth more than you will like.” + </p> + <p> + “Another enemy!” thought the poet, when he found himself alone and stood + erect in the glad consciousness of having done right. + </p> + <p> + During Paaker’s interview with the poet, the dwarf Nemu had chatted to the + porter, and had learned from him all that had previously occurred. + </p> + <p> + Paaker mounted his chariot pale with rage, and whipped on his horses + before the dwarf had clambered up the step; but the slave seized the + little man, and set him carefully on his feet behind his master. + </p> + <p> + “The villian, the scoundrel! he shall repent it—Pentaur is he + called! the hound!” muttered the pioneer to himself. + </p> + <p> + The dwarf lost none of his words, and when he caught the name of Pentaur + he called to the pioneer, and said— + </p> + <p> + “They have appointed a scoundrel to be the superior of this temple; his + name is Pentaur. He was expelled from the temple of Seti for his + immorality, and now he has stirred up the younger scholars to rebellion, + and invited unclean women into the temple. My lips hardly dare repeat it, + but the gate-keeper swore it was true—that the chief haruspex from + the House of Seti found him in conference with Bent-Anat, the king’s + daughter, and at once deprived him of his office.” + </p> + <p> + “With Bent-Anat?” replied the pioneer, and muttered, before the dwarf + could find time to answer, “Indeed, with Bent-Anat!” and he recalled the + day before yesterday, when the princess had remained so long with the + priest in the hovel of the paraschites, while he had talked to Nefert and + visited the old witch. + </p> + <p> + “I should not care to be in the priest’s skin,” observed Nemu, “for though + Rameses is far away, the Regent Ani is near enough. He is a gentleman who + seldom pounces, but even the dove won’t allow itself to be attacked in is + own nest.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker looked enquiringly at Nemu. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said the dwarf “Ani has asked Rameses’ consent to marry his + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “He has already asked it,” continued the dwarf as Paaker smiled + incredulously, “and the king is not disinclined to give it. He likes + making marriages—as thou must know pretty well.” + </p> + <p> + “I?” said Paaker, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “He forced Katuti to give her daughter as wife to the charioteer. That I + know from herself. She can prove it to thee.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker shook his head in denial, but the dwarf continued eagerly, “Yes, + yes! Katuti would have had thee for her son-in-law, and it was the king, + not she, who broke off the betrothal. Thou must at the same time have been + inscribed in the black books of the high gate, for Rameses used many hard + names for thee. One of us is like a mouse behind the curtain, which knows + a good deal.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker suddenly brought his horses to a stand-still, threw the reins to + the slave, sprang from the chariot, called the dwarf to his side, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “We will walk from here to the river, and you shall tell me all you know; + but if an untrue word passes your lips I will have you eaten by my dogs.” + </p> + <p> + “I know thou canst keep thy word,” gasped the little man. “But go a little + slower if thou wilt, for I am quite out of breath. Let Katuti herself tell + thee how it all came about. Rameses compelled her to give her daughter to + the charioteer. I do not know what he said of thee, but it was not + complimentary. My poor mistress! she let herself be caught by the dandy, + the ladies’ man-and now she may weep and wail. When I pass the great gates + of thy house with Katuti, she often sighs and complains bitterly. And with + good reason, for it soon will be all over with our noble estate, and we + must seek an asylum far away among the Amu in the low lands; for the + nobles will soon avoid us as outcasts. Thou mayst be glad that thou hast + not linked thy fate to ours; but I have a faithful heart, and will share + my mistress’s trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak riddles,” said Paaker, “what have they to fear?” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf now related how Nefert’s brother had gambled away the mummy of + his father, how enormous was the sum he had lost, and that degradation + must overtake Katuti, and her daughter with her. + </p> + <p> + “Who can save them,” he whimpered. “Her shameless husband squanders his + inheritance and his prize-money. Katuti is poor, and the little words + ‘Give me!’ scare away friends as the cry of a hawk scares the chickens. My + poor mistress!” + </p> + <p> + “It is a large sum,” muttered Paaker to himself. “It is enormous!” sighed + the dwarf, “and where is it to be found in these hard times? It would have + been different with us, if—ah if—. And it would be a form of + madness which I do not believe in, that Nefert should still care for her + braggart husband. She thinks as much of thee as of him.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker looked at the dwarf half incredulous and half threatening. + </p> + <p> + “Ay—of thee,” repeated Nemu. “Since our excursion to the Necropolis + the day before yesterday it was—she speaks only of thee, praising + thy ability, and thy strong manly spirit. It is as if some charm obliged + her to think of thee.” + </p> + <p> + The pioneer began to walk so fast that his small companion once more had + to ask him to moderate his steps. + </p> + <p> + They gained the shore in silence, where Paaker’s boat was waiting, which + also conveyed his chariot. He lay down in the little cabin, called the + dwarf to him, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I am Katuti’s nearest relative; we are now reconciled; why does she not + turn to me in her difficulty?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she is proud, and thy blood flows in her veins. Sooner would she + die with her child—she said so—than ask thee, against whom she + sinned, for an ‘alms’.” + </p> + <p> + “She did think of me then?” + </p> + <p> + “At once; nor did she doubt thy generosity. She esteems thee highly—I + repeat it; and if an arrow from a Cheta’s bow or a visitation of the Gods + attained Mena, she would joyfully place her child in thine arms, and + Nefert believe me has not forgotten her playfellow. The day before + yesterday, when she came home from the Necropolis, and before the letter + had come from the camp, she was full of thee— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [“To be full (meh) of any one” is used in the Egyptian language for + “to be in love with any one.”] +</pre> + <p> + nay called to thee in her dreams; I know it from Kandake, her black maid.” + The pioneer looked down and said: + </p> + <p> + “How extraordinary! and the same night I had a vision in which your + mistress appeared to me; the insolent priest in the temple of Hathor + should have interpreted it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And he refused? the fool! but other folks understand dreams, and I am not + the worst of them—Ask thy servant. Ninety-nine times out of a + hundred my interpretations come true. How was the vision?” + </p> + <p> + “I stood by the Nile,” said Paaker, casting down his eyes and drawing + lines with his whip through the wool of the cabin rug. “The water was + still, and I saw Nefert standing on the farther bank, and beckoning to me. + I called to her, and she stepped on the water, which bore her up as if it + were this carpet. She went over the water dry-foot as if it were the stony + wilderness. A wonderful sight! She came nearer to me, and nearer, and + already I had tried to take her hand, when she ducked under like a swan. I + went into the water to seize her, and when she came up again I clasped her + in my arms; but then the strangest thing happened—she flowed away, + she dissolved like the snow on the Syrian hills, when you take it in your + hand, and yet it was not the same, for her hair turned to water-lilies, + and her eyes to blue fishes that swam away merrily, and her lips to twigs + of coral that sank at once, and from her body grew a crocodile, with a + head like Mena, that laughed and gnashed its teeth at me. Then I was + seized with blind fury; I threw myself upon him with a drawn sword, he + fastened his teeth in my flesh, I pierced his throat with my weapon; the + Nile was dark with our streaming blood, and so we fought and fought—it + lasted an eternity—till I awoke.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker drew a deep breath as he ceased speaking; as if his wild dream + tormented him again. + </p> + <p> + The dwarf had listened with eager attention, but several minutes passed + before he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “A strange dream,” he said, “but the interpretation as to the future is + not hard to find. Nefert is striving to reach thee, she longs to be thine, + but if thou dost fancy that she is already in thy grasp she will elude + thee; thy hopes will melt like ice, slip away like sand, if thou dost not + know how to put the crocodile out of the way.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the boat struck the landing-place. The pioneer started up, + and cried, “We have reached the end!” + </p> + <p> + “We have reached the end,” echoed the little man with meaning. “There is + only a narrow bridge to step over.” + </p> + <p> + When they both stood on the shore, the dwarf said, + </p> + <p> + “I have to thank thee for thy hospitality, and when I can serve thee + command me.” + </p> + <p> + “Come here,” cried the pioneer, and drew Nemu away with him under the + shade of a sycamore veiled in the half light of the departing sun. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by a bridge which we must step over? I do not understand + the flowers of speech, and desire plain language.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf reflected for a moment; and then asked, “Shall I say nakedly and + openly what I mean, and will you not be angry?” + </p> + <p> + “Speak!” + </p> + <p> + “Mena is the crocodile. Put him out of the world, and you will have passed + the bridge; then Nefert will be thine—if thou wilt listen to me.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Put the charioteer out of the world.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker’s gesture seemed to convey that that was a thing that had long been + decided on, and he turned his face, for a good omen, so that the rising + moon should be on his right hand. + </p> + <p> + The dwarf went on. + </p> + <p> + “Secure Nefert, so that she may not vanish like her image in the dream, + before you reach the goal; that is to say, ransom the honor of your future + mother and wife, for how could you take an outcast into your house?” + </p> + <p> + Paaker looked thoughtfully at the ground. + </p> + <p> + “May I inform my mistress that thou wilt save her?” asked Nemu. “I may?—Then + all will be well, for he who will devote a fortune to love will not + hesitate to devote a reed lance with a brass point to it to his love and + his hatred together.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + The sun had set, and darkness covered the City of the Dead, but the moon + shone above the valley of the kings’ tombs, and the projecting masses of + the rocky walls of the chasm threw sharply-defined shadows. A weird + silence lay upon the desert, where yet far more life was stirring than in + the noonday hour, for now bats darted like black silken threads through + the night air, owls hovered aloft on wide-spread wings, small troops of + jackals slipped by, one following the other up the mountain slopes. From + time to time their hideous yell, or the whining laugh of the hyena, broke + the stillness of the night. + </p> + <p> + Nor was human life yet at rest in the valley of tombs. A faint light + glimmered in the cave of the sorceress Hekt, and in front of the + paraschites’ but a fire was burning, which the grandmother of the sick + Uarda now and then fed with pieces of dry manure. Two men were seated in + front of the hut, and gazed in silence on the thin flame, whose impure + light was almost quenched by the clearer glow of the moon; whilst the + third, Uarda’s father, disembowelled a large ram, whose head he had + already cut off. + </p> + <p> + “How the jackals howl!” said the old paraschites, drawing as he spoke the + torn brown cotton cloth, which he had put on as a protection against the + night air and the dew, closer round his bare shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “They scent the fresh meat,” answered the physician, Nebsecht. “Throw them + the entrails, when you have done; the legs and back you can roast. Be + careful how you cut out the heart—the heart, soldier. There it is! + What a great beast.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht took the ram’s heart in his hand, and gazed at it with the + deepest attention, whilst the old paraschites watched him anxiously. At + length: + </p> + <p> + “I promised,” he said, “to do for you what you wish, if you restore the + little one to health; but you ask for what is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible?” said the physician, “why, impossible? You open the corpses, + you go in and out of the house of the embalmer. Get possession of one of + the canopi, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Vases of clay, limestone, or alabaster, which were used for the + preservation of the intestines of the embalmed Egyptians, and + represented the four genii of death, Amset, Hapi, Tuamutef, and + Khebsennuf. Instead of the cover, the head of the genius to which + it was dedicated, was placed on each kanopus. Amset (tinder the + protection of Isis) has a human head, Hapi (protected by Nephthys) + an ape’s head, Tuamutef (protected by Neith) a jackal’s head, and + Khebsennuf (protected by Selk) a sparrow-hawk’s head. In one of the + Christian Coptic Manuscripts, the four archangels are invoked in the + place of these genii.] +</pre> + <p> + lay this heart in it, and take out in its stead the heart of a human + being. No one—no one will notice it. Nor need you do it to-morrow, + or the day after tomorrow even. Your son can buy a ram to kill every day + with my money till the right moment comes. Your granddaughter will soon + grow strong on a good meat-diet. Take courage!” + </p> + <p> + “I am not afraid of the danger,” said the old man, “but how can I venture + to steal from a dead man his life in the other world? And then—in + shame and misery have I lived, and for many a year—no man has + numbered them for me—have I obeyed the commandments, that I may be + found righteous in that world to come, and in the fields of Aalu, and in + the Sun-bark find compensation for all that I have suffered here. You are + good and friendly. Why, for the sake of a whim, should you sacrifice the + future bliss of a man, who in all his long life has never known happiness, + and who has never done you any harm?” + </p> + <p> + “What I want with the heart,” replied the physician, “you cannot + understand, but in procuring it for me, you will be furthering a great and + useful purpose. I have no whims, for I am no idler. And as to what + concerns your salvation, have no anxiety. I am a priest, and take your + deed and its consequences upon myself; upon myself, do you understand? I + tell you, as a priest, that what I demand of you is right, and if the + judge of the dead shall enquire, ‘Why didst thou take the heart of a human + being out of the Kanopus?’ then reply—reply to him thus, ‘Because + Nebsecht, the priest, commanded me, and promised himself to answer for the + deed.’” + </p> + <p> + The old man gazed thoughtfully on the ground, and the physician continued + still more urgently: + </p> + <p> + “If you fulfil my wish, then—then I swear to you that, when you die, + I will take care that your mummy is provided with all the amulets, and I + myself will write you a book of the Entrance into Day, and have it wound + within your mummy-cloth, as is done with the great. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Books of the Dead are often found amongst the cloths, (by the + leg or under the arm), or else in the coffin trader, or near, the + mummy.] +</pre> + <p> + That will give you power over all demons, and you will be admitted to the + hall of the twofold justice, which punishes and rewards, and your award + will be bliss.” + </p> + <p> + “But the theft of a heart will make the weight of my sins heavy, when my + own heart is weighed,” sighed the old man. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht considered for a moment, and then said: “I will give you a + written paper, in which I will certify that it was I who commanded the + theft. You will sew it up in a little bag, carry it on your breast, and + have it laid with you in the grave. Then when Techuti, the agent of the + soul, receives your justification before Osiris and the judges of the + dead, give him the writing. He will read it aloud, and you will be + accounted just.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The vignettes of Chapter 125 of the Book of the Dead represent the + Last Judgment of the Egyptians. Under a canopy Osiris sits + enthroned as Chief Judge, 42 assessors assist him. In the hall + stand the scales; the dog headed ape, the animal sacred to Toth, + guides the balance. In one scale lies the heart of the dead man, in + the other the image of the goddess of Truth, who introduces the soul + into the hall of justice Toth writs the record. The soul affirms + that it has not committed 42 deadly sins, and if it obtains credit, + it is named “maa cheru,” i.e. “the truth-speaker,” and is therewith + declared blessed. It now receives its heart back, and grows into a + new and divine life.] +</pre> + <p> + “I am not learned in writing,” muttered the paraschites with a slight + mistrust that made itself felt in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “But I swear to you by the nine great Gods, that I will write nothing on + the paper but what I have promised you. I will confess that I, the priest + Nebsecht, commanded you to take the heart, and that your guilt is mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me have the writing then,” murmured the old man. + </p> + <p> + The physician wiped the perspiration from his forehead, and gave the + paraschites his hand. “To-morrow you shall have it,” he said, “and I will + not leave your granddaughter till she is well again.” + </p> + <p> + The soldier engaged in cutting up the ram, had heard nothing of this + conversation. Now he ran a wooden spit through the legs, and held them + over the fire to roast them. The jackals howled louder as the smell of the + melting fat filled the air, and the old man, as he looked on, forgot the + terrible task he had undertaken. For a year past, no meat had been tasted + in his house. + </p> + <p> + The physician Nebsecht, himself eating nothing but a piece of bread, + looked on at the feasters. They tore the meat from the bones, and the + soldier, especially, devoured the costly and unwonted meal like some + ravenous animal. He could be heard chewing like a horse in the manger, and + a feeling of disgust filled the physician’s soul. + </p> + <p> + “Sensual beings,” he murmured to himself, “animals with consciousness! And + yet human beings. Strange! They languish bound in the fetters of the world + of sense, and yet how much more ardently they desire that which transcends + sense than we—how much more real it is to them than to us!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you have some meat?” cried the soldier, who had remarked that + Nebsecht’s lips moved, and tearing a piece of meat from the bone of the + joint he was devouring, he held it out to the physician. Nebsecht shrank + back; the greedy look, the glistening teeth, the dark, rough features of + the man terrified him. And he thought of the white and fragile form of the + sick girl lying within on the mat, and a question escaped his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Is the maiden, is Uarda, your own child?” he said. + </p> + <p> + The soldier struck himself on the breast. “So sure as the king Rameses is + the son of Seti,” he answered. The men had finished their meal, and the + flat cakes of bread which the wife of the paraschites gave them, and on + which they had wiped their hands from the fat, were consumed, when the + soldier, in whose slow brain the physician’s question still lingered, + said, sighing deeply: + </p> + <p> + “Her mother was a stranger; she laid the white dove in the raven’s nest.” + </p> + <p> + “Of what country was your wife a native?” asked the physician. + </p> + <p> + “That I do not know,” replied the soldier. + </p> + <p> + “Did you never enquire about the family of your own wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I did: but how could she have answered me? But it is a long and + strange story.” + </p> + <p> + “Relate it to me,” said Nebsecht, “the night is long, and I like listening + better than talking. But first I will see after our patient.” + </p> + <p> + When the physician had satisfied himself that Uarda was sleeping quietly + and breathing regularly, he seated himself again by the paraschites and + his son, and the soldier began: + </p> + <p> + “It all happened long ago. King Seti still lived, but Rameses already + reigned in his stead, when I came home from the north. They had sent me to + the workmen, who were building the fortifications in Zoan, the town of + Rameses.—[The Rameses of the Bible. Exodus i. ii.]—I was set + over six men, Amus,—[Semites]—of the Hebrew race, over whom + Rameses kept such a tight hand. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [For an account of the traces of the Jews in Egypt, see Chabas, + Melanges, and Ebers, AEgypten und die Bucher Moses] +</pre> + <p> + Amongst the workmen there were sons of rich cattle-holders, for in levying + the people it was never: ‘What have you?’ but ‘Of what race are you?’ The + fortifications and the canal which was to join the Nile and the Red Sea + had to be completed, and the king, to whom be long life, health, and + prosperity, took the youth of Egypt with him to the wars, and left the + work to the Amus, who are connected by race with his enemies in the east. + One lives well in Goshen, for it is a fine country, with more than enough + of corn and grass and vegetables and fish and fowls, and I always had of + the best, for amongst my six people were two mother’s darlings, whose + parents sent me many a piece of silver. Every one loves his children, but + the Hebrews love them more tenderly than other people. We had daily our + appointed tale of bricks to deliver, and when the sun burnt hot, I used to + help the lads, and I did more in an hour than they did in three, for I am + strong and was still stronger then than I am now. + </p> + <p> + “Then came the time when I was relieved. I was ordered to return to + Thebes, to the prisoners of war who were building the great temple of Amon + over yonder, and as I had brought home some money, and it would take a + good while to finish the great dwelling of the king of the Gods, I thought + of taking a wife; but no Egyptian. Of daughters of paraschites there were + plenty; but I wanted to get away out of my father’s accursed caste, and + the other girls here, as I knew, were afraid of our uncleanness. In the + low country I had done better, and many an Amu and Schasu woman had gladly + come to my tent. From the beginning I had set my mind on an Asiatic. + </p> + <p> + “Many a time maidens taken prisoners in war were brought to be sold, but + either they did not please me, or they were too dear. Meantime my money + melted away, for we enjoyed life in the time of rest which followed the + working hours. There were dancers too in plenty, in the foreign quarter. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it was just at the time of the holy feast of Amon-Chem, that a new + transport of prisoners of war arrived, and amongst them many women, who + were sold publicly to the highest bidder. The young and beautiful ones + were paid for high, but even the older ones were too dear for me. + </p> + <p> + “Quite at the last a blind woman was led forward, and a withered-looking + woman who was dumb, as the auctioneer, who generally praised up the merits + of the prisoners, informed the buyers. The blind woman had strong hands, + and was bought by a tavern-keeper, for whom she turns the handmill to this + day; the dumb woman held a child in her arms, and no one could tell + whether she was young or old. She looked as though she already lay in her + coffin, and the little one as though he would go under the grass before + her. And her hair was red, burning red, the very color of Typhon. Her + white pale face looked neither bad nor good, only weary, weary to death. + On her withered white arms blue veins ran like dark cords, her hands hung + feebly down, and in them hung the child. If a wind were to rise, I thought + to myself, it would blow her away, and the little one with her. + </p> + <p> + “The auctioneer asked for a bid. All were silent, for the dumb shadow was + of no use for work; she was half-dead, and a burial costs money. + </p> + <p> + “So passed several minutes. Then the auctioneer stepped up to her, and + gave her a blow with his whip, that she might rouse herself up, and appear + less miserable to the buyers. She shivered like a person in a fever, + pressed the child closer to her, and looked round at every one as though + seeking for help—and me full in the face. What happened now was a + real wonder, for her eyes were bigger than any that I ever saw, and a + demon dwelt in them that had power over me and ruled me to the end, and + that day it bewitched me for the first time. + </p> + <p> + “It was not hot and I had drunk nothing, and yet I acted against my own + will and better judgment when, as her eyes fell upon me, I bid all that I + possessed in order to buy her. I might have had her cheaper! My companions + laughed at me, the auctioneer shrugged his shoulders as he took my money, + but I took the child on my arm, helped the woman up, carried her in a boat + over the Nile, loaded a stone-cart with my miserable property, and drove + her like a block of lime home to the old people. + </p> + <p> + “My mother shook her head, and my father looked as if he thought me mad; + but neither of them said a word. They made up a bed for her, and on my + spare nights I built that ruined thing hard by—it was a tidy hut + once. Soon my mother grew fond of the child. It was quite small, and we + called it Pennu—[Pennu is the name for the mouse in old Egyptian]—because + it was so pretty, like a little mouse. I kept away from the foreign + quarter, and saved my wages, and bought a goat, which lived in front of + our door when I took the woman to her own hut. + </p> + <p> + “She was dumb, but not deaf, only she did not understand our language; but + the demon in her eyes spoke for her and understood what I said. She + comprehended everything, and could say everything with her eyes; but best + of all she knew how to thank one. No high-priest who at the great hill + festival praises the Gods in long hymns for their gifts can return thanks + so earnestly with his lips as she with her dumb eyes. And when she wished + to pray, then it seemed as though the demon in her look was mightier than + ever. + </p> + <p> + “At first I used to be impatient enough when she leaned so feebly against + the wall, or when the child cried and disturbed my sleep; but she had only + to look up, and the demon pressed my heart together and persuaded me that + the crying was really a song. Pennu cried more sweetly too than other + children, and he had such soft, white, pretty little fingers. + </p> + <p> + “One day he had been crying for a long time, At last I bent down over him, + and was going to scold him, but he seized me by the beard. It was pretty + to see! Afterwards he was for ever wanting to pull me about, and his + mother noticed that that pleased me, for when I brought home anything + good, an egg or a flower or a cake, she used to hold him up and place his + little hands on my beard. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, in a few months the woman had learnt to hold him up high in her + arms, for with care and quiet she had grown stronger. White she always + remained and delicate, but she grew younger and more beautiful from day to + day; she can hardly have numbered twenty years when I bought her. What she + was called I never heard; nor did we give her any name. She was ‘the + woman,’ and so we called her. + </p> + <p> + “Eight moons passed by, and then the little Mouse died. I wept as she did, + and as I bent over the little corpse and let my tears have free course, + and thought—now he can never lift up his pretty little finger to you + again; then I felt for the first time the woman’s soft hand on my cheek. + She stroked my rough beard as a child might, and with that looked at me so + gratefully that I felt as though king Pharaoh had all at once made me a + present of both Upper and Lower Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “When the Mouse was buried she got weaker again, but my mother took good + care of her. I lived with her, like a father with his child. She was + always friendly, but if I approached her, and tried to show her any + fondness, she would look at me, and the demon in her eyes drove me back, + and I let her alone. + </p> + <p> + “She grew healthier and stronger and more and more beautiful, so beautiful + that I kept her hidden, and was consumed by the longing to make her my + wife. A good housewife she never became, to be sure; her hands were so + tender, and she did not even know how to milk the goat. My mother did that + and everything else for her. + </p> + <p> + “In the daytime she stayed in her hut and worked, for she was very + skillful at woman’s work, and wove lace as fine as cobwebs, which my + mother sold that she might bring home perfumes with the proceeds. She was + very fond of them, and of flowers too; and Uarda in there takes after her. + </p> + <p> + “In the evening, when the folk from the other side had left the City of + the Dead, she would often walk down the valley here, thoughtful and often + looking up at the moon, which she was especially fond of. + </p> + <p> + “One evening in the winter-time I came home. It was already dark, and I + expected to find her in front of the door. All at once, about a hundred + steps behind old Hekt’s cave, I heard a troop of jackals barking so + furiously that I said to myself directly they had attacked a human being, + and I knew too who it was, though no one had told me, and the woman could + not call or cry out. Frantic with terror, I tore a firebrand from the + hearth and the stake to which the goat was fastened out of the ground, + rushed to her help, drove away the beasts, and carried her back senseless + to the hut. My mother helped me, and we called her back to life. When we + were alone, I wept like a child for joy at her escape, and she let me kiss + her, and then she became my wife, three years after I had bought her. + </p> + <p> + “She bore me a little maid, that she herself named Uarda; for she showed + us a rose, and then pointed to the child, and we understood her without + words. + </p> + <p> + “Soon afterwards she died. + </p> + <p> + “You are a priest, but I tell you that when I am summoned before Osiris, + if I am admitted amongst the blessed, I will ask whether I shall meet my + wife, and if the doorkeeper says no, he may thrust me back, and I will go + down cheerfully to the damned, if I find her again there.” + </p> + <p> + “And did no sign ever betray her origin?” asked the physician. + </p> + <p> + The soldier had hidden his face in his hand; he was weeping aloud, and did + not hear the question. But, the paraschites answered: + </p> + <p> + “She was the child of some great personage, for in her clothes we found a + golden jewel with a precious stone inscribed with strange characters. It + is very costly, and my wife is keeping it for the little one.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + In the earliest glimmer of dawn the following clay, the physician Nebsecht + having satisfied himself as to the state of the sick girl, left the + paraschites’ hut and made his way in deepest thought to the ‘Terrace + Temple of Hatasu, to find his friend Pentaur and compose the writing which + he had promised to the old man. + </p> + <p> + As the sun arose in radiance he reached the sanctuary. He expected to hear + the morning song of the priests, but all was silent. He knocked and the + porter, still half-asleep, opened the door. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht enquired for the chief of the Temple. “He died in the night,” + said the man yawning. + </p> + <p> + “What do you say?” cried the physician in sudden terror, “who is dead?” + </p> + <p> + “Our good old chief, Rui.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht breathed again, and asked for Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “You belong to the House of Seti,” said the doorkeeper, “and you do not + know that he is deposed from his office? The holy fathers have refused to + celebrate the birth of Ra with him. He sings for himself now, alone up on + the watch-tower. There you will find him.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht strode quickly up the stairs. Several of the priests placed + themselves together in groups as soon as they saw him, and began singing. + He paid no heed to them, however, but hastened on to the uppermost + terrace, where he found his friend occupied in writing. + </p> + <p> + Soon he learnt all that had happened, and wrathfully he cried: “You are + too honest for those wise gentlemen in the House of Seti, and too pure and + zealous for the rabble here. I knew it, I knew what would come of it if + they introduced you to the mysteries. For us initiated there remains only + the choice between lying and silence.” + </p> + <p> + “The old error!” said Pentaur, “we know that the Godhead is One, we name + it, ‘The All,’ ‘The Veil of the All,’ or simply ‘Ra.’ But under the name + Ra we understand something different than is known to the common herd; for + to us, the Universe is God, and in each of its parts we recognize a + manifestation of that highest being without whom nothing is, in the + heights above or in the depths below.” + </p> + <p> + “To me you can say everything, for I also am initiated,” interrupted + Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + “But neither from the laity do I withhold it,” cried Pentaur, “only to + those who are incapable of understanding the whole, do I show the + different parts. Am I a liar if I do not say, ‘I speak,’ but ‘my mouth + speaks,’ if I affirm, ‘Your eye sees,’ when it is you yourself who are the + seer. When the light of the only One manifests itself, then I fervently + render thanks to him in hymns, and the most luminous of his forms I name + Ra. When I look upon yonder green fields, I call upon the faithful to give + thanks to Rennut, that is, that active manifestation of the One, through + which the corn attains to its ripe maturity. Am I filled with wonder at + the bounteous gifts with which that divine stream whose origin is hidden, + blesses our land, then I adore the One as the God Hapi, the secret one. + Whether we view the sun, the harvest, or the Nile, whether we contemplate + with admiration the unity and harmony of the visible or invisible world, + still it is always with the Only, the All-embracing One we have to do, to + whom we also ourselves belong as those of his manifestations in which lie + places his self-consciousness. The imagination of the multitude is + limited.... ” + </p> + <p> + “And so we lions, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [“The priests,” says Clement of Alexandria, “allow none to be + participators in their mysteries, except kings or such amongst + themselves as are distinguished for virtue or wisdom.” The same + thing is shown by the monuments in many places] +</pre> + <p> + give them the morsel that we can devour at one gulp, finely chopped up, + and diluted with broth as if for the weak stomach of a sick man.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so; we only feel it our duty to temper and sweeten the sharp potion, + which for men even is almost too strong, before we offer it to the + children, the babes in spirit. The sages of old veiled indeed the highest + truths in allegorical forms, in symbols, and finally in a beautiful and + richly-colored mythos, but they brought them near to the multitude + shrouded it is true but still discernible.” + </p> + <p> + “Discernible?” said the physician, “discernible? Why then the veil?” + </p> + <p> + “And do you imagine that the multitude could look the naked truth in the + face, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In Sais the statue of Athene (Neith) has the following, + inscription: “I am the All, the Past, the Present, and the Future, + my veil has no mortal yet lifted.” Plutarch, Isis and Osiris 9, a + similar quotation by Proclus, in Plato’s Timaeus.] +</pre> + <p> + and not despair?” + </p> + <p> + “Can I, can any one who looks straight forward, and strives to see the + truth and nothing but the truth?” cried the physician. “We both of us know + that things only are, to us, such as they picture themselves in the + prepared mirror of our souls. I see grey, grey, and white, white, and have + accustomed myself in my yearning after knowledge, not to attribute the + smallest part to my own idiosyncrasy, if such indeed there be existing in + my empty breast. You look straight onwards as I do, but in you each idea + is transfigured, for in your soul invisible shaping powers are at work, + which set the crooked straight, clothe the commonplace with charm, the + repulsive with beauty. You are a poet, an artist; I only seek for truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Only?” said Pentaur, “it is just on account of that effort that I esteem + you so highly, and, as you already know, I also desire nothing but the + truth.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know,” said the physician nodding, “but our ways run side by + side without ever touching, and our final goal is the reading of a riddle, + of which there are many solutions. You believe yourself to have found the + right one, and perhaps none exists.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us content ourselves with the nearest and the most beautiful,” + said Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “The most beautiful?” cried Nebsecht indignantly. “Is that monster, whom + you call God, beautiful—the giant who for ever regenerates himself + that he may devour himself again? God is the All, you say, who suffices to + himself. Eternal he is and shall be, because all that goes forth from him + is absorbed by him again, and the great niggard bestows no grain of sand, + no ray of light, no breath of wind, without reclaiming it for his + household, which is ruled by no design, no reason, no goodness, but by a + tyrannical necessity, whose slave he himself is. The coward hides behind + the cloud of incomprehensibility, and can be revealed only by himself—I + would I could strip him of the veil! Thus I see the thing that you call + God!” + </p> + <p> + “A ghastly picture,” said Pentaur, “because you forget that we recognize + reason to be the essence of the All, the penetrating and moving power of + the universe which is manifested in the harmonious working together of its + parts, and in ourselves also, since we are formed out of its substance, + and inspired with its soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the warfare of life in any way reasonable?” asked Nebsecht. “Is this + eternal destruction in order to build up again especially well-designed + and wise? And with this introduction of reason into the All, you provide + yourself with a self-devised ruler, who terribly resembles the gracious + masters and mistresses that you exhibit to the people.” + </p> + <p> + “Only apparently,” answered Pentaur, “only because that which transcends + sense is communicable through the medium of the senses alone. When God + manifests himself as the wisdom of the world, we call him ‘the Word,’ ‘He, + who covers his limbs with names,’ as the sacred Text expresses itself, is + the power which gives to things their distinctive forms; the scarabaeus, + ‘which enters life as its own son’ reminds us of the ever self-renewing + creative power which causes you to call our merciful and benevolent God a + monster, but which you can deny as little as you can the happy choice of + the type; for, as you know, there are only male scarabei, and this animal + reproduces itself.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht smiled. “If all the doctrines of the mysteries,” he said, “have + no more truth than this happily chosen image, they are in a bad way. These + beetles have for years been my friends and companions. I know their family + life, and I can assure you that there are males and females amongst them + as amongst cats, apes, and human beings. Your ‘good God’ I do not know, + and what I least comprehend in thinking it over quietly is the + circumstance that you distinguish a good and evil principle in the world. + If the All is indeed God, if God as the scriptures teach, is goodness, and + if besides him is nothing at all, where is a place to be found for evil?” + </p> + <p> + “You talk like a school-boy,” said Pentaur indignantly. “All that is, is + good and reasonable in itself, but the infinite One, who prescribes his + own laws and his own paths, grants to the finite its continuance through + continual renewal, and in the changing forms of the finite progresses for + evermore. What we call evil, darkness, wickedness, is in itself divine, + good, reasonable, and clear; but it appears in another light to our + clouded minds, because we perceive the way only and not the goal, the + details only, and not the whole. Even so, superficial listeners blame the + music, in which a discord is heard, which the harper has only evoked from + the strings that his hearers may more deeply feel the purity of the + succeeding harmony; even so, a fool blames the painter who has colored his + board with black, and does not wait for the completion of the picture + which shall be thrown into clearer relief by the dark background; even so, + a child chides the noble tree, whose fruit rots, that a new life may + spring up from its kernel. Apparent evil is but an antechamber to higher + bliss, as every sunset is but veiled by night, and will soon show itself + again as the red dawn of a new day.” + </p> + <p> + “How convincing all that sounds!” answered the physician, “all, even the + terrible, wins charm from your lips; but I could invert your proposition, + and declare that it is evil that rules the world, and sometimes gives us + one drop of sweet content, in order that we may more keenly feel the + bitterness of life. You see harmony and goodness in everything. I have + observed that passion awakens life, that all existence is a conflict, that + one being devours another.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you not feel the beauty of visible creation, and does not the + immutable law in everything fill you with admiration and humility?” + </p> + <p> + “For beauty,” replied Nebsecht, “I have never sought; the organ is somehow + wanting in me to understand it of myself, though I willingly allow you to + mediate between us. But of law in nature I fully appreciate the worth, for + that is the veritable soul of the universe. You call the One ‘Temt,’ that + is to say the total—the unity which is reached by the addition of + many units; and that pleases me, for the elements of the universe and the + powers which prescribe the paths of life are strictly defined by measure + and number—but irrespective of beauty or benevolence.” + </p> + <p> + “Such views,” cried Pentaur troubled, “are the result of your strange + studies. You kill and destroy, in order, as you yourself say, to come upon + the track of the secrets of life. Look out upon nature, develop the + faculty which you declare to be wanting, in you, and the beauty of + creation will teach you without my assistance that you are praying to a + false god.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not pray,” said Nebsecht, “for the law which moves the world is as + little affected by prayers as the current of the sands in your hour-glass. + Who tells you that I do not seek to come upon the track of the first + beginning of things? I proved to you just now that I know more about the + origin of Scarabei than you do. I have killed many an animal, not only to + study its organism, but also to investigate how it has built up its form. + But precisely in this work my organ for beauty has become blunt rather + than keen. I tell you that the beginning of things is not more attractive + to contemplate than their death and decomposition.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur looked at the physician enquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “I also for once,” continued Nebsecht, “will speak in figures. Look at + this wine, how pure it is, how fragrant; and yet it was trodden from the + grape by the brawny feet of the vintagers. And those full ears of corn! + They gleam golden yellow, and will yield us snow-white meal when they are + ground, and yet they grew from a rotting seed. Lately you were praising to + me the beauty of the great Hall of Columns nearly completed in the Temple + of Amon over yonder in Thebes. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Begun by Rameses I. continued by Seti I., completed by Rameses II. + The remains of this immense hall, with its 134 columns, have not + their equal in the world.] +</pre> + <p> + How posterity will admire it! I saw that Hall arise. There lay masses of + freestone in wild confusion, dust in heaps that took away my breath, and + three months since I was sent over there, because above a hundred workmen + engaged in stone-polishing under the burning sun had been beaten to death. + Were I a poet like you, I would show you a hundred similar pictures, in + which you would not find much beauty. In the meantime, we have enough to + do in observing the existing order of things, and investigating the laws + by which it is governed.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never clearly understood your efforts, and have difficulty in + comprehending why you did not turn to the science of the haruspices,” said + Pentaur. “Do you then believe that the changing, and—owing to the + conditions by which they are surrounded—the dependent life of plants + and animals is governed by law, rule, and numbers like the movement of the + stars?” + </p> + <p> + “What a question! Is the strong and mighty hand, which compels yonder + heavenly bodies to roll onward in their carefully-appointed orbits, not + delicate enough to prescribe the conditions of the flight of the bird, and + the beating of the human heart?” + </p> + <p> + “There we are again with the heart,” said the poet smiling, “are you any + nearer your aim?” + </p> + <p> + The physician became very grave. “Perhaps tomorrow even,” he said, “I may + have what I need. You have your palette there with red and black color, + and a writing reed. May I use this sheet of papyrus?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; but first tell me.... ” + </p> + <p> + “Do not ask; you would not approve of my scheme, and there would only be a + fresh dispute.” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said the poet, laying his hand on his friend’s shoulder, “that + we have no reason to fear disputes. So far they have been the cement, the + refreshing dew of our friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “So long as they treated of ideas only, and not of deeds.” + </p> + <p> + “You intend to get possession of a human heart!” cried the poet. “Think of + what you are doing! The heart is the vessel of that effluence of the + universal soul, which lives in us.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you so sure of that?” cried the physician with some irritation, “then + give me the proof. Have you ever examined a heart, has any one member of + my profession done so? The hearts of criminals and prisoners of war even + are declared sacred from touch, and when we stand helpless by a patient, + and see our medicines work harm as often as good, why is it? Only because + we physicians are expected to work as blindly as an astronomer, if he were + required to look at the stars through a board. At Heliopolis I entreated + the great Urma Rahotep, the truly learned chief of our craft, and who held + me in esteem, to allow me to examine the heart of a dead Amu; but he + refused me, because the great Sechet leads virtuous Semites also into the + fields of the blessed. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [According to the inscription accompanying the famous + representations of the four nations (Egyptians, Semites, Libyans, + and Ethiopians) in the tomb of Seti I.] +</pre> + <p> + And then followed all the old scruples: that to cut up the heart of a + beast even is sinful, because it also is the vehicle of a soul, perhaps a + condemned and miserable human soul, which before it can return to the One, + must undergo purification by passing through the bodies of animals. I was + not satisfied, and declared to him that my great-grandfather Nebsecht, + before he wrote his treatise on the heart, must certainly have examined + such an organ. Then he answered me that the divinity had revealed to him + what he had written, and therefore his work had been accepted amongst the + sacred writings of Toth, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Called by the Greeks “Hermetic Books.” The Papyrus Ebers is the + work called by Clemens of Alexandria “the Book of Remedies.”] +</pre> + <p> + which stood fast and unassailable as the laws of the world; he wished to + give me peace for quiet work, and I also, he said, might be a chosen + spirit, the divinity might perhaps vouchsafe revelations to me too. I was + young at that time, and spent my nights in prayer, but I only wasted away, + and my spirit grew darker instead of clearer. Then I killed in secret—first + a fowl, then rats, then a rabbit, and cut up their hearts, and followed + the vessels that lead out of them, and know little more now than I did at + first; but I must get to the bottom of the truth, and I must have a human + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “What will that do for you?” asked Pentaur; “you cannot hope to perceive + the invisible and the infinite with your human eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know my great-grandfather’s treatise?” + </p> + <p> + “A little,” answered the poet; “he said that wherever he laid his finger, + whether on the head, the hands, or the stomach, he everywhere met with the + heart, because its vessels go into all the members, and the heart is the + meeting point of all these vessels. Then Nebsecht proceeds to state how + these are distributed in the different members, and shows—is it not + so?—that the various mental states, such as anger, grief, aversion, + and also the ordinary use of the word heart, declare entirely for his + view.” + </p> + <p> + “That is it. We have already discussed it, and I believe that he is right, + so far as the blood is concerned, and the animal sensations. But the pure + and luminous intelligence in us—that has another seat,” and the + physician struck his broad but low forehead with his hand. “I have + observed heads by the hundred down at the place of execution, and I have + also removed the top of the skulls of living animals. But now let me + write, before we are disturbed.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Human brains are prescribed for a malady of the eyes in the Ebers + papyrus. Herophilus, one of the first scholars of the Alexandrine + Museum, studied not only the bodies of executed criminals, but made + his experiments also on living malefactors. He maintained that the + four cavities of the human brain are the seat of the soul.] +</pre> + <p> + The physician took the reed, moistened it with black color prepared from + burnt papyrus, and in elegant hieratic characters + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [At the time of our narrative the Egyptians had two kinds of + writing-the hieroglyphic, which was generally used for monumental + inscriptions, and in which the letters consisted of conventional + representations of various objects, mathematical and arbitrary + symbols, and the hieratic, used for writing on papyrus, and in + which, with the view of saving time, the written pictures underwent + so many alterations and abbreviations that the originals could + hardly be recognized. In the 8th century there was a further + abridgment of the hieratic writing, which was called the demotic, or + people’s writing, and was used in commerce. Whilst the hieroglyphic + and hieratic writings laid the foundations of the old sacred + dialect, the demotic letters were only used to write the spoken + language of the people. E. de Rouge’s Chrestomathie Egyptienne. + H. Brugsch’s Hieroglyphische Grammatik. Le Page Renouf’s shorter + hieroglyphical grammar. Ebers’ Ueber das Hieroglyphische + Schriftsystem, 2nd edition, 1875, in the lectures of Virchow + Holtzendorff.] +</pre> + <p> + wrote the paper for the paraschites, in which he confessed to having + impelled him to the theft of a heart, and in the most binding manner + declared himself willing to take the old man’s guilt upon himself before + Osiris and the judges of the dead. + </p> + <p> + When he had finished, Pentaur held out his hand for the paper, but + Nebsecht folded it together, placed it in a little bag in which lay an + amulet that his dying mother had hung round his neck, and said, breathing + deeply: + </p> + <p> + “That is done. Farewell, Pentaur.” + </p> + <p> + But the poet held the physician back; he spoke to him with the warmest + words, and conjured him to abandon his enterprise. His prayers, however, + had no power to touch Nebsecht, who only strove forcibly to disengage his + finger from Pentaur’s strong hand, which held him as in a clasp of iron. + The excited poet did not remark that he was hurting his friend, until + after a new and vain attempt at freeing himself, Nebsecht cried out in + pain, “You are crushing my finger!” + </p> + <p> + A smile passed over the poet’s face, he loosened his hold on the + physician, and stroked the reddened hand like a mother who strives to + divert her child from pain. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be angry with me, Nebsecht,” he said, “you know my unlucky fists, + and to-day they really ought to hold you fast, for you have too mad a + purpose on hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Mad?” said the physician, whilst he smiled in his turn. “It may be so; + but do you not know that we Egyptians all have a peculiar tenderness for + our follies, and are ready to sacrifice house and land to them?” + </p> + <p> + “Our own house and our own land,” cried the poet: and then added + seriously, “but not the existence, not the happiness of another.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I not told you that I do not look upon the heart as the seat of our + intelligence? So far as I am concerned, I would as soon be buried with a + ram’s heart as with my own.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not speak of the plundered dead, but of the living,” said the poet. + “If the deed of the paraschites is discovered, he is undone, and you would + only have saved that sweet child in the hut behind there, to fling her + into deeper misery.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht looked at the other with as much astonishment and dismay, as if + he had been awakened from sleep by bad tidings. Then he cried: “All that I + have, I would share with the old man and Uarda.” + </p> + <p> + “And who would protect her?” + </p> + <p> + “Her father.” + </p> + <p> + “That rough drunkard who to-morrow or the day after may be sent no one + knows where.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a good fellow,” said the physician interrupting his friend, and + stammering violently. “But who ‘would do anything to the child? She is so + so.... She is so charming, so perfectly—sweet and lovely.” + </p> + <p> + With these last words he cast down his eyes and reddened like a girl. + </p> + <p> + “You understand that,” he said, “better than I do; yes, and you also think + her beautiful! Strange! you must not laugh if I confess—I am but a + man like every one else—when I confess, that I believe I have at + length discovered in myself the missing organ for beauty of form—not + believe merely, but truly have discovered it, for it has not only spoken, + but cried, raged, till I felt a rushing in my ears, and for the first time + was attracted more by the sufferer than by suffering. I have sat in the + hut as though spell-bound, and gazed at her hair, at her eyes, at how she + breathed. They must long since have missed me at the House of Seti, + perhaps discovered all my preparations, when seeking me in my room! For + two days and nights I have allowed myself to be drawn away from my work, + for the sake of this child. Were I one of the laity, whom you would + approach, I should say that demons had bewitched me. But it is not that,”—and + with these words the physician’s eyes flamed up—“it is not that! The + animal in me, the low instincts of which the heart is the organ, and which + swelled my breast at her bedside, they have mastered the pure and fine + emotions here—here in this brain; and in the very moment when I + hoped to know as the God knows whom you call the Prince of knowledge, in + that moment I must learn that the animal in me is stronger than that which + I call my God.” + </p> + <p> + The physician, agitated and excited, had fixed his eyes on the ground + during these last words, and hardly noticed the poet, who listened to him + wondering and full of sympathy. For a time both were silent; then Pentaur + laid his hand on his friend’s hand, and said cordially: + </p> + <p> + “My soul is no stranger to what you feel, and heart and head, if I may use + your own words, have known a like emotion. But I know that what we feel, + although it may be foreign to our usual sensations, is loftier and more + precious than these, not lower. Not the animal, Nebsecht, is it that you + feel in yourself, but God. Goodness is the most beautiful attribute of the + divine, and you have always been well-disposed towards great and small; + but I ask you, have you ever before felt so irresistibly impelled to pour + out an ocean of goodness on another being, whether for Uarda you would not + more joyfully and more self-forgetfully sacrifice all that you have, and + all that you are, than to father and mother and your oldest friend?” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht nodded assentingly. + </p> + <p> + “Well then,” cried Pentaur, “follow your new and godlike emotion, be good + to Uarda and do not sacrifice her to your vain wishes. My poor friend! + With your—enquiries into the secrets of life, you have never looked + round upon itself, which spreads open and inviting before our eyes. Do you + imagine that the maiden who can thus inflame the calmest thinker in + Thebes, will not be coveted by a hundred of the common herd when her + protector fails her? Need I tell you that amongst the dancers in the + foreign quarter nine out of ten are the daughters of outlawed parents? Can + you endure the thought that by your hand innocence may be consigned to + vice, the rose trodden under foot in the mud? Is the human heart that you + desire, worth an Uarda? Now go, and to-morrow come again to me your friend + who understands how to sympathize with all you feel, and to whom you have + approached so much the nearer to-day that you have learned to share his + purest happiness.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur held out his hand to the physician, who held it some time, then + went thoughtfully and lingeringly, unmindful of the burning glow of the + mid-day sun, over the mountain into the valley of the king’s graves + towards the hut of the paraschites. + </p> + <p> + Here he found the soldier with his daughter. “Where is the old man?” he + asked anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “He has gone to his work in the house of the embalmer,” was the answer. + “If anything should happen to him he bade me tell you not to forget the + writing and the book. He was as though out of his mind when he left us, + and put the ram’s heart in his bag and took it with him. Do you remain + with the little one; my mother is at work, and I must go with the + prisoners of war to Harmontis.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + While the two friends from the House of Seti were engaged in conversation, + Katuti restlessly paced the large open hall of her son-in-law’s house, in + which we have already seen her. A snow-white cat followed her steps, now + playing with the hem of her long plain dress, and now turning to a large + stand on which the dwarf Nemu sat in a heap; where formerly a silver + statue had stood, which a few months previously had been sold. + </p> + <p> + He liked this place, for it put him in a position to look into the eyes of + his mistress and other frill-grown people. “If you have betrayed me! If + you have deceived me!” said Katuti with a threatening gesture as she + passed his perch. + </p> + <p> + “Put me on a hook to angle for a crocodile if I have. But I am curious to + know how he will offer you the money.” + </p> + <p> + “You swore to me,” interrupted his mistress with feverish agitation, “that + you had not used my name in asking Paaker to save us?” + </p> + <p> + “A thousand times I swear it,” said the little man. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I repeat all our conversation? I tell thee he will sacrifice his + land, and his house-great gate and all, for one friendly glance from + Nefert’s eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “If only Mena loved her as he does!” sighed the widow, and then again she + walked up and down the hall in silence, while the dwarf looked out at the + garden entrance. Suddenly she paused in front of Nemu, and said so + hoarsely that Nemu shuddered: + </p> + <p> + “I wish she were a widow.” “The little man made a gesture as if to protect + himself from the evil eye, but at the same instant he slipped down from + his pedestal, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “There is a chariot, and I hear his big dog barking. It is he. Shall I + call Nefert?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” said Katuti in a low voice, and she clutched at the back of a chair + as if for support. + </p> + <p> + The dwarf shrugged his shoulders, and slunk behind a clump of ornamental + plants, and a few minutes later Paaker stood in the presence of Katuti, + who greeted him, with quiet dignity and self-possession. + </p> + <p> + Not a feature of her finely-cut face betrayed her inward agitation, and + after the Mohar had greeted her she said with rather patronizing + friendliness: + </p> + <p> + “I thought that you would come. Take a seat. Your heart is like your + father’s; now that you are friends with us again it is not by halves.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker had come to offer his aunt the sum which was necessary for the + redemption of her husband’s mummy. He had doubted for a long time whether + he should not leave this to his mother, but reserve partly and partly + vanity had kept him from doing so. He liked to display his wealth, and + Katuti should learn what he could do, what a son-in-law she had rejected. + </p> + <p> + He would have preferred to send the gold, which he had resolved to give + away, by the hand of one of his slaves, like a tributary prince. But that + could not be done so he put on his finger a ring set with a valuable + stone, which king Seti I., had given to his father, and added various + clasps and bracelets to his dress. + </p> + <p> + When, before leaving the house, he looked at himself in a mirror, he said + to himself with some satisfaction, that he, as he stood, was worth as much + as the whole of Mena’s estates. + </p> + <p> + Since his conversation with Nemu, and the dwarf’s interpretation of his + dream, the path which he must tread to reach his aim had been plain before + him. Nefert’s mother must be won with the gold which would save her from + disgrace, and Mena must be sent to the other world. He relied chiefly on + his own reckless obstinacy—which he liked to call firm determination—Nemu’s + cunning, and the love-philter. + </p> + <p> + He now approached Katuti with the certainty of success, like a merchant + who means to acquire some costly object, and feels that he is rich enough + to pay for it. But his aunt’s proud and dignified manner confounded him. + </p> + <p> + He had pictured her quite otherwise, spirit-broken, and suppliant; and he + had expected, and hoped to earn, Nefert’s thanks as well as her mother’s + by his generosity. Mena’s pretty wife was however absent, and Katuti did + not send for her even after he had enquired after her health. + </p> + <p> + The widow made no advances, and some time passed in indifferent + conversation, till Paaker abruptly informed her that he had heard of her + son’s reckless conduct, and had decided, as being his mother’s nearest + relation, to preserve her from the degradation that threatened her. For + the sake of his bluntness, which she took for honesty, Katuti forgave the + magnificence of his dress, which under the circumstances certainly seemed + ill-chosen; she thanked him with dignity, but warmly, more for the sake of + her children than for her own; for life she said was opening before them, + while for her it was drawing to its close. + </p> + <p> + “You are still at a good time of life,” said Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps at the best,” replied the widow, “at any rate from my point of + view; regarding life as I do as a charge, a heavy responsibility.” + </p> + <p> + “The administration of this involved estate must give you many, anxious + hours—that I understand.” Katuti nodded, and then said sadly: + </p> + <p> + “I could bear it all, if I were not condemned to see my poor child being + brought to misery without being able to help her or advise her. You once + would willingly have married her, and I ask you, was there a maiden in + Thebes—nay in all Egypt—to compare with her for beauty? Was + she not worthy to be loved, and is she not so still? Does she deserve that + her husband should leave her to starve, neglect her, and take a strange + woman into his tent as if he had repudiated her? I see what you feel about + it! You throw all the blame on me. Your heart says: ‘Why did she break off + our betrothal,’ and your right feeling tells you that you would have given + her a happier lot.” + </p> + <p> + With these words Katuti took her nephew’s hand, and went on with + increasing warmth. + </p> + <p> + “We know you to-day for the most magnanimous man in Thebes, for you have + requited injustice with an immense benefaction; but even as a boy you were + kind and noble. Your father’s wish has always been dear and sacred to me, + for during his lifetime he always behaved to us as an affectionate + brother, and I would sooner have sown the seeds of sorrow for myself than + for your mother, my beloved sister. I brought up my child—I guarded + her jealously—for the young hero who was absent, proving his valor + in Syria—for you and for you only. Then your father died, my sole + stay and protector.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it all!” interrupted Paaker looking gloomily at the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Who should have told you?” said the widow. “For your mother, when that + had happened which seemed incredible, forbid us her house, and shut her + ears. The king himself urged Mena’s suit, for he loves him as his own son, + and when I represented your prior claim he commanded;—and who may + resist the commands of the sovereign of two worlds, the Son of Ra? Kings + have short memories; how often did your father hazard his life for him, + how many wounds had he received in his service. For your father’s sake he + might have spared you such an affront, and such pain.” + </p> + <p> + “And have I myself served him, or not?” asked the pioneer flushing darkly. + </p> + <p> + “He knows you less,” returned Katuti apologetically. Then she changed her + tone to one of sympathy, and went on: + </p> + <p> + “How was it that you, young as you were, aroused his dissatisfaction, his + dislike, nay his—” + </p> + <p> + “His what?” asked the pioneer, trembling with excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Let that pass!” said the widow soothingly. “The favor and disfavor of + kings are as those of the Gods. Men rejoice in the one or bow to the + other.” + </p> + <p> + “What feeling have I aroused in Rameses besides dissatisfaction, and + dislike? I insist on knowing!” said Paaker with increasing vehemence. + </p> + <p> + “You alarm me,” the widow declared. “And in speaking ill of you, his only + motive was to raise his favorite in Nefert’s estimation.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what he said!” cried the pioneer; cold drops stood on his brown + forehead, and his glaring eyes showed the white eye-balls. + </p> + <p> + Katuti quailed before him, and drew back, but he followed her, seized her + arm, and said huskily: + </p> + <p> + “What did he say?” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker!” cried the widow in pain and indignation. “Let me go. It is + better for you that I should not repeat the words with which Rameses + sought to turn Nefert’s heart from you. Let me go, and remember to whom + you are speaking.” + </p> + <p> + But Paaker gripped her elbow the tighter, and urgently repeated his + question. + </p> + <p> + “Shame upon you!” cried Katuti, “you are hurting me; let me go! You will + not till you have heard what he said? Have your own way then, but the + words are forced from me! He said that if he did not know your mother + Setchem for an honest woman, he never would have believed you were your + father’s son—for you were no more like him than an owl to an eagle.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker took his hand from Katuti’s arm. “And so—and so—” he + muttered with pale lips. + </p> + <p> + “Nefert took your part, and I too, but in vain. Do not take the words too + hardly. Your father was a man without an equal, and Rameses cannot forget + that we are related to the old royal house. His grandfather, his father, + and himself are usurpers, and there is one now living who has a better + right to the throne than he has.” + </p> + <p> + “The Regent Ani!” exclaimed Paaker decisively. Katuti nodded, she went up + to the pioneer and said in a whisper: + </p> + <p> + “I put myself in your hands, though I know they may be raised against me. + But you are my natural ally, for that same act of Rameses that disgraced + and injured you, made me a partner in the designs of Ani. The king robbed + you of your bride, me of my daughter. He filled your soul with hatred for + your arrogant rival, and mine with passionate regret for the lost + happiness of my child. I feel the blood of Hatasu in my veins, and my + spirit is high enough to govern men. It was I who roused the sleeping + ambition of the Regent—I who directed his gaze to the throne to + which he was destined by the Gods. The ministers of the Gods, the priests, + are favorably disposed to us; we have—” + </p> + <p> + At this moment there was a commotion in the garden, and a breathless slave + rushed in exclaiming “The Regent is at the gate!” + </p> + <p> + Paaker stood in stupid perplexity, but he collected himself with an effort + and would have gone, but Katuti detained him. + </p> + <p> + “I will go forward to meet Ani,” she said. “He will be rejoiced to see + you, for he esteems you highly and was a friend of your father’s.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Katuti had left the hall, the dwarf Nemu crept out of his + hiding-place, placed himself in front of Paaker, and asked boldly: + </p> + <p> + “Well? Did I give thee good advice yesterday, or no?” + </p> + <p> + Put Paaker did not answer him, he pushed him aside with his foot, and + walked up and down in deep thought. + </p> + <p> + Katuti met the Regent half way down the garden. He held a manuscript roll + in his hand, and greeted her from afar with a friendly wave of his hand. + </p> + <p> + The widow looked at him with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to her that he had grown taller and younger since the last time + she had seen him. + </p> + <p> + “Hail to your highness!” she cried, half in joke half reverently, and she + raised her hands in supplication, as if he already wore the double crown + of Upper and Lower Egypt. “Have the nine Gods met you? have the Hathors + kissed you in your slumbers? This is a white day—a lucky day—I + read it in your face!” “That is reading a cipher!” said Ani gaily, but + with dignity. “Read this despatch.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti took the roll from his hand, read it through, and then returned it. + </p> + <p> + “The troops you equipped have conquered the allied armies of the + Ethiopians,” she said gravely, “and are bringing their prince in fetters + to Thebes, with endless treasure, and ten thousand prisoners! The Gods be + praised!” + </p> + <p> + “And above all things I thank the Gods that my general Scheschenk—my + foster-brother and friend—is returning well and unwounded from the + war. I think, Katuti, that the figures in our dreams are this day taking + forms of flesh and blood!” + </p> + <p> + “They are growing to the stature of heroes!” cried the widow. “And you + yourself, my lord, have been stirred by the breath of the Divinity. You + walk like the worthy son of Ra, the Courage of Menth beams in your eyes, + and you smile like the victorious Horus.” + </p> + <p> + “Patience, patience my friend,” said Ani, moderating the eagerness of the + widow; “now, more than ever, we must cling to my principle of + over-estimating the strength of our opponents, and underrating our own. + Nothing has succeeded on which I had counted, and on the contrary many + things have justified my fears that they would fail. The beginning of the + end is hardly dawning on us.” + </p> + <p> + “But successes, like misfortunes, never come singly,” replied Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you,” said Ani. “The events of life seem to me to fall in + groups. Every misfortune brings its fellow with it—like every piece + of luck. Can you tell me of a second success?” + </p> + <p> + “Women win no battles,” said the widow smiling. “But they win allies, and + I have gained a powerful one.” + </p> + <p> + “A God or an army?” asked Ani. + </p> + <p> + “Something between the two,” she replied. “Paaker, the king’s chief + pioneer, has joined us;” and she briefly related to Ani the history of her + nephew’s love and hatred. + </p> + <p> + Ani listened in silence; then he said with an expression of much disquiet + and anxiety: + </p> + <p> + “This man is a follower of Rameses, and must shortly return to him. Many + may guess at our projects, but every additional person who knows them may + be come a traitor. You are urging me, forcing me, forward too soon. A + thousand well-prepared enemies are less dangerous than one untrustworthy + ally—” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker is secured to us,” replied Katuti positively. “Who will answer for + him?” asked Ani. + </p> + <p> + “His life shall be in your hand,” replied Katuti gravely. “My shrewd + little dwarf Nemu knows that he has committed some secret crime, which the + law punishes by death.” + </p> + <p> + The Regent’s countenance cleared. + </p> + <p> + “That alters the matter,” he said with satisfaction. “Has he committed a + murder?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Katuti, “but Nemu has sworn to reveal to you alone all that he + knows. He is wholly devoted to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Well and good,” said Ani thoughtfully, “but he too is imprudent—much + too imprudent. You are like a rider, who to win a wager urges his horse to + leap over spears. If he falls on the points, it is he that suffers; you + let him lie there, and go on your way.” + </p> + <p> + “Or are impaled at the same time as the noble horse,” said Katuti gravely. + “You have more to win, and at the same time more to lose than we; but the + meanest clings to life; and I must tell you, Ani, that I work for you, not + to win any thing through your success, but because you are as dear to me + as a brother, and because I see in you the embodiment of my father’s + claims which have been trampled on.” + </p> + <p> + Ani gave her his hand and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Did you also as my friend speak to Bent-Anat? Do I interpret your silence + rightly?” + </p> + <p> + Katuti sadly shook her head; but Ani went on: “Yesterday that would have + decided me to give her up; but to-day my courage has risen, and if the + Hathors be my friends I may yet win her.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he went in advance of the widow into the hall, where + Paaker was still walking uneasily up and down. + </p> + <p> + The pioneer bowed low before the Regent, who returned the greeting with a + half-haughty, half-familiar wave of the hand, and when he had seated + himself in an arm-chair politely addressed Paaker as the son of a friend, + and a relation of his family. + </p> + <p> + “All the world,” he said, “speaks of your reckless courage. Men like you + are rare; I have none such attached to me. I wish you stood nearer to me; + but Rameses will not part with you, although—although—In point + of fact your office has two aspects; it requires the daring of a soldier, + and the dexterity of a scribe. No one denies that you have the first, but + the second—the sword and the reed-pen are very different weapons, + one requires supple fingers, the other a sturdy fist. The king used to + complain of your reports—is he better satisfied with them now?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” replied the Mohar; “my brother Horus is a practised writer, + and accompanies me in my journeys.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well,” said Ani. “If I had the management of affairs I should + treble your staff, and give you four—five—six scribes under + you, who should be entirely at your command, and to whom you could give + the materials for the reports to be sent out. Your office demands that you + should be both brave and circumspect; these characteristics are rarely + united; but there are scriveners by hundreds in the temples.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems to me,” said Paaker. + </p> + <p> + Ani looked down meditatively, and continued—“Rameses is fond of + comparing you with your father. That is unfair, for he—who is now + with the justified—was without an equal; at once the bravest of + heroes and the most skilful of scribes. You are judged unjustly; and it + grieves me all the more that you belong, through your mother, to my poor + but royal house. We will see whether I cannot succeed in putting you in + the right place. For the present you are required in Syria almost as soon + as you have got home. You have shown that you are a man who does not fear + death, and who can render good service, and you might now enjoy your + wealth in peace with your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “I am alone,” said Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “Then, if you come home again, let Katuti seek you out the prettiest wife + in Egypt,” said the Regent smiling. “She sees herself every day in her + mirror, and must be a connoisseur in the charms of women.” + </p> + <p> + Ani rose with these words, bowed to Paaker with studied friendliness, gave + his hand to Katuti, and said as he left the hall: + </p> + <p> + “Send me to-day the—the handkerchief—by the dwarf Nemu.” + </p> + <p> + When he was already in the garden, he turned once more and said to Paaker + </p> + <p> + “Some friends are supping with me to-day; pray let me see you too.” + </p> + <p> + The pioneer bowed; he dimly perceived that he was entangled in invisible + toils. Up to the present moment he had been proud of his devotion to his + calling, of his duties as Mohar; and now he had discovered that the king, + whose chain of honor hung round his neck, undervalued him, and perhaps + only suffered him to fill his arduous and dangerous post for the sake of + his father, while he, notwithstanding the temptations offered him in + Thebes by his wealth, had accepted it willingly and disinterestedly. He + knew that his skill with the pen was small, but that was no reason why he + should be despised; often had he wished that he could reconstitute his + office exactly as Ani had suggested, but his petition to be allowed a + secretary had been rejected by Rameses. What he spied out, he was told was + to be kept secret, and no one could be responsible for the secrecy of + another. + </p> + <p> + As his brother Horus grew up, he had followed him as his obedient + assistant, even after he had married a wife, who, with her child, remained + in Thebes under the care of Setchem. + </p> + <p> + He was now filling Paaker’s place in Syria during his absence; badly + enough, as the pioneer thought, and yet not without credit; for the fellow + knew how to write smooth words with a graceful pen. + </p> + <p> + Paaker, accustomed to solitude, became absorbed in thought, forgetting + everything that surrounded him; even the widow herself, who had sunk on to + a couch, and was observing him in silence. + </p> + <p> + He gazed into vacancy, while a crowd of sensations rushed confusedly + through his brain. He thought himself cruelly ill-used, and he felt too + that it was incumbent on him to become the instrument of a terrible fate + to some other person. All was dim ‘and chaotic in his mind, his love + merged in his hatred; only one thing was clear and unclouded by doubt, and + that was his strong conviction that Nefert would be his. + </p> + <p> + The Gods indeed were in deep disgrace with him. How much he had expended + upon them—and with what a grudging hand they had rewarded him; he + knew of but one indemnification for his wasted life, and in that he + believed so firmly that he counted on it as if it were capital which he + had invested in sound securities. But at this moment his resentful + feelings embittered the sweet dream of hope, and he strove in vain for + calmness and clear-sightedness; when such cross-roads as these met, no + amulet, no divining rod could guide him; here he must think for himself, + and beat his own road before he could walk in it; and yet he could think + out no plan, and arrive at no decision. + </p> + <p> + He grasped his burning forehead in his hands, and started from his + brooding reverie, to remember where he was, to recall his conversation + with the mother of the woman he loved, and her saying that she was capable + of guiding men. + </p> + <p> + “She perhaps may be able to think for me,” he muttered to himself. “Action + suits me better.” + </p> + <p> + He slowly went up to her and said: + </p> + <p> + “So it is settled then—we are confederates.” + </p> + <p> + “Against Rameses, and for Ani,” she replied, giving him her slender hand. + </p> + <p> + “In a few days I start for Syria, meanwhile you can make up your mind what + commissions you have to give me. The money for your son shall be conveyed + to you to-day before sunset. May I not pay my respects to Nefert?” + </p> + <p> + “Not now, she is praying in the temple.” + </p> + <p> + “But to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, my dear friend. She will be delighted to see you, and to thank + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Katuti.” + </p> + <p> + “Call me mother,” said the widow, and she waved her veil to him as a last + farewell. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as Paaker had disappeared behind the shrubs, Katuti struck a + little sheet of metal, a slave appeared, and Katuti asked her whether + Nefert had returned from the temple. + </p> + <p> + “Her litter is just now at the side gate,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “I await her here,” said the widow. The slave went away, and a few minutes + later Nefert entered the hall. + </p> + <p> + “You want me?” she said; and after kissing her mother she sank upon her + couch. “I am tired,” she exclaimed, “Nemu, take a fan and keep the flies + off me.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf sat down on a cushion by her couch, and began to wave the + semi-circular fan of ostrich-feathers; but Katuti put him aside and said: + </p> + <p> + “You can leave us for the present; we want to speak to each other in + private.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf shrugged his shoulders and got up, but Nefert looked at her + mother with an irresistible appeal. + </p> + <p> + “Let him stay,” she said, as pathetically as if her whole happiness + depended upon it. “The flies torment me so, and Nemu always holds his + tongue.” + </p> + <p> + She patted the dwarf’s big head as if he were a lap-dog, and called the + white cat, which with a graceful leap sprang on to her shoulder and stood + there with its back arched, to be stroked by her slender fingers. + </p> + <p> + Nemu looked enquiringly at his mistress, but Katuti turned to her + daughter, and said in a warning voice: + </p> + <p> + “I have very serious things to discuss with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” said her daughter, “but I cannot be stung by the flies all the + same. Of course, if you wish it—” + </p> + <p> + “Nemu may stay then,” said Katuti, and her voice had the tone of that of a + nurse who gives way to a naughty child. “Besides, he knows what I have to + talk about.” + </p> + <p> + “There now!” said Nefert, kissing the head of the white cat, and she gave + the fan back to the dwarf. + </p> + <p> + The widow looked at her daughter with sincere compassion, she went up to + her and looked for the thousandth time in admiration at her pretty face. + </p> + <p> + “Poor child,” she sighed, “how willingly I would spare you the frightful + news which sooner or later you must hear—must bear. Leave off your + foolish play with the cat, I have things of the most hideous gravity to + tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on,” replied Nefert. “To-day I cannot fear the worst. Mena’s star, + the haruspex told me, stands under the sign of happiness, and I enquired + of the oracle in the temple of Besa, and heard that my husband is + prospering. I have prayed in the temple till I am quite content. Only + speak!—I know my brother’s letter from the camp had no good news in + it; the evening before last I saw you had been crying, and yesterday you + did not look well; even the pomegranate flowers in your hair did not suit + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Your brother,” sighed Katuti, “has occasioned me great trouble, and we + might through him have suffered deep dishonor—” + </p> + <p> + “We-dishonor?” exclaimed Nefert, and she nervously clutched at the cat. + </p> + <p> + “Your brother lost enormous sums at play; to recover them he pledged the + mummy of your father—” + </p> + <p> + “Horrible!” cried Nefert. “We must appeal at once to the king;—I + will write to him myself; for Mena’s sake he will hear me. Rameses is + great and noble, and will not let a house that is faithfully devoted to + him fall into disgrace through the reckless folly of a boy. Certainly I + will write to him.” + </p> + <p> + She said this in a voice of most childlike confidence, and desired Nemu to + wave the fan more gently, as if this concern were settled. + </p> + <p> + In Katuti’s heart surprise and indignation at the unnatural indifference + of her daughter were struggling together; but she withheld all blame, and + said carelessly: + </p> + <p> + “We are already released, for my nephew Paaker, as soon as he heard what + threatened us, offered me his help; freely and unprompted, from pure + goodness of heart and attachment.” + </p> + <p> + “How good of Paaker!” cried Nefert. “He was so fond of me, and you know, + mother, I always stood up for him. No doubt it was for my sake that he + behaved so generously!” + </p> + <p> + The young wife laughed, and pulling the cat’s face close to her own, held + her nose to its cool little nose, stared into its green eyes, and said, + imitating childish talk: + </p> + <p> + “There now, pussy—how kind people are to your little mistress.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti was vexed daughter’s childish impulses. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” she said, “that you might leave off playing and trifling + when I am talking of such serious matters. I have long since observed that + the fate of the house to which your father and mother belong is a matter + of perfect indifference to you; and yet you would have to seek shelter and + protection under its roof if your husband—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, mother?” asked Nefert breathing more quickly. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Katuti perceived her daughter’s agitation she regretted that + she had not more gently led up to the news she had to break to her; for + she loved her daughter, and knew that it would give her keen pain. + </p> + <p> + So she went on more sympathetically: + </p> + <p> + “You boasted in joke that people are good to you, and it is true; you win + hearts by your mere being—by only being what you are. And Mena too + loved you tenderly; but ‘absence,’ says the proverb, ‘is the one real + enemy,’ and Mena—” + </p> + <p> + “What has Mena done?” Once more Nefert interrupted her mother, and her + nostrils quivered. + </p> + <p> + “Mena,” said Katuti, decidedly, “has violated the truth and esteem which + he owes you—he has trodden them under foot, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Mena?” exclaimed the young wife with flashing eyes; she flung the cat on + the floor, and sprang from her couch. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—Mena,” said Katuti firmly. “Your brother writes that he would + have neither silver nor gold for his spoil, but took the fair daughter of + the prince of the Danaids into his tent. The ignoble wretch!” + </p> + <p> + “Ignoble wretch!” cried Nefert, and two or three times she repeated her + mother’s last words. Katuti drew back in horror, for her gentle, docile, + childlike daughter stood before her absolutely transfigured beyond all + recognition. + </p> + <p> + She looked like a beautiful demon of revenge; her eyes sparkled, her + breath came quickly, her limbs quivered, and with extraordinary strength + and rapidity she seized the dwarf by the hand, led him to the door of one + of the rooms which opened out of the hall, threw it open, pushed the + little man over the threshold, and closed it sharply upon him; then with + white lips she came up to her mother. + </p> + <p> + “An ignoble wretch did you call him?” she cried out with a hoarse husky + voice, “an ignoble wretch! Take back your words, mother, take back your + words, or—” + </p> + <p> + Katuti turned paler and paler, and said soothingly: + </p> + <p> + “The words may sound hard, but he has broken faith with you, and openly + dishonored you.” + </p> + <p> + “And shall I believe it?” said Nefert with a scornful laugh. “Shall I + believe it, because a scoundrel has written it, who has pawned his + father’s body and the honor of big family; because it is told you by that + noble and brave gentleman! why a box on the ears from Mena would be the + death of him. Look at me, mother, here are my eyes, and if that table + there were Mena’s tent, and you were Mena, and you took the fairest woman + living by the hand and led her into it, and these eyes saw it—aye, + over and over again—I would laugh at it—as I laugh at it now; + and I should say, ‘Who knows what he may have to give her, or to say to + her,’ and not for one instant would I doubt his truth; for your son is + false and Mena is true. Osiris broke faith with Isis—but Mena may be + favored by a hundred women—he will take none to his tent but me!” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your belief,” said Katuti bitterly, “but leave me mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Yours?” said Nefert, and her flushed cheeks turned pale again. “What do + you believe? You listen to the worst and basest things that can be said of + a man who has overloaded you with benefits! A wretch, bah! an ignoble + wretch? Is that what you call a man who lets you dispose of his estate as + you please!” + </p> + <p> + “Nefert,” cried Katuti angrily, “I will—” + </p> + <p> + “Do what you will,” interrupted her indignant daughter, “but do not vilify + the generous man who has never hindered you from throwing away his + property on your son’s debts and your own ambition. Since the day before + yesterday I have learned that we are not rich; and I have reflected, and I + have asked myself what has become of our corn and our cattle, of our sheep + and the rents from the farmers. The wretch’s estate was not so + contemptible; but I tell you plainly I should be unworthy to be the wife + of the noble Mena if I allowed any one to vilify his name under his own + roof. Hold to your belief, by all means, but one of us must quit this + house—you or I.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Nefert broke into passionate sobs, threw herself on her + knees by her couch, hid her face in the cushions, and wept convulsively + and without intermission. + </p> + <p> + Katuti stood behind her, startled, trembling, and not knowing what to say. + Was this her gentle, dreamy daughter? Had ever a daughter dared to speak + thus to her mother? But was she right or was Nefert? This question was the + pressing one; she knelt down by the side of the young wife, put her arm + round her, drew her head against her bosom, and whispered pitifully: + </p> + <p> + “You cruel, hard-hearted child; forgive your poor, miserable mother, and + do not make the measure of her wretchedness overflow.” + </p> + <p> + Then Nefert rose, kissed her mother’s hand, and went silently into her own + room. + </p> + <p> + Katuti remained alone; she felt as if a dead hand held her heart in its + icy grasp, and she muttered to herself: + </p> + <p> + “Ani is right—nothing turns to good excepting that from which we + expect the worst.” + </p> + <p> + She held her hand to her head, as if she had heard something too strange + to be believed. Her heart went after her daughter, but instead of + sympathizing with her she collected all her courage, and deliberately + recalled all the reproaches that Nefert had heaped upon her. She did not + spare herself a single word, and finally she murmured to herself: “She can + spoil every thing. For Mena’s sake she will sacrifice me and the whole + world; Mena and Rameses are one, and if she discovers what we are plotting + she will betray us without a moment’s hesitation. Hitherto all has gone on + without her seeing it, but to-day something has been unsealed in her—an + eye, a tongue, an ear, which have hitherto been closed. She is like a deaf + and dumb person, who by a sudden fright is restored to speech and hearing. + My favorite child will become the spy of my actions, and my judge.” + </p> + <p> + She gave no utterance to the last words, but she seemed to hear them with + her inmost ear; the voice that could speak to her thus, startled and + frightened her, and solitude was in itself a torture; she called the + dwarf, and desired him to have her litter prepared, as she intended going + to the temple, and visiting the wounded who had been sent home from Syria. + </p> + <p> + “And the handkerchief for the Regent?” asked the little man. + </p> + <p> + “It was a pretext,” said Katuti. “He wishes to speak to you about the + matter which you know of with regard to Paaker. What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not ask,” replied Nemu, “I ought not to betray it. By Besa, who + protects us dwarfs, it is better that thou shouldst never know it.” + </p> + <p> + “For to-day I have learned enough that is new to me,” retorted Katuti. + “Now go to Ani, and if you are able to throw Paaker entirely into his + power—good—I will give—but what have I to give away? I + will be grateful to you; and when we have gained our end I will set you + free and make you rich.” + </p> + <p> + Nemu kissed her robe, and said in a low voice: “What is the end?” + </p> + <p> + “You know what Ani is striving for,” answered the widow. “And I have but + one wish!” + </p> + <p> + “And that is?” + </p> + <p> + “To see Paaker in Mena’s place.” + </p> + <p> + “Then our wishes are the same,” said the dwarf and he left the Hall. + </p> + <p> + Katuti looked after him and muttered: + </p> + <p> + “It must be so. For if every thing remains as it was and Mena comes home + and demands a reckoning—it is not to be thought of! It must not be!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + As Nemu, on his way back from his visit to Ani, approached his mistress’s + house, he was detained by a boy, who desired him to follow him to the + stranger’s quarter. Seeing him hesitate, the messenger showed him the ring + of his mother Hekt, who had come into the town on business, and wanted to + speak with him. + </p> + <p> + Nemu was tired, for he was not accustomed to walking; his ass was dead, + and Katuti could not afford to give him another. Half of Mena’s beasts had + been sold, and the remainder barely sufficed for the field-labor. + </p> + <p> + At the corners of the busiest streets, and on the market-places, stood + boys with asses which they hired out for a small sum; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In the streets of modern Egyptian towns asses stand saddled for + hire. On the monuments only foreigners are represented as riding on + asses, but these beasts are mentioned in almost every list of the + possessions of the nobles, even in very early times, and the number + is often considerable. There is a picture extant of a rich old man + who rides on a seat supported on the backs of two donkeys. Lepsius, + Denkmaler, part ii. 126.] +</pre> + <p> + but Nemu had parted with his last money for a garment and a new wig, so + that he might appear worthily attired before the Regent. In former times + his pocket had never been empty, for Mena had thrown him many a ring of + silver, or even of gold, but his restless and ambitious spirit wasted no + regrets on lost luxuries. He remembered those years of superfluity with + contempt, and as he puffed and panted on his way through the dust, he felt + himself swell with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + The Regent had admitted him to a private interview, and the little man had + soon succeeded in riveting his attention; Ani had laughed till the tears + rolled down his cheeks at Nemu’s description of Paaker’s wild passion, and + he had proved himself in earnest over the dwarf’s further communications, + and had met his demands half-way. Nemu felt like a duck hatched on dry + land, and put for the first time into water; like a bird hatched in a + cage, and that for the first time is allowed to spread its wings and fly. + He would have swum or have flown willingly to death if circumstances had + not set a limit to his zeal and energy. + </p> + <p> + Bathed in sweat and coated with dust, he at last reached the gay tent in + the stranger’s quarter, where the sorceress Hekt was accustomed to alight + when she came over to Thebes. + </p> + <p> + He was considering far-reaching projects, dreaming of possibilities, + devising subtle plans—rejecting them as too subtle, and supplying + their place with others more feasible and less dangerous; altogether the + little diplomatist had no mind for the motley tribes which here surrounded + him. He had passed the temple in which the people of Kaft adored their + goddess Astarte, and the sanctuary of Seth, where they sacrificed to Baal, + without letting himself be disturbed by the dancing devotees or the noise + of cymbals and music which issued from their enclosures. The tents and + slightly-built wooden houses of the dancing girls did not tempt him. + Besides their inhabitants, who in the evening tricked themselves out in + tinsel finery to lure the youth of Thebes into extravagance and folly, and + spent their days in sleeping till sun-down, only the gambling booths drove + a brisk business; and the guard of police had much trouble to restrain the + soldier, who had staked and lost all his prize money, or the sailor, who + thought himself cheated, from such outbreaks of rage and despair as must + end in bloodshed. Drunken men lay in front of the taverns, and others were + doing their utmost, by repeatedly draining their beakers, to follow their + example. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was yet to be seen of the various musicians, jugglers, + fire-eaters, serpent-charmers, and conjurers, who in the evening displayed + their skill in this part of the town, which at all times had the aspect of + a never ceasing fair. But these delights, which Nemu had passed a thousand + times, had never had any temptation for him. Women and gambling were not + to his taste; that which could be had simply for the taking, without + trouble or exertion, offered no charms to his fancy, he had no fear of the + ridicule of the dancing-women, and their associates—indeed, he + occasionally sought them, for he enjoyed a war of words, and he was of + opinion that no one in Thebes could beat him at having the last word. + Other people, indeed, shared this opinion, and not long before Paaker’s + steward had said of Nemu: + </p> + <p> + “Our tongues are cudgels, but the little one’s is a dagger.” + </p> + <p> + The destination of the dwarf was a very large and gaudy tent, not in any + way distinguished from a dozen others in its neighborhood. The opening + which led into it was wide, but at present closed by a hanging of coarse + stuff. + </p> + <p> + Nemu squeezed himself in between the edge of the tent and the yielding + door, and found himself in an almost circular tent with many angles, and + with its cone-shaped roof supported on a pole by way of a pillar. + </p> + <p> + Pieces of shabby carpet lay on the dusty soil that was the floor of the + tent, and on these squatted some gaily-clad girls, whom an old woman was + busily engaged in dressing. She painted the finger and toenails of the + fair ones with orange-colored Hennah, blackened their brows and eye-lashes + with Mestem—[Antimony.]—to give brilliancy to their glance, + painted their cheeks with white and red, and anointed their hair with + scented oil. + </p> + <p> + It was very hot in the tent, and not one of the girls spoke a word; they + sat perfectly still before the old woman, and did not stir a finger, + excepting now and then to take up one of the porous clay pitchers, which + stood on the ground, for a draught of water, or to put a pill of Kyphi + between their painted lips. + </p> + <p> + Various musical instruments leaned against the walls of the tent, + hand-drums, pipes and lutes and four tambourines lay on the ground; on the + vellum of one slept a cat, whose graceful kittens played with the bells in + the hoop of another. + </p> + <p> + An old negro-woman went in and out of the little back-door of the tent, + pursued by flies and gnats, while she cleared away a variety of earthen + dishes with the remains of food—pomegranate-peelings, breadcrumbs, + and garlic-tops—which had been lying on one of the carpets for some + hours since the girls had finished their dinner. + </p> + <p> + Old Hekt sat apart from the girls on a painted trunk, and she was saying, + as she took a parcel from her wallet: + </p> + <p> + “Here, take this incense, and burn six seeds of it, and the vermin will + all disappear—” she pointed to the flies that swarmed round the + platter in her hand. “If you like I will drive away the mice too and draw + the snakes out of their holes better than the priests.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Recipes for exterminating noxious creatures are found in the + papyrus in my possession.] +</pre> + <p> + “Keep your magic to yourself,” said a girl in a husky voice. “Since you + muttered your words over me, and gave me that drink to make me grow slight + and lissom again, I have been shaken to pieces with a cough at night, and + turn faint when I am dancing.” + </p> + <p> + “But look how slender you have grown,” answered Hekt, “and your cough will + soon be well.” + </p> + <p> + “When I am dead,” whispered the girl to the old woman. “I know that most + of us end so.” + </p> + <p> + The witch shrugged her shoulders, and perceiving the dwarf she rose from + her seat. + </p> + <p> + The girls too noticed the little man, and set up the indescribable cry, + something like the cackle of hens, which is peculiar to Eastern women when + something tickles their fancy. Nemu was well known to them, for his mother + always stayed in their tent whenever she came to Thebes, and the gayest of + them cried out: + </p> + <p> + “You are grown, little man, since the last time you were here.” + </p> + <p> + “So are you,” said the dwarf sharply; “but only as far as big words are + concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are as wicked as you are small,” retorted the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Then my wickedness is small too,” said the dwarf laughing, “for I am + little enough! Good morning, girls—may Besa help your beauty. Good + day, mother—you sent for me?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman nodded; the dwarf perched himself on the chest beside her, + and they began to whisper together. + </p> + <p> + “How dusty and tired you are,” said Hekt. I do believe you have come on + foot in the burning sun.” + </p> + <p> + “My ass is dead,” replied Nemu, “and I have no money to hire a steed.” + </p> + <p> + “A foretaste of future splendor,” said the old woman with a sneer. “What + have you succeeded in doing?” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker has saved us,” replied Nemu, “and I have just come from a long + interview with the Regent.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “He will renew your letter of freedom, if you will put Paaker into his + power.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-good. I wish he would make up his mind to come and seek me—in + disguise, of course—I would—” + </p> + <p> + “He is very timid, and it would not suggest to him anything so + unpracticable.” + </p> + <p> + “Hm—” said Hekt, “perhaps you are right, for when we have to demand + a good deal it is best only to ask for what is feasible. One rash request + often altogether spoils the patron’s inclination for granting favors.” + </p> + <p> + “What else has occurred?” + </p> + <p> + “The Regent’s army has conquered the Ethiopians, and is coming home with + rich spoils.” + </p> + <p> + “People may be bought with treasure,” muttered the old woman, “I good—good!” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker’s sword is sharpened; I would give no more for my master’s life, + than I have in my pocket—and you know why I came on foot through the + dust.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can ride home again,” replied his mother, giving the little man + a small silver ring. “Has the pioneer seen Nefert again?” + </p> + <p> + “Strange things have happened,” said the dwarf, and he told his mother + what had taken place between Katuti and Nefert. Nemu was a good listener, + and had not forgotten a word of what he had heard. + </p> + <p> + The old woman listened to his story with the most eager attention. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” she muttered, “here is another extraordinary thing. What is + common to all men is generally disgustingly similar in the palace and in + the hovel. Mothers are everywhere she-apes, who with pleasure let + themselves be tormented to death by their children, who repay them badly + enough, and the wives generally open their ears wide if any one can tell + them of some misbehavior of their husbands! But that is not the way with + your mistress.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman looked thoughtful, and then she continued: + </p> + <p> + “In point of fact this can be easily explained, and is not at all more + extraordinary than it is that those tired girls should sit yawning. You + told me once that it was a pretty sight to see the mother and daughter + side by side in their chariot when they go to a festival or the Panegyrai; + Katuti, you said, took care that the colors of their dresses and the + flowers in their hair should harmonize. For which of them is the dress + first chosen on such occasions?” + </p> + <p> + “Always for the lady Katuti, who never wears any but certain colors,” + replied Nemu quickly. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said the witch laughing, “Indeed it must be so. That mother + always thinks of herself first, and of the objects she wishes to gain; but + they hang high, and she treads down everything that is in her way—even + her own child—to reach them. She will contrive that Paaker shall be + the ruin of Mena, as sure as I have ears to hear with, for that woman is + capable of playing any tricks with her daughter, and would marry her to + that lame dog yonder if it would advance her ambitious schemes.” + </p> + <p> + “But Nefert!” said Nemu. “You should have seen her. The dove became a + lioness.” + </p> + <p> + “Because she loves Mena as much as her mother loves herself,” answered + Hekt. “As the poets say, ‘she is full of him.’ It is really true of her, + there is no room for any thing else. She cares for one only, and woe to + those who come between him and her!” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen other women in love,” said Nemu, “but—” + </p> + <p> + “But,” exclaimed the old witch with such a sharp laugh that the girls all + looked up, “they behaved differently to Nefert—I believe you, for + there is not one in a thousand that loves as she does. It is a sickness + that gives raging pain—like a poisoned arrow in an open wound, and + devours all that is near it like a fire-brand, and is harder to cure than + the disease which is killing that coughing wench. To be possessed by that + demon of anguish is to suffer the torture of the damned—or else,” + and her voice sank to softness, “to be more blest than the Gods, happy as + they are. I know—I know it all; for I was once one of the possessed, + one of a thousand, and even now—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked the dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “Folly!” muttered the witch, stretching herself as if awaking from sleep. + “Madness! He—is long since dead, and if he were not it would be all + the same to me. All men are alike, and Mena will be like the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “But Paaker surely is governed by the demon you describe?” asked the + dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “May be,” replied his mother; “but he is self-willed to madness. He would + simply give his life for the thing because it is denied him. If your + mistress Nefert were his, perhaps he might be easier; but what is the use + of chattering? I must go over to the gold tent, where everyone goes now + who has any money in their purse, to speak to the mistress—” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with her?” interrupted Nemu. “Little Uarda over there,” + said the old woman, “will soon be quite well again. You have seen her + lately; is she not grown beautiful, wonderfully beautiful? Now I shall see + what the good woman will offer me if I take Uarda to her? the girl is as + light-footed as a gazelle, and with good training would learn to dance in + a very few weeks.” + </p> + <p> + Nemu turned perfectly white. + </p> + <p> + “That you shall not do,” said he positively. + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” asked the old woman, “if it pays well.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I forbid it,” said the dwarf in a choked voice. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me,” laughed the woman; “you want to play my lady Nefert, and + expect me to take the part of her mother Katuti. But, seriously, having + seen the child again, have you any fancy for her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Nemu. “If we gain our end, Katuti will make me free, and + make me rich. Then I will buy Pinem’s grandchild, and take her for my + wife. I will build a house near the hall of justice, and give the + complainants and defendants private advice, like the hunch-back Sent, who + now drives through the streets in his own chariot.” + </p> + <p> + “Hm—” said his mother, “that might have done very well, but perhaps + it is too late. When the child had fever she talked about the young priest + who was sent from the House of Seti by Ameni. He is a fine tall fellow, + and took a great interest in her; he is a gardener’s son, named Pentaur.” + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur?” said the dwarf. “Pentaur? He has the haughty air and the + expression of the old Mohar, and would be sure to rise; but they are going + to break his proud neck for him.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” said the old woman. “Uarda would be just the wife + for you, she is good and steady, and no one knows—” + </p> + <p> + “What?” said Nemu. + </p> + <p> + “Who her mother was—for she was not one of us. She came here from + foreign parts, and when she died she left a trinket with strange letters + on it. We must show it to one of the prisoners of war, after you have got + her safe; perhaps they could make out the queer inscription. She comes of + a good stock, that I am certain; for Uarda is the very living image of her + mother, and as soon as she was born, she looked like the child of a great + man. You smile, you idiot! Why thousands of infants have been in my hands, + and if one was brought to me wrapped in rags I could tell if its parents + were noble or base-born. The shape of the foot shows it—and other + marks. Uarda may stay where she is, and I will help you. If anything new + occurs let me know.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + When Nemu, riding on an ass this time, reached home, he found neither his + mistress nor Nefert within. + </p> + <p> + The former was gone, first to the temple, and then into the town; Nefert, + obeying an irresistible impulse, had gone to her royal friend Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + The king’s palace was more like a little town than a house. The wing in + which the Regent resided, and which we have already visited, lay away from + the river; while the part of the building which was used by the royal + family commanded the Nile. + </p> + <p> + It offered a splendid, and at the same time a pleasing prospect to the + ships which sailed by at its foot, for it stood, not a huge and solitary + mass in the midst of the surrounding gardens, but in picturesque groups of + various outline. On each side of a large structure, which contained the + state rooms and banqueting hall, three rows of pavilions of different + sizes extended in symmetrical order. They were connected with each other + by colonnades, or by little bridges, under which flowed canals, that + watered the gardens and gave the palace-grounds the aspect of a town built + on islands. + </p> + <p> + The principal part of the castle of the Pharaohs was constructed of light + Nile-mud bricks and elegantly carved woodwork, but the extensive walls + which surrounded it were ornamented and fortified with towers, in front of + which heavily armed soldiers stood on guard. + </p> + <p> + The walls and pillars, the galleries and colonnades, even the roofs, + blazed in many colored paints, and at every gate stood tall masts, from + which red and blue flags fluttered when the king was residing there. Now + they stood up with only their brass spikes, which were intended to + intercept and conduct the lightning.—[ According to an inscription + first interpreted by Dumichen.] + </p> + <p> + To the right of the principal building, and entirely surrounded with thick + plantations of trees, stood the houses of the royal ladies, some mirrored + in the lake which they surrounded at a greater or less distance. In this + part of the grounds were the king’s storehouses in endless rows, while + behind the centre building, in which the Pharaoh resided, stood the + barracks for his body guard and the treasuries. The left wing was occupied + by the officers of the household, the innumerable servants and the horses + and chariots of the sovereign. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the absence of the king himself, brisk activity reigned in the + palace of Rameses, for a hundred gardeners watered the turf, the + flower-borders, the shrubs and trees; companies of guards passed hither + and thither; horses were being trained and broken; and the princess’s wing + was as full as a beehive of servants and maids, officers and priests. + </p> + <p> + Nefert was well known in this part of the palace. The gate-keepers let her + litter pass unchallenged, with low bows; once in the garden, a lord in + waiting received her, and conducted her to the chamberlain, who, after a + short delay, introduced her into the sitting-room of the king’s favorite + daughter. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat’s apartment was on the first floor of the pavilion, next to the + king’s residence. Her dead mother had inhabited these pleasant rooms, and + when the princess was grown up it made the king happy to feel that she was + near him; so the beautiful house of the wife who had too early departed, + was given up to her, and at the same time, as she was his eldest daughter, + many privileges were conceded to her, which hitherto none but queens had + enjoyed. + </p> + <p> + The large room, in which Nefert found the princess, commanded the river. A + doorway, closed with light curtains, opened on to a long balcony with a + finely-worked balustrade of copper-gilt, to which clung a climbing rose + with pink flowers. + </p> + <p> + When Nefert entered the room, Bent-Anat was just having the rustling + curtain drawn aside by her waiting-women; for the sun was setting, and at + that hour she loved to sit on the balcony, as it grew cooler, and watch + with devout meditation the departure of Ra, who, as the grey-haired Turn, + vanished behind the western horizon of the Necropolis in the evening to + bestow the blessing of light on the under-world. + </p> + <p> + Nefert’s apartment was far more elegantly appointed than the princess’s; + her mother and Mena had surrounded her with a thousand pretty trifles. Her + carpets were made of sky-blue and silver brocade from Damascus, the seats + and couches were covered with stuff embroidered in feathers by the + Ethiopian women, which looked like the breasts of birds. The images of the + Goddess Hathor, which stood on the house-altar, were of an imitation of + emerald, which was called Mafkat, and the other little figures, which were + placed near their patroness, were of lapis-lazuli, malachite, agate and + bronze, overlaid with gold. On her toilet-table stood a collection of + salve-boxes, and cups of ebony and ivory finely carved, and everything was + arranged with the utmost taste, and exactly suited Nefert herself. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat’s room also suited the owner. + </p> + <p> + It was high and airy, and its furniture consisted in costly but simple + necessaries; the lower part of the wall was lined with cool tiles of white + and violet earthen ware, on each of which was pictured a star, and which, + all together, formed a tasteful pattern. Above these the walls were + covered with a beautiful dark green material brought from Sais, and the + same stuff was used to cover the long divans by the wall. Chairs and + stools, made of cane, stood round a very large table in the middle of this + room, out of which several others opened; all handsome, comfortable, and + harmonious in aspect, but all betraying that their mistress took small + pleasure in trifling decorations. But her chief delight was in + finely-grown plants, of which rare and magnificent specimens, artistically + arranged on stands, stood in the corners of many of the rooms. In others + there were tall obelisks of ebony, which bore saucers for incense, which + all the Egyptians loved, and which was prescribed by their physicians to + purify and perfume their dwellings. Her simple bedroom would have suited a + prince who loved floriculture, quite as well as a princess. + </p> + <p> + Before all things Bent-Anat loved air and light. The curtains of her + windows and doors were only closed when the position of the sun absolutely + required it; while in Nefert’s rooms, from morning till evening, a dim + twilight was maintained. + </p> + <p> + The princess went affectionately towards the charioteer’s wife, who bowed + low before her at the threshold; she took her chin with her right hand, + kissed her delicate narrow forehead, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Sweet creature! At last you have come uninvited to see lonely me! It is + the first time since our men went away to the war. If Rameses’ daughter + commands there is no escape; and you come; but of your own free will—” + </p> + <p> + Nefert raised her large eyes, moist with tears, with an imploring look, + and her glance was so pathetic that Bent-Anat interrupted herself, and + taking both her hands, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who must have eyes exactly like yours? I mean the Goddess + from whose tears, when they fall on the earth, flowers spring.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert’s eyes fell and she blushed deeply. + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” she murmured, “that my eyes might close for ever, for I am very + unhappy.” And two large tears rolled down her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened to you, my darling?” asked the princess + sympathetically, and she drew her towards her, putting her arm round her + like a sick child. + </p> + <p> + Nefert glanced anxiously at the chamberlain, and the ladies in waiting who + had entered the room with her, and Bent-Anat understood the look; she + requested her attendants to withdraw, and when she was alone with her sad + little friend—“Speak now,” she said. “What saddens your heart? how + comes this melancholy expression on your dear baby face? Tell me, and I + will comfort you, and you shall be my bright thoughtless plaything once + more.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy plaything!” answered Nefert, and a flash of displeasure sparkled in + her eyes. “Thou art right to call me so, for I deserve no better name. I + have submitted all my life to be nothing but the plaything of others.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Nefert, I do not know you again,” cried Bent-Anat. “Is this my + gentle amiable dreamer?” + </p> + <p> + “That is the word I wanted,” said Nefert in a low tone. “I slept, and + dreamed, and dreamed on—till Mena awoke me; and when he left me I + went to sleep again, and for two whole years I have lain dreaming; but + to-day I have been torn from my dreams so suddenly and roughly, that I + shall never find any rest again.” + </p> + <p> + While she spoke, heavy tears fell slowly one after another over her + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat felt what she saw and heard as deeply as if Nefert were her own + suffering child. She lovingly drew the young wife down by her side on the + divan, and insisted on Nefert’s letting her know all that troubled her + spirit. + </p> + <p> + Katuti’s daughter had in the last few hours felt like one born blind, and + who suddenly receives his sight. He looks at the brightness of the sun, + and the manifold forms of the creation around him, but the beams of the + day-star blind its eyes, and the new forms, which he has sought to guess + at in his mind, and which throng round him in their rude reality, shock + him and pain him. To-day, for the first time, she had asked herself + wherefore her mother, and not she herself, was called upon to control the + house of which she nevertheless was called the mistress, and the answer + had rung in her ears: “Because Mena thinks you incapable of thought and + action.” He had often called her his little rose, and she felt now that + she was neither more nor less than a flower that blossoms and fades, and + only charms the eye by its color and beauty. + </p> + <p> + “My mother,” she said to Bent-Anat, “no doubt loves me, but she has + managed badly for Mena, very badly; and I, miserable idiot, slept and + dreamed of Mena, and saw and heard nothing of what was happening to his—to + our—inheritance. Now my mother is afraid of my husband, and those + whom we fear, says my uncle, we cannot love, and we are always ready to + believe evil of those we do not love. So she lends an ear to those people + who blame Mena, and say of him that he has driven me out of his heart, and + has taken a strange woman to his tent. But it is false and a lie; and I + cannot and will not countenance my own mother even, if she embitters and + mars what is left to me—what supports me—the breath and blood + of my life—my love, my fervent love for my husband.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat had listened to her without interrupting her; she sat by her for + a time in silence. Then she said: + </p> + <p> + “Come out into the gallery; then I will tell you what I think, and perhaps + Toth may pour some helpful counsel into my mind. I love you, and I know + you well, and though I am not wise, I have my eyes open and a strong hand. + Take it, come with me on to the balcony.” + </p> + <p> + A refreshing breeze met the two women as they stepped out into the air. It + was evening, and a reviving coolness had succeeded the heat of the day. + The buildings and houses already cast long shadows, and numberless boats, + with the visitors returning from the Necropolis, crowded the stream that + rolled its swollen flood majestically northwards. + </p> + <p> + Close below lay the verdant garden, which sent odors from the rose-beds up + to the princess’s balcony. A famous artist had laid it out in the time of + Hatasu, and the picture which he had in his mind, when he sowed the seeds + and planted the young shoots, was now realized, many decades after his + death. He had thought of planning a carpet, on which the palace should + seem to stand. Tiny streams, in bends and curves, formed the outline of + the design, and the shapes they enclosed were filled with plants of every + size, form, and color; beautiful plats of fresh green turf everywhere + represented the groundwork of the pattern, and flower-beds and clumps of + shrubs stood out from them in harmonious mixtures of colors, while the + tall and rare trees, of which Hatasu’s ships had brought several from + Arabia, gave dignity and impressiveness to the whole. + </p> + <p> + Clear drops sparkled on leaf and flower and blade, for, only a short time + before, the garden by Bent-Anat’s house had been freshly watered. The Nile + beyond surrounded an island, where flourished the well-kept sacred grove + of Anion. + </p> + <p> + The Necropolis on the farther side of the river was also well seen from + Bent-Anat’s balcony. There stood in long perspective the rows of sphinxes, + which led from the landing-place of the festal barges to the gigantic + buildings of Amenophis III. with its colossi—the hugest in Thebes—to + the House of Seti, and to the temple of Hatasu. There lay the long + workshops of the embalmers and closely-packed homes of the inhabitants of + the City of the Dead. In the farthest west rose the Libyan mountains with + their innumerable graves, and the valley of the kings’ tombs took a wide + curve behind, concealed by a spur of the hills. + </p> + <p> + The two women looked in silence towards the west. The sun was near the + horizon—now it touched it, now it sank behind the hills; and as the + heavens flushed with hues like living gold, blazing rubies, and liquid + garnet and amethyst, the evening chant rang out from all the temples, and + the friends sank on their knees, hid their faces in the bower-rose + garlands that clung to the trellis, and prayed with full hearts. + </p> + <p> + When they rose night was spreading over the landscape, for the twilight is + short in Thebes. Here and there a rosy cloud fluttered across the + darkening sky, and faded gradually as the evening star appeared. + </p> + <p> + “I am content,” said Bent-Anat. “And you? have you recovered your peace of + mind?” + </p> + <p> + Nefert shook her head. The princess drew her on to a seat, and sank down + beside her. Then she began again “Your heart is sore, poor child; they + have spoilt the past for you, and you dread the future. Let me be frank + with you, even if it gives you pain. You are sick, and I must cure you. + Will you listen to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on,” said Nefert. + </p> + <p> + “Speech does not suit me so well as action,” replied the princess; “but I + believe I know what you need, and can help you. You love your husband; + duty calls him from you, and you feel lonely and neglected; that is quite + natural. But those whom I love, my father and my brothers, are also gone + to the war; my mother is long since dead; the noble woman, whom the king + left to be my companion, was laid low a few weeks since by sickness. Look + what a half-abandoned spot my house is! Which is the lonelier do you + think, you or I?” + </p> + <p> + “I,” said Nefert. “For no one is so lonely as a wife parted from the + husband her heart longs after.” + </p> + <p> + “But you trust Mena’s love for you?” asked Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + Nefert pressed her hand to her heart and nodded assent: + </p> + <p> + “And he will return, and with him your happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” said Nefert softly. + </p> + <p> + “And he who hopes,” said Bent Anat, “possesses already the joys of the + future. Tell me, would you have changed places with the Gods so long as + Mena was with you? No! Then you are most fortunate, for blissful memories—the + joys of the past—are yours at any rate. What is the present? I speak + of it, and it is no more. Now, I ask you, what joys can I look forward to, + and what certain happiness am I justified in hoping for? + </p> + <p> + “Thou dost not love any one,” replied Nefert. “Thou dost follow thy own + course, calm and undeviating as the moon above us. The highest joys are + unknown to thee, but for the same reason thou dost not know the bitterest + pain.” + </p> + <p> + “What pain?” asked the princess. + </p> + <p> + “The torment of a heart consumed by the fires of Sechet,” replied Nefert. + </p> + <p> + The princess looked thoughtfully at the ground, then she turned her eyes + eagerly on her friend. + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken,” she said; “I know what love and longing are. But you + need only wait till a feast day to wear the jewel that is your own, while + my treasure is no more mine than a pearl that I see gleaming at the bottom + of the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou canst love!” exclaimed Nefert with joyful excitement. “Oh! I thank + Hathor that at last she has touched thy heart. The daughter of Rameses + need not even send for the diver to fetch the jewel out of the sea; at a + sign from her the pearl will rise of itself, and lie on the sand at her + slender feet.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat smiled and kissed Nefert’s brow. + </p> + <p> + “How it excites you,” she said, “and stirs your heart and tongue! If two + strings are tuned in harmony, and one is struck, the other sounds, my + music master tells me. I believe you would listen to me till morning if I + only talked to you about my love. But it was not for that that we came out + on the balcony. Now listen! I am as lonely as you, I love less happily + than you, the House of Seti threatens me with evil times—and yet I + can preserve my full confidence in life and my joy in existence. How can + you explain this?” + </p> + <p> + “We are so very different,” said Nefert. + </p> + <p> + “True,” replied Bent-Anat, “but we are both young, both women, and both + wish to do right. My mother died, and I have had no one to guide me, for I + who for the most part need some one to lead me can already command, and be + obeyed. You had a mother to bring you up, who, when you were still a + child, was proud of her pretty little daughter, and let her—as it + became her so well-dream and play, without warning her against the + dangerous propensity. Then Mena courted you. You love him truly, and in + four long years he has been with you but a month or two; your mother + remained with you, and you hardly observed that she was managing your own + house for you, and took all the trouble of the household. You had a great + pastime of your own—your thoughts of Mena, and scope for a thousand + dreams in your distant love. I know it, Nefert; all that you have seen and + heard and felt in these twenty months has centred in him and him alone. + Nor is it wrong in itself. The rose tree here, which clings to my balcony, + delights us both; but if the gardener did not frequently prune it and tie + it with palm-bast, in this soil, which forces everything to rapid growth, + it would soon shoot up so high that it would cover door and window, and I + should sit in darkness. Throw this handkerchief over your shoulders, for + the dew falls as it grows cooler, and listen to me a little longer!—The + beautiful passion of love and fidelity has grown unchecked in your dreamy + nature to such a height, that it darkens your spirit and your judgment. + Love, a true love, it seems to me, should be a noble fruit-tree, and not a + rank weed. I do not blame you, for she who should have been the gardener + did not heed—and would not heed—what was happening. Look, + Nefert, so long as I wore the lock of youth, I too did what I fancied—I + never found any pleasure in dreaming, but in wild games with my brothers, + in horses and in falconry; they often said I had the spirit of a boy, and + indeed I would willingly have been a boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I—never!” said Nefert. + </p> + <p> + “You are just a rose—my dearest,” said Bent-Anat. “Well! when I was + fifteen I was so discontented, so insubordinate and full of all sorts of + wild behavior, so dissatisfied in spite of all the kindness and love that + surrounded me—but I will tell you what happened. It is four years + ago, shortly before your wedding with Mena; my father called me to play + draughts. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [At Medinet Habu a picture represents Rameses the Third, not Rameses + the Second, playing at draughts with his daughter.] +</pre> + <p> + You know how certainly he could beat the most skilful antagonist; but that + day his thoughts were wandering, and I won the game twice following. Full + of insolent delight, I jumped up and kissed his great handsome forehead, + and cried ‘The sublime God, the hero, under whose feet the strange nations + writhe, to whom the priests and the people pray—is beaten by a + girl!’ He smiled gently, and answered ‘The Lords of Heaven are often + outdone by the Ladies, and Necheb, the lady of victory, is a woman. Then + he grew graver, and said: ‘You call me a God, my child, but in this only + do I feel truly godlike, that at every moment I strive to the utmost to + prove myself useful by my labors; here restraining, there promoting, as is + needful. Godlike I can never be but by doing or producing something great! + These words, Nefert, fell like seeds in my soul. At last I knew what it + was that was wanting to me; and when, a few weeks later, my father and + your husband took the field with a hundred thousand fighting men, I + resolved to be worthy of my godlike father, and in my little circle to be + of use too! You do not know all that is done in the houses behind there, + under my direction. Three hundred girls spin pure flax, and weave it into + bands of linen for the wounds of the soldiers; numbers of children, and + old women, gather plants on the mountains, and others sort them according + to the instructions of a physician; in the kitchens no banquets are + prepared, but fruits are preserved in sugar for the loved ones, and the + sick in the camp. Joints of meat are salted, dried, and smoked for the + army on its march through the desert. The butler no longer thinks of + drinking-bouts, but brings me wine in great stone jars; we pour it into + well-closed skins for the soldiers, and the best sorts we put into strong + flasks, carefully sealed with pitch, that they may perform the journey + uninjured, and warm and rejoice the hearts of our heroes. All that, and + much more, I manage and arrange, and my days pass in hard work. The Gods + send me no bright visions in the night, for after utter fatigue—I + sleep soundly. But I know that I am of use. I can hold my head proudly, + because in some degree I resemble my great father; and if the king thinks + of me at all I know he can rejoice in the doings of his child. That is the + end of it, Nefert—and I only say, Come and join me, work with me, + prove yourself of use, and compel Mena to think of his wife, not with + affection only, but with pride.” Nefert let her head sink slowly on + Bent-Anat’s bosom, threw her arms round her neck, and wept like a child. + At last she composed herself and said humbly: + </p> + <p> + “Take me to school, and teach me to be useful.” “I knew,” said the + princess smiling, “that you only needed a guiding hand. Believe me, you + will soon learn to couple content and longing. But now hear this! At + present go home to your mother, for it is late; and meet her lovingly, for + that is the will of the Gods. To-morrow morning I will go to see you, and + beg Katuti to let you come to me as companion in the place of my lost + friend. The day after to-morrow you will come to me in the palace. You can + live in the rooms of my departed friend and begin, as she had done, to + help me in my work. May these hours be blest to you!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + At the time of this conversation the leech Nebsecht still lingered in + front of the hovel of the paraschites, and waited with growing impatience + for the old man’s return. + </p> + <p> + At first he trembled for him; then he entirely forgot the danger into + which he had thrown him, and only hoped for the fulfilment of his desires, + and for wonderful revelations through his investigations of the human + heart. + </p> + <p> + For some minutes he gave himself up to scientific considerations; but he + became more and more agitated by anxiety for the paraschites, and by the + exciting vicinity of Uarda. + </p> + <p> + For hours he had been alone with her, for her father and grandmother could + no longer stop away from their occupations. The former must go to escort + prisoners of war to Hermonthis, and the old woman, since her granddaughter + had been old enough to undertake the small duties of the household, had + been one of the wailing-women, who, with hair all dishevelled, accompanied + the corpse on its way to the grave, weeping, and lamenting, and casting + Nile-mud on their forehead and breast. Uarda still lay, when the sun was + sinking, in front of the hut. + </p> + <p> + She looked weary and pale. Her long hair had come undone, and once more + got entangled with the straw of her humble couch. If Nebsecht went near + her to feel her pulse or to speak to her she carefully turned her face + from him. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless when the sun disappeared behind the rocks he bent over her + once more, and said: + </p> + <p> + “It is growing cool; shall I carry you indoors?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone,” she said crossly. “I am hot, keep farther away. I am no + longer ill, and could go indoors by myself if I wished; but grandmother + will be here directly.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht rose, and sat down on a hen-coop that was some paces from Uarda, + and asked stammering, “Shall I go farther off?” + </p> + <p> + “Do as you please,” she answered. “You are not kind,” he said sadly. + </p> + <p> + “You sit looking at me,” said Uarda, “I cannot bear it; and I am uneasy—for + grandfather was quite different this morning from his usual self, and + talked strangely about dying, and about the great price that was asked of + him for curing me. Then he begged me never to forget him, and was so + excited and so strange. He is so long away; I wish he were here, with me.” + </p> + <p> + And with these words Uarda began to cry silently. A nameless anxiety for + the paraschites seized Nebsecht, and it struck him to the heart that he + had demanded a human life in return for the mere fulfilment of a duty. He + knew the law well enough, and knew that the old man would be compelled + without respite or delay to empty the cup of poison if he were found + guilty of the theft of a human heart. + </p> + <p> + It was dark: Uarda ceased weeping and said to the surgeon: + </p> + <p> + “Can it be possible that he has gone into the city to borrow the great sum + of money that thou—or thy temple—demanded for thy medicine? + But there is the princess’s golden bracelet, and half of father’s prize, + and in the chest two years’ wages that grandmother had earned by wailing + he untouched. Is all that not enough?” + </p> + <p> + The girl’s last question was full of resentment and reproach, and + Nebsecht, whose perfect sincerity was part of his very being, was silent, + as he would not venture to say yes. He had asked more in return for his + help than gold or silver. Now he remembered Pentaur’s warning, and when + the jackals began to bark he took up the fire-stick, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The hieroglyphic sign Sam seems to me to represent the wooden stick + used to produce fire (as among some savage tribes) by rapid friction + in a hollow piece of wood.] +</pre> + <p> + and lighted some fuel that was lying ready. Then he asked himself what + Uarda’s fate would be without her grandparents, and a strange plan which + had floated vaguely before him for some hours, began now to take a + distinct outline and intelligible form. He determined if the old man did + not return to ask the kolchytes or embalmers to admit him into their guild—and + for the sake of his adroitness they were not likely to refuse him—then + he would make Uarda his wife, and live apart from the world, for her, for + his studies, and for his new calling, in which he hoped to learn a great + deal. What did he care for comfort and proprieties, for recognition from + his fellow-men, and a superior position! + </p> + <p> + He could hope to advance more quickly along the new stony path than on the + old beaten track. The impulse to communicate his acquired knowledge to + others he did not feel. Knowledge in itself amply satisfied him, and he + thought no more of his ties to the House of Seti. For three whole days he + had not changed his garments, no razor had touched his chin or his scalp, + not a drop of water had wetted his hands or his feet. He felt half + bewildered and almost as if he had already become an embalmer, nay even a + paraschites, one of the most despised of human beings. This + self-degradation had an infinite charm, for it brought him down to the + level of Uarda, and she, lying near him, sick and anxious, with her + dishevelled hair, exactly suited the future which he painted to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear nothing?” Uarda asked suddenly. He listened. In the valley + there was a barking of dogs, and soon the paraschites and his wife + appeared, and, at the door of their hut, took leave of old Hekt, who had + met them on her return from Thebes. + </p> + <p> + “You have been gone a long time,” cried Uarda, when her grandmother once + more stood before her. “I have been so frightened.” + </p> + <p> + “The doctor was with you,” said the old woman going into the house to + prepare their simple meal, while the paraschites knelt down by his + granddaughter, and caressed her tenderly, but yet with respect, as if he + were her faithful servant rather than her blood-relation. + </p> + <p> + Then he rose, and gave to Nebsecht, who was trembling with excitement, the + bag of coarse linen which he was in the habit of carrying tied to him by a + narrow belt. + </p> + <p> + “The heart is in that,” he whispered to the leech; “take it out, and give + me back the bag, for my knife is in it, and I want it.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht took the heart out of the covering with trembling hands and laid + it carefully down. Then he felt in the breast of his dress, and going up + to the paraschites he whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Here, take the writing, hang it round your neck, and when you die I will + have the book of scripture wrapped up in your mummy cloths like a great + man. But that is not enough. The property that I inherited is in the hands + of my brother, who is a good man of business, and I have not touched the + interest for ten years. I will send it to you, and you and your wife shall + enjoy an old age free from care.” + </p> + <p> + The paraschites had taken the little bag with the strip of papyrus, and + heard the leech to the end. Then he turned from him saying: “Keep thy + money; we are quits. That is if the child gets well,” he added humbly. + </p> + <p> + “She is already half cured,” stammered Nebsecht. “But why will you—why + won’t you accept—” + </p> + <p> + “Because till to day I have never begged nor borrowed,” said the + paraschites, “and I will not begin in my old age. Life for life. But what + I have done this day not Rameses with all his treasure could repay.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht looked down, and knew not how to answer the old man. + </p> + <p> + His wife now came out; she set a bowl of lentils that she had hastily + warmed before the two men, with radishes and onions, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Radishes, onions, and garlic were the hors-d’oeuvre of an Egyptian + dinner. 1600 talents worth were consumed, according to Herodotus. + during the building of the pyramid of Cheops—L360,000 (in 1881.)] +</pre> + <p> + then she helped Uarda, who did not need to be carried, into the house, and + invited Nebsecht to share their meal. He accepted her invitation, for he + had eaten nothing since the previous evening. + </p> + <p> + When the old woman had once more disappeared indoors, he asked the + paraschites: + </p> + <p> + “Whose heart is it that you have brought me, and how did it come into your + hands?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me first,” said the other, “why thou hast laid such a heavy sin upon + my soul?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I want to investigate the structure of the human heart,” said + Nebsecht, “so that, when I meet with diseased hearts, I may be able to + cure them.” + </p> + <p> + The paraschites looked for a long time at the ground in silence; then he + said: + </p> + <p> + “Art thou speaking the truth?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the leech with convincing emphasis. “I am glad,” said the + old man, “for thou givest help to the poor.” + </p> + <p> + “As willingly as to the rich!” exclaimed Nebsecht. “But tell me now where + you got the heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I went into the house of the embalmer,” said the old man, after he had + selected a few large flints, to which, with crafty blows, he gave the + shape of knives, “and there I found three bodies in which I had to make + the eight prescribed incisions with my flint-knife. When the dead lie + there undressed on the wooden bench they all look alike, and the begger + lies as still as the favorite son of a king. But I knew very well who lay + before me. The strong old body in the middle of the table was the corpse + of the Superior of the temple of Hatasu, and beyond, close by each other, + were laid a stone-mason of the Necropolis, and a poor girl from the + strangers’ quarter, who had died of consumption—two miserable wasted + figures. I had known the Prophet well, for I had met him a hundred times + in his gilt litter, and we always called him Rui, the rich. I did my duty + by all three, I was driven away with the usual stoning, and then I + arranged the inward parts of the bodies with my mates. Those of the + Prophet are to be preserved later in an alabaster canopus, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This vase was called canopus at a later date. There were four of + them for each mummy.] +</pre> + <p> + those of the mason and the girl were put back in their bodies. + </p> + <p> + “Then I went up to the three bodies, and I asked myself, to which I should + do such a wrong as to rob him of his heart. I turned to the two poor ones, + and I hastily went up to the sinning girl. Then I heard the voice of the + demon that cried out in my heart ‘The girl was poor and despised like you + while she walked on Seb, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Seb is the earth; Plutarch calls Seb Chronos. He is often spoken + of as the “father of the gods” on the monuments. He is the god of + time, and as the Egyptians regarded matter as eternal, it is not by + accident that the sign which represented the earth was also used for + eternity.] +</pre> + <p> + perhaps she may find compensation and peace in the other world if you do + not mutilate her; and when I turned to the mason’s lean corpse, and looked + at his hands, which were harder and rougher than my own, the demon + whispered the same. Then I stood before the strong, stout corpse of the + prophet Rui, who died of apoplexy, and I remembered the honor and the + riches that he had enjoyed on earth, and that he at least for a time had + known happiness and ease. And as soon as I was alone, I slipped my hand + into the bag, and changed the sheep’s heart for his. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I am doubly guilty for playing such an accursed trick with the + heart of a high-priest; but Rui’s body will be hung round with a hundred + amulets, Scarabaei + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Imitations of the sacred beetle Scarabaeus made of various + materials were frequently put into the mummies in the place of the + heart. Large specimens have often the 26th, 30th, and 64th chapters + of the Book of the Dead engraved on them, as they treat of the + heart.] +</pre> + <p> + will be placed over his heart, and holy oil and sacred sentences will + preserve him from all the fiends on his road to Amenti,—[Underworld]—while + no one will devote helping talismans to the poor. And then! thou hast + sworn, in that world, in the hall of judgment, to take my guilt on + thyself.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht gave the old man his hand. + </p> + <p> + “That I will,” said he, “and I should have chosen as you did. Now take + this draught, divide it in four parts, and give it to Uarda for four + evenings following. Begin this evening, and by the day after to-morrow I + think she will be quite well. I will come again and look after her. Now go + to rest, and let me stay a while out here; before the star of Isis is + extinguished I will be gone, for they have long been expecting me at the + temple.” + </p> + <p> + When the paraschites came out of his but the next morning, Nebsecht had + vanished; but a blood-stained cloth that lay by the remains of the fire + showed the old man that the impatient investigator had examined the heart + of the high-priest during the night, and perhaps cut it up. + </p> + <p> + Terror fell upon him, and in agony of mind he threw himself on his knees + as the golden bark of the Sun-God appeared on the horizon, and he prayed + fervently, first for Uarda, and then for the salvation of his imperilled + soul. + </p> + <p> + He rose encouraged, convinced himself that his granddaughter was + progressing towards recovery, bid farewell to his wife, took his flint + knife and his bronze hook, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The brains of corpses were drawn out of the nose with a hook. + Herodotus II. 87.] +</pre> + <p> + and went to the house of the embalmer to follow his dismal calling. + </p> + <p> + The group of buildings in which the greater number of the corpses from + Thebes went through the processes of mummifying, lay on the bare + desert-land at some distance from his hovel, southwards from the House of + Seti at the foot of the mountain. They occupied by themselves a fairly + large space, enclosed by a rough wall of dried mud-bricks. + </p> + <p> + The bodies were brought in through the great gate towards the Nile, and + delivered to the kolchytes,—[The whole guild of embalmers]—while + the priests, paraschites, and tariclleutes,—[Salter of the bodies]—bearers + and assistants, who here did their daily work, as well as innumerable + water-carriers who came up from the Nile, loaded with skins, found their + way into the establishment by a side gate. + </p> + <p> + At the farthest northern building of wood, with a separate gate, in which + the orders of the bereaved were taken, and often indeed those of men still + in active life, who thought to provide betimes for their suitable + interment. + </p> + <p> + The crowd in this house was considerable. About fifty men and women were + moving in it at the present moment, all of different ranks, and not only + from Thebes but from many smaller towns of Upper Egypt, to make purchases + or to give commissions to the functionaries who were busy here. + </p> + <p> + This bazaar of the dead was well supplied, for coffins of every form stood + up against the walls, from the simplest chest to the richly gilt and + painted coffer, in form resembling a mummy. On wooden shelves lay endless + rolls of coarse and fine linen, in which the limbs of the mummies were + enveloped, and which were manufactured by the people of the embalming + establishment under the protection of the tutelar goddesses of weavers, + Neith, Isis and Nephthys, though some were ordered from a distance, + particularly from Sais. + </p> + <p> + There was free choice for the visitors of this pattern-room in the matter + of mummy-cases and cloths, as well as of necklets, scarabaei, statuettes, + Uza-eyes, girdles, head-rests, triangles, split-rings, staves, and other + symbolic objects, which were attached to the dead as sacred amulets, or + bound up in the wrappings. + </p> + <p> + There were innumerable stamps of baked clay, which were buried in the + earth to show any one who might dispute the limits, how far each grave + extended, images of the gods, which were laid in the sand to purify and + sanctify it—for by nature it belonged to Seth-Typhon—as well + as the figures called Schebti, which were either enclosed several together + in little boxes, or laid separately in the grave; it was supposed that + they would help the dead to till the fields of the blessed with the + pick-axe, plough, and seed-bag which they carried on their shoulders. + </p> + <p> + The widow and the steward of the wealthy Superior of the temple of Hatasu, + and with them a priest of high rank, were in eager discussion with the + officials of the embalming-House, and were selecting the most costly of + the patterns of mummy-cases which were offered to their inspection, the + finest linen, and amulets of malachite, and lapis-lazuli, of blood-stone, + carnelian and green felspar, as well as the most elegant alabaster canopi + for the deceased; his body was to be enclosed first in a sort of case of + papier-mache, and then in a wooden and a stone coffin. They wrote his name + on a wax tablet which was ready for the purpose, with those of his + parents, his wife and children, and all his titles; they ordered what + verses should be written on his coffin, what on the papyrus-rolls to be + enclosed in it, and what should be set out above his name. With regard to + the inscription on the walls of the tomb, the pedestal of the statue to be + placed there and the face of the stele—[Stone tablet with round + pediment.]—to be erected in it, yet further particulars would be + given; a priest of the temple of Seti was charged to write them, and to + draw up a catalogue of the rich offerings of the survivors. The last could + be done later, when, after the division of the property, the amount of the + fortune he had left could be ascertained. The mere mummifying of the body + with the finest oils and essences, cloths, amulets, and cases, would cost + a talent of silver, without the stone sarcophagus. + </p> + <p> + The widow wore a long mourning robe, her forehead was lightly daubed with + Nile-mud, and in the midst of her chaffering with the functionaries of the + embalming-house, whose prices she complained of as enormous and rapacious, + from time to time she broke out into a loud wail of grief—as the + occasion demanded. + </p> + <p> + More modest citizens finished their commissions sooner, though it was not + unusual for the income of a whole year to be sacrificed for the embalming + of the head of a household—the father or the mother of a family. The + mummifying of the poor was cheap, and that of the poorest had to be + provided by the kolchytes as a tribute to the king, to whom also they were + obliged to pay a tax in linen from their looms. + </p> + <p> + This place of business was carefully separated from the rest of the + establishment, which none but those who were engaged in the processes + carried on there were on any account permitted to enter. The kolchytes + formed a closely-limited guild at the head of which stood a certain number + of priests, and from among them the masters of the many thousand members + were chosen. This guild was highly respected, even the taricheutes, who + were entrusted with the actual work of embalming, could venture to mix + with the other citizens, although in Thebes itself people always avoided + them with a certain horror; only the paraschites, whose duty it was to + open the body, bore the whole curse of uncleanness. Certainly the place + where these people fulfilled their office was dismal enough. + </p> + <p> + The stone chamber in which the bodies were opened, and the halls in which + they were prepared with salt, had adjoining them a variety of laboratories + and depositaries for drugs and preparations of every description. + </p> + <p> + In a court-yard, protected from the rays of the sun only by an awning, was + a large walled bason, containing a solution of natron, in which the bodies + were salted, and they were then dried in a stone vault, artificially + supplied with hot air. + </p> + <p> + The little wooden houses of the weavers, as well as the work-shops of the + case-joiners and decorators, stood in numbers round the pattern-room; but + the farthest off, and much the largest of the buildings of the + establishment, was a very long low structure, solidly built of stone and + well roofed in, where the prepared bodies were enveloped in their + cerements, tricked out in amulets, and made ready for their journey to the + next world. What took place in this building—into which the laity + were admitted, but never for more than a few minutes—was to the last + degree mysterious, for here the gods themselves appeared to be engaged + with the mortal bodies. + </p> + <p> + Out of the windows which opened on the street, recitations, hymns, and + lamentations sounded night and day. The priests who fulfilled their office + here wore masks like the divinities of the under-world. Many were the + representatives of Anubis, with the jackal-head, assisted by boys with + masks of the so-called child-Horus. At the head of each mummy stood or + squatted a wailing-woman with the emblems of Nephthys, and one at its feet + with those of Isis. + </p> + <p> + Every separate limb of the deceased was dedicated to a particular divinity + by the aid of holy oils, charms, and sentences; a specially prepared cloth + was wrapped round each muscle, every drug and every bandage owed its + origin to some divinity, and the confusion of sounds, of disguised + figures, and of various perfumes, had a stupefying effect on those who + visited this chamber. It need not be said that the whole embalming + establishment and its neighborhood was enveloped in a cloud of powerful + resinous fumes, of sweet attar, of lasting musk, and pungent spices. + </p> + <p> + When the wind blew from the west it was wafted across the Nile to Thebes, + and this was regarded as an evil omen, for from the south-west comes the + wind that enfeebles the energy of men—the fatal simoon. + </p> + <p> + In the court of the pattern-house stood several groups of citizens from + Thebes, gathered round different individuals, to whom they were expressing + their sympathy. A new-comer, the superintendent of the victims of the + temple of Anion, who seemed to be known to many and was greeted with + respect, announced, even before he went to condole with Rui’s widow, in a + tone full of horror at what had happened, that an omen, significant of the + greatest misfortune, had occurred in Thebes, in a spot no less sacred than + the very temple of Anion himself. + </p> + <p> + Many inquisitive listeners stood round him while he related that the + Regent Ani, in his joy at the victory of his troops in Ethiopia, had + distributed wine with a lavish hand to the garrison of Thebes, and also to + the watchmen of the temple of Anion, and that, while the people were + carousing, wolves + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Wolves have now disappeared from Egypt; they were sacred animals, + and were worshipped and buried at Lykopolis, the present Siut, where + mummies of wolves have been found. Herodotus says that if a wolf + was found dead he was buried, and Aelian states that the herb + Lykoktonon, which was poisonous to wolves, might on no account be + brought into the city, where they were held sacred. The wolf + numbered among the sacral animals is the canis lupaster, which + exists in Egypt at the present day. Besides this species there are + three varieties of wild dogs, the jackal, fox, and fenek, canis + cerda.] +</pre> + <p> + had broken into the stable of the sacred rams. Some were killed, but the + noblest ram, which Rameses himself had sent as a gift from Mendes when he + set out for the war—the magnificent beast which Amon had chosen as + the tenement of his spirit, was found, torn in pieces, by the soldiers, + who immediately terrified the whole city with the news. At the same hour + news had come from Memphis that the sacred bull Apis was dead. + </p> + <p> + All the people who had collected round the priest, broke out into a + far-sounding cry of woe, in which he himself and Rui’s widow vehemently + joined. + </p> + <p> + The buyers and functionaries rushed out of the pattern-room, and from the + mummy-house the taricheutes, paraschites and assistants; the weavers left + their looms, and all, as soon as they had learned what had happened, took + part in the lamentations, howling and wailing, tearing their hair and + covering their faces with dust. + </p> + <p> + The noise was loud and distracting, and when its violence diminished, and + the work-people went back to their business, the east wind brought the + echo of the cries of the dwellers in the Necropolis, perhaps too, those of + the citizens of Thebes itself. + </p> + <p> + “Bad news,” said the inspector of the victims, “cannot fail to reach us + soon from the king and the army; he will regret the death of the ram which + we called by his name more than that of Apis. It is a bad—a very bad + omen.” + </p> + <p> + “My lost husband Rui, who rests in Osiris, foresaw it all,” said the + widow. “If only I dared to speak I could tell a good deal that many might + find unpleasant.” + </p> + <p> + The inspector of sacrifices smiled, for he knew that the late superior of + the temple of Hatasu had been an adherent of the old royal family, and he + replied: + </p> + <p> + “The Sun of Rameses may be for a time covered with clouds, but neither + those who fear it nor those who desire it will live to see its setting.” + </p> + <p> + The priest coldly saluted the lady, and went into the house of a weaver in + which he had business, and the widow got into her litter which was waiting + at the gate. + </p> + <p> + The old paraschites Pinem had joined with his fellows in the lamentation + for the sacred beasts, and was now sitting on the hard pavement of the + dissecting room to eat his morsel of food—for it was noon. + </p> + <p> + The stone room in which he was eating his meal was badly lighted; the + daylight came through a small opening in the roof, over which the sun + stood perpendicularly, and a shaft of bright rays, in which danced the + whirling motes, shot down through the twilight on to the stone pavement. + Mummy-cases leaned against all the walls, and on smooth polished slabs lay + bodies covered with coarse cloths. A rat scudded now and then across the + floor, and from the wide cracks between the stones sluggish scorpions + crawled out. + </p> + <p> + The old paraschites was long since blunted to the horror which pervaded + this locality. He had spread a coarse napkin, and carefully laid on it the + provisions which his wife had put into his satchel; first half a cake of + bread, then a little salt, and finally a radish. + </p> + <p> + But the bag was not yet empty. + </p> + <p> + He put his hand in and found a piece of meat wrapped up in two + cabbage-leaves. Old Hekt had brought a leg of a gazelle from Thebes for + Uarda, and he now saw that the women had put a piece of it into his little + sack for his refreshment. He looked at the gift with emotion, but he did + not venture to touch it, for he felt as if in doing so he should be + robbing the sick girl. While eating the bread and the radish he + contemplated the piece of meat as if it were some costly jewel, and when a + fly dared to settle on it he drove it off indignantly. + </p> + <p> + At last he tasted the meat, and thought of many former noon-day meals, and + how he had often found a flower in the satchel, that Uarda had placed + there to please him, with the bread. His kind old eyes filled with tears, + and his whole heart swelled with gratitude and love. He looked up, and his + glance fell on the table, and he asked himself how he would have felt if + instead of the old priest, robbed of his heart, the sunshine of his old + age, his granddaughter, were lying there motionless. A cold shiver ran + over him, and he felt that his own heart would not have been too great a + price to pay for her recovery. And yet! In the course of his long life he + had experienced so much suffering and wrong, that he could not imagine any + hope of a better lot in the other world. Then he drew out the bond + Nebsecht had given him, held it up with both hands, as if to show it to + the Immortals, and particularly to the judges in the hall of truth and + judgment, that they might not reckon with him for the crime he had + committed—not for himself but for another—and that they might + not refuse to justify Rui, whom he had robbed of his heart. + </p> + <p> + While he thus lifted his soul in devotion, matters were getting warm + outside the dissecting room. He thought he heard his name spoken, and + scarcely had he raised his head to listen when a taricheut came in and + desired him to follow him. + </p> + <p> + In front of the rooms, filled with resinous odors and incense, in which + the actual process of embalming was carried on, a number of taricheutes + were standing and looking at an object in an alabaster bowl. The knees of + the old man knocked together as he recognized the heart of the beast which + he had substituted for that of the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + The chief of the taricheutes asked him whether he had opened the body of + the dead priest. + </p> + <p> + Pinem stammered out “Yes.” Whether this was his heart? The old man nodded + affirmatively. + </p> + <p> + The taricheutes looked at each other, whispered together; then one of them + went away, and returned soon with the inspector of victims from the temple + of Anion, whom he had found in the house of the weaver, and the chief of + the kolchytes. + </p> + <p> + “Show me the heart,” said the superintendent of the sacrifices as he + approached the vase. “I can decide in the dark if you have seen rightly. I + examine a hundred animals every day. Give it here!—By all the Gods + of Heaven and Hell that is the heart of a ram!” + </p> + <p> + “It was found in the breast of Rui,” said one of the taricheutes + decisively. “It was opened yesterday in the presence of us all by this old + paraschites.” + </p> + <p> + “It is extraordinary,” said the priest of Anion. “And incredible. But + perhaps an exchange was effected.—Did you slaughter any victims here + yesterday or—?” + </p> + <p> + “We are purifying ourselves,” the chief of the kolchytes interrupted, “for + the great festival of the valley, and for ten days no beast can have been + killed here for food; besides, the stables and slaughterhouses are a long + way from this, on the other side of the linen-factories.” + </p> + <p> + “It is strange!” replied the priest. “Preserve this heart carefully, + kolchytes: or, better still, let it be enclosed in a case. We will take it + over to the chief prophet of Anion. It would seem that some miracle has + happened.” + </p> + <p> + “The heart belongs to the Necropolis,” answered the chief kolchytes, “and + it would therefore be more fitting if we took it to the chief priest of + the temple of Seti, Ameni.” + </p> + <p> + “You command here!” said the other. “Let us go.” In a few minutes the + priest of Anion and the chief of the kolchytes were being carried towards + the valley in their litters. A taricheut followed them, who sat on a seat + between two asses, and carefully carried a casket of ivory, in which + reposed the ram’s heart. + </p> + <p> + The old paraschites watched the priests disappear behind the tamarisk + bushes. He longed to run after them, and tell them everything. + </p> + <p> + His conscience quaked with self reproach, and if his sluggish intelligence + did not enable him to take in at a glance all the results that his deed + might entail, he still could guess that he had sown a seed whence deceit + of every kind must grow. He felt as if he had fallen altogether into sin + and falsehood, and that the goddess of truth, whom he had all his life + honestly served, had reproachfully turned her back on him. After what had + happened never could he hope to be pronounced a “truth-speaker” by the + judges of the dead. Lost, thrown away, was the aim and end of a long life, + rich in self-denial and prayer! His soul shed tears of blood, a wild + sighing sounded in his ears, which saddened his spirit, and when he went + back to his work again, and wanted to remove the soles of the feet + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [One of the mummies of Prague which were dissected by Czermak, had + the soles of the feet removed and laid on the breast. We learn from + Chapter 125 of the Book of the Dead that this was done that the + sacred floor of the hall of judgment might not be defiled when the + dead were summoned before Osiris.] +</pre> + <p> + from a body, his hand trembled so that he could not hold the knife. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + The news of the end of the sacred ram of Anion, and of the death of the + bull Apis of Memphis, had reached the House of Seti, and was received + there with loud lamentation, in which all its inhabitants joined, from the + chief haruspex down to the smallest boy in the school-courts. + </p> + <p> + The superior of the institution, Ameni, had been for three days in Thebes, + and was expected to return to-day. His arrival was looked for with anxiety + and excitement by many. The chief of the haruspices was eager for it that + he might hand over the imprisoned scholars to condign punishment, and + complain to him of Pentaur and Bent-Anat; the initiated knew that + important transactions must have been concluded on the farther side of the + Nile; and the rebellious disciples knew that now stern justice would be + dealt to them. + </p> + <p> + The insurrectionary troop were locked into an open court upon bread and + water, and as the usual room of detention of the establishment was too + small for them all, for two nights they had had to sleep in a loft on thin + straw mats. The young spirits were excited to the highest pitch, but each + expressed his feelings in quite a different manner. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat’s brother, Rameses’ son, Rameri, had experienced the same + treatment as his fellows, whom yesterday he had led into every sort of + mischief, with even more audacity than usual, but to-day he hung his head. + </p> + <p> + In a corner of the court sat Anana, Pentaur’s favorite scholar, hiding his + face in his hands which rested on his knees. Rameri went up to him, + touched his shoulders and said: + </p> + <p> + “We have played the game, and now must bear the consequences for good and + for evil. Are you not ashamed of yourself, old boy? Your eyes are wet, and + the drops here on your hands have not fallen from the clouds. You who are + seventeen, and in a few months will be a scribe and a grown man!” + </p> + <p> + Anana looked at the prince, dried his eyes quickly; and said: + </p> + <p> + “I was the ring-leader. Ameni will turn me out of the place, and I must + return disgraced to my poor mother, who has no one in the world but me.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” said Rameri kindly. “It was striking at random! If only our + attempt had done Pentaur any good!” + </p> + <p> + “We have done him harm, on the contrary,” said Anana vehemently, “and have + behaved like fools!” Rameri nodded in full assent, looked thoughtful for a + moment, and then said: + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Anana, that you were not the ringleader? The trick was + planned in this crazy brain; I take the whole blame on my own shoulders. I + am the son of Rameses, and Ameni will be less hard on me than on you.” + </p> + <p> + “He will examine us all,” replied Anana, “and I will be punished sooner + than tell a lie.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri colored. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever known my tongue sin against the lovely daughter of Ra?” he + exclaimed. “But look here! did I stir up Antef, Hapi, Sent and all the + others or no? Who but I advised you to find out Pentaur? Did I threaten to + beg my father to take me from the school of Seti or not? I was the + instigator of the mischief, I pulled the wires, and if we are questioned + let me speak first. Not one of you is to mention Anana’s name; do you + hear? not one of you, and if they flog us or deprive us of our food we all + stick to this, that I was guilty of all the mischief.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a brave fellow!” said the son of the chief priest of Anion, + shaking his right hand, while Anana held his left. + </p> + <p> + The prince freed himself laughing from their grasp. + </p> + <p> + “Now the old man may come home,” he exclaimed, “we are ready for him. But + all the same I will ask my father to send me to Chennu, as sure as my name + is Rameri, if they do not recall Pentaur.” + </p> + <p> + “He treated us like school-boys!” said the eldest of the young + malefactors. + </p> + <p> + “And with reason,” replied Rameri, “I respect him all the more for it. You + all think I am a careless dog—but I have my own ideas, and I will + speak the words of wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he looked round on his companions with comical gravity, + and continued—imitating Ameni’s manner: + </p> + <p> + “Great men are distinguished from little men by this—they scorn and + contemn all which flatters their vanity, or seems to them for the moment + desirable, or even useful, if it is not compatible with the laws which + they recognize, or conducive to some great end which they have set before + them; even though that end may not be reached till after their death. + </p> + <p> + “I have learned this, partly from my father, but partly I have thought it + out for myself; and now I ask you, could Pentaur as ‘a great man’ have + dealt with us better?” + </p> + <p> + “You have put into words exactly what I myself have thought ever since + yesterday,” cried Anana. “We have behaved like babies, and instead of + carrying our point we have brought ourselves and Pentaur into disgrace.” + </p> + <p> + The rattle of an approaching chariot was now audible, and Rameri + exclaimed, interrupting Anana, “It is he. Courage, boys! I am the guilty + one. He will not dare to have me thrashed—but he will stab me with + looks!” + </p> + <p> + Ameni descended quickly from his chariot. The gate-keeper informed him + that the chief of the kolchytes, and the inspector of victims from the + temple of Anion, desired to speak with him. + </p> + <p> + “They must wait,” said the Prophet shortly. “Show them meanwhile into the + garden pavilion. Where is the chief haruspex?” + </p> + <p> + He had hardly spoken when the vigorous old man for whom he was enquiring + hurried to meet him, to make him acquainted with all that had occurred in + his absence. But the high-priest had already heard in Thebes all that his + colleague was anxious to tell him. + </p> + <p> + When Ameni was absent from the House of Seti, he caused accurate + information to be brought to him every morning of what had taken place + there. + </p> + <p> + Now when the old man began his story he interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + “I know everything,” he said. “The disciples cling to Pentaur, and have + committed a folly for his sake, and you met the princess Bent-Anat with + him in the temple of Hatasu, to which he had admitted a woman of low rank + before she had been purified. These are grave matters, and must be + seriously considered, but not to-day. Make yourself easy; Pentaur will not + escape punishment; but for to-day we must recall him to this temple, for + we have need of him to-morrow for the solemnity of the feast of the + valley. No one shall meet him as an enemy till he is condemned; I desire + this of you, and charge you to repeat it to the others.” + </p> + <p> + The haruspex endeavored to represent to his superior what a scandal would + arise from this untimely clemency; but Ameni did not allow him to talk, he + demanded his ring back, called a young priest, delivered the precious + signet into his charge, and desired him to get into his chariot that was + waiting at the door, and carry to Pentaur the command, in his name, to + return to the temple of Seti. + </p> + <p> + The haruspex submitted, though deeply vexed, and asked whether the guilty + boys were also to go unpunished. + </p> + <p> + “No more than Pentaur,” answered Ameni. “But can you call this + school-boy’s trick guilt? Leave the children to their fun, and their + imprudence. The educator is the destroyer, if he always and only keeps his + eyes open, and cannot close them at the right moment. Before life demands + of us the exercise of serious duties we have a mighty over-abundance of + vigor at our disposal; the child exhausts it in play, and the boy in + building wonder-castles with the hammer and chisel of his fancy, in + inventing follies. You shake your head, Septah! but I tell you, the + audacious tricks of the boy are the fore-runners of the deeds of the man. + I shall let one only of the boys suffer for what is past, and I should let + him even go unpunished if I had not other pressing reasons for keeping him + away from our festival.” + </p> + <p> + The haruspex did not contradict his chief; for he knew that when Ameni’s + eyes flashed so suddenly, and his demeanor, usually so measured, was as + restless as at present, something serious was brewing. + </p> + <p> + The high-priest understood what was passing in Septah’s mind. + </p> + <p> + “You do not understand me now,” said he. “But this evening, at the meeting + of the initiated, you shall know all. Great events are stirring. The + brethren in the temple of Anion, on the other shore, have fallen off from + what must always be the Holiest to us white-robed priests, and will stand + in our way when the time for action is arrived. At the feast of the valley + we shall stand in competition with the brethren from Thebes. All Thebes + will be present at the solemn service, and it must be proved which knows + how to serve the Divinity most worthily, they or we. We must avail + ourselves of all our resources, and Pentaur we certainly cannot do + without. He must fill the function of Cherheb + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Cherheb was the title of the speaker or reciter at a festival. We + cannot agree with those who confuse this personage with the chief of + the Kolchytes.] +</pre> + <p> + for to-morrow only; the day after he must be brought to judgment. Among + the rebellious boys are our best singers, and particularly young Anana, + who leads the voices of the choir-boys. + </p> + <p> + “I will examine the silly fellows at once. Rameri—Rameses’ son—was + among the young miscreants?” + </p> + <p> + “He seems to have been the ring-leader,” answered Septah. + </p> + <p> + Ameni looked at the old man with a significant smile, and said: + </p> + <p> + “The royal family are covering themselves with honor! His eldest daughter + must be kept far from the temple and the gathering of the pious, as being + unclean and refractory, and we shall be obliged to expel his son too from + our college. You look horrified, but I say to you that the time for action + is come. More of this, this evening. Now, one question: Has the news of + the death of the ram of Anion reached you? Yes? Rameses himself presented + him to the God, and they gave it his name. A bad omen.” + </p> + <p> + “And Apis too is dead!” The haruspex threw up his arms in lamentation. + </p> + <p> + “His Divine spirit has returned to God,” replied Ameni. “Now we have much + to do. Before all things we must prove ourselves equal to those in Thebes + over there, and win the people over to our side. The panegyric prepared by + us for to-morrow must offer some great novelty. The Regent Ani grants us a + rich contribution, and—” + </p> + <p> + “And,” interrupted Septah, “our thaumaturgists understand things very + differently from those of the house of Anion, who feast while we + practise.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni nodded assent, and said with a smile: “Also we are more + indispensable than they to the people. They show them the path of life, + but we smooth the way of death. It is easier to find the way without a + guide in the day-light than in the dark. We are more than a match for the + priests of Anion.” + </p> + <p> + “So long as you are our leader, certainly,” cried the haruspex. + </p> + <p> + “And so long as the temple has no lack of men of your temper!” added + Ameni, half to Septah, and half to the second prophet of the temple, + sturdy old Gagabu, who had come into the room. + </p> + <p> + Both accompanied him into the garden, where the two priests were awaiting + him with the miraculous heart. + </p> + <p> + Ameni greeted the priest from the temple of Anion with dignified + friendliness, the head kolchytes with distant reserve, listened to their + story, looked at the heart which lay in the box, with Septah and Gagabu, + touched it delicately with the tips of his fingers, carefully examining + the object, which diffused a strong perfume of spices; then he said + earnestly: + </p> + <p> + “If this, in your opinion, kolchytes, is not a human heart, and if in + yours, my brother of the temple of Anion, it is a ram’s heart, and if it + was found in the body of Rui, who is gone to Osiris, we here have a + mystery which only the Gods can solve. Follow me into the great court. Let + the gong be sounded, Gagabu, four times, for I wish to call all the + brethren together.” + </p> + <p> + The gong rang in loud waves of sound to the farthest limits of the group + of buildings. The initiated, the fathers, the temple-servants, and the + scholars streamed in, and in a few minutes were all collected. Not a man + was wanting, for at the four strokes of the rarely-sounded alarum every + dweller in the House of Seti was expected to appear in the court of the + temple. Even the leech Nebsecht came; for he feared that the unusual + summons announced the outbreak of a fire. + </p> + <p> + Ameni ordered the assembly to arrange itself in a procession, informed his + astonished hearers that in the breast of the deceased prophet Rui, a ram’s + heart, instead of a man’s, had been found, and desired them all to follow + his instructions. Each one, he said, was to fall on his knees and pray, + while he would carry the heart into the holiest of holies, and enquire of + the Gods what this wonder might portend to the faithful. + </p> + <p> + Ameni, with the heart in his hand, placed himself at the head of the + procession, and disappeared behind the veil of the sanctuary, the + initiated prayed in the vestibule, in front of it; the priests and + scholars in the vast court, which was closed on the west by the stately + colonnade and the main gateway to the temple. + </p> + <p> + For fully an hour Ameni remained in the silent holy of holies, from which + thick clouds of incense rolled out, and then he reappeared with a golden + vase set with precious stones. His tall figure was now resplendent with + rich ornaments, and a priest, who walked before him, held the vessel high + above his head. + </p> + <p> + Ameni’s eyes seemed spell-bound to the vase, and he followed it, + supporting himself by his crozier, with humble inflections. + </p> + <p> + The initiated bowed their heads till they touched the pavement, and the + priests and scholars bent their faces down to the earth, when they beheld + their haughty master so filled with humility and devotion. The worshippers + did not raise themselves till Ameni had reached the middle of the court + and ascended the steps of the altar, on which the vase with the heart was + now placed, and they listened to the slow and solemn accents of the + high-priest which sounded clearly through the whole court. + </p> + <p> + “Fall down again and worship! wonder, pray, and adore! The noble inspector + of sacrifices of the temple of Anion has not been deceived in his + judgment; a ram’s heart was in fact found in the pious breast of Rui. I + heard distinctly the voice of the Divinity in the sanctuary, and strange + indeed was the speech that met my ear. Wolves tore the sacred ram of Anion + in his sanctuary on the other bank of the river, but the heart of the + divine beast found its way into the bosom of the saintly Rui. A great + miracle has been worked, and the Gods have shown a wonderful sign. The + spirit of the Highest liked not to dwell in the body of this not perfectly + holy ram, and seeking a purer abiding-place found it in the breast of our + Rui; and now in this consecrated vase. In this the heart shall be + preserved till a new ram offered by a worthy hand enters the herd of + Anion. This heart shall be preserved with the most sacred relics, it has + the property of healing many diseases, and the significant words seem + favorable which stood written in the midst of the vapor of incense, and + which I will repeat to you word for word, ‘That which is high shall rise + higher, and that which exalts itself, shall soon fall down.’ Rise, + pastophori! hasten to fetch the holy images, bring them out, place the + sacred heart at the head of the procession, and let us march round the + walls of the temple with hymns of praise. Ye temple-servants, seize your + staves, and spread in every part of the city the news of the miracle which + the Divinity has vouchsafed to us.” + </p> + <p> + After the procession had marched round the temple and dispersed, the + priest of Anion took leave of Ameni; he bowed deeply and formally before + him, and with a coolness that was almost malicious said: + </p> + <p> + “We, in the temple of Anion, shall know how to appreciate what you heard + in the holy of holies. The miracle has occurred, and the king shall learn + how it came to pass, and in what words it was announced.” + </p> + <p> + “In the words of the Most High,” said the high priest with dignity; he + bowed to the other, and turned to a group of priests, who were discussing + the great event of the day. + </p> + <p> + Ameni enquired of them as to the preparations for the festival of the + morrow, and then desired the chief haruspex to call the refractory pupils + together in the school-court. The old man informed him that Pentaur had + returned, and he followed his superior to the released prisoners, who, + prepared for the worst, and expecting severe punishment, nevertheless + shook with laughter when Rameri suggested that, if by chance they were + condemned to kneel upon peas, they should get them cooked first. + </p> + <p> + “It will be long asparagus + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Asparagus was known to the Egyptians. Pliny says they held in + their mouths, as a remedy for toothache, wine in which asparagus had + been cooked.] +—not peas,” said another looking over his shoulder, and pretending to +be flogging. They all shouted again with laughter, but it was hushed as +soon as they heard Ameni’s well-known footstep. +</pre> + <p> + Each feared the worst, and when the high-priest stood before them even + Rameri’s mirth was quite quelled, for though Ameni looked neither angry + nor threatening, his appearance commanded respect, and each one recognized + in him a judge against whose verdict no remonstrance was to be thought of. + </p> + <p> + To their infinite astonishment Ameni spoke kindly to the thoughtless boys, + praised the motive of their action—their attachment to a + highly-endowed teacher—but then clearly and deliberately laid before + them the folly of the means they had employed to attain their end, and at + what a cost. “Only think,” he continued, turning to the prince, “if your + father sent a general, who he thought would be better in a different + place, from Syria to Kusch, and his troops therefore all went over to the + enemy! How would you like that?” + </p> + <p> + So for some minutes he continued to blame and warn them, and he ended his + speech by promising, in consideration of the great miracle that gave that + day a special sanctity, to exercise unwonted clemency. For the sake of + example, he said, he could not let them pass altogether unpunished, and he + now asked them which of them had been the instigator of the deed; he and + he only should suffer punishment. + </p> + <p> + He had hardly clone speaking, when prince Rameri stepped forward, and said + modestly: + </p> + <p> + “We acknowledge, holy father, that we have played a foolish trick; and I + lament it doubly because I devised it, and made the others follow me. I + love Pentaur, and next to thee there is no one like him in the sanctuary.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni’s countenance grew dark, and he answered with displeasure: + </p> + <p> + “No judgment is allowed to pupils as to their teachers—nor to you. + If you were not the son of the king, who rules Egypt as Ra, I would punish + your temerity with stripes. My hands are tied with regard to you, and yet + they must be everywhere and always at work if the hundreds committed to my + care are to be kept from harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, punish me!” cried Rameri. “If I commit a folly I am ready to bear + the consequences.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni looked pleased at the vehement boy, and would willingly have shaken + him by the hand and stroked his curly head, but the penance he proposed + for Rameri was to serve a great end, and Ameni would not allow any + overflow of emotion to hinder him in the execution of a well considered + design. So he answered the prince with grave determination: + </p> + <p> + “I must and will punish you—and I do so by requesting you to leave + the House of Seti this very day.” + </p> + <p> + The prince turned pale. But Ameni went on more kindly: + </p> + <p> + “I do not expel you with ignominy from among us—I only bid you a + friendly farewell. In a few weeks you would in any case have left the + college, and by the king’s command have transferred your blooming life, + health, and strength to the exercising ground of the chariot-brigade. No + punishment for you but this lies in my power. Now give me your hand; you + will make a fine man, and perhaps a great warrior.” + </p> + <p> + The prince stood in astonishment before Ameni, and did not take his + offered hand. Then the priest went up to him, and said: + </p> + <p> + “You said you were ready to take the consequences of your folly, and a + prince’s word must be kept. Before sunset we will conduct you to the gate + of the temple.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni turned his back on the boys, and left the school-court. + </p> + <p> + Rameri looked after him. Utter whiteness had overspread his blooming face, + and the blood had left even his lips. None of his companions approached + him, for each felt that what was passing in his soul at this moment would + brook no careless intrusion. No one spoke a word; they all looked at him. + </p> + <p> + He soon observed this, and tried to collect himself, and then he said in a + low tone while he held out his hands to Anana and another friend: + </p> + <p> + “Am I then so bad that I must be driven out from among you all like this—that + such a blow must be inflicted on my father?” + </p> + <p> + “You refused Ameni your hand!” answered Anana. “Go to him, offer him your + hand, beg him to be less severe, and perhaps he will let you remain.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri answered only “No.” But that “No” was so decided that all who knew + him understood that it was final. + </p> + <p> + Before the sun set he had left the school. Ameni gave him his blessing; he + told him that if he himself ever had to command he would understand his + severity, and allowed the other scholars to accompany him as far as the + Nile. Pentaur parted from him tenderly at the gate. + </p> + <p> + When Rameri was alone in the cabin of his gilt bark with his tutor, he + felt his eyes swimming in tears. + </p> + <p> + “Your highness is surely not weeping?” asked the official. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked the prince sharply. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I saw tears on your highness’ cheeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Tears of joy that I am out of the trap,” cried Rameri; he sprang on + shore, and in a few minutes he was with his sister in the palace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + This eventful day had brought much that was unexpected to our friends in + Thebes, as well as to those who lived in the Necropolis. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Katuti had risen early after a sleepless night. Nefert had come + in late, had excused her delay by shortly explaining to her mother that + she had been detained by Bent-Anat, and had then affectionately offered + her brow for a kiss of “good-night.” + </p> + <p> + When the widow was about to withdraw to her sleeping-room, and Nemu had + lighted her lamp, she remembered the secret which was to deliver Paaker + into Ani’s hands. She ordered the dwarf to impart to her what he knew, and + the little man told her at last, after sincere efforts at resistance—for + he feared for his mother’s safety—that Paaker had administered half + of a love-philter to Nefert, and that the remainder was still in his + hands. + </p> + <p> + A few hours since this information would have filled Katuti with + indignation and disgust; now, though she blamed the Mohar, she asked + eagerly whether such a drink could be proved to have any actual effect. + </p> + <p> + “Not a doubt of it,” said the dwarf, “if the whole were taken, but Nefert + only had half of it.” + </p> + <p> + At a late hour Katuti was still pacing her bedroom, thinking of Paaker’s + insane devotion, of Mena’s faithlessness, and of Nefert’s altered + demeanor; and when she went to bed, a thousand conjectures, fears, and + anxieties tormented her, while she was distressed at the change which had + come over Nefert’s love to her mother, a sentiment which of all others + should be the most sacred, and the most secure against all shock. + </p> + <p> + Soon after sunrise she went into the little temple attached to the house, + and made an offering to the statue, which, under the form of Osiris, + represented her lost husband; then she went to the temple of Anion, where + she also prayed a while, and nevertheless, on her return home, found that + her daughter had not yet made her appearance in the hall where they + usually breakfasted together. + </p> + <p> + Katuti preferred to be undisturbed during the early morning hours, and + therefore did not interfere with her daughter’s disposition to sleep far + into the day in her carefully-darkened room. + </p> + <p> + When the widow went to the temple Nefert was accustomed to take a cup of + milk in bed, then she would let herself be dressed, and when her mother + returned, she would find her in the veranda or hall, which is so well + known to the reader. + </p> + <p> + To-day however Katuti had to breakfast alone; but when she had eaten a few + mouthfuls she prepared Nefert’s breakfast—a white cake and a little + wine in a small silver beaker, carefully guarded from dust and insects by + a napkin thrown over it—and went into her daughter’s room. + </p> + <p> + She was startled at finding it empty, but she was informed that Nefert had + gone earlier than was her wont to the temple, in her litter. + </p> + <p> + With a heavy sigh she returned to the veranda, and there received her + nephew Paaker, who had come to enquire after the health of his relatives, + followed by a slave, who carried two magnificent bunches of flowers, and + by the great dog which had formerly belonged to his father. One bouquet he + said had been cut for Nefert, and the other for her mother. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Pictures on the monuments show that in ancient Egypt, as at the + present time, bouquets of flowers were bestowed as tokens of + friendly feeling.] +</pre> + <p> + Katuti had taken quite a new interest in Paaker since she had heard of his + procuring the philter. + </p> + <p> + No other young man of the rank to which they belonged, would have allowed + himself to be so mastered by his passion for a woman as this Paaker was, + who went straight to his aim with stubborn determination, and shunned no + means that might lead to it. The pioneer, who had grown up under her eyes, + whose weaknesses she knew, and whom she was accustomed to look down upon, + suddenly appeared to her as a different man—almost a stranger—as + the deliverer of his friends, and the merciless antagonist of his enemies. + </p> + <p> + These reflections had passed rapidly through her mind. Now her eyes rested + on the sturdy, strongly-knit figure of her nephew, and it struck her that + he bore no resemblance to his tall, handsome father. Often had she admired + her brother-in-law’s slender hand, that nevertheless could so effectually + wield a sword, but that of his son was broad and ignoble in form. + </p> + <p> + While Paaker was telling her that he must shortly leave for Syria, she + involuntarily observed the action of this hand, which often went + cautiously to his girdle as if he had something concealed there; this was + the oval phial with the rest of the philter. Katuti observed it, and her + cheeks flushed when it occurred to her to guess what he had there. + </p> + <p> + The pioneer could not but observe Katuti’s agitation, and he said in a + tone of sympathy: + </p> + <p> + “I perceive that you are in pain, or in trouble. The master of Mena’s stud + at Hermonthis has no doubt been with you—No? He came to me + yesterday, and asked me to allow him to join my troops. He is very angry + with you, because he has been obliged to sell some of Mena’s gold-bays. I + have bought the finest of them. They are splendid creatures! Now he wants + to go to his master ‘to open his eyes,’ as he says. Lie down a little + while, aunt, you are very pale.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti did not follow this prescription; on the contrary she smiled, and + said in a voice half of anger and half of pity: + </p> + <p> + “The old fool firmly believes that the weal or woe of the family depends + on the gold-bays. He would like to go with you? To open Mena’s eyes? No + one has yet tried to bind them!” + </p> + <p> + Katuti spoke the last words in a low tone, and her glance fell. Paaker + also looked down, and was silent; but he soon recovered his presence of + mind, and said: + </p> + <p> + “If Nefert is to be long absent, I will go.” + </p> + <p> + “No—no, stay,” cried the widow. “She wished to see you, and must + soon come in. There are her cake and her wine waiting for her.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she took the napkin off the breakfast-table, held up the + beaker in her hand, and then said, with the cloth still in her hand: + </p> + <p> + “I will leave you a moment, and see if Nefert is not yet come home.” + </p> + <p> + Hardly had she left the veranda when Paaker, having convinced himself that + no one could see him, snatched the flask from his girdle, and, with a + short invocation to his father in Osiris, poured its whole contents into + the beaker, which thus was filled to the very brim. A few minutes later + Nefert and her mother entered the hall. + </p> + <p> + Paaker took up the nosegay, which his slave had laid down on a seat, and + timidly approached the young woman, who walked in with such an aspect of + decision and self-confidence, that her mother looked at her in + astonishment, while Paaker felt as if she had never before appeared so + beautiful and brilliant. Was it possible that she should love her husband, + when his breach of faith troubled her so little? Did her heart still + belong to another? Or had the love-philter set him in the place of Mena? + Yes! yes! for how warmly she greeted him. She put out her hand to him + while he was still quite far off, let it rest in his, thanked him with + feeling, and praised his fidelity and generosity. + </p> + <p> + Then she went up to the table, begged Paaker to sit down with her, broke + her cake, and enquired for her aunt Setchern, Paaker’s mother. + </p> + <p> + Katuti and Paaker watched all her movements with beating hearts. + </p> + <p> + Now she took up the beaker, and lifted it to her lips, but set it down + again to answer Paaker’s remark that she was breakfasting late. + </p> + <p> + “I have hitherto been a real lazy-bones,” she said with a blush. “But this + morning I got up early, to go and pray in the temple in the fresh dawn. + You know what has happened to the sacred ram of Amion. It is a frightful + occurrence. The priests were all in the greatest agitation, but the + venerable Bek el Chunsu received me himself, and interpreted my dream, and + now my spirit is light and contented.” + </p> + <p> + “And you did all this without me?” said Katuti in gentle reproof. + </p> + <p> + “I would not disturb you,” replied Nefert. “Besides,” she added coloring, + “you never take me to the city and the temple in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + Again she took up the wine-cup and looked into it, but without drinking + any, went on: + </p> + <p> + “Would you like to hear what I dreamed, Paaker? It was a strange vision.” + </p> + <p> + The pioneer could hardly breathe for expectation, still he begged her to + tell her dream. + </p> + <p> + “Only think,” said Nefert, pushing the beaker on the smooth table, which + was wet with a few drops which she had spilt, “I dreamed of the Neha-tree, + down there in the great tub, which your father brought me from Punt, when + I was a little child, and which since then has grown quite a tall tree. + There is no tree in the garden I love so much, for it always reminds me of + your father, who was so kind to me, and whom I can never forget!” + </p> + <p> + Paaker bowed assent. + </p> + <p> + Nefert looked at him, and interrupted her story when she observed his + crimson cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “It is very hot! Would you like some wine to drink—-or some water?” + </p> + <p> + With these words she raised the wine-cup, and drank about half of the + contents; then she shuddered, and while her pretty face took a comical + expression, she turned to her mother, who was seated behind her and held + the beaker towards her. + </p> + <p> + “The wine is quite sour to-day!” she said. “Taste it, mother.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti took the little silver-cup in her hand, and gravely put it to her + lips, but without wetting them. A smile passed over her face, and her eyes + met those of the pioneer, who stared at her in horror. The picture flashed + before her mind of herself languishing for the pioneer, and of his terror + at her affection for him! Her selfish and intriguing spirit was free from + coarseness, and yet she could have laughed with all her heart even while + engaged in the most shameful deed of her whole life. She gave the wine + back to her daughter, saying good-humoredly: + </p> + <p> + “I have tasted sweeter, but acid is refreshing in this heat.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” said the wife of Mena; she emptied the cup to the bottom, + and then went on, as if refreshed, “But I will tell you the rest of my + dream. I saw the Neha-tree, which your father gave me, quite plainly; nay + I could have declared that I smelt its perfume, but the interpreter + assured me that we never smell in our dreams. I went up to the beautiful + tree in admiration. Then suddenly a hundred axes appeared in the air, + wielded by unseen hands, and struck the poor tree with such violence that + the branches one by one fell to the ground, and at last the trunk itself + was felled. If you think it grieved me you are mistaken. On the contrary, + I was delighted with the flashing hatchets and the flying splinters. When + at last nothing was left but the roots in the tub of earth, I perceived + that the tree was rising to new life. Suddenly my arms became strong, my + feet active, and I fetched quantities of water from the tank, poured it + over the roots, and when, at last, I could exert myself no longer, a + tender green shoot showed itself on the wounded root, a bud appeared, a + green leaf unfolded itself, a juicy stem sprouted quickly, it became a + firm trunk, sent out branches and twigs, and these became covered with + leaves and flowers, white, red and blue; then various birds came and + settled on the top of the tree, and sang. Ah! my heart sang louder than + the birds at that moment, and I said to myself that without me the tree + would have been dead, and that it owed its life to me.” + </p> + <p> + “A beautiful dream,” said Katuti; “that reminds me of your girlhood, when + you would be awake half the night inventing all sorts of tales. What + interpretation did the priest give you?” + </p> + <p> + “He promised me many things,” said Nefert, “and he gave me the assurance + that the happiness to which I am predestined shall revive in fresh beauty + after many interruptions.” + </p> + <p> + “And Paaker’s father gave you the Neha-tree?” asked Katuti, leaving the + veranda as she spoke and walking out into the garden. + </p> + <p> + “My father brought it to Thebes from the far cast,” said Paaker, in + confirmation of the widow’s parting words. + </p> + <p> + “And that is exactly what makes me so happy,” said Nefert. “For your + father was as kind, and as dear to me as if he had been my own. Do you + remember when we were sailing round the pond, and the boat upset, and you + pulled me senseless out of the water? Never shall I forget the expression + with which the great man looked at me when I woke up in its arms; such + wise true eyes no one ever had but he.” + </p> + <p> + “He was good, and he loved you very much,” said Paaker, recalling, for his + part, the moment when he had dared to press a kiss on the lips of the + sweet unconscious child. + </p> + <p> + “And I am so glad,” Nefert went on, “that the day has come at last when we + can talk of him together again, and when the old grudge that lay so heavy + in my heart is all forgotten. How good you are to us, I have already + learned; my heart overflows with gratitude to you, when I remember my + childhood, and I can never forget that I was indebted to you for all that + was bright and happy in it. Only look at the big dog—poor Descher!—how + he rubs against me, and shows that he has not forgotten me! Whatever comes + from your house fills my mind with pleasant memories.” + </p> + <p> + “We all love you dearly,” said Paaker looking at her tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “And how sweet it was in your garden!” cried Nefert. “The nosegay here + that you have brought me shall be placed in water, and preserved a long + time, as greeting from the place in which once I could play carelessly, + and dream so happily.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she pressed the flowers to her lips; Paaker sprang + forward, seized her hand, and covered it with burning kisses. + </p> + <p> + Nefert started and drew away her hand, but he put out his arm to clasp her + to him. He had touched her with his trembling hand, when loud voices were + heard in the garden, and Nemu hurried in to announce he arrival of the + princess Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + At the same moment Katuti appeared, and in a few minutes the princess + herself. + </p> + <p> + Paaker retreated, and quitted the room before Nefert had time to express + her indignation. He staggered to his chariot like a drunken man. He + supposed himself beloved by Mena’s wife, his heart was full of triumph, he + proposed rewarding Hekt with gold, and went to the palace without delay to + crave of Ani a mission to Syria. There it should be brought to the test—he + or Mena. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + While Nefert, frozen with horror, could not find a word of greeting for + her royal friend, Bent-Anat with native dignity laid before the widow her + choice of Nefert to fill the place of her lost companion, and desired that + Mena’s wife should go to the palace that very day. + </p> + <p> + She had never before spoken thus to Katuti, and Katuti could not overlook + the fact that Bent-Anat had intentionally given up her old confidential + tone. + </p> + <p> + “Nefert has complained of me to her,” thought she to herself, “and she + considers me no longer worthy of her former friendly kindness.” + </p> + <p> + She was vexed and hurt, and though she understood the danger which + threatened her, now her daughter’s eyes were opened, still the thought of + losing her child inflicted a painful wound. It was this which filled her + eyes with tears, and sincere sorrow trembled in her voice as she replied: + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast required the better half of my life at my hand; but thou hast + but to command, and I to obey.” Bent-Anat waved her hand proudly, as if to + confirm the widow’s statement; but Nefert went up to her mother, threw her + arms round her neck, and wept upon her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Tears glistened even in the princess’s eyes when Katuti at last led her + daughter towards her, and pressed yet one more kiss on her forehead. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat took Nefert’s hand, and did not release it, while she requested + the widow to give her daughter’s dresses and ornaments into the charge of + the slaves and waiting-women whom she would send for them. + </p> + <p> + “And do not forget the case with the dried flowers, and my amulets, and + the images of the Gods,” said Nefert. “And I should like to have the Neha + tree which my uncle gave me.” + </p> + <p> + Her white cat was playing at her feet with Paaker’s flowers, which she had + dropped on the floor, and when she saw her she took her up and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + “Bring the little creature with you,” said Bent-Anat. “It was your + favorite plaything.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Nefert coloring. + </p> + <p> + The princess understood her, pressed her hand, and said while she pointed + to Nemu: + </p> + <p> + “The dwarf is your own too: shall he come with you?” + </p> + <p> + “I will give him to my mother,” said Nefert. She let the little man kiss + her robe and her feet, once more embraced Katuti, and quitted the garden + with her royal friend. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Katuti was alone, she hastened into the little chapel in which + the figures of her ancestors stood, apart from those of Mena. She threw + herself down before the statue of her husband, half weeping, half + thankful. + </p> + <p> + This parting had indeed fallen heavily on her soul, but at the same time + it released her from a mountain of anxiety that had oppressed her breast. + Since yesterday she had felt like one who walks along the edge of a + precipice, and whose enemy is close at his heels; and the sense of freedom + from the ever threatening danger, soon got the upperhand of her maternal + grief. The abyss in front of her had suddenly closed; the road to the goal + of her efforts lay before her smooth and firm beneath her feet. + </p> + <p> + The widow, usually so dignified, hastily and eagerly walked down the + garden path, and for the first time since that luckless letter from the + camp had reached her, she could look calmly and clearly at the position of + affairs, and reflect on the measures which Ani must take in the immediate + future. She told herself that all was well, and that the time for prompt + and rapid action was now come. + </p> + <p> + When the messengers came from the princess she superintended the packing + of the various objects which Nefert wished to have, with calm + deliberation, and then sent her dwarf to Ani, to beg that he would visit + her. But before Nemu had left Mena’s grounds he saw the out-runners of the + Regent, his chariot, and the troop of guards following him. + </p> + <p> + Very soon Katuti and her noble friend were walking up and down in the + garden, while she related to him how Bent-Anat had taken Nefert from her, + and repeated to him all that she had planned and considered during the + last hour. + </p> + <p> + “You have the genius of a man,” said Ani; “and this time you do not urge + me in vain. Ameni is ready to act, Paaker is to-day collecting his troops, + to-morrow he will assist at the feast of the Valley, and the next day he + goes to Syria.” + </p> + <p> + “He has been with you?” Katuti asked. + </p> + <p> + “He came to the palace on leaving your house,” replied Ani, “with glowing + cheeks, and resolved to the utmost; though he does not dream that I hold + him in my hand.” + </p> + <p> + Thus speaking they entered the veranda, in which Nemu had remained, and he + now hid himself as usual behind the ornamental shrubs to overhear them. + They sat down near each other, by Nefert’s breakfast table, and Ani asked + Katuti whether the dwarf had told her his mother’s secret. Katuti feigned + ignorance, listened to the story of the love-philter, and played the part + of the alarmed mother very cleverly. The Regent was of opinion, while he + tried to soothe her, that there was no real love-potion in the case; but + the widow exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Now I understand, now for the first time I comprehend my daughter. Paaker + must have poured the drink into her wine, for she had no sooner drunk it + this morning than she was quite altered her words to Paaker had quite a + tender ring in them; and if he placed himself so cheerfully at your + disposal it is because he believes himself certainly to be beloved by my + daughter. The old witch’s potion was effectual.” + </p> + <p> + “There certainly are such drinks—” said Ani thoughtfully. “But will + they only win hearts to young men! If that is the case, the old woman’s + trade is a bad one, for youth is in itself a charm to attract love. If I + were only as young as Paaker! You laugh at the sighs of a man—say at + once of an old man! Well, yes, I am old, for the prime of life lies behind + me. And yet Katuti, my friend, wisest of women—explain to me one + thing. When I was young I was loved by many and admired many women, but + not one of them—not even my wife, who died young, was more to me + than a toy, a plaything; and now when I stretch out my hand for a girl, + whose father I might very well be—not for her own sake, but simply + to serve my purpose—and she refuses me, I feel as much disturbed, as + much a fool as-as that dealer in love-philters, Paaker.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you spoken to Bent-Anat?” asked Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “And heard again from her own lips the refusal she had sent me through + you. You see my spirit has suffered!” + </p> + <p> + “And on what pretext did she reject your suit?” asked the widow. + </p> + <p> + “Pretext!” cried Ani. “Bent-Anat and pretext! It must be owned that she + has kingly pride, and not Ma—[The Goddess of Truth]—herself is + more truthful than she. That I should have to confess it! When I think of + her, our plots seem to me unutterably pitiful. My veins contain, indeed, + many drops of the blood of Thotmes, and though the experience of life has + taught me to stoop low, still the stooping hurts me. I have never known + the happy feeling of satisfaction with my lot and my work; for I have + always had a greater position than I could fill, and constantly done less + than I ought to have done. In order not to look always resentful, I always + wear a smile. I have nothing left of the face I was born with but the mere + skin, and always wear a mask. I serve him whose master I believe I ought + to be by birth; I hate Rameses, who, sincerely or no, calls me his + brother; and while I stand as if I were the bulwark of his authority I am + diligently undermining it. My whole existence is a lie.” + </p> + <p> + “But it will be truth,” cried Katuti, “as soon as the Gods allow you to be—as + you are—the real king of this country.” + </p> + <p> + “Strange!” said Ani smiling, Ameni, “this very day, used almost exactly + the same words. The wisdom of priests, and that of women, have much in + common, and they fight with the same weapons. You use words instead of + swords, traps instead of lances, and you cast not our bodies, but our + souls, into irons.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you blame or praise us for it?” said the widow. “We are in any case + not impotent allies, and therefore, it seems to me, desirable ones.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed you are,” said Ani smiling. “Not a tear is shed in the land, + whether it is shed for joy or for sorrow, for which in the first instance + a priest or a woman is not responsible. Seriously, Katuti—in nine + great events out of ten you women have a hand in the game. You gave the + first impulse to all that is plotting here, and I will confess to you + that, regardless of all consequences, I should in a few hours have given + up my pretensions to the throne, if that woman Bent-Anat had said ‘yes’ + instead of ‘no.’” + </p> + <p> + “You make me believe,” said Katuti, “that the weaker sex are gifted with + stronger wills than the nobler. In marrying us you style us, ‘the mistress + of the house,’ and if the elders of the citizens grow infirm, in this + country it is not the sons but the daughters that must be their mainstay. + But we women have our weaknesses, and chief of these is curiosity.—May + I ask on what ground Bent-Anat dismissed you?” + </p> + <p> + “You know so much that you may know all,” replied Ani. “She admitted me to + speak to her alone. It was yet early, and she had come from the temple, + where the weak old prophet had absolved her from uncleanness; she met me, + bright, beautiful and proud, strong and radiant as a Goddess, and a + princess. My heart throbbed as if I were a boy, and while she was showing + me her flowers I said to myself: ‘You are come to obtain through her + another claim to the throne.’ And yet I felt that, if she consented to be + mine, I would remain the true brother, the faithful Regent of Rameses, and + enjoy happiness and peace by her side before it was too late. If she + refused me then I resolved that fate must take its way, and, instead of + peace and love, it must be war for the crown snatched from my fathers. I + tried to woo her, but she cut my words short, said I was a noble man, and + a worthy suitor but—” + </p> + <p> + “There came the but.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—in the form of a very frank ‘no.’ I asked her reasons. She + begged me to be content with the ‘no;’ then I pressed her harder, till she + interrupted me, and owned with proud decision that she preferred some one + else. I wished to learn the name of the happy man—that she refused. + Then my blood began to boil, and my desire to win her increased; but I had + to leave her, rejected, and with a fresh, burning, poisoned wound in my + heart.” + </p> + <p> + “You are jealous!” said Katuti, “and do you know of whom?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Ani. “But I hope to find out through you. What I feel it is + impossible for me to express. But one thing I know, and that is this, that + I entered the palace a vacillating man—that I left it firmly + resolved. I now rush straight onwards, never again to turn back. From this + time forward you will no longer have to drive me onward, but rather to + hold me back; and, as if the Gods had meant to show that they would stand + by me, I found the high-priest Ameni, and the chief pioneer Paaker waiting + for me in my house. Ameni will act for me in Egypt, Paaker in Syria. My + victorious troops from Ethiopia will enter Thebes to-morrow morning, on + their return home in triumph, as if the king were at their head, and will + then take part in the Feast of the Valley. Later we will send them into + the north, and post them in the fortresses which protect Egypt against + enemies coming from the east Tanis, Daphne, Pelusium, Migdol. Rameses, as + you know, requires that we should drill the serfs of the temples, and send + them to him as auxiliaries. I will send him half of the body-guard, the + other half shall serve my own purposes. The garrison of Memphis, which is + devoted to Rameses, shall be sent to Nubia, and shall be relieved by + troops that are faithful to me. The people of Thebes are led by the + priests, and tomorrow Ameni will point out to them who is their legitimate + king, who will put an end to the war and release them from taxes. The + children of Rameses will be excluded from the solemnities, for Ameni, in + spite of the chief-priest of Anion, still pronounces Bent-Anat unclean. + Young Rameri has been doing wrong and Ameni, who has some other great + scheme in his mind, has forbidden him the temple of Seti; that will work + on the crowd! You know how things are going on in Syria: Rameses has + suffered much at the hands of the Cheta and their allies; whole legions + are weary of eternally lying in the field, and if things came to + extremities would join us; but, perhaps, especially if Paaker acquits + himself well, we may be victorious without fighting. Above all things now + we must act rapidly.” + </p> + <p> + “I no longer recognize the timid, cautious lover of delay!” exclaimed + Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “Because now prudent hesitation would be want of prudence,” said Ani. + </p> + <p> + “And if the king should get timely information as to what is happening + here?” said Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “I said so!” exclaimed Ani; “we are exchanging parts.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken,” said Katuti. “I also am for pressing forwards; but I + would remind you of a necessary precaution. No letters but yours must + reach the camp for the next few weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Once more you and the priests are of one mind,” said Ani laughing; “for + Ameni gave me the same counsel. Whatever letters are sent across the + frontier between Pelusium and the Red Sea will be detained. Only my + letters—in which I complain of the piratical sons of the desert who + fall upon the messengers—will reach the king.” + </p> + <p> + “That is wise,” said the widow; “let the seaports of the Red Sea be + watched too, and the public writers. When you are king, you can + distinguish those who are affected for or against you.” + </p> + <p> + Ani shook his head and replied: + </p> + <p> + “That would put me in a difficult position; for it I were to punish those + who are now faithful to their king, and exalt the others, I should have to + govern with unfaithful servants, and turn away the faithful ones. You need + not color, my kind friend, for we are kin, and my concerns are yours.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti took the hand he offered her and said: + </p> + <p> + “It is so. And I ask no further reward than to see my father’s house once + more in the enjoyment of its rights.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we shall achieve it,” said Ani; “but in a short time if—if—Reflect, + Katuti; try to find out, ask your daughter to help you to the utmost. Who + is it that she—you know whom I mean—Who is it that Bent-Anat + loves?” + </p> + <p> + The widow started, for Ani had spoken the last words with a vehemence very + foreign to his usual courtliness, but soon she smiled and repeated to the + Regent the names of the few young nobles who had not followed the king, + and remained in Thebes. “Can it be Chamus?” at last she said, “he is at + the camp, it is true, but nevertheless—” + </p> + <p> + At this instant Nemu, who had not lost a word of the conversation, came in + as if straight from the garden and said: + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, my lady; but I have heard a strange thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak,” said Katuti. + </p> + <p> + “The high and mighty princess Bent-Anat, the daughter of Rameses, is said + to have an open love-affair with a young priest of the House of Seti.” + </p> + <p> + “You barefaced scoundrel!” exclaimed Ani, and his eyes sparkled with rage. + “Prove what you say, or you lose your tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to lose it as a slanderer and traitor according to the law,” + said the little man abjectly, and yet with a malicious laugh; “but this + time I shall keep it, for I can vouch for what I say. You both know that + Bent-Anat was pronounced unclean because she stayed for an hour and more + in the house of a paraschites. She had an assignation there with the + priest. At a second, in the temple of Hatasu, they were surprised by + Septah, the chief of the haruspices of the House of Seti.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the priest?” asked Ani with apparent calmness. + </p> + <p> + “A low-born man,” replied Nemu, “to whom a free education was given at the + House of Seti, and who is well known as a verse-maker and interpreter of + dreams. His name is Pentaur, and it certainly must be admitted that he is + handsome and dignified. He is line for line the image of the pioneer + Paaker’s late father. Didst thou ever see him, my lord?” + </p> + <p> + The Regent looked gloomily at the floor and nodded that he had. But Katuti + cried out; “Fool that I am! the dwarf is right! I saw how she blushed when + her brother told her how the boys had rebelled on his account against + Ameni. It is Pentaur and none other!” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said Ani, “we will see.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he took leave of Katuti, who, as he disappeared in the + garden, muttered to herself: “He was wonderfully clear and decided to-day; + but jealousy is already blinding him and will soon make him feel that he + cannot get on without my sharp eyes.” + </p> + <p> + Nemu had slipped out after the Regent. + </p> + <p> + He called to him from behind a fig-tree, and hastily whispered, while he + bowed with deep respect: + </p> + <p> + “My mother knows a great deal, most noble highness! The sacred Ibis + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Ibis religiosa. It has disappeared from Egypt There were two + varieties of this bird, which was sacred to Toth, and mummies of + both have been found in various places. Elian states that an + immortal Ibis was shown at Hermopolis. Plutarch says, the ibis + destroys poisonous reptiles, and that priests draw the water for + their purifications where the Ibis has drunk, as it will never touch + unwholesome water.] +</pre> + <p> + wades through the fen when it goes in search of prey, and why shouldst + thou not stoop to pick up gold out of the dust? I know how thou couldst + speak with the old woman without being seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak,” said Ani. + </p> + <p> + “Throw her into prison for a day, hear what she has to say, and then + release her—with gifts if she is of service to you—if not, + with blows. But thou wilt learn something important from her that she + obstinately refused to tell me even.” + </p> + <p> + “We will see!” replied the Regent. He threw a ring of gold to the dwarf + and got into his chariot. + </p> + <p> + So large a crowd had collected in the vicinity of the palace, that Ani + apprehended mischief, and ordered his charioteer to check the pace of the + horses, and sent a few police-soldiers to the support of the out-runners; + but good news seemed to await him, for at the gate of the castle he heard + the unmistakable acclamations of the crowd, and in the palace court he + found a messenger from the temple of Seti, commissioned by Ameni to + communicate to him and to the people, the occurrence of a great miracle, + in that the heart of the ram of Anion, that had been torn by wolves, had + been found again within the breast of the dead prophet Rui. + </p> + <p> + Ani at once descended from his chariot, knelt down before all the people, + who followed his example, lifted his arms to heaven, and praised the Gods + in a loud voice. When, after some minutes, he rose and entered the palace, + slaves came out and distributed bread to the crowd in Ameni’s name. + </p> + <p> + “The Regent has an open hand,” said a joiner to his neighbor; “only look + how white the bread is. I will put it in my pocket and take it to the + children.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me a bit!” cried a naked little scamp, snatching the cake of bread + from the joiner’s hand and running away, slipping between the legs of the + people as lithe as a snake. + </p> + <p> + “You crocodile’s brat!” cried his victim. “The insolence of boys gets + worse and worse every day.” + </p> + <p> + “They are hungry,” said the woman apologetically. “Their fathers are gone + to the war, and the mothers have nothing for their children but + papyrus-pith and lotus-seeds.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope they enjoy it,” laughed the joiner. “Let us push to the left; + there is a man with some more bread.” + </p> + <p> + “The Regent must rejoice greatly over the miracle,” said a shoemaker. “It + is costing him something.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing like it has happened for a long time,” said a basket-maker. “And + he is particularly glad it should be precisely Rui’s body, which the + sacred heart should have blessed. You ask why?—Hatasu is Ani’s + ancestress, blockhead!” + </p> + <p> + “And Rui was prophet of the temple of Hatasu,” added the joiner. + </p> + <p> + “The priests over there are all hangers-on of the old royal house, that I + know,” asserted a baker. + </p> + <p> + “That’s no secret!” cried the cobbler. “The old times were better than + these too. The war upsets everything, and quite respectable people go + barefoot because they cannot pay for shoe-leather. Rameses is a great + warrior, and the son of Ra, but what can he do without the Gods; and they + don’t seem to like to stay in Thebes any longer; else why should the heart + of the sacred ram seek a new dwelling in the Necropolis, and in the breast + of an adherent of the old—” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue,” warned the basket-maker. “Here comes one of the + watch.” + </p> + <p> + “I must go back to work,” said the baker. “I have my hands quite full for + the feast to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “And I too,” said the shoemaker with a sigh, “for who would follow the + king of the Gods through the Necropolis barefoot.” + </p> + <p> + “You must earn a good deal,” cried the basket-maker. “We should do better + if we had better workmen,” replied the shoemaker, “but all the good hands + are gone to the war. One has to put up with stupid youngsters. And as for + the women! My wife must needs have a new gown for the procession, and + bought necklets for the children. Of course we must honor the dead, and + they repay it often by standing by us when we want it—but what I pay + for sacrifices no one can tell. More than half of what I earn goes in them—” + </p> + <p> + “In the first grief of losing my poor wife,” said the baker, “I promised a + small offering every new moon, and a greater one every year. The priests + will not release us from our vows, and times get harder and harder. And my + dead wife owes me a grudge, and is as thankless as she was is her + lifetime; for when she appears to me in a dream she does not give me a + good word, and often torments me.” + </p> + <p> + “She is now a glorified all-seeing spirit,” said the basket-maker’s wife, + “and no doubt you were faithless to her. The glorified souls know all that + happens, and that has happened on earth.” + </p> + <p> + The baker cleared his throat, having no answer ready; but the shoemaker + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “By Anubis, the lord of the under-world, I hope I may die before my old + woman! for if she finds out down there all I have done in this world, and + if she may be changed into any shape she pleases, she will come to me + every night, and nip me like a crab, and sit on me like a mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you die first,” said the woman, “she will follow you afterwards to + the under-world, and see through you there.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be less dangerous,” said the shoemaker laughing, “for then I + shall be glorified too, and shall know all about her past life. That will + not all be white paper either, and if she throws a shoe at me I will fling + the last at her.” + </p> + <p> + “Come home,” said the basket-maker’s wife, pulling her husband away. “You + are getting no good by hearing this talk.” + </p> + <p> + The bystanders laughed, and the baker exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “It is high time I should be in the Necropolis before it gets dark, and + see to the tables being laid for to-morrow’s festival. My trucks are close + to the narrow entrance to the valley. Send your little ones to me, and I + will give them something nice. Are you coming over with me?” + </p> + <p> + “My younger brother is gone over with the goods,” replied the shoemaker. + “We have plenty to do still for the customers in Thebes, and here am I + standing gossiping. Will the wonderful heart of the sacred ram be + exhibited to-morrow do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course—no doubt,” said the baker, “good-bye, there go my cases!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> + <p> + Notwithstanding the advanced hour, hundreds of people were crossing over + to the Necropolis at the same time as the baker. They were permitted to + linger late on into the evening, under the inspection of the watch, + because it was the eve of the great feast, and they had to set out their + counters and awnings, to pitch their tents, and to spread out their wares; + for as soon as the sun rose next day all business traffic would be + stopped, none but festal barges might cross from Thebes, or such boats as + ferried over pilgrims—men, women, and children whether natives or + foreigners, who were to take part in the great procession. + </p> + <p> + In the halls and work-rooms of the House of Seti there was unusual stir. + The great miracle of the wonderful heart had left but a short time for the + preparations for the festival. Here a chorus was being practised, there on + the sacred lake a scenic representation was being rehearsed; here the + statues of the Gods were being cleaned and dressed, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The dressing and undressing of the holy images was conducted in + strict accordance with a prescribed ritual. The inscriptions in the + seven sanctuaries of Abydos, published by Alariette, are full of + instruction as to these ordinances, which were significant in every + detail.] +</pre> + <p> + and the colors of the sacred emblems were being revived, there the + panther-skins and other parts of the ceremonial vestments of the priests + were being aired and set out; here sceptres, censers and other + metal-vessels were being cleaned, and there the sacred bark which was to + be carried in the procession was being decorated. In the sacred groves of + the temple the school-boys, under the direction of the gardeners, wove + garlands and wreaths to decorate the landing-places, the sphinxes, the + temple, and the statues of the Gods. Flags were hoisted on the + brass-tipped masts in front of the pylon, and purple sails were spread to + give shadow to the court. + </p> + <p> + The inspector of sacrifices was already receiving at a side-door the + cattle, corn and fruit, offerings which were brought as tribute to the + House of Seti, by citizens from all parts of the country, on the occasion + of the festival of the Valley, and he was assisted by scribes, who kept an + account of all that was brought in by the able-bodied temple-servants and + laboring serfs. + </p> + <p> + Ameni was everywhere: now with the singers, now with the magicians, who + were to effect wonderful transformations before the astonished multitude; + now with the workmen, who were erecting thrones for the Regent, the + emissaries from other collegiate foundations—even from so far as the + Delta—and the prophets from Thebes; now with the priests, who were + preparing the incense, now with the servants, who were trimming the + thousand lamps for the illumination at night—in short everywhere; + here inciting, there praising. When he had convinced himself that all was + going on well he desired one of the priests to call Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + After the departure of the exiled prince Rameri, the young priest had gone + to the work-room of his friend Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + The leech went uneasily from his phials to his cages, and from his cages + back to his flasks. While he told Pentaur of the state he had found his + room in on his return home, he wandered about in feverish excitement, + unable to keep still, now kicking over a bundle of plants, now thumping + down his fist on the table; his favorite birds were starved to death, his + snakes had escaped, and his ape had followed their example, apparently in + his fear of them. + </p> + <p> + “The brute, the monster!” cried Nebsecht in a rage. “He has thrown over + the jars with the beetles in them, opened the chest of meal that I feed + the birds and insects upon, and rolled about in it; he has thrown my + knives, prickers, and forceps, my pins, compasses, and reed pens all out + of window; and when I came in he was sitting on the cupboard up there, + looking just like a black slave that works night and day in a corn-mill; + he had got hold of the roll which contained all my observations on the + structure of animals—the result of years of study-and was looking at + it gravely with his head on one side. I wanted to take the book from him, + but he fled with the roll, sprang out of window, let himself down to the + edge of the well, and tore and rubbed the manuscript to pieces in a rage. + I leaped out after him, but he jumped into the bucket, took hold of the + chain, and let himself down, grinning at me in mockery, and when I drew + him up again he jumped into the water with the remains of the book.” + </p> + <p> + “And the poor wretch is drowned?” asked Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “I fished him up with the bucket, and laid him to dry in the sun; but he + had been tasting all sorts of medicines, and he died at noon. My + observations are gone! Some of them certainly are still left; however, I + must begin again at the beginning. You see apes object as much to my + labors as sages; there lies the beast on the shelf.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had laughed at his friend’s story, and then lamented his loss; but + now he said anxiously: + </p> + <p> + “He is lying there on the shelf? But you forget that he ought to have been + kept in the little oratory of Toth near the library. He belongs to the + sacred dogfaced apes, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The dog faced baboon, Kynokephalos, was sacred to Toth as the + Moongod. Mummies of these apes have been found at Thebes and + Hermopolis, and they are often represented as reading with much + gravity. Statues of them have been found to great quantities, and + there is a particularly life-like picture of a Kynokephalos in + relief on the left wall of the library of the temple of Isis at + Philoe.] +</pre> + <p> + and all the sacred marks were found upon him. The librarian gave him into + your charge to have his bad eye cured.” + </p> + <p> + “That was quite well,” answered Nebsecht carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “But they will require the uninjured corpse of you, to embalm it,” said + Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “Will they?” muttered Nebsecht; and he looked at his friend like a boy who + is asked for an apple that has long been eaten. + </p> + <p> + “And you have already been doing something with it,” said Pentaur, in a + tone of friendly vexation. + </p> + <p> + The leech nodded. “I have opened him, and examined his heart.’ + </p> + <p> + “You are as much set on hearts as a coquette!” said Pentaur. “What is + become of the human heart that the old paraschites was to get for you?” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht related without reserve what the old man had done for him, and + said that he had investigated the human heart, and had found nothing in it + different from what he had discovered in the heart of beasts. + </p> + <p> + “But I must see it in connection with the other organs of the human body,” + cried he; “and my decision is made. I shall leave the House of Seti, and + ask the kolchytes to take me into their guild. If it is necessary I will + first perform the duties of the lowest paraschites.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur pointed out to the leech what a bad exchange he would be making, + and at last exclaimed, when Nebsecht eagerly contradicted him, “This + dissecting of the heart does not please me. You say yourself that you + learned nothing by it. Do you still think it a right thing, a fine thing—or + even useful?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not trouble myself about it,” replied Nebsecht. “Whether my + observations seem good or evil, right or heinous, useful or useless, I + want to know how things are, nothing more.” + </p> + <p> + “And so for mere curiosity,” cried Pentaur, “you would endanger the + blissful future of thousands of your fellow-men, take upon yourself the + most abject duties, and leave this noble scene of your labors, where we + all strive for enlightenment, for inward knowledge and truth.” + </p> + <p> + The naturalist laughed scornfully; the veins swelled angrily in Pentaur’s + forehead, and his voice took a threatening tone as he asked: + </p> + <p> + “And do you believe that your finger and your eyes have lighted on the + truth, when the noblest souls have striven in vain for thousands of years + to find it out? You descend beneath the level of human understanding by + madly wallowing in the mire; and the more clearly you are convinced that + you have seized the truth, the more utterly you are involved in the toils + of a miserable delusion.” + </p> + <p> + “If I believed I knew the truth should I so eagerly seek it?” asked + Nebsecht. “The more I observe and learn, the more deeply I feel my want of + knowledge and power.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds modest enough,” said the poet, “but I know the arrogance to + which your labors are leading you. Everything that you see with your own + eyes and touch with your own hand, you think infallible, and everything + that escapes your observation you secretly regard as untrue, and pass by + with a smile of superiority. But you cannot carry your experiments beyond + the external world, and you forget that there are things which lie in a + different realm.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of those things,” answered Nebsecht quietly. + </p> + <p> + “But we—the Initiated,” cried Pentaur, “turn our attention to them + also. Thoughts—traditions—as to their conditions and agency + have existed among us for a thousand years; hundreds of generations of men + have examined these traditions, have approved them, and have handed them + down to us. All our knowledge, it is true, is defective, and yet prophets + have been favored with the gift of looking into the future, magic powers + have been vouchsafed to mortals. All this is contrary to the laws of the + external world, which are all that you recognize, and yet it can easily be + explained if we accept the idea of a higher order of things. The spirit of + the Divinity dwells in each of us, as in nature. The natural man can only + attain to such knowledge as is common to all; but it is the divine + capacity for serene discernment—which is omniscience—that + works in the seer; it is the divine and unlimited power—which is + omnipotence—that from time to time enables the magician to produce + supernatural effects!” + </p> + <p> + “Away with prophets and marvels!” cried Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought,” said Pentaur, “that even the laws of nature which + you recognize presented the greatest marvels daily to your eyes; nay the + Supreme One does not disdain sometimes to break through the common order + of things, in order to reveal to that portion of Himself which we call our + soul, the sublime Whole of which we form part—Himself. Only today + you have seen how the heart of the sacred ram—” + </p> + <p> + “Man, man!” Nebsecht interrupted, “the sacred heart is the heart of a + hapless sheep that a sot of a soldier sold for a trifle to a haggling + grazier, and that was slaughtered in a common herd. A proscribed + paraschites put it into the body of Rui, and—and—” he opened + the cupboard, threw the carcase of the ape and some clothes on to the + floor, and took out an alabaster bowl which he held before the poet—“the + muscles you see here in brine, this machine, once beat in the breast of + the prophet Rui. My sheep’s heart wilt be carried to-morrow in the + procession! I would have told you all about it if I had not promised the + old man to hold my tongue, and then—But what ails you, man?” Pentaur + had turned away from his friend, and covered his face with his hands, and + he groaned as if he were suffering some frightful physical pain. Nebsecht + divined what was passing in the mind of his friend. Like a child that has + to ask forgiveness of its mother for some misdeed, he went close up to + Pentaur, but stood trembling behind him not daring to speak to him. + </p> + <p> + Several minutes passed. Suddenly Pentaur raised his head, lifted his hands + to heaven, and cried: + </p> + <p> + “O Thou! the One!—though stars may fall from the heavens in summer + nights, still Thy eternal and immutable laws guide the never-resting + planets in their paths. Thou pure and all-prevading Spirit, that dwellest + in me, as I know by my horror of a lie, manifest Thyself in me—as + light when I think, as mercy when I act, and when I speak, as truth—always + as truth!” + </p> + <p> + The poet spoke these words with absorbed fervor, and Nebsecht heard them + as if they were speech from some distant and beautiful world. He went + affectionately up to his friend, and eagerly held out his hand. Pentaur + grasped it, pressed it warmly, and said: + </p> + <p> + “That was a fearful moment! You do not know what Ameni has been to me, and + now, now!” + </p> + <p> + He hardly had ceased speaking when steps were heard approaching the + physician’s room, and a young priest requested the friends to appear at + once in the meeting-room of the Initiated. In a few moments they both + entered the great hall, which was brilliantly lighted. + </p> + <p> + Not one of the chiefs of the House of Seti was absent. + </p> + <p> + Ameni sat on a raised seat at a long table; on his right hand was old + Gagabu, on his left the third Prophet of the temple. The principals of the + different orders of priests had also found places at the table, and among + them the chief of the haruspices, while the rest of the priests, all in + snow-white linen robes, sat, with much dignity, in a large semicircle, two + rows deep. In the midst stood a statue of the Goddess of truth and + justice. + </p> + <p> + Behind Ameni’s throne was the many-colored image of the ibis-headed Toth, + who presided over the measure and method of things, who counselled the + Gods as well as men, and presided over learning and the arts. In a niche + at the farther end of the hall were painted the divine Triad of Thebes, + with Rameses I. and his son Seti, who approached them with offerings. The + priests were placed with strict regard to their rank, and the order of + initiation. Pentaur’s was the lowest place of all. + </p> + <p> + No discussion of any importance had as yet taken place, for Ameni was + making enquiries, receiving information, and giving orders with reference + to the next day’s festival. All seemed to be well arranged, and promised a + magnificent solemnity; although the scribes complained of the scarce + influx of beasts from the peasants, who were so heavily taxed for the war, + and although that feature would be wanting in the procession which was + wont to give it the greatest splendor—the presence of the king and + the royal family. + </p> + <p> + This circumstance aroused the disapprobation of some of the priests, who + were of opinion that it would be hazardous to exclude the two children of + Rameses, who remained in Thebes, from any share in the solemnities of the + feast. + </p> + <p> + Ameni then rose. + </p> + <p> + “We have sent the boy Rameri,” he said, “away from this house. Bent-Anat + must be purged of her uncleanness, and if the weak superior of the temple + of Anion absolves her, she may pass for purified over there, where they + live for this world only, but not here, where it is our duty to prepare + the soul for death. The Regent, a descendant of the great deposed race of + kings, will appear in the procession with all the splendor of his rank. I + see you are surprised, my friends. Only he! Aye! Great things are + stirring, and it may happen that soon the mild sun of peace may rise upon + our war-ridden people.” + </p> + <p> + “Miracles are happening,” he continued, “and in a dream I saw a gentle and + pious man on the throne of the earthly vicar of Ra. He listened to our + counsel, he gave us our due, and led back to our fields our serfs that had + been sent to the war; he overthrew the altars of the strange gods, and + drove the unclean stranger out from this holy land.” + </p> + <p> + “The Regent Ani!” exclaimed Septah. + </p> + <p> + An eager movement stirred the assembly, but Ameni went on: + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it was not unlike him, but he certainly was the One; he had the + features of the true and legitimate descendants of Ra, to whom Rui was + faithful, in whose breast the heart of the sacred ram found a refuge. + To-morrow this pledge of the divine grace shall be shown to the people, + and another mercy will also be announced to them. Hear and praise the + dispensations of the Most High! An hour ago I received the news that a new + Apis, with all the sacred marks upon him, has been found in the herds of + Ani at Hermonthis.” + </p> + <p> + Fresh excitement was shown by the listening conclave. Ameni let their + astonishment express itself freely, but at last he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “And now to settle the last question. The priest Pentaur, who is now + present, has been appointed speaker at the festival to-morrow. He has + erred greatly, yet I think we need not judge him till after the holy day, + and, in consideration of his former innocence, need not deprive him of the + honorable office. Do you share my wishes? Is there no dissentient voice? + Then come forward, you, the youngest of us all, who are so highly trusted + by this holy assembly.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur rose and placed himself opposite to Ameni, in order to give, as he + was required to do, a broad outline of the speech he proposed to deliver + next day to the nobles and the people. + </p> + <p> + The whole assembly, even his opponents, listened to him with approbation. + Ameni, too, praised him, but added: + </p> + <p> + “I miss only one thing on which you must dwell at greater length, and + treat with warmer feeling—I mean the miracle which has stirred our + souls to-day. We must show that the Gods brought the sacred heart—” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me,” said Pentaur, interrupting the high-priest, and looking + earnestly into those eyes which long since he had sung of—“Allow me + to entreat you not to select me to declare this new marvel to the people.” + </p> + <p> + Astonishment was stamped on the face of every member of the assembly. Each + looked at his neighbor, then at Pentaur, and at last enquiringly at Ameni. + The superior knew Pentaur, and saw that no mere whimsical fancy, but some + serious motive had given rise to this refusal. Horror, almost aversion, + had rung in his tone as he said the words ‘new marvel.’ He doubted the + genuineness of this divine manifestation! + </p> + <p> + Ameni gazed long and enquiringly into Pentaur’s eyes, and then said: “You + are right, my friend. Before judgment has been passed on you, before you + are reinstated in your old position, your lips are not worthy to announce + this divine wonder to the multitude. Look into your own soul, and teach + the devout a horror of sin, and show them the way, which you must now + tread, of purification of the heart. I myself will announce the miracle.” + </p> + <p> + The white-robed audience hailed this decision of their master with + satisfaction. Ameni enjoined this thing on one, on another, that; and on + all, perfect silence as to the dream which he had related to them, and + then he dissolved the meeting. He begged only Gagabu and Pentaur to + remain. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were alone Ameni asked the poet “Why did you refuse to + announce to the people the miracle, which has filled all the priests of + the Necropolis with joy?” + </p> + <p> + “Because thou hast taught me,” replied Pentaur, “that truth is the highest + aim we can have, and that there is nothing higher.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you so again now,” said Ameni. “And as you recognize this + doctrine, I ask you, in the name of the fair daughter of Ra. Do you doubt + the genuineness of the miracle that took place under our very eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “I doubt it,” replied Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “Remain on the high stand-point of veracity,” continued Ameni, “and tell + us further, that we may learn, what are the scruples that shake thy + faith?” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” replied the poet with a dark expression, “that the heart which + the crowd will approach and bow to, before which even the Initiated + prostrate themselves as if it had been the incarnation of Ra, was torn + from the bleeding carcass of a common sheep, and smuggled into the kanopus + which contained the entrails of Rui.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni drew back a step, and Gagabu cried out “Who says so? Who can prove + it? As I grow older I hear more and more frightful things!” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” said Pentaur decidedly. “But I can, not reveal the name of + him from whom I learned it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we may believe that you are mistaken, and that some impostor is + fooling you. We will enquire who has devised such a trick, and he shall be + punished! To scorn the voice of the Divinity is a sin, and he who lends + his ear to a lie is far from the truth. Sacred and thrice sacred is the + heart, blind fool, that I purpose to-morrow to show to the people, and + before which you yourself—if not with good will, then by compulsion—shall + fall, prostrate in the dust. + </p> + <p> + “Go now, and reflect on the words with which you will stir the souls of + the people to-morrow morning; but know one thing—Truth has many + forms, and her aspects are as manifold as those of the Godhead. As the sun + does not travel over a level plain or by a straight path—as the + stars follow a circuitous course, which we compare with the windings of + the snake Mehen,—so the elect, who look out over time and space, and + on whom the conduct of human life devolves, are not only permitted, but + commanded, to follow indirect ways in order to reach the highest aims, + ways that you do not understand, and which you may fancy deviate widely + from the path of truth. You look only at to-day, we look forward to the + morrow, and what we announce as truth you must needs believe. And mark my + words: A lie stains the soul, but doubt eats into it.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni had spoken with strong excitement; when Pentaur had left the room, + and he was alone with Gagabu, he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “What things are these? Who is ruining the innocent child-like spirit of + this highly favored youth?” + </p> + <p> + “He is ruining it himself,” replied Gagabu. “He is putting aside the old + law, for he feels a new one growing up in his own breast.” + </p> + <p> + “But the laws,” exclaimed Ameni, “grow and spread like shadowy woods; they + are made by no one. I loved the poet, yet I must restrain him, else he + will break down all barriers, like the Nile when it swells too high. And + what he says of the miracle—” + </p> + <p> + “Did you devise it?” + </p> + <p> + “By the Holy One—no!” cried Ameni. + </p> + <p> + “And yet Pentaur is sincere, and inclined to faith,” said the old man + doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” returned Ameni. “It happened as he said. But who did it, and + who told him of the shameful deed?” + </p> + <p> + Both the priests stood thoughtfully gazing at the floor. + </p> + <p> + Ameni first broke the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur came in with Nebsecht,” he exclaimed, “and they are intimate + friends. Where was the leech while I was staying in Thebes?” + </p> + <p> + “He was taking care of the child hurt by Bent-Anat—the child of the + paraschites Pinem, and he stayed there three days,” replied Gagabu. + </p> + <p> + “And it was Pinem,” said Ameni, “that opened the body of Rui! Now I know + who has dimmed Pentaur’s faith. It was that inquisitive stutterer, and he + shall be made to repent of it. For the present let us think of to-morrow’s + feast, but the day after I will examine that nice couple, and will act + with iron severity.” + </p> + <p> + “First let us examine the naturalist in private,” said Gagabu. “He is an + ornament to the temple, for he has investigated many matters, and his + dexterity is wonderful.” + </p> + <p> + “All that may be considered Ameni said, interrupting the old enough to + think of at present.” + </p> + <p> + “And even more to consider later,” retorted Gagabu. “We have entered on a + dangerous path. You know very well I am still hot-headed, though I am old + in years, and alas! timidity was never my weakness; but Rameses is a + powerful man, and duty compels me to ask you: Is it mere hatred for the + king that has led you to take these hasty and imprudent steps?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no hatred for Rameses,” answered Ameni gravely. “If he did not + wear the crown I could love him; I know him too, as well as if I were his + brother, and value all that is great in him; nay I will admit that he is + disfigured by no littleness. If I did not know how strong the enemy is, we + might try to overthrow him with smaller means. You know as well as I do + that he is our enemy. Not yours, nor mine, nor the enemy of the Gods; but + the enemy of the old and reverend ordinances by which this people and this + country must be governed, and above all of those who are required to + protect the wisdom of the fathers, and to point out the right way to the + sovereign—I mean the priesthood, whom it is my duty to lead, and for + whose rights I will fight with every weapon of the spirit. In this + contest, as you know, all that otherwise would be falsehood, treachery, + and cunning, puts on the bright aspect of light and truth. As the + physician needs the knife and fire to heal the sick, we must do fearful + things to save the community when it is in danger. Now you will see me + fight with every weapon, for if we remain idle, we shall soon cease to be + the leaders of the state, and become the slaves of the king.” + </p> + <p> + Gagabu nodded assent, but Ameni went on with increasing warmth, and in + that rhythmical accent in which, when he came out of the holy of holies, + he was accustomed to declare the will of the Divinity, “You were my + teacher, and I value you, and so you now shall be told everything that + stirred my soul, and made me first resolve upon this fearful struggle. I + was, as you know, brought up in this temple with Rameses—and it was + very wise of Seti to let his son grow up here with other boys. At work and + at play the heir to the throne and I won every prize. He was quite my + superior in swift apprehension—in keen perception—but I had + greater caution, and deeper purpose. Often he laughed at my laborious + efforts, but his brilliant powers appeared to me a vain delusion. I became + one of the initiated, he ruled the state in partnership with his father, + and, when Seti died, by himself. We both grew older, but the foundation of + our characters remained the same. He rushed to splendid victories, + overthrew nations, and raised the glory of the Egyptian name to a giddy + height, though stained with the blood of his people; I passed my life in + industry and labor, in teaching the young, and in guarding the laws which + regulate the intercourse of men and bind the people to the Divinity. I + compared the present with the past: What were the priests? How had they + come to be what they are? What would Egypt be without them? There is not + an art, not a science, not a faculty that is not thought out, constructed, + and practised by us. We crown the kings, we named the Gods, and taught the + people to honor them as divine—for the crowd needs a hand to lead + it, and under which it shall tremble as under the mighty hand of Fate. We + are the willing ministers of the divine representative of Ra on the + throne, so long as he rules in accordance with our institutions—as + the One God reigns, subject to eternal laws. He used to choose his + counsellors from among us; we told him what would benefit the country, he + heard us willingly, and executed our plans. The old kings were the hands, + but we, the priests, were the head. And now, my father, what has become of + us? We are made use of to keep the people in the faith, for if they cease + to honor the Gods how will they submit to kings? Seti ventured much, his + son risks still more, and therefore both have required much succor from + the Immortals. Rameses is pious, he sacrifices frequently, and loves + prayer: we are necessary to him, to waft incense, to slaughter hecatombs, + to offer prayers, and to interpret dreams—but we are no longer his + advisers. My father, now in Osiris, a worthier high-priest than I, was + charged by the Prophets to entreat his father to give up the guilty + project of connecting the north sea by a navigable channel with the + unclean waters of the Red Sea. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The harbors of the Red Sea were in the hands of the Phoenicians, + who sailed from thence southwards to enrich themselves with the + produce of Arabia and Ophir. Pharaoh Necho also projected a Suez + canal, but does not appear to have carried it out, as the oracle + declared that the utility of the undertaking would be greatest to + foreigners.] +</pre> + <p> + “Such things can only benefit the Asiatics. But Seti would not listen to + our counsel. We desired to preserve the old division of the land, but + Rameses introduced the new to the disadvantage of the priests; we warned + him against fresh wars, and the king again and again has taken the field; + we had the ancient sacred documents which exempted our peasantry from + military service, and, as you know, he outrageously defies them. From the + most ancient times no one has been permitted to raise temples in this land + to strange Gods, and Rameses favors the son of the stranger, and, not only + in the north country, but in the reverend city of Memphis and here in + Thebes, he has raised altars and magnificent sanctuaries, in the + strangers’ quarter, to the sanguinary false Gods of the East.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Human sacrifices, which had been introduced into Egypt by the + Phoenicians, were very early abolished.] +</pre> + <p> + “You speak like a Seer,” cried old Gagabu, “and what you say is perfectly + true. We are still called priests, but alas! our counsel is little asked. + ‘You have to prepare men for a happy lot in the other world,’ Rameses once + said; ‘I alone can guide their destinies in this.’” + </p> + <p> + “He did say so,” answered Ameni, “and if he had said no more than that he + would have been doomed. He and his house are the enemies of our rights and + of our noble country. Need I tell you from whom the race of the Pharaoh is + descended? Formerly the hosts who came from the east, and fell on our land + like swarms of locusts, robbing and destroying it, were spoken of as ‘a + curse’ and a ‘pest.’ Rameses’ father was of that race. When Ani’s + ancestors expelled the Hyksos, the bold chief, whose children now govern + Egypt, obtained the favor of being allowed to remain on the banks of the + Nile; they served in the armies, they distinguished themselves, and, at + last, the first Rameses succeeded in gaining the troops over to himself, + and in pushing the old race of the legitimate sons of Ra, weakened as they + were by heresy, from the throne. I must confess, however unwillingly, that + some priests of the true faith—among them your grandfather, and mine—supported + the daring usurper who clung faithfully to the old traditions. Not less + than a hundred generations of my ancestors, and of yours, and of many + other priestly families, have lived and died here by the banks of the Nile—of + Rameses race we have seen ten, and only know of them that they descend + from strangers, from the caste of Amu! He is like all the Semitic race; + they love to wander, they call us ploughmen,—[The word Fellah (pl. + Fellahin) means ploughman]—and laugh to scorn the sober regularity + with which we, tilling the dark soil, live through our lives to a tardy + death, in honest labor both of mind and body. They sweep round on foraying + excursions, ride the salt waves in ships, and know no loved and fixed + home; they settle down wherever they are tempted by rapine, and when there + is nothing more to be got they build a house in another spot. Such was + Seti, such is Rameses! For a year he will stop in Thebes, then he must set + out for wars in strange lands. He does not know how to yield piously, or + to take advice of wise counsellors, and he will not learn. And such as the + father is, so are the children! Think of the criminal behavior of + Bent-Anat!” + </p> + <p> + “I said the kings liked foreigners. Have you duly considered the + importance of that to us? We strive for high and noble aims, and have + wrenched off the shackles of the flesh in order to guard our souls. The + poorest man lives secure under the shelter of the law, and through us + participates in the gifts of the spirit; to the rich are offered the + priceless treasures of art and learning. Now look abroad: east and west + wandering tribes roam over the desert with wretched tents; in the south a + debased populace prays to feathers, and to abject idols, who are beaten if + the worshipper is not satisfied. In the north certainly there are well + regulated states, but the best part of the arts and sciences which they + possess they owe to us, and their altars still reek with the loathsome + sacrifice of human blood. Only backsliding from the right is possible + under the stranger, and therefore it is prudent to withdraw from him; + therefore he is hateful to our Gods. And Rameses, the king, is a stranger, + by blood and by nature, in his affections, and in his appearance; his + thoughts are always abroad—this country is too small for him—and + he will never perceive what is really best for him, clear as his intellect + is. He will listen to no guidance, he does mischief to Egypt, and + therefore I say: Down with him from the throne!” + </p> + <p> + “Down with him!”—Gagabu eagerly echoed the words. Ameni gave the old + man his hand, which trembled with excitement, and went on more calmly. + </p> + <p> + “The Regent Ani is a legitimate child of the soil, by his father and + mother both. I know him well, and I am sure that though he is cunning + indeed, he is full of true veneration, and will righteously establish us + in the rights which we have inherited. The choice is easy: I have chosen, + and I always carry through what I have once begun! Now you know all, and + you will second me.” + </p> + <p> + “With body and soul!” cried Gagabu. + </p> + <p> + “Strengthen the hearts of the brethren,” said Ameni, preparing to go. “The + initiated may all guess what is going on, but it must never be spoken of.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> + <p> + The sun was up on the twenty-ninth morning of the second month of the + over-flow of the Nile, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The 29th Phaophi. The Egyptians divided the year into three + seasons of four months each. Flood-time, seed-time and Harvest. + (Scha, per and schemu.) The 29th Phaophi corresponds to the 8th + November.] +</pre> + <p> + and citizens and their wives, old men and children, freemen and slaves, + led by priests, did homage to the rising day-star before the door of the + temple to which the quarter of the town belonged where each one dwelt. + </p> + <p> + The Thebans stood together like Huge families before the pylons, waiting + for the processions of priests, which they intended to join in order to + march in their train round the great temple of the city, and thence to + cross with the festal barks to the Necropolis. + </p> + <p> + To-day was the Feast of the Valley, and Anion, the great God of Thebes, + was carried over in solemn pomp to the City of the Dead, in order that he—as + the priests said—might sacrifice to his fathers in the other world. + The train marched westward; for there, where the earthly remains of man + also found rest, the millions of suns had disappeared, each of which was + succeeded daily by a new one, born of the night. The young luminary, the + priests said, did not forget those that had been extinguished, and from + whom he was descended; and Anion paid them this mark of respect to warn + the devout not to forget those who were passed away, and to whom they owed + their existence. + </p> + <p> + “Bring offerings,” says a pious text, “to thy father and thy mother who + rest in the valley of the tombs; for such gifts are pleasing to the Gods, + who will receive them as if brought to themselves. Often visit thy dead, + so that what thou dost for them, thy son may do for thee.” + </p> + <p> + The Feast of the Valley was a feast of the dead; but it was not a + melancholy solemnity, observed with lamentation and wailing; on the + contrary, it was a cheerful festival, devoted to pious and sentimental + memories of those whom we cease not to love after death, whom we esteem + happy and blest, and of whom we think with affection; to whom too the + throng from Thebes brought offerings, forming groups in the chapel-like + tombs, or in front of the graves, to eat and drink. + </p> + <p> + Father, mother and children clung together; the house-slaves followed with + provisions, and with torches, which would light up the darkness of the + tomb and show the way home at night. + </p> + <p> + Even the poorest had taken care to secure beforehand a place in one of the + large boats which conveyed the people across the stream; the barges of the + rich, dressed in the gayest colors, awaited their owners with their + households, and the children had dreamed all night of the sacred bark of + Anion, whose splendor, as their mothers told them, was hardly less than + that of the golden boat in which the Sun-God and his companions make their + daily voyage across the ocean of heaven. The broad landing place of the + temple of Anion was already crowded with priests, the shore with citizens, + and the river with boats; already loud music drowned the din of the + crowds, who thronged and pushed, enveloped in clouds of dust, to reach the + boats; the houses and hovels of Thebes were all empty, and the advent of + the God through the temple-gates was eagerly expected; but still the + members of the royal family had not appeared, who were wont on this solemn + day to go on foot to the great temple of Anion; and, in the crowd, many a + one asked his neighbor why Bent-Anat, the fair daughter of Rameses, + lingered so long, and delayed the starting of the procession. + </p> + <p> + The priests had begun their chant within the walls, which debarred the + outer world from any glimpse into the bright precincts of the temple; the + Regent with his brilliant train had entered the sanctuary; the gates were + thrown open; the youths in their short-aprons, who threw flowers in the + path of the God, had come out; clouds of incense announced the approach of + Anion—and still the daughter of Rameses appeared not. + </p> + <p> + Many rumors were afloat, most of them contradictory; but one was accurate, + and confirmed by the temple servants, to the great regret of the crowd—Bent-Anat + was excluded from the Feast of the Valley. + </p> + <p> + She stood on her balcony with her brother Rameri and her friend Nefert, + and looked down on the river, and on the approaching God. + </p> + <p> + Early in the previous morning Bek-en-Chunsu, the old high-priest of the + temple of Anion had pronounced her clean, but in the evening he had come + to communicate to her the intelligence that Ameni prohibited her entering + the Necropolis before she had obtained the forgiveness of the Gods of the + West for her offence. + </p> + <p> + While still under the ban of uncleanness she had visited the temple of + Hathor, and had defiled it by her presence; and the stern Superior of the + City of the Dead was in the right—that Bek-en-Chunsu himself + admitted—in closing the western shore against her. Bent-Anat then + had recourse to Ani; but, though he promised to mediate for her, he came + late in the evening to tell her that Ameni was inexorable. The Regent at + the same time, with every appearance of regret, advised her to avoid an + open quarrel, and not to defy Ameni’s lofty severity, but to remain absent + from the festival. + </p> + <p> + Katuti at the same time sent the dwarf to Nefert, to desire her to join + her mother, in taking part in the procession, and in sacrificing in her + father’s tomb; but Nefert replied that she neither could nor would leave + her royal friend and mistress. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat had given leave of absence to the highest members of her + household, and had prayed them to think of her at the splendid solemnity. + </p> + <p> + When, from her balcony, she saw the mob of people and the crowd of boats, + she went back into her room, called Rameri, who was angrily declaiming at + what he called Ameni’s insolence, took his hands in hers, and said: + </p> + <p> + “We have both done wrong, brother; let us patiently submit to the + consequences of our faults, and conduct ourselves as if our father were + with us.” + </p> + <p> + “He would tear the panther-skin from the haughty priest’s shoulders,” + cried Rameri, “if he dared to humiliate you so in his presence;” and tears + of rage ran down his smooth cheeks as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Put anger aside,” said Bent-Anat. “You were still quite little the last + time my father took part in this festival.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I remember that morning well,” exclaimed Rameri, “and shall never + forget it.” + </p> + <p> + “So I should think,” said the princess. “Do not leave us, Nefert—you + are now my sister. It was a glorious morning; we children were collected + in the great hall of the King, all in festival dresses; he had us called + into this room, which had been inhabited by my mother, who then had been + dead only a few months. He took each of us by the hand, and said he + forgave us everything we might have done wrong if only we were sincerely + penitent, and gave us each a kiss on our forehead. Then he beckoned us all + to him, and said, as humbly as if he were one of us instead of the great + king, ‘Perhaps I may have done one of you some injustice, or have kept you + out of some right; I am not conscious of such a thing, but if it has + occurred I am very sorry’—we all rushed upon him, and wanted to kiss + him, but he put us aside smiling, and said, ‘Each of you has enjoyed an + equal share of one thing, that you may be sure—I mean your father’s + love; and I see now that you return what I have given you.’ Then he spoke + of our mother, and said that even the tenderest father could not fill the + place of a mother. He drew a lovely picture of the unselfish devotion of + the dead mother, and desired us to pray and to sacrifice with him at her + resting-place, and to resolve to be worthy of her; not only in great + things but in trifles too, for they make up the sum of life, as hours make + the days, and the years. We elder ones clasped each other’s hands, and I + never felt happier than in that moment, and afterwards by my mother’s + grave.” Nefert raised her eyes that were wet with tears. + </p> + <p> + “With such a father it must be easy to be good,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Did your mother never speak good words that went to your heart on the + morning of this festival?” asked Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + Nefert colored, and answered: “We were always late in dressing, and then + had to hurry to be at the temple in time.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let me be your mother to-day,” cried the princess, “and yours too, + Rameri. Do you not remember how my father offered forgiveness to the + officers of the court, and to all the servants, and how he enjoined us to + root out every grudge from our hearts on this day? ‘Only stainless + garments,’ he said, ‘befit this feast; only hearts without spot.’ So, + brother, I will not hear an evil word about Ameni, who is most likely + forced to be severe by the law; my father will enquire into it all and + decide. My heart is so full, it must overflow. Come, Nefert, give me a + kiss, and you too, Rameri. Now I will go into my little temple, in which + the images of our ancestors stand, and think of my mother and the blessed + spirits of those loved ones to whom I may not sacrifice to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go with you,” said Rameri. + </p> + <p> + “You, Nefert—stay here,” said Bent-Anat, “and cut as many flowers as + you like; take the best and finest, and make a wreath, and when it is + ready we will send a messenger across to lay it, with other gifts, on the + grave of your Mena’s mother.” + </p> + <p> + When, half-an-hour later, the brother and sister returned to the young + wife, two graceful garlands hung in Nefert’s bands, one for the grave of + the dead queen, and one for Mena’s mother. + </p> + <p> + “I will carry over the wreaths, and lay them in the tombs,” cried the + prince. + </p> + <p> + “Ani thought it would be better that we should not show ourselves to the + people,” said his sister. “They will scarcely notice that you are not + among the school-boys, but—” + </p> + <p> + “But I will not go over as the king’s son, but as a gardener’s boy—” + interrupted the prince. “Listen to the flourish of trumpets! the God has + now passed through the gates.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri stepped out into the balcony, and the two women followed him, and + looked down on the scene of the embarkation which they could easily see + with their sharp young eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It will be a thinner and poorer procession without either my father or + us, that is one comfort,” said Rameri. “The chorus is magnificent; here + come the plume-bearers and singers; there is the chief prophet at the + great temple, old Bek-en-Chunsu. How dignified he looks, but he will not + like going. Now the God is coming, for I, smell the incense.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the prince fell on his knees, and the women followed his + example—when they saw first a noble bull in whose shining skin the + sun was reflected, and who bore between his horns a golden disk, above + which stood white ostrich-feathers; and then, divided from the bull only + by a few fan-bearers, the God himself, sometimes visible, but more often + hidden from sight by great semi-circular screens of black and white + ostrich-feathers, which were fixed on long poles, and with which the + priests shaded the God. + </p> + <p> + His mode of progress was as mysterious as his name, for he seemed to float + slowly on his gorgeous throne from the temple-gates towards the stream. + His seat was placed on a platform, magnificently decorated with bunches + and garlands of flowers, and covered with hangings of purple and gold + brocade, which concealed the priests who bore it along with a slow and + even pace. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the God had been placed on board his barge, Bent-Anat and her + companions rose from their knees. + </p> + <p> + Then came some priests, who carried a box with the sacred evergreen tree + of Amon; and when a fresh outburst of music fell on her ear, and a cloud + of incense was wafted up to her, Bent-Anat said: “Now my father should be + coming.” + </p> + <p> + “And you,” cried Rameri, “and close behind, Nefert’s husband, Mena, with + the guards. Uncle Ani comes on foot. How strangely he has dressed himself + like a sphinx hind-part before!” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” asked Nefert. + </p> + <p> + “A sphinx,” said Rameri laughing, it has the body of a lion, and the head + of a man, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [There were no female sphinxes in Egypt. The sphinx was called Neb, + i. e., the lord. The lion-couchant had either a man’s or a rams + head.] +</pre> + <p> + and my uncle has a peaceful priest’s robe, and on his head the helmet of a + warrior.” + </p> + <p> + “If the king were here, the distributor of life,” said Nefert, “you would + not be missing from among his supporters.” + </p> + <p> + “No indeed!” replied the prince, “and the whole thing is altogether + different when my father is here. His heroic form is splendid on his + golden throne; the statues of Truth and justice spread their wings behind + him as if to protect him; his mighty representative in fight, the lion, + lies peacefully before him, and over him spreads the canopy with the Urmus + snake at the top. There is hardly any end to the haruspices, the + pastophori with the standards, the images of the Gods, and the flocks and + herds for sacrifice. Only think, even the North has sent representatives + to the feast, as if my father were here. I know all the different signs on + the standards. Do you recognize the images of the king’s ancestors, + Nefert? No? no more do I; but it seemed to me that Ahmes I., who expelled + the Hyksos—from whom our grandmother was descended—headed the + procession, and not my grandfather Seti, as he should have done. Here come + the soldiers; they are the legions which Ani equipped, and who returned + victorious from Ethiopia only last night. How the people cheer them! and + indeed they have behaved valiantly. Only think, Bent-Anat and Nefert, what + it will be when my father comes home, with a hundred captive princes, who + will humbly follow his chariot, which your Mena will drive, with our + brothers and all the nobles of the land, and the guards in their splendid + chariots.” + </p> + <p> + “They do not think of returning yet!” sighed Nefert. While more and more + troops of the Regent’s soldiers, more companies of musicians, and rare + animals, followed in procession, the festal bark of Amon started from the + shore. + </p> + <p> + It was a large and gorgeous barge of wood, polished all over and overlaid + with gold, and its edge was decorated with glittering glass-beads, which + imitated rubies and emeralds; the masts and yards were gilt, and purple + sails floated from them. The seats for the priests were of ivory, and + garlands of lilies and roses hung round the vessel, from its masts and + ropes. + </p> + <p> + The Regent’s Nile-boat was not less splendid; the wood-work shone with + gilding, the cabin was furnished with gay Babylonian carpets; a + lion’s-head formed the prow, as formerly in Hatasu’s sea-going vessels, + and two large rubies shone in it, for eyes. After the priests had + embarked, and the sacred barge had reached the opposite shore, the people + pressed into the boats, which, filled almost to sinking, soon so covered + the whole breadth of the river that there was hardly a spot where the sun + was mirrored in the yellow waters. + </p> + <p> + “Now I will put on the dress of a gardener,” cried Rameri, “and cross over + with the wreaths.” + </p> + <p> + “You will leave us alone?” asked Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + “Do not make me anxious,” said Rameri. + </p> + <p> + “Go then,” said the princess. “If my father were here how willingly I + would go too.” + </p> + <p> + “Come with me,” cried the boy. “We can easily find a disguise for you + too.” + </p> + <p> + “Folly!” said Bent-Anat; but she looked enquiringly at Nefert, who + shrugged her shoulders, as much as to say: “Your will is my law.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri was too sharp for the glances of the friends to have escaped him, + and he exclaimed eagerly: + </p> + <p> + “You will come with me, I see you will! Every beggar to-day flings his + flower into the common grave, which contains the black mummy of his father—and + shall the daughter of Rameses, and the wife of the chief charioteer, be + excluded from bringing garlands to their dead?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall defile the tomb by my presence,” said Bent-Anat coloring. + </p> + <p> + “You—you!” exclaimed Rameri, throwing his arms round his sister’s + neck, and kissing her. “You, a noble generous creature, who live only to + ease sorrow and to wipe away tears; you, the very image of my father—unclean! + sooner would I believe that the swans down there are as black as crows, + and the rose-wreaths on the balcony rank hemlock branches. Bek-en-Chunsu + pronounced you clean, and if Ameni—” + </p> + <p> + “Ameni only exercises his rights,” said Bent-Anat gently, “and you know + what we have resolved. I will not hear one hard word about him to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well! he has graciously and mercifully kept us from the feast,” said + Rameri ironically, and he bowed low in the direction of the Necropolis, + “and you are unclean. Do not enter the tombs and the temples on my + account; let us stay outside among the people. The roads over there are + not so very sensitive; paraschites and other unclean folks pass over them + every day. Be sensible, Bent-Anat, and come. We will disguise ourselves; I + will conduct you; I will lay the garlands in the tombs, we will pray + together outside, we will see the sacred procession and the feats of the + magicians, and hear the festive discourse. Only think! Pentaur, in spite + of all they have said against him, is to deliver it. The temple of Seti + wants to do its best to-day, and Ameni knows very well that Pentaur, when + he opens his mouth, stirs the hearts of the people more than all the sages + together if they were to sing in chorus! Come with me, sister.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it then,” said Bent-Anat with sudden decision. + </p> + <p> + Rameri was surprised at this quick resolve, at which however he was + delighted; but Nefert looked anxiously at her friend. In a moment her eyes + fell; she knew now who it was that her friend loved, and the fearful + thought—“How will it end?” flashed through her mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + An hour later a tall, plainly dressed woman crossed the Nile, with a + dark-skinned boy and a slender youth by her side. The wrinkles on her brow + and cheeks agreed little with her youthful features; but it would have + been difficult to recognize in these three the proud princess, the fair + young prince, and the graceful Nefert, who looked as charming as ever in + the long white robe of a temple-student. + </p> + <p> + They were followed by two faithful and sturdy head-servants from among the + litter-bearers of the princess, who were however commanded to appear as + though they were not in any way connected with their mistress and her + companions. + </p> + <p> + The passage across the Nile had been accomplished but slowly, and thus the + royal personages had experienced for the first time some of the many + difficulties and delays which ordinary mortals must conquer to attain + objects which almost fly to meet their rulers. No one preceded them to + clear the river, no other vessel made way for them; on the contrary, all + tried to take place ahead of them, and to reach the opposite shore before + them. + </p> + <p> + When at last they reached the landing-place, the procession had already + passed on to the temple of Seti; Ameni had met it with his chorus of + singers, and had received the God on the shore of the Nile; the prophets + of the Necropolis had with their own hands placed him in the sacred + Sam-bark of the House of Seti, which was artistically constructed of cedar + wood and electrum set with jewels; thirty pastophori took the precious + burden on their shoulders, and bore it up the avenue of Sphinxes—which + led from the river to the temple—into the sanctuary of Seti, where + Amon remained while the emissaries from the different provinces deposited + their offerings in the forecourt. On his road from the shore kolchytes had + run before him, in accordance with ancient custom, strewing sand in his + path. + </p> + <p> + In the course of an hour the procession once more emerged into the open + air, and turning to the south, rested first in the enormous temple of + Anienophis III., in front of which the two giant statues stood as + sentinels—they still remain, the colossi of the Nile valley. Farther + to the south it reached the temple of Thotmes the Great, then, turning + round, it clung to the eastern face of the Libyan hills—pierced with + tombs and catacombs; it mounted the terraces of the temple of Hatasu, and + paused by the tombs of the oldest kings which are in the immediate + neighborhood; thus by sunset it had reached the scene of the festival + itself, at the entrance of the valley in which the tomb of Setitt had been + made, and in whose westernmost recesses were some of the graves of the + Pharaohs of the deposed race. + </p> + <p> + This part of the Necropolis was usually visited by lamp-light, and under + the flare of torches, before the return of the God to his own temple and + the mystery-play on the sacred lake, which did not begin till midnight. + </p> + <p> + Behind the God, in a vase of transparent crystal, and borne high on a pole + that all the multitude might see it, was the heart of the sacred ram. + </p> + <p> + Our friends, after they had laid their wreaths on the magnificent altars + of their royal ancestors without being recognized, late in the afternoon + joined the throng who followed the procession. They mounted the eastern + cliff of the hills close by the tomb of Mena’s forefathers, which a + prophet of Amon, named Neferhotep—Mena’s great-grandfather—had + constructed. Its narrow doorway was besieged by a crowd, for within the + first of the rock-chambers of which it consisted, a harper was singing a + dirge for the long-since buried prophet, his wife and his sister. The song + had been composed by the poet attached to his house; it was graven in the + stone of the second rock-room of the tomb, and Neferhotep had left a plot + of ground in trust to the Necropolis, with the charge of administering its + revenues for the payment of a minstrel, who every-year at the feast of the + dead should sing the monody to the accompaniment of his lute. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The tomb of Neferhotep is well preserved, and in it the inscription + from which the monody is translated.] +</pre> + <p> + The charioteer well knew this dirge for his ancestor, and had often sung + it to Nefert, who had accompanied him on her lute; for in their hours of + joy also—nay especially—the Egyptians were wont to remember + their dead. + </p> + <p> + Now the three companions listened to the minstrel as he sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Now the great man is at rest, + Gone to practise sweeter duties. + Those that die are the elect + Since the Gods have left the earth. + Old men pass and young men come; + Yea, a new Sun rises daily + When the old sun has found rest + In the bosom of the night. + + “Hail, O Prophet! on this feast day + Odorous balsams, fragrant resins + Here we bring—and offer garlands, + Throwing flowers down before thee, + And before thy much-loved sister, + Who has found her rest beside thee. + + “Songs we sing, and strike the lyre + To thy memory, and thine honor. + All our cares are now forgotten, + Joy and hope our breasts are filling; + For the day of our departure + Now draws near, and in the silence + Of the farther shore is rest.” + </pre> + <p> + When the song ceased, several people pressed into the little oratory to + express their gratitude to the deceased prophet by laying a few flowers on + his altar. Nefert and Rameri also went in, and when Nefert had offered a + long and silent prayer to the glorified spirits of her dead, that they + might watch over Mena, she laid her garland beside the grave in which her + husband’s mother rested. + </p> + <p> + Many members of the court circle passed close to the royal party without + recognizing them; they made every effort to reach the scene of the + festival, but the crowd was so great that the ladies had several times to + get into a tomb to avoid it. In each they found the altar loaded with + offerings, and, in most, family-parties, who here remembered their dead, + with meat and fruits, beer and wine, as though they were departed + travellers who had found some far off rest, and whom they hoped sooner or + later to see again. + </p> + <p> + The sun was near setting when at last the princess and her companions + reached the spot where the feast was being held. Here stood numbers of + stalls and booths, with eatables of every sort, particularly sweet cakes + for the children, dates, figs, pomegranates, and other fruits. Under light + awnings, which kept off the sun, were sold sandals and kerchiefs of every + material and hue, ornaments, amulets, fans, and sun-shades, sweet essences + of every kind, and other gifts for offerings or for the toilet. The + baskets of the gardeners and flower-girls were already empty, but the + money-changers were full of business, and the tavern and gambling booths + were driving a brisk trade. + </p> + <p> + Friends and acquaintances greeted each other kindly, while the children + showed each other their new sandals, the cakes they had won at the games, + or the little copper rings they had had given to them, and which must now + be laid out. The largest crowd was gathered to see the magicians from the + House of Seti, round which the mob squatted on the ground in a compact + circle, and the children were good-naturedly placed in the front row. + </p> + <p> + When Bent-Anat reached the place all the religious solemnity was ended. + </p> + <p> + There stood the canopy under which the king and his family were used to + listen to the festal discourse, and under its shade sat to-day the Regent + Ani. They could see too the seats of the grandees, and the barriers which + kept the people at a distance from the Regent, the priests, and the + nobles. + </p> + <p> + Here Ameni himself had announced to the multitude the miracle of the + sacred heart, and had proclaimed that a new Apis had been found among the + herds of the Regent Ani. + </p> + <p> + His announcement of these divine tokens had been repeated from mouth to + mouth; they were omens of peace and happiness for the country through the + means of a favorite of the Gods; and though no one said it, the dullest + could not fail to see that this favorite was none other than Ani, the + descendant of the great Hatasu, whose prophet had been graced by the + transfer to him of the heart of the sacred rain. All eyes were fixed on + Ani, who had sacrificed before all the people to the sacred heart, and + received the high-priest’s blessing. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur, too, had ended his discourse when Bent-Anat reached the scene of + the festival. She heard an old man say to his son: + </p> + <p> + “Life is hard. It often seems to me like a heavy burden laid on our poor + backs by the cruel Gods; but when I heard the young priest from the House + of Seti, I felt that, after all, the Immortals are good, and we have much + to thank them for.” + </p> + <p> + In another place a priest’s wife said to her son: + </p> + <p> + “Could you see Pentaur well, Hor-Uza? He is of humble birth, but he stands + above the greatest in genius and gifts, and will rise to high things.” + </p> + <p> + Two girls were speaking together, and one said to the other: + </p> + <p> + “The speaker is the handsomest man I ever saw, and his voice sounds like + soft music.” + </p> + <p> + “And how his eyes shone when he spoke of truth as the highest of all + virtues!” replied the other. “All the Gods, I believe, must dwell in him.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat colored as these words fell on her ear. It was growing dark, and + she wished to return home but Rameri wished to follow the procession as it + marched through the western valley by torch-light, so that the grave of + his grandfather Seti should also be visited. The princess unwillingly + yielded, but it would in any case have been difficult to reach the river + while every one was rushing in the opposite direction; so the two ladies, + and Rameri, let themselves be carried along by the crowd, and by the time + the daylight was gone, they found themselves in the western valley, where + to-night no beasts of prey dared show themselves; jackals and hyenas had + fled before the glare of the torches, and the lanterns made of colored + papyrus. + </p> + <p> + The smoke of the torches mingled with the dust stirred by a thousand feet, + and the procession moved along, as it were, in a cloud, which also + shrouded the multitude that followed. + </p> + <p> + The three companions had labored on as far as the hovel of the paraschites + Pinem, but here they were forced to pause, for guards drove back the crowd + to the right and left with long staves, to clear a passage for the + procession as it approached. + </p> + <p> + “See, Rameri,” said Bent-Anat, pointing out the little yard of the hut + which stood only a few paces from them. “That is where the fair, white + girl lives, whom I ran over. But she is much better. Turn round; there, + behind the thorn-hedge, by the little fire which shines full in your (her? + D.W.) face—there she sits, with her grandfather.” + </p> + <p> + The prince stood on tip-toe, looked into the humble plot of ground, and + then said in a subdued voice “What a lovely creature! But what is she + doing with the old man? He seems to be praying, and she first holds a + handkerchief before his mouth, and then rubs his temples. And how unhappy + she looks!” + </p> + <p> + “The paraschites must be ill,” replied Bent-Anat. “He must have had too + much wine down at the feast,” said Rameri laughing. “No doubt of it! Only + look how his lips tremble, and his eyes roll. It is hideous—he looks + like one possessed.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [It was thought that the insane were possessed by demons. A stele + admirably treated by F. de Rouge exists at Paris, which relates + that the sister-in law of Rameses III., who was possessed by devils, + had them driven out by the statue of Chunsu, which was sent to her + in Asia.] +</pre> + <p> + “He is unclean too!” said Nefert. + </p> + <p> + “But he is a good, kind man, with a tender heart,” exclaimed the princess + eagerly. “I have enquired about him. He is honest and sober, and I am sure + he is ill and not drunk.” + </p> + <p> + “Now she is standing up,” said Rameri, and he dropped the paper-lantern + which he had bought at a booth. “Step back, Bent-Anat, she must be + expecting some one. Did you ever see any one so very fair, and with such a + pretty little head. Even her red hair becomes her wonderfully; but she + staggers as she stands—she must be very weak. Now she has sat down + again by the old man, and is rubbing his forehead. Poor souls! look how + she is sobbing. I will throw my purse over to them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” exclaimed Bent-Anat. “I gave them plenty of money, and the tears + which are shed there cannot be staunched with gold. I will send old Asnath + over to-morrow to ask how we can help them. Look, here comes the + procession, Nefert. How rudely the people press! As soon as the God is + gone by we will go home.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do,” said Nefert. “I am so frightened!” and she pressed trembling to + the side of the princess. + </p> + <p> + “I wish we were at home, too,” replied Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + “Only look!” said Rameri. “There they are. Is it not splendid? And how the + heart shines, as if it were a star!” + </p> + <p> + All the crowd, and with them our three friends, fell on their knees. + </p> + <p> + The procession paused opposite to them, as it did at every thousand paces; + a herald came forward, and glorified, in a loud voice, the great miracle, + to which now another was added—the sacred heart since the night had + come on had begun to give out light. + </p> + <p> + Since his return home from the embalming house, the paraschites had taken + no nourishment, and had not answered a word to the anxious questions of + the two frightened women. He stared blindly, muttered a few unintelligible + words, and often clasped his forehead in his hand. A few hours before he + had laughed loud and suddenly, and his wife, greatly alarmed, had gone at + once to fetch the physician Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + During her absence Uarda was to rub her grandfather’s temples with the + leaves which the witch Hekt had laid on her bruises, for as they had once + proved efficacious they might perhaps a second time scare away the demon + of sickness. + </p> + <p> + When the procession, with its thousand lamps and torches, paused before + the hovel, which was almost invisible in the dusk, and one citizen said to + another: “Here comes the sacred heart!” the old man started, and stood up. + His eyes stared fixedly at the gleaming relic in its crystal case; slowly, + trembling in every limb, and with outstretched neck he stood up. + </p> + <p> + The herald began his eulogy of the miracle. + </p> + <p> + Then, while all the people were prostrate in adoration, listening + motionless to the loud voice of the speaker, the paraschites rushed out of + his gate, striking his forehead with his fists, and opposite the sacred + heart, he broke out into a mad, loud fit of scornful laughter, which + re-echoed from the bare cliffs that closed in the valley. + </p> + <p> + Horror full on the crowd, who rose timidly from their knees. + </p> + <p> + Ameni, who too, was close behind the heart, started too and looked round + on the author of this hideous laugh. He had never seen the paraschites, + but he perceived the glimmer of his little fire through the dust and + gloom, and he knew that he lived in this place. The whole case struck him + at once; he whispered a few significant words to one of the officers who + marched with the troops on each side of the procession; then he gave the + signal, and the procession moved on as if nothing had happened. + </p> + <p> + The old man tried with still more loud and crazy laughter to reach and + seize the heart, but the crowd kept him back; and while the last groups + passed on after the priests, he contrived to slip back as far as the door + of his hovel, though much damaged and hurt. + </p> + <p> + There he fell, and Uarda rushed out and threw herself over the old man, + who lay on the earth, scarcely recognizable in the dust and darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Crush the scoffer!” + </p> + <p> + “Tear him in pieces!” + </p> + <p> + “Burn down the foul den!” + </p> + <p> + “Throw him and the wench into the fire!” shouted the people who had been + disturbed in their devotions, with wild fury. + </p> + <p> + Two old women snatched the lanterns froth the posts, and flung them at the + unfortunate creatures, while an Ethiopian soldier seized Uarda by the + hair, and tore her away from her grandfather. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Pinem’s wife appeared, and with her Pentaur. She had found + not Nebsecht, but Pentaur, who had returned to the temple after his + speech. She had told him of the demon who had fallen upon her husband, and + implored him to come with her. Pentaur immediately followed her in his + working dress, just as he was, without putting on the white priest’s robe, + which he did not wish to wear on this expedition. + </p> + <p> + When they drew near to the paraschites’ hovel, he perceived the tumult + among the people, and, loud above all the noise, heard Uarda’s shrill cry + of terror. He hurried forward, and in the dull light of the scattered + fire-brands and colored lanterns, he saw the black hand of the soldier + clutching the hair of the helpless child; quick as thought he gripped the + soldier’s throat with his iron fingers, seized him round the body, swung + him in the air, and flung him like a block of stone right into the little + yard of the hut. + </p> + <p> + The people threw themselves on the champion in a frenzy of rage, but he + felt a sudden warlike impulse surging up in him, which he had never felt + before. With one wrench he pulled out the heavy wooden pole, which + supported the awning which the old paraschites had put up for his sick + grandchild; he swung it round his head, as if it were a reed, driving back + the crowd, while he called to Uarda to keep close to him. + </p> + <p> + “He who touches the child is a dead man!” he cried. “Shame on you!—falling + on a feeble old man and a helpless child in the middle of a holy + festival!” + </p> + <p> + For a moment the crowd was silent, but immediately after rushed forward + with fresh impetus, and wilder than ever rose the shouts of: + </p> + <p> + “Tear him to pieces! burn his house down!” + </p> + <p> + A few artisans from Thebes closed round the poet, who was not recognizable + as a priest. He, however, wielding his tent-pole, felled them before they + could reach him with their fists or cudgels, and down went every man on + whom it fell. But the struggle could not last long, for some of his + assailants sprang over the fence, and attacked him in the rear. And now + Pentaur was distinctly visible against a background of flaring light, for + some fire-brands had fallen on the dry palm-thatch of the hovel behind + him, and roaring flames rose up to the dark heavens. + </p> + <p> + The poet heard the threatening blaze behind him. He put his left hand + round the head of the trembling girl, who crouched beside him, and feeling + that now they both were lost, but that to his latest breath he must + protect the innocence and life of this frail creature, with his right hand + he once more desperately swung the heavy stake. + </p> + <p> + But it was for the last time; for two men succeeded in clutching the + weapon, others came to their support, and wrenched it from his hand, while + the mob closed upon him, furious but unarmed, and not without great fear + of the enormous strength of their opponent. + </p> + <p> + Uarda clung to her protector with shortened breath, and trembling like a + hunted antelope. Pentaur groaned when he felt himself disarmed, but at + that instant a youth stood by his side, as if he had sprung from the + earth, who put into his hand the sword of the fallen soldier—who lay + near his feet—and who then, leaning his back against Pentaur’s, + faced the foe on the other side. Pentaur pulled himself together, sent out + a battle-cry like some fighting hero who is defending his last stronghold, + and brandished his new weapon. He stood with flaming eyes, like a lion at + bay, and for a moment the enemy gave way, for his young ally Rameri, had + taken a hatchet, and held it up in a threatening manner. + </p> + <p> + “The cowardly murderers are flinging fire-brands,” cried the prince. “Come + here, girl, and I will put out the pitch on your dress.” + </p> + <p> + He seized Uarda’s hand, drew her to him, and hastily put out the flame, + while Pentaur protected them with his sword. + </p> + <p> + The prince and the poet stood thus back to back for a few moments, when a + stone struck Pentaur’s head; he staggered, and the crowd were rushing upon + him, when the little fence was torn away by a determined hand, a tall + womanly form appeared on the scene of combat, and cried to the astonished + mob: + </p> + <p> + “Have done with this! I command you! I am Bent-Anat, the daughter of + Rameses.” + </p> + <p> + The angry crowd gave way in sheer astonishment. Pentaur had recovered from + the stunning blow, but he thought he must be under some illusion. He felt + as if he must throw himself on his knees before Bent-Anat, but his mind + had been trained under Ameni to rapid reflection; he realized, in a flash + of thought, the princess’s position, and instead of bowing before her he + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Whoever this woman may be, good folks, she is not Bent-Anat the princess, + but I, though I have no white robe on, am a priest of Seti, named Pentaur, + and the Cherheb of to-day’s festival. Leave this spot, woman, I command + you, in right of my sacred office.” + </p> + <p> + And Bent-Anat obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur was saved; for just as the people began to recover from their + astonishment just as those whom he had hurt were once more inciting the + mob to fight just as a boy, whose hand he had crushed, was crying out: “He + is not a priest, he is a sword’s-man. Down with the liar!” + </p> + <p> + A voice from the crowd exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Make way for my white robe, and leave the preacher Pentaur alone, he is + my friend. You most of you know me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are Nebsecht the leech, who set my broken leg,” cried a sailor. + </p> + <p> + “And cured my bad eye,” said a weaver. + </p> + <p> + “That tall handsome man is Pentaur, I know him well,” cried the girl, + whose opinion had been overheard by Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + “Preacher this, preacher that!” shouted the boy, and he would have rushed + forward, but the people held him back, and divided respectfully at + Nebsecht’s command to make way for him to get at those who had been hurt. + </p> + <p> + First he stooped over the old paraschites. + </p> + <p> + “Shame upon you!” he exclaimed.—“You have killed the old man.” + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said Pentaur, “Have dipped my peaceful hand in blood to save his + innocent and suffering grandchild from a like fate.” + </p> + <p> + “Scorpions, vipers, venomous reptiles, scum of men!” shrieked Nebsecht, + and he sprang wildly forward, seeking Uarda. When he saw her sitting safe + at the feet of old Hekt, who had made her way into the courtyard, he drew + a deep breath of relief, and turned his attention to the wounded. + </p> + <p> + “Did you knock down all that are lying here?” he whispered to his friend. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur nodded assent and smiled; but not in triumph, rather in shame; + like a boy, who has unintentionally squeezed to death in his hand a bird + he has caught. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht looked round astonished and anxious. “Why did you not say who you + were?” he asked. “Because the spirit of the God Menth possessed me,” + answered Pentaur. “When I saw that accursed villain there with his hand in + the girl’s hair, I heard and saw nothing, I—” + </p> + <p> + “You did right,” interrupted Nebsecht. “But where will all this end?” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a flourish of trumpets rang through the little valley. The + officer sent by Ameni to apprehend the paraschites came up with his + soldiers. + </p> + <p> + Before he entered the court-yard he ordered the crowd to disperse; the + refractory were driven away by force, and in a few minutes the valley was + cleared of the howling and shouting mob, and the burning house was + surrounded by soldiers. Bent-Anat, Rameri, and Nefert were obliged to quit + their places by the fence; Rameri, so soon as he saw that Uarda was safe, + had rejoined his sister. + </p> + <p> + Nefert was almost fainting with fear and excitement. The two servants, who + had kept near them, knit their hands together, and thus carried her in + advance of the princess. Not one of them spoke a word, not even Rameri, + who could not forget Uarda, and the look of gratitude she bid sent after + him. Once only Bent-Anat said: + </p> + <p> + “The hovel is burnt down. Where will the poor souls sleep to-night?” + </p> + <p> + When the valley was clear, the officer entered the yard, and found there, + besides Uarda and the witch Hekt, the poet, and Nebsecht, who was engaged + in tending the wounded. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur shortly narrated the affair to the captain, and named himself to + him. + </p> + <p> + The soldier offered him his hand. + </p> + <p> + “If there were many men in Rameses’ army,” said he, “who could strike such + a blow as you, the war with the Cheta would soon be at an end. But you + have struck down, not Asiatics, but citizens of Thebes, and, much as I + regret it, I must take you as a prisoner to Ameni.” + </p> + <p> + “You only do your duty,” replied Pentaur, bowing to the captain, who + ordered his men to take up the body of the paraschites, and to bear it to + the temple of Seti. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to take the girl in charge too,” he added, turning to Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “She is ill,” replied the poet. + </p> + <p> + “And if she does not get some rest,” added Nebsecht, “she will be dead. + Leave her alone; she is under the particular protection of the princess + Bent-Anat, who ran over her not long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “I will take her into my house,” said Hekt, “and will take care of her. + Her grandmother is lying there; she was half choked by the flames, but she + will soon come to herself—and I have room for both.” + </p> + <p> + “Till to-morrow,” replied the surgeon. “Then I will provide another + shelter for her.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman laughed and muttered: “There are plenty of folks to take + care of her, it seems.” + </p> + <p> + The soldiers obeyed the command of their leader, took up the wounded, and + went away with Pentaur, and the body of Pinem. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Bent-Anat and her party had with much difficulty reached the + river-bank. One of the bearers was sent to find the boat which was waiting + for them, and he was enjoined to make haste, for already they could see + the approach of the procession, which escorted the God on his return + journey. If they could not succeed in finding their boat without delay, + they must wait at least an hour, for, at night, not a boat that did not + belong to the train of Amon—not even the barge of a noble—might + venture from shore till the whole procession was safe across. + </p> + <p> + They awaited the messenger’s signal in the greatest anxiety, for Nefert + was perfectly exhausted, and Bent-Anat, on whom she leaned, felt her + trembling in every limb. + </p> + <p> + At last the bearer gave the signal; the swift, almost invisible bark, + which was generally used for wild fowl shooting, shot by—Rameri + seized one end of an oar that the rower held out to him, and drew the + little boat up to the landing-place. + </p> + <p> + The captain of the watch passed at the same moment, and shouting out, + “This is the last boat that can put off before the passage of the God!” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat descended the steps as quickly as Nefert’s exhausted state + permitted. The landing-place was now only dimly lighted by dull lanterns, + though, when the God embarked, it would be as light as day with cressets + and torches. Before she could reach the bottom step, with Nefert still + clinging heavily to her arm, a hard hand was laid on her shoulder, and the + rough voice of Paaker exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Stand back, you rabble! We are going first.” The captain of the watch did + not stop him, for he knew the chief pioneer and his overbearing ways. + Paaker put his finger to his lips, and gave a shrill whistle that sounded + like a yell in the silence. + </p> + <p> + The stroke of oars responded to the call, and Paaker called out to his + boatmen: + </p> + <p> + “Bring the boat up here! these people can wait!” The pioneer’s boat was + larger and better manned than that of the princess. + </p> + <p> + “Jump into the boat!” cried Rameri. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat went forward without speaking, for she did not wish to make + herself known again for the sake of the people, and for Nefert’s; but + Paaker put himself in her way. + </p> + <p> + “Did I not tell you that you common people must wait till we are gone. + Push these people’s boat out into the stream, you men.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat felt her blood chill, for a loud squabble at once began on the + landing-steps. + </p> + <p> + Rameri’s voice sounded louder than all the rest; but the pioneer + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “The low brutes dare to resist? I will teach them manners! Here, Descher, + look after the woman and these boys!” + </p> + <p> + At his call his great red hound barked and sprang forward, which, as it + had belonged to his father, always accompanied him when he went with his + mother to visit the ancestral tomb. Nefert shrieked with fright, but the + dog at once knew her, and crouched against her with whines of recognition. + </p> + <p> + Paaker, who had gone down to his boat, turned round in astonishment, and + saw his dog fawning at the feet of a boy whom he could not possibly + recognize as Nefert; he sprang back, and cried out: + </p> + <p> + “I will teach you, you young scoundrel, to spoil my dog with spells—or + poison!” + </p> + <p> + He raised his whip, and struck it across the shoulders of Nefert, who, + with one scream of terror and anguish, fell to the ground. + </p> + <p> + The lash of the whip only whistled close by the cheek of the poor fainting + woman, for Bent-Anat had seized Paaker’s arm with all her might. + </p> + <p> + Rage, disgust, and scorn stopped her utterance; but Rameri had heard + Nefert’s shriek, and in two steps stood by the women. + </p> + <p> + “Cowardly scoundrel!” he cried, and lifted the oar in his hand. Paaker + evaded the blow, and called to the dog with a peculiar hiss: + </p> + <p> + “Pull him down, Descher.” + </p> + <p> + The hound flew at the prince; but Rameri, who from his childhood, had been + his father’s companion in many hunts and field sports, gave the furious + brute such a mighty blow on the muzzle that he rolled over with a snort. + </p> + <p> + Paaker believed that he possessed in the whole world no more faithful + friend than this dog, his companion on all his marches across desert + tracts or through the enemy’s country, and when he saw him writhing on the + ground his rage knew no bounds, and he flew at the youngster with his + whip; but Rameri—madly excited by all the events of the night, full + of the warlike spirit of his fathers, worked up to the highest pitch by + the insults to the two ladies, and seeing that he was their only protector—suddenly + felt himself endowed with the strength of a man; he dealt the pioneer such + a heavy blow on the left hand, that he dropped his whip, and now seized + the dagger in his girdle with his right. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat threw herself between the man and the stripling, who was hardly + more than a boy, once more declared her name, and this time her brother’s + also, and commanded Paaker to make peace among the boatmen. Then she led + Nefert, who remained unrecognized, into the boat, entered it herself with + her companions, and shortly after landed at the palace, while Paaker’s + mother, for whom he had called his boat, had yet a long time to wait + before it could start. Setchem had seen the struggle from her litter at + the top of the landing steps, but without understanding its origin, and + without recognizing the chief actors. + </p> + <p> + The dog was dead. Paaker’s hand was very painful, and fresh rage was + seething in his soul. + </p> + <p> + “That brood of Rameses!” he muttered. “Adventurers! They shall learn to + know me. Mena and Rameses are closely connected—I will sacrifice + them both.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> + <p> + At last the pioneer’s boat got off with his mother and the body of the + dog, which he intended to send to be embalmed at Kynopolis, the city in + which the dog was held sacred above all animals; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Kynopolis, or in old Egyptian Saka, is now Samalut; Anubis was the + chief divinity worshipped there. Plutarch relates a quarrel between + the inhabitants of this city, and the neighboring one of Oxyrynchos, + where the fish called Oxyrynchos was worshipped. It began because + the Kynopolitans eat the fish, and in revenge the Oxyrynchites + caught and killed dogs, and consumed them in sacrifices. Juvenal + relates a similar story of the Ombites—perhaps Koptites—and + Pentyrites in the 15th Satire.] +</pre> + <p> + Paaker himself returned to the House of Seti, where, in the night which + closed the feast day, there was always a grand banquet for the superior + priests of the Necropolis and of the temples of eastern Thebes, for the + representatives of other foundations, and for select dignitaries of the + state. + </p> + <p> + His father had never failed to attend this entertainment when he was in + Thebes, but he himself had to-day for the first time received the + much-coveted honor of an invitation, which—Ameni told him when he + gave it—he entirely owed to the Regent. + </p> + <p> + His mother had tied up his hand, which Rameri had severely hurt; it was + extremely painful, but he would not have missed the banquet at any cost, + although he felt some alarm of the solemn ceremony. His family was as old + as any in Egypt, his blood purer than the king’s, and nevertheless he + never felt thoroughly at home in the company of superior people. He was no + priest, although a scribe; he was a warrior, and yet he did not rank with + royal heroes. + </p> + <p> + He had been brought up to a strict fulfilment of his duty, and he devoted + himself zealously to his calling; but his habits of life were widely + different from those of the society in which he had been brought up—a + society of which his handsome, brave, and magnanimous father had been a + chief ornament. He did not cling covetously to his inherited wealth, and + the noble attribute of liberality was not strange to him, but the + coarseness of his nature showed itself most when he was most lavish, for + he was never tired of exacting gratitude from those whom he had attached + to him by his gifts, and he thought he had earned the right by his + liberality to meet the recipient with roughness or arrogance, according to + his humor. Thus it happened that his best actions procured him not friends + but enemies. + </p> + <p> + Paaker’s was, in fact, an ignoble, that is to say, a selfish nature; to + shorten his road he trod down flowers as readily as he marched over the + sand of the desert. This characteristic marked him in all things, even in + his outward demeanor; in the sound of his voice, in his broad features, in + the swaggering gait of his stumpy figure. + </p> + <p> + In camp he could conduct himself as he pleased; but this was not + permissible in the society of his equals in rank; for this reason, and + because those faculties of quick remark and repartee, which distinguished + them, had been denied to him, he felt uneasy and out of his element when + he mixed with them, and he would hardly have accepted Ameni’s invitation, + if it had not so greatly flattered his vanity. + </p> + <p> + It was already late; but the banquet did not begin till midnight, for the + guests, before it began, assisted at the play which was performed by lamp + and torch-light on the sacred lake in the south of the Necropolis, and + which represented the history of Isis and Osiris. + </p> + <p> + When he entered the decorated hall in which the tables were prepared, he + found all the guests assembled. The Regent Ani was present, and sat on + Ameni’s right at the top of the centre high-table at which several places + were unoccupied; for the prophets and the initiated of the temple of Amon + had excused themselves from being present. They were faithful to Rameses + and his house; their grey-haired Superior disapproved of Ameni’s severity + towards the prince and princess, and they regarded the miracle of the + sacred heart as a malicious trick of the chiefs of the Necropolis against + the great temple of the capital for which Rameses had always shown a + preference. + </p> + <p> + The pioneer went up to the table, where sat the general of the troops that + had just returned victorious from Ethiopia, and several other officers of + high rank, There was a place vacant next to the general. Paaker fixed his + eyes upon this, but when he observed that the officer signed to the one + next to him to come a little nearer, the pioneer imagined that each would + endeavor to avoid having him for his neighbor, and with an angry glance he + turned his back on the table where the warriors sat. + </p> + <p> + The Mohar was not, in fact, a welcome boon-companion. “The wine turns sour + when that churl looks at it,” said the general. + </p> + <p> + The eyes of all the guests turned on Paaker, who looked round for a seat, + and when no one beckoned him to one he felt his blood begin to boil. He + would have liked to leave the banqueting hall at once with a swingeing + curse. He had indeed turned towards the door, when the Regent, who had + exchanged a few whispered words with Ameni, called to him, requested him + to take the place that had been reserved for him, and pointed to the seat + by his side, which had in fact been intended for the high-priest of the + temple of Amon. + </p> + <p> + Paaker bowed low, and took the place of honor, hardly daring to look round + the table, lest he should encounter looks of surprise or of mockery. And + yet he had pictured to himself his grandfather Assa, and his father, as + somewhere near this place of honor, which had actually often enough been + given up to them. And was he not their descendant and heir? Was not his + mother Setchem of royal race? Was not the temple of Seti more indebted to + him than to any one? + </p> + <p> + A servant laid a garland of flowers round his shoulders, and another + handed him wine and food. Then he raised his eyes, and met the bright and + sparkling glance of Gagabu; he looked quickly down again at the table. + </p> + <p> + Then the Regent spoke to him, and turning to the other guests mentioned + that Paaker was on the point of starting next day for Syria, and resuming + his arduous labors as Mohar. It seemed to Paaker that the Regent was + excusing himself for having given him so high a place of honor. + </p> + <p> + Presently Ani raised his wine-cup, and drank to the happy issue of his + reconnoitring-expedition, and a victorious conclusion to every struggle in + which the Mohar might engage. The high-priest then pledged him, and + thanked him emphatically in the name of the brethren of the temple, for + the noble tract of arable land which he had that morning given them as a + votive offering. A murmur of approbation ran round the tables, and + Paaker’s timidity began to diminish. + </p> + <p> + He had kept the wrappings that his mother had applied round his still + aching hand. + </p> + <p> + “Are you wounded?” asked the Regent. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of importance,” answered the pioneer. “I was helping my mother + into the boat, and it happened—” + </p> + <p> + “It happened,” interrupted an old school-fellow of the Mohar’s, who + himself held a high appointment as officer of the city-watch of Thebes—“It + happened that an oar or a stake fell on his fingers.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible!” cried the Regent. + </p> + <p> + “And quite a youngster laid hands on him,” continued the officer. “My + people told me every detail. First the boy killed his dog—” + </p> + <p> + “That noble Descher?” asked the master of the hunt in a tone of regret. + “Your father was often by my side with that dog at a boar-hunt.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker bowed his head; but the officer of the watch, secure in his + position and dignity, and taking no notice of the glow of anger which + flushed Paaker’s face, began again: + </p> + <p> + “When the hound lay on the ground, the foolhardy boy struck your dagger + out of your hand.” + </p> + <p> + “And did this squabble lead to any disturbance?” asked Ameni earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the officer. “The feast has passed off to-day with unusual + quiet. If the unlucky interruption to the procession by that crazy + paraschites had not occurred, we should have nothing but praise for the + populace. Besides the fighting priest, whom we have handed over to you, + only a few thieves have been apprehended, and they belong exclusively to + the caste, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [According to Diodorous (I. 80) there was a cast of thieves in + Thebes. All citizens were obliged to enter their names in a + register, and state where they lived, and the thieves did the same. + The names were enrolled by the “chief of the thieves,” and all + stolen goods had to be given up to him. The person robbed had to + give a written description of the object he had lost, and a + declaration as to when and where he had lost it. The stolen + property was then easily recovered, and restored to the owner on + the payment of one fourth of its value, which was given to the + thief. A similar state of things existed at Cairo within a + comparatively short time.] +</pre> + <p> + so we simply take their booty from them, and let them go. But say, Paaker, + what devil of amiability took possession of you down by the river, that + you let the rascal escape unpunished.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you do that?” exclaimed Gagabu. “Revenge is usually your—” + </p> + <p> + Ameni threw so warning a glance at the old man, that he suddenly broke + off, and then asked the pioneer: “How did the struggle begin, and who was + the fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Some insolent people,” said Paaker, “wanted to push in front of the boat + that was waiting for my mother, and I asserted my rights. The rascal fell + upon me, and killed my dog and—by my Osirian father!—the + crocodiles would long since have eaten him if a woman had not come between + us, and made herself known to me as Bent-Anat, the daughter of Rameses. It + was she herself, and the rascal was the young prince Rameri, who was + yesterday forbidden this temple.” + </p> + <p> + “Oho!” cried the old master of the hunt. “Oho! my lord! Is this the way to + speak of the children of the king?” + </p> + <p> + Others of the company who were attached to Pharaoh’s family expressed + their indignation; but Ameni whispered to Paaker—“Say no more!” then + he continued aloud: + </p> + <p> + “You never were careful in weighing your words, my friend, and now, as it + seems to me, you are speaking in the heat of fever. Come here, Gagabu, and + examine Paaker’s wound, which is no disgrace to him—for it was + inflicted by a prince.” + </p> + <p> + The old man loosened the bandage from the pioneer’s swollen hand. + </p> + <p> + “That was a bad blow,” he exclaimed; “three fingers are broken, and—do + you see?—the emerald too in your signet ring.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker looked down at his aching fingers, and uttered a sigh of rehef, for + it was not the oracular ring with the name of Thotmes III., but the + valuable one given to his father by the reigning king that had been + crushed. Only a few solitary fragments of the splintered stone remained in + the setting; the king’s name had fallen to pieces, and disappeared. + Paaker’s bloodless lips moved silently, and an inner voice cried out to + him: “The Gods point out the way! The name is gone, the bearer of the name + must follow.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity about the ring,” said Gagabu. “And if the hand is not to + follow it—luckily it is your left hand—leave off drinking, let + yourself be taken to Nebsecht the surgeon, and get him to set the joints + neatly, and bind them up.” + </p> + <p> + Paaker rose, and went away after Ameni had appointed to meet him on the + following day at the Temple of Seti, and the Regent at the palace. + </p> + <p> + When the door had closed behind him, the treasurer of the temple said: + </p> + <p> + “This has been a bad day for the Mohar, and perhaps it will teach him that + here in Thebes he cannot swagger as he does in the field. Another + adventure occurred to him to-day; would you like to hear it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; tell it!” cried the guests. + </p> + <p> + “You all knew old Seni,” began the treasurer. “He was a rich man, but he + gave away all his goods to the poor, after his seven blooming sons, one + after another, had died in the war, or of illness. He only kept a small + house with a little garden, and said that as the Gods had taken his + children to themselves in the other world he would take pity on the + forlorn in this. ‘Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the + naked’ says the law; and now that Seni has nothing more to give away, he + goes through the city, as you know, hungry and thirsty himself, and + scarcely clothed, and begging for his adopted children, the poor. We have + all given to him, for we all know for whom he humbles himself, and holds + out his hand. To-day he went round with his little bag, and begged, with + his kind good eyes, for alms. Paaker has given us a good piece of arable + land, and thinks, perhaps with reason, that he has done his part. When + Seni addressed him, he told him to go; but the old man did not give up + asking him, he followed him persistently to the grave of his father, and a + great many people with him. Then the pioneer pushed him angrily back, and + when at last the beggar clutched his garment, he raised his whip, and + struck him two or three times, crying out: ‘There-that is your portion!’ + The good old man bore it quite patiently, while he untied the bag, and + said with tears in his eyes: ‘My portion—yes—but not the + portion of the poor!’ + </p> + <p> + “I was standing near, and I saw how Paaker hastily withdrew into the tomb, + and how his mother Setchem threw her full purse to Seni. Others followed + her example, and the old man never had a richer harvest. The poor may + thank the Mohar! A crowd of people collected in front of the tomb, and he + would have fared badly if it had not been for the police guard who drove + them away.” + </p> + <p> + During this narrative, which was heard with much approval—for no one + is more secure of his result than he who can tell of the downfall of a man + who is disliked for his arrogance—the Regent and the high-priest had + been eagerly whispering to each other. + </p> + <p> + “There can be no doubt,” said Ameni, “that Bent-Anat did actually come to + the festival.” + </p> + <p> + “And had also dealings with the priest whom you so warmly defend,” + whispered the other. + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur shall be questioned this very night,” returned the high-priest. + “The dishes will soon be taken away, and the drinking will begin. Let us + go and hear what the poet says.” + </p> + <p> + “But there are now no witnesses,” replied Ani. + </p> + <p> + “We do not need them,” said Ameni. “He is incapable of a lie.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go then,” said the Regent smiling, “for I am really curious about + this white negro, and how he will come to terms with the truth. You have + forgotten that there is a woman in the case.” + </p> + <p> + “That there always is!” answered Ameni; he called Gagabu to him, gave him + his seat, begged him to keep up the flow of cheerful conversation, to + encourage the guests to drink, and to interrupt all talk of the king, the + state, or the war. + </p> + <p> + “You know,” he concluded, “that we are not by ourselves this evening. Wine + has, before this, betrayed everything! Remember this—the mother of + foresight looks backwards!” + </p> + <p> + Ani clapped his hand on the old man’s shoulder. “There will be a space + cleared to-night in your winelofts. It is said of you that you cannot bear + to see either a full glass or an empty one; to-night give your aversion to + both free play. And when you think it is the right moment, give a sign to + my steward, who is sitting there in the corner. He has a few jars of the + best liquor from Byblos, that he brought over with him, and he will bring + it to you. I will come in again and bid you good-night.” Ameni was + accustomed to leave the hall at the beginning of the drinking. + </p> + <p> + When the door was closed behind him and his companion, when fresh + rose-garlands had been brought for the necks of the company, when lotus + blossoms decorated their heads, and the beakers were refilled, a choir of + musicians came in, who played on harps, lutes, flutes, and small drums. + The conductor beat the time by clapping his hands, and when the music had + raised the spirits of the drinkers, they seconded his efforts by + rhythmical clippings. The jolly old Gagabu kept up his character as a + stout drinker, and leader of the feast. + </p> + <p> + The most priestly countenances soon beamed with cheerfulness, and the + officers and courtiers outdid each other in audacious jokes. Then the old + man signed to a young temple-servant, who wore a costly wreath; he came + forward with a small gilt image of a mummy, carried it round the circle + and cried: + </p> + <p> + “Look at this, be merry and drink so long as you are on earth, for soon + you must be like this.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A custom mentioned by Herodotus. Lucian saw such an image brought + in at a feast. The Greeks adopted the idea, but beautified it, + using a winged Genius of death instead of a mummy. The Romans also + had their “larva.”] +</pre> + <p> + Gagabu gave another signal, and the Regent’s steward brought in the wine + from Byblos. Ani was much lauded for the wonderful choiceness of the + liquor. + </p> + <p> + “Such wine,” exclaimed the usually grave chief of the pastophori, “is like + soap.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [This comparison is genuinely Eastern. Kisra called wine “the soap + of sorrow.” The Mohammedans, to whom wine is forbidden, have + praised it like the guests of the House of Seti. Thus Abdelmalik + ibn Salih Haschimi says: “The best thing the world enjoys is wine.” + Gahiz says: “When wine enters thy bones and flows through thy limbs + it bestows truth of feeling, and perfects the soul; it removes + sorrow, elevates the mood, etc., etc.” When Ibn ‘Aischah was told + that some one drank no wine, he said: “He has thrice disowned the + world.” Ibn el Mu’tazz sang: + + “Heed not time, how it may linger, or how swiftly take its flight, + Wail thy sorrows only to the wine before thee gleaming bright. + But when thrice thou st drained the beaker watch and ward + keep o’er thy heart. + Lest the foam of joy should vanish, and thy soul with anguish smart, + This for every earthly trouble is a sovereign remedy, + Therefore listen to my counsel, knowing what will profit thee, + Heed not time, for ah, how many a man has longed in pain + Tale of evil days to lighten—and found all his longing vain.” + —Translated by Mary J. Safford.] +</pre> + <p> + “What a simile!” cried Gagabu. “You must explain it.” + </p> + <p> + “It cleanses the soul of sorrow,” answered the other. “Good, friend!” they + all exclaimed. “Now every one in turn shall praise the noble juice in some + worthy saying.” + </p> + <p> + “You begin—the chief prophet of the temple of Atnenophis.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorrow is a poison,” said the priest, “and wine is the antidote.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said!—go on; it is your turn, my lord privy councillor.” + </p> + <p> + “Every thing has its secret spring,” said the official, “and wine is the + secret of joy.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you, my lord keeper of the seal.” + </p> + <p> + “Wine seals the door on discontent, and locks the gates on sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “That it does, that it certainly does!—Now the governor of + Hermothis, the oldest of all the company.” + </p> + <p> + “Wine ripens especially for us old folks, and not for you young people.” + </p> + <p> + “That you must explain,” cried a voice from the table of the military + officers. + </p> + <p> + “It makes young men of the old,” laughed the octogenarian, “and children + of the young.” + </p> + <p> + “He has you there, you youngsters,” cried Gagabu. “What have you to say, + Septah?” + </p> + <p> + “Wine is a poison,” said the morose haruspex, “for it makes fools of wise + men.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you have little to fear from it, alas!” said Gagabu laughing. + “Proceed, my lord of the chase.” + </p> + <p> + “The rim of the beaker,” was the answer, “is like the lip of the woman you + love. Touch it, and taste it, and it is as good as the kiss of a bride.” + </p> + <p> + “General—the turn is yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish the Nile ran with such wine instead of with water,” cried the + soldier, “and that I were as big as the colossus of Atnenophis, and that + the biggest obelisk of Hatasu were my drinking vessel, and that I might + drink as much as I would! But now—what have you to say of this noble + liquor, excellent Gagabu?” + </p> + <p> + The second prophet raised his beaker, and gazed lovingly at the golden + fluid; he tasted it slowly, and then said with his eyes turned to heaven: + </p> + <p> + “I only fear that I am unworthy to thank the Gods for such a divine + blessing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well said!” exclaimed the Regent Ani, who had re-entered the room + unobserved. “If my wine could speak, it would thank you for such a + speech.” + </p> + <p> + “Hail to the Regent Ani!” shouted the guests, and they all rose with their + cups filled with his noble present. + </p> + <p> + He pledged them and then rose. + </p> + <p> + “Those,” said he, “who have appreciated this wine, I now invite to dine + with me to-morrow. You will then meet with it again, and if you still find + it to your liking, you will be heartily welcome any evening. Now, good + night, friends.” + </p> + <p> + A thunder of applause followed him, as he quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + The morning was already grey, when the carousing-party broke up; few of + the guests could find their way unassisted through the courtyard; most of + them had already been carried away by the slaves, who had waited for them—and + who took them on their heads, like bales of goods—and had been borne + home in their litters; but for those who remained to the end, couches were + prepared in the House of Seti, for a terrific storm was now raging. + </p> + <p> + While the company were filling and refilling the beakers, which raised + their spirits to so wild a pitch, the prisoner Pentaur had been examined + in the presence of the Regent. Ameni’s messenger had found the poet on his + knees, so absorbed in meditation that he did not perceive his approach. + All his peace of mind had deserted him, his soul was in a tumult, and he + could not succeed in obtaining any calm and clear control over the new + life-pulses which were throbbing in his heart. + </p> + <p> + He had hitherto never gone to rest at night without requiring of himself + an account of the past day, and he had always been able to detect the most + subtle line that divided right from wrong in his actions. But to-night he + looked back on a perplexing confusion of ideas and events, and when he + endeavored to sort them and arrange them, he could see nothing clearly but + the image of Bent-Anat, which enthralled his heart and intellect. + </p> + <p> + He had raised his hand against his fellow-men, and dipped it in blood, he + desired to convince himself of his sin, and to repent but he could not; + for each time he recalled it, to blame and condemn himself, he saw the + soldier’s hand twisted in Uarda’s hair, and the princess’s eyes beaming + with approbation, nay with admiration, and he said to himself that he had + acted rightly, and in the same position would do the same again to-morrow. + Still he felt that he had broken through all the conditions with which + fate had surrounded his existence, and it seemed to him that he could + never succeed in recovering the still, narrow, but peaceful life of the + past. + </p> + <p> + His soul went up in prayer to the Almighty One, and to the spirit of the + sweet humble woman whom he had called his mother, imploring for peace of + mind and modest content; but in vain—for the longer he remained + prostrate, flinging up his arms in passionate entreaty, the keener grew + his longings, the less he felt able to repent or to recognize his guilt. + Ameni’s order to appear before him came almost as a deliverance, and he + followed the messenger prepared for a severe punishment; but not afraid—almost + joyful. + </p> + <p> + In obedience to the command of the grave high-priest, Pentaur related the + whole occurrence—how, as there was no leech in the house, he had + gone with the old wife of the paraschites to visit her possessed husband; + how, to save the unhappy girl from ill-usage by the mob, he had raised his + hand in fight, and dealt indeed some heavy blows. + </p> + <p> + “You have killed four men,” said Ameni, “and severely wounded twice as + many. Why did you not reveal yourself as a priest, as the speaker of the + morning’s discourse? Why did you not endeavor to persuade the people with + words of warning, rather than with brute force?” + </p> + <p> + “I had no priest’s garment,” replied Pentaur. “There again you did wrong,” + said Ameni, “for you know that the law requires of each of us never to + leave this house without our white robes. But you cannot pretend not to + know your own powers of speech, nor to contradict me when I assert that, + even in the plainest working-dress, you were perfectly able to produce as + much effect with words as by deadly blows!” “I might very likely have + succeeded,” answered Pentaur, “but the most savage temper ruled the crowd; + there was no time for reflection, and when I struck down the villain, like + some reptile, who had seized the innocent girl, the lust of fighting took + possession of me. I cared no more for my own life, and to save the child I + would have slain thousands.” + </p> + <p> + “Your eyes sparkle,” said Ameni, “as if you had performed some heroic + feat; and yet the men you killed were only unarmed and pious citizens, who + were roused to indignation by a gross and shameless outrage. I cannot + conceive whence the warrior-spirit should have fallen on a gardener’s son—and + a minister of the Gods.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” answered Pentaur, “when the crowd rushed upon me, and I + drove them back, putting out all my strength, I felt something of the + warlike rage of the soldier, who repulses the pressing foe from the + standard committed to his charge. It was sinful in a priest, no doubt, and + I will repent of it—but I felt it.” + </p> + <p> + “You felt it—and you will repent of it, well and good,” replied + Ameni. “But you have not given a true account of all that happened. Why + have you concealed that Bent-Anat—Rameses’ daughter—was mixed + up in the fray, and that she saved you by announcing her name to the + people, and commanding them to leave you alone? When you gave her the lie + before all the people, was it because you did not believe that it was + Bent-Anat? Now, you who stand so firmly on so high a platform—now + you standard-bearer of the truth answer me.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had turned pale at his master’s words, and said, as he looked at + the Regent: + </p> + <p> + “We are not alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Truth is one!” said Ameni coolly. “What you can reveal to me, can also be + heard by this noble lord, the Regent of the king himself. Did you + recognize Bent-Anat, or not?” + </p> + <p> + “The lady who rescued me was like her, and yet unlike,” answered the poet, + whose blood was roused by the subtle irony of his Superior’s words. “And + if I had been as sure that she was the princess, as I am that you are the + man who once held me in honor, and who are now trying to humiliate me, I + would all the more have acted as I did to spare a lady who is more like a + goddess than a woman, and who, to save an unworthy wretch like me, stooped + from a throne to the dust.” + </p> + <p> + “Still the poet—the preacher!” said Ameni. Then he added severely. + “I beg for a short and clear answer. We know for certain that the princess + took part in the festival in the disguise of a woman of low rank, for she + again declared herself to Paaker; and we know that it was she who saved + you. But did you know that she meant to come across the Nile?” + </p> + <p> + “How should I?” asked Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “Well, did you believe that it was Bent-Anat whom you saw before you when + she ventured on to the scene of conflict?” + </p> + <p> + “I did believe it,” replied Pentaur; he shuddered and cast down his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Then it was most audacious to drive away the king’s daughter as an + impostor.” + </p> + <p> + “It was,” said Pentaur. “But for my sake she had risked the honor of her + name, and that of her royal father, and I—I should not have risked + my life and freedom for—” + </p> + <p> + “We have heard enough,” interrupted Ameni. + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” the Regent interposed. “What became of the girl you had saved?” + </p> + <p> + “An old witch, Hekt by name, a neighbor of Pinem’s, took her and her + grandmother into her cave,” answered the poet; who was then, by the + high-priest’s order, taken back to the temple-prison. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had he disappeared when the Regent exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “A dangerous man! an enthusiast! an ardent worshipper of Rameses!” + </p> + <p> + “And of his daughter,” laughed Ameni, “but only a worshipper. Thou hast + nothing to fear from him—I will answer for the purity of his + motives.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is handsome and of powerful speech,” replied Ani. “I claim him as + my prisoner, for he has killed one of my soldiers.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni’s countenance darkened, and he answered very sternly: + </p> + <p> + “It is the exclusive right of our conclave, as established by our charter, + to judge any member of this fraternity. You, the future king, have freely + promised to secure our privileges to us, the champions of your own ancient + and sacred rights.” + </p> + <p> + “And you shall have them,” answered the Regent with a persuasive smile. + “But this man is dangerous, and you would not have him go unpunished.” + </p> + <p> + “He shall be severely judged,” said Ameni, “but by us and in this house.” + </p> + <p> + “He has committed murder!” cried Ani. “More than one murder. He is worthy + of death.” + </p> + <p> + “He acted under pressure of necessity,” replied Ameni. “And a man so + favored by the Gods as he, is not to be lightly given up because an + untimely impulse of generosity prompted him to rash conduct. I know—I + can see that you wish him ill. Promise me, as you value me as an ally, + that you will not attempt his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, willingly!” smiled the Regent, giving the high-priest his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Accept my sincere thanks,” said Ameni. “Pentaur was the most promising of + my disciples, and in spite of many aberrations I still esteem him highly. + When he was telling us of what had occurred to-day, did he not remind you + of the great Assa, or of his gallant son, the Osirian father of the + pioneer Paaker?” + </p> + <p> + “The likeness is extraordinary,” answered Ani, “and yet he is of quite + humble birth. Who was his mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Our gate-keeper’s daughter, a plain, pious, simple creature.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I will return to the banqueting hall,” said Ani, after a fete moments + of reflection. “But I must ask you one thing more. I spoke to you of a + secret that will put Paaker into our power. The old sorceress Hekt, who + has taken charge of the paraschites’ wife and grandchild, knows all about + it. Send some policeguards over there, and let her be brought over here as + a prisoner; I will examine her myself, and so can question her without + exciting observation.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni at once sent off a party of soldiers, and then quietly ordered a + faithful attendant to light up the so-called audience-chamber, and to put + a seat for him in an adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> + <p> + While the banquet was going forward at the temple, and Ameni’s messengers + were on their way to the valley of the kings’ tombs, to waken up old Hekt, + a furious storm of hot wind came up from the southwest, sweeping black + clouds across the sky, and brown clouds of dust across the earth. It bowed + the slender palm-trees as an archer bends his bow, tore the tentpegs up on + the scene of the festival, whirled the light tent-cloths up in the air, + drove them like white witches through the dark night, and thrashed the + still surface of the Nile till its yellow waters swirled and tossed in + waves like a restless sea. + </p> + <p> + Paaker had compelled his trembling slaves to row him across the stream; + several times the boat was near being swamped, but he had seized the helm + himself with his uninjured hand, and guided it firmly and surely, though + the rocking of the boat kept his broken hand in great and constant pain. + After a few ineffectual attempts he succeeded in landing. The storm had + blown out the lanterns at the masts—the signal lights for which his + people looked—and he found neither servants nor torch-bearers on the + bank, so he struggled through the scorching wind as far as the gate of his + house. His big dog had always been wont to announce his return home to the + door-keeper with joyful barking; but to-night the boatmen long knocked in + vain at the heavy doer. When at last he entered the court-yard, he found + all dark, for the wind had extinguished the lanterns and torches, and + there were no lights but in the windows of his mother’s rooms. + </p> + <p> + The dogs in their open kennels now began to make themselves heard, but + their tones were plaintive and whining, for the storm had frightened the + beasts; their howling cut the pioneer to the heart, for it reminded him of + the poor slain Descher, whose deep voice he sadly missed; and when he went + into his own room he was met by a wild cry of lamentation from the + Ethiopian slave, for the dog which he had trained for Paaker’s father, and + which he had loved. + </p> + <p> + The pioneer threw himself on a seat, and ordered some water to be brought, + that he might cool his aching hand in it, according to the prescription of + Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the old man saw the broken fingers, he gave another yell of + woe, and when Paaker ordered him to cease he asked: + </p> + <p> + “And is the man still alive who did that, and who killed Descher?” + </p> + <p> + Paaker nodded, and while he held his hand in the cooling water he looked + sullenly at the ground. He felt miserable, and he asked himself why the + storm had not swamped the boat, and the Nile had not swallowed him. + Bitterness and rage filled his breast, and he wished he were a child, and + might cry. But his mood soon changed, his breath came quickly, his breast + heaved, and an ominous light glowed in his eyes. He was not thinking of + his love, but of the revenge that was even dearer to him. + </p> + <p> + “That brood of Rameses!” he muttered. “I will sweep them all away together—the + king, and Mena, and those haughty princes, and many more—I know how. + Only wait, only wait!” and he flung up his right fist with a threatening + gesture. + </p> + <p> + The door opened at this instant, and his mother entered the room; the + raging of the storm had drowned the sound of her steps, and as she + approached her revengeful son, she called his name in horror at the mad + wrath which was depicted in his countenance. Paaker started, and then said + with apparent composure: + </p> + <p> + “Is it you, mother? It is near morning, and it is better to be asleep than + awake in such an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not rest in my rooms,” answered Setchem. “The storm howled so + wildly, and I am so anxious, so frightfully unhappy—as I was before + your father died.” + </p> + <p> + “Then stay with me,” said Paaker affectionately, “and lie down on my + couch.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not come here to sleep,” replied Setchem. “I am too unhappy at all + that happened to you on the larding-steps, it is frightful! No, no, my + son, it is not about your smashed hand, though it grieves me to see you in + pain; it is about the king, and his anger when he hears of the quarrel. He + favors you less than he did your lost father, I know it well. But how + wildly you smile, how wild you looked when I came in! It went through my + bones and marrow.” + </p> + <p> + Both were silent for a time, and listened to the furious raging of the + storm. At last Setchem spoke. “There is something else,” she said, “which + disturbs my mind. I cannot forget the poet who spoke at the festival + to-day, young Pentaur. His figure, his face, his movements, nay his very + voice, are exactly like those of your father at the time when he was + young, and courted me. It is as if the Gods were fain to see the best man + that they ever took to themselves, walk before them a second time upon + earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my lady,” said the black slave; “no mortal eye ever saw such a + likeness. I saw him fighting in front of the paraschites’ cottage, and he + was more like my dead master than ever. He swung the tent-post over his + head, as my lord used to swing his battle-axe.” + </p> + <p> + “Be silent,” cried Paaker, “and get out-idiot! The priest is like my + father; I grant it, mother; but he is an insolent fellow, who offended me + grossly, and with whom I have to reckon—as with many others.” + </p> + <p> + “How violent you are!” interrupted his mother, “and how full of bitterness + and hatred. Your father was so sweet-tempered, and kind to everybody.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps they are kind to me?” retorted Paaker with a short laugh. “Even + the Immortals spite me, and throw thorns in my path. But I will push them + aside with my own hand, and will attain what I desire without the help of + the Gods and overthrow all that oppose me.” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot blow away a feather without the help of the Immortals,” + answered Setchem. “So your father used to say, who was a very different + man both in body and mind from you! I tremble before you this evening, and + at the curses you have uttered against the children of your lord and + sovereign, your father’s best friend.” + </p> + <p> + “But my enemy,” shouted Paaker. “You will get nothing from me but curses. + And the brood of Rameses shall learn whether your husband’s son will let + himself be ill-used and scorned without revenging him self. I will fling + them into an abyss, and I will laugh when I see them writhing in the sand + at my feet!” + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” cried Setchem, beside herself. “I am but a woman, and have often + blamed myself for being soft and weak; but as sure as I am faithful to + your dead father—who you are no more like than a bramble is like a + palm-tree—so surely will I tear my love for you out of my heart if + you—if you—Now I see! now I know! Answer me-murderer! Where + are the seven arrows with the wicked words which used to hang here? Where + are the arrows on which you had scrawled ‘Death to Mena?’” + </p> + <p> + With these words Setchem breathlessly started forward, but the pioneer + drew back as she confronted him, as in his youthful days when she + threatened to punish him for some misdemeanor. She followed him up, caught + him by the girdle, and in a hoarse voice repeated her question. He stood + still, snatched her hand angrily from his belt, and said defiantly: + </p> + <p> + “I have put them in my quiver—and not for mere play. Now you know.” + </p> + <p> + Incapable of words, the maddened woman once more raised her hand against + her degenerate son, but he put back her arm. + </p> + <p> + “I am no longer a child,” he said, “and I am master of this house. I will + do what I will, if a hundred women hindered me!” and with these words he + pointed to the door. Setchem broke into loud sobs, and turned her back + upon him; but at the door once more she turned to look at him. He had + seated himself, and was resting his forehead on the table on which the + bowl of cold water stood. + </p> + <p> + Setchem fought a hard battle. At last once more through her choking tears + she called his name, opened her arms wide and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Here I am—here I am! Come to my heart, only give up these hideous + thoughts of revenge.” + </p> + <p> + But Paaker did not move, he did not look up at her, he did not speak, he + only shook his head in negation. Setchem’s hands fell, and she said + softly: + </p> + <p> + “What did your father teach you out of the scriptures? ‘Your highest + praise consists in this, to reward your mother for what she has done for + you, in bringing you up, so that she may not raise her hands to God, nor + He hear her lamentation.’” + </p> + <p> + At these words, Paaker sobbed aloud, but he did not look at his mother. + She called him tenderly by his name; then her eyes fell on his quiver, + which lay on a bench with other arms. Her heart shrunk within her, and + with a trembling voice she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “I forbid this mad vengeance—do you hear? Will you give it up? You + do not move? No! you will not! Ye Gods, what can I do?” + </p> + <p> + She wrung her hands in despair; then she hastily crossed the room, + snatched out one of the arrows, and strove to break it. Paaker sprang from + his seat, and wrenched the weapon from her hand; the sharp point slightly + scratched the skin, and dark drops of blood flowed from it, and dropped + upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + The Mohar would have taken the wounded hand, for Setchem, who had the + weakness of never being able to see blood flow—neither her own nor + anybody’s else—had turned as pale as death; but she pushed him from + her, and as she spoke her gentle voice had a dull estranged tone. + </p> + <p> + “This hand,” she said—“a mother’s hand wounded by her son—shall + never again grasp yours till you have sworn a solemn oath to put away from + you all thoughts of revenge and murder, and not to disgrace your father’s + name. I have said it, and may his glorified spirit be my witness, and give + me strength to keep my word!” + </p> + <p> + Paaker had fallen on his knees, and was engaged in a terrible mental + struggle, while his mother slowly went towards the door. There again she + stood still for a moment; she did not speak, but her eyes appealed to him + once more. + </p> + <p> + In vain. At last she left the room, and the wind slammed the door + violently behind her. Paaker groaned, and pressed his hand over his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, mother!” he cried. “I cannot go back—I cannot.” + </p> + <p> + A fearful gust of wind howled round the house, and drowned his voice, and + then he heard two tremendous claps, as if rocks had been hurled from + heaven. He started up and went to the window, where the melancholy grey + dawn was showing, in order to call the slaves. Soon they came trooping + out, and the steward called out as soon as he saw him: + </p> + <p> + “The storm has blown down the masts at the great gate!” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” cried Paaker. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed!” answered the servant. “They have been sawn through close to + the ground. The matmaker no doubt did it, whose collar-bone was broken. He + has escaped in this fearful night.” + </p> + <p> + “Let out the dogs,” cried the Mohar. “All who have legs run after the + blackguard! Freedom, and five handfuls of gold for the man who brings him + back.” + </p> + <p> + The guests at the House of Seti had already gone to rest, when Ameni was + informed of the arrival of the sorceress, and he at once went into the + hall, where Ani was waiting to see her; the Regent roused himself from a + deep reverie when he heard the high-priest’s steps. + </p> + <p> + “Is she come?” he asked hastily; when Ameni answered in the affirmative + Ani went on meanwhile carefully disentangling the disordered curls of his + wig, and arranging his broad, collar-shaped necklace: + </p> + <p> + “The witch may exercise some influence over me; will you not give me your + blessing to preserve me from her spells? It is true, I have on me this + Houss’-eye, and this Isis-charm, but one never knows.” + </p> + <p> + “My presence will be your safe-guard,” said Ameni. “But-no, of course you + wish to speak with her alone. You shall be conducted to a room, which is + protected against all witchcraft by sacred texts. My brother,” he + continued to one of the serving-priests, “let the witch be taken into one + of the consecrated rooms, and then, when you have sprinkled the threshold, + lead my lord Ani thither.” + </p> + <p> + The high-priest went away, and into a small room which adjoined the hall + where the interview between the Regent and the old woman was about to take + place, and where the softest whisper spoken in the larger room could be + heard by means of an ingeniously contrived and invisible tube. + </p> + <p> + When Ani saw the old woman, he started back is horror; her appearance at + this moment was, in fact, frightful. The storm had tossed and torn her + garment and tumbled all her thick, white hair, so that locks of it fell + over her face. She leaned on a staff, and bending far forward looked + steadily at the Regent; and her eyes, red and smarting from the sand which + the wind had flung in her face, seemed to glow as she fixed them on his. + She looked as a hyaena might when creeping to seize its prey, and Ani felt + a cold shiver and he heard her hoarse voice addressing him to greet him + and to represent that he had chosen a strange hour for requiring her to + speak with him. + </p> + <p> + When she had thanked him for his promise of renewing her letter of + freedom, and had confirmed the statement that Paaker had had a + love-philter from her, she parted her hair from off her face—it + occurred to her that she was a woman. + </p> + <p> + The Regent sat in an arm-chair, she stood before him; but the struggle + with the storm had tired her old limbs, and she begged Ani to permit her + to be seated, as she had a long story to tell, which would put Paaker into + his power, so that he would find him as yielding as wax. The Regent signed + her to a corner of the room, and she squatted down on the pavement. + </p> + <p> + When he desired her to proceed with her story, she looked at the floor for + some time in silence, and then began, as if half to herself: + </p> + <p> + “I will tell thee, that I may find peace—I do not want, when I die, + to be buried unembalmed. Who knows but perhaps strange things may happen + in the other world, and I would not wish to miss them. I want to see him + again down there, even if it were in the seventh limbo of the damned. + Listen to me! But, before I speak, promise me that whatever I tell thee, + thou wilt leave me in peace, and will see that I am embalmed when I am + dead. Else I will not speak.” + </p> + <p> + Ani bowed consent. + </p> + <p> + “No-no,” she said. “I will tell thee what to swear ‘If I do not keep my + word to Hekt—who gives the Mohar into my power—may the Spirits + whom she rules, annihilate me before I mount the throne.’ Do not be vexed, + my lord—and say only ‘Yes.’ What I can tell, is worth more than a + mere word.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then—yes!” cried the Regent, eager for the mighty revelation. + </p> + <p> + The old woman muttered a few unintelligible words; then she collected + herself, stretched out her lean neck, and asked, as she fixed her + sparkling eyes on the man before her: + </p> + <p> + “Did’st thou ever, when thou wert young, hear of the singer Beki? Well, + look at me, I am she.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed loud and hoarsely, and drew her tattered robe across her + bosom, as if half ashamed of her unpleasing person. + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” she continued. “Men find pleasure in grapes by treading them down, + and when the must is drunk the skins are thrown on the dung-hill. + Grape-skins, that is what I am—but you need not look at me so + pitifully; I was grapes once, and poor and despised as I am now, no one + can take from me what I have had and have been. Mine has been a life out + of a thousand, a complete life, full to overflowing of joy and suffering, + of love and hate, of delight, despair, and revenge. Only to talk of it + raises me to a seat by thy throne there. No, let me be, I am used now to + squatting on the ground; but I knew thou wouldst hear me to the end, for + once I too was one of you. Extremes meet in all things—I know it by + experience. The greatest men will hold out a hand to a beautiful woman, + and time was when I could lead you all as with a rope. Shall I begin at + the beginning? Well—I seldom am in the mood for it now-a-days. Fifty + years ago I sang a song with this voice of mine; an old crow like me? + sing! But so it was. My father was a man of rank, the governor of Abydos; + when the first Rameses took possession of the throne my father was + faithful to the house of thy fathers, so the new king sent us all to the + gold mines, and there they all died—my parents, brothers, and + sisters. I only survived by some miracle. As I was handsome and sang well, + a music master took me into his band, brought me to Thebes, and wherever + there was a feast given in any great house, Beki was in request. Of + flowers and money and tender looks I had a plentiful harvest; but I was + proud and cold, and the misery of my people had made me bitter at an age + when usually even bad liquor tastes of honey. Not one of all the gay young + fellows, princes’ sons, and nobles, dared to touch my hand. But my hour + was to come; the handsomest and noblest man of them all, and grave and + dignified too—was Assa, the old Mohar’s father, and grandfather of + Pentaur—no, I should say of Paaker, the pioneer; thou hast known + him. Well, wherever I sang, he sat opposite me, and gazed at me, and I + could not take my eyes off him, and—thou canst tell the rest! no! + Well, no woman before or after me can ever love a man as I loved Assa. Why + dost thou not laugh? It must seem odd, too, to hear such a thing from the + toothless mouth of an old witch. He is dead, long since dead. I hate him! + and yet—wild as it sounds—I believe I love him yet. And he + loved me—for two years; then he went to the war with Seti, and + remained a long time away, and when I saw him again he had courted the + daughter of some rich and noble house. I was handsome enough still, but he + never looked at me at the banquets. I came across him at least twenty + times, but he avoided me as if I were tainted with leprosy, and I began to + fret, and fell ill of a fever. The doctors said it was all over with me, + so I sent him a letter in which there was nothing but these words: ‘Beki + is dying, and would like to see Assa once more,’ and in the papyrus I put + his first present—a plain ring. And what was the answer? a handful + of gold! Gold—gold! Thou may’st believe me, when I say that the + sight of it was more torturing to my eyes than the iron with which they + put out the eyes of criminals. Even now, when I think of it—But what + do you men, you lords of rank and wealth, know of a breaking heart? When + two or three of you happen to meet, and if thou should’st tell the story, + the most respectable will say in a pompous voice: ‘The man acted nobly + indeed; he was married, and his wife would have complained with justice if + he had gone to see the singer.’ Am I right or wrong? I know; not one will + remember that the other was a woman, a feeling human being; it will occur + to no one that his deed on the one hand saved an hour of discomfort, and + on the other wrought half a century of despair. Assa escaped his wife’s + scolding, but a thousand curses have fallen on him and on his house. How + virtuous he felt himself when he had crushed and poisoned a passionate + heart that had never ceased to love him! Ay, and he would have come if he + had not still felt some love for me, if he had not misdoubted himself, and + feared that the dying woman might once more light up the fire he had so + carefully smothered and crushed out. I would have grieved for him—but + that he should send me money, money!—that I have never forgiven; + that he shall atone for in his grandchild.” The old woman spoke the last + words as if in a dream, and without seeming to remember her hearer. Ani + shuddered, as if he were in the presence of a mad woman, and he + involuntarily drew his chair back a little way. + </p> + <p> + The witch observed this; she took breath and went on: “You lords, who walk + in high places, do not know how things go on in the depths beneath you; + you do not choose to know. + </p> + <p> + “But I will shorten my story. I got well, but I got out of my bed thin and + voiceless. I had plenty of money, and I spent it in buying of everyone who + professed magic in Thebes, potions to recover Assa’s love for me, or in + paying for spells to be cast on him, or for magic drinks to destroy him. I + tried too to recover my voice, but the medicines I took for it made it + rougher not sweeter. Then an excommunicated priest, who was famous among + the magicians, took me into his house, and there I learned many things; + his old companions afterwards turned upon him, he came over here into the + Necropolis, and I came with him. When at last he was taken and hanged, I + remained in his cave, and myself took to witchcraft. Children point their + fingers at me, honest men and women avoid me, I am an abomination to all + men, nay to myself. And one only is guilty of all this ruin—the + noblest gentleman in Thebes—the pious Assa. + </p> + <p> + “I had practised magic for several years, and had become learned in many + arts, when one day the gardener Sent, from whom I was accustomed to buy + plants for my mixtures—he rents a plot of ground from the temple of + Seti—Sent brought me a new-born child that had been born with six + toes; I was to remove the supernumerary toe by my art. The pious mother of + the child was lying ill of fever, or she never would have allowed it; I + took the screaming little wretch—for such things are sometimes + curable. The next morning, a few hours after sunrise, there was a bustle + in front of my cave; a maid, evidently belonging to a noble house, was + calling me. Her mistress, she said, had come with her to visit the tomb of + her fathers, and there had been taken ill, and had given birth to a child. + Her mistress was lying senseless—I must go at once, and help her. I + took the little six-toed brat in my cloak, told my slavegirl to follow me + with water, and soon found myself—as thou canst guess—at the + tomb of Assa’s ancestors. The poor woman, who lay there in convulsions, + was his daughter-in-law Setchem. The baby, a boy, was as sound as a nut, + but she was evidently in great danger. I sent the maid with the litter, + which was waiting outside, to the temple here for help; the girl said that + her master, the father of the child, was at the war, but that the + grandfather, the noble Assa, had promised to meet the lady Setchem at the + tomb, and would shortly be coming; then she disappeared with the litter. I + washed the child, and kissed it as if it were my own. Then I heard distant + steps in the valley, and the recollection of the moment when I, lying at + the point of death, had received that gift of money from Assa came over + me, and then I do not know myself how it happened—I gave the + new-born grandchild of Assa to my slave-girl, and told her to carry it + quickly to the cave, and I wrapped the little six-toed baby in my rags and + held it in my lap. There I sat—and the minutes seemed hours, till + Assa came up; and when he stood before me, grown grey, it is true, but + still handsome and upright—I put the gardener’s boy, the six-toed + brat, into his very arms, and a thousand demons seemed to laugh hoarsely + within me. He thanked me, he did not know me, and once more he offered me + a handful of gold. I took it, and I listened as the priest, who had come + from the temple, prophesied all sorts of fine things for the little one, + who was born in so fortunate an hour; and then I went back into my cave, + and there I laughed till I cried, though I do not know that the tears + sprang from the laughter. + </p> + <p> + “A few days after I gave Assa’s grandchild to the gardener, and told him + the sixth toe had come off; I had made a little wound on his foot to take + in the bumpkin. So Assa’s grandchild, the son of the Mohar, grew up as the + gardener’s child, and received the name of Pentaur, and he was brought up + in the temple here, and is wonderfully like Assa; but the gardener’s + monstrous brat is the pioneer Paaker. That is the whole secret.” + </p> + <p> + Ani had listened in silence to the terrible old woman. + </p> + <p> + We are involuntarily committed to any one who can inform us of some + absorbing fact, and who knows how to make the information valuable. It did + not occur to the Regent to punish the witch for her crimes; he thought + rather of his older friends’ rapture when they talked of the singer Beki’s + songs and beauty. He looked at the woman, and a cold shiver ran through + all his limbs. + </p> + <p> + “You may live in peace,” he said at last; “and when you die I will see to + your being embalmed; but give up your black arts. You must be rich, and, + if you are not, say what you need. Indeed, I scarcely dare offer you gold—it + excites your hatred, as I understand.” + </p> + <p> + “I could take thine—but now let me go!” + </p> + <p> + She got up, and went towards the door, but the Regent called to her to + stop, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Is Assa the father of your son, the little Nemu, the dwarf of the lady + Katuti?” + </p> + <p> + The witch laughed loudly. “Is the little wretch like Assa or like Beki? I + picked him up like many other children.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is clever!” said Ani. + </p> + <p> + “Ay-that he is. He has planned many a shrewd stroke, and is devoted to his + mistress. He will help thee to thy purpose, for he himself has one too.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is—?” + </p> + <p> + “Katuti will rise to greatness with thee, and to riches through Paaker, + who sets out to-morrow to make the woman he loves a widow.” + </p> + <p> + “You know a great deal,” said Ani meditatively, “and I would ask you one + thing more; though indeed your story has supplied the answer—but + perhaps you know more now than you did in your youth. Is there in truth + any effectual love-philter?” + </p> + <p> + “I will not deceive thee, for I desire that thou should’st keep thy word + to me,” replied Hekt. “A love potion rarely has any effect, and never but + on women who have never before loved. If it is given to a woman whose + heart is filled with the image of another man her passion for him only + will grow the stronger.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet another,” said Ani. “Is there any way of destroying an enemy at a + distance?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said the witch. “Little people may do mean things, and great + people can let others do things that they cannot do themselves. My story + has stirred thy gall, and it seems to me that thou dost not love the poet + Pentaur. A smile! Well then—I have not lost sight of him, and I know + he is grown up as proud and as handsome as Assa. He is wonderfully like + him, and I could have loved him—have loved as this foolish heart had + better never have loved. It is strange! In many women, who come to me, I + see how their hearts cling to the children of men who have abandoned them, + and we women are all alike, in most things. But I will not let myself love + Assa’s grandchild—I must not. I will injure him, and help everyone + that persecutes him; for though Assa is dead, the wrongs he did me live in + me so long as I live myself. Pentaur’s destiny must go on its course. If + thou wilt have his life, consult with Nemu, for he hates him too, and he + will serve thee more effectually than I can with my vain spells and silly + harmless brews. Now let me go home!” + </p> + <p> + A few hours later Ameni sent to invite the Regent to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who the witch Hekt is?” asked Ani. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly—how should I not know? She is the singer Beki—the + former enchantress of Thebes. May I ask what her communications were?” + </p> + <p> + Ani thought it best not to confide the secret of Pentaur’s birth to the + high-priest, and answered evasively. Then Ameni begged to be allowed to + give him some information about the old woman, and how she had had a hand + in the game; and he related to his hearer, with some omissions and + variations—as if it were a fact he had long known—the very + story which a few hours since he had overheard, and learned for the first + time. Ani feigned great astonishment, and agreed with the high-priest that + Paaker should not for the present be informed of his true origin. + </p> + <p> + “He is a strangely constituted man,” said Ameni, “and he is not incapable + of playing us some unforeseen trick before he has done his part, if he is + told who he is.” + </p> + <p> + The storm had exhausted itself, and the sky, though covered still with + torn and flying clouds, cleared by degrees, as the morning went on; a + sharp coolness succeeded the hot blast, but the sun as it mounted higher + and higher soon heated the air. On the roads and in the gardens lay + uprooted trees and many slightly-built houses which had been blown down, + while the tents in the strangers’ quarter, and hundreds of light + palm-thatched roofs, had been swept away. + </p> + <p> + The Regent was returning to Thebes, and with him went Ameni, who desired + to ascertain by his own eyes what mischief the whirlwind had done to his + garden in the city. On the Nile they met Paaker’s boat, and Ani caused it + and his own to be stopped, while he requested Paaker to visit him shortly + at the palace. + </p> + <p> + The high-priest’s garden was in no respect inferior in beauty and extent + to that of the Mohar. The ground had belonged to his family from the + remotest generations, and his house was large and magnificent. He seated + himself in a shady arbor, to take a repast with his still handsome wife + and his young and pretty daughters. + </p> + <p> + He consoled his wife for the various damage done by the hurricane, + promised the girls to build a new and handsomer clove-cot in the place of + the one which had been blown down, and laughed and joked with them all; + for here the severe head of the House of Seti, the grave Superior of the + Necropolis, became a simple man, an affectionate husband, a tender father, + a judicious friend, among his children, his flowers, and his birds. His + youngest daughter clung to his right arm, and an older one to his left, + when he rose from table to go with them to the poultry-yard. + </p> + <p> + On the way thither a servant announced to him that the Lady Setchem wished + to see him. + </p> + <p> + “Take her to your mistress,” he said. + </p> + <p> + But the slave—who held in his hand a handsome gift in money—explained + that the widow wished to speak with him alone. + </p> + <p> + “Can I never enjoy an hour’s peace like other men?” exclaimed Ameni + annoyed. “Your mistress can receive her, and she can wait with her till I + come. It is true, girls—is it not?—that I belong to you just + now, and to the fowls, and ducks, and pigeons?” + </p> + <p> + His youngest daughter kissed him, the second patted him affectionately, + and they all three went gaily forward. An hour later he requested the Lady + Setchem to accompany him into the garden. + </p> + <p> + The poor, anxious, and frightened woman had resolved on this step with + much difficulty; tears filled her kind eyes, as she communicated her + troubles to the high-priest. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a wise counsellor,” she said, “and thou knowest well how my son + honors the Gods of the temple of Seti with gifts and offerings. He will + not listen to his mother, but thou hast influence with him. He meditates + frightful things, and if he cannot be terrified by threats of punishment + from the Immortals, he will raise his hand against Mena, and perhaps—” + </p> + <p> + “Against the king,” interrupted Ameni gravely. “I know it, and I will + speak to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, oh a thousand thanks!” cried the widow, and she seized the + high-priests robe to kiss it. “It was thou who soon after his birth didst + tell my husband that he was born under a lucky star, and would grow to be + an honor and an ornament to his house and to his country. And now—now + he will ruin himself in this world, and the next.” + </p> + <p> + “What I foretold of your son,” said Ameni, “shall assuredly be fulfilled, + for the ways of the Gods are not as the ways of men.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy words do me good!” cried Setchem. “None can tell what fearful terror + weighed upon my heart, when I made up my mind to come here. But thou dost + not yet know all. The great masts of cedar, which Paaker sent from Lebanon + to Thebes to bear our banners, and ornament our gateway, were thrown to + the ground at sunrise by the frightful wind.” + </p> + <p> + “Thus shall your son’s defiant spirit be broken,” said Ameni; “But for + you, if you have patience, new joys shall arise.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank thee again,” said Setchem. “But something yet remains to be said. + I know that I am wasting the time that thou dost devote to thy family, and + I remember thy saying once that here in Thebes thou wert like a pack-Horse + with his load taken off, and free to wander over a green meadow. I will + not disturb thee much longer—but the Gods sent me such a wonderful + vision. Paaker would not listen to me, and I went back into my room full + of sorrow; and when at last, after the sun had risen, I fell asleep for a + few minutes, I dreamed I saw before me the poet Pentaur, who is + wonderfully like my dead husband in appearance and in voice. Paaker went + up to him, and abused him violently, and threatened him with his fist; the + priest raised his arms in prayer, just as I saw him yesterday at the + festival—but not in devotion, but to seize Paaker, and wrestle with + him. The struggle did not last long, for Paaker seemed to shrink up, and + lost his human form, and fell at the poet’s feet—not my son, but a + shapeless lump of clay such as the potter uses to make jars of.” + </p> + <p> + “A strange dream!” exclaimed Ameni, not without agitation. “A very strange + dream, but it bodes you good. Clay, Setchem, is yielding, and clearly + indicates that which the Gods prepare for you. The Immortals will give you + a new and a better son instead of the old one, but it is not revealed to + me by what means. Go now, and sacrifice to the Gods, and trust to the + wisdom of those who guide the life of the universe, and of all mortal + creatures. Yet—I would give you one more word of advice. If Paaker + comes to you repentant, receive him kindly, and let me know; but if he + will not yield, close your rooms against him, and let him depart without + taking leave of you.” + </p> + <p> + When Setchem, much encouraged, was gone away, Ameni said to himself: + </p> + <p> + “She will find splendid compensation for this coarse scoundrel, and she + shall not spoil the tool we need to strike our blow. I have often doubted + how far dreams do, indeed, foretell the future, but to-day my faith in + them is increased. Certainly a mother’s heart sees farther than that of + any other human being.” + </p> + <p> + At the door of her house Setchem came up with her son’s chariot. They saw + each other, but both looked away, for they could not meet affectionately, + and would not meet coldly. As the horses outran the litter-bearers, the + mother and son looked round at each other, their eyes met, and each felt a + stab in the heart. + </p> + <p> + In the evening the pioneer, after he had had an interview with the Regent, + went to the temple of Seti to receive Ameni’s blessing on all his + undertakings. Then, after sacrificing in the tomb of his ancestors, he set + out for Syria. + </p> + <p> + Just as he was getting into his chariot, news was brought him that the + mat-maker, who had sawn through the masts at the gate, had been caught. + </p> + <p> + “Put out his eyes!” he cried; and these were the last words he spoke as he + quitted his home. + </p> + <p> + Setchem looked after him for a long time; she had refused to bid him + farewell, and now she implored the Gods to turn his heart, and to preserve + him from malice and crime. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. + </h2> + <p> + Three days had passed since the pioneer’s departure, and although it was + still early, busy occupation was astir in Bent-Anat’s work-rooms. + </p> + <p> + The ladies had passed the stormy night, which had succeeded the exciting + evening of the festival, without sleep. + </p> + <p> + Nefert felt tired and sleepy the next morning, and begged the princess to + introduce her to her new duties for the first time next day; but the + princess spoke to her encouragingly, told her that no man should put off + doing right till the morrow, and urged her to follow her into her + workshop. + </p> + <p> + “We must both come to different minds,” said she. “I often shudder + involuntarily, and feel as if I bore a brand—as if I had a stain + here on my shoulder where it was touched by Paaker’s rough hand.” + </p> + <p> + The first day of labor gave Nefert a good many difficulties to overcome; + on the second day the work she had begun already had a charm for her, and + by the third she rejoiced in the little results of her care. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat had put her in the right place, for she had the direction of a + large number of young girls and women, the daughters, wives, and widows of + those Thebans who were at the war, or who had fallen in the field, who + sorted and arranged the healing herbs. Her helpers sat in little circles + on the ground; in the midst of each lay a great heap of fresh and dry + plants, and in front of each work-woman a number of parcels of the + selected roots, leaves, and flowers. + </p> + <p> + An old physician presided over the whole, and had shown Nefert the first + day the particular plants which he needed. + </p> + <p> + The wife of Mena, who was fond of flowers, had soon learnt them all, and + she taught willingly, for she loved children. + </p> + <p> + She soon had favorites among the children, and knew some as being + industrious and careful, others as idle and heedless: + </p> + <p> + “Ay! ay!” she exclaimed, bending over a little half-naked maiden with + great almond-shaped eyes. “You are mixing them all together. Your father, + as you tell me, is at the war. Suppose, now, an arrow were to strike him, + and this plant, which would hurt him, were laid on the burning wound + instead of this other, which would do him good—that would be very + sad.” + </p> + <p> + The child nodded her head, and looked her work through again. Nefert + turned to a little idler, and said: “You are chattering again, and doing + nothing, and yet your father is in the field. If he were ill now, and has + no medicine, and if at night when he is asleep he dreams of you, and sees + you sitting idle, he may say to himself: ‘Now I might get well, but my + little girl at home does not love me, for she would rather sit with her + hands in her lap than sort herbs for her sick father.’” + </p> + <p> + Then Nefert turned to a large group of the girls, who were sorting plants, + and said: “Do you, children, know the origin of all these wholesome, + healing herbs? The good Horus went out to fight against Seth, the murderer + of his father, and the horrible enemy wounded Horus in the eye in the + struggle; but the son of Osiris conquered, for good always conquers evil. + But when Isis saw the bad wound, she pressed her son’s head to her bosom, + and her heart was as sad as that of any poor human mother that holds her + suffering child in her arms. And she thought: ‘How easy it is to give + wounds, and how hard it is to heal them!’ and so she wept; one tear after + another fell on the earth, and wherever they wetted the ground there + sprang up a kindly healing plant.” + </p> + <p> + “Isis is good!” cried a little girl opposite to her. “Mother says Isis + loves children when they are good.” + </p> + <p> + “Your mother is right,” replied Nefert. “Isis herself has her dear little + son Horus; and every human being that dies, and that was good, becomes a + child again, and the Goddess makes it her own, and takes it to her breast, + and nurses it with her sister Nephthys till he grows up and can fight for + his father.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert observed that while she spoke one of the women was crying. She went + up to her, and learned that her husband and her son were both dead, the + former in Syria, and the latter after his return to Egypt. “Poor soul!” + said Nefert. “Now you will be very careful, that the wounds of others may + be healed. I will tell you something more about Isis. She loved her + husband Osiris dearly, as you did your dead husband, and I my husband + Mena, but he fell a victim to the cunning of Seth, and she could not tell + where to find the body that had been carried away, while you can visit + your husband in his grave. Then Isis went through the land lamenting, and + ah! what was to become of Egypt, which received all its fruitfulness from + Osiris. The sacred Nile was dried up, and not a blade of verdure was green + on its banks. The Goddess grieved over this beyond words, and one of her + tears fell in the bed of the river, and immediately it began to rise. You + know, of course, that each inundation arises from a tear of Isis. Thus a + widow’s sorrow may bring blessing to millions of human beings.” + </p> + <p> + The woman had listened to her attentively, and when Nefert ceased speaking + she said: + </p> + <p> + “But I have still three little brats of my son’s to feed, for his wife, + who was a washerwoman, was eaten by a crocodile while she was at work. + Poor folks must work for themselves, and not for others. If the princess + did not pay us, I could not think of the wounds of the soldiers, who do + not belong to me. I am no longer strong, and four mouths to fill—” + </p> + <p> + Nefert was shocked—as she often was in the course of her new duties—and + begged Bent-Gnat to raise the wages of the woman. + </p> + <p> + “Willingly,” said the princess. “How could I beat down such an assistant. + Come now with me into the kitchen. I am having some fruit packed for my + father and brothers; there must be a box for Mena too.” Nefert followed + her royal friend, found them packing in one case the golden dates of the + oasis of Amon, and in another the dark dates of Nubia, the king’s favorite + sort. “Let me pack them!” cried Nefert; she made the servants empty the + box again, and re-arranged the various-colored dates in graceful patterns, + with other fruits preserved in sugar. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat looked on, and when she had finished she took her hand. + “Whatever your fingers have touched,” she exclaimed, “takes some pretty + aspect. Give me that scrap of papyrus; I shall put it in the case, and + write upon it: + </p> + <p> + “‘These were packed for king Rameses by his daughter’s clever helpmate, + the wife of Mena.’” + </p> + <p> + After the mid-day rest the princess was called away, and Nefert remained + for some hours alone with the work-women. + </p> + <p> + When the sun went down, and the busy crowd were about to leave, Nefert + detained them, and said: “The Sun-bark is sinking behind the western + hills; come, let us pray together for the king and for those we love in + the field. Each of you think of her own: you children of your fathers, you + women of your sons, and we wives of our distant husbands, and let us + entreat Amon that they may return to us as certainly as the sun, which now + leaves us, will rise again to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert knelt down, and with her the women and the children. + </p> + <p> + When they rose, a little girl went up to Nefert, and said, pulling her + dress: “Thou madest us kneel here yesterday, and already my mother is + better, because I prayed for her.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” said Nefert, stroking the child’s black hair. + </p> + <p> + She found Bent-Anat on the terrace meditatively gazing across to the + Necropolis, which was fading into darkness before her eyes. She started + when she heard the light footsteps of her friend. + </p> + <p> + “I am disturbing thee,” said Nefert, about to retire. + </p> + <p> + “No, stay,” said Bent-Anat. “I thank the Gods that I have you, for my + heart is sad—pitifully sad.” + </p> + <p> + “I know where your thoughts were,” said Nefert softly. “Well?” asked the + princess. + </p> + <p> + “With Pentaur.” + </p> + <p> + “I think of him—always of him,” replied the princess, “and nothing + else occupies my heart. I am no longer myself. What I think I ought not to + think, what I feel I ought not to feel, and yet, I cannot command it, and + I think my heart would bleed to death if I tried to cut out those thoughts + and feelings. I have behaved strangely, nay unbecomingly, and now that + which is hard to endure is hanging over me, something strange-which will + perhaps drive you from me back to your mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I will share everything with you,” cried Nefert. “What is going to + happen? Are you then no longer the daughter of Rameses?” + </p> + <p> + “I showed myself to the people as a woman of the people,” answered + Bent-Anat, “and I must take the consequences. Bek en Chunsu, the + high-priest of Amon, has been with me, and I have had a long conversation + with him. The worthy man is good to me, I know, and my father ordered me + to follow his advice before any one’s. He showed me that I have erred + deeply. In a state of uncleanness I went into one of the temples of the + Necropolis, and after I had once been into the paraschites’ house and + incurred Ameni’s displeasure, I did it a second time. They know over there + all that took place at the festival. Now I must undergo purification, + either with great solemnity at the hands of Ameni himself, before all the + priests and nobles in the House of Seti, or by performing a pilgrimage to + the Emerald-Hathor, under whose influence the precious stones are hewn + from the rocks, metals dug out, and purified by fire. The Goddess shall + purge me from my uncleanness as metal is purged from the dross. At a day’s + journey and more from the mines, an abundant stream flows from ‘the holy + mountain-Sinai,’ as it is called by the Mentut—and near it stands + the sanctuary of the Goddess, in which priests grant purification. The + journey is a long one, through the desert, and over the sea; But Bek en + Chunsu advises me to venture it. Ameni, he says, is not amiably disposed + towards me, because I infringed the ordinance which he values above all + others. I must submit to double severity, he says, because the people look + first to those of the highest rank; and if I went unpunished for contempt + of the sacred institutions there might be imitators among the crowd. He + speaks in the name of the Gods, and they measure hearts with an equal + measure. The ell-measure is the symbol of the Goddess of Truth. I feel + that it is all not unjust; and yet I find it hard to submit to the + priest’s decree, for I am the daughter of Rameses!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, indeed!” exclaimed Nefert, “and he is himself a God!” + </p> + <p> + “But he taught me to respect the laws!” interrupted the princess. “I + discussed another thing with Bek en Chunsu. You know I rejected the suit + of the Regent. He must secretly be much vexed with me. That indeed would + not alarm me, but he is the guardian and protector appointed over me by my + father, and yet can I turn to him in confidence for counsel, and help? No! + I am still a woman, and Rameses’ daughter! Sooner will I travel through a + thousand deserts than humiliate my father through his child. By to-morrow + I shall have decided; but, indeed, I have already decided to make the + journey, hard as it is to leave much that is here. Do not fear, dear! but + you are too tender for such a journey, and to such a distance; I might—” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” cried Nefert. “I am going, too, if you were going to the four + pillars of heaven, at the limits of the earth. You have given me a new + life, and the little sprout that is green within me would wither again if + I had to return to my mother. Only she or I can be in our house, and I + will re-enter it only with Mena.” + </p> + <p> + “It is settled—I must go,” said the princess. “Oh! if only my father + were not so far off, and that I could consult him!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! the war, and always the war!” sighed Nefert. “Why do not men rest + content with what they have, and prefer the quiet peace, which makes life + lovely, to idle fame?” + </p> + <p> + “Would they be men? should we love them?” cried Bent-Anat eagerly. “Is not + the mind of the Gods, too, bent on war? Did you ever see a more sublime + sight than Pentaur, on that evening when he brandished the stake he had + pulled up, and exposed his life to protect an innocent girl who was in + danger?” + </p> + <p> + “I dared not once look down into the court,” said Nefert. “I was in such + an agony of mind. But his loud cry still rings in my ears.” + </p> + <p> + “So rings the war cry of heroes before whom the enemy quails!” exclaimed + Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, truly so rings the war cry!” said prince Rameri, who had entered his + sister’s half-dark room unperceived by the two women. + </p> + <p> + The princess turned to the boy. “How you frightened me!” she said. + </p> + <p> + “You!” said Rameri astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, me. I used to have a stout heart, but since that evening I + frequently tremble, and an agony of terror comes over me, I do not know + why. I believe some demon commands me.” + </p> + <p> + “You command, wherever you go; and no one commands you,” cried Rameri. + “The excitement and tumult in the valley, and on the quay, still agitate + you. I grind my teeth myself when I remember how they turned me out of the + school, and how Paaker set the dog at us. I have gone through a great deal + today too.” + </p> + <p> + “Where were you so long?” asked Bent-Anat. “My uncle Ani commanded that + you should not leave the palace.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be eighteen years old next month,” said the prince, “and need no + tutor.” + </p> + <p> + “But your father—” said Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + “My father”—interrupted the boy, “he little knows the Regent. But I + shall write to him what I have today heard said by different people. They + were to have sworn allegiance to Ani at that very feast in the valley, and + it is quite openly said that Ani is aiming at the throne, and intends to + depose the king. You are right, it is madness—but there must be + something behind it all.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert turned pale, and Bent-Anat asked for particulars. The prince + repeated all he had gathered, and added laughing: “Ani depose my father! + It is as if I tried to snatch the star of Isis from the sky to light the + lamps—which are much wanted here.” + </p> + <p> + “It is more comfortable in the dark,” said Nefert. “No, let us have + lights,” said Bent-Anat. “It is better to talk when we can see each other + face to face. I have no belief in the foolish talk of the people; but you + are right—we must bring it to my fathers knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard the wildest gossip in the City of the Dead,” said Rameri. + </p> + <p> + “You ventured over there? How very wrong!” + </p> + <p> + “I disguised myself a little, and I have good news for you. Pretty Uarda + is much better. She received your present, and they have a house of their + own again. Close to the one that was burnt down, there was a tumbled-down + hovel, which her father soon put together again; he is a bearded soldier, + who is as much like her as a hedgehog is like a white dove. I offered her + to work in the palace for you with the other girls, for good wages, but + she would not; for she has to wait on her sick grandmother, and she is + proud, and will not serve any one.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems you were a long time with the paraschites’ people,” said + Bent-Anat reprovingly. “I should have thought that what has happened to me + might have served you as a warning.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not be better than you!” cried the boy. “Besides, the paraschites + is dead, and Uarda’s father is a respectable soldier, who can defile no + one. I kept a long way from the old woman. To-morrow I am going again. I + promised her.” + </p> + <p> + “Promised who?” asked his sister. + </p> + <p> + “Who but Uarda? She loves flowers, and since the rose which you gave her + she has not seen one. I have ordered the gardener to cut me a basket full + of roses to-morrow morning, and shall take them to her myself.” + </p> + <p> + “That you will not!” cried Bent-Anat. “You are still but half a child—and, + for the girl’s sake too, you must give it up.” + </p> + <p> + “We only gossip together,” said the prince coloring, “and no one shall + recognize me. But certainly, if you mean that, I will leave the basket of + roses, and go to her alone. No—sister, I will not be forbidden this; + she is so charming, so white, so gentle, and her voice is so soft and + sweet! And she has little feet, as small as—what shall I say?—as + small and graceful as Nefert’s hand. We talked most about Pentaur. She + knows his father, who is a gardener, and knows a great deal about him. + Only think! she says the poet cannot be the son of his parents, but a good + spirit that has come down on earth—perhaps a God. At first she was + very timid, but when I spoke of Pentaur she grew eager; her reverence for + him is almost idolatry—and that vexed me.” + </p> + <p> + “You would rather she should reverence you so,” said Nefert smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” cried Rameri. “But I helped to save her, and I am so happy + when I am sitting with her, that to-morrow, I am resolved, I will put a + flower in her hair. It is red certainly, but as thick as yours, Bent-Anat, + and it must be delightful to unfasten it and stroke it.” + </p> + <p> + The ladies exchanged a glance of intelligence, and the princess said + decidedly: + </p> + <p> + “You will not go to the City of the Dead to-morrow, my little son!” + </p> + <p> + “That we will see, my little mother!” He answered laughing; then he turned + grave. + </p> + <p> + “I saw my school-friend Anana too,” he said. “Injustice reigns in the + House of Seti! Pentaur is in prison, and yesterday evening they sat in + judgment upon him. My uncle was present, and would have pounced upon the + poet, but Ameni took him under his protection. What was finally decided, + the pupils could not learn, but it must have been something bad, for the + son of the Treasurer heard Ameni saying, after the sitting, to old Gagabu: + ‘Punishment he deserves, but I will not let him be overwhelmed;’ and he + can have meant no one but Pentaur. To-morrow I will go over, and learn + more; something frightful, I am afraid—several years of imprisonment + is the least that will happen to him.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat had turned very pale. + </p> + <p> + “And whatever they do to him,” she cried, “he will suffer for my sake! Oh, + ye omnipotent Gods, help him—help me, be merciful to us both!” + </p> + <p> + She covered her face with her hands, and left the room. Rameri asked + Nefert: + </p> + <p> + “What can have come to my sister? she seems quite strange to me; and you + too are not the same as you used to be.” + </p> + <p> + “We both have to find our way in new circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “What are they?” + </p> + <p> + “That I cannot explain to you!—but it appears to me that you soon + may experience something of the same kind. Rumeri, do not go again to the + paraschites.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. + </h2> + <p> + Early on the following clay the dwarf Nemu went past the restored hut of + Uarda’s father—in which he had formerly lived with his wife—with + a man in a long coarse robe, the steward of some noble family. They went + towards old Hekt’s cave-dwelling. + </p> + <p> + “I would beg thee to wait down here a moment, noble lord,” said the dwarf, + “while I announce thee to my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds very grand,” said the other. “However, so be it. But stay! + The old woman is not to call me by my name or by my title. She is to call + me ‘steward’—that no one may know. But, indeed, no one would + recognize me in this dress.” + </p> + <p> + Nemu hastened to the cave, but before he reached his mother she called + out: “Do not keep my lord waiting—I know him well.” + </p> + <p> + Nemu laid his finger to his lips. + </p> + <p> + “You are to call him steward,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” muttered the old woman. “The ostrich puts his head under his + feathers when he does not want to be seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Was the young prince long with Uarda yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “No, you fool,” laughed the witch, “the children play together. Rameri is + a kid without horns, but who fancies he knows where they ought to grow. + Pentaur is a more dangerous rival with the red-headed girl. Make haste, + now; these stewards must not be kept waiting!” + </p> + <p> + The old woman gave the dwarf a push, and he hurried back to Ani, while she + carried the child, tied to his board, into the cave, and threw the sack + over him. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later the Regent stood before her. She bowed before him with + a demeanor that was more like the singer Beki than the sorceress Hekt, and + begged him to take the only seat she possessed. + </p> + <p> + When, with a wave of his hand, he declined to sit down, she said: + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes—be seated! then thou wilt not be seen from the + valley, but be screened by the rocks close by. Why hast thou chosen this + hour for thy visit?” + </p> + <p> + “Because the matter presses of which I wish to speak,” answered Ani; “and + in the evening I might easily be challenged by the watch. My disguise is + good. Under this robe I wear my usual dress. From this I shall go to the + tomb of my father, where I shall take off this coarse thing, and these + other disfigurements, and shall wait for my chariot, which is already + ordered. I shall tell people I had made a vow to visit the grave humbly, + and on foot, which I have now fulfilled.” + </p> + <p> + “Well planned,” muttered the old woman. + </p> + <p> + Ani pointed to the dwarf, and said politely: “Your pupil.” + </p> + <p> + Since her narrative the sorceress was no longer a mere witch in his eyes. + The old woman understood this, and saluted him with a curtsey of such + courtly formality, that a tame raven at her feet opened his black beak + wide, and uttered a loud scream. She threw a bit of cheese within the + cave, and the bird hopped after it, flapping his clipped wings, and was + silent. + </p> + <p> + “I have to speak to you about Pentaur,” said Ani. The old woman’s eyes + flashed, and she eagerly asked, “What of him?” + </p> + <p> + “I have reasons,” answered the Regent, “for regarding him as dangerous to + me. He stands in my way. He has committed many crimes, even murder; but he + is in favor at the House of Seti, and they would willingly let him go + unpunished. They have the right of sitting in judgment on each other, and + I cannot interfere with their decisions; the day before yesterday they + pronounced their sentence. They would send him to the quarries of Chennu. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Chennu is now Gebel Silsileh; the quarries there are of enormous + extent, and almost all the sandstone used for building the temples + of Upper Egypt was brought from thence. The Nile is narrower there + than above, and large stela, were erected there by Rameses II. his + successor Mernephtah, on which were inscribed beautiful hymns to the + Nile, and lists of the sacrifices to be offered at the Nile- + festivals. These inscriptions can be restored by comparison, and my + friend Stern and I had the satisfaction of doing this on the spot + (Zeitschrift fur Agyptishe Sprache, 1873, p. 129.)] +</pre> + <p> + “All my objections were disregarded, and now Nemu, go over to the grave of + Anienophis, and wait there for me—I wish to speak to your mother + alone.” + </p> + <p> + Nemu bowed, and then went down the slope, disappointed, it is true, but + sure of learning later what the two had discussed together. + </p> + <p> + When the little man had disappeared, Ani asked: + </p> + <p> + “Have you still a heart true to the old royal house, to which your parents + were so faithfully attached?” The old woman nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Then you will not refuse your help towards its restoration. You + understand how necessary the priesthood is to me, and I have sworn not to + make any attempt on Pentaur’s life; but, I repeat it, he stands in my way. + I have my spies in the House of Seti, and I know through them what the + sending of the poet to Chennu really means. For a time they will let him + hew sandstone, and that will only improve his health, for he is as sturdy + as a tree. In Chennu, as you know, besides the quarries there is the great + college of priests, which is in close alliance with the temple of Seti. + When the flood begins to rise, and they hold the great Nile-festival in + Chennu, the priests there have the right of taking three of the criminals + who are working in the quarries into their house as servants. Naturally + they will, next year, choose Pentaur, set him at liberty—and I shall + be laughed at.” + </p> + <p> + “Well considered!” said aid Hekt. + </p> + <p> + “I have taken counsel with myself, with Katuti, and even with Nemu,” + continued Ani, “but all that they have suggested, though certainly + practicable, was unadvisable, and at any rate must have led to conjectures + which I must now avoid. What is your opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “Assa’s race must be exterminated!” muttered the old woman hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + She gazed at the ground, reflecting. + </p> + <p> + “Let the boat be scuttled,” she said at last, “and sink with the chained + prisoners before it reaches Chennu.” + </p> + <p> + “No-no; I thought of that myself, and Nemu too advised it,” cried Ani. + “That has been done a hundred times, and Ameni will regard me as a + perjurer, for I have sworn not to attempt Pentaur’s life.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, thou hast sworn that, and men keep their word—to each + other. Wait a moment, how would this do? Let the ship reach Chennu with + the prisoners, but, by a secret order to the captain, pass the quarries in + the night, and hasten on as fast as possible as far as Ethiopia. From + Suan,—[The modern Assuan at the first cataract.]—the prisoners + may be conducted through the desert to the gold workings. Four weeks or + even eight may pass before it is known here what has happened. If Ameni + attacks thee about it, thou wilt be very angry at this oversight, and + canst swear by all the Gods of the heavens and of the abyss, that thou + hast not attempted Pentaur’s life. More weeks will pass in enquiries. + Meanwhile do thy best, and Paaker do his, and thou art king. An oath is + easily broken by a sceptre, and if thou wilt positively keep thy word + leave Pentaur at the gold mines. None have yet returned from thence. My + father’s and my brother’s bones have bleached there.” + </p> + <p> + “But Ameni will never believe in the mistake,” cried Ani, anxiously + interrupting the witch. + </p> + <p> + “Then admit that thou gavest the order,” exclaimed Hekt. “Explain that + thou hadst learned what they proposed doing with Pentaur at Chennu, and + that thy word indeed was kept, but that a criminal could not be left + unpunished. They will make further enquiries, and if Assa’s grandson is + found still living thou wilt be justified. Follow my advice, if thou wilt + prove thyself a good steward of thy house, and master of its inheritance.” + </p> + <p> + “It will not do,” said the Regent. “I need Ameni’s support—not for + to-day and to-morrow only. I will not become his blind tool; but he must + believe that I am.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman shrugged her shoulders, rose, went into her cave, and + brought out a phial. + </p> + <p> + “Take this,” she said. “Four drops of it in his wine infallibly destroys + the drinker’s senses; try the drink on a slave, and thou wilt see how + effectual it is.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I do with it?” asked Ani. + </p> + <p> + “Justify thyself to Ameni,” said the witch laughing. “Order the ship’s + captain to come to thee as soon as he returns; entertain him with wine—and + when Ameni sees the distracted wretch, why should he not believe that in a + fit of craziness he sailed past Chennu?” + </p> + <p> + “That is clever! that is splendid!” exclaimed Ani. “What is once + remarkable never becomes common. You were the greatest of singers—you + are now the wisest of women—my lady Beki.” + </p> + <p> + “I am no longer Beki, I am Hekt,” said the old woman shortly. + </p> + <p> + “As you will! In truth, if I had ever heard Beki’s singing, I should be + bound to still greater gratitude to her than I now am to Hekt,” said Ani + smiling. “Still, I cannot quit the wisest woman in Thebes without asking + her one serious question. Is it given to you to read the future? Have you + means at your command whereby you can see whether the great stake—you + know which I mean—shall be won or lost?” + </p> + <p> + Hekt looked at the ground, and said after reflecting a short time: + </p> + <p> + “I cannot decide with certainty, but thy affair stands well. Look at these + two hawks with the chain on their feet. They take their food from no one + but me. The one that is moulting, with closed, grey eyelids, is Rameses; + the smart, smooth one, with shining eyes, is thyself. It comes to this—which + of you lives the longest. So far, thou hast the advantage.” + </p> + <p> + Ani cast an evil glance at the king’s sick hawk; but Hekt said: “Both must + be treated exactly alike. Fate will not be done violence to.” + </p> + <p> + “Feed them well,” exclaimed the Regent; he threw a purse into Hekt’s lap, + and added, as he prepared to leave her: “If anything happens to either of + the birds let me know at once by Nemu.” + </p> + <p> + Ani went down the hill, and walked towards the neighboring tomb of his + father; but Hekt laughed as she looked after him, and muttered to herself: + </p> + <p> + “Now the fool will take care of me for the sake of his bird! That smiling, + spiritless, indolent-minded man would rule Egypt! Am I then so much wiser + than other folks, or do none but fools come to consult Hekt? But Rameses + chose Ani to represent him! perhaps because he thinks that those who are + not particularly clever are not particularly dangerous. If that is what he + thought, he was not wise, for no one usually is so self-confident and + insolent as just such an idiot.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. + </h2> + <p> + An hour later, Ani, in rich attire, left his father’s tomb, and drove his + brilliant chariot past the witch’s cave, and the little cottage of Uarda’s + father. + </p> + <p> + Nemu squatted on the step, the dwarf’s usual place. The little man looked + down at the lately rebuilt hut, and ground his teeth, when, through an + opening in the hedge, he saw the white robe of a man, who was sitting by + Uarda. + </p> + <p> + The pretty child’s visitor was prince Rameri, who had crossed the Nile in + the early morning, dressed as a young scribe of the treasury, to obtain + news of Pentaur—and to stick a rose into Uarda’s hair. + </p> + <p> + This purpose was, indeed, the more important of the two, for the other + must, in point of time at any rate, be the second. + </p> + <p> + He found it necessary to excuse himself to his own conscience with a + variety of cogent reasons. In the first place the rose, which lay + carefully secured in a fold of his robe, ran great danger of fading if he + first waited for his companions near the temple of Seti; next, a hasty + return from thence to Thebes might prove necessary; and finally, it seemed + to him not impossible that Bent-Anat might send a master of the ceremonies + after him, and if that happened any delay might frustrate his purpose. + </p> + <p> + His heart beat loud and violently, not for love of the maiden, but because + he felt he was doing wrong. The spot that he must tread was unclean, and + he had, for the first time, told a lie. He had given himself out to Uarda + to be a noble youth of Bent-Anat’s train, and, as one falsehood usually + entails another, in answer to her questions he had given her false + information as to his parents and his life. + </p> + <p> + Had evil more power over him in this unclean spot than in the House of + Seti, and at his father’s? It might very well be so, for all disturbance + in nature and men was the work of Seth, and how wild was the storm in his + breast! And yet! He wished nothing but good to come of it to Uarda. She + was so fair and sweet—like some child of the Gods: and certainly the + white maiden must have been stolen from some one, and could not possibly + belong to the unclean people. + </p> + <p> + When the prince entered the court of the hut, Uarda was not to be seen, + but he soon heard her voice singing out through the open door. She came + out into the air, for the dog barked furiously at Rameri. When she saw the + prince, she started, and said: + </p> + <p> + “You are here already again, and yet I warned you. My grandmother in there + is the wife of a paraschites.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not come to visit her,” retorted the prince, “but you only; and you + do not belong to them, of that I am convinced. No roses grow in the + desert.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet: am my father’s child,” said Uarda decidedly, “and my poor dead + grandfather’s grandchild. Certainly I belong to them, and those that do + not think me good enough for them may keep away.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she turned to re-enter the house; but Rameri seized her + hand, and held her back, saying: + </p> + <p> + “How cruel you are! I tried to save you, and came to see you before I + thought that you might—and, indeed, you are quite unlike the people + whom you call your relations. You must not misunderstand me; but it would + be horrible to me to believe that you, who are so beautiful, and as white + as a lily, have any part in the hideous curse. You charm every one, even + my mistress, Bent-Anat, and it seems to me impossible—” + </p> + <p> + “That I should belong to the unclean!—say it out,” said Uarda + softly, and casting down her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then she continued more excitedly: “But I tell you, the curse is unjust, + for a better man never lived than my grandfather was.” + </p> + <p> + Tears sprang from her eyes, and Rameri said: “I fully believe it; and it + must be very difficult to continue good when every one despises and scorns + one; I at least can be brought to no good by blame, though I can by + praise. Certainly people are obliged to meet me and mine with respect.” + </p> + <p> + “And us with contempt!” exclaimed Uarda. “But I will tell you something. + If a man is sure that he is good, it is all the same to him whether he be + despised or honored by other people. Nay—we may be prouder than you; + for you great folks must often say to yourselves that you are worth less + than men value you at, and we know that we are worth more.” + </p> + <p> + “I have often thought that of you,” exclaimed Rameri, “and there is one + who recognizes your worth; and that is I. Even if it were otherwise, I + must always—always think of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of you too,” said Uarda. “Just now, when I was sitting + with my sick grandmother, it passed through my mind how nice it would be + if I had a brother just like you. Do you know what I should do if you were + my brother?” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I should buy you a chariot and horse, and you should go away to the + king’s war.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you so rich?” asked Rameri smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes!” answered Uarda. “To be sure, I have not been rich for more than + an hour. Can you read?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Only think, when I was ill they sent a doctor to me from the House of + Seti. He was very clever, but a strange man. He often looked into my eyes + like a drunken man, and he stammered when he spoke.” + </p> + <p> + “Is his name Nebsecht?” asked the prince. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Nebsecht. He planned strange things with grandfather, and after + Pentaur and you had saved us in the frightful attack upon us he interceded + for us. Since then he has not come again, for I was already much better. + Now to-day, about two hours ago, the dog barked, and an old man, a + stranger, came up to me, and said he was Nebsecht’s brother, and had a + great deal of money in his charge for me. He gave me a ring too, and said + that he would pay the money to him, who took the ring to him from me. Then + he read this letter to me.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri took the letter and read. “Nebsecht to the fair Uarda.” + </p> + <p> + “Nebsecht greets Uarda, and informs her that he owed her grandfather in + Osiris, Pinem—whose body the kolchytes are embalming like that of a + noble—a sum of a thousand gold rings. These he has entrusted to his + brother Teta to hold ready for her at any moment. She may trust Teta + entirely, for he is honest, and ask him for money whenever she needs it. + It would be best that she should ask Teta to take care of the money for + her, and to buy her a house and field; then she could remove into it, and + live in it free from care with her grandmother. She may wait a year, and + then she may choose a husband. Nebsecht loves Uarda much. If at the end of + thirteen months he has not been to see her, she had better marry whom she + will; but not before she has shown the jewel left her by her mother to the + king’s interpreter.” + </p> + <p> + “How strange!” exclaimed Rameri. “Who would have given the singular + physician, who always wore such dirty clothes, credit for such generosity? + But what is this jewel that you have?” + </p> + <p> + Uarda opened her shirt, and showed the prince the sparkling ornament. + </p> + <p> + “Those are diamonds—-it is very valuable!” cried the prince; “and + there in the middle on the onyx there are sharply engraved signs. I cannot + read them, but I will show them to the interpreter. Did your mother wear + that?” + </p> + <p> + “My father found it on her when she died,” said Uarda. “She came to Egypt + as a prisoner of war, and was as white as I am, but dumb, so she could not + tell us the name of her home.” + </p> + <p> + “She belonged to some great house among the foreigners, and the children + inherit from the mother,” cried the prince joyfully. “You are a princess, + Uarda! Oh! how glad I am, and how much I love you!” + </p> + <p> + The girl smiled and said, “Now you will not be afraid to touch the + daughter of the unclean.” + </p> + <p> + “You are cruel,” replied the prince. “Shall I tell you what I determined + on yesterday,—what would not let me sleep last night,—and for + what I came here today?” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + Rameri took a most beautiful white rose out of his robe and said: + </p> + <p> + “It is very childish, but I thought how it would be if I might put this + flower with my own hands into your shining hair. May I?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a splendid rose! I never saw such a fine one.” + </p> + <p> + “It is for my haughty princess. Do pray let me dress your hair! It is like + silk from Tyre, like a swan’s breast, like golden star-beams—there, + it is fixed safely! Nay, leave it so. If the seven Hathors could see you, + they would be jealous, for you are fairer than all of them.” + </p> + <p> + “How you flatter!” said Uarda, shyly blushing, and looking into his + sparkling eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Uarda,” said the prince, pressing her hand to his heart. “I have now but + one wish. Feel how my heart hammers and beats. I believe it will never + rest again till you—yes, Uarda—till you let me give you one, + only one, kiss.” + </p> + <p> + The girl drew back. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” she said seriously. “Now I see what you want. Old Hekt knows men, + and she warned me.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is Hekt, and what can she know of me?” + </p> + <p> + “She told me that the time would come when a man would try to make friends + with me. He would look into my eyes, and if mine met his, then he would + ask to kiss me. But I must refuse him, because if I liked him to kiss me + he would seize my soul, and take it from me, and I must wander, like the + restless ghosts, which the abyss rejects, and the storm whirls before it, + and the sea will not cover, and the sky will not receive, soulless to the + end of my days. Go away—for I cannot refuse you the kiss, and yet I + would not wander restless, and without a soul!” + </p> + <p> + “Is the old woman who told you that a good woman?” asked Rameri. + </p> + <p> + Uarda shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “She cannot be good,” cried the prince. “For she has spoken a falsehood. I + will not seize your soul; I will give you mine to be yours, and you shall + give me yours to be mine, and so we shall neither of us be poorer—but + both richer!” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to believe it,” said Uarda thoughtfully, “and I have + thought the same kind of thing. When I was strong, I often had to go late + in the evening to fetch water from the landing-place where the great + water-wheel stands. Thousands of drops fall from the earthenware pails as + it turns, and in each you can see the reflection of a moon, yet there is + only one in the sky. Then I thought to myself, so it must be with the love + in our hearts. We have but one heart, and yet we pour it out into other + hearts without its losing in strength or in warmth. I thought of my + grandmother, of my father, of little Scherau, of the Gods, and of Pentaur. + Now I should like to give you a part of it too.” + </p> + <p> + “Only a part?” asked Rameri. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the whole will be reflected in you, you know,” said Uarda, “as the + whole moon is reflected in each drop.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall!” cried the prince, clasping the trembling girl in his arms, and + the two young souls were united in their first kiss. + </p> + <p> + “Now do go!” Uarda entreated. + </p> + <p> + “Let me stay a little while,” said Rameri. “Sit down here by me on the + bench in front of the house. The hedge shelters us, and besides this + valley is now deserted, and there are no passers by.” + </p> + <p> + “We are doing what is not right,” said Uarda. “If it were right we should + not want to hide ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call that wrong which the priests perform in the Holy of Holies?” + asked the prince. “And yet it is concealed from all eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “How you can argue!” laughed Uarda. “That shows you can write, and are one + of his disciples.” + </p> + <p> + “His, his!” exclaimed Rameri. “You mean Pentaur. He was always the dearest + to me of all my teachers, but it vexes me when you speak of him as if he + were more to you than I and every one else. The poet, you said, was one of + the drops in which the moon of your soul finds a reflection—and I + will not divide it with many.” + </p> + <p> + “How you are talking!” said Uarda. “Do you not honor your father, and the + Gods? I love no one else as I do you—and what I felt when you kissed + me—that was not like moon-light, but like this hot mid-day sun. When + I thought of you I had no peace. I will confess to you now, that twenty + times I looked out of the door, and asked whether my preserver—the + kind, curly-headed boy—would really come again, or whether he + despised a poor girl like me? You came, and I am so happy, and I could + enjoy myself with you to my heart’s content. Be kind again—or I will + pull your hair!” + </p> + <p> + “You!” cried Rameri. “You cannot hurt with your little hands, though you + can with your tongue. Pentaur is much wiser and better than I, you owe + much to him, and nevertheless I—” + </p> + <p> + “Let that rest,” interrupted the girl, growing grave. “He is not a man + like other men. If he asked to kiss me, I should crumble into dust, as + ashes dried in the sun crumble if you touch them with a finger, and I + should be as much afraid of his lips as of a lion’s. Though you may laugh + at it, I shall always believe that he is one of the Immortals. His own + father told me that a great wonder was shown to him the very day after his + birth. Old Hekt has often sent me to the gardener with a message to + enquire after his son, and though the man is rough he is kind. At first he + was not friendly, but when he saw how much I liked his flowers he grew + fond of me, and set me to work to tie wreaths and bunches, and to carry + them to his customers. As we sat together, laying the flowers side by + side, he constantly told me something about his son, and his beauty and + goodness and wisdom. When he was quite a little boy he could write poems, + and he learned to read before any one had shown him how. The high-priest + Ameni heard of it and took him to the House of Seti, and there he + improved, to the astonishment of the gardener; not long ago I went through + the garden with the old man. He talked of Pentaur as usual, and then stood + still before a noble shrub with broad leaves, and said, My son is like + this plant, which has grown up close to me, and I know not how. I laid the + seed in the soil, with others that I bought over there in Thebes; no one + knows where it came from, and yet it is my own. It certainly is not a + native of Egypt; and is not Pentaur as high above me and his mother and + his brothers, as this shrub is above the other flowers? We are all small + and bony, and he is tall and slim; our skin is dark and his is rosy; our + speech is hoarse, his as sweet as a song. I believe he is a child of the + Gods that the Immortals have laid in my homely house. Who knows their + decrees?’ And then I often saw Pentaur at the festivals, and asked myself + which of the other priests of the temple came near him in height and + dignity? I took him for a God, and when I saw him who saved my life + overcome a whole mob with superhuman strength must I not regard him as a + superior Being? I look up to him as to one of them; but I could never look + in his eyes as I do in yours. It would not make my blood flow faster, it + would freeze it in my veins. How can I say what I mean! my soul looks + straight out, and it finds you; but to find him it must look up to the + heavens. You are a fresh rose-garland with which I crown myself—he + is a sacred persea-tree before which I bow.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri listened to her in silence, and then said, “I am still young, and + have done nothing yet, but the time shall come in which you shall look up + to me too as to a tree, not perhaps a sacred tree, but as to a sycamore + under whose shade we love to rest. I am no longer gay; I will leave you + for I have a serious duty to fulfil. Pentaur is a complete man, and I will + be one too. But you shall be the rose-garland to grace me. Men who can be + compared to flowers disgust me!” + </p> + <p> + The prince rose, and offered Uarda his hand. + </p> + <p> + “You have a strong hand,” said the girl. “You will be a noble man, and + work for good and great ends; only look, my fingers are quite red with + being held so tightly. But they too are not quite useless. They have never + done anything very hard certainly, but what they tend flourishes, and + grandmother says they are ‘lucky.’ Look at the lovely lilies and the + pomegrenate bush in that corner. Grandfather brought the earth here from + the Nile, Pentaur’s father gave me the seeds, and each little plant that + ventured to show a green shoot through the soil I sheltered and nursed and + watered, though I had to fetch the water in my little pitcher, till it was + vigorous, and thanked me with flowers. Take this pomegranate flower. It is + the first my tree has borne; and it is very strange, when the bud first + began to lengthen and swell my grandmother said, ‘Now your heart will soon + begin to bud and love.’ I know now what she meant, and both the first + flowers belong to you—the red one here off the tree, and the other, + which you cannot see, but which glows as brightly as this does.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri pressed the scarlet blossom to his lips, and stretched out his hand + toward Uarda; but she shrank back, for a little figure slipped through an + opening in the hedge. + </p> + <p> + It was Scherau. + </p> + <p> + His pretty little face glowed with his quick run, and his breath was gone. + For a few minutes he tried in vain for words, and looked anxiously at the + prince. + </p> + <p> + Uarda saw that something unusual agitated him; she spoke to him kindly, + saying that if he wished to speak to her alone he need not be afraid of + Rameri, for he was her best friend. + </p> + <p> + “But it does not concern you and me,” replied the child, “but the good, + holy father Pentaur, who was so kind to me, and who saved your life.” + </p> + <p> + “I am a great friend of Pentaur,” said the prince. “Is it not true, Uarda? + He may speak with confidence before me.” + </p> + <p> + “I may?” said Scherau, “that is well. I have slipped away; Hekt may come + back at any moment, and if she sees that I have taken myself off I shall + get a beating and nothing to eat.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this horrible Hekt?” asked Rameri indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “That Uarda can tell you by and by,” said the little one hurriedly. “Now + only listen. She laid me on my board in the cave, and threw a sack over + me, and first came Nemu, and then another man, whom she spoke to as + Steward. She talked to him a long time. At first I did not listen, but + then I caught the name of Pentaur, and I got my head out, and now I + understand it all. The steward declared that the good Pentaur was wicked, + and stood in his way, and he said that Ameni was going to send him to the + quarries at Chennu, but that that was much too small a punishment. Then + Hekt advised him to give a secret commission to the captain of the ship to + go beyond Chennu, to the frightful mountain-mines, of which she has often + told me, for her father and her brother were tormented to death there.” + </p> + <p> + “None ever return from thence,” said the prince. “But go on.” + </p> + <p> + “What came next, I only half understood, but they spoke of some drink that + makes people mad. Oh! what I see and hear!—I would he contentedly on + my board all my life long, but all else is too horrible—I wish that + I were dead.” + </p> + <p> + And the child began to cry bitterly. + </p> + <p> + Uarda, whose cheeks had turned pale, patted him affectionately; but Rameri + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “It is frightful! unheard of! But who was the steward? did you not hear + his name? Collect yourself, little man, and stop crying. It is a case of + life and death. Who was the scoundrel? Did she not name him? Try to + remember.” + </p> + <p> + Scherau bit his red lips, and tried for composure. His tears ceased, and + suddenly he exclaimed, as he put his hand into the breast of his ragged + little garment: “Stay, perhaps you will know him again—I made him!” + </p> + <p> + “You did what?” asked the prince. + </p> + <p> + “I made him,” repeated the little artist, and he carefully brought out an + object wrapped up in a scrap of rag, “I could just see his head quite + clearly from one side all the time he was speaking, and my clay lay by me. + I always must model something when my mind is excited, and this time I + quickly made his face, and as the image was successful, I kept it about me + to show to the master when Hekt was out.” + </p> + <p> + While he spoke he had carefully unwrapped the figure with trembling + fingers, and had given it to Uarda. + </p> + <p> + “Ani!” cried the prince. “He, and no other! Who could have thought it! + What spite has he against Pentaur? What is the priest to him?” + </p> + <p> + For a moment he reflected, then he struck his hand against his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Fool that I am!” he exclaimed vehemently. “Child that I am! of course, of + course; I see it all. Ani asked for Bent-Anat’s hand, and she—now + that I love you, Uarda, I understand what ails her. Away with deceit! I + will tell you no more lies, Uarda. I am no page of honor to Bent-Anat; I + am her brother, and king Rameses’ own son. Do not cover your face with + your hands, Uarda, for if I had not seen your mother’s jewel, and if I + were not only a prince, but Horus himself, the son of Isis, I must have + loved you, and would not have given you up. But now other things have to + be done besides lingering with you; now I will show you that I am a man, + now that Pentaur is to be saved. Farewell, Uarda, and think of me!” + </p> + <p> + He would have hurried off, but Scherau held him by the robe, and said + timidly: “Thou sayst thou art Rameses’ son. Hekt spoke of him too. She + compared him to our moulting hawk.” + </p> + <p> + “She shall soon feel the talons of the royal eagle,” cried Rameri. “Once + more, farewell!” + </p> + <p> + He gave Uarda his hand, she pressed it passionately to her lips, but he + drew it away, kissed her forehead, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + The maiden looked after him pale and speechless. She saw another man + hastening towards her, and recognizing him as her father, she went quickly + to meet him. The soldier had come to take leave of her, he had to escort + some prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “To Chennu?” asked Uarda. + </p> + <p> + “No, to the north,” replied the man. + </p> + <p> + His daughter now related what she had heard, and asked whether he could + help the priest, who had saved her. + </p> + <p> + “If I had money, if I had money!” muttered the soldier to himself. + </p> + <p> + “We have some,” cried Uarda; she told him of Nebsecht’s gift, and said: + “Take me over the Nile, and in two hours you will have enough to make a + man rich. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [It may be observed that among the Egyptian women were qualified to + own and dispose of property. For example a papyrus (vii) in the + Louvre contains an agreement between Asklepias (called Semmuthis), + the daughter or maid-servant of a corpse-dresser of Thebes, who is + the debtor, and Arsiesis, the creditor, the son of a kolchytes; both + therefore are of the same rank as Uarda.] +</pre> + <p> + But no; I cannot leave my sick grandmother. You yourself take the ring, + and remember that Pentaur is being punished for having dared to protect + us.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember it,” said the soldier. “I have but one life, but I will + willingly give it to save his. I cannot devise schemes, but I know + something, and if it succeeds he need not go to the gold-mines. I will put + the wine-flask aside—give me a drink of water, for the next few + hours I must keep a sober head.” + </p> + <p> + “There is the water, and I will pour in a mouthful of wine. Will you come + back and bring me news?” + </p> + <p> + “That will not do, for we set sail at midnight, but if some one returns to + you with the ring you will know that what I propose has succeeded.” + </p> + <p> + Uarda went into the hut, her father followed her; he took leave of his + sick mother and of his daughter. When they went out of doors again, he + said: “You have to live on the princess’s gift till I return, and I do not + want half of the physician’s present. But where is your pomegranate + blossom?” + </p> + <p> + “I have picked it and preserved it in a safe place.” + </p> + <p> + “Strange things are women!” muttered the bearded man; he tenderly kissed + his child’s forehead, and returned to the Nile down the road by which he + had come. + </p> + <p> + The prince meanwhile had hurried on, and enquired in the harbor of the + Necropolis where the vessel destined for Chennu was lying—for the + ships loaded with prisoners were accustomed to sail from this side of the + river, starting at night. Then he was ferried over the river, and hastened + to Bent-Anat. He found her and Nefert in unusual excitement, for the + faithful chamberlain had learned—through some friends of the king in + Ani’s suite—that the Regent had kept back all the letters intended + for Syria, and among them those of the royal family. + </p> + <p> + A lord in waiting, who was devoted to the king, had been encouraged by the + chamberlain to communicate to Bent-Anat other things, which hardly allowed + any doubts as to the ambitious projects of her uncle; she was also + exhorted to be on her guard with Nefert, whose mother was the confidential + adviser of the Regent. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat smiled at this warning, and sent at once a message to Ani to + inform him that she was ready to undertake the pilgrimage to the + “Emerald-Hathor,” and to be purified in the sanctuary of that Goddess. + </p> + <p> + She purposed sending a message to her father from thence, and if he + permitted it, joining him at the camp. + </p> + <p> + She imparted this plan to her friend, and Nefert thought any road best + that would take her to her husband. + </p> + <p> + Rameri was soon initiated into all this, and in return he told them all he + had learned, and let Bent-Anat guess that he had read her secret. + </p> + <p> + So dignified, so grave, were the conduct and the speech of the boy who had + so lately been an overhearing mad-cap, that Bent-Anat thought to herself + that the danger of their house had suddenly ripened a boy into a man. + </p> + <p> + She had in fact no objection to raise to his arrangements. He proposed to + travel after sunset, with a few faithful servants on swift horses as far + as Keft, and from thence ride fast across the desert to the Red Sea, where + they could take a Phoenician ship, and sail to Aila. From thence they + would cross the peninsula of Sinai, and strive to reach the Egyptian army + by forced marches, and make the king acquainted with Ani’s criminal + attempts. + </p> + <p> + To Bent-Anat was given the task of rescuing Pentaur, with the help of the + faithful chamberlain. + </p> + <p> + Money was fortunately not wanting, as the high treasurer was on their + side. All depended on their inducing the captain to stop at Chennu; the + poet’s fate would there, at the worst, be endurable. At the same time, a + trustworthy messenger was to be sent to the governor of Chennu, commanding + him in the name of the king to detain every ship that might pass the + narrows of Chennu by night, and to prevent any of the prisoners that had + been condemned to the quarries from being smuggled on to Ethiopia. + </p> + <p> + Rameri took leave of the two women, and he succeeded in leaving Thebes + unobserved. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat knelt in prayer before the images of her mother in Osiris, of + Hathor, and of the guardian Gods of her house, till the chamberlain + returned, and told her that he had persuaded the captain of the ship to + stop at Chennu, and to conceal from Ani that he had betrayed his charge. + </p> + <p> + The princess breathed more freely, for she had come to a resolution that + if the chamberlain had failed in his mission, she would cross over to the + Necropolis forbid the departure of the vessel, and in the last extremity + rouse the people, who were devoted to her, against Ani. + </p> + <p> + The following morning the Lady Katuti craved permission of the princess to + see her daughter. Bent-Anat did not show herself to the widow, whose + efforts failed to keep her daughter from accompanying the princess on her + journey, or to induce her to return home. Angry and uneasy, the indignant + mother hastened to Ani, and implored him to keep Nefert at home by force; + but the Regent wished to avoid attracting attention, and to let Bent-Anat + set out with a feeling of complete security. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be uneasy,” he said. “I will give the ladies a trustworthy escort, + who will keep them at the Sanctuary of the ‘Emerald-Hathor’ till all is + settled. There you can deliver Nefert to Paaker, if you still like to have + him for a son-in-law after hearing several things that I have learned. As + for me, in the end I may induce my haughty niece to look up instead of + down; I may be her second love, though for that matter she certainly is + not my first.” + </p> + <p> + On the following day the princess set out. + </p> + <p> + Ani took leave of her with kindly formality, which she returned with + coolness. The priesthood of the temple of Amon, with old Bek en Chunsu at + their head, escorted her to the harbor. The people on the banks shouted + Bent-Anat’s name with a thousand blessings, but many insulting words were + to be heard also. + </p> + <p> + The pilgrim’s Nile-boat was followed by two others, full of soldiers, who + accompanied the ladies “to protect them.” + </p> + <p> + The south-wind filled the sails, and carried the little procession swiftly + down the stream. The princess looked now towards the palace of her + fathers, now towards the tombs and temples of the Necropolis. At last even + the colossus of Anienophis disappeared, and the last houses of Thebes. The + brave maiden sighed deeply, and tears rolled down her checks. She felt as + if she were flying after a lost battle, and yet not wholly discouraged, + but hoping for future victory. As she turned to go to the cabin, a veiled + girl stepped up to her, took the veil from her face, and said: “Pardon me, + princess; I am Uarda, whom thou didst run over, and to whom thou hast + since been so good. My grandmother is dead, and I am quite alone. I + slipped in among thy maid-servants, for I wish to follow thee, and to obey + all thy commands. Only do not send me away.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, dear child,” said the princess, laying her hand on her hair. + </p> + <p> + Then, struck by its wonderful beauty, she remembered her brother, and his + wish to place a rose in Uarda’s shining tresses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. + </h2> + <p> + Two months had past since Bent-Anat’s departure from Thebes, and the + imprisonment of Pentaur. Ant-Baba is the name of the valley, in the + western half of the peninsula of Sinai, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [I have described in detail the peninsula of Sinai, its history, and + the sacred places on it, in my book “Durch Gosen zum Sinai,” + published in 1872. In depicting this scenery in the present + romance, I have endeavored to reproduce the reality as closely as + possible. He who has wandered through this wonderful mountain + wilderness can never forget it. The valley now called “Laba,” bore + the same name in the time of the Pharaohs.] +</pre> + <p> + through which a long procession of human beings, and of beasts of burden, + wended their way. + </p> + <p> + It was winter, and yet the mid-day sun sent down glowing rays, which were + reflected from the naked rocks. In front of the caravan marched a company + of Libyan soldiers, and another brought up the rear. Each man was armed + with a dagger and battle-axe, a shield and a lance, and was ready to use + his weapons; for those whom they were escorting were prisoners from the + emerald-mines, who had been convoyed to the shores of the Red Sea to carry + thither the produce of the mines, and had received, as a return-load, + provisions which had arrived from Egypt, and which were to be carried to + the storehouses of the mountain mines. Bent and panting, they made their + way along. Each prisoner had a copper chain riveted round his ankles, and + torn rags hanging round their loins, were the only clothing of these + unhappy beings, who, gasping under the weight of the sacks they had to + carry, kept their staring eyes fixed on the ground. If one of them + threatened to sink altogether under his burden, he was refreshed by the + whip of one of the horsemen, who accompanied the caravan. Many a one found + it hard to choose whether he could best endure the suffering of mere + endurance, or the torture of the lash. + </p> + <p> + No one spoke a word, neither the prisoners nor their guards; and even + those who were flogged did not cry out, for their powers were exhausted, + and in the souls of their drivers there was no more impulse of pity than + there was a green herb on the rocks by the way. This melancholy procession + moved silently onwards, like a procession of phantoms, and the ear was + only made aware of it when now and then a low groan broke from one of the + victims. + </p> + <p> + The sandy path, trodden by their naked feet, gave no sound, the mountains + seemed to withhold their shade, the light of clay was a torment—every + thing far and near seemed inimical to the living. Not a plant, not a + creeping thing, showed itself against the weird forms of the barren grey + and brown rocks, and no soaring bird tempted the oppressed wretches to + raise their eyes to heaven. + </p> + <p> + In the noontide heat of the previous day they had started with their loads + from the harbor-creek. For two hours they had followed the shore of the + glistening, blue-green sea, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Red Sea—in Hebrew and Coptic the reedy sea—is of a lovely + blue green color. According to the Ancients it was named red either + from its red banks or from the Erythraeans, who were called the red + people. On an early inscription it is called “the water of the Red + country.” See “Durch Gosen zum Sinai.”] +</pre> + <p> + then they had climbed a rocky shoulder and crossed a small plateau. They + had paused for their night’s rest in the gorge which led to the mines; the + guides and soldiers lighted fires, grouped themselves round them, and lay + down to sleep under the shelter of a cleft in the rocks; the prisoners + stretched themselves on the earth in the middle of the valley without any + shelter, and shivering with the cold which suddenly succeeded the glowing + heat of the day. The benumbed wretches now looked forward to the crushing + misery of the morning’s labor as eagerly as, a few hours since, they had + longed for the night, and for rest. + </p> + <p> + Lentil-broth and hard bread in abundance, but a very small quantity of + water was given to them before they started; then they set out through the + gorge, which grew hotter and hotter, and through ravines where they could + pass only one by one. Every now and then it seemed as if the path came to + an end, but each time it found an outlet, and went on—as endless as + the torment of the wayfarers. + </p> + <p> + Mighty walls of rock composed the view, looking as if they were formed of + angular masses of hewn stone piled up in rows; and of all the miners one, + and one only, had eyes for these curious structures of the ever-various + hand of Nature. + </p> + <p> + This one had broader shoulders than his companions, and his burden Weighed + on him comparatively lightly. “In this solitude,” thought he, “which + repels man, and forbids his passing his life here, the Chnemu, the + laborers who form the world, have spared themselves the trouble of filling + up the seams, and rounding off the corners. How is it that Man should have + dedicated this hideous land—in which even the human heart seems to + be hardened against all pity—to the merciful Hathor? Perhaps because + it so sorely stands in need of the joy and peace which the loving goddess + alone can bestow.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep the line, Huni!” shouted a driver. + </p> + <p> + The man thus addressed, closed up to the next man, the panting leech + Nebsecht. We know the other stronger prisoner. It is Pentaur, who had been + entered as Huni on the lists of mine-laborers, and was called by that + name. The file moved on; at every step the ascent grew more rugged. Red + and black fragments of stone, broken as small as if by the hand of man, + lay in great heaps, or strewed the path which led up the almost + perpendicular cliff by imperceptible degrees. Here another gorge opened + before them, and this time there seemed to be no outlet. + </p> + <p> + “Load the asses less!” cried the captain of the escort to the prisoners. + Then he turned to the soldiers, and ordered them, when the beasts were + eased, to put the extra burthens on the men. Putting forth their utmost + strength, the overloaded men labored up the steep and hardly + distinguishable mountain path. + </p> + <p> + The man in front of Pentaur, a lean old man, when half way up the + hill-side, fell in a heap under his load, and a driver, who in a narrow + defile could not reach the bearers, threw a stone at him to urge him to a + renewed effort. + </p> + <p> + The old man cried out at the blow, and at the cry—the paraschites + stricken down with stones—his own struggle with the mob—and + the appearance of Bent Anat flashed into Pentaur’s memory. Pity and a + sense of his own healthy vigor prompted him to energy; he hastily snatched + the sack from the shoulders of the old man, threw it over his own, helped + up the fallen wretch, and finally men and beasts succeeded in mounting the + rocky wall. + </p> + <p> + The pulses throbbed in Pentaur’s temples, and he shuddered with horror, as + he looked down from the height of the pass into the abyss below, and round + upon the countless pinnacles and peaks, cliffs and precipices, in + many-colored rocks-white and grey, sulphurous yellow, blood-red and + ominous black. He recalled the sacred lake of Muth in Thebes, round which + sat a hundred statues of the lion-headed Goddess in black basalt, each on + a pedestal; and the rocky peaks, which surrounded the valley at his feet, + seemed to put on a semblance of life and to move and open their yawning + jaws; through the wild rush of blood in his ears he fancied he heard them + roar, and the load beyond his strength which he carried gave him a + sensation as though their clutch was on his breast. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless he reached the goal. + </p> + <p> + The other prisoners flung their loads from their shoulders, and threw + themselves down to rest. Mechanically he did the same: his pulses beat + more calmly, by degrees the visions faded from his senses, he saw and + heard once more, and his brain recovered its balance. The old man and + Nebsecht were lying beside him. + </p> + <p> + His grey-haired companion rubbed the swollen veins in his neck, and called + down all the blessings of the Gods upon his head; but the captain of the + caravan cut him short, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “You have strength for three, Huni; farther on, we will load you more + heavily.” + </p> + <p> + “How much the kindly Gods care for our prayers for the blessing of + others!” exclaimed Nebsecht. “How well they know how to reward a good + action!” + </p> + <p> + “I am rewarded enough,” said Pentaur, looking kindly at the old man. “But + you, you everlasting scoffer—you look pale. How do you feel?” + </p> + <p> + “As if I were one of those donkeys there,” replied the naturalist. “My + knees shake like theirs, and I think and I wish neither more nor less than + they do; that is to say—I would we were in our stalls.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can think,” said Pentaur smiling, “you are not so very bad.” + </p> + <p> + “I had a good thought just now, when you were staring up into the sky. The + intellect, say the priestly sages, is a vivifying breath of the eternal + spirit, and our soul is the mould or core for the mass of matter which we + call a human being. I sought the spirit at first in the heart, then in the + brain; but now I know that it resides in the arms and legs, for when I + have strained them I find thought is impossible. I am too tired to enter + on further evidence, but for the future I shall treat my legs with the + utmost consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “Quarrelling again you two? On again, men!” cried the driver. + </p> + <p> + The weary wretches rose slowly, the beasts were loaded, and on went the + pitiable procession, so as to reach the mines before sunset. + </p> + <p> + The destination of the travellers was a wide valley, closed in by two high + and rocky mountain-slopes; it was called Ta Mafka by the Egyptians, Dophka + by the Hebrews. The southern cliff-wall consisted of dark granite, the + northern of red sandstone; in a distant branch of the valley lay the mines + in which copper was found. In the midst of the valley rose a hill, + surrounded by a wall, and crowned with small stone houses, for the guard, + the officers, and the overseers. According to the old regulations, they + were without roofs, but as many deaths and much sickness had occurred + among the workmen in consequence of the cold nights, they had been + slightly sheltered with palm-branches brought from the oasis of the + Alnalckites, at no great distance. + </p> + <p> + On the uttermost peak of the hill, where it was most exposed to the wind, + were the smelting furnaces, and a manufactory where a peculiar green glass + was prepared, which was brought into the market under the name of Mafkat, + that is to say, emerald. The genuine precious stone was found farther to + the south, on the western shore of the Red Sea, and was highly prized in + Egypt. + </p> + <p> + Our friends had already for more than a month belonged to the + mining-community of the Mafkat valley, and Pentaur had never learned how + it was that he had been brought hither with his companion Nebsecht, + instead of going to the sandstone quarries of Chennu. + </p> + <p> + That Uarda’s father had effected this change was beyond a doubt, and the + poet trusted the rough but honest soldier who still kept near him, and + gave him credit for the best intentions, although he had only spoken to + him once since their departure from Thebes. + </p> + <p> + That was the first night, when he had come up to Pentaur, and whispered: + “I am looking after you. You will find the physician Nebsecht here; but + treat each other as enemies rather than as friends, if you do not wish to + be parted.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had communicated the soldier’s advice to Nebsecht, and he had + followed it in his own way. + </p> + <p> + It afforded him a secret pleasure to see how Pentaur’s life contradicted + the belief in a just and beneficent ordering of the destinies of men; and + the more he and the poet were oppressed, the more bitter was the irony, + often amounting to extravagance, with which the mocking sceptic attacked + him. + </p> + <p> + He loved Pentaur, for the poet had in his keeping the key which alone + could give admission to the beautiful world which lay locked up in his own + soul; but yet it was easy to him, if he thought they were observed, to + play his part, and to overwhelm Pentaur with words which, to the drivers, + were devoid of meaning, and which made them laugh by the strange + blundering fashion in which he stammered them out. + </p> + <p> + “A belabored husk of the divine self-consciousness.” “An advocate of + righteousness hit on the mouth.” “A juggler who makes as much of this + worst of all possible worlds as if it were the best.” “An admirer of the + lovely color of his blue bruises.” These and other terms of invective, + intelligible only to himself and his butt, he could always pour out in new + combinations, exciting Pentaur to sharp and often witty rejoinders, + equally unintelligible to the uninitiated. + </p> + <p> + Frequently their sparring took the form of a serious discussion, which + served a double purpose; first their minds, accustomed to serious thought, + found exercise in spite of the murderous pressure of the burden of forced + labor, and secondly, they were supposed really to be enemies. They slept + in the same court-yard, and contrived, now and then, to exchange a few + words in secret; but by day Nebsecht worked in the turquoise-diggings, and + Pentaur in the mines, for the careful chipping out of the precious stones + from their stony matrix was the work best suited to the slight physician, + while Pentaur’s giant-strength was fitted for hewing the ore out of the + hard rock. The drivers often looked in surprise at his powerful strokes, + as he flung his pick against the stone. + </p> + <p> + The stupendous images that in such moments of wild energy rose before the + poet’s soul, the fearful or enchanting tones that rang in his spirit’s + ear-none could guess at. + </p> + <p> + Usually his excited fancy showed him the form of Bent-Anat, surrounded by + a host of men—and these he seemed to fell to the earth, one-by-one, + as-he hewed the rock. Often in the middle of his work he would stop, throw + down his pick-axe, and spread out his arms—but only to drop them + with a deep groan, and wipe the sweat from his brow. + </p> + <p> + The overseers did not know what to think of this powerful youth, who often + was as gentle as a child, and then seemed possessed of that demon to which + so many of the convicts fell victims. He had indeed become a riddle to + himself; for how was it that he—the gardener’s son, brought up in + the peaceful temple of Seti—ever since that night by the house of + the paraschites had had such a perpetual craving for conflict and + struggle? + </p> + <p> + The weary gangs were gone to rest; a bright fire still blazed in front of + the house of the superintendent of the mines, and round it squatted in a + circle the overseers and the subalterns of the troops. + </p> + <p> + “Put the wine-jar round again,” said the captain, “for we must hold grave + council. Yesterday I had orders from the Regent to send half the guard to + Pelusium. He requires soldiers, but we are so few in number that if the + convicts knew it they might make short work of us, even without arms. + There are stones enough hereabouts, and by day they have their hammer and + chisel. Things are worst among the Hebrews in the copper-mines; they are a + refractory crew that must be held tight. You know me well, fear is unknown + to me—but I feel great anxiety. The last fuel is now burning in this + fire, and the smelting furnaces and the glass-foundry must not stand idle. + Tomorrow we must send men to Raphidim + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The oasis at the foot of Horeb, where the Jews under Joshua’s + command conquered the Amalekites, while Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ + arms. Exodus 17, 8.] +</pre> + <p> + to obtain charcoal from the Amalekites. They owe us a hundred loads still. + Load the prisoners with some copper, to make them tired and the natives + civil. What can we do to procure what we want, and yet not to weaken the + forces here too much?” + </p> + <p> + Various opinions were given, and at last it was settled that a small + division, guarded by a few soldiers, should be sent out every day to + supply only the daily need for charcoal. + </p> + <p> + It was suggested that the most dangerous of the convicts should be + fettered together in pairs to perform their duties. + </p> + <p> + The superintendent was of opinion that two strong men fettered together + would be more to be feared if only they acted in concert. + </p> + <p> + “Then chain a strong one to a weak one,” said the chief accountant of the + mines, whom the Egyptians called the ‘scribe of the metals.’ “And fetter + those together who are enemies.” + </p> + <p> + “The colossal Huni, for instance, to that puny spat row, the stuttering + Nebsecht,” said a subaltern. + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking of that very couple,” said the accountant laughing. + </p> + <p> + Three other couples were selected, at first with some laughter, but + finally with serious consideration, and Uarda’s father was sent with the + drivers as an escort. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning Pentaur and Nebsecht were fettered together with + a copper chain, and when the sun was at its height four pairs of + prisoners, heavily loaded with copper, set out for the Oasis of the + Amalekites, accompanied by six soldiers and the son of the paraschites, to + fetch fuel for the smelting furnaces. + </p> + <p> + They rested near the town of Alus, and then went forward again between + bare walls of greyish-green and red porphyry. These cliffs rose higher and + higher, but from time to time, above the lower range, they could see the + rugged summit of some giant of the range, though, bowed under their heavy + loads, they paid small heed to it. + </p> + <p> + The sun was near setting when they reached the little sanctuary of the + ‘Emerald-Hathor.’ + </p> + <p> + A few grey and black birds here flew towards them, and Pentaur gazed at + them with delight. + </p> + <p> + How long he had missed the sight of a bird, and the sound of their chirp + and song! Nebsecht said: “There are some birds—we must be near + water.” + </p> + <p> + And there stood the first palm-tree! + </p> + <p> + Now the murmur of the brook was perceptible, and its tiny sound touched + the thirsty souls of the travellers as rain falls on dry grass. + </p> + <p> + On the left bank of the stream an encampment of Egyptian soldiers formed a + large semicircle, enclosing three large tents made of costly material + striped with blue and white, and woven with gold thread. Nothing was to be + seen of the inhabitants of these tents, but when the prisoners had passed + them, and the drivers were exchanging greetings with the out-posts, a + girl, in the long robe of an Egyptian, came towards them, and looked at + them. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur started as if he had seen a ghost; but Nebsecht gave expression to + his astonishment in a loud cry. + </p> + <p> + At the same instant a driver laid his whip across their shoulders, and + cried laughing: + </p> + <p> + “You may hit each other as hard as you like with words, but not with your + hands.” + </p> + <p> + Then he turned to his companions, and said: “Did you see the pretty girl + there, in front of the tent?” + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing to us!” answered the man he addressed. “She belongs to the + princess’s train. She has been three weeks here on a visit to the holy + shrine of Hathor.” + </p> + <p> + “She must have committed some heavy sin,” replied the other. “If she were + one of us, she would have been set to sift sand in the diggings, or grind + colors, and not be living here in a gilt tent. Where is our red-beard?” + </p> + <p> + Uarda’s father had lingered a little behind the party, for the girl had + signed to him, and exchanged a few words with him. + </p> + <p> + “Have you still an eye for the fair ones?” asked the youngest of the + drivers when he rejoined the gang. + </p> + <p> + “She is a waiting maid of the princess,” replied the soldier not without + embarrassment. “To-morrow morning we are to carry a letter from her to the + scribe of the mines, and if we encamp in the neighborhood she will send us + some wine for carrying it.” + </p> + <p> + “The old red-beard scents wine as a fox scents a goose. Let us encamp + here; one never knows what may be picked up among the Mentu, and the + superintendent said we were to encamp outside the oasis. Put down your + sacks, men! Here there is fresh water, and perhaps a few dates and sweet + Manna for you to eat with it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [“Man” is the name still given by the Bedouins of Sinai to the sweet + gum which exudes from the Tamarix mannifera. It is the result of + the puncture of an insect, and occurs chiefly in May. By many it is + supposed to be the Manna of the Bible.] +</pre> + <p> + But keep the peace, you two quarrelsome fellows—Huni and Nebsecht.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat’s journey to the Emerald-Hathor was long since ended. As far as + Keft she had sailed down the Nile with her escort, from thence she had + crossed the desert by easy marches, and she had been obliged to wait a + full week in the port on the Red Sea, which was chiefly inhabited by + Phoenicians, for a ship which had finally brought her to the little + seaport of Pharan. From Pharan she had crossed the mountains to the oasis, + where the sanctuary she was to visit stood on the northern side. + </p> + <p> + The old priests, who conducted the service of the Goddess, had received + the daughter of Rameses with respect, and undertook to restore her to + cleanness by degrees with the help of the water from the mountain-stream + which watered the palm-grove of the Amalekites, of incense-burning, of + pious sentences, and of a hundred other ceremonies. At last the Goddess + declared herself satisfied, and Bent-Anat wished to start for the north + and join her father, but the commander of the escort, a grey-headed + Ethiopian field officer—who had been promoted to a high grade by Ani—explained + to the Chamberlain that he had orders to detain the princess in the oasis + until her departure was authorized by the Regent himself. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat now hoped for the support of her father, for her brother Rameri, + if no accident had occurred to him, might arrive any day. But in vain. + </p> + <p> + The position of the ladies was particularly unpleasant, for they felt that + they had been caught in a trap, and were in fact prisoners. In addition to + this their Ethiopian escort had quarrelled with the natives of the oasis, + and every day skirmishes took place under their eyes—indeed lately + one of these fights had ended in bloodshed. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat was sick at heart. The two strong pinions of her soul, which had + always borne her so high above other women—her princely pride and + her bright frankness—seemed quite broken; she felt that she had + loved once, never to love again, and that she, who had sought none of her + happiness in dreams, but all in work, had bestowed the best half of her + identity on a vision. Pentaur’s image took a more and more vivid, and at + the same time nobler and loftier, aspect in her mind; but he himself had + died for her, for only once had a letter reached them from Egypt, and that + was from Katuti to Nefert. After telling her that late intelligence + established the statement that her husband had taken a prince’s daughter, + who had been made prisoner, to his tent as his share of the booty, she + added the information that the poet Pentaur, who had been condemned to + forced labor, had not reached the mountain mines, but, as was supposed, + had perished on the road. + </p> + <p> + Nefert still held to her immovable belief that her husband was faithful to + his love for her, and the magic charm of a nature made beautiful by its + perfect mastery over a deep and pure passion made itself felt in these sad + and heavy days. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as though she had changed parts with Bent-Anat. Always hopeful, + every day she foretold help from the king for the next; in truth she was + ready to believe that, when Mena learned from Rameri that she was with the + princess, he himself would come to fetch them if his duties allowed it. In + her hours of most lively expectation she could go so far as to picture how + the party in the tents would be divided, and who would bear Bent-Anat + company if Mena took her with him to his camp, on what spot of the oasis + it would be best to pitch it, and much more in the same vein. + </p> + <p> + Uarda could very well take her place with Bent-Anat, for the child had + developed and improved on the journey. The rich clothes which the princess + had given her became her as if she had never worn any others; she could + obey discreetly, disappear at the right moment, and, when she was invited, + chatter delightfully. Her laugh was silvery, and nothing consoled + Bent-Anat so much as to hear it. + </p> + <p> + Her songs too pleased the two friends, though the few that she knew were + grave and sorrowful. She had learned them by listening to old Hekt, who + often used to play on a lute in the dusk, and who, when she perceived that + Uarda caught the melodies, had pointed out her faults, and given her + advice. + </p> + <p> + “She may some day come into my hands,” thought the witch, “and the better + she sings, the better she will be paid.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat too tried to teach Uarda, but learning to read was not easy to + the girl, however much pains she might take. Nevertheless, the princess + would not give up the spelling, for here, at the foot of the immense + sacred mountain at whose summit she gazed with mixed horror and longing, + she was condemned to inactivity, which weighed the more heavily on her in + proportion as those feelings had to be kept to herself which she longed to + escape from in work. Uarda knew the origin of her mistress’s deep grief, + and revered her for it, as if it were something sacred. Often she would + speak of Pentaur and of his father, and always in such a manner that the + princess could not guess that she knew of their love. + </p> + <p> + When the prisoners were passing Bent-Anat’s tent, she was sitting within + with Nefert, and talking, as had become habitual in the hours of dusk, of + her father, of Mena, Rameri, and Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “He is still alive,” asserted Nefert. “My mother, you see, says that no + one knows with certainty what became of him. If he escaped, he beyond a + doubt tried to reach the king’s camp, and when we get there you will find + him with your father.” + </p> + <p> + The princess looked sadly at the ground. Nefert looked affectionately at + her, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Are you thinking of the difference in rank which parts you from the man + you have chosen?” + </p> + <p> + “The man to whom I offer my hand, I put in the rank of a prince,” said + Bent-Anat. “But if I could set Pentaur on a throne, as master of the + world, he would still be greater and better than I.” + </p> + <p> + “But your father?” asked Nefert doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “He is my friend, he will listen to me and understand me. He shall know + everything when I see him; I know his noble and loving heart.” + </p> + <p> + Both were silent for some time; then Bent-Anat spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Pray have lights brought, I want to finish my weaving.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert rose, went to the door of the tent, and there met Uarda; she seized + Nefert’s hand, and silently drew her out into the air. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, child? you are trembling,” Nefert exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “My father is here,” answered Uarda hastily. “He is escorting some + prisoners from the mines of Mafkat. Among them there are two chained + together, and one of them—do not be startled—one of them is + the poet Pentaur. Stop, for God’s sake, stop, and hear me. Twice before I + have seen my father when he has been here with convicts. To-day we must + rescue Pentaur; but the princess must know nothing of it, for if my plan + fails—” + </p> + <p> + “Child! girl!” interrupted Nefert eagerly. “How can I help you?” + </p> + <p> + “Order the steward to give the drivers of the gang a skin of wine in the + name of the princess, and out of Bent-Anat’s case of medicines take the + phial which contains the sleeping draught, which, in spite of your wish, + she will not take. I will wait here, and I know how to use it.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert immediately found the steward, and ordered him to follow Uarda with + a skin of wine. Then she went back to the princess’s tent, and opened the + medicine case. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A medicine case, belonging to a more ancient period than the reign + of Rameses, is preserved in the Berlin Museum.] +</pre> + <p> + “What do you want?” asked Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + “A remedy for palpitation,” replied Nefert; she quietly took the flask she + needed, and in a few minutes put it into Uarda’s hand. + </p> + <p> + The girl asked the steward to open the wine-skin, and let her taste the + liquor. While she pretended to drink it, she poured the whole contents of + the phial into the wine, and then let Bent-Anat’s bountiful present be + carried to the thirsty drivers. + </p> + <p> + She herself went towards the kitchen tent, and found a young Amalekite + sitting on the ground with the princess’s servants. He sprang up as soon + as he saw the damsel. + </p> + <p> + “I have brought four fine partridges,” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A brook springs on the peak called by the Sinaitic monks Mr. St. + Katherine, which is called the partridge’s spring, and of which many + legends are told. For instance, God created it for the partridges + which accompanied the angels who carried St. Katharine of Alexandria + to her tomb on Sinai.] +</pre> + <p> + he said, “which I snared myself, and I have brought this turquoise for you—my + brother found it in a rock. This stone brings good luck, and is good for + the eyes; it gives victory over our enemies, and keeps away bad dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you!” said Uarda, and taking the boy’s hand, as he gave her the + sky-blue stone, she led him forward into the dusk. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Salich” she said softly, as soon as she thought they were far + enough from the others. “You are a good boy, and the maids told me that + you said I was a star that had come down from the sky to become a woman. + No one says such a thing as that of any one they do not like very much; + and I know you like me, for you show me that you do every day by bringing + me flowers, when you carry the game that your father gets to the steward. + Tell me, will you do me and the princess too a very great service? Yes?—and + willingly? Yes? I knew you would! Now listen. A friend of the great lady + Bent-Anat, who will come here to-night, must be hidden for a day, perhaps + several days, from his pursuers. Can he, or rather can they, for there + will probably be two, find shelter and protection in your father’s house, + which lies high up there on the sacred mountain?” + </p> + <p> + “Whoever I take to my father,” said the boy, “will be made welcome; and we + defend our guests first, and then ourselves. Where are the strangers?” + </p> + <p> + “They will arrive in a few hours. Will you wait here till the moon is well + up?” + </p> + <p> + “Till the last of all the thousand moons that vanish behind the hills is + set.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, wait on the other side of the stream, and conduct the man to + your house, who repeats my name three times. You know my name?” + </p> + <p> + “I call you Silver-star, but the others call you Uarda.” + </p> + <p> + “Lead the strangers to your hut, and, if they are received there by your + father, come back and tell me. I will watch for you here at the door of + the tent. I am poor, alas! and cannot reward you, but the princess will + thank your father as a princess should. Be watchful, Salich!” + </p> + <p> + The girl vanished, and went to the drivers of the gang of prisoners, + wished them a merry and pleasant evening, and then hastened back to + Bent-Anat, who anxiously stroked her abundant hair, and asked her why she + was so pale. + </p> + <p> + “Lie down,” said the princess kindly, “you are feverish. Only look, + Nefert, I can see the blood coursing through the blue veins in her + forehead.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the drivers drank, praised the royal wine, and the lucky day on + which they drank it; and when Uarda’s father suggested that the prisoners + too should have a mouthful one of his fellow soldiers cried: “Aye, let the + poor beasts be jolly too for once.” + </p> + <p> + The red-beard filled a large beaker, and offered it first to a forger and + his fettered companion, then he approached Pentaur, and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Do not drink any-keep awake!” + </p> + <p> + As he was going to warn the physician too, one of his companions came + between them, and offering his tankard to Nebsecht said: + </p> + <p> + “Here mumbler, drink; see him pull! His stuttering mouth is spry enough + for drinking!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. + </h2> + <p> + The hours passed gaily with the drinkers, then they grew more and more + sleepy. + </p> + <p> + Ere the moon was high in the heavens, while they were all sleeping, with + the exception of Kaschta and Pentaur, the soldier rose softly. He listened + to the breathing of his companions, then he approached the poet, + unfastened the ring which fettered his ankle to that of Nebsecht, and + endeavored to wake the physician, but in vain. + </p> + <p> + “Follow me!” cried he to the poet; he took Nebsecht on his shoulders, and + went towards the spot near the stream which Uarda had indicated. Three + times he called his daughter’s name, the young Amalekite appeared, and the + soldier said decidedly: “Follow this man, I will take care of Nebsecht.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not leave him,” said Pentaur. “Perhaps water will wake him.” They + plunged him in the brook, which half woke him, and by the help of his + companions, who now pushed and now dragged him, he staggered and stumbled + up the rugged mountain path, and before midnight they reached their + destination, the hut of the Amalekite. + </p> + <p> + The old hunter was asleep, but his son aroused him, and told him what + Uarda had ordered and promised. + </p> + <p> + But no promises were needed to incite the worthy mountaineer to + hospitality. He received the poet with genuine friendliness, laid the + sleeping leech on a mat, prepared a couch for Pentaur of leaves and skins, + called his daughter to wash his feet, and offered him his own holiday + garment in the place of the rags that covered his body. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur stretched himself out on the humble couch, which to him seemed + softer than the silken bed of a queen, but on which nevertheless he could + not sleep, for the thoughts and fancies that filled his heart were too + overpowering and bewildering. + </p> + <p> + The stars still sparkled in the heavens when he sprang from his bed of + skins, lifted Nebsecht on to it, and rushed out into the open air. A fresh + mountain spring flowed close to the hunter’s hut. He went to it, and + bathed his face in the ice-cold water, and let it flow over his body and + limbs. He felt as if he must cleanse himself to his very soul, not only + from the dust of many weeks, but from the rebellion and despondency, the + ignominy and bitterness, and the contact with vice and degradation. When + at last he left the spring, and returned to the little house, he felt + clean and fresh as on the morning of a feast-day at the temple of Seti, + when he had bathed and dressed himself in robes of snow-white linen. He + took the hunter’s holiday dress, put it on, and went out of doors again. + </p> + <p> + The enormous masses of rock lay dimly before him, like storm-clouds, and + over his head spread the blue heavens with their thousand stars. + </p> + <p> + The soothing sense of freedom and purity raised his soul, and the air that + he breathed was so fresh and light, that he sprang up the path to the + summit of the peak as if he were borne on wings or carried by invisible + hands. + </p> + <p> + A mountain goat which met him, turned from him, and fled bleating, with + his mate, to a steep peak of rock, but Pentaur said to the frightened + beasts: + </p> + <p> + “I shall do nothing to you—not I!” + </p> + <p> + He paused on a little plateau at the foot of the jagged granite peak of + the mountain. Here again he heard the murmur of a spring, the grass under + his feet was damp, and covered with a film of ice, in which were mirrored + the stars, now gradually fading. He looked up at the lights in the sky, + those never-tarrying, and yet motionless wanderers-away, to the mountain + heights around him-down, into the gorge below—and far off, into the + distance. + </p> + <p> + The dusk slowly grew into light, the mysterious forms of the + mountain-chain took shape and stood up with their shining points, the + light clouds were swept away like smoke. Thin vapors rose from the oasis + and the other valleys at his feet, at first in heavy masses, then they + parted and were wafted, as if in sport, above and beyond him to the sky. + Far below him soared a large eagle, the only living creature far or near. + </p> + <p> + A solemn and utter silence surrounded him, and when the eagle swooped down + and vanished from his sight, and the mist rolled lower into the valley, he + felt that here, alone, he was high above all other living beings, and + standing nearer to the Divinity. + </p> + <p> + He drew his breath fully and deeply, he felt as he had felt in the first + hours after his initiation, when for the first time he was admitted to the + holy of holies—and yet quite different. + </p> + <p> + Instead of the atmosphere loaded with incense, he breathed a light pure + air; and the deep stillness of the mountain solitude possessed his soul + more strongly than the chant of the priests. + </p> + <p> + Here, it seemed to him, that the Divine being would hear the lightest + murmur of his lips, though indeed his heart was so full of gratitude and + devotion that his impulse was to give expression to his mighty flow of + feelings in jubilant song. But his tongue seemed tied; he knelt down in + silence, to pray and to praise. + </p> + <p> + Then he looked at the panorama round him. Where was the east which in + Egypt was clearly defined by the long Nile range? Down there where it was + beginning to be light over the oasis. To his right hand lay the south, the + sacred birth-place of the Nile, the home of the Gods of the Cataracts; but + here flowed no mighty stream, and where was there a shrine for the visible + manifestation of Osiris and Isis; of Horns, born of a lotus flower in a + thicket of papyrus; of Rennut, the Goddess of blessings, and of Zeta? To + which of them could he here lift his hands in prayer? + </p> + <p> + A faint breeze swept by, the mist vanished like a restless shade at the + word of the exorcist, the many-pointed crown of Sinai stood out in sharp + relief, and below them the winding valleys, and the dark colored rippling + surface of the lake, became distinctly visible. + </p> + <p> + All was silent, all untouched by the hand of man yet harmonized to one + great and glorious whole, subject to all the laws of the universe, + pervaded and filled by the Divinity. + </p> + <p> + He would fain have raised his hand in thanksgiving to Apheru, “the Guide + on the way;” but he dared not; and how infinitely small did the Gods now + seem to him, the Gods he had so often glorified to the multitude in + inspired words, the Gods that had no meaning, no dwelling-place, no + dominion but by the Nile. + </p> + <p> + “To ye,” he murmured, “I cannot pray! Here where my eye can pierce the + distance, as if I myself were a god-here I feel the presence of the One, + here He is near me and with me—I will call upon Him and praise him!” + </p> + <p> + And throwing up his arms he cried aloud: “Thou only One! Thou only One! + Thou only One!” He said no more; but a tide of song welled up in his + breast as he spoke—a flood of thankfulness and praise. + </p> + <p> + When he rose from his knees, a man was standing by him; his eyes were + piercing and his tall figure had the dignity of a king, in spite of his + herdsman’s dress. + </p> + <p> + “It is well for you!” said the stranger in deep slow accents. “You seek + the true God.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur looked steadily into the face of the bearded man before him. + </p> + <p> + “I know you now,” he said. “You are Mesu.—[Moses]—I was but a + boy when you left the temple of Seti, but your features are stamped on my + soul. Ameni initiated me, as well as you, into the knowledge of the One + God.” + </p> + <p> + “He knows Him not,” answered the other, looking thoughtfully to the + eastern horizon, which every moment grew brighter. + </p> + <p> + The heavens glowed with purple, and the granite peaks, each sheathed in a + film of ice, sparkled and shone like dark diamonds that had been dipped in + light. + </p> + <p> + The day-star rose, and Pentaur turned to it, and prostrated himself as his + custom was. When he rose, Mesu also was kneeling on the earth, but his + back was turned to the sun. + </p> + <p> + When he had ended his prayer, Pentaur said, “Why do you turn your back on + the manifestation of the Sun-god? We were taught to look towards him when + he approaches.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I,” said his grave companion, “pray to another God than yours. + The sun and stars are but as toys in his hand, the earth is his + foot-stool, the storm is his breath, and the sea is in his sight as the + drops on the grass.” + </p> + <p> + “Teach me to know the Mighty One whom you worship!” exclaimed Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “Seek him,” said Mesu, “and you will find him; for you have passed through + misery and suffering, and on this spot on such a morning as this was He + revealed to me.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger turned away, and disappeared behind a rock from the enquiring + gaze of Pentaur, who fixed his eyes on the distance. + </p> + <p> + Then he thoughtfully descended the valley, and went towards the hut of the + hunter. He stayed his steps when he heard men’s voices, but the rocks hid + the speakers from his sight. + </p> + <p> + Presently he saw the party approaching; the son of his host, a man in + Egyptian dress, a lady of tall stature, near whom a girl tripped lightly, + and another carried in a litter by slaves. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur’s heart beat wildly, for he recognized Bent-Anat and her + companions. They disappeared by the hunter’s cottage, but he stood still, + breathing painfully, spell-bound to the cliff by which he stood—a + long, long time—and did not stir. + </p> + <p> + He did not hear a light step, that came near to him, and died away again, + he did not feel that the sun began to cast fierce beams on him, and on the + porphyry cliff behind him, he did not see a woman now coming quickly + towards him; but, like a deaf man who has suddenly acquired the sense of + hearing, he started when he heard his name spoken—by whose lips? + </p> + <p> + “Pentaur!” she said again; the poet opened his arms, and Bent-Anat fell + upon his breast; and he held her to him, clasped, as though he must hold + her there and never part from her all his life long. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the princess’s companions were resting by the hunter’s little + house. + </p> + <p> + “She flew into his arms—I saw it,” said Uarda. “Never shall I forget + it. It was as if the bright lake there had risen up to embrace the + mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you find such fancies, child?” cried Nefert. + </p> + <p> + “In my heart, deep in my heart!” cried Uarda. “I am so unspeakably happy.” + </p> + <p> + “You saved him and rewarded him for his goodness; you may well be happy.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not only that,” said Uarda. “I was in despair, and now I see that + the Gods are righteous and loving.” + </p> + <p> + Mena’s wife nodded to her, and said with a sigh: + </p> + <p> + “They are both happy!” + </p> + <p> + “And they deserve to be!” exclaimed Uarda. “I fancy the Goddess of Truth + is like Bent-Anat, and there is not another man in Egypt like Pentaur.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert was silent for awhile; then she asked softly: “Did you ever see + Mena?” + </p> + <p> + “How should I?” replied the girl. “Wait a little while, and your turn will + come. I believe that to-day I can read the future like a prophetess. But + let us see if Nebsecht lies there, and is still asleep. The draught I put + into the wine must have been strong.” + </p> + <p> + “It was,” answered Nefert, following her into the hut. + </p> + <p> + The physician was still lying on the bed, and sleeping with his mouth wide + open. Uarda knelt down by his side, looked in his face, and said: + </p> + <p> + “He is clever and knows everything, but how silly he looks now! I will + wake him.” + </p> + <p> + She pulled a blade of grass out of the heap on which he was lying, and + saucily tickled his nose. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht raised himself, sneezed, but fell back asleep again; Uarda + laughed out with her clear silvery tones. Then she blushed—“That is + not right,” she said, “for he is good and generous.” + </p> + <p> + She took the sleeper’s hand, pressed it to her lips, and wiped the drops + from his brow. Then he awoke, opened his eyes, and muttered half in a + dream still: + </p> + <p> + “Uarda—sweet Uarda.” + </p> + <p> + The girl started up and fled, and Nefert followed her. + </p> + <p> + When Nebsecht at last got upon his feet and looked round him, he found + himself alone in a strange house. He went out of doors, where he found + Bent-Anat’s little train anxiously discussing things past and to come. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. + </h2> + <p> + The inhabitants of the oasis had for centuries been subject to the + Pharaohs, and paid them tribute; and among the rights granted to them in + return, no Egyptian soldier might cross their border and territory without + their permission. + </p> + <p> + The Ethiopians had therefore pitched Bent-Anat’s tents and their own camp + outside these limits; but various transactions soon took place between the + idle warriors and the Amalekites, which now and then led to quarrels, and + which one evening threatened serious consequences, when some drunken + soldiers had annoyed the Amalekite women while they were drawing water. + </p> + <p> + This morning early one of the drivers on awaking had missed Pentaur and + Nebsecht, and he roused his comrades, who had been rejoined by Uarda’s + father. The enraged guard of the gang of prisoners hastened to the + commandant of the Ethiopians, and informed him that two of his prisoners + had escaped, and were no doubt being kept in concealment by the + Amalekites. + </p> + <p> + The Amalekites met the requisition to surrender the fugitives, of whom + they knew nothing, with words of mockery, which so enraged the officer + that he determined to search the oasis throughout by force, and when he + found his emissaries treated with scorn he advanced with the larger part + of his troops on to the free territory of the Amalekites. + </p> + <p> + The sons of the desert flew to arms; they retired before the close order + of the Egyptian troops, who followed them, confident of victory, to a + point where the valley widens and divides on each side of a rocky hill. + Behind this the larger part of the Amalekite forces were lying in ambush, + and as soon as the unsuspicious Ethiopians had marched past the hill, they + threw themselves on the rear of the astonished invaders, while those in + front turned upon them, and flung lances and arrows at the soldiers, of + whom very few escaped. + </p> + <p> + Among them, however, was the commanding officer, who, foaming with rage + and only slightly wounded, put himself at the head of the remainder of + Bent-Anat’s body-guard, ordered the escort of the prisoners also to follow + him, and once more advanced into the oasis. + </p> + <p> + That the princess might escape him had never for an instant occurred to + him, but as soon as the last of her keepers had disappeared, Bent-Anat + explained to her chamberlain and her companions that now or never was the + moment to fly. + </p> + <p> + All her people were devoted to her; they loaded themselves with the most + necessary things for daily use, took the litters and beasts of burden with + them, and while the battle was raging in the valley, Salich guided them up + the heights of Sinai to his father’s house. + </p> + <p> + It was on the way thither that Uarda had prepared the princess for the + meeting she might expect at the hunter’s cottage, and we have seen how and + where the princess found the poet. + </p> + <p> + Hand in hand they wandered together along the mountain path till they came + to a spot shaded by a projection of the rock, Pentaur pulled some moss to + make a seat, they reclined on it side by side, and there opened their + hearts, and told each other of their love and of their sufferings, their + wanderings and escapes. + </p> + <p> + At noonday the hunter’s daughter came to offer them a pitcher full of + goat’s milk, and Bent-Anat filled the gourd again and again for the man + she loved; and waiting upon him thus, her heart overflowed with pride, and + his with the humble desire to be permitted to sacrifice his blood and life + for her. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto they had been so absorbed in the present and the past, that they + had not given a thought to the future, and while they repeated a hundred + times what each had long since known, and yet could never tire of hearing, + they forgot the immediate changes which was hanging over them. + </p> + <p> + After their humble meal, the surging flood of feeling which, ever since + his morning devotions, had overwhelmed the poet’s soul, grew calmer; he + had felt as if borne through the air, but now he set foot, so to speak, on + the earth again, and seriously considered with Bent-Anat what steps they + must take in the immediate future. + </p> + <p> + The light of joy, which beamed in their eyes, was little in accordance + with the grave consultation they held, as, hand in hand, they descended to + the hut of their humble host. + </p> + <p> + The hunter, guided by his daughter, met them half way, and with him a tall + and dignified man in the full armor of a chief of the Amalekites. + </p> + <p> + Both bowed and kissed the earth before Bent-Anat and Pentaur. They had + heard that the princess was detained in the oasis by force by the + Ethiopian troops, and the desert-prince, Abocharabos, now informed them, + not without pride, that the Ethiopian soldiers, all but a few who were his + prisoners, had been exterminated by his people; at the same time he + assured Pentaur, whom he supposed to be a son of the king, and Bent-Anat, + that he and his were entirely devoted to the Pharaoh Rameses, who had + always respected their rights. + </p> + <p> + “They are accustomed,” he added, “to fight against the cowardly dogs of + Kush; but we are men, and we can fight like the lions of our wilds. If we + are outnumbered we hide like the goats in clefts of the rocks.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat, who was pleased with the daring man, his flashing eyes, his + aquiline nose, and his brown face which bore the mark of a bloody + sword-cut, promised him to commend him and his people to her father’s + favor, and told him of her desire to proceed as soon as possible to the + king’s camp under the protection of Pentaur, her future husband. + </p> + <p> + The mountain chief had gazed attentively at Pentaur and at Bent-Anat while + she spoke; then he said: “Thou, princess, art like the moon, and thy + companion is like the Sun-god Dusare. Besides Abocharabos,” and he struck + his breast, “and his wife, I know no pair that are like you two. I myself + will conduct you to Hebron with some of my best men of war. But haste will + be necessary, for I must be back before the traitor who now rules over + Mizraim,—[The Semitic name of Egypt]—and who persecutes you, + can send fresh forces against us. Now you can go down again to the tents, + not a hen is missing. To-morrow before daybreak we will be off.” + </p> + <p> + At the door of the hut Pentaur was greeted by the princess’s companions. + </p> + <p> + The chamberlain looked at him not without anxious misgiving. + </p> + <p> + The king, when he departed, had, it is true, given him orders to obey + Bent-Anat in every particular, as if she were the queen herself; but her + choice of such a husband was a thing unheard of, and how would the king + take it? + </p> + <p> + Nefert rejoiced in the splendid person of the poet, and frequently + repeated that he was as like her dead uncle—the father of Paaker, + the chief-pioneer—as if he were his younger brother. + </p> + <p> + Uarda never wearied of contemplating him and her beloved princess. She no + longer looked upon him as a being of a higher order; but the happiness of + the noble pair seemed to her an embodied omen of happiness for Nefert’s + love—perhaps too for her own. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht kept modestly in the background. The headache, from which he had + long been suffering, had disappeared in the fresh mountain air. When + Pentaur offered him his hand he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Here is an end to all my jokes and abuse! A strange thing is this fate of + men. Henceforth I shall always have the worst of it in any dispute with + you, for all the discords of your life have been very prettily resolved by + the great master of harmony, to whom you pray.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak almost as if you were sorry; but every thing will turn out + happily for you too.” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly!” replied the surgeon, “for now I see it clearly. Every man is a + separate instrument, formed even before his birth, in an occult workshop, + of good or bad wood, skilfully or unskilfully made, of this shape or the + other; every thing in his life, no matter what we call it, plays upon him, + and the instrument sounds for good or evil, as it is well or ill made. You + are an AEolian harp—the sound is delightful, whatever breath of fate + may touch it; I am a weather-cock—I turn whichever way the wind + blows, and try to point right, but at the same time I creak, so that it + hurts my own ears and those of other people. I am content if now and then + a steersman may set his sails rightly by my indication; though after all, + it is all the same to me. I will turn round and round, whether others look + at me or no—What does it signify?” + </p> + <p> + When Pentaur and the princess took leave of the hunter with many gifts, + the sun was sinking, and the toothed peaks of Sinai glowed like rubies, + through which shone the glow of half a world on fire. + </p> + <p> + The journey to the royal camp was begun the next morning. Abocharabos, the + Amalekite chief, accompanied the caravan, to which Uarda’s father also + attached himself; he had been taken prisoner in the struggle with the + natives, but at Bent-Anat’s request was set at liberty. + </p> + <p> + At their first halting place he was commanded to explain how he had + succeeded in having Pentaur taken to the mines, instead of to the quarries + of Chennu. + </p> + <p> + “I knew,” said the soldier in his homely way, “from Uarda where this man, + who had risked his life for us poor folks, was to be taken, and I said to + myself—I must save him. But thinking is not my trade, and I never + can lay a plot. It would very likely have come to some violent act, that + would have ended badly, if I had not had a hint from another person, even + before Uarda told me of what threatened Pentaur. This is how it was. + </p> + <p> + “I was to convoy the prisoners, who were condemned to work in the Mafkat + mines, across the river to the place they start from. In the harbor of + Thebes, on the other side, the poor wretches were to take leave of their + friends; I have seen it a hundred times, and I never can get used to it, + and yet one can get hardened to most things! Their loud cries, and wild + howls are not the worst—those that scream the most I have always + found are the first to get used to their fate; but the pale ones, whose + lips turn white, and whose teeth chatter as if they were freezing, and + whose eyes stare out into vacancy without any tears—those go to my + heart. There was all the usual misery, both noisy and silent. But the man + I was most sorry for was one I had known for a long time; his name was + Huni, and he belonged to the temple of Amon, where he held the place of + overseer of the attendants on the sacred goat. I had often met him when I + was on duty to watch the laborers who were completing the great pillared + hall, and he was respected by every one, and never failed in his duty. + Once, however, he had neglected it; it was that very night which you all + will remember when the wolves broke into the temple, and tore the rams, + and the sacred heart was laid in the breast of the prophet Rui. Some one, + of course, must be punished, and it fell on poor Huni, who for his + carelessness was condemned to forced labor in the mines of Mafkat. His + successor will keep a sharp look out! No one came to see him off, though I + know he had a wife and several children. He was as pale as this cloth, and + was one of the sort whose grief eats into their heart. I went up to him, + and asked him why no one came with him. He had taken leave of them at + home, he answered, that his children might not see him mixed up with + forgers and murderers. Eight poor little brats were left unprovided for + with their mother, and a little while before a fire had destroyed + everything they possessed. There was not a crumb to stop their little + squalling mouths. He did not tell me all this straight out; a word fell + from him now and then, like dates from a torn sack. I picked it up bit by + bit, and when he saw I felt for him he grew fierce and said: ‘They may + send me to the gold mines or cut me to pieces, as far as I am concerned, + but that the little ones should starve that—that,’ and he struck his + forehead. Then I left him to say good bye to Uarda, and on the way I kept + repeating to myself ‘that-that,’ and saw before me the man and his eight + brats. If I were rich, thought I, there is a man I would help. When I got + to the little one there, she told me how much money the leech Nebsecht had + given her, and offered to give it me to save Pentaur; then it passed + through my mind—that may go to Hum’s children, and in return he will + let himself be shipped off to Ethiopia. I ran to the harbor, spoke to the + man, found him ready and willing, gave the money to his wife, and at night + when the prisoners were shipped I contrived the exchange Pentaur came with + me on my boat under the name of the other, and Huni went to the south, and + was called Pentaur. I had not deceived the man into thinking he would stop + at Chennu. I told him he would be taken on to Ethiopia, for it is always + impossible to play a man false when you know it is quite easy to do it. It + is very strange! It is a real pleasure to cheat a cunning fellow or a + sturdy man, but who would take in a child or a sick person? Huni certainly + would have gone into the fire-pots of hell without complaining, and he + left me quite cheerfully. The rest, and how we got here, you yourselves + know. In Syria at this time of year you will suffer a good deal from rain. + I know the country, for I have escorted many prisoners of war into Egypt, + and I was there five years with the troops of the great Mohar, father of + the chief pioneer Paaker.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat thanked the brave fellow, and Pentaur and Nebsecht continued the + narrative. + </p> + <p> + “During the voyage,” said Nebsecht, “I was uneasy about Pentaur, for I saw + how he was pining, but in the desert he seemed to rouse himself, and often + whispered sweet little songs that he had composed while we marched.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange,” said Bent-Anat, “for I also got better in the desert.” + </p> + <p> + “Repeat the verses on the Beytharan plant,” said Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the plant?” asked the poet. “It grows here in many places; + here it is. Only smell how sweet it is if you bruise the fleshy stem and + leaves. My little verse is simple enough; it occurred to me like many + other songs of which you know all the best.” + </p> + <p> + “They all praise the same Goddess,” said Nebsecht laughing. + </p> + <p> + “But let us have the verses,” said Bent-Anat. The poet repeated in a low + voice: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “How often in the desert I have seen + The small herb, Beytharan, in modest green! + In every tiny leaf and gland and hair + Sweet perfume is distilled, and scents the air. + How is it that in barren sandy ground + This little plant so sweet a gift has found? + And that in me, in this vast desert plain, + The sleeping gift of song awakes again?” + </pre> + <p> + “Do you not ascribe to the desert what is due to love?” said Nefert. + </p> + <p> + “I owe it to both; but I must acknowledge that the desert is a wonderful + physician for a sick soul. We take refuge from the monotony that surrounds + us in our own reflections; the senses are at rest; and here, undisturbed + and uninfluenced from without, it is given to the mind to think out every + train of thought to the end, to examine and exhaust every feeling to its + finest shades. In the city, one is always a mere particle in a great + whole, on which one is dependent, to which one must contribute, and from + which one must accept something. The solitary wanderer in the desert + stands quite alone; he is in a manner freed from the ties which bind him + to any great human community; he must fill up the void by his own + identity, and seek in it that which may give his existence significance + and consistency. Here, where the present retires into the background, the + thoughtful spirit finds no limits however remote.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; one can think well in the desert,” said Nebsecht. “Much has become + clear to me here that in Egypt I only guessed at.” + </p> + <p> + “What may that be?” asked Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place,” replied Nebsecht, “that we none of us really know + anything rightly; secondly that the ass may love the rose, but the rose + will not love the ass; and the third thing I will keep to myself, because + it is my secret, and though it concerns all the world no one would trouble + himself about it. My lord chamberlain, how is this? You know exactly how + low people must bow before the princess in proportion to their rank, and + have no idea how a back-bone is made.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I?” asked the chamberlain. “I have to attend to outward + things, while you are contemplating inward things; else your hair might be + smoother, and your dress less stained.” + </p> + <p> + The travellers reached the old Cheta city of Hebron without accident; + there they took leave of Abocharabos, and under the safe escort of + Egyptian troops started again for the north. At Hebron Pentaur parted from + the princess, and Bent-Anat bid him farewell without complaining. + </p> + <p> + Uarda’s father, who had learned every path and bridge in Syria, + accompanied the poet, while the physician Nebsecht remained with the + ladies, whose good star seemed to have deserted them with Pentaur’s + departure, for the violent winter rains which fell in the mountains of + Samaria destroyed the roads, soaked through the tents, and condemned them + frequently to undesirable delays. At Megiddo they were received with high + honors by the commandant of the Egyptian garrison, and they were compelled + to linger here some days, for Nefert, who had been particularly eager to + hurry forward, was taken ill, and Nebsecht was obliged to forbid her + proceeding at this season. + </p> + <p> + Uarda grew pale and thoughtful, and Bent-Anat saw with anxiety that the + tender roses were fading from the cheeks of her pretty favorite; but when + she questioned her as to what ailed her she gave an evasive answer. She + had never either mentioned Rameri’s name before the princess, nor shown + her her mother’s jewel, for she felt as if all that had passed between her + and the prince was a secret which did not belong to her alone. Yet another + reason sealed her lips. She was passionately devoted to Bent-Anat, and she + told herself that if the princess heard it all, she would either blame her + brother or laugh at his affection as at a child’s play, and she felt as if + in that case she could not love Rameri’s sister any more. + </p> + <p> + A messenger had been sent on from the first frontier station to the king’s + camp to enquire by which road the princess, and her party should leave + Megiddo. But the emissary returned with a short and decided though + affectionate letter written by the king’s own hand, to his daughter, + desiring her not to quit Megiddo, which was a safe magazine and arsenal + for the army, strongly fortified and garrisoned, as it commanded the roads + from the sea into North and Central Palestine. Decisive encounters, he + said, were impending, and she knew that the Egyptians always excluded + their wives and daughters from their war train, and regarded them as the + best reward of victory when peace was obtained. + </p> + <p> + While the ladies were waiting in Megiddo, Pentaur and his red-bearded + guide proceeded northwards with a small mounted escort, with which they + were supplied by the commandant of Hebron. + </p> + <p> + He himself rode with dignity, though this journey was the first occasion + on which he had sat on horseback. He seemed to have come into the world + with the art of riding born with him. As soon as he had learned from his + companions how to grasp the bridle, and had made himself familiar with the + nature of the horse, it gave him the greatest delight to tame and subdue a + fiery steed. + </p> + <p> + He had left his priest’s robes in Egypt. Here he wore a coat of mail, a + sword, and battle-axe like a warrior, and his long beard, which had grown + during his captivity, now flowed down over his breast. Uarda’s father + often looked at him with admiration, and said: + </p> + <p> + “One might think the Mohar, with whom I often travelled these roads, had + risen from the dead. He looked like you, he spoke like you, he called the + men as you do, nay he sat as you do when the road was too bad for his + chariot, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The Mohars used chariots in their journeys. This is positively + known from the papyrus Anastasi I. which vividly describes the + hardships experienced by a Mohar while travelling through Syria.] +</pre> + <p> + and he got on horseback, and held the reins.” + </p> + <p> + None of Pentaur’s men, except his red-bearded friend, was more to him than + a mere hired servant, and he usually preferred to ride alone, apart from + the little troop, musing on the past—seldom on the future—and + generally observing all that lay on his way with a keen eye. They soon + reached Lebanon; between it and and Lebanon a road led through the great + Syrian valley. It rejoiced him to see with his own eyes the distant + shimmer of the white snow-capped peaks, of which he had often heard + warriors talk. + </p> + <p> + The country between the two mountain ranges was rich and fruitful, and + from the heights waterfalls and torrents rushed into the valley. Many + villages and towns lay on his road, but most of them had been damaged in + the war. The peasants had been robbed of their teams of cattle, the flocks + had been driven off from the shepherds, and when a vine-dresser, who was + training his vine saw the little troop approaching, he fled to the ravines + and forests. + </p> + <p> + The traces of the plough and the spade were everywhere visible, but the + fields were for the most part not sown; the young peasants were under + arms, the gardens and meadows were trodden down by soldiers, the houses + and cottages plundered and destroyed, or burnt. Everything bore the trace + of the devastation of the war, only the oak and cedar forests lorded it + proudly over the mountain-slopes, planes and locust-trees grew in groves, + and the gorges and rifts of the thinly-wooded limestone hills, which + bordered the fertile low-land, were filled with evergreen brushwood. + </p> + <p> + At this time of year everything was moist and well-watered, and Pentaur + compared the country with Egypt, and observed how the same results were + attained here as there, but by different agencies. He remembered that + morning on Sinai, and said to himself again: “Another God than ours rules + here, and the old masters were not wrong who reviled godless strangers, + and warned the uninitiated, to whom the secret of the One must remain + unrevealed, to quit their home.” + </p> + <p> + The nearer he approached the king’s camp, the more vividly he thought of + Bent-Anat, and the faster his heart beat from time to time when he thought + of his meeting with the king. On the whole he was full of cheerful + confidence, which he felt to be folly, and which nevertheless he could not + repress. + </p> + <p> + Ameni had often blamed him for his too great diffidence and his want of + ambition, when he had willingly let others pass him by. He remembered this + now, and smiled and understood himself less than ever, for though he + resolutely repeated to himself a hundred times that he was a low-born, + poor, and excommunicated priest, the feeling would not be smothered that + he had a right to claim Bent-Anat for his own. + </p> + <p> + And if the king refused him his daughter—if he made him pay for his + audacity with his life? + </p> + <p> + Not an eyelash, he well knew, would tremble under the blow of the axe, and + he would die content; for that which she had granted him was his, and no + God could take it from him! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. + </h2> + <p> + Once or twice Pentaur and his companions had had to defend themselves + against hostile mountaineers, who rushed suddenly upon them out of the + woods. When they were about two days’ journey still from the end of their + march, they had a bloody skirmish with a roving band of men that seemed to + belong to a larger detachment of troops. + </p> + <p> + The nearer they got to Kadesh, the more familiar Kaschta showed himself + with every stock and stone, and he went forward to obtain information; he + returned somewhat anxious, for he had perceived the main body of the Cheta + army on the road which they must cross. How came the enemy here in the + rear of the Egyptian army? Could Rameses have sustained a defeat? + </p> + <p> + Only the day before they had met some Egyptian soldiers, who had told them + that the king was staying in the camp, and a great battle was impending. + This however could not have by this time been decided, and they had met no + flying Egyptians. + </p> + <p> + “If we can only get two miles farther without having to fight,” said + Uarda’s father. “I know what to do. Down below, there is a ravine, and + from it a path leads over hill and vale to the plain of Kadesh. No one + ever knew it but the Mohar and his most confidential servants. About + half-way there is a hidden cave, in which we have often stayed the whole + day long. The Cheta used to believe that the Mohar possessed magic powers, + and could make himself invisible, for when they lay in wait for us on the + way we used suddenly to vanish; but certainly not into the clouds, only + into the cave, which the Mohar used to call his Tuat. If you are not + afraid of a climb, and will lead your horse behind you for a mile or two, + I can show you the way, and to-morrow evening we will be at the camp.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur let his guide lead the way; they came, without having occasion to + fight, as far as the gorge between the hills, through which a full and + foaming mountain torrent rushed to the valley. Kaschta dropped from his + horse, and the others did the same. After the horses had passed through + the water, he carefully effaced their tracks as far as the road, then for + about half a mile he ascended the valley against the stream. At last he + stopped in front of a thick oleander-bush, looked carefully about, and + lightly pushed it aside; when he had found an entrance, his companions and + their weary scrambling beasts followed him without difficulty, and they + presently found themselves in a grove of lofty cedars. Now they had to + squeeze themselves between masses of rock, now they labored up and down + over smooth pebbles, which offered scarcely any footing to the horses’ + hoofs; now they had to push their way through thick brushwood, and now to + cross little brooks swelled by the winter-rains. + </p> + <p> + The road became more difficult at every step, then it began to grow dark, + and heavy drops of rain fell from the clouded sky. + </p> + <p> + “Make haste, and keep close to me,” cried Kaschta. “Half an hour more, and + we shall be under shelter, if I do not lose my way.” + </p> + <p> + Then a horse broke down, and with great difficulty was got up again; the + rain fell with increased violence, the night grew darker, and the soldier + often found himself brought to a stand-still, feeling for the path with + his hands; twice he thought he had lost it, but he would not give in till + he had recovered the track. At last he stood still, and called Pentaur to + come to him. + </p> + <p> + “Hereabouts,” said he, “the cave must be; keep close to me—it is + possible that we may come upon some of the pioneer’s people. Provisions + and fuel were always kept here in his father’s time. Can you see me? Hold + on to my girdle, and bend your head low till I tell you you may stand + upright again. Keep your axe ready, we may find some of the Cheta or + bandits roosting there. You people must wait, we will soon call you to + come under shelter.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur closely followed his guide, pushing his way through the dripping + brushwood, crawling through a low passage in the rock, and at last + emerging on a small rocky plateau. + </p> + <p> + “Take care where you are going!” cried Kaschta. “Keep to the left, to the + right there is a deep abyss. I smell smoke! Keep your hand on your axe, + there must be some one in the cave. Wait! I will fetch the men as far as + this.” + </p> + <p> + The soldier went back, and Pentaur listened for any sounds that might come + from the same direction as the smoke. He fancied he could perceive a small + gleam of light, and he certainly heard quite plainly, first a tone of + complaint, then an angry voice; he went towards the light, feeling his way + by the wall on his left; the light shone broader and brighter, and seemed + to issue from a crack in a door. + </p> + <p> + By this time the soldier had rejoined Pentaur, and both listened for a few + minutes; then the poet whispered to his guide: + </p> + <p> + “They are speaking Egyptian, I caught a few words.” + </p> + <p> + “All the better,” said Kaschta. “Paaker or some of his people are in + there; the door is there still, and shut. If we give four hard and three + gentle knocks, it will be opened. Can you understand what they are + saying?” + </p> + <p> + “Some one is begging to be set free,” replied Pentaur, “and speaks of some + traitor. The other has a rough voice, and says he must follow his master’s + orders. Now the one who spoke before is crying; do you hear? He is + entreating him by the soul of his father to take his fetters off. How + despairing his voice is! Knock, Kaschta—it strikes me we are come at + the right moment—knock, I say.” + </p> + <p> + The soldier knocked first four times, then three times. A shriek rang + through the cave, and they could hear a heavy, rusty bolt drawn back, the + roughly hewn door was opened, and a hoarse voice asked: + </p> + <p> + “Is that Paaker?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered the soldier, “I am Kaschta. Do not you know me again, + Nubi?” + </p> + <p> + The man thus addressed, who was Paaker’s Ethiopian slave, drew back in + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Are you still alive?” he exclaimed. “What brings you here?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord here will tell you,” answered Kaschta as he made way for Pentaur + to enter the cave. The poet went up to the black man, and the light of the + fire which burned in the cave fell full on his face. + </p> + <p> + The old slave stared at him, and drew back in astonishment and terror. He + threw himself on the earth, howled like a dog that fawns at the feet of + his angry master, and cried out: + </p> + <p> + “He ordered it—Spirit of my master! he ordered it.” Pentaur stood + still, astounded and incapable of speech, till he perceived a young man, + who crept up to him on his hands and feet, which were bound with thongs, + and who cried to him in a tone, in which terror was mingled with a + tenderness which touched Pentaur’s very soul. + </p> + <p> + “Save me—Spirit of the Mohar! save me, father!” Then the poet spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I am no spirit of the dead,” said he. “I am the priest Pentaur; and I + know you, boy; you are Horus, Paaker’s brother, who was brought up with me + in the temple of Seti.” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner approached him trembling, looked at him enquiringly and + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Be you who you may, you are exactly like my father in person and in + voice. Loosen my bonds, and listen to me, for the most hideous, atrocious, + and accursed treachery threatens us the king and all.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur drew his sword, and cut the leather thongs which bound the young + man’s hands and feet. He stretched his released limbs, uttering thanks to + the Gods, then he cried: + </p> + <p> + “If you love Egypt and the king follow me; perhaps there is yet time to + hinder the hideous deed, and to frustrate this treachery.” + </p> + <p> + “The night is dark,” said Kaschita, “and the road to the valley is + dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “You must follow me if it is to your death!” cried the youth, and, seizing + Pentaur’s hand, he dragged him with him out of the cave. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the black slave had satisfied himself that Pentaur was the + priest whom he had seen fighting in front of the paraschites’ hovel, and + not the ghost of his dead master, he endeavored to slip past Paaker’s + brother, but Horus observed the manoeuvre, and seized him by his woolly + hair. The slave cried out loudly, and whimpered out: + </p> + <p> + “If thou dost escape, Paaker will kill me; he swore he would.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait!” said the youth. He dragged the slave back, flung him into the + cave, and blocked up the door with a huge log which lay near it for that + purpose. + </p> + <p> + When the three men had crept back through the low passage in the rocks, + and found themselves once more in the open air, they found a high wind was + blowing. + </p> + <p> + “The storm will soon be over,” said Horus. “See how the clouds are + driving! Let us have horses, Pentaur, for there is not a minute to be + lost.” + </p> + <p> + The poet ordered Kaschta to summon the people to start but the soldier + advised differently. + </p> + <p> + “Men and horses are exhausted,” he said, “and we shall get on very slowly + in the dark. Let the beasts feed for an hour, and the men get rested and + warm; by that time the moon will be up, and we shall make up for the delay + by having fresh horses, and light enough to see the road.” + </p> + <p> + “The man is right,” said Horus; and he led Kaschta to a cave in the rocks, + where barley and dates for the horses, and a few jars of wine, had been + preserved. They soon had lighted a fire, and while some of the men took + care of the horses, and others cooked a warm mess of victuals, Horus and + Pentaur walked up and down impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Had you been long bound in those thongs when we came?” asked Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday my brother fell upon me,” replied Horus. “He is by this time a + long way ahead of us, and if he joins the Cheta, and we do not reach the + Egyptian camp before daybreak, all is lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker, then, is plotting treason?” + </p> + <p> + “Treason, the foulest, blackest treason!” exclaimed the young man. “Oh, my + lost father!—” + </p> + <p> + “Confide in me,” said Pentaur going up to the unhappy youth who had hidden + his face in his hands. “What is Paaker plotting? How is it that your + brother is your enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “He is the elder of us two,” said Horus with a trembling voice. “When my + father died I had only a short time before left the school of Seti, and + with his last words my father enjoined me to respect Paaker as the head of + our family. He is domineering and violent, and will allow no one’s will to + cross his; but I bore everything, and always obeyed him, often against my + better judgment. I remained with him two years, then I went to Thebes, and + there I married, and my wife and child are now living there with my + mother. About sixteen months afterwards I came back to Syria, and we + travelled through the country together; but by this time I did not choose + to be the mere tool of my brother’s will, for I had grown prouder, and it + seemed to me that the father of my child ought not to be subservient, even + to his own brother. We often quarrelled, and had a bad time together, and + life became quite unendurable, when—about eight weeks since—Paaker + came back from Thebes, and the king gave him to understand that he + approved more of my reports than of his. From my childhood I have always + been softhearted and patient; every one says I am like my mother; but what + Paaker made me suffer by words and deeds, that is—I could not—” + His voice broke, and Pentaur felt how cruelly he had suffered; then he + went on again: + </p> + <p> + “What happened to my brother in Egypt, I do not know, for he is very + reserved, and asks for no sympathy, either in joy or in sorrow; but from + words he has dropped now and then I gather that he not only bitterly hates + Mena, the charioteer—who certainly did him an injury—but has + some grudge against the king too. I spoke to him of it at once, but only + once, for his rage is unbounded when he is provoked, and after all he is + my elder brother. + </p> + <p> + “For some days they have been preparing in the camp for a decisive battle, + and it was our duty to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy; + the king gave me, and not Paaker, the commission to prepare the report. + Early yesterday morning I drew it out and wrote it; then my brother said + he would carry it to the camp, and I was to wait here. I positively + refused, as Rameses had required the report at my hands, and not at his. + Well, he raved like a madman, declared that I had taken advantage of his + absence to insinuate myself into the king’s favor, and commanded me to + obey him as the head of the house, in the name of my father. + </p> + <p> + “I was sitting irresolute, when he went out of the cavern to call his + horses; then my eyes fell on the things which the old black slave was + tying together to load on a pack-horse—among them was a roll of + writing. I fancied it was my own, and took it up to look at it, when—what + should I find? At the risk of my life I had gone among the Cheta, and had + found that the main body of their army is collected in a cross-valley of + the Orontes, quite hidden in the mountains to the north-east of Kadesh; + and in the roll it was stated, in Paaker’s own hand-writing, that that + valley is clear, and the way through it open, and well suited for the + passage of the Egyptian war-chariots; various other false details were + given, and when I looked further among his things, I found between the + arrows in his quiver, on which he had written ‘death to Mena,’ another + little roll of writing. I tore it open, and my blood ran cold when I saw + to whom it was addressed.” + </p> + <p> + “To the king of the Cheta?” cried Pentaur in excitement. + </p> + <p> + “To his chief officer, Titure,” continued Horus. “I was holding both the + rolls in my hand, when Paaker came back into the cave. ‘Traitor!’ I cried + out to him; but he flung the lasso, with which he had been catching the + stray horses, threw it round my neck, and as I fell choking on the ground, + he and the black man, who obeys him like a dog, bound me hand and foot; he + left the old negro to keep guard over me, took the rolls and rode away. + Look, there are the stars, and the moon will soon be up.” + </p> + <p> + “Make haste, men!” cried Pentaur. “The three best horses for me, Horus, + and Kaschta; the rest remain here.” + </p> + <p> + As the red-bearded soldier led the horses forward, the moon shone forth, + and within an hour the travellers had reached the plain; they sprang on to + the beasts and rode madly on towards the lake, which, when the sun rose, + gleamed before them in silvery green. As they drew near to it they could + discern, on its treeless western shore, black masses moving hither and + thither; clouds of dust rose up from the plain, pierced by flashes of + light, like the rays of the sun reflected from a moving mirror. + </p> + <p> + “The battle is begun!” cried Horus; and he fell sobbing on his horse’s + neck. + </p> + <p> + “But all is not lost yet!” exclaimed the poet, spurring his horse to a + final effort of strength. His companions did the same, but first Kaschta’s + horse fell under him, then Horus’s broke down. + </p> + <p> + “Help may be given by the left wing!” cried Horus. “I will run as fast as + I can on foot, I know where to find them. You will easily find the king if + you follow the stream to the stone bridge. In the cross-valley about a + thousand paces farther north—to the northwest of our stronghold—the + surprise is to be effected. Try to get through, and warn Rameses; the + Egyptian pass-word is ‘Bent-Anat,’ the name of the king’s favorite + daughter. But even if you had wings, and could fly straight to him, they + would overpower him if I cannot succeed in turning the left wing on the + rear of the enemy.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur galloped onwards; but it was not long before his horse too gave + way, and he ran forward like a man who runs a race, and shouted the + pass-word “Bent-Anat”—for the ring of her name seemed to give him + vigor. Presently he came upon a mounted messenger of the enemy; he struck + him down from his horse, flung himself into the saddle, and rushed on + towards the camp; as if he were riding to his wedding. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + During the night which had proved so eventful to our friends, much had + occurred in the king’s camp, for the troops were to advance to the + long-anticipated battle before sunrise. + </p> + <p> + Paaker had given his false report of the enemy’s movements to the Pharaoh + with his own hand; a council of war had been held, and each division had + received instructions as to where it was to take up its position. The + corps, which bore the name of the Sungod Ra, advanced from the south + towards Schabatun, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Kadesh was the chief city of the Cheta, i. e. Aramaans, round + which the united forces of all the peoples of western Asia had + collected. There were several cities called Kadesh. That which + frequently checked the forces of Thotmes III. may have been + situated farther to the south; but the Cheta city of Kadesh, where + Rameses II. fought so hard a battle, was undoubtedly on the + Orontes, for the river which is depicted on the pylon of the + Ramesseum as parting into two streams which wash the walls of the + fortress, is called Aruntha, and in the Epos of Pentaur it is stated + that this battle took place at Kadesh by the Orontes. The name of + the city survives, at a spot just three miles north of the lake of + Riblah. The battle itself I have described from the Epos of + Pentaur, the national epic of Egypt. It ends with these words: + “This was written and made by the scribe Pentaur.” It was so highly + esteemed that it is engraved in stone twice at Luqsor, and once at + Karnak. Copies of it on papyrus are frequent; for instance, papyrus + Sallier III. and papyrus Raifet—unfortunately much injured—in the + Louvre. The principal incident, the rescue of the king from the + enemy, is repeated at the Ramessetun at Thebes, and at Abu Simbel. + It was translated into French by Vicomte E. de Rouge. The camp of + Rameses is depicted on the pylons of Luqsor and the Ramesseum.] +</pre> + <p> + so as to surround the lake on the east, and fall on the enemy’s flank; the + corps of Seth, composed of men from lower Egypt, was sent on to Arnam to + form the centre; the king himself, with the flower of the chariot-guard, + proposed to follow the road through the valley, which Paaker’s report + represented as a safe and open passage to the plain of the Orontes. Thus, + while the other divisions occupied the enemy, he could cross the Orontes + by a ford, and fall on the rear of the fortress of Kadesh from the + north-west. The corps of Amon, with the Ethiopian mercenaries, were to + support him, joining him by another route, which the pioneer’s false + indications represented as connecting the line of operations. The corps of + Ptah remained as a reserve behind the left wing. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers had not gone to rest as usual; heavily, armed troops, who + bore in one hand a shield of half a man’s height, and in the other a + scimitar, or a short, pointed sword, guarded the camp, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Representations of Rameses’ camp are preserved on the pylons of the + temple of Luxor and the Ramesseum.] +</pre> + <p> + where numerous fires burned, round which crowded the resting warriors. + Here a wine-skin was passed from hand to hand, there a joint was roasting + on a wooden spit; farther on a party were throwing dice for the booty they + had won, or playing at morra. All was in eager activity, and many a + scuffle occurred amoung the excited soldiers, and had to be settled by the + camp-watch. + </p> + <p> + Near the enclosed plots, where the horses were tethered, the smiths were + busily engaged in shoeing the beasts which needed it, and in sharpening + the points of the lances; the servants of the chariot-guard were also + fully occupied, as the chariots had for the most part been brought over + the mountains in detached pieces on the backs of pack-horses and asses, + and now had to be put together again, and to have their wheels greased. On + the eastern side of the camp stood a canopy, under which the standards + were kept, and there numbers of priests were occupied in their office of + blessing the warriors, offering sacrifices, and singing hymns and + litanies. But these pious sounds were frequently overpowered by the loud + voices of the gamblers and revellers, by the blows of the hammers, the + hoarse braying of the asses, and the neighing of the horses. From time to + time also the deep roar of the king’s war-lions + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [See Diodorus, 1. 47. Also the pictures of the king rushing to the + fight.] +</pre> + <p> + might be heard; these beasts followed him into the fight, and were now + howling for food, as they had been kept fasting to excite their fury. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the camp stood the king’s tent, surrounded by foot and + chariot-guards. The auxiliary troops were encamped in divisions according + to their nationality, and between them the Egyptian legions of heavy-armed + soldiers and archers. Here might be seen the black Ethiopian with wooly + matted hair, in which a few feathers were stuck—the handsome, well + proportioned “Son of the desert” from the sandy Arabian shore of the Red + Sea, who performed his wild war-dance flourishing his lance, with a + peculiar wriggle of his—hips pale Sardinians, with metal helmets and + heavy swords—light colored Libyans, with tattooed arms and + ostrich-feathers on their heads-brown, bearded Arabs, worshippers of the + stars, inseparable from their horses, and armed, some with lances, and + some with bows and arrows. And not less various than their aspect were the + tongues of the allied troops—but all obedient to the king’s word of + command. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the royal tents was a lightly constructed temple with the + statues of the Gods of Thebes, and of the king’s forefathers; clouds of + incense rose in front of it, for the priests were engaged from the eve of + the battle until it was over, in prayers, and offerings to Amon, the king + of the Gods, to Necheb, the Goddess of victory, and to Menth, the God of + war. + </p> + <p> + The keeper of the lions stood by the Pharaoh’s sleeping-tent, and the + tent, which served as a council chamber, was distinguished by the + standards in front of it; but the council-tent was empty and still, while + in the kitchen-tent, as well as in the wine-store close by, all was in a + bustle. The large pavilion, in which Rameses and his suite were taking + their evening meal, was more brilliantly lighted than all the others; it + was a covered tent, a long square in shape, and all round it were colored + lamps, which made it as light as day; a body-guard of Sardinians, Libyans, + and Egyptians guarded it with drawn swords, and seemed too wholly absorbed + with the importance of their office even to notice the dishes and + wine-jars, which the king’s pages—the sons of the highest families + in Egypt—took at the tent-door from the cooks and butlers. + </p> + <p> + The walls and slanting roof of this quickly-built and movable + banqueting-hall, consisted of a strong, impenetrable carpet-stuff, woven + at Thebes, and afterwards dyed purple at Tanis by the Phoenicians. Saitic + artists had embroidered the vulture, one of the forms in which Necheb + appears, a hundred times on the costly material with threads of silver. + The cedar-wood pillars of the tent were covered with gold, and the ropes, + which secured the light erection to the tent-pegs, were twisted of silk, + and thin threads of silver. Seated round four tables, more than a hundred + men were taking their evening meal; at three of them the generals of the + army, the chief priests, and councillors, sat on light stools; at the + fourth, and at some distance from the others, were the princes of the + blood; and the king himself sat apart at a high table, on a throne + supported by gilt figures of Asiatic prisoners in chains. His table and + throne stood on a low dais covered with panther-skin; but even without + that Rameses would have towered above his companions. His form was + powerful, and there was a commanding aspect in his bearded face, and in + the high brow, crowned with a golden diadem adorned with the heads of two + Uraeus-snakes, wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. A broad collar + of precious stones covered half his breast, the lower half was concealed + by a scarf or belt, and his bare arms were adorned with bracelets. His + finely-proportioned limbs looked as if moulded in bronze, so smoothly were + the powerful muscles covered with the shining copper-colored skin. Sitting + here among those who were devoted to him, he looked with kind and fatherly + pride at his blooming sons. + </p> + <p> + The lion was at rest—but nevertheless he was a lion, and terrible + things might be looked for when he should rouse himself, and when the + mighty hand, which now dispensed bread, should be clenched for the fight. + There was nothing mean in this man, and yet nothing alarming; for, if his + eye had a commanding sparkle, the expression of his mouth was particularly + gentle; and the deep voice which could make itself heard above the clash + of fighting men, could also assume the sweetest and most winning tones. + His education had not only made him well aware of his greatness and power, + but had left him also a genuine man, a stranger to none of the emotions of + the human soul. + </p> + <p> + Behind Pharaoh stood a man, younger than himself, who gave him his + wine-cup after first touching it with his own lips; this was Mena, the + king’s charioteer and favorite companion. His figure was slight and yet + vigorous, supple and yet dignified, and his finely-formed features and + frank bright eyes were full at once of self-respect and of benevolence. + Such a man might fail in reflection and counsel, but would be admirable as + an honorable, staunch, and faithful friend. + </p> + <p> + Among the princes, Chamus sat nearest to the king; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [He is named Cha-em-Us on the monuments, i. e., ‘splendor in + Thebes.’ He became the Sam, or high-priest of Memphis. His mummy + was discovered by Mariette in the tomb of Apis at Saqqarah during ha + excavations of the Serapeum at Memphis.] +</pre> + <p> + he was the eldest of his sons, and while still young had been invested + with the dignity of high-priest of Memphis. The curly-haired Rameri, who + had been rescued from imprisonment—into which he had fallen on his + journey from Egypt—had been assigned a place with the younger + princes at the lowest end of the table. + </p> + <p> + “It all sounds very threatening!” said the king. “But though each of you + croakers speaks the truth, your love for me dims your sight. In fact, all + that Rameri has told me, that Bent-Anat writes, that Mena’s stud-keeper + says of Ani, and that comes through other channels—amounts to + nothing that need disturb us. I know your uncle—I know that he will + make his borrowed throne as wide as he possibly can; but when we return + home he will be quite content to sit on a narrow seat again. Great + enterprises and daring deeds are not what he excels in; but he is very apt + at carrying out a ready-made system, and therefore I choose him to be my + Regent.” + </p> + <p> + “But Ameni,” said Chamus, bowing respectfully to his father, “seems to + have stirred up his ambition, and to support him with his advice. The + chief of the House of Seti is a man of great ability, and at least half of + the priesthood are his adherents.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” replied the king. “Their lordships owe me a grudge because I + have called their serfs to arms, and they want them to till their acres. A + pretty sort of people they have sent me! their courage flies with the + first arrow. They shall guard the camp tomorrow; they will be equal to + that when it is made clear to their understanding that, if they let the + tents be taken, the bread, meat and wines-skins will also fall into the + hands of the enemy. If Kadesh is taken by storm, the temples of the Nile + shall have the greater part of the spoil, and you yourself, my young + high-priest of Memphis, shall show your colleagues that Rameses repays in + bushels that which he has taken in handfuls from the ministers of the + Gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Ameni’s disaffection,” replied Chamus, “has a deeper root; thy mighty + spirit seeks and finds its own way—” + </p> + <p> + “But their lordships,” interrupted Rameses, “are accustomed to govern the + king too, and I—I do not do them credit. I rule as vicar of the Lord + of the Gods, but—I myself am no God, though they attribute to me the + honors of a divinity; and in all humility of heart I willingly leave it to + them to be the mediators between the Immortals and me or my people. Human + affairs certainly I choose to manage in my own way. And now no more of + them. I cannot bear to doubt my friends, and trustfulness is so dear, so + essential to me, that I must indulge in it even if my confidence results + in my being deceived.” + </p> + <p> + The king glanced at Mena, who handed him a golden cup—which he + emptied. He looked at the glittering beaker, and then, with a flash of his + grave, bright eyes, he added: + </p> + <p> + “And if I am betrayed—if ten such as Ameni and Ani entice my people + into a snare—I shall return home, and will tread the reptiles into + dust.” + </p> + <p> + His deep voice rang out the words, as if he were a herald proclaiming a + victorious deed of arms. Not a word was spoken, not a hand moved, when he + ceased speaking. Then he raised his cup, and said: + </p> + <p> + “It is well before the battle to uplift our hearts! We have done great + deeds; distant nations have felt our hand; we have planted our pillars of + conquest by their rivers, and graven the record of our deeds on their + rocks. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Herodotus speaks of the pictures graven on the rocks in the + provinces conquered by Rameses II., in memory of his achievements. + He saw two, one of which remains on a rock near Beyrut.] +</pre> + <p> + Your king is great above all kings, and it is through the might of the + Gods, and your valor my brave comrades. May to-morrow’s fight bring us new + glory! May the Immortals soon bring this war to a close! Empty your wine + cups with me—To victory and a speedy return home in peace!” + </p> + <p> + “Victory! Victory! Long life to the Pharaoh! Strength and health!” cried + the guests of the king, who, as he descended from his throne, cried to the + drinkers: + </p> + <p> + “Now, rest till the star of Isis sets. Then follow me to prayer at the + altar of Amon, and then-to battle.” + </p> + <p> + Fresh cries of triumph sounded through the room, while Rameses gave his + hand with a few words of encouragement to each of his sons in turn. He + desired the two youngest, Mernephtah and Rameri to follow him, and + quitting the banquet with them and Mena, he proceeded, under the escort of + his officers and guards, who bore staves before him with golden lilies and + ostrich-feathers, to his sleeping-tent, which was surrounded by a corps + d’elite under the command of his sons. Before entering the tent he asked + for some pieces of meat, and gave them with his own hand to his lions, who + let him stroke them like tame cats. + </p> + <p> + Then he glanced round the stable, patted the sleek necks and shoulders of + his favorite horses, and decided that ‘Nura’ and ‘Victory to Thebes’ + should bear him into the battle on the morrow. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The horses driven by Rameses at the battle of Kadesh were in fact + thus named.] +</pre> + <p> + When he had gone into the sleeping-tent, he desired his attendants to + leave him; he signed Mena to divest him of his ornaments and his arms, and + called to him his youngest sons, who were waiting respectfully at the door + of the tent. + </p> + <p> + “Why did I desire you to accompany me?” he asked them gravely. Both were + silent, and he repeated his question. + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said Rameri at length, “you observed that all was not quite + right between us two.” + </p> + <p> + “And because,” continued the king, “I desire that unity should exist + between my children. You will have enemies enough to fight with to-morrow, + but friends are not often to be found, and are too often taken from us by + the fortune of war. We ought to feel no anger towards the friend we may + lose, but expect to meet him lovingly in the other world. Speak, Rameri, + what has caused a division between you?” + </p> + <p> + “I bear him no ill-will,” answered Rameri. “You lately gave me the sword + which Mernephtah has there stuck in his belt, because I did my duty well + in the last skirmish with the enemy. You know we both sleep in the same + tent, and yesterday, when I drew my sword out of its sheath to admire the + fine work of the blade, I found that another, not so sharp, had been put + in its place.” + </p> + <p> + “I had only exchanged my sword for his in fun,” interrupted Mernephtah. + “But he can never take a joke, and declared I want to wear a prize that I + had not earned; he would try, he said, to win another and then—” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard enough; you have both done wrong,” said the King. “Even in + fun, Mernephtah, you should never cheat or deceive. I did so once, and I + will tell you what happened, as a warning. + </p> + <p> + “My noble mother, Tuaa, desired me, the first time I went into Fenchu—[Phoenicia: + on monuments of the 18th dynasty.]—to bring her a pebble from the + shore near Byblos, where the body of Osiris was washed. As we returned to + Thebes, my mother’s request returned to my mind; I was young and + thoughtless—I picked up a stone by the way-side, took it with me, + and when she asked me for the remembrance from Byblos I silently gave her + the pebble from Thebes. She was delighted, she showed it to her brothers + and sisters, and laid it by the statues of her ancestors; but I was + miserable with shame and penitence, and at last I secretly took away the + stone, and threw it into the water. All the servants were called together, + and strict enquiry was made as to the theft of the stone; then I could + hold out no longer, and confessed everything. No one punished me, and yet + I never suffered more severely; from that time I have never deviated from + the exact truth even in jest. Take the lesson to heart, Mernephtah—you, + Rameri, take back your sword, and, believe me, life brings us so many real + causes of vexation, that it is well to learn early to pass lightly over + little things if you do not wish to become a surly fellow like the pioneer + Paaker; and that seems far from likely with a gay, reckless temper like + yours. Now shake hands with each other.” + </p> + <p> + The young princes went up to each other, and Rameri fell on his brother’s + neck and kissed him. The king stroked their heads. “Now go in peace,” he + said, “and to-morrow you shall both strive to win a fresh mark of honor.” + </p> + <p> + When his sons had left the tent, Rameses turned to his charioteer and + said: “I have to speak to you too before the battle. I can read your soul + through your eyes, and it seems to me that things have gone wrong with you + since the keeper of your stud arrived here. What has happened in Thebes?” + Mena looked frankly, but sadly at the king: + </p> + <p> + “My mother-in-law Katuti,” he said, “is managing my estate very badly, + pledging the land, and selling the cattle.” + </p> + <p> + “That can be remedied,” said Rameses kindly. “You know I promised to grant + you the fulfilment of a wish, if Nefert trusted you as perfectly as you + believe. But it appears to me as if something more nearly concerning you + than this were wrong, for I never knew you anxious about money and lands. + Speak openly! you know I am your father, and the heart and the eye of the + man who guides my horses in battle, must be open without reserve to my + gaze.” + </p> + <p> + Mena kissed the king’s robe; then he said: + </p> + <p> + “Nefert has left Katuti’s house, and as thou knowest has followed thy + daughter, Bent-Anat, to the sacred mountain, and to Megiddo.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought the change was a good one,” replied Rameses. “I leave Bent-Anat + in the care of Bent-Anat, for she needs no other guardianship, and your + wife can have no better protector than Bent-Anat.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not!” exclaimed Mena with sincere emphasis. “But before they + started, miserable things occurred. Thou knowest that before she married + me she was betrothed to her cousin, the pioneer Paaker, and he, during his + stay in Thebes, has gone in and out of my house, has helped Katuti with an + enormous sum to pay the debts of my wild brother-in-law, and-as my + stud-keeper saw with his own eyes-has made presents of flowers to Nefert.” + </p> + <p> + The king smiled, laid his hand on Mena’s shoulder, and said, as he looked + in his face: “Your wife will trust you, although you take a strange woman + into your tent, and you allow yourself to doubt her because her cousin + gives her some flowers! Is that wise or just? I believe you are jealous of + the broad-shouldered ruffian that some spiteful Wight laid in the nest of + the noble Mohar, his father.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that I am not,” replied Mena, “nor does any doubt of Nefert disturb + my soul; but it torments me, it nettles me, it disgusts me, that Paaker of + all men, whom I loathe as a venomous spider, should look at her and make + her presents under my very roof.” + </p> + <p> + “He who looks for faith must give faith,” said the king. “And must not I + myself submit to accept songs of praise from the most contemptible + wretches? Come—smooth your brow; think of the approaching victory, + of our return home, and remember that you have less to forgive Paaker than + he to forgive you. Now, pray go and see to the horses, and to-morrow + morning let me see you on my chariot full of cheerful courage—as I + love to see you.” + </p> + <p> + Mena left the tent, and went to the stables; there he met Rameri, who was + waiting to speak to him. The eager boy said that he had always looked up + to him and loved him as a brilliant example, but that lately he had been + perplexed as to his virtuous fidelity, for he had been informed that Mena + had taken a strange woman into his tent—he who was married to the + fairest and sweetest woman in Thebes. + </p> + <p> + “I have known her,” he concluded, “as well as if I were her brother; and I + know that she would die if she heard that you had insulted and disgraced + her. Yes, insulted her; for such a public breach of faith is an insult to + the wife of an Egyptian. Forgive my freedom of speech, but who knows what + to-morrow may bring forth—and I would not for worlds go out to + battle, thinking evil of you.” + </p> + <p> + Mena let Rameri speak without interruption, and then answered: + </p> + <p> + “You are as frank as your father, and have learned from him to hear the + defendant before you condemn him. A strange maiden, the daughter of the + king of the Danaids, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [A people of the Greeks at the time of the Trojan war. They are + mentioned among the nations of the Mediterranean allied against + Rameses III. The Dardaneans were inhabitants of the Trojan + provinces of Dardanin, and whose name was used for the Trojans + generally.] +</pre> + <p> + lives in my tent, but I for months have slept at the door of your + father’s, and I have not once entered my own since she has been there. Now + sit down by me, and let me tell you how it all happened. We had pitched + the camp before Kadesh, and there was very little for me to do, as Rameses + was still laid up with his wound, so I often passed my time in hunting on + the shores of the lake. One day I went as usual, armed only with my bow + and arrow, and, accompanied by my grey-hounds, heedlessly followed a hare; + a troop of Danaids fell upon me, bound me with cords, and led me into + their camp. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Grey-hounds, trained to hunt hares, are represented in the most + ancient tombs, for instance, the Mastaba at Meydum, belonging to the + time of Snefru (four centuries B. C.).] +</pre> + <p> + There I was led before the judges as a spy, and they had actually + condemned me, and the rope was round my neck, when their king came up, saw + me, and subjected me to a fresh examination. I told him the facts at full + length—how I had fallen into the hands of his people while following + up my game, and not as an enemy, and he heard me favorably, and granted me + not only life but freedom. He knew me for a noble, and treated me as one, + inviting me to feed at his own table, and I swore in my heart, when he let + me go, that I would make him some return for his generous conduct. + </p> + <p> + “About a month after, we succeeded in surprising the Cheta position, and + the Libyan soldiers, among other spoil, brought away the Danaid king’s + only daughter. I had behaved valiantly, and when we came to the division + of the spoils Rameses allowed me to choose first. I laid my hand on the + maid, the daughter of my deliverer and host, I led her to my tent, and + left her there with her waiting-women till peace is concluded, and I can + restore her to her father.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive my doubts!” cried Rameri holding out his hand. “Now I understand + why the king so particularly enquired whether Nefert believed in your + constancy to her.” + </p> + <p> + “And what was your answer?” asked Mena. + </p> + <p> + “That she thinks of you day and night, and never for an instant doubted + you. My father seemed delighted too, and he said to Chamus: ‘He has won + there!” + </p> + <p> + “He will grant me some great favor,” said Mena in explanation, “if, when + she hears I have taken a strange maiden to my tent her confidence in me is + not shaken, Rameses considers it simply impossible, but I know that I + shall win. Why! she must trust me.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. + </h2> + <h3> + Before the battle, + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The battle about to be described is taken entirely from the epos of + Pentaur.] +</pre> + <p> + prayers were offered and victims sacrificed for each division of the army. + Images of the Gods were borne through the ranks in their festal barks, and + miraculous relics were exhibited to the soldiers; heralds announced that + the high-priest had found favorable omens in the victims offered by the + king, and that the haruspices foretold a glorious victory. Each Egyptian + legion turned with particular faith to the standard which bore the image + of the sacred animal or symbol of the province where it had been levied, + but each soldier was also provided with charms and amulets of various + kinds; one had tied to his neck or arm a magical text in a little bag, + another the mystic preservative eye, and most of them wore a scarabaeus in + a finger ring. Many believed themselves protected by having a few hairs or + feathers of some sacred animal, and not a few put themselves under the + protection of a living snake or beetle carefully concealed in a pocket of + their apron or in their little provision-sack. + </p> + <p> + When the king, before whom were carried the images of the divine Triad of + Thebes, of Menth, the God of War and of Necheb, the Goddess of Victory, + reviewed the ranks, he was borne in a litter on the shoulders of + twenty-four noble youths; at his approach the whole host fell on their + knees, and did not rise till Rameses, descending from his position, had, + in the presence of them all, burned incense, and made a libation to the + Gods, and his son Chamus had delivered to him, in the name of the + Immortals, the symbols of life and power. Finally, the priests sang a + choral hymn to the Sun-god Ra, and to his son and vicar on earth, the + king. + </p> + <p> + Just as the troops were put in motion, the paling stars appeared in the + sky, which had hitherto been covered with thick clouds; and this + occurrence was regarded as a favorable omen, the priests declaring to the + army that, as the coming Ra had dispersed the clouds, so the Pharaoh would + scatter his enemies. + </p> + <p> + With no sound of trumpet or drum, so as not to arouse the enemy, the + foot-soldiers went forward in close order, the chariot-warriors, each in + his light two-wheeled chariot drawn by two horses, formed their ranks, and + the king placed himself at their head. On each side of the gilt chariot in + which he stood, a case was fixed, glittering with precious stones, in + which were his bows and arrows. His noble horses were richly caparisoned; + purple housings, embroidered with turquoise beads, covered their backs and + necks, and a crown-shaped ornament was fixed on their heads, from which + fluttered a bunch of white ostrich-feathers. At the end of the ebony pole + of the chariot, were two small padded yokes, which rested on the necks of + the horses, who pranced in front as if playing with the light vehicle, + pawed the earth with their small hoofs, and tossed and curved their + slender necks. + </p> + <p> + The king wore a shirt of mail, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The remains of a shirt of mail, dating from the time of Scheschenk + I. (Sesonchis), who belonged to the 22d dynasty, is in the British + Museum. It is made of leather, on which bronze scales are + fastened.] +</pre> + <p> + over which lay the broad purple girdle of his apron, and on his head was + the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt; behind him stood Mena, who, with his + left hand, tightly held the reins, and with his right the shield which was + to protect his sovereign in the fight. + </p> + <p> + The king stood like a storm-proof oak, and Mena by his side like a sapling + ash. + </p> + <p> + The eastern horizon was rosy with the approaching sun-rise when they + quitted the precincts of the camp; at this moment the pioneer Paaker + advanced to meet the king, threw himself on the ground before him, kissed + the earth, and, in answer to the king’s question as to why he had come + without his brother, told him that Horus was taken suddenly ill. The + shades of dawn concealed from the king the guilty color, which changed to + sallow paleness, on the face of the pioneer—unaccustomed hitherto to + lying and treason. + </p> + <p> + “How is it with the enemy?” asked Rameses. + </p> + <p> + “He is aware,” replied Paaker, “that a fight is impending, and is + collecting numberless hosts in the camps to the south and east of the + city. If thou could’st succeed in falling on the rear from the north of + Kadesh, while the foot soldiers seize the camp of the Asiatics from the + south, the fortress will be thine before night. The mountain path that + thou must follow, so as not to be discovered, is not a bad one.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you ill as well as your brother, man?” asked the king. “Your voice + trembles.” + </p> + <p> + “I was never better,” answered the Mohar. + </p> + <p> + “Lead the way,” commanded the king, and Paaker obeyed. They went on in + silence, followed by the vast troop of chariots through the dewy morning + air, first across the plain, and then into the mountain range. The corps + of Ra, armed with bows and arrows, preceeded them to clear the way; they + crossed the narrow bed of a dry torrent, and then a broad valley opened + before them, extending to the right and left and enclosed by ranges of + mountains. + </p> + <p> + “The road is good,” said Rameses, turning to Mena. “The Mohar has learned + his duties from his father, and his horses are capital. Now he leads the + way, and points it out to the guards, and then in a moment he is close to + us again.” + </p> + <p> + “They are the golden-bays of my breed,” said Mena, and the veins started + angrily in his forehead. “My stud-master tells me that Katuti sent them to + him before his departure. They were intended for Nefert’s chariot, and he + drives them to-day to defy and spite me.” + </p> + <p> + “You have the wife—let the horses go,” said Rameses soothingly. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a blast of trumpets rang through the morning air; whence it came + could not be seen, and yet it sounded close at hand. + </p> + <p> + Rameses started up and took his battle-axe from his girdle, the horses + pricked their ears, and Mena exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Those are the trumpets of the Cheta! I know the sound.” + </p> + <p> + A closed wagon with four wheels in which the king’s lions were conveyed, + followed the royal chariot. “Let loose the lions!” cried the king, who + heard an echoing war cry, and soon after saw the vanguard which had + preceded him, and which was broken up by the chariots of the enemy, flying + towards him down the valley again. + </p> + <p> + The wild beasts shook their manes and sprang in front of their master’s + chariot with loud roars. Mena lashed his whip, the horses started forward + and rushed with frantic plunges towards the fugitives, who however could + not be brought to a standstill, or rallied by the king’s voice—the + enemy were close upon them, cutting them down. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Paaker?” asked the king. But the pioneer had vanished as + completely as if the earth had swallowed him and his chariot. + </p> + <p> + The flying Egyptians and the death-dealing chariots of the enemy came + nearer and nearer, the ground trembled, the tramp of hoofs and the roar of + wheels sounded louder and louder, like the roll of a rapidly approaching + storm. + </p> + <p> + Then Rameses gave out a war cry, that rang back from the cliffs on the + right hand and on the left like the blast of a trumpet; his chariot-guard + joined in the shout—for an instant the flying Egyptians paused, but + only to rush on again with double haste, in hope of escape and safety: + suddenly the war-cry of the enemy was heard behind the king, mingling with + the trumpet-call of the Cheta, and out from a cross valley, which the king + had passed unheeded by—and into which Paaker had disappeared—came + an innumerable host of chariots which, before the king could retreat, had + broken through the Egyptian ranks, and cut him off from the body of his + army. Behind him he could hear the roar and shock of the battle, in front + of him he saw the fugitives, the fallen, and the enemy growing each + instant in numbers and fury. He saw the whole danger, and drew up his + powerful form as if to prove whether it were an equal match for such a + foe. Then, raising his voice to such a pitch, that it sounded above the + cries and groans of the fighting men, the words of command, the neighing + of the horses, the crash of overthrown chariots, the dull whirr of lances + and swords, their heavy blows on shields and helmets, and the whole + bewildering tumult of the battle—with a loud shout he drew his bow, + and his first arrow pierced a Cheta chief. + </p> + <p> + His lions sprang forward, and carried confusion into the hosts that were + crowding down upon him, for many of their horses became unmanageable at + the roar of the furious brutes, overthrew the chariots, and so hemmed the + advance of the troops in the rear. Rameses sent arrow after arrow, while + Mena covered him with the shield from the shots of the enemy. His horses + meanwhile had carried him forward, and he could fell the foremost of the + Asiatics with his battle-axe; close by his side fought Rameri and three + other princes; in front of him were the lions. + </p> + <p> + The press was fearful, and the raging of the battle wild and deafening, + like the roar of the surging ocean when it is hurled by a hurricane + against a rocky coast. + </p> + <p> + Mena seemed to be in two places at once, for, while he guided the horses + forwards, backwards, or to either hand, as the exigences of the position + demanded, not one of the arrows shot at the king touched him. His eye was + everywhere, the shield always ready, and not an eyelash of the young hero + trembled, while Rameses, each moment more infuriated, incited his lions + with wild war-cries, and with flashing eyes advanced farther and farther + into the enemy’s ranks. + </p> + <p> + Three arrows aimed, not at the king but at Mena himself, were sticking in + the charioteer’s shield, and by chance he saw written on the shaft of one + of them the words “Death to Mena.” + </p> + <p> + A fourth arrow whizzed past him. His eye followed its flight, and as he + marked the spot whence it had come, a fifth wounded his shoulder, and he + cried out to the king: + </p> + <p> + “We are betrayed! Look over there! Paaker is fighting with the Cheta.” + </p> + <p> + Once more the Mohar had bent his bow, and came so near to the king’s + chariot that he could be heard exclaiming in a hoarse voice, as he let the + bowstring snap, “Now I will reckon with you—thief! robber! My bride + is your wife, but with this arrow I will win Mena’s widow.” + </p> + <p> + The arrow cut through the air, and fell with fearful force on the + charioteer’s helmet; the shield fell from his grasp, and he put his hand + to his head, feeling stunned; he heard Paaker’s laugh of triumph, he felt + another of his enemy’s arrows cut his wrist, and, beside himself with + rage, he flung away the reins, brandished his battle-axe, and forgetting + himself and his duty, sprang from the chariot and rushed upon Paaker. The + Mohar awaited him with uplifted sword; his lips were white, his eyes + bloodshot, his wide nostrils trembled like those of an over-driven horse, + and foaming and hissing he flew at his mortal foe. The king saw the two + engaged in a struggle, but he could not interfere, for the reins which + Mena had dropped were dragging on the ground, and his ungoverned horses, + following the lions, carried him madly onwards. + </p> + <p> + Most of his comrades had fallen, the battle raged all round him, but + Rameses stood as firm as a rock, held the shield in front of him, and + swung the deadly battle-axe; he saw Rameri hastening towards him with his + horses, the youth was fighting like a hero, and Rameses called out to + encourage him: “Well done! a worthy grandson of Seti!” + </p> + <p> + “I will win a new sword!” cried the boy, and he cleft the skull of one of + his antagonists. But he was soon surrounded by the chariots of the enemy; + the king saw the enemy pull down the young prince’s horses, and all his + comrades—among whom were many of the best warriors—turn their + horses in flight. + </p> + <p> + Then one of the lions was pierced by a lance, and sank with a dying roar + of rage and pain that was heard above all the tumult. The king himself had + been grazed by an arrow, a sword stroke had shivered his shield, and his + last arrow had been shot away. + </p> + <p> + Still spreading death around him, he saw death closing in upon him, and, + without giving up the struggle, he lifted up his voice in fervent prayer, + calling on Amon for support and rescue. + </p> + <p> + While thus in the sorest need he was addressing himself to the Lords of + Heaven, a tall Egyptian suddenly appeared in the midst of the struggle and + turmoil of the battle, seized the reins, and sprang into the chariot + behind the king, to whom he bowed respectfully. For the first time Rameses + felt a thrill of fear. Was this a miracle? Had Amon heard his prayer? + </p> + <p> + He looked half fearfully round at his new charioteer, and when he fancied + he recognized the features of the deceased Mohar, the father of the + traitor Paaker, he believed that Amon had assumed this aspect, and had + come himself to save him. + </p> + <p> + “Help is at hand!” cried his new companion. “If we hold our own for only a + short time longer, thou art saved, and victory is ours.” + </p> + <p> + Then once more Rameses raised his war-cry, felled a Cheta, who was + standing close to him to the ground, with a blow on his skull, while the + mysterious supporter by his side, who covered him with the shield, on his + part also dealt many terrible strokes. + </p> + <p> + Thus some long minutes passed in renewed strife; then a trumpet sounded + above the roar of the battle, and this time Rameses recognized the call of + the Egyptians; from behind a low ridge on his right rushed some thousands + of men of the foot-legion of Ptah who, under the command of Horus, fell + upon the enemy’s flank. They saw their king, and the danger he was in. + They flung themselves with fury on the foes that surrounded him, dealing + death as they advanced, and putting the Cheta to flight, and soon Rameses + saw himself safe, and protected by his followers. + </p> + <p> + But his mysterious friend in need had vanished. He had been hit by an + arrow, and had fallen to the earth—a quite mortal catastrophe; but + Rameses still believed that one of the Immortals had come to his rescue. + </p> + <p> + But the king granted no long respite to his horses and his fighting-men; + he turned to go back by the way by which he had come, fell upon the forces + which divided him from the main army, took them in the rear while they + were still occupied with his chariot-brigade which was already giving way, + and took most of the Asiatics prisoners who escaped the arrows and swords + of the Egyptians. Having rejoined the main body of the troops, he pushed + forwards across the plain where the Asiatic horse and chariot-legions were + engaged with the Egyptian swordsmen, and forced the enemy back upon the + river Orontes and the lake of Kadesh. Night-fall put an end to the battle, + though early next morning the struggle was renewed. + </p> + <p> + Utter discouragement had fallen upon the Asiatic allies, who had gone into + battle in full security of victory; for the pioneer Paaker had betrayed + his king into their hands. + </p> + <p> + When the Pharaoh had set out, the best chariot-warriors of the Cheta were + drawn up in a spot concealed by the city, and sent forward against Rameses + through the northern opening of the valley by which he was to pass, while + other troops of approved valor, in all two thousand five hundred chariots, + were to fall upon him from a cross valley where they took up their + position during the night. + </p> + <p> + These tactics had been successfully carried out, and notwithstanding the + Asiatics had suffered a severe defeat—besides losing some of their + noblest heroes, among them Titure their Chancellor, and Chiropasar, the + chronicler of the Cheta king, who could wield the sword as effectively as + the pen, and who, it was intended, should celebrate the victory of the + allies, and perpetuate its glory to succeeding generations. Rameses had + killed one of these with his own hands, and his unknown companion the + other, and besides these many other brave captains of the enemy’s troops. + The king was greeted as a god, when he returned to the camp, with shouts + of triumph and hymns of praise. + </p> + <p> + Even the temple-servants, and the miserable troops from Upper Egypt-ground + down by the long war, and bought over by Ani—were carried away by + the universal enthusiasm, and joyfully hailed the hero and king who had + successfully broken the stiff necks of his enemies. + </p> + <p> + The next duty was to seek out the dead and wounded; among the latter was + Mena; Rameri also was missing, but news was brought next day that he had + fallen into the hands of the enemy, and he was immediately exchanged for + the princess who had been sheltered in Mena’s tent. + </p> + <p> + Paaker had disappeared; but the bays which he had driven into the battle + were found unhurt in front of his ruined and blood-sprinkled chariot. + </p> + <p> + The Egyptians were masters of Kadesh, and Chetasar, the king of the Cheta, + sued to be allowed to treat for peace, in his own name and in that of his + allies; but Rameses refused to grant any terms till he had returned to the + frontier of Egypt. The conquered peoples had no choice, and the + representative of the Cheta king—who himself was wounded—and + twelve princes of the principal nations who had fought against Rameses, + were forced to follow his victorious train. Every respect was shown them, + and they were treated as the king himself, but they were none the less his + prisoners. The king was anxious to lose no time, for sad suspicion filled + his heart; a shadow hitherto unknown to his bright and genial nature had + fallen upon his spirit. + </p> + <p> + This was the first occasion on which one of his own people had betrayed + him to the enemy. Paaker’s deed had shaken his friendly confidence, and in + his petition for peace the Cheta prince had intimated that Rameses might + find much in his household to be set to rights—perhaps with a strong + hand. + </p> + <p> + The king felt himself more than equal to cope with Ani, the priests, and + all whom he had left in Egypt; but it grieved him to be obliged to feel + any loss of confidence, and it was harder to him to bear than any reverse + of fortune. It urged him to hasten his return to Egypt. + </p> + <p> + There was another thing which embittered his victory. Mena, whom he loved + as his own son, who understood his lightest sign, who, as soon as he + mounted his chariot, was there by his side like a part of himself—had + been dismissed from his office by the judgment of the commander-in-chief, + and no longer drove his horses. He himself had been obliged to confirm + this decision as just and even mild, for that man was worthy of death who + exposed his king to danger for the gratification of his own revenge. + </p> + <p> + Rameses had not seen Mena since his struggle with Paaker, but he listened + anxiously to the news which was brought him of the progress of his sorely + wounded officer. + </p> + <p> + The cheerful, decided, and practical nature of Rameses was averse to every + kind of dreaminess or self-absorption, and no one had ever seen him, even + in hours of extreme weariness, give himself up to vague and melancholy + brooding; but now he would often sit gazing at the ground in wrapt + meditation, and start like an awakened sleeper when his reverie was + disturbed by the requirements of the outer world around him. A hundred + times before he had looked death in the face, and defied it as he would + any other enemy, but now it seemed as though he felt the cold hand of the + mighty adversary on his heart. He could not forget the oppressive sense of + helplessness which had seized him when he had felt himself at the mercy of + the unrestrained horses, like a leaf driven by the wind, and then suddenly + saved by a miracle. + </p> + <p> + A miracle? Was it really Amon who had appeared in human form at his call? + Was he indeed a son of the Gods, and did their blood flow in his veins? + </p> + <p> + The Immortals had shown him peculiar favor, but still he was but a man; + that he realized from the pain in his wound, and the treason to which he + had been a victim. He felt as if he had been respited on the very + scaffold. Yes; he was a man like all other men, and so he would still be. + He rejoiced in the obscurity that veiled his future, in the many + weaknesses which he had in common with those whom he loved, and even in + the feeling that he, under the same conditions of life as his + contemporaries, had more responsibilities than they. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after his victory, after all the important passes and strongholds + had been conquered by his troops, he set out for Egypt with his train and + the vanquished princes. He sent two of his sons to Bent-Anat at Megiddo, + to escort her by sea to Pelusium; he knew that the commandant of the + harbor of that frontier fortress, at the easternmost limit of his kingdom, + was faithful to him, and he ordered that his daughter should not quit the + ship till he arrived, to secure her against any attempt on the part of the + Regent. A large part of the material of war, and most of the wounded, were + also sent to Egypt by sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. + </h2> + <p> + Nearly three months had passed since the battle of Kadesh, and to-day the + king was expected, on his way home with his victorious army, at Pelusium, + the strong hold and key of Egyptian dominion in the east. Splendid + preparations had been made for his reception, and the man who took the + lead in the festive arrangements with a zeal that was doubly effective + from his composed demeanor was no less a person than the Regent Ani. + </p> + <p> + His chariot was to be seen everywhere: now he was with the workmen, who + were to decorate triumphal arches with fresh flowers; now with the slaves, + who were hanging garlands on the wooden lions erected on the road for this + great occasion; now—and this detained him longest—he watched + the progress of the immense palace which was being rapidly constructed of + wood on the site where formerly the camp of the Hyksos had stood, in which + the actual ceremony of receiving the king was to take place, and where the + Pharaoh and his immediate followers were to reside. It had been found + possible, by employing several thousand laborers, to erect this + magnificent structure, in a few weeks, and nothing was lacking to it that + could be desired, even by a king so accustomed as Rameses to luxury and + splendor. A high exterior flight of steps led from the garden—which + had been created out of a waste—to the vestibule, out of which the + banqueting hall opened. + </p> + <p> + This was of unusual height, and had a vaulted wooden ceiling, which was + painted blue and sprinkled with stars, to represent the night heavens, and + which was supported on pillars carved, some in the form of date-palms, and + some like cedars of Lebanon; the leaves and twigs consisted of artfully + fastened and colored tissue; elegant festoons of bluish gauze were + stretched from pillar to pillar across the hall, and in the centre of the + eastern wall they were attached to a large shell-shaped canopy extending + over the throne of the king, which was decorated with pieces of green and + blue glass, of mother of pearl, of shining plates of mica, and other + sparkling objects. + </p> + <p> + The throne itself had the shape of a buckler, guarded by two lions, which + rested on each side of it and formed the arms, and supported on the backs + of four Asiatic captives who crouched beneath its weight. Thick carpets, + which seemed to have transported the sea-shore on to the dry land-for + their pale blue ground was strewn with a variety of shells, fishes, and + water plants-covered the floor of the banqueting hall, in which three + hundred seats were placed by the tables, for the nobles of the kingdom and + the officers of the troops. + </p> + <p> + Above all this splendor hung a thousand lamps, shaped like lilies and + tulips, and in the entrance hall stood a huge basket of roses to be strewn + before the king when he should arrive. + </p> + <p> + Even the bed-rooms for the king and his suite were splendidly decorated; + finely embroidered purple stuffs covered the walls, a light cloud of pale + blue gauze hung across the ceiling, and giraffe skins were laid instead of + carpets on the floors. + </p> + <p> + The barracks intended for the soldiers and bodyguard stood nearer to the + city, as well as the stable buildings, which were divided from the palace + by the garden which surrounded it. A separate pavilion, gilt and wreathed + with flowers, was erected to receive the horses which had carried the king + through the battle, and which he had dedicated to the Sun-God. + </p> + <p> + The Regent Ani, accompanied by Katuti, was going through the whole of + these slightly built structures. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me all quite complete,” said the widow. + </p> + <p> + “Only one thing I cannot make up my mind about,” replied Ani, “whether + most to admire your inventive genius or your exquisite taste.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! let that pass,” said Katuti smiling. “If any thing deserves your + praise it is my anxiety to serve you. How many things had to be considered + before this structure at last stood complete on this marshy spot where the + air seemed alive with disgusting insects and now it is finished how long + will it last?” + </p> + <p> + Ani looked down. “How long?” he repeated. Then he continued: “There is + great risk already of the plot miscarrying. Ameni has grown cool, and will + stir no further in the matter; the troops on which I counted are perhaps + still faithful to me, but much too weak; the Hebrews, who tend their + flocks here, and whom I gained over by liberating them from forced labor, + have never borne arms. And you know the people. They will kiss the feet of + the conqueror if they have to wade up to there through the blood of their + children. Besides—as it happens—the hawk which old Hekt keeps + as representing me is to-day pining and sick—” + </p> + <p> + “It will be all the prouder and brighter to-morrow if you are a man!” + exclaimed Katuti, and her eyes sparkled with scorn. “You cannot now + retreat. Here in Pelusium you welcome Rameses as if he were a God, and he + accepts the honor. I know the king, he is too proud to be distrustful, and + so conceited that he can never believe himself deceived in any man, either + friend or foe. The man whom he appointed to be his Regent, whom he + designated as the worthiest in the land, he will most unwillingly condemn. + Today you still have the car of the king; to-morrow he will listen to your + enemies, and too much has occurred in Thebes to be blotted out. You are in + the position of a lion who has his keeper on one side, and the bars of his + cage on the other. If you let the moment pass without striking you will + remain in the cage; but if you act and show yourself a lion your keepers + are done for!” + </p> + <p> + “You urge me on and on,” said Ani. “But supposing your plan were to fail, + as Paaker’s well considered plot failed?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you are no worse off than you are now,” answered Katuti. “The Gods + rule the elements, not men. Is it likely that you should finish so + beautiful a structure with such care only to destroy it? And we have no + accomplices, and need none.” + </p> + <p> + “But who shall set the brand to the room which Nemu and the slave have + filled with straw and pitch?” asked Ani. + </p> + <p> + “I,” said Katuti decidedly. “And one who has nothing to look for from + Rameses.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that?” + </p> + <p> + “Paaker.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the Mohar here?” asked the Regent surprised. + </p> + <p> + “You yourself have seen him.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken,” said Ani. “I should—” + </p> + <p> + “Do you recollect the one-eyed, grey-haired, blackman, who yesterday + brought me a letter? That was my sister’s son.” + </p> + <p> + The Regent struck his forehead—“Poor wretch” he muttered. + </p> + <p> + “He is frightfully altered,” said Katuti. “He need not have blackened his + face, for his own mother would not know him again: He lost an eye in his + fight with Mena, who also wounded him in the lungs with a thrust of his + sword, so that he breathes and speaks with difficulty, his broad shoulders + have lost their flesh, and the fine legs he swaggered about on have shrunk + as thin as a negro’s. I let him pass as my servant without any hesitation + or misgiving. He does not yet know of my purpose, but I am sure that he + would help us if a thousand deaths threatened him. For God’s sake put + aside all doubts and fears! We will shake the tree for you, if you will + only hold out your hand to-morrow to pick up the fruit. Only one thing I + must beg. Command the head butler not to stint the wine, so that the + guards may give us no trouble. I know that you gave the order that only + three of the five ships which brought the contents of your winelofts + should be unloaded. I should have thought that the future king of Egypt + might have been less anxious to save!” + </p> + <p> + Katuti’s lips curled with contempt as she spoke the last words. Ani + observed this and said: + </p> + <p> + “You think I am timid! Well, I confess I would far rather that much which + I have done at your instigation could be undone. I would willingly + renounce this new plot, though we so carefully planned it when we built + and decorated this palace. I will sacrifice the wine; there are jars of + wine there that were old in my father’s time—but it must be so! You + are right! Many things have occurred which the king will not forgive! You + are right, you are right—do what seems good to you. I will retire + after the feast to the Ethiopian camp.” + </p> + <p> + “They will hail you as king as soon as the usurpers have fallen in the + flames,” cried Katuti. “If only a few set the example, the others will + take up the cry, and even though you have offended Ameni he will attach + himself to you rather than to Rameses. Here he comes, and I already see + the standards in the distance.” + </p> + <p> + “They are coming!” said the Regent. “One thing more! Pray see yourself + that the princess Bent-Anat goes to the rooms intended for her; she must + not be injured.” + </p> + <p> + “Still Bent-Anat?” said Katuti with a smile full of meaning but without + bitterness. “Be easy, her rooms are on the ground floor, and she shall be + warned in time.” + </p> + <p> + Ani turned to leave her; he glanced once more at the great hall, and said + with a sigh. “My heart is heavy—I wish this day and this night were + over!” + </p> + <p> + “You are like this grand hall,” said Katuti smiling, “which is now empty, + almost dismal; but this evening, when it is crowded with guests, it will + look very different. You were born to be a king, and yet are not a king; + you will not be quite yourself till the crown and sceptre are your own.” + </p> + <p> + Ani smiled too, thanked her, and left her; but Katuti said to herself: + </p> + <p> + “Bent-Anat may burn with the rest: I have no intention of sharing my power + with her!” + </p> + <p> + Crowds of men and women from all parts had thronged to Pelusium, to + welcome the conqueror and his victorious army on the frontier. Every great + temple-college had sent a deputation to meet Rameses, that from the + Necropolis consisting of five members, with Ameni and old Gagabu at their + head. The white-robed ministers of the Gods marched in solemn procession + towards the bridge which lay across the eastern-Pelusiac-arm of the Nile, + and led to Egypt proper—the land fertilized by the waters of the + sacred stream. + </p> + <p> + The deputation from the temple of Memphis led the procession; this temple + had been founded by Mena, the first king who wore the united crowns of + Upper and Lower Egypt, and Chamus, the king’s son, was the high-priest. + The deputation from the not less important temple of Heliopolis came next, + and was followed by the representatives of the Necropolis of Thebes. + </p> + <p> + A few only of the members of these deputations wore the modest white robe + of the simple priest; most of them were invested with the panther-skin + which was worn by the prophets. Each bore a staff decorated with roses, + lilies, and green branches, and many carried censers in the form of a + golden arm with incense in the hollow of the hand, to be burnt before the + king. Among the deputies from the priesthood at Thebes were several women + of high rank, who served in the worship of this God, and among them was + Katuti, who by the particular desire of the Regent had lately been + admitted to this noble sisterhood. + </p> + <p> + Ameni walked thoughtfully by the side of the prophet Gagabu. + </p> + <p> + “How differently everything has happened from what we hoped and intended!” + said Gagabu in a low voice. “We are like ambassadors with sealed + credentials—who can tell their contents?” + </p> + <p> + “I welcome Rameses heartily and joyfully,” said Ameni. “After that which + happened to him at Kadesh he will come home a very different man to what + he was when he set out. He knows now what he owes to Amon. His favorite + son was already at the head of the ministers of the temple at Memphis, and + he has vowed to build magnificent temples and to bring splendid offerings + to the Immortals. And Rameses keeps his word better than that smiling + simpleton in the chariot yonder.” + </p> + <p> + “Still I am sorry for Ani,” said Gagabu. + </p> + <p> + “The Pharaoh will not punish him—certainly not,” replied the + high-priest. “And he will have nothing to fear from Ani; he is a feeble + reed, the powerless sport of every wind.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet you hoped for great things from him!” + </p> + <p> + “Not from him, but through him—with us for his guides,” replied + Ameni in a low voice but with emphasis. “It is his own fault that I have + abandoned his cause. Our first wish—to spare the poet Pentaur—he + would not respect, and he did not hesitate to break his oath, to betray + us, and to sacrifice one of the noblest of God’s creatures, as the poet + was, to gratify a petty grudge. It is harder to fight against cunning + weakness than against honest enmity. Shall we reward the man who has + deprived the world of Pentaur by giving him a crown? It is hard to quit + the trodden way, and seek a better—to give up a half-executed plan + and take a more promising one; it is hard, I say, for the individual man, + and makes him seem fickle in the eyes of others; but we cannot see to the + right hand and the left, and if we pursue a great end we cannot remain + within the narrow limits which are set by law and custom to the actions of + private individuals. We draw back just as we seem to have reached the + goal, we let him fall whom we had raised, and lift him, whom we had + stricken to the earth, to the pinnacle of glory, in short we profess—and + for thousands of years have professed—the doctrine that every path + is a right one that leads to the great end of securing to the priesthood + the supreme power in the land. Rameses, saved by a miracle, vowing temples + to the Gods, will for the future exhaust his restless spirit not in battle + as a warrior, but in building as an architect. He will make use of us, and + we can always lead the man who needs us. So I now hail the son of Seti + with sincere joy.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni was still speaking when the flags were hoisted on the standards by + the triumphal arches, clouds of dust rolled up on the farther shore of the + Nile, and the blare of trumpets was heard. + </p> + <p> + First came the horses which had carried Rameses through the fight, with + the king himself, who drove them. His eyes sparkled with joyful triumph as + the people on the farther side of the bridge received him with shouts of + joy, and the vast multitude hailed him with wild enthusiasm and tears of + emotion, strewing in his path the spoils of their gardens-flowers, + garlands, and palm-branches. + </p> + <p> + Ani marched at the head of the procession that went forth to meet him; he + humbly threw himself in the dust before the horses, kissed the ground, and + then presented to the king the sceptre that had been entrusted to him, + lying on a silk cushion. The king received it graciously, and when Ani + took his robe to kiss it, the king bent down towards him, and touching the + Regent’s forehead with his lips, desired him to take the place by his side + in the chariot, and fill the office of charioteer. + </p> + <p> + The king’s eyes were moist with grateful emotion. He had not been + deceived, and he could re-enter the country for whose greatness and + welfare alone he lived, as a father, loving and beloved, and not as a + master to judge and punish. He was deeply moved as he accepted the + greetings of the priests, and with them offered up a public prayer. Then + he was conducted to the splendid structure which had been prepared for him + gaily mounted the outside steps, and from the top-most stair bowed to his + innumerable crowd of subjects; and while he awaited the procession from + the harbor which escorted Bent-Anat in her litter, he inspected the + thousand decorated bulls and antelopes which were to be slaughtered as a + thank-offering to the Gods, the tame lions and leopards, the rare trees in + whose branches perched gaily-colored birds, the giraffes, and chariots to + which ostriches were harnessed, which all marched past him in a long + array. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The splendor of the festivities I make Ani prepare seems pitiful + compared with those Ptolemy Philadelphus, according to the report of + an eye witness, Callexenus, displayed to the Alexandrians on a + festal occasion.] +</pre> + <p> + Rameses embraced his daughter before all the people; he felt as if he must + admit his subjects to the fullest sympathy in the happiness and deep + thankfulness which filled his soul. His favorite child had never seemed to + him so beautiful as this day, and he realized with deep emotion her strong + resemblance to his lost wife.—[Her name was Isis Nefert.] + </p> + <p> + Nefert had accompanied her royal friend as fanbearer, and she knelt before + the king while he gave himself up to the delight of meeting his daughter. + Then he observed her, and kindly desired her to rise. “How much,” he said, + “I am feeling to-day for the first time! I have already learned that what + I formerly thought of as the highest happiness is capable of a yet higher + pitch, and I now perceive that the most beautiful is capable of growing to + greater beauty! A sun has grown from Mena’s star.” + </p> + <p> + Rameses, as he spoke, remembered his charioteer; for a moment his brow was + clouded, and he cast down his eyes, and bent his head in thought. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat well knew this gesture of her father’s; it was the omen of some + kindly, often sportive suggestion, such as he loved to surprise his + friends with. + </p> + <p> + He reflected longer than usual; at last he looked up, and his full eyes + rested lovingly on his daughter as he asked her: + </p> + <p> + “What did your friend say when she heard that her husband had taken a + pretty stranger into his tent, and harbored her there for months? Tell me + the whole truth of it, Bent-Anat.” + </p> + <p> + “I am indebted to this deed of Mena’s, which must certainly be quite + excusable if you can smile when you speak of it,” said the princess, “for + it was the cause of his wife’s coming to me. Her mother blamed her husband + with bitter severity, but she would not cease to believe in him, and left + her house because it was impossible for her to endure to hear him blamed.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this the fact?” asked Rameses. + </p> + <p> + Nefert bowed her pretty head, and two tears ran down her blushing cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “How good a man must be,” cried the king, “on whom the Gods bestow such + happiness! My lord Chamberlain, inform Mena that I require his services at + dinner to-day—as before the battle at Kadesh. He flung away the + reins in the fight when he saw his enemy, and we shall see if he can keep + from flinging down the beaker when, with his own eyes, he sees his beloved + wife sitting at the table.—You ladies will join me at the banquet.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert sank on her knees before the king; but he turned from her to speak + to the nobles and officers who had come to meet him, and then proceeded to + the temple to assist at the slaughter of the victims, and to solemnly + renew his vow in the presence of the priests and the people, to erect a + magnificent temple in Thebes as a thank-offering for his preservation from + death. He was received with rapturous enthusiasm; his road led to the + harbor, past the tents in which lay the wounded, who had been brought home + to Egypt by ship, and he greeted them graciously from his chariot. + </p> + <p> + Ani again acted as his charioteer; they drove slowly through the long + ranks of invalids and convalescents, but suddenly Ani gave the reins an + involuntary pull, the horses reared, and it was with difficulty that he + soothed them to a steady pace again. + </p> + <p> + Rameses looked round in anxious surprise, for at the moment when the + horses had started, he too had felt an agitating thrill—he thought + he had caught sight of his preserver at Kadesh. + </p> + <p> + Had the sight of a God struck terror into the horses? Was he the victim of + a delusion? or was his preserver a man of flesh and blood, who had come + home from the battle-field among the wounded! + </p> + <p> + The man who stood by his side, and held the reins, could have informed + him, for Ani had recognized Pentaur, and in his horror had given the reins + a perilous jerk. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. + </h2> + <p> + The king did not return to the great pavilion till after sun-down; the + banqueting hall, illuminated with a thousand lamps, was now filled with + the gay crowd of guests who awaited the arrival of the king. All bowed + before him, as he entered, more or less low, each according to his rank; + he immediately seated himself on his throne, surrounded by his children in + a wide semicircle, and his officers and retainers all passed before him; + for each he had a kindly word or glance, winning respect from all, and + filling every one with joy and hope. + </p> + <p> + “The only really divine attribute of my royal condition,” said he to + himself, “is that it is so easy to a king to make men happy. My + predecessors chose the poisonous Uraeus as the emblem of their authority, + for we can cause death as quickly and certainly as the venomous snake; but + the power of giving happiness dwells on our own lips, and in our own eyes, + and we need some instrument when we decree death.” + </p> + <p> + “Take the Uraeus crown from my head,” he continued aloud, as he seated + himself at the feast. “Today I will wear a wreath of flowers.” + </p> + <p> + During the ceremony of bowing to the king, two men had quitted the hall—the + Regent Ani, and the high-priest Ameni. + </p> + <p> + Ani ordered a small party of the watch to go and seek out the priest + Pentaur in the tents of the wounded by the harbor, to bring the poet + quietly to his tent, and to guard him there till his return. He still had + in his possession the maddening potion, which he was to have given to the + captain of the transport-boat, and it was open to him still to receive + Pentaur either as a guest or as a prisoner. Pentaur might injure him, + whether Katuti’s project failed or succeeded. + </p> + <p> + Ameni left the pavilion to go to see old Gagabu, who had stood so long in + the heat of the sun during the ceremony of receiving the conqueror, that + he had been at last carried fainting to the tent which he shared with the + high-priest, and which was not far from that of the Regent. He found the + old man much revived, and was preparing to mount his chariot to go to the + banquet, when the Regent’s myrmidons led Pentaur past in front of him. + Ameni looked doubtfully at the tall and noble figure of the prisoner, but + Pentaur recognized him, called him by his name, and in a moment they stood + together, hand clasped in hand. The guards showed some uneasiness, but + Ameni explained who he was. + </p> + <p> + The high-priest was sincerely rejoiced at the preservation and restoration + of his favorite disciple, whom for many months he had mourned as dead; he + looked at his manly figure with fatherly tenderness, and desired the + guards, who bowed to his superior dignity, to conduct his friend, on his + responsibility; to his tent instead of to Ani’s. + </p> + <p> + There Pentaur found his old friend Gagabu, who wept with delight at his + safety. All that his master had accused him of seemed to be forgotten. + Ameni had him clothed in a fresh white robe, he was never tired of looking + at him, and over and over again clapped his hand upon his shoulder, as if + he were his own son that had been lost and found again. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur was at once required to relate all that had happened to him, and + the poet told the story of his captivity and liberation at Mount Sinai, + his meeting with Bent-Anat, and how he had fought in the battle of Kadesh, + had been wounded by an arrow, and found and rescued by the faithful + Kaschta. He concealed only his passion for Bent-Anat, and the fact that he + had preserved the king’s life. + </p> + <p> + “About an hour ago,” he added, “I was sitting alone in my tent, watching + the lights in the palace yonder, when the watch who are outside brought me + an order from the Regent to accompany them to his tent. What can he want + with me? I always thought he owed me a grudge.” + </p> + <p> + Gagabu and Ameni glanced meaningly at each other, and the high-priest then + hastened away, as already he had remained too long away from the banquet. + Before he got into his chariot he commanded the guard to return to their + posts, and took it upon himself to inform the Regent that his guest would + remain in his tent till the festival was over; the soldiers unhesitatingly + obeyed him. + </p> + <p> + Ameni arrived at the palace before them, and entered the banqueting-hall + just as Ani was assigning a place to each of his guests. The high-priest + went straight up to him, and said, as he bowed before him: + </p> + <p> + “Pardon my long delay, but I was detained by a great surprise. The poet + Pentaur is living—as you know. I have invited him to remain in my + tent as my guest, and to tend the prophet Gagabu.” + </p> + <p> + The Regent turned pale, he remained speechless and looked at Ameni with a + cold ghastly smile; but he soon recovered himself. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” he said, “how you have injured me by your unworthy suspicions; + I meant to have restored your favorite to you myself to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, then, for having anticipated your plan,” said Ameni, taking + his seat near the king. Hundreds of slaves hurried to and fro loaded with + costly dishes. Large vessels of richly wrought gold and silver were + brought into the hall on wheels, and set on the side-boards. Children were + perched in the shells and lotus-flowers that hung from the painted + rafters; and from between the pillars, that were hung with cloudy + transparent tissues, they threw roses and violets down on the company. The + sounds of harps and songs issued from concealed rooms, and from an altar, + six ells high, in the middle of the hall, clouds of incense were wafted + into space. + </p> + <p> + The king-one of whose titles was “Son of the Sun,”—was as radiant as + the sun himself. His children were once more around him, Mena was his + cupbearer as in former times, and all that was best and noblest in the + land was gathered round him to rejoice with him in his triumph and his + return. Opposite to him sat the ladies, and exactly in front of him, a + delight to his eyes, Bent-Anat and Nefert. His injunction to Mena to hold + the wine cup steadily seemed by no means superfluous, for his looks + constantly wandered from the king’s goblet to his fair wife, from whose + lips he as yet had heard no word of welcome, whose hand he had not yet + been so happy as to touch. + </p> + <p> + All the guests were in the most joyful excitement. Rameses related the + tale of his fight at Kadesh, and the high-priest of Heliopolis observed, + “In later times the poets will sing of thy deeds.” + </p> + <p> + “Their songs will not be of my achievements,” exclaimed the king, “but of + the grace of the Divinity, who so miraculously rescued your sovereign, and + gave the victory to the Egyptians over an innumerable enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see the God with your own eyes? and in what form did he appear to + you?” asked Bent-Anat. “It is most extraordinary,” said the king, “but he + exactly resembled the dead father of the traitor Paaker. My preserver was + of tall stature, and had a beautiful countenance; his voice was deep and + thrilling, and he swung his battle-axe as if it were a mere plaything.” + </p> + <p> + Ameni had listened eagerly to the king’s words, now he bowed low before + him and said humbly: “If I were younger I myself would endeavor, as was + the custom with our fathers, to celebrate this glorious deed of a God and + of his sublime son in a song worthy of this festival; but melting tones + are no longer mine, they vanish with years, and the car of the listener + lends itself only to the young. Nothing is wanting to thy feast, most + lordly Ani, but a poet, who might sing the glorious deeds of our monarch + to the sound of his lute, and yet—we have at hand the gifted + Pentaur, the noblest disciple of the House of Seti.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat turned perfectly white, and the priests who were present + expressed the utmost joy and astonishment, for they had long thought the + young poet, who was highly esteemed throughout Egypt, to be dead. + </p> + <p> + The king had often heard of the fame of Pentaur from his sons and + especially from Rameri, and he willingly consented that Ameni should send + for the poet, who had himself borne arms at Kadesh, in order that he + should sing a song of triumph. The Regent gazed blankly and uneasily into + his wine cup, and the high-priest rose to fetch Pentaur himself into the + presence of the king. + </p> + <p> + During the high-priest’s absence, more and more dishes were served to the + company; behind each guest stood a silver bowl with rose water, in which + from time to time he could dip his fingers to cool and clean them; the + slaves in waiting were constantly at hand with embroidered napkins to wipe + them, and others frequently changed the faded wreaths, round the heads and + shoulders of the feasters, for fresh ones. + </p> + <p> + “How pale you are, my child!” said Rameses turning to Bent-Anat. “If you + are tired, your uncle will no doubt allow you to leave the hall; though I + think you should stay to hear the performance of this much-lauded poet. + After having been so highly praised he will find it difficult to satisfy + his hearers. But indeed I am uneasy about you, my child—would you + rather go?” The Regent had risen and said earnestly, “Your presence has + done me honor, but if you are fatigued I beg you to allow me to conduct + you and your ladies to the apartments intended for you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will stay,” said Bent-Anat in a low but decided tone, and she kept her + eyes on the floor, while her heart beat violently, for the murmur of + voices told her that Pentaur was entering the hall. He wore the long white + robe of a priest of the temple of Seti, and on his forehead the + ostrich-feather which marked him as one of the initiated. He did not raise + his eyes till he stood close before the king; then he prostrated himself + before him, and awaited a sign from the Pharaoh before he rose again. + </p> + <p> + But Rameses hesitated a long time, for the youthful figure before him, and + the glance that met his own, moved him strangely. Was not this the + divinity of the fight? Was not this his preserver? Was he again deluded by + a resemblance, or was he in a dream? + </p> + <p> + The guests gazed in silence at the spellbound king, and at the poet; at + last Rameses bowed his head, + </p> + <p> + Pentaur rose to his feet, and the bright color flew to his face as close + to him he perceived Bent-Anat. + </p> + <p> + “You fought at Kadesh?” asked the king. “As thou sayest,” replied Pentaur. + </p> + <p> + “You are well spoken of as a poet,” said Rameses, “and we desire to hear + the wonderful tale of my preservation celebrated in song. If you will + attempt it, let a lute be brought and sing.” + </p> + <p> + The poet bowed. “My gifts are modest,” he said, “but I will endeavor to + sing of the glorious deed, in the presence of the hero who achieved it, + with the aid of the Gods.” + </p> + <p> + Rameses gave a signal, and Ameni caused a large golden harp to be brought + in for his disciple. Pentaur lightly touched the strings, leaned his head + against the top of the tall bow of the harp, for some time lest in + meditation; then he drew himself up boldly, and struck the chords, + bringing out a strong and warlike music in broad heroic rhythm. + </p> + <p> + Then he began the narrative: how Rameses had pitched his camp before + Kadesh, how he ordered his troops, and how he had taken the field against + the Cheta, and their Asiatic allies. Louder and stronger rose his tones + when he reached the turning-point of the battle, and began to celebrate + the rescue of the king; and the Pharaoh listened with eager attention as + Pentaur sang:—[A literal translation of the ancient Egyptian poem + called “The Epos of Pentaur”] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Then the king stood forth, and, radiant with courage, + He looked like the Sun-god armed and eager for battle. + The noble steeds that bore him into the struggle + ‘Victory to Thebes’ was the name of one, and the other + Was called ‘contented Nura’—were foaled in the stables + Of him we call ‘the elect,’ ‘the beloved of Amon,’ + ‘Lord of truth,’ the chosen vicar of Ra. + + Up sprang the king and threw himself on the foe, + The swaying ranks of the contemptible Cheta. + He stood alone-alone, and no man with him. + As thus the king stood forth all eyes were upon him, + And soon he was enmeshed by men and horses, + And by the enemy’s chariots: two thousand five hundred. + The foe behind hemmed him in and enclosed him. + Dense the array of the contemptible Cheta, + Dense the swarm of warriors out of Arad, + Dense the Mysian host, the Pisidian legions. + Every chariot carried three bold warriors, + All his foes, and all allied like brothers. + + “Not a prince is with me, not a captain, + Not an archer, none to guide my horses! + Fled the riders! fled my troops and horse + By my side not one is now left standing.” + Thus the king, and raised his voice in prayer. + “Great father Amon, I have known Thee well. + And can the father thus forget his son? + Have I in any deed forgotten Thee? + Have I done aught without Thy high behest + Or moved or staid against Thy sovereign will? + Great am I—mighty are Egyptian kings + But in the sight of Thy commanding might, + Small as the chieftain of a wandering tribe. + Immortal Lord, crush Thou this unclean people; + Break Thou their necks, annihilate the heathen. + + And I—have I not brought Thee many victims, + And filled Thy temple with the captive folk? + And for thy presence built a dwelling place + That shall endure for countless years to come? + Thy garners overflow with gifts from me. + I offered Thee the world to swell Thy glory, + And thirty thousand mighty steers have shed + Their smoking blood on fragrant cedar piles. + Tall gateways, flag-decked masts, I raised to Thee, + And obelisks from Abu I have brought, + And built Thee temples of eternal stone. + For Thee my ships have brought across the sea + The tribute of the nations. This I did— + When were such things done in the former time? + + For dark the fate of him who would rebel + Against Thee: though Thy sway is just and mild. + My father, Amon—as an earthly son + His earthly father—so I call on Thee. + Look down from heaven on me, beset by foes, + By heathen foes—the folk that know Thee not. + The nations have combined against Thy son; + I stand alone—alone, and no man with me. + My foot and horse are fled, I called aloud + And no one heard—in vain I called to them. + And yet I say: the sheltering care of Amon + Is better succor than a million men, + Or than ten thousand knights, or than a thousand + Brothers and sons though gathered into one. + And yet I say: the bulwarks raised by men + However strong, compared to Thy great works + Are but vain shadows, and no human aid + Avails against the foe—but Thy strong hand. + The counsel of Thy lips shall guide my way; + I have obeyed whenever Thou hast ruled; + I call on Thee—and, with my fame, Thy glory + Shall fill the world, from farthest east to west.” + + Yea, his cry rang forth even far as Hermonthis, + And Amon himself appeared at his call; and gave him + His hand and shouted in triumph, saying to the Pharaoh: + “Help is at hand, O Rameses. I will uphold thee— + I thy father am he who now is thy succor, + Bearing thee in my hands. For stronger and readier + I than a hundred thousand mortal retainers; + I am the Lord of victory loving valor? + I rejoice in the brave and give them good counsel, + And he whom I counsel certainly shall not miscarry.” + + Then like Menth, with his right he scattered the arrows, + And with his left he swung his deadly weapon, + Felling the foe—as his foes are felled by Baal. + The chariots were broken and the drivers scattered, + Then was the foe overthrown before his horses. + None found a hand to fight: they could not shoot + Nor dared they hurl the spear but fled at his coming + Headlong into the river.” + + [I have availed myself of the help of Prof. Lushington’s translation + in “Records of the past,” edited by Dr. S. Birch. Translator.] +</pre> + <p> + A silence as of the grave reigned in the vast hall, Rameses fixed his eyes + on the poet, as though he would engrave his features on his very soul, and + compare them with those of another which had dwelt there unforgotten since + the day of Kadesh. Beyond a doubt his preserver stood before him. + </p> + <p> + Seized by a sudden impulse, he interrupted the poet in the midst of his + stirring song, and cried out to the assembled guests: + </p> + <p> + “Pay honor to this man! for the Divinity chose to appear under his form to + save your king when he ‘alone, and no man with him,’ struggled with a + thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “Hail to Pentaur!” rang through the hall from the vast assembly, and + Nefert rose and gave the poet the bunch of flowers she had been wearing on + her bosom. + </p> + <p> + The king nodded approval, and looked enquiringly at his daughter; + Bent-Anat’s eyes met his with a glance of intelligence, and with all the + simplicity of an impulsive child, she took from her head the wreath that + had decorated her beautiful hair, went up to Pentaur, and crowned him with + it, as it was customary for a bride to crown her lover before the wedding. + </p> + <p> + Rameses observed his daughter’s action with some surprise, and the guests + responded to it with loud cheering. + </p> + <p> + The king looked gravely at Bent-Anat and the young priest; the eyes of all + the company were eagerly fixed on the princess and the poet. The king + seemed to have forgotten the presence of strangers, and to be wholly + absorbed in thought, but by degrees a change came over his face, it + cleared, as a landscape is cleared from the morning mists under the + influence of the spring sunshine. When he looked up again his glance was + bright and satisfied, and Bent-Anat knew what it promised when it lingered + lovingly first on her, and then on her friend, whose head was still graced + by the wreath that had crowned hers. + </p> + <p> + At last Rameses turned from the lovers, and said to the guests: + </p> + <p> + “It is past midnight, and I will now leave you. To-morrow evening I bid + you all—and you especially, Pentaur—to be my guests in this + banqueting hall. Once more fill your cups, and let us empty them—to + a long time of peace after the victory which, by the help of the Gods, we + have won. And at the same time let us express our thanks to my friend Ani, + who has entertained us so magnificently, and who has so faithfully and + zealously administered the affairs of the kingdom during my absence.” + </p> + <p> + The company pledged the king, who warmly shook hands with the Regent, and + then, escorted by his wandbearers and lords in waiting, quitted the hall, + after he had signed to Mena, Ameni, and the ladies to follow him. + </p> + <p> + Nefert greeted her husband, but she immediately parted from the royal + party, as she had yielded to the urgent entreaty of Katuti that she should + for this night go to her mother, to whom she had so much to tell, instead + of remaining with the princess. Her mother’s chariot soon took her to her + tent. + </p> + <p> + Rameses dismissed his attendants in the ante-room of his apartments; when + they were alone he turned to Bent-Anat and said affectionately. + </p> + <p> + “What was in your mind when you laid your wreath on the poet’s brow?” + </p> + <p> + “What is in every maiden’s mind when she does the like,” replied Bent-Anat + with trustful frankness. + </p> + <p> + “And your father?” asked the king. + </p> + <p> + “My father knows that I will obey him even if he demands of me the hardest + thing—the sacrifice of all my—happiness; but I believe that he—that + you love me fondly, and I do not forget the hour in which you said to me + that now my mother was dead you would be father and mother both to me, and + you would try to understand me as she certainly would have understood me. + But what need between us of so many words. I love Pentaur—with a + love that is not of yesterday—with the first perfect love of my + heart and he has proved himself worthy of that high honor. But were he + ever so humble, the hand of your daughter has the power to raise him above + every prince in the land.” + </p> + <p> + “It has such power, and you shall exercise it,” cried the king. “You have + been true and faithful to yourself, while your father and protector left + you to yourself. In you I love the image of your mother, and I learned + from her that a true woman’s heart can find the right path better than a + man’s wisdom. Now go to rest, and to-morrow morning put on a fresh wreath, + for you will have need of it, my noble daughter.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII + </h2> + <p> + The cloudless vault of heaven spread over the plain of Pelusium, the stars + were bright, the moon threw her calm light over the thousands of tents + which shone as white as little hillocks of snow. All was silent, the + soldiers and the Egyptians, who had assembled to welcome the king, were + now all gone to rest. + </p> + <p> + There had been great rejoicing and jollity in the camp; three enormous + vats, garlanded with flowers and overflowing with wine, which spilt with + every movement of the trucks on which they were drawn by thirty oxen, were + sent up and down the little streets of tents, and as the evening closed in + tavern-booths were erected in many spots in the camp, at which the + Regent’s servants supplied the soldiers with red and white wine. The tents + of the populace were only divided from the pavilion of the Pharaoh by the + hastily-constructed garden in the midst of which it stood, and the hedge + which enclosed it. + </p> + <p> + The tent of the Regent himself was distinguished from all the others by + its size and magnificence; to the right of it was the encampment of the + different priestly deputations, to the left that of his suite; among the + latter were the tents of his friend Katuti, a large one for her own use, + and some smaller ones for her servants. Behind Ani’s pavilion stood a + tent, enclosed in a wall or screen of canvas, within which old Hekt was + lodged; Ani had secretly conveyed her hither on board his own boat. Only + Katuti and his confidential servants knew who it was that lay concealed in + the mysteriously shrouded abode. + </p> + <p> + While the banquet was proceeding in the great pavilion, the witch was + sitting in a heap on the sandy earth of her conical canvas dwelling; she + breathed with difficulty, for a weakness of the heart, against which she + had long struggled, now oppressed her more frequently and severely; a + little lamp of clay burned before her, and on her lap crouched a sick and + ruffled hawk; the creature shivered from time to time, closing the filmy + lids of his keen eyes, which glowed with a dull fire when Hekt took him up + in her withered hand, and tried to blow some air into his hooked beak, + still ever ready to peck and tear her. + </p> + <p> + At her feet little Scherau lay asleep. Presently she pushed the child with + her foot. “Wake up,” she said, as he raised himself still half asleep. + “You have young ears—it seemed to me that I heard a woman scream in + Ani’s tent. Do you hear any thing?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed,” exclaimed the little one. “There is a noise like crying, + and that—that was a scream! It came from out there, from Nemu’s + tent.” + </p> + <p> + “Creep through there,” said the witch, “and see what is happening!” + </p> + <p> + The child obeyed: Hekt turned her attention again to the bird, which no + longer perched in her lap, but lay on one side, though it still tried to + use its talons, when she took him up in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “It is all over with him,” muttered the old woman, “and the one I called + Rameses is sleeker than ever. It is all folly and yet—and yet! the + Regent’s game is over, and he has lost it. The creature is stretching + itself—its head drops—it draws itself up—one more clutch + at my dress—now it is dead!” + </p> + <p> + She contemplated the dead hawk in her lap for some minutes, then she took + it up, flung it into a corner of the tent, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, King Ani. The crown is not for you!” Then she went on: “What + project has he in hand now, I wonder? Twenty times he has asked me whether + the great enterprise will succeed; as if I knew any more than he! And Nemu + too has hinted all kinds of things, though he would not speak out. + Something is going on, and I—and I? There it comes again.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman pressed her hand to her heart and closed her eyes, her + features were distorted with pain; she did not perceive Scherau’s return, + she did not hear him call her name, or see that, when she did not answer + him, he left her again. For an hour or more she remained unconscious, then + her senses returned, but she felt as if some ice-cold fluid slowly ran + through her veins instead of the warm blood. + </p> + <p> + “If I had kept a hawk for myself too,” she muttered, “it would soon follow + the other one in the corner! If only Ani keeps his word, and has me + embalmed! + </p> + <p> + “But how can he when he too is so near his end. They will let me rot and + disappear, and there will be no future for me, no meeting with Assa.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman remained silent for a long time; at last she murmured + hoarsely with her eyes fixed on the ground: + </p> + <p> + “Death brings release, if only from the torment of remembrance. But there + is a life beyond the grave. I do not, I will not cease to hope. The dead + shall all be equally judged, and subject to the inscrutable decrees.—Where + shall I find him? Among the blest, or among the damned? And I? It matters + not! The deeper the abyss into which they fling me the better. Can Assa, + if he is among the blest, remain in bliss, when he sees to what he has + brought me? Oh! they must embalm me—I cannot bear to vanish, and rot + and evaporate into nothingness!” + </p> + <p> + While she was still speaking, the dwarf Nemu had come into the tent; + Scherau, seeing the old woman senseless, had run to tell him that his + mother was lying on the earth with her eyes shut, and was dying. The witch + perceived the little man. + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” she said, “that you have come; I shall be dead before + sunrise.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” cried the dwarf horrified, “you shall live, and live better than + you have done till now! Great things are happening, and for us!” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know,” said Hekt. “Go away, Scherau—now, Nemu, whisper in + my ear what is doing?” The dwarf felt as if he could not avoid the + influence of her eye, he went up to her, and said softly—“The + pavilion, in which the king and his people are sleeping, is constructed of + wood; straw and pitch are built into the walls, and laid under the boards. + As soon as they are gone to rest we shall set the tinder thing on fire. + The guards are drunk and sleeping.” + </p> + <p> + “Well thought of,” said Hekt. “Did you plan it?” “I and my mistress,” said + the dwarf not without pride. “You can devise a plot,” said the old woman, + “but you are feeble in the working out. Is your plan a secret? Have you + clever assistants?” + </p> + <p> + “No one knows of it,” replied the dwarf, “but Katuti, Paaker, and I; we + three shall lay the brands to the spots we have fixed upon. I am going to + the rooms of Bent-Anat; Katuti, who can go in and out as she pleases, will + set fire to the stairs, which lead to the upper story, and which fall by + touching a spring; and Paaker to the king’s apartments.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-good, it may succeed,” gasped the old woman. “But what was the + scream in your tent?” The dwarf seemed doubtful about answering; but Hekt + went on: + </p> + <p> + “Speak without fear—the dead are sure to be silent.” The dwarf, + trembling with agitation, shook off his hesitation, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I have found Uarda, the grandchild of Pinem, who had disappeared, and I + decoyed her here, for she and no other shall be my wife, if Ani is king, + and if Katuti makes me rich and free. She is in the service of the + Princess Bent-Anat, and sleeps in her anteroom, and she must not be burnt + with her mistress. She insisted on going back to the palace, so, as she + would fly to the fire like a gnat, and I would not have her risk being + burnt, I tied her up fast.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she not struggle?” said Hekt. + </p> + <p> + “Like a mad thing,” said the dwarf. “But the Regent’s dumb slave, who was + ordered by his master to obey me in everything to-day, helped me. We tied + up her mouth that she might not be heard screaming!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you leave her alone when you go to do your errand?” + </p> + <p> + “Her father is with her!” + </p> + <p> + “Kaschta, the red-beard?” asked the old woman in surprise. “And did he not + break you in pieces like an earthenware pot?” + </p> + <p> + “He will not stir,” said Nemu laughing. “For when I found him, I made him + so drunk with Ani’s old wine that he lies there like a mummy. It was from + him that I learned where Uarda was, and I went to her, and got her to come + with me by telling her that her father was very ill, and begged her to go + to see him once more. She flew after me like a gazelle, and when she saw + the soldier lying there senseless she threw herself upon him, and called + for water to cool his head, for he was raving in his dreams of rats and + mice that had fallen upon him. As it grew late she wanted to return to her + mistress, and we were obliged to prevent her. How handsome she has grown, + mother; you cannot imagine how pretty she is.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, aye!” said Hekt. “You will have to keep an eye upon her when she is + your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “I will treat her like the wife of a noble,” said Nemu. “And pay a real + lady to guard her. But by this time Katuti has brought home her daughter, + Mena’s wife; the stars are sinking and—there—that was the + first signal. When Katuti whistles the third time we are to go to work. + Lend me your fire-box, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Take it,” said Hekt. “I shall never need it again. It is all over with + me! How your hand shakes! Hold the wood firmly, or you will drop it before + you have brought the fire.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarf bid the old woman farewell, and she let him kiss her without + moving. When he was gone, she listened eagerly for any sound that might + pierce the silence of the night, her eyes shone with a keen light, and a + thousand thoughts flew through her restless brain. When she heard the + second signal on Katuti’s silver whistle, she sat upright and muttered: + </p> + <p> + “That gallows-bird Paaker, his vain aunt and that villain Ani, are no + match for Rameses, even when he is asleep. Ani’s hawk is dead; he has + nothing to hope for from Fortune, and I nothing to hope for from him. But + if Rameses—if the real king would promise me—then my poor old + body—Yes, that is the thing, that is what I will do.” + </p> + <p> + She painfully raised herself on her feet with the help of her stick, she + found a knife and a small flask which she slipped into her dress, and + then, bent and trembling, with a last effort of her remaining strength she + dragged herself as far as Nemu’s tent. Here she found Uarda bound hand and + foot, and Kaschta lying on the ground in a heavy drunken slumber. + </p> + <p> + The girl shrank together in alarm when she saw the old woman, and Scherau, + who crouched at her side, raised his hands imploringly to the witch. + </p> + <p> + “Take this knife, boy,” she said to the little one. “Cut the ropes the + poor thing is tied with. The papyrus cords are strong, saw them with the + blade.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Papyrus was used not only for writing on, but also for ropes. The + bridge of boats on which Xerxes crossed the Hellespont was fastened + with cables of papyrus.] +</pre> + <p> + While the boy eagerly followed her instructions with all his little might, + she rubbed the soldier’s temples with an essence which she had in the + bottle, and poured a few drops of it between his lips. Kaschta came to + himself, stretched his limbs, and stared in astonishment at the place in + which he found himself. She gave him some water, and desired him to drink + it, saying, as Uarda shook herself free from the bonds: + </p> + <p> + “The Gods have predestined you to great things, you white maiden. Listen + to what I, old Hekt, am telling you. The king’s life is threatened, his + and his children’s; I purpose to save them, and I ask no reward but + this-that he should have my body embalmed and interred at Thebes. Swear to + me that you will require this of him when you have saved him.” + </p> + <p> + “In God’s name what is happening?” cried Uarda. “Swear that you will + provide for my burial,” said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “I swear it!” cried the girl. “But for God’s sake—” + </p> + <p> + “Katuti, Paaker, and Nemu are gone to set fire to the palace when Rameses + is sleeping, in three places. Do you hear, Kaschta! Now hasten, fly after + the incendiaries, rouse the servants, and try to rescue the king.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh fly, father,” cried the girl, and they both rushed away in the + darkness. + </p> + <p> + “She is honest and will keep her word,” muttered Hekt, and she tried to + drag herself back to her own tent; but her strength failed her half-way. + Little Scherau tried to support her, but he was too weak; she sank down on + the sand, and looked out into the distance. There she saw the dark mass of + the palace, from which rose a light that grew broader and broader, then + clouds of black smoke, then up flew the soaring flame, and a swarm of + glowing sparks. + </p> + <p> + “Run into the camp, child,” she cried, “cry fire, and wake the sleepers.” + </p> + <p> + Scherau ran off shouting as loud as he could. + </p> + <p> + The old woman pressed her hand to her side, she muttered: “There it is + again.” + </p> + <p> + “In the other world—Assa—Assa,” and her trembling lips were + silent for ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. + </h2> + <p> + Katuti had kept her unfortunate nephew Paaker concealed in one of her + servants’ tents. He had escaped wounded from the battle at Kadesh, and in + terrible pain he had succeeded, by the help of an ass which he had + purchased from a peasant, in reaching by paths known to hardly any one but + himself, the cave where he had previously left his brother. Here he found + his faithful Ethiopian slave, who nursed him till he was strong enough to + set out on his journey to Egypt. He reached Pelusium, after many + privations, disguised as an Ismaelite camel-driver; he left his servant, + who might have betrayed him, behind in the cave. + </p> + <p> + Before he was permitted to pass the fortifications, which lay across the + isthmus which parts the Mediterranean from the Red Sea, and which were + intended to protect Egypt from the incursions of the nomad tribes of the + Chasu, he was subjected to a strict interrogatory, and among other + questions was asked whether he had nowhere met with the traitor Paaker, + who was minutely described to him. No one recognized in the shrunken, + grey-haired, one-eyed camel-driver, the broad-shouldered, muscular and + thick-legged pioneer. To disguise himself the more effectually, he + procured some hair-dye—a cosmetic known in all ages—and + blackened himself. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [In my papyrus there are several recipes for the preparation of + hair-dye; one is ascribed to the Lady Schesch, the mother of Teta, + wife of the first king of Egypt. The earliest of all the recipes + preserved to us is a prescription for dyeing the hair.] +</pre> + <p> + Katuti had arrived at Pelusium with Ani some time before, to superintend + the construction of the royal pavilion. He ventured to approach her + disguised as a negro beggar, with a palm-branch in his hand. She gave him + some money and questioned him concerning his native country, for she made + it her business to secure the favor even of the meanest; but though she + appeared to take an interest in his answers, she did not recognize him; + now for the first time he felt secure, and the next day he went up to her + again, and told her who he was. + </p> + <p> + The widow was not unmoved by the frightful alteration in her nephew, and + although she knew that even Ani had decreed that any intercourse with the + traitor was to be punished by death, she took him at once into her + service, for she had never had greater need than now to employ the + desperate enemy of the king and of her son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + The mutilated, despised, and hunted man kept himself far from the other + servants, regarding the meaner folk with undiminished scorn. He thought + seldom, and only vaguely of Katuti’s daughter, for love had quite given + place to hatred, and only one thing now seemed to him worth living for—the + hope of working with others to cause his enemies’ downfall, and of being + the instrument of their death; so he offered himself to the widow a + willing and welcome tool, and the dull flash in his uninjured eye when she + set him the task of setting fire to the king’s apartments, showed her that + in the Mohar she had found an ally she might depend on to the uttermost. + </p> + <p> + Paaker had carefully examined the scene of his exploit before the king’s + arrival. Under the windows of the king’s rooms, at least forty feet from + the ground, was a narrow parapet resting on the ends of the beams which + supported the rafters on which lay the floor of the upper story in which + the king slept. These rafters had been smeared with pitch, and straw had + been laid between them, and the pioneer would have known how to find the + opening where he was to put in the brand even if he had been blind of both + eyes. + </p> + <p> + When Katuti first sounded her whistle he slunk to his post; he was + challenged by no watchman, for the few guards who had been placed in the + immediate vicinity of the pavilion, had all gone to sleep under the + influence of the Regent’s wine. Paaker climbed up to about the height of + two men from the ground by the help of the ornamental carving on the + outside wall of the palace; there a rope ladder was attached, he clambered + up this, and soon stood on the parapet, above which were the windows of + the king’s rooms, and below which the fire was to be laid. + </p> + <p> + Rameses’ room was brightly illuminated. Paaker could see into it without + being seen, and could bear every word that was spoken within. The king was + sitting in an arm-chair, and looked thoughtfully at the ground; before him + stood the Regent, and Mena stood by his couch, holding in his hand the + king’s sleeping-robe. + </p> + <p> + Presently Rameses raised his head, and said, as he offered his hand with + frank affection to Ani: + </p> + <p> + “Let me bring this glorious day to a worthy end, cousin. I have found you + my true and faithful friend, and I had been in danger of believing those + over-anxious counsellors who spoke evil of you. I am never prone to + distrust, but a number of things occurred together that clouded my + judgment, and I did you injustice. I am sorry, sincerely sorry; nor am I + ashamed to apologize to you for having for an instant doubted your good + intentions. You are my good friend—and I will prove to you that I am + yours. There is my hand-take it; and all Egypt shall know that Rameses + trusts no man more implicitly than his Regent Ani. I will ask you to + undertake to be my guard of honor to-night—we will share this room. + I sleep here; when I lie down on my couch take your place on the divan + yonder.” Ani had taken Rameses’ offered hand, but now he turned pale as he + looked down. Paaker could see straight into his face, and it was not + without difficulty that he suppressed a scornful laugh. + </p> + <p> + Rameses did not observe the Regent’s dismay, for he had signed to Mena to + come closer to him. + </p> + <p> + “Before I sleep,” said the king, “I will bring matters to an end with you + too. You have put your wife’s constancy to a severe test, and she has + trusted you with a childlike simplicity that is often wiser than the + arguments of sages, because she loved you honestly, and is herself + incapable of guile. I promised you that I would grant you a wish if your + faith in her was justified. Now tell me what is your will?” + </p> + <p> + Mena fell on his knees, and covered the king’s robe with kisses. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon!” he exclaimed. “Nothing but pardon. My crime was a heavy one, I + know; but I was driven to it by scorn and fury—it was as if I saw + the dishonoring hand of Paaker stretched out to seize my innocent wife, + who, as I now know, loathes him as a toad—” + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” exclaimed the king. “I thought I heard a groan outside.” + </p> + <p> + He went up to the window and looked out, but he did not see the pioneer, + who watched every motion of the king, and who, as soon as he perceived + that his involuntary sigh of anguish had been heard, stretched himself + close under the balustrade. Mena had not risen from his knees when the + king once more turned to him. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” he said again. “Let me be near thee again as before, and + drive thy chariot. I live only through thee, I am of no worth but through + thee, and by thy favor, my king, my lord, my father!” + </p> + <p> + Rameses signed to his favorite to rise. “Your request was granted,” said + he, “before you made it. I am still in your debt on your fair wife’s + account. Thank Nefert—not me, and let us give thanks to the + Immortals this day with especial fervor. What has it not brought forth for + us! It has restored to me you two friends, whom I regarded as lost to me, + and has given me in Pentaur another son.” + </p> + <p> + A low whistle sounded through the night air; it was Katuti’s last signal. + </p> + <p> + Paaker blew up the tinder, laid it in the bole under the parapet, and + then, unmindful of his own danger, raised himself to listen for any + further words. + </p> + <p> + “I entreat thee,” said the Regent, approaching Rameses, “to excuse me. I + fully appreciate thy favors, but the labors of the last few days have been + too much for me; I can hardly stand on my feet, and the guard of honor—” + </p> + <p> + “Mena will watch,” said the king. “Sleep in all security, cousin. I will + have it known to all men that I have put away from me all distrust of you. + Give the my night-robe, Mena. Nay-one thing more I must tell you. Youth + smiles on the young, Ani. Bent-Anat has chosen a worthy husband, my + preserver, the poet Pentaur. He was said to be a man of humble origin, the + son of a gardener of the House of Seti; and now what do I learn through + Ameni? He is the true son of the dead Mohar, and the foul traitor Paaker + is the gardener’s son. A witch in the Necropolis changed the children. + That is the best news of all that has reached me on this propitious day, + for the Mohar’s widow, the noble Setchem, has been brought here, and I + should have been obliged to choose between two sentences on her as the + mother of the villain who has escaped us. Either I must have sent her to + the quarries, or have had her beheaded before all the people—In the + name of the Gods, what is that?” + </p> + <p> + They heard a loud cry in a man’s voice, and at the same instant a noise as + if some heavy mass had fallen to the ground from a great height. Rameses + and Mena hastened to the window, but started back, for they were met by a + cloud of smoke. + </p> + <p> + “Call the watch!” cried the king. + </p> + <p> + “Go, you,” exclaimed Mena to Ani. “I will not leave the king again in + danger.” + </p> + <p> + Ani fled away like an escaped prisoner, but he could not get far, for, + before he could descend the stairs to the lower story, they fell in before + his very eyes; Katuti, after she had set fire to the interior of the + palace, had made them fall by one blow of a hammer. Ani saw her robe as + she herself fled, clenched his fist with rage as he shouted her name, and + then, not knowing what he did, rushed headlong through the corridor into + which the different royal apartments opened. + </p> + <p> + The fearful crash of the falling stairs brought the King and Mena also out + of the sleeping-room. + </p> + <p> + “There lie the stairs! that is serious!” said the king cooly; then he went + back into his room, and looked out of a window to estimate the danger. + Bright flames were already bursting from the northern end of the palace, + and gave the grey dawn the brightness of day; the southern wing or the + pavilion was not yet on fire. Mena observed the parapet from which Paaker + had fallen to the ground, tested its strength, and found it firm enough to + bear several persons. He looked round, particularly at the wing not yet + gained by the flames, and exclaimed in a loud voice: + </p> + <p> + “The fire is intentional! it is done on purpose. See there! a man is + squatting down and pushing a brand into the woodwork.” + </p> + <p> + He leaped back into the room, which was now filling with smoke, snatched + the king’s bow and quiver, which he himself had hung up at the bed-head, + took careful aim, and with one cry the incendiary fell dead. + </p> + <p> + A few hours later the dwarf Nemu was found with the charioteer’s arrow + through his heart. After setting fire to Bent-Anat’s rooms, he had + determined to lay a brand to the wing of the palace where, with the other + princes, Uarda’s friend Rameri was sleeping. + </p> + <p> + Mena had again leaped out of window, and was estimating the height of the + leap to the ground; the Pharaoh’s room was getting more and more filled + with smoke, and flames began to break through the seams of the boards. + Outside the palace as well as within every one was waking up to terror and + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Fire! fire! an incendiary! Help! Save the king!” cried Kaschta, who + rushed on, followed by a crowd of guards whom he had roused; Uarda had + flown to call Bent-Anat, as she knew the way to her room. The king had got + on to the parapet outside the window with Mena, and was calling to the + soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “Half of you get into the house, and first save the princess; the other + half keep the fire from catching the south wing. I will try to get there.” + </p> + <p> + But Nemu’s brand had been effectual, the flames flared up, and the + soldiers strained every nerve to conquer them. Their cries mingled with + the crackling and snapping of the dry wood, and the roar of the flames, + with the trumpet calls of the awakening troops, and the beating of drums. + The young princes appeared at a window; they had tied their clothes + together to form a rope, and one by one escaped down it. + </p> + <p> + Rameses called to them with words of encouragement, but he himself was + unable to take any means of escape, for though the parapet on which he + stood was tolerably wide, and ran round the whole of the building, at + about every six feet it was broken by spaces of about ten paces. The fire + was spreading and growing, and glowing sparks flew round him and his + companion like chaff from the winnowing fan. + </p> + <p> + “Bring some straw and make a heap below!” shouted Rameses, above the roar + of the conflagration. “There is no escape but by a leap down.” + </p> + <p> + The flames rushed out of the windows of the king’s room; it was impossible + to return to it, but neither the king nor Mena lost his self-possession. + When Mena saw the twelve princes descending to the ground, he shouted + through his hands, using them as a speaking trumpet, and called to Rameri, + who was about to slip down the rope they had contrived, the last of them + all. + </p> + <p> + “Pull up the rope, and keep it from injury till I come.” + </p> + <p> + Rameri obeyed the order, and before Rameses could interfere, Mena had + sprung across the space which divided one piece of the balustrade from + another. The king’s blood ran cold as Mena, a second time, ventured the + frightful leap; one false step, and he must meet with the same fearful + death as his enemy Paaker. + </p> + <p> + While the bystanders watched him in breathless silence—while the + crackling of the wood, the roar of the flames, and the dull thump of + falling timber mingled with the distant chant of a procession of priests + who were now approaching the burning pile, Nefert roused by little Scherau + knelt on the bare ground in fervent and passionate prayer to the saving + Gods. She watched every movement of her husband, and she bit her lips till + they bled not to cry out. She felt that he was acting bravely and nobly, + and that he was lost if even for an instant his attention were distracted + from his perilous footing. Now he had reached Rameri, and bound one end of + the rope made out of cloaks and handkerchiefs, round his body; then he + gave the other end to Rameri, who held fast to the window-sill, and + prepared once more to spring. Nefert saw him ready to leap, she pressed + her hands upon her lips to repress a scream, she shut her eyes, and when + she opened them again he had accomplished the first leap, and at the + second the Gods preserved him from falling; at the third the king held out + his hand to him, and saved him from a fall. Then Rameses helped him to + unfasten the rope from round his waist to fasten it to the end of a beam. + </p> + <p> + Rameri now loosened the other end, and followed Mena’s example; he too, + practised in athletic exercises in the school of the House of Seti, + succeeded in accomplishing the three tremendous leaps, and soon the king + stood in safety on the ground. Rameri followed him, and then Mena, whose + faithful wife went to meet him, and wiped the sweat from his throbbing + temples. + </p> + <p> + Rameses hurried to the north wing, where Bent-Anat had her apartments; he + found her safe indeed, but wringing her hands, for her young favorite + Uarda had disappeared in the flames after she had roused her and saved her + with her father’s assistance. Kaschta ran up and down in front of the + burning pavilion, tearing his hair; now calling his child in tones of + anguish, now holding his breath to listen for an answer. To rush at random + into the immense-burning building would have been madness. The king + observed the unhappy man, and set him to lead the soldiers, whom he had + commanded to hew down the wall of Bent-Anat’s rooms, so as to rescue the + girl who might be within. Kaschta seized an axe, and raised it to strike. + </p> + <p> + But he thought that he heard blows from within against one of the shutters + of the ground-floor, which by Katuti’s orders had been securely closed; he + followed the sound—he was not mistaken, the knocking could be + distinctly heard. + </p> + <p> + With all his might he struck the edge of the axe between the shutter and + the wall, and a stream of smoke poured out of the new outlet, and before + him, enveloped in its black clouds, stood a staggering man who held Uarda + in his arms. Kaschta sprang forward into the midst of the smoke and + sparks, and snatched his daughter from the arms of her preserver, who fell + half smothered on his knees. He rushed out into the air with his light and + precious burden, and as he pressed his lips to her closed eyelids his eyes + were wet, and there rose up before him the image of the woman who bore + her, the wife that had stood as the solitary green palm-tree in the desert + waste of his life. But only for a few seconds-Bent-Anat herself took Uarda + into her care, and he hastened back to the burning house. + </p> + <p> + He had recognized his daughter’s preserver; it was the physician Nebsecht, + who had not quitted the princess since their meeting on Sinai, and had + found a place among her suite as her personal physician. + </p> + <p> + The fresh air had rushed into the room through the opening of the shutter, + the broad flames streamed out of the window, but still Nebsecht was alive, + for his groans could be heard through the smoke. Once more Kaschta rushed + towards the window, the bystanders could see that the ceiling of the room + was about to fail, and called out to warn him, but he was already astride + the sill. + </p> + <p> + “I signed myself his slave with my blood,” he cried, “Twice he has saved + my child, and now I will pay my debt,” and he disappeared into the burning + room. + </p> + <p> + He soon reappeared with Nebsecht in his arms, whose robe was already + scorched by the flames. He could be seen approaching the window with his + heavy burden; a hundred soldiers, and with them Pentaur, pressed forward + to help him, and took the senseless leech out of the arms of the soldier, + who lifted him over the window sill. + </p> + <p> + Kaschta was on the point of following him, but before he could swing + himself over, the beams above gave way and fell, burying the brave son of + the paraschites. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur had his insensible friend carried to his tent, and helped the + physicians to bind up his burns. When the cry of fire had been first + raised, Pentaur was sitting in earnest conversation with the high-priest; + he had learned that he was not the son of a gardener, but a descendant of + one of the noblest families in the land. The foundations of life seemed to + be subverted under his feet, Ameni’s revelation lifted him out of the dust + and set him on the marble floor of a palace; and yet Pentaur was neither + excessively surprised nor inordinately rejoiced; he was so well used to + find his joys and sufferings depend on the man within him, and not on the + circumstances without. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he heard the cry of fire, he hastened to the burning pavilion, + and when he saw the king’s danger, he set himself at the head of a number + of soldiers who had hurried up from the camp, intending to venture an + attempt to save Rameses from the inside of the house. Among those who + followed him in this hopeless effort was Katuti’s reckless son, who had + distinguished himself by his valor before Kadesh, and who hailed this + opportunity of again proving his courage. Falling walls choked up the way + in front of these brave adventurers; but it was not till several had + fallen choked or struck down by burning logs, that they made up their + minds to retire—one of the first that was killed was Katuti’s son, + Nefert’s brother. + </p> + <p> + Uarda had been carried into the nearest tent. Her pretty head lay in + Bent-Anat’s lap, and Nefert tried to restore her to animation by rubbing + her temples with strong essences. Presently the girl’s lips moved: with + returning consciousness all she had seen and suffered during the last hour + or two recurred to her mind; she felt herself rushing through the camp + with her father, hurrying through the corridor to the princess’s rooms, + while he broke in the doors closed by Katuti’s orders; she saw Bent-Anat + as she roused her, and conducted her to safety; she remembered her horror + when, just as she reached the door, she discovered that she had left in + her chest her jewel, the only relic of her lost mother, and her rapid + return which was observed by no one but by the leech Nebsecht. + </p> + <p> + Again she seemed to live through the anguish she had felt till she once + more had the trinket safe in her bosom, the horror that fell upon her when + she found her escape impeded by smoke and flames, and the weakness which + overcame her; and she felt as if the strange white-robed priest once more + raised her in his arms. She remembered the tenderness of his eyes as he + looked into hers, and she smiled half gratefully but half displeased at + the tender kiss which had been pressed on her lips before she found + herself in her father’s strong arms. + </p> + <p> + “How sweet she is!” said Bent-Anat. “I believe poor Nebsecht is right in + saying that her mother was the daughter of some great man among the + foreign people. Look what pretty little hands and feet, and her skin is as + clear as Phoenician glass.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. + </h2> + <p> + While the friends were occupied in restoring Uarda to animation, and in + taking affectionate care of her, Katuti was walking restlessly backwards + and forwards in her tent. + </p> + <p> + Soon after she had slipped out for the purpose of setting fire to the + palace, Scherau’s cry had waked up Nefert, and Katuti found her daughter’s + bed empty when, with blackened hands and limbs trembling with agitation, + she came back from her criminal task. + </p> + <p> + Now she waited in vain for Nemu and Paaker. + </p> + <p> + Her steward, whom she sent on repeated messages of enquiry whether the + Regent had returned, constantly brought back a negative answer, and added + the information that he had found the body of old Hekt lying on the open + ground. The widow’s heart sank with fear; she was full of dark forebodings + while she listened to the shouts of the people engaged in putting out the + fire, the roll of drums, and the trumpets of the soldiers calling each + other to the help of the king. + </p> + <p> + To these sounds now was added the dull crash of falling timbers and walls. + </p> + <p> + A faint smile played upon her thin lips, and she thought to herself: + “There—that perhaps fell on the king, and my precious son-in-law, + who does not deserve such a fate—if we had not fallen into disgrace, + and if since the occurrences before Kadesh he did not cling to his + indulgent lord as a calf follows a cow.” + </p> + <p> + She gathered fresh courage, and fancied she could hear the voice of + Ethiopian troops hailing the Regent as king—could see Ani decorated + with the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, seated on Rameses’ throne, and + herself by his side in rich though unpretending splendor. She pictured + herself with her son and daughter as enjoying Mena’s estate, freed from + debt and increased by Ani’s generosity, and then a new, intoxicating hope + came into her mind. Perhaps already at this moment her daughter was a + widow, and why should she not be so fortunate as to induce Ani to select + her child, the prettiest woman in Thebes, for his wife? Then she, the + mother of the queen, would be indeed unimpeachable, and all-powerful. She + had long since come to regard the pioneer as a tool to be cast aside, nay + soon to be utterly destroyed; his wealth might probably at some future + time be bestowed upon her son, who had distinguished himself at Kadesh, + and whom Ani must before long promote to be his charioteer or the + commander of the chariot warriors. + </p> + <p> + Flattered by these fancies, she forgot every care as she walked faster and + faster to and fro in her tent. Suddenly the steward, whom she had this + time sent to the very scene of the fire, rushed into the tent, and with + every token of terror broke to her the news that the king and his + charioteer were hanging in mid air on a narrow wooden parapet, and that + unless some miracle happened they must inevitably be killed. It was said + that incendiaries had occasioned the fire, and he, the steward, had + hastened forward to prepare her for evil news as the mangled body of the + pioneer, which had been identified by the ring on his finger, and the poor + little corpse of Nemu, pierced through by an arrow, had been carried past + him. + </p> + <p> + Katuti was silent for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “And the king’s sons?” she asked with an anxious sigh. + </p> + <p> + “The Gods be praised,” replied the steward, “they succeeded in letting + themselves down to the ground by a rope made of their garments knotted + together, and some were already safe when I came away.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti’s face clouded darkly; once more she sent forth her messenger. The + minutes of his absence seemed like days; her bosom heaved in stormy + agitation, then for a moment she controlled herself, and again her heart + seemed to cease beating—she closed her eyes as if her anguish of + anxiety was too much for her strength. At last, long after sunrise, the + steward reappeared. + </p> + <p> + Pale, trembling, hardly able to control his voice, he threw himself on the + ground at her feet crying out: + </p> + <p> + “Alas! this night! prepare for the worst, mistress! May Isis comfort thee, + who saw thy son fall in the service of his king and father! May Amon, the + great God of Thebes, give thee strength! Our pride, our hope, thy son is + slain, killed by a falling beam.” + </p> + <p> + Pale and still as if frozen, Katuti shed not a tear; for a minute she did + not speak, then she asked in a dull tone: + </p> + <p> + “And Rameses?” + </p> + <p> + “The Gods be praised!” answered the servant, “he is safe-rescued by Mena!” + </p> + <p> + “And Ani?” + </p> + <p> + “Burnt!—they found his body disfigured out of all recognition; they + knew him again by the jewels he wore at the banquet.” + </p> + <p> + Katuti gazed into vacancy, and the steward started back as from a mad + woman when, instead of bursting into tears, she clenched her small + jewelled hands, shook her fists in the air, and broke into loud, wild + laughter; then, startled at the sound of her own voice, she suddenly + became silent and fixed her eyes vacantly on the ground. She neither saw + nor heard that the captain of the watch, who was called “the eyes and ears + of the king,” had come in through the door of her tent followed by several + officers and a scribe; he came up to her, and called her by her name. Not + till the steward timidly touched her did she collect her senses like one + suddenly roused from deep sleep. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing in my tent?” she asked the officer, drawing herself up + haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of the chief judge of Thebes,” said the captain of the watch + solemnly. “I arrest you, and hail you before the high court of justice, to + defend yourself against the grave and capital charges of high treason, + attempted regicide, and incendiarism.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready,” said the widow, and a scornful smile curled her lips. Then + with her usual dignity she pointed to a seat and said: + </p> + <p> + “Be seated while I dress.” + </p> + <p> + The officer bowed, but remained standing at the door of the tent while she + arranged her black hair, set her diadem on her brow, opened her little + ointment chest, and took from it a small phial of the rapid poison + strychnine, which some months before she had procured through Nemu from + the old witch Hekt. + </p> + <p> + “My mirror!” she called to a maid servant, who squatted in a corner of the + tent. She held the metal mirror so as to conceal her face from the captain + of the watch, put the little flask to her lips and emptied it at one + mouthful. The mirror fell from her hand, she staggered, a deadly + convulsion seized her—the officer rushed forward, and while she + fixed her dying look upon him she said: + </p> + <p> + “My game is lost, but Ameni—tell Ameni that he will not win either.” + </p> + <p> + She fell forward, murmured Nefert’s name, struggled convulsively and was + dead. + </p> + <p> + When the draught of happiness which the Gods prepare for some few men, + seems to flow clearest and purest, Fate rarely fails to infuse into it + some drop of bitterness. And yet we should not therefore disdain it, for + it is that very drop of bitterness which warns us to drink of the joys of + life thankfully, and in moderation. + </p> + <p> + The perfect happiness of Mena and Nefert was troubled by the fearful death + of Katuti, but both felt as if they now for the first time knew the full + strength of their love for each other. Mena had to make up to his wife for + the loss of mother and brother, and Nefert to restore to her husband much + that he had been robbed of by her relatives, and they felt that they had + met again not merely for pleasure but to be to each other a support and a + consolation. + </p> + <p> + Rameses quitted the scene of the fire full of gratitude to the Gods who + had shown such grace to him and his. He ordered numberless steers to be + sacrificed, and thanksgiving festivals to be held throughout the land; but + he was cut to the heart by the betrayal to which he had fallen a victim. + He longed—as he always did in moments when the balance of his mind + had been disturbed—for an hour of solitude, and retired to the tent + which had been hastily erected for him. He could not bear to enter the + splendid pavilion which had been Ani’s; it seemed to him infested with the + leprosy of falsehood and treason. + </p> + <p> + For an hour he remained alone, and weighed the worst he had suffered at + the hands of men against that which was good and cheering, and he found + that the good far outweighed the evil. He vividly realized the magnitude + of his debt of gratitude, not to the Immortals only, but also to his + earthly friends, as he recalled every moment of this morning’s experience. + </p> + <p> + “Gratitude,” he said to himself, “was impressed on you by your mother; you + yourself have taught your children to be grateful. Piety is gratitude to + the Gods, and he only is really generous who does not forget the gratitude + he owes to men.” + </p> + <p> + He had thrown off all bitterness of feeling when he sent for Bent-Anat and + Pentaur to be brought to his tent. He made his daughter relate at full + length how the poet had won her love, and though he frequently interrupted + her with blame as well as praise, his heart was full of fatherly joy when + he laid his darling’s hand in that of the poet. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat laid her head in full content on the breast of the noble Assa’s + grandson, but she would have clung not less fondly to Pentaur the + gardener’s son. + </p> + <p> + “Now you are one of my own children,” said Rameses; and he desired the + poet to remain with him while he commanded the heralds, ambassadors, and + interpreters to bring to him the Asiatic princes, who were detained in + their own tents on the farther side of the Nile, that he might conclude + with them such a treaty of peace as might continue valid for generations + to come. Before they arrived, the young princes came to their father’s + tent, and learned from his own lips the noble birth of Pentaur, and that + they owed it to their sister that in him they saw another brother; they + welcomed him with sincere affection, and all, especially Rameri, warmly + congratulated the handsome and worthy couple. + </p> + <p> + The king then called Rameri forward from among his brothers, and thanked + him before them all for his brave conduct during the fire. He had already + been invested with the robe of manhood after the battle of Kadesh; he was + now appointed to the command of a legion of chariot-warriors, and the + order of the lion to wear round his neck was bestowed on him for his + bravery. The prince knelt, and thanked his father; but Rameses took the + curly head in his hands and said: + </p> + <p> + “You have won praise and reward by your splendid deeds from the father + whom you have saved and filled with pride. But the king watches over the + laws, and guides the destiny cf this land, the king must blame you, nay + perhaps punish you. You could not yield to the discipline of school, where + we all must learn to obey if we would afterwards exercise our authority + with moderation, and without any orders you left Egypt and joined the + army. You showed the courage and strength of a man, but the folly of a boy + in all that regards prudence and foresight—things harder to learn + for the son of a race of heroes than mere hitting and slashing at random; + you, without experience, measured yourself against masters of the art of + war, and what was the consequence? Twice you fell a prisoner into the + hands of the enemy, and I had to ransom you. + </p> + <p> + “The king of the Danaids gave you up in exchange for his daughter, and he + rejoices long since in the restoration of his child; but we, in losing + her, lost the most powerful means of coercing the seafaring nations of the + islands and northern coasts of the great sea who are constantly increasing + in might and daring, and so diminished our chances of securing a solid and + abiding peace. + </p> + <p> + “Thus—through the careless wilfulness of a boy, the great work is + endangered which I had hoped to have achieved. It grieves me particularly + to humiliate your spirit to-day, when I have had so much reason to + encourage you with praise. Nor will I punish you, only warn you and teach + you. The mechanism of the state is like the working of the cogged wheels + which move the water-works on the shore of the Nile-if one tooth is + missing the whole comes to a stand-still however strong the beasts that + labor to turn it. Each of you—bear this in mind—is a + main-wheel in the great machine of the state, and can serve an end only by + acting unresistingly in obedience to the motive power. Now rise! we may + perhaps succeed in obtaining good security from the Asiatic king, though + we have lost our hostage.” + </p> + <p> + Heralds at this moment marched into the tent, and announced that the + representative of the Cheta king and the allied princes were in attendance + in the council tent; Rameses put on the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt and + all his royal adornments; the chamberlain who carried the insignia of his + power, and his head scribe with his decoration of plumes marched before + him, while his sons, the commanders in chief, and the interpreters + followed him. Rameses took his seat on his throne with great dignity, and + the sternest gravity marked his demeanor while he received the homage of + the conquered and fettered kings. + </p> + <p> + The Asiatics kissed the earth at his feet, only the king of the Danaids + did no more than bow before him. Rameses looked wrathfully at him, and + ordered the interpreter to ask him whether he considered himself conquered + or no, and the answer was given that he had not come before the Pharaoh as + a prisoner, and that the obeisance which Rameses required of him was + regarded as a degradation according to the customs of his free-born + people, who prostrated them selves only before the Gods. He hoped to + become an ally of the king of Egypt, and he asked would he desire to call + a degraded man his friend? + </p> + <p> + Rameses measured the proud and noble figure before him with a glance, and + said severely: + </p> + <p> + “I am prepared to treat for peace only with such of my enemies as are + willing to bow to the double crown that I wear. If you persist in your + refusal, you and your people will have no part in the favorable conditions + that I am prepared to grant to these, your allies.” + </p> + <p> + The captive prince preserved his dignified demeanor, which was + nevertheless free from insolence, when these words of the king were + interpreted to him, and replied that he had come intending to procure + peace at any cost, but that he never could nor would grovel in the dust at + any man’s feet nor before any crown. He would depart on the following day; + one favor, however, he requested in his daughter’s name and his own—and + he had heard that the Egyptians respected women. The king knew, of course, + that his charioteer Mena had treated his daughter, not as a prisoner but + as a sister, and Praxilla now felt a wish, which he himself shared, to bid + farewell to the noble Mena, and his wife, and to thank him for his + magnanimous generosity. Would Rameses permit him once more to cross the + Nile before his departure, and with his daughter to visit Mena in his + tent. + </p> + <p> + Rameses granted his prayer: the prince left the tent, and the negotiations + began. + </p> + <p> + In a few hours they were brought to a close, for the Asiatic and Egyptian + scribes had agreed, in the course of the long march southwards, on the + stipulations to be signed; the treaty itself was to be drawn up after the + articles had been carefully considered, and to be signed in the city of + Rameses called Tanis—or, by the numerous settlers in its + neighborhood, Zoan. The Asiatic princes were to dine as guests with the + king; but they sat at a separate table, as the Egyptians would have been + defiled by sitting at the same table with strangers. + </p> + <p> + Rameses was not perfectly satisfied. If the Danaids went away without + concluding a treaty with him, it was to be expected that the peace which + he was so earnestly striving for would before long be again disturbed; and + he nevertheless felt that, out of regard for the other conquered princes, + he could not forego any jot of the humiliation which he had required of + their king, and which he believed to be due to himself—though he had + been greatly impressed by his dignified manliness and by the bravery of + the troops that had followed him into the field. + </p> + <p> + The sun was sinking when Mena, who that day had leave of absence from the + king, came in great excitement up to the table where the princes were + sitting and craved the king’s permission to make an important + communication. Rameses signed consent; the charioteer went close up to + him, and they held a short but eager conversation in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + Presently the king stood up and said, speaking to his daughter: + </p> + <p> + “This day which began so horribly will end joyfully. The fair child who + saved you to-day, but who so nearly fell a victim to the flames, is of + noble origin.” + </p> + <p> + “She cones of a royal house,” said Rameri, disrespectfully interrupting + his father. Rameses looked at him reprovingly. “My sons are silent,” he + said, “till I ask them to speak.” + </p> + <p> + The prince colored and looked down; the king signed to Bent-Anat and + Pentaur, begged his guests to excuse him for a short time, and was about + to leave the tent; but Bent-Anat went up to him, and whispered a few words + to him with reference to her brother. Not in vain: the king paused, and + reflected for a few moments; then he looked at Rameri, who stood abashed, + and as if rooted to the spot where he stood. The king called his name, and + beckoned him to follow him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. + </h2> + <p> + Rameri had rushed off to summon the physicians, while Bent-Anat was + endeavoring to restore the rescued Uarda to consciousness, and he followed + them into his sister’s tent. He gazed with tender anxiety into the face of + the half suffocated girl, who, though uninjured, still remained + unconscious, and took her hand to press his lips to her slender fingers, + but Bent-Anat pushed him gently away; then in low tones that trembled with + emotion he implored her not to send him away, and told her how dear the + girl whose life he had saved in the fight in the Necropolis had become to + him—how, since his departure for Syria, he had never ceased to think + of her night and day, and that he desired to make her his wife. + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat was startled; she reminded her brother of the stain that lay on + the child of the paraschites and through which she herself had suffered so + much; but Rameri answered eagerly: + </p> + <p> + “In Egypt rank and birth are derived through the mother and Kaschta’s dead + wife—” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” interrupted Bent-Anat. “Nebsecht has already told us that she + was a dumb woman, a prisoner of war, and I myself believe that she was of + no mean house, for Uarda is nobly formed in face and figure.” + </p> + <p> + “And her skin is as fine as the petal of a flower,” cried Rameri. “Her + voice is like the ring of pure gold, and—Oh! look, she is moving. + Uarda, open your eyes, Uarda! When the sun rises we praise the Gods. Open + your eyes! how thankful, how joyful I shall be if those two suns only rise + again.” + </p> + <p> + Bent-Anat smiled, and drew her brother away from the heavily-breathing + girl, for a leech came into the tent to say that a warm medicated bath had + been prepared and was ready for Uarda. The princess ordered her + waiting-women to help lift the senseless girl, and was preparing to follow + her when a message from her father required her presence in his tent. She + could guess at the significance of this command, and desired Rameri to + leave her that she might dress in festal garments; she could entrust Uarda + to the care of Nefert during her absence. + </p> + <p> + “She is kind and gentle, and she knows Uarda so well,” said the princess, + “and the necessity of caring for this dear little creature will do her + good. Her heart is torn between sorrow for her lost relations, and joy at + being united again to her love. My father has given Mena leave of absence + from his office for several days, and I have excused her from her + attendance on me, for the time during which we were so necessary to each + other really came to an end yesterday. I feel, Rameri, as if we, after our + escape, were like the sacred phoenix which comes to Heliopolis and burns + itself to death only to soar again from its ashes young and radiant—blessed + and blessing!” + </p> + <p> + When her brother had left her, she threw herself before the image of her + mother and prayed long and earnestly; she poured an offering of sweet + perfume on the little altar of the Goddess Hathor, which always + accompanied her, had herself dressed in happy preparation for meeting her + father, and—she did not conceal it from herself—Pentaur, then + she went for a moment to Nefert’s tent to beg her to take good care of + Uarda, and finally obeyed the summons of the king, who, as we know, + fulfilled her utmost hopes. + </p> + <p> + As Rameri quitted his sister’s tent he saw the watch seize and lead away a + little boy; the child cried bitterly, and the prince in a moment + recognized the little sculptor Scherau, who had betrayed the Regent’s plot + to him and to Uarda, and whom he had already fancied he had seen about the + place. The guards had driven him away several times from the princess’s + tent, but he had persisted in returning, and this obstinate waiting in the + neighborhood had aroused the suspicions of an officer; for since the fire + a thousand rumors of conspiracies and plots against the king had been + flying about the camp. Rameri at once freed the little prisoner, and heard + from him that it was old Hekt who, before her death, had sent Kaschta and + his daughter to the rescue of the king, that he himself had helped to + rouse the troops, that now he had no home and wished to go to Uarda. + </p> + <p> + The prince himself led the child to Nefert, and begged her to allow him to + see Uarda, and to let him stay with her servants till he himself returned + from his father’s tent. + </p> + <p> + The leeches had treated Uarda with judgment, for under the influence of + the bath she recovered her senses; when she had been dressed again in + fresh garments and refreshed by the essences and medicines which they gave + her to inhale and to drink, she was led back into Nefert’s tent, where + Mena, who had never before seen her, was astonished at her peculiar and + touching beauty. + </p> + <p> + “She is very like my Danaid princess,” he said to his wife; “only she is + younger and much prettier than she.” + </p> + <p> + Little Scherau came in to pay his respects to her, and she was delighted + to see the boy; still she was sad, and however kindly Nefert spoke to her + she remained in silent reverie, while from time to time a large tear + rolled down her cheek. + </p> + <p> + “You have lost your father!” said Nefert, trying to comfort her. “And I, + my mother and brother both in one day.” + </p> + <p> + “Kaschta was rough but, oh! so kind,” replied Uarda. “He was always so + fond of me; he was like the fruit of the doom palm; its husk is hard and + rough, but he who knows how to open it finds the sweet pulp within. Now he + is dead, and my grandfather and grandmother are gone before him, and I am + like the green leaf that I saw floating on the waters when we were + crossing the sea; anything so forlorn I never saw, abandoned by all it + belonged to or had ever loved, the sport of a strange element in which + nothing resembling itself ever grew or ever can grow.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert kissed her forehead. “You have friends,” she said, “who will never + abandon you.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know!” said Uarda thoughtfully, “and yet I am alone—for + the first time really alone. In Thebes I have often looked after the wild + swans as they passed across the sky; one flies in front, then comes the + body of the wandering party, and very often, far behind, a solitary + straggler; and even this last one I do not call lonely, for he can still + see his brethren in front of him. But when the hunters have shot down all + the low-flying loiterers, and the last one has lost sight of the flock, + and knows that he never again can find them or follow them he is indeed to + be pitied. I am as unhappy as the abandoned bird, for I have lost sight + to-day of all that I belong to, and I am alone, and can never find them + again.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be welcomed into some more noble house than that to which you + belong by birth,” said Nefert, to comfort her. + </p> + <p> + Uarda’s eyes flashed, and she said proudly, almost defiantly: + </p> + <p> + “My race is that of my mother, who was a daughter of no mean house; the + reason I turned back this morning and went into the smoke and fire again + after I had escaped once into the open air—what I went back for, + because I felt it was worth dying for, was my mother’s legacy, which I had + put away with my holiday dress when I followed the wretched Nemu to his + tent. I threw myself into the jaws of death to save the jewel, but + certainly not because it is made of gold and precious stones—for I + do not care to be rich, and I want no better fare than a bit of bread and + a few dates and a cup of water—but because it has a name on it in + strange characters, and because I believe it will serve to discover the + people from whom my mother was carried off; and now I have lost the jewel, + and with it my identity and my hopes and happiness.” + </p> + <p> + Uarda wept aloud; Nefert put her arm around her affectionately. + </p> + <p> + “Poor child!” she said, “was your treasure destroyed in the flames?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” cried Uarda eagerly. “I snatched it out of my chest and held it + in my hand when Nebsecht took me in his arms, and I still had it in my + hand when I was lying safe on the ground outside the burning house, and + Bent-Anat was close to me, and Rameri came up. I remember seeing him as if + I were in a dream, and I revived a little, and I felt the jewel in my + fingers then.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it was dropped on the way to the tent?” said Nefert. + </p> + <p> + Uarda nodded; little Scherau, who had been crouching on the floor beside + her, gave Uarda a loving glance, dimmed with tears, and quietly slipped + out of the tent. + </p> + <p> + Time went by in silence; Uarda sat looking at the ground, Nefert and Mena + held each other’s hands, but the thoughts of all three were with the dead. + A perfect stillness reigned, and the happiness of the reunited couple was + darkly overshadowed by their sorrow. From time to time the silence was + broken by a trumpet-blast from the royal tent; first when the Asiatic + princes were introduced into the Council-tent, then when the Danaid king + departed, and lastly when the Pharaoh preceded the conquered princes to + the banquet. + </p> + <p> + The charioteer remembered how his master had restored him to dignity and + honor, for the sake of his faithful wife; and gratefully pressed her hand. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there was a noise in front of the tent, and an officer entered to + announce to Mena that the Danaid king and his daughter, accompanied by + body-guard, requested to see and speak with him and Nefert. + </p> + <p> + The entrance to the tent was thrown wide open. Uarda retired modestly into + the back-ground, and Mena and Nefert went forward hand in hand to meet + their unexpected guests. + </p> + <p> + The Greek prince was an old man, his beard and thick hair were grey, but + his movements were youthful and light, though dignified and deliberate. + His even, well-formed features were deeply furrowed, he had large, bright, + clear blue eyes, but round his fine lips were lines of care. Close to him + walked his daughter; her long white robe striped with purple was held + round her hips by a golden girdle, and her sunny yellow hair fell in + waving locks over her neck and shoulders, while it was confined by a + diadem which encircled her head; she was of middle height, and her motions + were measured and calm like her father’s. Her brow was narrow, and in one + line with her straight nose, her rosy mouth was sweet and kind, and beyond + everything beautiful were the lines of her oval face and the turn of her + snow-white throat. By their side stood the interpreter who translated + every word of the conversation on both sides. Behind them came two men and + two women, who carried gifts for Mena and his wife. + </p> + <p> + The prince praised Mena’s magnanimity in the warmest terms. + </p> + <p> + “You have proved to me,” he said, “that the virtues of gratitude, of + constancy, and of faith are practised by the Egyptians; although your + merit certainly appears less to me now that I see your wife, for he who + owns the fairest may easily forego any taste for the fair.” + </p> + <p> + Nefert blushed. + </p> + <p> + “Your generosity,” she answered, “does me more than justice at your + daughter’s expense, and love moved my husband to the same injustice, but + your beautiful daughter must forgive you and me also.” + </p> + <p> + Praxilla went towards her and expressed her thanks; then she offered her + the costly coronet, the golden clasps and strings of rare pearls which her + women carried; her father begged Mena to accept a coat of mail and a + shield of fine silver work. The strangers were then led into the tent, and + were there welcomed and entertained with all honor, and offered bread and + wine. While Mena pledged her father, Praxilla related to Nefert, with the + help of the interpreter, what hours of terror she had lived through after + she had been taken prisoner by the Egyptians, and was brought into the + camp with the other spoils of war; how an older commander had asserted his + claim to her, how Mena had given her his hand, had led her to his tent, + and had treated her like his own daughter. Her voice shook with emotion, + and even the interpreter was moved as she concluded her story with these + words: “How grateful I am to him, you will fully understand when I tell + you that the man who was to have been my husband fell wounded before my + eyes while defending our camp; but he has recovered, and now only awaits + my return for our wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “May the Gods only grant it!” cried the king, “for Praxilla is the last + child of my house. The murderous war robbed me of my four fair sons before + they had taken wives, my son-in-law was slain by the Egyptians at the + taking of our camp, and his wife and new-born son fell into their hands, + and Praxilla is my youngest child, the only one left to me by the envious + Gods.” + </p> + <p> + While he was still speaking, they heard the guards call out and a child’s + loud cry, and at the same instant little Scherau rushed into the tent + holding up his hand exclaiming. + </p> + <p> + “I have it! I have found it!” + </p> + <p> + Uarda, who had remained behind the curtain which screened the sleeping + room of the tent—but who had listened with breathless attention to + every word of the foreigners, and who had never taken her eyes off the + fair Praxilla—now came forward, emboldened by her agitation, into + the midst of the tent, and took the jewel from the child’s hand to show it + to the Greek king; for while she stood gazing at Praxilla it seemed to her + that she was looking at herself in a mirror, and the idea had rapidly + grown to conviction that her mother had been a daughter of the Danaids. + Her heart beat violently as she went up to the king with a modest + demeanor, her head bent down, but holding her jewel up for him to see. + </p> + <p> + The bystanders all gazed in astonishment at the veteran chief, for he + staggered as she came up to him, stretched out his hands as if in terror + towards the girl, and drew back crying out: + </p> + <p> + “Xanthe, Xanthe! Is your spirit freed from Hades? Are you come to summon + me?” + </p> + <p> + Praxilla looked at her father in alarm, but suddenly she, too, gave a + piercing cry, snatched a chain from her neck, hurried towards Uarda, and + seizing the jewel she held, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Here is the other half of the ornament, it belonged to my poor sister + Xanthe!” + </p> + <p> + The old Greek was a pathetic sight, he struggled hard to collect himself, + looking with tender delight at Uarda, his sinewy hands trembled as he + compared the two pieces of the necklet; they matched precisely—each + represented the wing of an eagle which was attached to half an oval + covered with an inscription; when they were laid together they formed the + complete figure of a bird with out-spread wings, on whose breast the lines + exactly matched of the following oracular verse: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Alone each is a trifling thing, a woman’s useless toy + But with its counterpart behold! the favorite bird of Zeus.” + </pre> + <p> + A glance at the inscription convinced the king that he held in his hand + the very jewel which he had put with his own hands round the neck of his + daughter Xanthe on her marriage-day, and of which the other half had been + preserved by her mother, from whom it had descended to Praxilla. It had + originally been made for his wife and her twin sister who had died young. + Before he made any enquiries, or asked for any explanations, he took + Uarda’s head between his hands, and turning her face close to his he gazed + at her features, as if he were reading a book in which he expected to find + a memorial of all the blissful hours of his youth, and the girl felt no + fear; nor did she shrink when he pressed his lips to her forehead, for she + felt that this man’s blood ran in her own veins. At last the king signed + to the interpreter; Uarda was asked to tell all she knew of her mother, + and when she said that she had come a captive to Thebes with an infant + that had soon after died, that her father had bought her and had loved her + in spite of her being dumb, the prince’s conviction became certainty; he + acknowledged Uarda as his grandchild, and Praxilla clasped her in her + arms. + </p> + <p> + Then he told Mena that it was now twenty years since his son-in-law had + been killed, and his daughter Xanthe, whom Uarda exactly resembled, had + been carried into captivity. Praxilla was then only just born, and his + wife died of the shock of such terrible news. All his enquiries for Xanthe + and her child had been fruitless, but he now remembered that once, when he + had offered a large ransom for his daughter if she could be found, the + Egyptians had enquired whether she were dumb, and that he had answered + “no.” No doubt Xanthe had lost the power of speech through grief, terror, + and suffering. + </p> + <p> + The joy of the king was unspeakable, and Uarda was never tired of gazing + at his daughter and holding her hand. + </p> + <p> + Then she turned to the interpreter. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” she said. “How do I say ‘I am so very happy?’” + </p> + <p> + He told her, and she smilingly repeated his words. “Now ‘Uarda will love + you with all her heart?’” and she said it after him in broken accents that + sounded so sweet and so heart-felt, that the old man clasped her to his + breast. + </p> + <p> + Tears of emotion stood in Nefert’s eyes, and when Uarda flung herself into + her arms she said: + </p> + <p> + “The forlorn swan has found its kindred, the floating leaf has reached the + shore, and must be happy now!” Thus passed an hour of the purest + happiness; at last the Greek king prepared to leave, and the wished to + take Uarda with him; but Mena begged his permission to communicate all + that had occurred to the Pharaoh and Bent-Anat, for Uarda was attached to + the princess’s train, and had been left in his charge, and he dared not + trust her in any other hands without Bent-Anat’s permission. Without + waiting for the king’s reply he left the tent, hastened to the banqueting + tent, and, as we know, Rameses and the princess had at once attended to + his summons. + </p> + <p> + On the way Mena gave them a vivid description of the exciting events that + had taken place, and Rameses, with a side glance at Bent-Anat, asked + Rameri: + </p> + <p> + “Would you be prepared to repair your errors, and to win the friendship of + the Greek king by being betrothed to his granddaughter?” + </p> + <p> + The prince could not answer a word, but he clasped his father’s hand, and + kissed it so warmly that Rameses, as he drew it away, said: + </p> + <p> + “I really believe that you have stolen a march on me, and have been + studying diplomacy behind my back!” + </p> + <p> + Rameses met his noble opponent outside Mena’s tent, and was about to offer + him his hand, but the Danaid chief had sunk on his knees before him as the + other princes had done. + </p> + <p> + “Regard me not as a king and a warrior,” he exclaimed, “only as a + suppliant father; let us conclude a peace, and permit me to take this + maiden, my grandchild, home with me to my own country.” + </p> + <p> + Rameses raised the old man from the ground, gave him his hand, and said + kindly: + </p> + <p> + “I can only grant the half of what you ask. I, as king of Egypt, am most + willing to grant you a faithful compact for a sound and lasting peace; as + regards this maiden, you must treat with my children, first with my + daughter Bent-Anat, one of whose ladies she is, and then with your + released prisoner there, who wishes to make Uarda his wife.” + </p> + <p> + “I will resign my share in the matter to my brother,” said Bent-Anat, “and + I only ask you, maiden, whether you are inclined to acknowledge him as + your lord and master?” + </p> + <p> + Uarda bowed assent, and looked at her grandfather with an expression which + he understood without any interpreter. + </p> + <p> + “I know you well,” he said, turning to Rameri. “We stood face to face in + the fight, and I took you prisoner as you fell stunned by a blow from my + sword. You are still too rash, but that is a fault which time will amend + in a youth of your heroic temper. Listen to me now, and you too, noble + Pharaoh, permit me these few words; let us betroth these two, and may + their union be the bond of ours, but first grant me for a year to take my + long-lost child home with me that she may rejoice my old heart, and that I + may hear from her lips the accents of her mother, whom you took from me. + They are both young; according to the usages of our country, where both + men and women ripen later than in your country, they are almost too young + for the solemn tie of marriage. But one thing above all will determine you + to favor my wishes; this daughter of a royal house has grown up amid the + humblest surroundings; here she has no home, no family-ties. The prince + has wooed her, so to speak, on the highway, but if she now comes with me + he can enter the palace of kings as suitor to a princess, and the marriage + feast I will provide shall be a right royal one.” + </p> + <p> + “What you demand is just and wise,” replied Rameses. “Take your + grand-child with you as my son’s betrothed bride—my future daughter. + Give me your hands, my children. The delay will teach you patience, for + Rameri must remain a full year from to-day in Egypt, and it will be to + your profit, sweet child, for the obedience which he will learn through + his training in the army will temper the nature of your future husband. + You, Rameri, shall in a year from to-day—and I think you will not + forget the date—find at your service a ship in the harbor of + Pelusium, fitted and manned with Phoenicians, to convey you to your + wedding.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it!” exclaimed the old man. “And by Zeus who hears me swear—I + will not withhold Xanthe’s daughter from your son when he comes to claim + her!” + </p> + <p> + When Rameri returned to the princes’ tent he threw himself on their necks + in turn, and when he found himself alone with their surly old + house-steward, he snatched his wig from his head, flung it in the air, and + then coaxingly stroked the worthy officer’s cheeks as he set it on his + head again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. + </h2> + <p> + Uarda accompanied her grandfather and Praxilla to their tent on the + farther side of the Nile, but she was to return next morning to the + Egyptian camp to take leave of all her friends, and to provide for her + father’s internment. Nor did she delay attending to the last wishes of old + Hekt, and Bent-Anat easily persuaded her father, when he learnt how + greatly he had been indebted to her, to have her embalmed like a lady of + rank. + </p> + <p> + Before Uarda left the Egyptian camp, Pentaur came to entreat her to afford + her dying preserver Nebsecht the last happiness of seeing her once more; + Uarda acceded with a blush, and the poet, who had watched all night by his + friend, went forward to prepare him for her visit. + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht’s burns and a severe wound on his head caused him great + suffering; his cheeks glowed with fever, and the physicians told Pentaur + that he probably could not live more than a few hours. + </p> + <p> + The poet laid his cool hand on his friend’s brow, and spoke to him + encouragingly; but Nebsecht smiled at his words with the peculiar + expression of a man who knows that his end is near, and said in a low + voice and with a visible effort: + </p> + <p> + “A few breaths more and here, and here, will be peace.” He laid his hand + on his head and on his heart. + </p> + <p> + “We all attain to peace,” said Pentaur. “But perhaps only to labor more + earnestly and unweariedly in the land beyond the grave. If the Gods reward + any thing it is the honest struggle, the earnest seeking after truth; if + any spirit can be made one with the great Soul of the world it will be + yours, and if any eye may see the Godhead through the veil which here + shrouds the mystery of His existence yours will have earned the + privilege.” + </p> + <p> + “I have pushed and pulled,” sighed Nebsecht, “with all my might, and now + when I thought I had caught a glimpse of the truth the heavy fist of death + comes down upon me and shuts my eyes. What good will it do me to see with + the eye of the Divinity or to share in his omniscience? It is not seeing, + it is seeking that is delightful—so delightful that I would + willingly set my life there against another life here for the sake of it.” + He was silent, for his strength failed, and Pentaur begged him to keep + quiet, and to occupy his mind in recalling all the hours of joy which life + had given him. + </p> + <p> + “They have been few,” said the leech. “When my mother kissed me and gave + me dates, when I could work and observe in peace, when you opened my eyes + to the beautiful world of poetry—that was good!” + </p> + <p> + And you have soothed the sufferings of many men, added Pentaur, “and never + caused pain to any one.” + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I drove the old paraschites,” he muttered, “to madness and to death.” + </p> + <p> + He was silent for a long time, then he looked up eagerly and said: “But + not intentionally—and not in vain! In Syria, at Megiddo I could work + undisturbed; now I know what the organ is that thinks. The heart! What is + the heart? A ram’s heart or a man’s heart, they serve the same end; they + turn the wheel of animal life, they both beat quicker in terror or in joy, + for we feel fear or pleasure just as animals do. But Thought, the divine + power that flies to the infinite, and enables us to form and prove our + opinions, has its seat here—Here in the brain, behind the brow.” + </p> + <p> + He paused exhausted and overcome with pain. Pentaur thought he was + wandering in his fever, and offered him a cooling drink while two + physicians walked round his bed singing litanies; then, as Nebsecht raised + himself in bed with renewed energy, the poet said to him: + </p> + <p> + “The fairest memory of your life must surely be that of the sweet child + whose face, as you once confessed to me, first opened your soul to the + sense of beauty, and whom with your own hands you snatched from death at + the cost of your own life. You know Uarda has found her own relatives and + is happy, and she is very grateful to her preserver, and would like to see + him once more before she goes far away with her grandfather.” + </p> + <p> + The sick man hesitated before he answered softly: + </p> + <p> + “Let her come—but I will look at her from a distance.” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur went out and soon returned with Uarda, who remained standing with + glowing cheeks and tears in her eyes at the door of the tent. The leech + looked at her a long time with an imploring and tender expression, then he + said: + </p> + <p> + “Accept my thanks—and be happy.” + </p> + <p> + The girl would have gone up to him to take his hand, but he waved her off + with his right hand enveloped in wrappings. + </p> + <p> + “Come no nearer,” he said, “but stay a moment longer. You have tears in + your eyes; are they for me or only for my pain?” + </p> + <p> + “For you, good noble man! my friend and my preserver!” said Uarda. “For + you dear, poor Nebsecht!” The leech closed his eyes as she spoke these + words with earnest feeling, but he looked up once more as she ceased + speaking, and gazed at her with tender admiration; then he said softly: + </p> + <p> + “It is enough—now I can die.” + </p> + <p> + Uarda left the tent, Pentaur remained with him listening to his hoarse and + difficult breathing; suddenly: + </p> + <p> + Nebsecht raised himself, and said: “Farewell, my friend,—my journey + is beginning, who knows whither?” + </p> + <p> + “Only not into vacancy, not to end in nothingness!” cried Pentaur warmly. + </p> + <p> + The leech shook his head. “I have been something,” he said, “and being + something I cannot become nothing. Nature is a good economist, and + utilizes the smallest trifle; she will use me too according to her need. + She brings everything to its end and purpose in obedience to some rule and + measure, and will so deal with me after I am dead; there is no waste. Each + thing results in being that which it is its function to become; our wish + or will is not asked—my head! when the pain is in my head I cannot + think—if only I could prove—could prove——” + </p> + <p> + The last words were less and less audible, his breath was choked, and in a + few seconds Pentaur with deep regret closed his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur, as he quitted the tent where the dead man lay, met the + high-priest Ameni, who had gone to seek him by his friend’s bed-side, and + they returned together to gaze on the dead. Ameni, with much emotion, put + up a few earnest prayers for the salvation of his soul, and then requested + Pentaur to follow him without delay to his tent. On the way he prepared + the poet, with the polite delicacy which was peculiar to him, for a + meeting which might be more painful than joyful to him, and must in any + case bring him many hours of anxiety and agitation. + </p> + <p> + The judges in Thebes, who had been compelled to sentence the lady Setchem, + as the mother of a traitor, to banishment to the mines had, without any + demand on her part, granted leave to the noble and most respectable matron + to go under an escort of guards to meet the king on his return into Egypt, + in order to petition for mercy for herself, but not, as it was expressly + added—for Paaker; and she had set out, but with the secret + resolution to obtain the king’s grace not for herself but for her son. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Agatharchides, in Diodorus III. 12, says that in many cases not + only the criminal but his relations also were condemned to labor in + the mines. In the convention signed between Rameses and the Cheta + king it is expressly provided that the deserter restored to Egypt + shall go unpunished, that no injury shall be done “to his house, his + wife or his children, nor shall his mother be put to death.”] +</pre> + <p> + Ameni had already left Thebes for the north when this sentence was + pronounced, or he would have reversed it by declaring the true origin of + Paaker; for after he had given up his participation in the Regent’s + conspiracy, he no longer had any motive for keeping old Hekt’s secret. + </p> + <p> + Setchem’s journey was lengthened by a storm which wrecked the ship in + which she was descending the Nile, and she did not reach Pelusium till + after the king. The canal which formed the mouth of the Nile close to this + fortress and joined the river to the Mediterranean, was so over-crowded + with the boats of the Regent and his followers, of the ambassadors, + nobles, citizens, and troops which had met from all parts of the country, + that the lady’s boat could find anchorage only at a great distance from + the city, and accompanied by her faithful steward she had succeeded only a + few hours before in speaking to the high-priest. + </p> + <p> + Setchem was terribly changed; her eyes, which only a few months since had + kept an efficient watch over the wealthy Theban household, were now dim + and weary, and although her figure had not grown thin it had lost its + dignity and energy, and seemed inert and feeble. Her lips, so ready for a + wise or sprightly saying, were closely shut, and moved only in silent + prayer or when some friend spoke to her of her unhappy son. His deed she + well knew was that of a reprobate, and she sought no excuse or defence; + her mother’s heart forgave it without any. Whenever she thought of him—and + she thought of him incessantly all through the day and through her + sleepless nights-her eyes overflowed with tears. + </p> + <p> + Her boat had reached Pelusium just as the flames were breaking out in the + palace; the broad flare of light and the cries from the various vessels in + the harbor brought her on deck. She heard that the burning house was the + pavilion erected by Ani for the king’s residence; Rameses she was told was + in the utmost danger, and the fire had beyond a doubt been laid by + traitors. + </p> + <p> + As day broke and further news reached her, the names of her son and of her + sister came to her ear; she asked no questions—she would not hear + the truth—but she knew it all the same; as often as the word + “traitor” caught her ear in her cabin, to which she had retreated, she + felt as if some keen pain shot through her bewildered brain, and shuddered + as if from a cold chill. + </p> + <p> + All through that day she could neither eat nor drink, but lay with closed + eyes on her couch, while her steward—who had soon learnt what a + terrible share his former master had taken in the incendiarism, and who + now gave up his lady’s cause for lost—sought every where for the + high-priest Ameni; but as he was among the persons nearest to the king it + was impossible to see him that day, and it was not till the next morning + that he was able to speak with him. Ameni inspired the anxious and + sorrowful old retainer with, fresh courage, returned with him in his own + chariot to the harbor, and accompanied him to Setchem’s boat to prepare + her for the happiness which awaited her after her terrible troubles. But + he came too late, the spirit of the poor lady was quite clouded, and she + listened to him without any interest while he strove to restore her to + courage and to recall her wandering mind. She only interrupted him over + and over again with the questions: “Did he do it?” or “Is he alive?” + </p> + <p> + At last Ameni succeeded in persuading her to accompany him in her litter + to his tent, where she would find her son. Pentaur was wonderfully like + her lost husband, and the priest, experienced in humanity, thought that + the sight of him would rouse the dormant powers of her mind. When she had + arrived at his tent, he told her with kind precaution the whole history of + the exchange of Paaker for Pentaur, and she followed the story with + attention but with indifference, as if she were hearing of the adventures + of others who did not concern her. When Ameni enlarged on the genius of + the poet and on his perfect resemblance to his dead father she muttered: + </p> + <p> + “I know—I know. You mean the speaker at the Feast of the Valley,” + and then although she had been told several times that Paaker had been + killed, she asked again if her son was alive. + </p> + <p> + Ameni decided at last to fetch Pentaur himself, + </p> + <p> + When he came back with him, fully prepared to meet his heavily-stricken + mother, the tent was empty. The high-priest’s servants told him that + Setchem had persuaded the easily-moved old prophet Gagabu to conduct her + to the place where the body of Paaker lay. Ameni was very much vexed, for + he feared that Setchem was now lost indeed, and he desired the poet to + follow him at once. + </p> + <p> + The mortal remains of the pioneer had been laid in a tent not far from the + scene of the fire; his body was covered with a cloth, but his pale face, + which had not been injured in his fall, remained uncovered; by his side + knelt the unhappy mother. + </p> + <p> + She paid no heed to Ameni when he spoke to her, and he laid his hand on + her shoulder and said as he pointed to the body: + </p> + <p> + “This was the son of a gardener. You brought him up faithfully as if he + were your own; but your noble husband’s true heir, the son you bore him, + is Pentaur, to whom the Gods have given not only the form and features but + the noble qualities of his father. The dead man may be forgiven—for + the sake of your virtues; but your love is due to this nobler soul—the + real son of your husband, the poet of Egypt, the preserver of the king’s + life.” + </p> + <p> + Setchem rose and went up to Pentaur, she smiled at him and stroked his + face and breast. + </p> + <p> + “It is he,” she said. “May the Immortals bless him!” + </p> + <p> + Pentaur would have clasped her in his arms, but she pushed him away as if + she feared to commit some breach of faith, and turning hastily to the bier + she said softly: + </p> + <p> + “Poor Paaker—poor, poor Paaker!” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, mother, do you not know your son?” cried Pentaur deeply moved. + </p> + <p> + She turned to him again: “It is his voice,” she said. “It is he.” + </p> + <p> + She went up to Pentaur, clung to him, clasped her arm around his neck as + he bent over her, then kissing him fondly: + </p> + <p> + “The Gods will bless you!” she said once more. She tore herself from him + and threw herself down by the body of Paaker, as if she had done him some + injustice and robbed him of his rights. + </p> + <p> + Thus she remained, speechless and motionless, till they carried her back + to her boat, there she lay down, and refused to take any nourishment; from + time to time she whispered “Poor Paaker!” She no longer repelled Pentaur, + for she did not again recognize him, and before he left her she had + followed the rough-natured son of her adoption to the other world. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. + </h2> + <p> + The king had left the camp, and had settled in the neighboring city of + Rameses’ Tanis, with the greater part of his army. The Hebrews, who were + settled in immense numbers in the province of Goshen, and whom Ani had + attached to his cause by remitting their task-work, were now driven to + labor at the palaces and fortifications which Rameses had begun to build. + </p> + <p> + At Tanis, too, the treaty of peace was signed and was presented to Rameses + inscribed on a silver tablet by Tarthisebu, the representative of the + Cheta king, in the name of his lord and master. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur followed the king as soon as he had closed his mother’s eyes, and + accompanied her body to Heliopolis, there to have it embalmed; from thence + the mummy was to be sent to Thebes, and solemnly placed in the grave of + her ancestors. This duty of children towards their parents, and indeed all + care for the dead, was regarded as so sacred by the Egyptians, that + neither Pentaur nor Bent-Anat would have thought of being united before it + was accomplished. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st day of the month Tybi, of the 21st year of the reign of + Rameses, the day on which the peace was signed, the poet returned to + Tanis, sad at heart, for the old gardener, whom he had regarded and loved + as his father, had died before his return home; the good old man had not + long survived the false intelligence of the death of the poet, whom he had + not only loved but reverenced as a superior being bestowed upon his house + as a special grace from the Gods. + </p> + <p> + It was not till seven months after the fire at Pelusium that Pentaur’s + marriage with Bent-Anat was solemnized in the palace of the Pharaohs at + Thebes; but time and the sorrows he had suffered had only united their + hearts more closely. She felt that though he was the stronger she was the + giver and the helper, and realized with delight that like the sun, which + when it rises invites a thousand flowers to open and unfold, the glow of + her presence raised the poet’s oppressed soul to fresh life and beauty. + They had given each other up for lost through strife and suffering, and + now had found each other again; each knew how precious the other was. To + make each other happy, and prove their affection, was now the aim of their + lives, and as they each had proved that they prized honor and right-doing + above happiness their union was a true marriage, ennobling and purifying + their souls. She could share his deepest thoughts and his most difficult + undertakings, and if their house were filled with children she would know + how to give him the fullest enjoyment of those small blessings which at + the same time are the greatest joys of life. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur finding himself endowed by the king with superabundant wealth, + gave up the inheritance of his fathers to his brother Horus, who was + raised to the rank of chief pioneer as a reward for his interposition at + the battle of Kadesh; Horus replaced the fallen cedar-trees which had + stood at the door of his house by masts of more moderate dimensions. + </p> + <p> + The hapless Huni, under whose name Pentaur had been transferred to the + mines of Sinai, was released from the quarries of Chennu, and restored to + his children enriched by gifts from the poet. + </p> + <p> + The Pharaoh fully recognized the splendid talents of his daughter’s + husband; she to his latest days remained his favorite child, even after he + had consolidated the peace by marrying the daughter of the Cheta king, and + Pentaur became his most trusted adviser, and responsible for the + weightiest affairs in the state. + </p> + <p> + Rameses learned from the papers found in Ani’s tent, and from other + evidence which was only too abundant, that the superior of the House of + Seti, and with him the greater part of the priesthood, had for a long time + been making common cause with the traitor; in the first instance he + determined on the severest, nay bloodiest punishment, but he was persuaded + by Pentaur and by his son Chamus to assert and support the principles of + his government by milder and yet thorough measures. Rameses desired to be + a defender of religion—of the religion which could carry consolation + into the life of the lowly and over-burdened, and give their existence a + higher and fuller meaning—the religion which to him, as king, + appeared the indispensable means of keeping the grand significance of + human life ever present to his mind—sacred as the inheritance of his + fathers, and useful as the school where the people, who needed leading, + might learn to follow and obey. + </p> + <p> + But nevertheless no one, not even the priests, the guardians of souls, + could be permitted to resist the laws of which he was the bulwark, to + which he himself was subject, and which enjoined obedience to his + authority; and before he left Tanis he had given Ameni and his followers + to understand that he alone was master in Egypt. + </p> + <p> + The God Seth, who had been honored by the Semite races since the time of + the Hyksos, and whom they called upon under the name of Baal, had from the + earliest times never been allowed a temple on the Nile, as being the God + of the stranger; but Rameses—in spite of the bold remonstrances of + the priestly party who called themselves the ‘true believers’—raised + a magnificent temple to this God in the city of Tanis to supply the + religious needs of the immigrant foreigners. In the same spirit of + toleration he would not allow the worship of strange Gods to be interfered + with, though on the other hand he was jealous in honoring the Egyptian + Gods with unexampled liberality. He caused temples to be erected in most + of the great cities of the kingdom, he added to the temple of Ptah at + Memphis, and erected immense colossi in front of its pylons in memory of + his deliverance from the fire. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [One of these is still in existence. It lies on the ground among + the ruins of ancient Memphis.] +</pre> + <p> + In the Necropolis of Thebes he had a splendid edifice constructed-which to + this day delights the beholder by the symmetry of its proportions in + memory of the hour when he escaped death as by a miracle; on its pylon he + caused the battle of Kadesh to be represented in beautiful pictures in + relief, and there, as well as on the architrave of the great banqueting—hall, + he had the history inscribed of the danger he had run when he stood “alone + and no man with him!” + </p> + <p> + By his order Pentaur rewrote the song he had sung at Pelusium; it is + preserved in three temples, and, in fragments, on several papyrus-rolls + which can be made to complete each other. It was destined to become the + national epic—the Iliad of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + Pentaur was commissioned to transfer the school of the House of Seti to + the new votive temple, which was called the House of Rameses, and arrange + it on a different plan, for the Pharaoh felt that it was requisite to form + a new order of priests, and to accustom the ministers of the Gods to + subordinate their own designs to the laws of the country, and to the + decrees of their guardian and ruler, the king. Pentaur was made the + superior of the new college, and its library, which was called “the + hospital for the soul,” was without an equal; in this academy, which was + the prototype of the later-formed museum and library of Alexandria, sages + and poets grew up whose works endured for thousands of years—and + fragments of their writings have even come down to us. The most famous are + the hymns of Anana, Pentaur’s favorite disciple, and the tale of the two + Brothers, composed by Gagabu, the grandson of the old Prophet. + </p> + <p> + Ameni did not remain in Thebes. Rameses had been informed of the way in + which he had turned the death of the ram to account, and the use he had + made of the heart, as he had supposed it, of the sacred animal, and he + translated him without depriving him of his dignity or revenues to Mendes, + the city of the holy rams in the Delta, where, as he observed not without + satirical meaning, he would be particularly intimate with these sacred + beasts; in Mendes Ameni exerted great influence, and in spite of many + differences of opinion which threatened to sever them, he and Pentaur + remained fast friends to the day of his death. + </p> + <p> + In the first court of the House of Rameses there stands—now broken + across the middle—the wonder of the traveller, the grandest colossus + in Egypt, made of the hardest granite, and exceeding even the well-known + statue of Memnon in the extent of its base. It represents Rameses the + Great. Little Scherau, whom Pentaur had educated to be a sculptor, + executed it, as well as many other statues of the great sovereign of + Egypt. + </p> + <p> + A year after the burning of the pavilion at Pelusium Rameri sailed to the + land of the Danaids, was married to Uarda, and then remained in his wife’s + native country, where, after the death of her grandfather, he ruled over + many islands of the Mediterranean and became the founder of a great and + famous race. Uarda’s name was long held in tender remembrance by their + subjects, for having grown up in misery she understood the secret of + alleviating sorrow and relieving want, and of doing good and giving + happiness without humiliating those she benefitted. THE END. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: + + A dirty road serves when it makes for the goal + Age when usually even bad liquor tastes of honey + An admirer of the lovely color of his blue bruises + Ardently they desire that which transcends sense + Ask for what is feasible + Bearers of ill ride faster than the messengers of weal + Blossom of the thorny wreath of sorrow + Called his daughter to wash his feet + Colored cakes in the shape of beasts + Deficient are as guilty in their eyes as the idle + Desert is a wonderful physician for a sick soul + Do not spoil the future for the sake of the present + Drink of the joys of life thankfully, and in moderation + Every misfortune brings its fellow with it + Exhibit one’s happiness in the streets, and conceal one’s misery + Eyes kind and frank, without tricks of glance + For fear of the toothache, had his sound teeth drawn + Hatred for all that hinders the growth of light + Hatred between man and man + He is clever and knows everything, but how silly he looks now + He who looks for faith must give faith + Her white cat was playing at her feet + How easy it is to give wounds, and how hard it is to heal + How tender is thy severity + Human sacrifices, which had been introduced into Egypt by the + Phoenicians + I know that I am of use + I have never deviated from the exact truth even in jest + If it were right we should not want to hide ourselves + Impartial looker-on sees clearer than the player + It is not seeing, it is seeking that is delightful + Judge only by appearances, and never enquire into the causes + Kisra called wine the soap of sorrow + Learn early to pass lightly over little things + Learn to obey, that later you may know how to command + Like the cackle of hens, which is peculiar to Eastern women + Man has nothing harder to endure than uncertainty + Many creditors are so many allies + Medicines work harm as often as good + Money is a pass-key that turns any lock + No good excepting that from which we expect the worst + No one so self-confident and insolent as just such an idiot + None of us really know anything rightly + Obstinacy—which he liked to call firm determination + Often happens that apparent superiority does us damage + One falsehood usually entails another + One should give nothing up for lost excepting the dead + Only the choice between lying and silence + Our thinkers are no heroes, and our heroes are no sages + Overbusy friends are more damaging than intelligent enemies + Patronizing friendliness + Prepare sorrow when we come into the world + Principle of over-estimating the strength of our opponents + Provide yourself with a self-devised ruler + Refreshed by the whip of one of the horsemen + Repugnance for the old laws began to take root in his heart + Seditious words are like sparks, which are borne by the wind + Successes, like misfortunes, never come singly + The beginning of things is not more attractive + The scholar’s ears are at his back: when he is flogged + The man within him, and not on the circumstances without + The dressing and undressing of the holy images + The experienced love to signify their superiority + The mother of foresight looks backwards + Think of his wife, not with affection only, but with pride + Those whom we fear, says my uncle, we cannot love + Thou canst say in words what we can only feel + Thought that the insane were possessed by demons + Title must not be a bill of fare + Trustfulness is so dear, so essential to me + Use words instead of swords, traps instead of lances + We quarrel with no one more readily than with the benefactor + Whether the form of our benevolence does more good or mischief + Youth should be modest, and he was assertive +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Uarda, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UARDA, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 5449-h.htm or 5449-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/4/5449/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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