第1章

MydearBudge，——

Onlyafriendshipextendingovermanyyearsemboldenedme，anamateur，toproposetodedicateaRomanceofOldEgypttoyou，oneoftheworld"smastersofthelanguageandloreofthegreatpeoplewhointheselatterdaysarisefromtheirholytombstoinstructusinthesecretsofhistoryandfaith。

WithdoubtIsubmittedtoyouthisstory，askingwhetheryouwishedtoacceptpagesthatcouldnot，Ifeared，befreefromerror，andwithsurpriseinduecourseIread，amongotherkindthings，youradvicetometo“leaveitexactlyasitis。“SoI

takeyouatyourword，althoughIcanscarcelythinkthatinpathssoremoteanddifficultIhavenotsometimesgoneastray。

Whatevermaybetheshortcomings，therefore，thatyourkindnesshasconcealedfromme，sincethistalewassofortunateastopleaseandinterestyou，itsfirstcritic，Iofferittoyouasanearnestofmyrespectforyourlearningandyourlabours。

Verysincerelyyours，H。RiderHaggard。

Ditchingham。

ToDoctorWallisBudge，KeeperofEgyptianandAssyrianAntiquities，BritishMuseum。

AUTHOR"SNOTE

ItmaybethoughtthateveninastoryofOldEgypttorepresenta“Ka“or“Double“asremaininginactiveoccupationofathrone，whiletheownerofthesaid“Double“goesuponalongjourneyandachievessundryadventures，is，infact，totakealibertywithDoubles。YetI

believethatthisisscarcelythecase。The/Ka/orDoublewhichWiedermannaptlycallsthe“PersonalitywithinthePerson“appears，accordingtoEgyptiantheory，tohavehadanexistenceofitsown。Itdidnotdiewhenthebodydied，foritwasimmortalandawaitedtheresurrectionofthatbody，withwhich，henceforth，itwouldbereunitedanddwelleternally。ToquoteWiedermannagain，“The/Ka/

couldlivewithoutthebody，butthebodycouldnotlivewithoutthe/Ka/……itwasmaterialinjustthesamewasasthebodyitself。“Also，itwouldseemthatincertainwaysitwassuperiortoandmorepowerfulthanthebody，sincetheEgyptianmonarchsareoftenrepresentedasmakingofferingstotheirown/Kas/asthoughtheseweregods。Again，inthestoryof“SetnaandtheMagicBook，“

translatedbyMasperoandbyMr。FlindersPetrieinhis“EgyptianTales，“the/Ka/playsaverydistinctpartofitsown。ThusthehusbandisburiedatMemphisandthewifeinKoptos，yetthe/Ka/ofthewifegoestoliveinherhusband"stombhundredsofmilesaway，andconverseswiththeprincewhocomestostealthemagicbook。

AlthoughIknownoactualprecedentforit，inthecaseofaparticularlypowerfulDouble，suchaswasgiveninthisromancetoQueenNeter-Tuabyherspiritualfather，Amen，thegreatestoftheEgyptiangods，itseems，therefore，legitimatetosupposethat，inordertosaveherfromtheabominationofaforcedmarriagewithheruncleandherfather"smurderer，the/Ka/wouldbeallowedtoanticipatemattersalittle，andtoplaythepartrecordedinthesepages。

Itmustnotbeunderstood，however，thatthefactofmarriagewithanunclewouldhaveshockedtheEgyptianmind，sincethesepeople，andespeciallytheirroyalHouses，madeahabitofweddingtheirownbrothersandsisters，asinthistaleMermeswedhishalfsisterAsti。

ImayaddthatthereisauthorityforthemagicwaxenimagewhichthesorcererKakuandhisaccompliceusedtobewitchPharaoh。InthedaysofRamesesIII。，overthreethousandyearsago，aplotwasmadetomurderthekinginpursuanceofwhichsuchimageswereused。“Godsofwax……forenfeeblingthelimbsofpeople，“whichwere“greatcrimesofdeath，thegreatabominationoftheland。“Alsoacertain“magicroll“wasbroughtintoplaywhichenableditsuserto“employthemagicpowersofthegods。“

Still，theendofthesewizardswasnotencouragingtoothers，fortheywerefoundguiltyandobligedtotaketheirownlives。

ButevenifIamheldtohavestretchedtheprerogativeofthe/Ka/，orofthewaxenimagewhich，bytheway，hassurvivedalmosttoourowntime，andinWestAfrica，asafetish，isstillpiercedwithpinsornails，IcanurgeinexcusethatIhavetried，sofarasamodernmay，toreproducesomethingoftheatmosphereandcolourofOldEgypt，asithasappearedtoatravellerinthatcountryandastudentofitsrecords。IfNeter-Tuaneversatuponitsthrone，atleastanotherdaughterofAmen，amightyqueen，Hatshepu，worethecrownoftheUpperandtheLowerLands，andsentherembassiestosearchoutthemysteriesofPunt。Ofromancealso，inhighplaces，theremusthavebeenabundance，thoughtheshort-cutrecordsofthereligioustextsofthepriestsdonottroublethemselveswithsuchmatters。

Atanyrate，sobelieving，inthehopethatitmayinterestreadersofto-day，Ihaveventuredtodiscoverandpresentonesuchromance，whereofthemotive，wemaybesure，ismoreancient，byfar，thantheoldEgyptians，namely，thetriumphoftrueloveovergreatdifficultiesanddangers。Itispleasanttodreamthatthegodsareonthesideofsuchlovers，anddeignfortheirsakestoworkthemiraclesinwhichforthousandsofyearsmankindhasbelieved，althoughthescientisttellsusthattheydonothappen。

HowlargeapartmarvelandmagicofthemostterribleandexaltedkindplayedinthelifeofOldEgyptandofthenationswithwhichshefoughtandtraded，weneedgonofurtherthantheBookofExodustolearn。Alsoallherhistoryisfullofit，sinceamongtheEgyptiansitwasanarticleoffaiththattheDivinity，whichtheyworshippedundersomanynamesandsymbols，madeuseofsuchmysteriousmeanstoinfluenceordirecttheaffairsofmenandbringabouttheaccomplishmentofItsdecrees。

H。R。H。

MorningStarbyH。RiderHaggardCHAPTERI

THEPLOTOFABI

ItwaseveninginEgypt，thousandsofyearsago，whenthePrinceAbi，governorofMemphisandofgreatterritoriesintheDelta，madefasthisshipofstatetoaquaybeneaththeoutermostwallsofthemightycityofUastorThebes，whichwemodernsknowasLuxorandKarnacontheNile。Abi，alargeman，verydarkofskin，forhismotherwasoneofthehatedHyksosbarbarianswhooncehadusurpedthethroneofEgypt，satuponthedeckofhisshipandstaredatthesettingsunwhichforafewmomentsseemedtorest，aroundballoffire，uponthebareandruggedmountains，thatringroundtheTombsoftheKings。

Hewasangry，astheslave-women，whostoodoneithersidefanninghim，couldseewellenoughbythescowlonhiscoarsefaceandthefireinhislargeblackeyes。Presentlytheyfeltitalso，foroneofthem，staringatthetemplesandpalacesofthewonderfulcitymadegloriousbythelightofthesettingsun，thatcityofwhichshehadheardsooften，touchedhisheadwiththefeathersofherfan。

Thereon，asthoughgladofanexcusetoexpresshisill-humour，Abisprangupandboxedherearssoheavilythatthepoorgirlfelltothedeck。

“Awkwardcat，“hecried，“dothatagainandyoushallbefloggeduntilyourrobestickstoyourback！“

“Pardon，mightyLord，“shesaid，beginningtoweep，“itwasanaccident；thewindcaughtmyfan。“

“Sotherodshallcatchyourskin，ifyouarenotmorecareful，Merytra。StopthatsnivellingandgosendKakutheAstrologerhere。

Go，both，Iwearyofthesightofyouruglyfaces。“

Thegirlrose，andwithherfellowslaveranswiftlytotheladderthatledtothewaistoftheship。

“Hecalledmeacat，“Merytrahissedthroughherwhiteteethtohercompanion。“Well，ifso，Sekhetthecat-headedismygodmother，andsheistheLadyofVengeance。“

“Yes，“answeredtheother，“andhesaidthatwewerebothugly——we，whomeverylordwhocomesneartheCourtadmiressomuch！Oh！Iwishaholycrocodilewouldeathim，blackpig！“

“Thenwhydon"ttheybuyus？Abiwouldsellhisdaughters，muchmorehisfan-bearers——ataprice。“

“Becausetheyhopetogetusfornothing，mydear，andwhatismore，ifIcanmanageitoneofthemshall，forIamtiredofthislife。

Haveyourflingwhileyoucan，Isay。WhoknowsatwhichcornerOsiris，LordofDeath，iswaiting。“

“Hush！“whisperedMerytra，“thereisthatknaveofanastrologer，andhelookscross，too。“

Then，handinhand，theywenttothisleanandlearnedmanandhumblybowedthemselvesbeforehim。

“MasteroftheStars，“saidMerytra，“wehaveamessageforyou。No，donotlookatmycheek，please，themarksarenotmagical，onlythoseofthedivinefingersoftheglorioushandofthemostexaltedPrinceAbi，sonofthePharaohhappilyrulinginOsiris，etc。，etc。，etc。，oftheright，royalbloodofEgypt——thatisononeside，andontheotherofadivineladywhomKhemtheSpirit，orPtahtheCreator，thoughtfittodipinavatofblackdye。“

“Hem！“saidKakuglancingnervouslyoverhisshoulder。Then，seeingthattherewasnoonenear，headded，“youhadbetterbecarefulwhatyousay，mydear。TheroyalAbidoesnotliketohearthecolourofhislatemotherdefinedsoclosely。Butwhydidheslapyourface？“

Shetoldhim。

“Well，“heanswered，“ifIhadbeeninhisplaceIwouldratherhavekissedit，foritispretty，decidedlypretty，“andthislearnedmanforgothimselfsofarastowinkatMerytra。

“There，Sister，“saidthegirl，“Ialwaystoldyouthatroughshellshavesweetnutsinsideofthem。Thankyouforyourcompliment，Masteroflearning。Willyoutellusourfortunefornothing？“

“Yes，yes，“heanswered；“atleastthefeeIwantwillcostyounothing。Nowstopthisnonsense，“headded，anxiously，“Igatherthat/he/iscross。“

“Ineversawhimcrosser，Kaku。Iamgladitisyouwhoreadsthestars，notI。Listen！“

Ashespokeanangryroarreachedthemfromthehighdeckabove。

“Whereisthataccursedastrologer？“saidtheroar。

“There，whatdidItellyou？Oh！nevermindtherestofthepapers，goatonce。Yourrobeisfullofrollsasitis。“

“Yes，“answeredKakuasherantotheladder，“butthequestionis，howwillhelikewhatisintherolls？“

“Thegodsbewithyou！“criedoneofthegirlsafterhim，“youwillneedthemall。“

“Andifyougetbackalive，don"tforgetyourpromiseaboutthefortunes，“saidtheother。

Aminutelaterthissearcheroftheheavens，atall，hook-nosedman，wasprostratinghimselfbeforeAbiinhispavilionontheupperdeck，solowthathisSyrian-shapedcapfellfromhisbaldhead。

“Whywereyousolongincoming？“askedAbi。

“Becauseyourslavescouldnotfindme，royalSonoftheSun。Iwasatworkinmycabin。“

“Indeed，IthoughtIheardthemgigglingwithyoudownthere。Whatdidyoucallme？RoyalSonoftheSun？ThatisPharaoh"sname！Havethestarsshownyou——？“andhelookedathimeagerly。

“No，Prince，notexactlythat。Ididnotthinkitneedfultosearchthemonamatterwhichseemsestablished，moreorless。“

“Moreorless，“answeredAbigloomily。“Whatdoyoumeanbyyour"moreorless"？HereamIattheturning-pointofmyfortunes，notknowingwhetherIamtobePharaohoftheUpperandLowerLands，oronlythepettylordofacityandafewprovincesintheDelta，andyousatisfymyhungerforthetruthwithanemptydishof"moreorless。"Man，whatdoyoumean？“

“IfyourMajestywillbepleasedtotellhisservantexactlywhatyoudesiretoknow，perhapsImaybeabletoanswerthequestion，“repliedKakuhumbly。

“Majesty！Well，Idesiretoknowbywhatwarrantyoucallme"Majesty，"whoamonlyPrinceofMemphis。Didthestarsgiveittoyou？Haveyouobeyedmeandaskedthemofthefuture？“

“Certainly，certainly。HowcouldIdisobey？Iobservedthemalllastnight，andhavebeenworkingouttheresultstillthismoment；indeed，theyarenotyetfinished。QuestionandIwillanswer。“

“Youwillanswer，yes，butwhatwillyouanswer？Notthetruth，I

fancy，becauseyouareacoward，thoughifanyonecanreadthetruth，itisyou。Man，“headdedfiercely，“ifyoudaretolietomeIwillcutyourheadoffandtakeittoPharaohasatraitor"s；andyourbodyshalllie，notinthatfinetombwhichyouhavemade，butinthebellyofacrocodilewhencethereisnoresurrection。Doyouunderstand？

Thenletuscometothepoint。Look，thesunsetstherebehindtheTombsofKings，wherethedepartedPharaohsofEgypttaketheirresttilltheDayofAwakening。Itisabadomenforme，Iknow，whowishedtoreachthiscityinthemorningwhenRawasintheHouseofLife，theEast，andnotintheHouseofDeath，theWest；butthataccursedwindsentbyTyphon，heldmebackandIcouldnot。Well，letusbeginattheendwhichmustcomeafterall。Tellme，youreaderoftheheavens，shallIsleepatlastinthatvalley？“

“Ithinkso，Prince；atleast，sosaysyourplanet。Look，yonder，itspringstolifeaboveyou，“andhepointedtoanorbthatappearedatthetopmostedgeoftheredglowofthesunset。

“Youarekeepingsomethingbackfromme，“saidAbi，searchingKaku"sfacewithhisfierceeyes。“ShallIsleepinthetombofPharaoh，inmyowneverlastinghousethatIshallhavemadereadytoreceiveme？“

“SonofRa，Icannotsay，“answeredtheastrologer。“DivineOne，I

willbefrankwithyou。Thoughyoubewrath，yetwillItellyouthetruthasyoucommandme。AnevilinfluenceisatworkinyourHouseofLife。Anotherstarcrossesandre-crossesyourpath，andthoughforalongtimeyouseemtoswallowitup，yetatthelastiteclipsesyou——

itandonethatgoeswithit。“

“Whatstar？“askedAbihoarsely，“Pharaoh"s？“

“Nay，Prince，thestarofAmen。“

“Amen！WhatAmen？“

“Amenthegod，Prince，themightyfatherofthegods。“

“Amenthegod，“repeatedAbiinanawedvoice。“Howcanamanfightagainstagod？“

“Sayratheragainsttwogods，forwiththestarofAmengoesthestarofHathor，QueenofLove。Notformanyperiodsofthousandsofyearshavetheybeentogether，butnowtheydrawneartoeachother，andsowillremainforallyourlife。Look，“andKakupointedtotheEasternhorizonwhereafaintrosyglowstilllingeredreflectedfromthewesternsky。

Astheywatchedthisglowmelted，andthereinthepureheavens，lyingjustwhereitmetthedistantland，seemingtorestupontheland，indeed，appearedabrightandbeautifulstar，andsoclosetoitthat，totheeye，theyalmosttouched，atwinstar。Forafewminutesonlyweretheyseen；thentheyvanishedbeneaththelineofthehorizon。

“ThemorningstarofAmen，andwithitthestarofHathor，“saidtheastrologer。

“Well，Fool，whatofit？“exclaimedAbi。“Theyarefarenoughfrommystar；moreover，itistheythatsink，notI，whoridehighereverymoment。“

“Aye，Prince，butinayeartocometheywillcertainlyeclipsethatstarofyours。Prince，AmenandHathorareagainstyou。Look，Iwillshowyoutheirjourneyingsonthisscrollandyoushallseewheretheyeatyouupyonder，yes，yonderovertheValleyofdeadKings，thoughtwentyyearsandmoremustgobyerethen，andtakethisforyourcomfort，duringthoseyearsyoushinealone，“andhebegantounfoldapapyrusroll。

Abisnatcheditfromhim，crumpleditupandthrewitinhisface。

“Youcheat！“hesaid。“Doyouthinktofrightenmewiththisnonsenseaboutstars？Hereismystar，“andhedrewtheshortswordathissideandshookitovertheheadofthetremblingKaku。“ThissharpbronzeisthestarIfollow，andbecarefullestitshouldeclipse/you/，youfatheroflies。“

“IhavetoldthetruthasIseeit，“answeredthepoorastrologerwithsomedignity，“butifyouwish，OPrince，thatinthefutureIshouldindeedprophesypleasantthingstoyou，why，itcanbedoneeasilyenough。Moreover，itseemstomethatthishoroscopeofyoursisnotsoevil，seeingthatitgivestoyouovertwentyyearsoflifeandpower，morebyfarthanmostmencanexpect——atyourage。Ifafterthatcometroublesandtheend，whatofit？“

“Thatisso，“repliedAbimollified。“Itwasmyill-temper，everythinghasgonecrossto-day。Well，agoldcup，myown，shallpaythepriceofit。Bearmenoill-will，Iprayyou，learnedscribe，andabovealltellmenofalsehoodasthemessageofthestarsyouserve。ItisthetruthIseek，thetruth。Ifonlyshemaybeseen，andclasped，Icarenothowill-favouredisherface。“

Rejoicingattheturnwhichthingshadtaken，andespeciallyatthepromiseofthepricelesscupwhichhehadlongcoveted，Kakubowedobsequiously。Hepickeduphiscrumpledrollandwasabouttoretirewhenthroughthegloomofthefallingnight，somemenmounteduponasseswereseenridingoverthemudflatsthatbordertheNileatthisspot，towardsthatbankwheretheshipwasmoored。

“Thecaptainofmyguard，“saidAbi，whosawthestarlightgleamuponabronzehelmet，“whobringsmePharaoh"sanswer。Nay，gonot，bideandhearit，Kaku，andgiveusyourcounselonit，yourtruecounsel。“

Sotheastrologerstoodasideandwaited，tillpresentlythecaptainappearedsaluting。

“WhatsaysPharaoh，mybrother？“askedthePrince。

“Lord，hesaysthathewillreceiveyou，thoughashedidnotsendforyou，hethinksthatyoucanscarcelycomeuponanynecessaryerrand，ashehasheardlongagoofyourvictoryoverthedesert-dwellingbarbarians，anddoesnotwanttheofferingofthesaltedheadsoftheirofficerswhichyoubringtohim。“

“Good，“saidAbicontemptuously。“ThedivinePharaohwaseverawomaninsuchmatters，asinothers。Lethimbethankfulthathehasgeneralswhoknowhowtomakewarandtocutofftheheadsofhisenemiesindefenceofthekingdom。Wewillwaituponhimto-morrow。“

“Lord，“addedthecaptain，“thatisnotallPharaoh"smessage。Hesaysthatithasbeenreportedtohimthatyouareaccompaniedbyaguardofthreehundredsoldiers。Thesesoldiersherefusestoallowwithinthegates。HedirectsthatyoushallappearbeforehisMajestyattendedbyfivepersonsonly。“

“Indeed，“answeredAbiwithascornfullaugh。“DoesPharaohfear，then，lestIshouldcapturehimandhisarmiesandthegreatcitywiththreehundredsoldiers？“

“No，Prince，“answeredthecaptainbluntly；“butIthinkhefearslestyoushouldkillhimanddeclareyourselfPharaohasnextinblood。“

“Ah！“saidAbi，“asnextofblood。ThenIsupposethattherearestillnochildrenattheCourt？“

“None，OPrince。IsawAhura，theroyalwife，theLadyoftheTwoLands，thatfairestofwomen，andotherlesserwivesandbeautifulslavegirlswithoutnumber，butneveraoneofthemhadaninfantonherbreastoratherknee。Pharaohremainschildless。“

“Ah！“saidAbiagain。Thenhewalkedforwardoutofthepavilionwhereofthecurtainsweredrawnback，andstoodawhileupontheprowofthevessel。

Bynownighthadfallen，andthegreatmoon，risingfromtheearthasitwere，pouredherfloodofsilverlightoverthedesert，themountains，thelimitlesscityofThebes，andthewideripplingbosomoftheNile。Thepylonsandobelisks，glitteringwithcopperandwithgold，toweredtothetendersky。Inthewindowplacesofpalacesandoftenthousandhomeslampsshonelikestars。Fromgardens，streetsandthecourtsoftemplesfloatedthefaintsoundofsingingandofmusic，whileonthegreatembattledwallsthewatchmencalledthehourfromposttopost。

Itwasawondrousscene，andtheheartofAbiswelledashegazeduponit。Whatwealthlayyonder，andwhatpower。Therewastheglorioushouseofhisbrother，Pharaoh，thegodinhumanformwhoforallhisgodshiphadneverachildtofollowafterhimwhenheascendedtoOsiris，ashewhowassicklyprobablymustdobeforesoverylong。

Yes，butbeforethenamiraclemighthappen；inthiswayorinthatasuccessortothethronemightbefoundandacknowledged，forwerenotPharaohandhisHousebelovedbyallthepriestsofAmen，andbythepeople，andwasnothe，Abi，fearedanddislikedbecausehewasfierce，andthehatedsavagebloodflowedinhisveins？Oh！whatevilgodhadputitinhisfather"shearttogivehimaprincessoftheHyksosforamother，theHyksos，whomtheEgyptiansloathed，whenhehadthefairestwomenoftheworldfromwhomtochoose？Well，itwasdoneandcouldnotbeundone，thoughbecauseofithemightlosehisheritageofthegreatestthroneinalltheearth。AlsowasitnottothisfierceHyksosbloodthatheowedhisstrengthandvigour？

Whyshouldhewait？Whyshouldhenotsethisfortuneonacast？Hehadthreehundredsoldierswithhim，pickedmenandbrave，childrenoftheseaandthedesert，sworntohisHouseandinterests。Itwasatimeoffestival，thosegateswereill-guarded。Whyshouldhenotforcethematthedeadofnight，makehiswaytothepalace，causePharaohtobegatheredtohisfathers，andatthedawndiscoverhimselfseateduponPharaoh"sthrone？AtthethoughtofitAbi"sheartleaptinhisbreast，hiswidenostrilsspreadthemselves，andheerectedhisstrongheadasthoughalreadyhefeltuponittheweightofthedoublecrown。Thenheturnedandwalkedbacktothepavilion。

“Iammindedtostrikeablow，“hesaid。“Saynow，myofficer，wouldyouandthesoldiersfollowmeintotheheartofyondercityto-nighttowinathrone——oragrave？Ifitwerethefirst，youshouldbethegeneralofallmyarmy，andyou，astrologer，shouldbecomevizier，yes，afterPharaohyoutwoshouldbethegreatestmeninalltheland。“

Theylookedathimandgasped。

“Aventuresomedeed，Prince，“saidthecaptainatlength；“yetwithsuchaprizetowinIthinkthatIwoulddareit，thoughforthesoldiersIcannotspeak。Firsttheymustbetoldwhatisonfoot，andoutofsomany，howknowwethattheheartofoneormorewouldnotfail？Awordfromatraitorandbeforethistimeto-morrowtheembalmers，orthejackals，wouldbebusy。“

Abiheardandlookedfromhimtohiscompanion。

“Prince，“saidKaku，“putsuchthoughtsfromyou。Burythemdeep。Letthemrisenomore。IntheheavensIreadsomethingofthisbusiness，butthenIdidnotunderstand，butnowIseetheblackdepthsofhellopeningbeneathourfeet。Yes，hellwouldbeourhomeifwedaredtolifthandagainstthedivinepersonofthePharaoh。Isaythatthegodsthemselveswouldfightagainstus。Letitbe，Prince，letitbe，andyoushallhavemanyyearsofrule，who，ifyoustrikenow，willwinnothingbutacrownofshame，anamelessgrave，andtheeverlastingtormentofthedamned。“

AshespokeAbiconsideredtheman"sfaceandsawthatallcrafthadleftit。Thiswasnocharlatanthatspoketohim，butoneinearnestwhobelievedwhathesaid。

“Sobeit，“heanswered。“Iacceptyourjudgment，andwillwaituponmyfortune。Moreover，youarebothright，thethingistoodangerous，andeviloftenfallsontheheadsofthosewhoshootarrowsatagod，especiallyiftheyhavenotenougharrows。LetPharaohliveonwhileI

makeready。Perhapsto-morrowImayworkuponhimtonamemehisheir。“

Theastrologersighedinrelief，nordidthecaptainseemdisappointed。

“Myheadfeelsfirmeronmyshouldersthanitdidjustnow，“hesaid:

“anddoubtlesstherearetimeswhenwisdomisbetterthanvalour。

Sleepwell，Prince；Pharaohwillreceiveyouto-morrowtwohoursaftersunrise。Haveweyourleavetoretire？“

“IfIwerewise，“saidAbi，fingeringthehiltofhisswordashespoke，“youwouldbothofyouretireforeverwhoknowallthesecretofmyheart，andwithawhispercouldbringdoomuponme。“

Nowthepairlookedateachotherwithfrightenedeyes，and，likehismaster，thecaptainbegantoplaywithhissword。

“Lifeissweettoallmen，Prince，“hesaidsignificantly，“andwehavenevergivenyoucausetodoubtus。“

“No，“answeredAbi，“haditbeenotherwiseIshouldhavestruckfirstandspokenafterwards。Onlyyoumustswearbytheoathwhichmaynotbebrokenthatinlifeordeathnowordofthisshallpassyourlips。“

Sotheyswore，bothofthem，bytheholynameofOsiris，thejudgeandtheredeemer。

“Captain，“saidAbi，“youhaveservedmewell。Yourpayisdoubled，andIconfirmthepromisethatImadetoyou——shouldIeverruleyonderyoushallbemygeneral。“

Whilethesoldierbowedhisthanks，theprincesaidtoKaku，“Masterofthestars，mygoldcupisyours。Isthereaughtelseofminethatyoudesire？“

“Thatslave，“answeredthelearnedman，“Merytra，whoseearsyouboxedjustnow——“

“HowdoyouknowthatIboxedherears？“askedAbiquickly。“Didthestarstellyouthatalso？Well，Iamtiredoftheslyhussy——takeher。

SoonIthinkshewillboxyours。“

ButwhenKakusoughtMerytratotellherthegladtidingsthatshewashis，hecouldnotfindher。

Merytrahaddisappeared。

CHAPTERII

THEPROMISEOFTHEGOD

ItwasmorningatThebes，andthegreatcityglowedintheraysofthenew-risensun。InaroyalbargesatAbitheprince，splendidlyapparelled，andwithhimKaku，hisastrologer，hiscaptainoftheguardandthreeotherofhisofficers，whileinasecondbargefollowedslaveswhoescortedtwochiefsandsomefairwomencapturedinwar，alsothechestsofsaltedheadsandhands，offeringstoPharaoh。

Thewhite-robedrowersbenttotheiroars，andtheswiftboatshotforwarduptheNilethroughadoublelineofshipsofwar，allofthemcrowdedwithsoldiers。AbilookedattheseshipswhichPharaohhadgatheredtheretomeethim，andthoughttohimselfthatKakuhadgivenwisecounselwhenheprayedhimtoattemptnorashdeed，foragainstsuchsurprisesclearlyPharaohwaswellprepared。Hethoughtitagainwhenonreachingthequayofcutstoneshesawfootandhorse-menmarshalledthereincompaniesandsquadrons，andonthewallsabovehundredsofothermen，allarmed，fornowhesawwhatwouldhavehappenedtohim，ifwithhislittledesperatebandhehadtriedtopiercethatironringofwatchingsoldiers。

Atthestepsgeneralsmethimintheirmailandpriestsintheirfullrobes，bowinganddoinghimhonour。Thusroyallyescorted，AbipassedthroughtheopengatesandthepylonsofthesplendidtemplededicatedtotheTrinityofThebes，“theHouseofAmenintheSouthernApt，“

wheregaybannersflutteredfromthepointedmasts，upthelongstreetborderedwithtallhousessetintheirgardens，tillhecametothepalacewall。Heremoreguardsrolledbackthebrazengateswhichinhisfollyofafewhoursgonehehadthoughtthathecouldforce，andthroughtheavenuesofbloomingtreeshewasledtothegreatpillaredhallofaudience。

Afterthebrightnesswithout，thathallseemedalmostdark，onlyarayofsunshineflowingfromanunshutteredspaceintheclerestoryabove，fellfullontheendofit，andrevealedthecrownedPharaohandhisqueenseatedinstateupontheirthronesofivoryandgold。Gatheredroundandabouthimalsowerescribesandcouncillorsandcaptains，andbeyondtheseotherqueensintheircarvedchairsandattended，eachofthem，bybeautifulwomenofthehouseholdintheirgaladress。

Moreover，behindthethrones，andatintervalsbetweenthecolumns，stoodthefamousNubianguardoftwohundredmen，theservantsofthebodyofPharaohastheywerecalled，eachofthemchosenforfaithfulnessandcourage。

ThecentreofallthismagnificencewasPharaoh，onhimthesunlightbeat，tohimeveryeyewasturned，andwherehisglancefellthereheadsbowedandkneeswerebent。Asmallthinmanofaboutfortyyearsofagewithapuckered，kindlyandanxiousface，andabrowthatseemedtosinkbeneaththeweightofthedoublecrownthat，saveforitsroyalsnake-crestofhollowgold，wasafterallbutoflinen，amanwiththin，nervoushandswhichplayedamongsttheembroideriesofhisgoldenrobe——suchwasPharaoh，themightiestmonarchintheworld，therulerwhommillionsthathadneverseenhimworshippedasagod。

Abi，theburlyframed，thick-lipped，dark-skinned，round-eyedAbi，bornofthesamefather，staredathimwithwonderment，foryearshadpassedsincelasttheymet，andinthepalacewhentheywerechildrenagulfhadbeensetbetweentheoffspringofaroyalmotherandthechildofaHyksosconcubinetakenintotheHouseholdforreasonsofstate。Inhisvigour，andthemightofhismanhood，hestaredatthisweakling，thesonofabrotherandasister，andthegrandsonofabrotherandasister。Yettherewassomethinginthatgentleeye，anessenceofinheritedroyalty，beforewhichhisrudenaturebowed。Thebodymightbecontemptible，butwithinitdwelttheproudspiritofthedescendantofahundredkings。

Abiadvancedtothestepsofthethroneandkneltthere，tillafteralittlepausePharaohstretchedoutthesceptreinhishandforhimtokiss。Thenhespokeinhislight，quickvoice。

“Welcome，Princeandmybrother，“hesaid。“Wequarrelledlongago，didwenot，andmanyyearshavepassedsincewemet，butTimehealsallwoundsand——welcome，sonofmyfather。Ineednotaskifyouarewell，“andheglancedenviouslyatthegreat-framedmanwhokneltbeforehim。

“HailtoyourdivineMajesty！“answeredAbiinhisdeepvoice。“Healthandstrengthbewithyou，HolderoftheScourgeofOsiris，WeareroftheFeathersofAmen，MortalcrownedwiththegloryofRa。“

“Ithankyou，Prince，“answeredPharaohgently，“andthathealthandstrengthIneed，whofearthatIshallonlyfindthemwhenIhaveyieldeduptheScourgeofOsiriswhereofyouspeaktohimwholentitme。Butenoughofmyself。Letustobusiness，afterwardswewilltalkofsuchmatterstogether。WhyhaveyouleftyourgovernmentatMemphiswithoutleaveasked，tovisitmehereinmyCityoftheGates？“

“Benotwrathwithme，“answeredAbihumbly。“Awhileago，inobediencetoyourdivinecommand，Iattackedthebarbarianswhothreatenedyourdominionsinthedesert。LikeMenthu，godofwar，I

felluponthem。Itookthembysurprise，Ismotethem，thousandsofthembitthedustbeforeme。TwooftheirkingsIcapturedwiththeirwomen——theywaitwithout，tobeslainbyyourMajesty。Ibringwithmetheheadsofahundredoftheircaptainsandthehandsoffivehundredoftheirsoldiers，inearnestofthetruthofmyword。Letthembespreadoutbeforeyou。IreporttoyourdivineMajestythatthosebarbariansarenomore，thatforageneration，atleast，Ihavemadethelandsafetoyouruttermostdominionsinthenorth。SufferthattheheadsandthehandsbebroughtinandcountedoutbeforeyourMajesty，thatthesmellofthemmayriselikeincensetoyourdivinenostrils。“

“No，no，“saidPharaoh，“myofficersshallcountthemwithout，forI

lovenotsuchsightsofdeath，andItakeyourwordforthenumber。

Whatpaymentdoyouaskforthisservice，mybrother，forwithgreatgiftswouldIrewardyou，whohavedonesowellformeandEgypt？“

BeforeheansweredAbilookedatthebeautifulqueen，Ahura，whosatatPharaoh"sside，andattheotherroyalconsortsandwomen。

“YourMajesty，“hesaid，“Iseeheremanywivesandladies，butroyalchildrenIdonotsee。Grant——fordoubtlesstheyareintheirownchambers——grant，OPharaoh，thattheymaybeledhitherthatmyeyesmayfeedupontheirloveliness，andthatImaytellofthem，eachofthem，totheircousinswhoawaitmeatMemphis。“

AtthesewordsaflushasofshamespreaditselfoverthelovelyfaceofAhura，theroyalwife，theLadyoftheTwoLands；whilethewomenturnedtheirheadsawaywhisperingtoeachotherbitterly，fortheinsulthurtthem。OnlyPharaohsethispalefaceandansweredwithdignity。

“PrinceAbi，toaffrontthosewhomthegodshavesmitten，betheykingsorpeasants，isanunworthydeedwhichthegodswillnotforget。

YouknowwellthatIhavenochildren。Whythendoyouaskmetoshowyoutheirloveliness？“

“Ihadheardrumours，OPharaoh，“answeredthePrince，“nomore。

Indeed，Ididnotbelievethem，forwheretherearesomanywivesI

wascertainthattherewouldbesomemothers。ThereforeIaskedtobesurebeforeIprofferedapetitionwhichnowIwillmaketoyounotformyownsakebutforEgypt"sandyours，OPharaoh。HaveIyourleavetospeakhereinpublic？“

“Speakon，“saidPharaohsternly。“LetaughtthatisforthewelfareofEgyptbeheardbyEgypt。“

“YourMajestyhastoldme，“repliedAbibowing，“thatthegods，beingwrath，havedeniedyouchildren。NotsomuchasonegirlofyourbloodhavetheygiventoyoutofillyourthroneafteryouwhenindueseasonitpleasesyoutodeparttoOsiris。Wereitotherwise，werethereevenbutasinglewoman-childofyourdivinerace，Iwouldsaynothing，Iwouldbesilentasthegrave。Butsoitis，andthoughyourqueensbefairandmany，soitwouldseemthatitmustremain，sincetheearsofthegodshavingbeendeaftoyourpleadingsforsolong，althoughyouhavebuiltthemglorioustemplesandmadethemofferingswithoutcount，willscarcelynowbeopened。EvenAmenyourfather，Amen，whosenameyoubear，willperformnomiracleforyou，OPharaoh，whoaresogreatthathehasdecreedthatyoushallshinealonelikethefullmoonatnight，notsharingyourglorywithasinglestar。“

NowAhuratheQueen，whoallthiswhilehadbeenlisteningintently，spokeforthefirsttimeinaquickangryvoice，saying，“Howknowyouthat，PrinceofMemphis？Sometimesthegodsrelentandthatwhichtheyhavewithheldforaspace，theygive。Mylordlives，andIlive，andachildofhismayyetfillthethroneofEgypt。“

“Itmaybeso，OQueen，“saidAbibowing，“andformypartIpraythatitwillbeso，forwhoamIthatIshouldknowthepurposeofthekingsofheaven？IfbutonegirlbebornofyouandPharaoh，thenI

takebackmywordsandgivetoyouthattitlewhichformanyyearshasbeenwrittenfalselyuponyourthronesandmonuments，thetitleofRoyalMother。“

NowAhurawouldhaveansweredagain，forthissneeringtauntstunghertothequick。ButPharaohlaidhishanduponherkneeandsaid，“Continue，Princeandbrother。Wehaveheardfromyouthatwhichwealreadyknowtoowell——thatIamchildless。Telluswhatwedonotknow，thedesireofyourheartwhichlieshidbeneathallthesewords。“

“Pharaoh，itisthis——Iamofyourholyblood，sprungofthesamedivinefather——“

“Butofamotherwhowasnotdivine，“brokeinAhura；“ofamothertakenfromaracethathasbroughtmanyacurseuponKhem，asanymirrorwillshowyou，PrinceofMemphis。“

“Pharaoh，“wentonAbiwithoutheedingher，“yougrowweak；heavendesiresyou，theearthmeltsbeneathyou。InthenorthandinthesouthmanydangersthreatenEgypt。Shouldyoudiesuddenlywithoutanheir，barbarianswillflowinfromthenorthandfromthesouth，andthegreatonesofthelandwillstruggleforyourplace。Pharaoh，Iamawarrior；Iambuiltstrong；mychildrenaremany；myhouseisbuiltuponarock；thearmytrustsme；themillionsofthepeopleloveme。

Takemethentorulewithyouandinthehearingofalltheearthnamemeandmysonsasyoursuccessors，sothatourroyalracemaycontinueforgenerationaftergeneration。Soshallyouendyourdaysinpeaceandhope。Ihavespoken。“

Now，asthemeaningofthisboldrequestsankintotheirhearts，allthecourttheregatheredgaspedandwhispered，whiletheQueenAhurainherangercrushedthelotusflowerwhichsheheldinherhandandcastittothefloor。OnlyPharaohsatstillandsilent，hisheadbentandhiseyesshutasthoughinprayer。Foraminuteormorehesatthus，andwhenheliftedhispale，pureface，therewasasmileuponit。

“Abi，mybrother，“hesaidinhisgentlevoice，“listentome。Therearethosewhofilledthisthronebeforeme，whoonhearingsuchwordswouldhavepointedtoyouwiththeirsceptres，whereon，Abi，thoselipsofyourswouldhavegrownstillforever，andyouandyournameandthenamesofallyourHousewouldhavebeenblottedoutbydeath。

But，Abi，youwereeverbold，andIforgiveyouforlayingopenthethoughtsofyourhearttome。Still，Abi，youhavenottoldusallofthem。Youhavenottoldus，forinstance，“hewentonslowly，andinthemidstofanintensesilence，“thatbutlastnightyoudebatedwhetheritwouldnotbepossiblewiththatguardofyourstobreakintomypalaceandputmetotheswordandnameyourselfPharaoh——byrightofblood，Abi；yes，byrightofblood——mybloodshedbyyou，mybrother。“

Asthesewordslefttheroyallipsatumultaroseinthehall，thewomenandthegreatofficerssprangup，thecaptainssteppedforwarddrawingtheirswordstoavengesohorribleasacrilege。ButPharaohwavedhissceptre，andtheywerestill，onlyAbicriedinagreatvoice。

“Whohasdaredtowhisperaliesomonstrous？“AndheglaredfirstatKakuandthenatthecaptainofhisguardwhostoodbehindhim，andchokedinwrath，orfear，orboth。

“Suspectnotyourofficers，Prince，“wentonthePharaoh，stillsmiling，“foronmyroyalwordtheyareinnocent。Yet，Abi，apavilionsetuponthedeckofashipisnogoodplacetoplotthedeathofkings。Pharaohhasmanyspies，also，attimes，thegods，towhomasyousayheissonear，whispertidingstohiminhissleep。Suspectnotyourofficers，Abi，althoughIthinkthattoyonderMasteroftheStarswhostandsbehindyou，Ishouldbegrateful，since，hadyouattemptedtoexecutethismadness，butforhimImighthavebeenforcedtokillyou，Abi，asonekillsasnakethatcreepsbeneathhismat。Astrologer，youshallhaveagiftfromme，foryouareawiseman。Itmaytaketheplace，perhaps，ofonethatyouhavelost；wasitnotacertainwomanslavewhomyourmastergavetoyoulastnight——

afterhehadpunishedherfornofault？“

KakuprostratedhimselfbeforethegloryofPharaoh，understandingatlastthatitwasthelostgirlMerytrawhohadoverheardandbetrayedthem。Butheedinghimnomore，hisMajestywenton。

“Abi，Princeandbrother，Iforgiveyouadeedthatyoupurposedbutdidnotattempt。Maythegodsandthespiritsofourfathersforgiveyoualso，iftheywill。Nowastoyourdemand。Youaremyonlylivingbrother，andthereforeIwillweighit。Perchance，ifIshoulddiewithoutissue，althoughyouarenotallroyal，althoughthereflowsinyourveinsabloodthatEgypthates；althoughyoucouldplotthemurderofyourlordandking，itmaybewellthatwhenIamgoneyoushouldfillmyplace，foryouarebraveandoftheancientraceononeside，ifbase-bornontheother。ButIamnotyetdead，andchildrenmaystillcometome。Abi，willyoubeaprisoneruntilOsiriscallsme，orwillyouswearanoath？“

“Iwillswearanoath，“answeredthePrincehoarsely，forheknewhisshameanddanger。

“Thenkneelhere，andbythedreadfulNameswearthatyouwillliftnohandandplotnoplotagainstme。Swearthatifachild，maleorfemale，shouldbegiventome，youwillservesuchachildtrulyasyourlordandlawfulPharaoh。Inthepresenceofallthiscompany，swear，knowingthatifyoubreaktheoathinletterorinspirit，thenallthegodsofEgyptshallpourtheircurseuponyourheadinlife，andindeathshallgiveyouovertotheeverlastingtormentsofthedamned。“

So，havinglittlechoice，AbisworebytheNameandkissedthesceptreintokenofhisoath。

Itwasnight。Darkandsolemnwastheinnermostshrineofthevasttemple，the“HouseofAmenintheNorthernApt，“whichwecallKarnak，theveryholyofholieswhere，fashionedofstone，andwiththefeatheredcrownuponhishead，stoodthestatueofAmen-ra，fatherofthegods。Here，wherenonebutthehigh-priestandtheroyaltiesofEgyptmightenter，PharaohandhiswifeAhura，wrappedinbrowncloakslikecommonfolk，kneltatthefeetofthegodandprayed。Withtearsandsupplicationsdidtheypraythatachildmightbegiventothem。

Thereinthesacredplace，litonlybyasinglelampwhichburnedfromagetoage，theytoldthestoryoftheirgrief，whilsthighabovethemthecold，calmcountenanceofthegodseemedtostarethroughthegloom，asforathousandyears，injoyorsorrow，ithadstaredatthosethatwentbeforethem。TheytoldofthemockingwordsofAbiwhohaddemandedtoseetheirchildren，thechildrenthatwerenot；theytoldoftheirterrorofthepeoplewhodemandedthatanheirshouldbedeclared；theytoldofthedoomthatthreatenedtheirancienthouse，whichfromPharaohtoPharaoh，allofoneblood，forgenerationshadworshippedinthisplace。Theypromisedgiftsandofferings，statelytemplesandwidelands，ifonlytheirdesiremightbefulfilled。

“Letmenomorebemadeamockamongmen，“criedthebeautifulqueen，beatingherforeheaduponthestonefeetofthegod。“LetmebearachildtofilltheseatofmylordtheKing，andthenifthouwilt，takemylifeinpayment。“

Butthegodmadenoanswer，andweariedoutatlengththeyroseanddeparted。Atthedoorofthesanctuarytheyfoundthehigh-priestawaitingthem，awizened，agedman。

“Thegodgavenosign，OHigh-priest，“saidPharaohsadly；“novoicespoketous。“

Theoldpriestlookedattheweepingqueen，andalightofpitycreptintohiseyes。

“Tome，watchingwithout，“hesaid，“avoiceseemedtospeak，thoughwhatitsaidImaynotreveal。Gotoyourpalacenow，OPharaoh，andO

QueenAhura，andtakeyourrestsidebyside。Ithinkthatinyoursleepasignwillcometoyou，forAmenispitiful，andloveshischildrenwholovehim。AccordingtothatsignsospeaktothePrinceAbi，speakwithoutfearordoubt，sinceforgoodorillitshallbefulfilled。“

Thenlikeshadows，handinhand，thisroyalpairglideddownthevast，pillaredhallstillatthepylongates，whichwereopenedforthem，theyfoundtheirlitters，andwerebornealongthegreatavenueofram-headedsphinxesbacktoasecretdoorinthepalacewall。

Itwaspastmidnight。DeepdarknessandheavysilencelayuponThebes，brokenonlybydogshowlingatthestarsandtheoccasionalchallengeofsoldiersonthewalls。SidebysideintheirgoldenbedtheweariedPharaohandhisqueensleptheavily。PresentlyAhurawoke。Shestartedupinthebed；shestaredatthedarknessaboutherwithfrightenedeyes；shestretchedoutherhandandclaspingPharaohbythearm，whisperedinathrillingvoice，“Awake，awake！IhavethatwhichImusttellyou。“

Pharaohrousedhimself，fortherewassomethinginAhura"svoicewhichsweptawaytheveilsofsleep。

“Whathaschanced，Ahura？“heasked。

“OPharaoh，Ihavedreamedadream，ifindeeditwerebutadream。Itseemedtomethatthedarknessopened，andthatstandinginthedarknessIsawaGlorywhichhadneithershapenorform。YetavoicespokefromtheGlory，alow，sweetvoice:"QueenAhura，mydaughter，"

itsaid，"IamthatSpirittowhomthouandthyhusbanddidpraythisnightinthesanctuaryofmytemple。Itseemedtobothofyouthatyourprayersremainedunheard，yetitwasnotso，asmypriestknewwell。QueenAhura，thouandPharaohthyhusbandhaveputyourtrustinmethesemanyyears，andnotinvain。AdaughtershallbegiventotheeandPharaoh，andmySpiritshallbeinthatchild。Sheshallbebeautifulandgloriousasnowomanwasbeforeher，forIclotheherwithhealthandpowerandwisdom。SheshallruleovertheNorthernandtheSouthernLands；yea，formanyyearsthedoublecrownshallrestuponherbrow，andnokingthatwentbeforeher，andnokingthatfollowsafterher，shallbemoregreatinEgypt。Troublesanddangersshallthreatenher，buttheSpiritthatIgivetohershallprotectherinthemall，andsheshalltreadherenemybeneathherfeet。A

royallovershallcometoheralso，andsheshallrejoiceinhisloveandfromitshallspringmanykingsandprinces。Neter-Tua，MorningStar，shallbehername，andhigh-priestessofAmen——noless——shallbeheroffice，forsheismychildwhomIhavetakenfromheavenandsentdowntoearth；thechildthatIhavegiventoPharaohandtothee，andIloveherandappointthegoodgoddessestobehercompanions，andcommandOsiristoreceiveheratthelast。

“"Behold，intokenofthesethingsIlaymysymbolonthybreast，andonherbreastalsoshallthatsymbolbe。WhenIliftitfromtheeandthoudostopenthyeyes，thenawakenPharaohatthysideandletthesemywordsbewritteninaroll，sothatnoneofthemareforgotten。"

“Then，OPharaoh，“wentonAhura，“fromtheGlorytherecameforthahand，andinthehandwastheSymbolofLifeshiningasthoughwithfire，andthehandlaidituponmybreastanditburnedmeasthoughwithfire，andIawokeandlo！darknesswasallaboutme，nothingbutdarkness，andatmysideIheardyousleeping。“

NowwhenPharaohhadlistenedtothisdream，hekissedthequeenandblessedherbecauseofitsgoodomen，andclappedhishandstosummonthewomenofhonourwhosleptwithout。Theyraninbearinglights，andbythelightshesawthatbeneaththethroatoftheQueenuponherfairskin，appearedaredmark，andtheshapeofitwastheshapeoftheSignofLife；yes，therewastheloop，andbeneaththeloopthecross。

ThenPharaohcommandedthatthechiefofhisscribesshouldcometohimwithpapyrusandwritingtools，andthatthehigh-priestofAmenshouldbebroughtswiftlyfromthetemple。Sothescribecametothebed-chamberoftheKing，andinthepresenceofthehigh-priestallthewordsofAmenwerewrittendown，notoneofthemwasomitted，andPharaohandtheQueensignedtheroll，andthehigh-priestwitnesseditand，copieshavingbeenmade，boreitawaytohideitinthesecrettreasuryofAmen。ButthemarkoftheCrossofLiferemaineduponthebreastoftheQueenAhuratillthedaythatshedied。

NowinthemorningPharaohsummonedhisCourtandcommandedthatthePrinceAbishouldbebroughtbeforehim。SothePrincecameandPharaohaddressedhimkindly。

“Sonofmyfather，“hesaid，“IhaveconsideredyourrequestthatI

shouldtakeyoutorulewithmeonthethroneofEgypt，andnameyouandyoursonstobePharaohsafterme，anditisrefused。Knowthatithasbeenrevealedtomeandtotheroyalwife，Ahura，bythegreatestofthegods，thatadaughtershallbeborntousindueseason，whoshallbecalledMorningStarofAmen，andthatsheandherseedshallbePharaohsafterme。Thereforerejoicewithusandreturntoyourgovernment，PrinceAbi，andbehappyinourlove，andinthegoodsandgreatnessthatthegodshavegivenyou。“

NowAbishookwithanger，forhethoughtthatallthistalewasatrickandasnare。ButknowingthathisperilwasgreatthereinthehandofPharaoh，heansweredonlythatwhenthisMorningStararose，hisstarshoulddoitreverence，thoughasthewordspassedhislipsherememberedtheprophecyofhisastrologerKaku，thattheMorningStarofAmenshouldblotoutthatstarofhis。

“YouthinkthatIspeakfalsely，PrinceAbi，yes，thatIstainmylipswithlies，“saidPharaohwithindignation。“Well，Iforgiveyouthisalso。Gohenceandawaittheissueandknowbythissignthattruthisinmyheart。WhenthePrincessNeter-Tuaisborn，uponherbreastshallbeseenthesymboloftheSignofLife。Departnow，lestIgrowangry。ThegiftsIhavepromisedshallfollowyoutoMemphis。“

SoAbireturnedtothewhite-walledcityofMemphisandsattheresullenly，puttingitaboutthataplotwasonfoottodeprivehimofhisheritage。ButKakushookhishead，sayinginsecretthattheStar，Neter-Tua，wouldarise，forsoitwasdecreedbyAmen，fatherofthegods。

CHAPTERIII

RAMES，THEPRINCESS，ANDTHECROCODILE

AttheappointedtimetoAhura，theroyalwife，wasbornachild，agirlwithafreshandlovelyfaceandwavinghairandeyesthatfromthefirstwerebluelikethesummerskyateven。Alsoonherbreastwasamoleofthelengthofafingernail，whichmolewasshapedliketheholySignofLife。

NowPharaohandhishouseandthepriestsineverytemple，andindeedallEgyptwentmadwithjoy，thoughthereweremanywhoinsecretmournedoverthesexoftheinfant，whisperingthatamanandnotawomanshouldweartheDoubleCrown。Butinpublictheysaidnothing，sincethestoryofthischildhadgoneabroadandfolkdeclaredthatitwassentbythegods，anddivine，andthatthegoddesses，Isis，Nepthys，andHathor，withKhemu，theMakerofMankind，wereseeninthebirthchamber，glowinglikegold。

AlsoPharaohissuedadecreethatwhereverthenameoftheQueenAhurawasgraveninalltheland，toitshouldbeaddedthetitle“BythewillofAmen，MotherofhisMorningStar，“andthatanewhallshouldbebuiltinthetempleofAmenintheNorthernApt，andallaboutitcarvedthestoryofthecomingofPrinceAbiandofthevisionoftheQueen。

ButAhuraneverlivedtoseethisgloriousplace，sincefromthehourofherdaughter"sbirthshebegantosink。Onthefourteenthday，thedayofpurification，shebadethenursebringthebeautifulbabe，andgazedatitlongandblessedit，andspokewiththeKaorDoubleofthechild，whichshesaidshesawlyingonherarmbesideit，biddingthatKaprotectitwellthroughthedangersoflifeanddeathuntilthehourofresurrection。ThenshesaidthatsheheardAmencallingtohertopaythepricewhichshehadpromisedforthegiftofthedivinechild，thepriceofherownlife，andsmileduponPharaohherhusband，anddiedhappilywitharadiantface。

Nowjoywasturnedtomourning，andduringallthedaysofembalmingEgyptweptforAhurauntil，atlength，thetimecamewhenherbodywasrowedacrosstheNiletothesplendidtombwhichshehadmadereadyintheValleyoftheQueens，causingmasonsandartiststolabouratitwithoutcease。ForAhuraknewfromthedayofhervisionthatshewasdoomedtodie，andrememberedthatthetombsofthedeadremainasthelivehandsleavethem，sincefewwastegoldandtoilupontheeternalhouseofonewhoisdead。

SoAhurawasburiedwithgreatpompandallherjewels，andPharaoh，whomournedhertruly，madesplendidofferingsinthechapelofhertomb，andhavinglaidinthemouthofitthefuneralboatinwhichshewasborneacrosstheNile，hebuiltitupforever，andpouredsandovertherock，sothatnoneshouldfinditsplaceuntiltheDayofAwakening。

Meanwhile，theinfantgrewandflourished，andwhenitwassixmonthsold，wastakentothecollegeofthepriestessesofAmen，theretoberearedandtaught。

NowonthedayofthebirthofthePrincessNeter-Tua，therehappenedanotherbirthwithwhichourstoryhastodo。ThecaptainoftheguardofthetempleofAmenwasoneMermes，whohadmarriedhisownhalf-

sister，Asti，theenchantress。Aswaswellknown，thisMermeswasbyrightandtruedescentthelastofthathouseofPharaohswhichhadfilledthethroneofEgyptuntiltheirlinewascastdowngenerationsbeforebythedynastythatnowruledtheland，whereofthereigningPharaohandhisdaughterNeter-Tuaaloneremained。Alongwhilepast，intheearlydaysofhisreign，hiscouncilhaswhisperedinPharaoh"searthatheshouldkillMermesandhissister，lestadayshouldcomewhentheyrebelledagainsthim，proclaimingthattheydidsobyrightofblood。ButPharaoh，whowasgentleandhatedmurder，insteadofslayingMermessentforhimandtoldhimall。

ThenMermes，anoble-lookingmanasbecamethestockfromwhichhesprang，prostratedhimselfandsaid，“OPharaoh，whyshouldyoukillme？IthaspleasedthegodstodebasemyHouseandtosetupyours。HaveIeverliftedupmyheelagainstyoubecausemyforefatherswerekings，orplottedwiththediscontenttooverthrowyou！See，Iamsatisfiedwithmystation，whichisthatofanobleandasoldierinyourarmy。Thereforeletmeandmyhalf-

sister，thewiseladyAstiwhomIpurposetomarry，dwelloninpeaceasyourtrueandhumbleservants。Dipnotyourhandsinourinnocentblood，OPharaoh，lestthegodssendacurseuponyouandyourHouseandourghostscomebackfromthegravetohauntyou。“

WhenPharaohheardthesewords，hisheartwasmovedinhim，andhestretchedouthissceptreforMermestokiss，therebygrantingtohimlifeandprotection。

“Mermes，“hesaid，“youareanhonourableman，andmyequalinbloodifnotinplace。Fortheirownpurposesthegodsraiseuponeandcastdownanotherthatatlasttheirendsmaybefulfilled。Ibelievethatyouwillworknoharmagainstmeandmine，and，therefore，IwillworknoharmagainstyouandyoursisterAsti，MistressofMagic。Rathershallyoubemyfriendandcounsellor。“

ThenPharaohofferedhighrankandofficetohim，butMermeswouldnottakethem，answeringthatifhedid，envywouldbestirredupagainsthim，andinthiswayorthatbringhimtohisdeath，sincetalltreesarethefirsttofall。SointheendPharaohmadeMermesCaptainoftheGuardofAmen，andgavehimlandandhousesenoughtoenablehimtoliveasanobleofgoodestate，butnomore。AlsohebecameafriendofPharaohandoneofhisinnerCouncil，towhosevoicehealwayslistened，forMermeswasatrue-heartedman。

AfterwardsMermesmarriedAsti，butlikePharaohforalongwhileheremainedchildless，sincehetooknootherwives。OnthedayofthebirthofthePrincessTua，theMorningStarofAmen，however，Astiboreason，aroyal-lookingchildofgreatstrengthandbeautyandveryfairincolour，astraditionsaidthatthekingsofhisracehadbeenbeforehim，butwithblackandshiningeyes。

“See，“saidthemidwife，“hereisaheadshapedtowearacrown。“

WhereonAsti，hismother，forgettinghercautioninherjoy，orperhapsinspiredbythegods，forfromherchildhoodshewasaprophetess，answered，“Yes，andIthinkthatthisheadandacrownwillcomeclosetogether，“andshekissedhimandnamedhimRamesafterherroyalforefather，thefounderoftheirline。

AsitchancedaspyoverheardthissayingandreportedittotheCouncil，andtheCouncilurgedPharaohtocausetheboytobeputaway，astheyhadurgedinthecaseofhisfather，Mermes，becauseofthewordsofomenthatAstihadspoken，andbecauseshehadgivenhersonaroyalname，naminghimafterthemajestyofRa，asthoughhewereindeedthechildofaking。ButPharaohwouldnot，askingwithhissoftsmilewhethertheywishedhimtobaptisehisdaughterinthebloodofanotherinfantwhodrewhisfirstbreathuponthesameday，andadding:

“Rashedshisgloryuponall，andthishigh-bornboymaylivetobeafriendinneedtoherwhomAmenhasgiventoEgypt。Letthingsbefallasthegodsdecree。WhoamIthatIshouldmakemyselfagodanddestroyalifethattheyhavefashioned？“

SotheboyRameslivedandthrove，andMermesandAsti，whentheycametohearofthesethings，thankedPharaohandblessedhim。

NowthehouseofMermes，asCaptainoftheGuard，waswithinthewallofthegreattempleofAmen，neartothepalaceofthepriestessesofAmenwherethePrincessNeter-Tuawasnurtured。ThusitcameaboutthatwhentheQueenAhuradied，theladyAstiwasnamedasnursetothePrincess，sincePharaohsaidthatsheshoulddrinknomilksavethatofoneinwhoseveinsranroyalblood。SoAstiwasTua"sfostermother，andnightbynightshesleptinherarmstogetherwithherownson，Rames。Afterwards，too，whentheywereweanedthebabesweretaughttowalkandspeaktogether，andlater，aschildren，theybecameplaymates。

Thusfromthefirstthesetwolovedeachother，asbrotherandsisterlovewhentheyaretwins。Butalthoughtheboywasboldandbrave，thislittleprincessalwayshadthemasteryofhim，notbecauseshewasaprincessandheirtothethroneofEgypt——forallthehightitlestheygaveherfellidlyonherears，nordidshethinkanythingofthebowingsofcourtiersandofpriests——butfromsomestrengthwithinherself。Sheitwasthatsetthegamestheyplayed，andwhenshetalkedhewasobligedtolisten，foralthoughshewassosoundandhealthy，thisTuadifferedfromotherchildren。

Thusshehadwhatshecalledher“silenthours“whenshewouldsuffernoonetocomenearher，notherladiesorherfoster-mother，Astiherself，norevenRames。Then，followedbythewomenatadistance，shewouldwanderamongthegreatcolumnsofthetempleandstudythesculpturesonthewalls；and，sinceallplaceswereopentoher，Pharaoh"schild，enterthesanctuaries，andstareatthegodsthatsatinthemfashionedingraniteandinalabaster。Thisshewoulddoeveninthesolemnmoonlightwhenmortalswereafraidtoapproachthesesacredshrines，andcomethenceunconcernedandsmiling。

“Whatdoyouseethere，OMorningStar？“askedlittleRamesofheronce。“Theyaredullthings，thosestonegodsthathavenevermovedsincethebeginningoftheworld；alsotheyfrightenme，especiallywhenRaisset。“

“Theyarenotdull，andtheydonotfrightenme，“answeredTua；“theytalktome，andalthoughIcannotunderstandalltheysay，Iamhappywiththem。“

“Talk！“hesaidcontemptuously，“howcanstonestalk？“

“Idonotknow。Ithinkitistheirspiritsthattalk，tellingmestorieswhichhappenedbeforeIwasbornandthatshallhappenafterI

amdead，yes，andafter/they/seemtobedead。Nowbesilent——Isaythattheytalktome——itisenough。“

“Formeitwouldbemorethanenough，“saidtheboy，“butthenIamnotcalledChildofAmen，whoonlyworshipMenthu，GodofWar。“

WhenRameswassevenyearsofage，everymorninghewastakentoschoolinthetemple，wheretheprieststaughthimtowritewithpensofreedupontabletsofwood，andtoldhimmoreaboutthegodsofEgyptthanheeverwantedtohearagain。Duringthesehours，exceptwhenshewasbeinginstructedbythegreatladiesoftheCourt，orbyhigh-priestesses，Tuawasleftsolitary，sincebythecommandofPharaohnootherchildrenwereallowedtoplaywithher，perhapsbecausetherewerenoneinthetempleofheragewhosebirthwasnoble。

OncewhenhecamebackfromhisschoolintheeveningRamesaskedherifshehadnotbeenlonelywithouthim。Sheanswered，No，asshehadanothercompanion。

“Whoisit？“heaskedjealously。“ShowmeandIwillfighthim。“

“Noonethatyoucansee，Rames，“shereplied。“OnlymyownKa。“

“YourKa！IhaveheardofKas，butIneversawone。Whatisitlike？“

“Justlikeme，exceptthatitthrowsnoshadow，andonlycomeswhenI

amquitebymyself，andthen，althoughIhearitoften，Iseeitrarely，foritismixedupwiththelight。“

“Idon"tbelieveinKas，“exclaimedRamesscornfully，“youmakethemupoutofyourhead。“

AlittlewhileafterthistalksomethinghappenedthatcausedRamestochangehismindaboutKas，oratanyratetheKaofTua。Inahiddencourtofthetemplewasadeeppoolofwaterwithcementedsides，where，itwassaid，livedasacredcrocodile，anenormousbeastthathaddweltthereforhundredsofyears。RamesandTuahavingheardofthiscrocodile，oftentalkedofitandlongedtoseeit，butcouldnotfortherewasahighwallroundthetank，andinitadoorofcopperthatwaskeptlocked，exceptwhenonceineveryeightdaystheprieststookinfoodtothecrocodile——livinggoatsandsheep，andsometimesacalf，noneofwhichevercamebackagain。

NowonedayRameswatchingthemreturn，sawthepriest，whowascalledGuardianoftheDoor，puthishandbehindhimtothrustthekeywithwhichhehadjustlockedthedoor，intohiswallet，andmissingthemouthofthewallet，letitfalluponthesand，thengouponhiswayknowingnothingofwhathehaddone。

Whenhehadgoneinagreathurry，forhewasafatoldpriestandthedinnerhourwasathand，Ramespounceduponthekeyandhiditinhisrobe。Thenhesoughtouttheprincessandsaid，“MorningStar，thisevening，whenIcomebackfromschoolandamallowedtoplaywithyou，wecanlookatthewonderfulbeastinthetank，forlook，Ihavethekeywhichthatfatpriestwillnotsearchfortillsevendaysaregoneby，beforewhichIcantakeittohim，sayingthatIfounditinthesand，orperhapsputitbackintohiswallet。“

WhensheheardthisTua"seyesshone，sinceaboveallthingsshedesiredtoseethisholymonster。Butintheeveningwhentheboycamerunningtohereagerly——forhehadthoughtofnothingbutthecrocodileallday，andhadboughtapigeonfromaschool-fellowwithwhichtofeedthebrute——hefoundTuainadifferentmood。

“Idon"tthinkthatwewillgotoseetheholycrocodile，Rames，“shesaid，lookingathimthoughtfully。

“Whynot？“heaskedamazed。“Thereisnooneabout，andIhaveputfatuponthekeysothatitwillmakenonoise。“

“BecausemyKahasbeenwithme，Rames，andtoldmethatitisabadactandifwedotroublewillcometous。“

“Oh！maythefiendSettakeyourKa，“repliedtheladinarage。“ShowittomeandIwilltalkwithit。“

“Icannot，Rames，foritis/me/。Moreover，ifSettookit，hewouldtakemealso，andyouarewickedtowishsuchathing。“

Nowtheboybegantocrywithvexation，sobbingoutthatshewasnottobetrusted，andthathehadpaidawayhisbronzeknife，whichPharaohhadgivenhimwhenlasthevisitedthetemple，forapigeontotemptthebeasttothetopofthewater，sothattheymightseeit，althoughtheknifewasworthmanypigeons，andPharaohwouldbeangryifheheardthathehadpartedwithit。

“Whyshouldwetakethelifeofapoorpigeontopleaseourselves？“

askedTua，softeningalittleatthesightofhisgrief。

“It"stakenalready，“heanswered。“ItflutteredsothatIhadtositonittohideitfromthepriest，andwhenhehadgoneitwasdead。

Look，“andheopenedthelinenbagheheld，andshowedherthedovecoldandstiff。

“Asyoudidnotmeantokillit，thatmakesadifference，“saidTuajudicially。“Well，perhapsmyKadidnotmeanthatweshouldnothaveonepeep，anditisapitytowastethepoorpigeon，whichthenwillhavediedfornothing。“

Ramesagreedthatitwouldbethegreatestofpities，sothetwochildrenslippedawaythroughthetreesofthegardenintotheshadowofthewall，alongwhichtheycrepttilltheycametothebronzedoor。

ThenguiltilyenoughRamesputthegreatkeyintothelock，andwiththehelpofapieceofwoodwhichhehadalsomadeready，thathesetintheringofthekeytoactasalever，thetwoofthemturningtogethershotbacktheheavybolts。

Takingoutthekeylestitshouldbetraythem，theyopenedthedooralittleandsqueezedthemselvesthroughintotheforbiddenplace。Nosoonerhadtheydonesothanalmosttheywishedthemselvesbackagain，fortherewassomethingaboutthespotthatfrightenedthem，tosaynothingofthehorriblesmellwhichmadeTuafeelill。Itwasagreattank，withalittleartificialislandinitscentre，fullofslimywaterthatlookedalmostblackbecauseoftheshadowofthehighwalls，androunditrananarrowstonepath。Atonespotinthispath，however，wheregrewsomedank-lookingtreesandbushes，wasaslope，alsoofstone，andontheslopewithitsprowrestinginthewateralittleboat，andintheboat，oars。Butofthecrocodiletherewasnothingtobeseen。

“Itisasleepsomewhere，“whisperedTua，“letusgoaway，Idonotlikethisstench。“

“Stench，“answeredRames。“Ismellnothingexcepttheliliesonthewater。Letuswakeitup，itwouldbesillytogonow。Surelyyouarenotafraid，OStar。“

“Oh，no！Iamnotafraid，“answeredTuaproudly。“Onlywakeitupquickly，please。“

WhatRamesdidnotaddwasthatitwouldbeimpossibletoretreatasthedoorhadclosedbehindthem，andtherewasnokeyholeonitsinnerside。

Sotheywalkedroundthetank，butwhereveritmightlurk，thesleepingcrocodilerefusedtowake。

“Letusgetintotheboatandlookforit，“suggestedRames。“Perhapsitishidingontheisland。“

Soheledhertothestoneslope，wheretoherhorrorTuasawtheremainsofthecrocodile"slastmeal，asightthatcausedhertoforgetherdoubtsandjumpintotheboatveryquickly。ThenRamesgaveitapushandspranginafterher，sothattheyfoundthemselvesfloatingonthewater。Now，standinginthebow，theboytookanoarandpaddledroundtheisland，butstilltherewerenosignsofthecrocodile。

“Idon"tbelieveitishereatall，“hesaid，recoveringhiscourage。

“Youmighttrythepigeon，“suggestedTua，who，nowthattherewaslesssmell，felthercuriosityreturning。