第2章
ThiswasagoodthoughtuponwhichRamesactedatonce。Takingthedeadbirdfromthebaghespreadoutitswingstomakeitlookasthoughitwerealive，andthrewitintothewater，exclaiming，“Arise，OHolyCrocodile！“
Thenwithfearfulsuddenness，whencetheyknewnot，thatcrocodilearose。Anawfulscalyheadappearedwithdulleyesandcountlessflashingfangs，andbehindtheheadcubituponcubitofmonstrousform。Thefangscloseduponthepigeonandeverythingvanished。
“ThatwastheHolyCrocodile，“saidRamesabstractedlyashestaredattheboilingwaters，“whichhaslivedhereduringthereignsofeightPharaohs，andperhapslonger。Nowwehaveseenit。“
“Yes，“answeredTua，“andIneverwanttoseeitagain。Getmeawayquick，orIwilltellyourfather。“
Thusadjuredtheboy，nothingloth，seizedhisoar，whensuddenlytheancientcrocodile，havingswallowedthedove，thrustupitssnoutimmediatelybeneaththemandbegantofollowtheboat。NowTuascreamedaloudandsaidsomethingaboutherKa。
“Tellittokeepoffthecrocodile，“shoutedRamesasheworkedtheoarfuriously。“NothingcanhurtaKa。“
Butthecrocodilewouldnotbekeptoff。Onthecontrary，itthrustitsgreysnoutandoneofitsclawsoverthesternoftheboatinsuchafashionthatRamescouldnolongerworktheoar，draggingitalmostunderwater，andsnappedwithitshorriblejaws。
“Oh！itiscomingin；wearegoingtobeeaten，“criedTua。
Atthatmomenttheboattouchedthelanding-placeandswunground，sothatitsbow，whereTuawas，strucktheheadofthecrocodile，whichseemedtoinfuriatethebeast。Atleast，ithurleditselfupontheboat，causingtheforeparttoheelover，fillwithwater，andbegintosink。Thenthelittlelad，Rames，showedthecouragethatwasinhim。ShoutingtoTua:
“Getonshore，getonshore！“heplungedpastherandsmotethehugereptileupontheheadwiththebladeofhisoar。Itopeneditshideousmouth，andhethrusttheoarintoitandheldon。
“Leavego，“criedTua，asshescrambledtoland。
ButRameswouldnotleavego，forinhisbravelittlehearthethoughtthatifhedidthecrocodilewouldfollowTuaandeather。Soheclungtothehandletillitwaswrenchedfromhim。Indeedhedidmore，forseeingthatthecrocodilehadbittenthewoodenbladeintwoand，havingdroppedit，wasstilladvancingtowardstheslopewhereitwasaccustomedtobefed，heleaptintothewaterandstruckitintheeyewithhislittlefist。Feelingthepainoftheblowthemonstersnappedathim，andcatchinghimbythehandbegantosinkbackintodeepwater，draggingtheladafterit。
Ramessaidnothing，butTua，whoalreadywasattheheadofthestage，lookedroundandsawtheagonyonhisface。
“Helpme，Amen！“shecried，andflyingback，graspedRamesbyhisleftarmjustashewasfallingover，thensetherheelsinacrackoftherockandheldon。ForonemomentshewasdraggedforwardtillshethoughtthatshemustfalluponherfaceandbedrownedoreatenwithRames，butthenextsomethingyielded，andsheandtheboytumbledinaheapuponthestones。Theyroseandstaggeredtogethertotheterrace。AstheywentTuasawthatRameswaslookingathisrighthandcuriously；alsothatitwascoveredwithblood，andthatthelittlefingerwastornoffit。Thensherememberednothingfurther，exceptasoundofshoutsandofheavyhammeringatthecopperdoor。
WhensherecovereditwastofindherselfinthehouseofMermeswiththeladyAstibendingoverherandweeping。
“Whydoyouweep，Nurse？“sheasked，“seeingthatIamsafe？“
“Iweepformyson，Princess，“sheansweredbetweenhersobs。
“Ishedeadofhiswounds，then，Asti？“
“No，OMorningStar，heliessickinhischamber。ButsoonPharaohwillkillhimbecauseheledherwhowillbeQueenofEgyptintogreatdangerofherlife。“
“Notso，“saidTua，springingup，“forhesavedmylife。“
AsshespokethedooropenedandincamePharaohhimself，whohadbeensummonedhastilyfromthepalace。Hisfacewaswhiteandheshookwithfear，forithadbeenreportedtohimthathisonlychildwasdrowned。
Whenhesawthatshelivedandwasnotevenhurt，hecouldnotcontainhisjoy，butcastinghisarmsabouther，sanktohiskneesgivingthankstothegodsandtheguardianspirits。Shekissedhim，andstudyinghisfacewithherwiseeyes，askedwhyhewassomuchafraid。
“BecauseIthoughtyouhadbeenkilled，mydaughter。“
“Whydidyouthinkthat，Omyfather，seeingthatthegreatgod，Amen，beforeIwasbornpromisedtoprotectmealways，thoughitistruethathaditnotbeenforRames——“
NowatthementionofthisnamePharaohwasfilledwithrage。
“Speaknotofthatwickedlad，“heexclaimed，“noworevermore，forheshallbescourgedtillhedies！“
“Myfather，“answeredTua，springingup，“forgetthosewords，forifRamesdiesIwilldiealso。ItisIwhoamtoblame，nothe，formyKawarnedmenottolookuponthebeast，buttoRamesnoKaspoke。
Moreover，whenthatevilgodwouldhaveeatenmeitwasRameswhofoughtwithitandofferedhimselftoitsjawsinmyplace。Listen，myfather，whileItellyouallthestory。“
SoPharaohlistened，andwhenitwasdonehesentforRames。Presentlytheboywascarriedin，forhehadlostsomuchbloodthathecouldnotwalk，andwasplaceduponastoolbeforehim。
“Slaymenow，OPharaoh，“hesaidinaweakvoice，“forIhavesinned。
Moreover，IshalldiehappysincemyspiritgavemestrengthtobeatofftheevilbeastfromthePrincesswhomIledintotrouble。“
“Trulyyouhavedonewickedly，“saidPharaoh，shakinghisheadathim，“and，therefore，perhaps，youwillloseyourhandandevenyourlife。
Yet，child，youhavearoyalheart，whofirstsavedyourplaymateandthen，eveninmypresence，takealltheblameuponyourself。ThereforeIforgiveyou，sonofMermes；moreover，IseethatIwaswisenottolistentothosewhocounselledthatyoushouldbeputawayatbirth，“
andbendingovertheboy，Pharaohkissedhimonthebrow。
Alsohegaveordersthatthegreatestphysiciansinthelandshouldattenduponhimandpurgethepoisonofthecrocodile"steethfromhisbody，andwhenherecovered——whichsaveforthelossofthelittlefingerofhisrighthand，hedidcompletely——hesenthimaswordwithahandleofgoldfashionedtotheshapeofacrocodile，inplaceoftheknifewhichhehadpaidawayforthepigeon，biddinghimuseitbravelyallhislifeindefenceofherwhowouldbehisqueen。
Further，althoughhewasstillsoyoung，hegavetohimthehightitleofCountinearnestofhisloveandfavour，andwithitanamethatmeantDefenderoftheRoyalLady。
AfterhehadgoneAstitheprophetesslookedattheswordwhichPharaohhadgiventoherson。
“Iseeroyalbloodonit，“shesaid，andhandeditbacktoRames。
ButRamesandTuawerenomoreallowedtoplaytogetheralone，foralwaysafterthisthePrincesswasaccompaniedbywomenofhonourandanarmedguard。Also，withinayearortwotheboywasplacedinchargeofageneraltobebroughtupasasoldier，atradethathelikedwellenough，sothatfromthistimeforwardheandNeter-Tuametbutseldom。Stilltherewasabondbetweenthemwhichcouldnotbebrokenbyabsence，foralreadytheylovedeachother，andeverynightandmorningwhenTuamadeherpetitionstoAmen，afterprayingforPharaohherfather，andforthespiritofherroyalmother，Ahura，sheprayedforRames，andthattheymightmeetsoon。ForthemonthswhenhereyesdidnotfalluponhisfacewerewearisometoTua。
CHAPTERIV
THESUMMONINGOFAMEN
TheyearswentbyandthePrincessNeter-Tua，whowascalledMorningStarofAmen，cameatlengthtowomanhood，andwentthroughtheceremoniesofPurification。InallEgypttherewasnomaidensowiseandspiritedorsolovely。Tallandslenderwashershape，blueastheseawerehereyes，rosylikethedawnwerehercheeks，andwhenshedidnotwearitinanetofgold，herblackandcurlinghairfellalmosttoherwaist。Alsoshewasverylearned，forpriestsandpriestessestaughtherallthingsthatsheoughttoknow，togetherwiththeartsofplayingontheharpandofsinginganddancing，whileherownexcellentSpirit，thatKawhichAmenhadgivenher，instructedherinadeeperwisdomwhichshegatheredunconsciouslyinsleepandwakingdreams，astheslumberingearthgathersdewatnight。
Moreover，herfather，thewiseoldPharaoh，openedtoherthecraftofstatesmanship，byhelpofwhichshemightgovernmenandoverthrowherenemies。Indeed，hedidmore，forwhenhereducationwasfinished，hejoinedherwithhiminthegovernmentofEgypt，saying:
“Iwhoalwayslackedbodilystrength，growagedandfeeble。Thismightycrownistooheavyformetobearalone。Daughter，youmustshareitsweight。“
SotheyoungNeter-Tuabecameaqueen，andgreatwastheceremonyofhercoronation。Thehighpriestsandpriestesses，clothedintherobesandsymbolsoftheirgodsandgoddesses，addressedspeechestoherandblessedherintheirnames，givinghereverygoodgiftandpromisingtohereternallife。Princesandnoblesmadeherofferings；foreignchiefsandkingsbowedbeforeherbytheirambassadors。TheCountsandheadmenoftheTwoLandssworeallegiancetoher，and，finally，inthepresenceofalltheCourt，Pharaohhimselfsetthedoublecrownuponherbrowandgaveherherthrone-namesof“GloriousinRaandHathorStronginBeauty。“
SoforawhileTuasatsplendidonhergoldenseatwhilethepeopleadoredher，butinthattriumphanthourhereyessearchedforonefaceonly，thatofthetallandgallantcaptain，Rames，herfoster-brother，andforamomentrestedtherecontent。Yes，theireyesmet，thoseofthenew-crownedEmpressonherthroneandoftheyouthfulnobleinthethrongbelow。Shortwasthegreeting，fornextinstantshelookedaway，yetmorefullofmeaningthanwholedaysofspeech。
“TheQueendoesnotforgetwhatthechildremembered，thegoddessisstillawoman，“itseemedtosay。AndsosweetwasthatmessagethatRamesstaggeredfromtheCourtlikeonestrickenbythesun。
Nightcameatlast，andhavingdismissedhersecretaries，scribesandtire-womenthewearygirl，nowcladinsimplewhite，satinherchamberalone。Shethoughtofallthesplendoursthroughwhichshehadpassed；shethoughtofthegloriesofherimperialstate，ofthepowerthatshewielded，andoftheproudfuturewhichstretchedbeforeherfeet。ButmostofallshethoughtofthefaceoftheyoungCountRames，theplaymateofherchildhood，themansheloved，andwondered，ah！howshewondered，ifwithallherpowershecouldeverdrawhimtoherside。Ifnot，ofwhatusewasthisruleovermillions，thisdominionofherworld？Theycalledheragoddess，andintruth，attimes，shebelievedthatshewashalf-divine，butifso，whydidherheartachelikethatofanycommonmaid？
Moreover，wasshereallysetabovethemisfortunesofherrace？Couldathrone，howeverbrightwithgold，liftherabovethesorrowsofhumankind？Shedesiredtolearnthetruth，theverytruth。Hermindwasurgent，itdroveherontosearchoutthingstocome，tostandfacetofacewiththem，eveniftheywereevil。Well，shebelievedshehadthestrength，although，asyet，shehadnevercalledittoheraid。
Alsothisthingcouldnotbedonealone。Tuathoughtawhile，thengoingtothedoorofherchambershebadeawomanwhowaitedwithoutsummontohertheLadyAsti，priestessofAmen，InterpreterofHeaven。
PresentlyAsticame，fornow，asalways，shewasinattendanceuponthenew-crownedqueen，atallandnoble-lookingwomanwithfine-cutfeaturesandblackhair，thatalthoughshewasfiftyyearsofage，stillshowednotraceofgrey。
“IwasintheSanctuarywhenyourMajestysummonedme，“shesaid，pointingtothesacredrobeshewore。“LetyourMajestypardonme，therefore，ifIhavebeenlongincoming，“andshebowedlowbeforeher。
ButtheQueenliftedherupandkissedher，saying，“IamwearyofthosehightitleswhereofIhaveheardmorethanenoughto-day。CallmeTua，Omymother，forsoyouhaveeverbeentome，fromwhosebreastIdrewthemilkoflife。“
“Whatailsyou，mychild？“askedAsti。“Wasthecrowntooheavyforthisyoungheadofyours？“sheadded，stretchingoutherdelicatehandandstrokingtheblackandcurlinghair。
“Aye，Mother，theweightofitseemedtocrushmewithitsgemsandgold。IamwearyandyetIcannotsleep。Tellme，whydidPharaohsummonthatCouncilafterthefeast？Mermeswasoneofthem，soyoumustknow。AndwhywasnotI，whohenceforthrulewithPharaoh，presentwithhim？“
“Wouldyoulearn？“saidAstiwithalittlesmile。“Well，asQueenyouhavetheright。Itwasbecausetheydiscussedthematterofyourmarriage。“
ForamomentalightshoneuponTua"sface。Thensheaskedanxiously:
“Mymarriage，andwithwhom？“
“Oh！manynameswerementioned，Child，sinceshewhorulesEgyptdoesnotlackforsuitors。“
“Tellmethemquick，Asti。“
Soshetoldthem，therewereseveninall，thePrinceofKesh，thesonsofforeignkings，greatnobles，andageneralofthearmywhoclaimeddescentfromaformerPharaoh。
AseachnamefellfromAsti"slipsTuawavedherhand，sayingscornfulwords，suchas“Iknowhimnot，““Tooold，““Fatandhideous，““A
foreigndogwhospitsuponourgods，“andsoforth，addingatlast:
“Goon。“
“Thatisall，Lady，noothernamewasmentioned，andtheCounciladjournedtoconsiderthese。“
“Noothername？“
“Doyouthenmissone，perchance，Tua？“
Shemadenoanswer，onlyherlipsseemedtoshapethemselvestoacertainsoundthattheydidnotutter。Thetwowomenlookedeachotherintheeyes，thenAstishookherhead。
“Itmaynotbe，“shewhispered，“formanyreasons，andamongstthemthatbythesolemndecreeoflongagowhereofIhavetoldyou，ourbloodisbarredforeverfromthethrone。Nonewoulddaretobreakit，noteventhePharaohhimself。Youwouldbringmysontohisdeath，Tua，whichsuchanotherlookasyougavehiminyonderhallwouldsurelydo。“
“No，“sheansweredslowly，“Iwouldnotbringhimtohisdeath，buttolifeandhonourand——love，andoneday/I/shallbePharaoh。Only，Asti，ifyoubetraymetohimIswearthatIwillbringyoutoyourdeath，althoughyouaresodear。“
“Ishallnotbetrayyou，“answeredthepriestess，smilingagain。“Intruth，mostBeautiful，Idonotthinkthereisanyneed，evenifI
would。Saynow，whydidacertaincaptainturnfaintandleavethehallto-daywhenyoureyeschancedtofallonhim？“
“Theheat，“suggestedTua，colouring。
“Yes，itwashot，butheisstrongerthanmostmenandhadborneitlong——likeothers。Stilltherearefires——“
“Becausehewasafraidofmymajesty，“brokeinTuahurriedly。“YouknowIlookedveryroyalthere，Mother。“
“Yes，doubtlessfearmovedhim——orsomeotherpassion。Yet，Beloved，putthatthoughtfromyourheartasIdo。WhenyouarePharaohyouwilllearnthatamonarchisaslavetothepeopleandtothelaw。
Breathebuthisnameinlove，andneverwillyouseehimmoretillyoumeetbeforeOsiris。“
Tuahidhereyesinherhandsforamoment，thensheglancedupandtherewasanotherlookuponherface，astrange，newlook。
“WhenIamPharaoh，“sheanswered，“therearecertainmattersinwhichIwillbemyownlaw，andifthepeopledonotlikeit，theymayfindanotherPharaoh。“
Astistartedatherwords，andalightofjoyshoneinherdeepeyes。
“Trulyyourheartishigh，“shesaid；“but，oh！ifyouloveme——andanother——burythatthought，buryitdeep，orhewillneverlivetoseeyouplacedaloneuponthegoldenseat。Know，Lady，thatalreadyfromhourtohourIfearforhim——lestheshoulddrinkapoisonedcup，lestatnightheshouldchancetostumbleagainstaspear，lestanarrow——
shotinsport——shouldfallagainsthisthroatandnoneknowwhenceitcame。“
Tuaclenchedherhands。
“Ifso，thereshouldbesuchvengeanceasEgypthasnotheardofsinceMenaruled。“
“Ofwhatuseisvengeance，Child，whentheheartisemptyandthetombissealed？“
AgainTuathought。Thenshesaid:
“ThereareothergodsbesidesOsiris。Nowwhatdomencallme，Mother？
Nay，notmyroyalnames。“
“TheycallyouMorningStarofAmen；theycallyouDaughterofAmen。“
“Isthatstorytrue，AstitheMagician？“
“Aye，atleastyourmotherdreamedthedream，forshetoldittomeandIhavereaditsrecord，whoamapriestessofAmen。“
“Thenthishighgodshouldloveme，shouldhenot？Heshouldhearmyprayersandgivemepower——heshouldprotectthosewhoaredeartome。
Mother，theysaythatyou，theMistressofsecretthings，canopentheearsofthegodsandcausetheirmouthstospeak。Mother，IcommandyouasyourQueen，callupmyfatherAmenbeforeme，sothatImaytalkwithhim，forIhavewordstowhichhemustlisten。“
“Areyounotafraid？“askedAsti，lookingathercuriously。“Heisthegreatestofallthegods，andtosummonhimlightlyisasacrilege。“
“Shouldadaughterfearherfather？“answeredTua。
“WhenthedivineQueenyourmotherandPharaohkneltbeforehiminhisshrine，prayingthatachildmightbegiventothem，Amendidnotdeigntoappeartothem，saveafterwardsinadream。Willyoudaremorethanthey？Liedownanddream，OStaroftheMorning。“
“Nay，Itrustnodreamswhichchangelikesummercloudsandpassassoon，“answeredthegirlboldly。“Ifthegodismyfather，inthespiritortheflesh，Iknownotwhich，lethimappearbeforemefacetoface。Iaskhiswisdomformyselfandhisfavourforanother。Callhim，ifyouhavethepower，Asti。Callhimevenifheslayme。BetterthatIshoulddiethan——“
“Hush！“saidAsti，layingherhanduponherlips，“speaknotthatname。Well，Ihavesomeskill，andforyoursake——andanother"s——I
willtry，butnothere。Perchancehemaylisten，perchancenot，or，perchance，ifhecomesyouandImustpaytheprice。Putonyourrobes，now，OQueen，andoverthemthisveil，andfollowme——ifyoudare。“
Alongnarrowpassagestheycreptanddownmanyasecret-stair，tillatlengththeycametoadooratthefootofalongslopeofrock。ThisdoorAstiunlockedandthrustopen，thenwhentheyhadentered，re-lockeditbehindthem。
“Whatisthisplace？“whisperedTua。
“TheburialcryptofthehighpriestessesofAmen，whereitissaidthatthegodwatches。Nonehaveentereditforhardonthirtyyears。
Seehereinthedustrunthefootstepsofthosewhoborethelastpriestesstoherrest。“
Sheheldupherlamp，andbythelightofitTuasawthattheywereinagreatcavepaintedwithfiguresofthegodswhichhadoneithersideofitrecesses。Ineachofthesewassetacoffinwithagildedface，andbehinditanalabasterstatueofherwholaytherein，andinfrontofitatableofofferings。Attheheadofthecryptstoodasmallaltarofblackstone，fortheresttheplacewasempty。
AstiledTuatoastepinfrontofthealtarandbiddingherkneel，departedwiththelampwhichshehidawayinsomesidechapel，sothatnowthedarknesswasintense。Presently，throughtheuttersilence，Tuaheardhercreepbacktowardsher，foralthoughshewalkedsosoftlythedustseemedtocrybeneathherfeet，andhereveryfootstepechoedroundthevaultedwalls。Moreover，aglowcamefromher，theglowofherlifeinthatplaceofdeath。ShepassedTuaandkneltbythealtarandtheechoofhermovementsdiedaway。OnlyitseemedtoTuathatfromeachofthetombstotherightandtotheleftrosetheKaofherwhowasburiedthere，anddrewneartowatchandlisten。Shecouldnotseethem，shecouldnothearthem，yetsheknewthattheywerethereandwasabletocounttheirnumber——thirtyandtwoinall——
whilewithinherselfroseapictureofthem，eachdifferingfromtheother，butallwhite，expectant，solemn。
NowTuaheardAstimurmuringsecretinvocationsthatshedidnotunderstand。Inthatplaceandsilencetheysoundedweirdanddreadful，andasshehearkenedtothem，forthefirsttimefearcreptoverher。
KneelingthereuponherkneesshebentherheadalmosttothedustandputupprayerstoAmenthathemightbepleasedtohearherandtosatisfythelongingsofherheart。Sheprayedandprayedtillshegrewfaintandweary，whilealwaysAstiutteredherinvocations。Butnoanswercame，nodeityappeared，novoicespoke。AtlengthAstirose，andcomingtoher，whisperedinherear:
“Letusdeparterethewatchingspirits，whoserestwehavebroken，growwrathwithus。Thegodhasshuthisears。“
SoTuarose，clingingtoAsti，fornow，sheknewnotwhy，herfeargrewanddeepened。Foramomentshestooduponherfeet，thensanktoherkneesagain，forthereatthefarendofthegreattomb，neartothedoorbywhichtheyhadentered，appearedaglowuponthedarkness。
Slowlyittookform，theformofawomancladintheroyalrobesofEgypt，andbearinginitshandasceptre。Thefigureoflightadvancedtowardsthem，sothatpresentlytheysawitsface。Tuadidnotknowtheface，thoughitseemedtohertobelikeherown，butAstiknewit，andatthesightsanktotheground。
Nowthefigurestoodinfrontofthem，athingoflightframedinthethickdarkness，andnowinasweet，lowvoiceitspoke。
“Hail！QueenofEgypt，“itsaid。“Hail！Neter-Tua，DaughterofAmen。
Artthouafraidtolookonthespiritofherwhoborethee，thouthatdidstdaretosummontheFatherofthegodstodothybidding？“
“Iamafraid，“answeredTua，shakinginallherlimbs。
“Andthou，AstitheMagician，artthouafraidalso，whobutnowwastboldenoughtocrytoAmen-Ra——"Comefromthyhighheavenandmakeanswer"？“
“Itisevenso，OQueenAhura，“murmuredAsti。
“Woman，“wentonthevoice，“thysinisgreat，andgreatisthesinofthisroyaloneatthyside。HadAmenhearkened，howwouldthetwoofyouhavestoodbeforehisglory，whoatthesightofthisshapeofminethatoncewasmortallikeyourselves，crouchchokingtotheearth？Itellyouboththathadthegodarisen，asinyourwickednessyewilled，therewhereyeknelt，thereyewouldhavedied。Buthewhoknowsallismerciful，andinhisplacehassentmehismessengerthatyemaylivetolookuponto-morrow"ssun。“
“LetAmenpardonus！“gaspedTua，“itwasmysin，OMother，forI
commandedAstiandsheobeyedme。Onmebetheblame，notonher，forIamtornwithdoubtsandfears，formyselfandforanother。Iwouldknowthefuture。“
“Why，OQueenNeter-Tua，whywouldstthouknowthefuture？Ifhellyawnsbeneaththyfeet，whywouldstthoupeepthroughitsgoldendoorsbeforethetime？Thefutureishidfrommortalsbecause，couldtheypierceitsveil，itwouldcrushthemwithitsterrors。Ifallthewoesoflifeanddeathlayopenthegaze，whowoulddaretoliveandwho——
oh！whocoulddaretodie？“
“Thenwoesawaitme，Othouwhowastmymother？“
“Howcanitbeotherwise？Lightanddarknessmaketheday，joyandsorrowmakethelife。Thouarthuman，becontent。“
“Divinealso，OAhura，ifalltalesbetrue。“
“Thenpayforthydivinityintearsandbesatisfied。Contentistheguerdonofthebeast，butgodsarewaftedupwardsonthewingsofpain。Howcanthatgoldbepurewhichhasnotknownthefire？“
“Thoutellestmenothing，“wailedTua，“anditisnotformyselfI
ask。Iamfair，IamAmen"sdaughter，andsplendidismyheritage。
Yet，ODwellerinOsiris，thouwhooncedidstfilltheplaceIholdto-day，ItelltheethatIwouldpayawaythispomp，couldIbutbesurethatIshallnotliveloveless，thatIshallnotbegivenasachatteltoonewhomIhate，thatone——whomIdonothate——willlivetocallme——wife。Greatdangersthreatenhim——andme，Amenismighty；heisthepotterthatmouldstheclayofmen；ifIbehischild，ifhisspiritisbreathedintome，oh！lethimhelpmenow。“
“Letthineownfaithhelpthee。ArenotthewordsofAmen，whichhespakeconcerningthee，writtendown？Studythemandasknomore。Loveisanarrowthatdoesnotmissitsmark；itistheimmortalfirefromonhighwhichwindsandwaterscannotquench。Thereforeloveon。Thoushaltnotloveinvain。QueenandDaughter，faretheewellawhile。“
“Nay，nay，oneword，Immortal。Ithankthee，thouMessengerofthegods，butwhenthesetroublescomeuponme——andanother，whentheseaofdangerscloseso"erourheads，whenshameisnearandIamlonely，aswellmaychance，thentowhomshallIturnforsuccour？“
“Thenthouhastonewithintheewhoisstrongtoaid。Itwasgiventotheeatthybirth，OStarofAmen，andAsticancallitforth。Comehither，thouAsti，andswiftly，forImustbegone，andfirstIwouldspeakwiththee。“
Asticreptforward，andtheglowingshapeintheroyalrobebentoverhersothatthelightofitshoneuponherface。Itbentoverherandseemedtowhisperinherear。ThenitheldoutitshandstowardsTuaasthoughinblessing，andinstantlywasnot。
OncemorethetwowomenstoodinTua"schamber。Paleandshakentheylookedintoeachother"seyes。
“Youhavehadyourwill，Queen，“saidAsti；“forifAmendidnotcome，hesentamessenger，andaroyalone。“
“Interpretmethisvision，“answeredTua，“fortome，atanyrate，thatSpiritsaidlittle。“
“Nay，itsaidmuch。Itsaidthatlovefailsnotofitsreward，andwhatmorewentyououttoseek？“
“ThenIamglad，“exclaimedTuajoyfully。
“Benottooglad，Queen，forto-nightwehavesinned，bothofus，whodaredtosummonAmenfromhisthrone，andsinalsofailsnotofitsreward。Bloodisthepriceofthatoracle。“
“Whoseblood，Asti？Ours？“
“Nay，worse，thatofthosewhoaredeartous。TroublesariseinEgypt，Queen。“
“Youwillnotleavemewhentheybreak，Asti？“
“ImaynotifIwould。TheFateshaveboundustogethertilltheend，andthatIthinkisfaraway。Iamyoursasonceyouwereminewhenyoulayuponmybreast，butbidmenomoretosummonAmenfromhisthrone。“
CHAPTERV
HOWRAMESFOUGHTTHEPRINCEOFKESH
NowforawholemoonthereweregreatfestivalsinThebes，andinalloftheseNeter-Tua，“GloriousinRa，HathorStronginBeauty，MorningStarofAmen，“musttakeherpartasnew-crownedQueenofEgypt。Feastfollowedfeast，andateachofthemoneofthesuitorsofherhandwastheguestofhonour。
Thenafteritwasdone，Pharaohherfatherandhiscouncillorswouldwaituponherandaskifthismanwaspleasingtoher。Beingwise，Tuawouldgivenodirectanswer，onlyofmostofthemshewasridinthisway。
Shedemandedthatthewritingofthedreamofhermother，Ahura，shouldbebroughtandreadbeforeher，andwhenithadbeenreadshepointedoutthatAmenpromisedtoheraroyallover，andthatthesechiefsandgeneralswerenotroyal，thereforeitwasnotofthemthatAmenspoke，nordidshedaretoturnhereyesononewhomthegodhadforbiddentoher。
Ofotherswhodeclaredthattheywerekings，butwho，beingunabletoleavetheircountries，wererepresentedbyambassadors，shesaidthatnothavingseenthemshecouldsaynothing。WhentheyappearedattheCourtofEgypt，shewouldconsiderthem。
Soatlengthonlyonesuitorwasleft，themanwhomsheknewwellPharaohandhiscouncillorsdesiredthatsheshouldtakeashusband。
ThiswasAmathel，thePrinceofKesh，whosefather，anagedking，ruledatNapata，agreatcityfartothesouth，situatedinalandthatwascalledanislandbecausetheriverNileembraceditinitstwoarms。ItwassaidthatafterEgyptthiscountrywastherichestinthewholeworld，fortheregoldwassoplentifulthatmenthoughtitoflessvaluethancopperandiron；alsotherewereminesinwhichbeautifulstoneswerefound，andthesoilgrewcorninabundance。
Moreover，onceinthefarpast，araceofPharaohssprungfromthiscityofNapata，hadsatonthethroneofEgypt，untilatlengththepeopleofEgypt，headedbythepriests，hadrisenandoverthrownthembecausetheywereforeignersandhadintroducedNubiancustomsintotheland。ThereforeitwasdecreedbyanunalterablelawthatnoneoftheirraceshouldeveragainweartheDoubleCrown。OfthedescendantsofthesePharaohs，Rames，Tua"splaymate，wasthelastlawfulchild。
ButalthoughtheEgyptianshadcastthemdown，athearttheyalwaysgrievedovertherichterritoryofNapata，whichwaslosttothem，forwhenthosePharaohsfellKeshdeclareditselfindependentandsetupanotherdynastytoruleoverit，ofwhichdynastyAmathelPrinceofKeshwastheheir。
ThereforetheyhopedthatitmightcomebacktothembymarriagebetweenAmathelandtheyoungQueenNeter-Tua。EversinceshewasbornthegreatlordsandcouncillorsofEgypt，yes，andPharaohhimself，seeingthathehadnosontowhomhemightmarryherafterthefashionofthecountry，hadbeenworkingtothisend。ItwasbysecrettreatythatthePrinceAmathelwaspresentatthecrowningoftheQueen，ofwhosehandhehadbeenassuredonthesoleconditionthathecametodwellwithheratThebes。Itistruethattherewereothersuitors，butthese，asallofthemknewwell，werebutpawnsinagameplayedtoamusethepeople。
ThekingdestinedtotakethegreatqueencaptivewasAmathelandnoother。Tuaknewit，forhadnotAstitoldher，andwasitnotbecauseofherfearofthismanandherloveforRamesthatshehaddaredtocommitthesacrilegeofattemptingtosummonAmenfromtheskies？
Still，asyet，thePharaohhadnotspokentoherofAmathel，norhadshemethim。Itwassaidthathehadbeenpresentathercrowningindisguise，forthisproudprincegaveoutthatwereshetentimesQueenofEgypt，hewouldnotpledgehimselftowedashisroyalwife，onewhowasdispleasingtohim，andthatthereforehemustseeherbeforehepressedhissuit。
Nowthathehadseenherinherlovelinessandglory，heannouncedthathewaswellsatisfied，whichwasbuthalfthetruth，for，infact，shehadsetallhissouthernbloodonfire，andtherewasnothingthathedesiredmorethantocallherwife。
OnthenightwhichhadbeenappointedforAmatheltomeethisdestinedbride，afeasthadbeenpreparedricherbyfarthananythatwentbefore。Tua，feigningignorance，onenteringthegreatunroofedhalllitwithhundredsoftorchesdownallitslength，andseeingthemultitudesatthetables，askedofthePharaoh，herfather，whowastheguestthathewouldwelcomewithsuchmagnificencewhichseemedworthyofagodratherthanofaman。
“Mydaughter，“answeredtheoldmonarchnervously，“itisnoneotherthanthePrinceofKesh，whoinhisowncountrytheyworshipasdivine，asweareworshippedhereinEgypt，andwho，intruth，is，orwillbe，oneofthegreatestofkings。“
“Kesh！“sheanswered，“Ithoughtthatweclaimedsovereigntyoverthatland。“
“Onceitwasours，Daughter，“saidherfatherwithasigh，“orratherthekingsofKeshwerealsokingsofEgypt，buttheirdynastyfellbeforemygreat-great-grandfatherwascalledtothethrone，andnowbutthreeoftheirbloodareleft，Mermes，CaptainoftheGuardofAmen；Asti，theSeerandPriestess，hiswife，yourfoster-motherandwaitinglady，andtheyoungCountRames，asoldierinourarmy，whowasyourplaymate，andasyoumayremembersavedyoufromthesacredcrocodile。“
“Yes，Iremember，“saidTua。“ButthenwhyisnotMermesKingofKesh？“
“BecausethepeopleofthecityofNapataraisedupanotherhousetoruleoverthem，ofwhomAmathelistheheir。“
“Ausurpingheir，surely，myfather，iftherebeanythinginblood。“
“Saynotthat，Tua，“repliedPharaohsharply，“forthenMermesshouldbePharaohinourplacealso。“
Tuamadenoreply，onlyastheytooktheirseatsinthegoldenchairsattheheadofthehall，sheaskedcarelessly:
“IsthisPrinceofKeshalsoasuitorformyhand，OPharaoh？“
“Whatelseshouldhebe，mydaughter？Didyounotknowit？Begracioustohimnow，sinceitisdecreedthatyoushalltakehimasahusband。
Hush！answernot。Hecomes。“
Ashespokeasoundofwildmusicarose，andatthefarendofthegreathallappearedabandofplayersgorgeouslyattired，whoblewhornsmadefromsmalltusksoftheelephant，clashedbrazencymbalsandbeatgildeddrums。Theseadvancedalittlewayupthehallandstoodthereplaying，whileafterthemmarchedabodyguardoftwentygiganticNubiansoldierswhocarriedbroad-bladedspearswithshieldsofhippopotamushidecuriouslyworked，andwereclothedintunicsandcapsofleopard-skin。
NextappearedthePrinceofKeshhimself，ashort，stout，broad-
shoulderedyoungman，thick-featured，heavy-faced，andhavinglarge，rollingeyes。Hewascladinfestalgarments，andhungaboutwithheavychainsofgoldfastenedwithclaspsofglitteringstones，whilefromhiscrisp，blackhairroseatallplumeofnoddingostrichfeathers。Fanbearerswalkedbesidehim，andthetrainofhislongcloakwasbornebytwoblackandhideousdwarfs，full-grownmenbutnotallerthanachildofeight。
Withoneswiftglance，whilehewasyetfaraway，Tuastudiedthemanfromheadtofoot，andhatedhimasshehadneverhatedanyonebefore。
Thenshelookedoverhishead，asfromherraisedseatuponthedaisshewasabletodo，andsawthatbehindhimcameasecondguardofpickedEgyptiansoldiers，andthatincommandofthem，simplycladinhisscaledarmourofbronze，andwearinguponhisthighthegolden-
handledswordthatPharaohhadgivenhim，wasnoneotherthantheyoungCountRames，herplaymateandfoster-brother，themanwhomherheartloved。Atthesightofhistallandnobleformandfine-cutfacerisingabovethecoarse，squatfigureoftheEthiopianprince，Tuablushedrosyred，butPharaohnotingit，onlythought，asothersdid，thatitwasbecausenowforthefirsttimehereyesfelluponhimwhowouldbeherhusband。
Why，Tuawondered，wasRameschosentoattenduponthePrinceAmathel？
Atoncetheanswerroseinhermind。DoubtlessithadbeendonetogratifytheprideofAmathel，notbyPharaoh，whowouldknownothingofsuchmatters，butbysomebribedcouncillor，orstewardofthehousehold。RameswasofmoreancientbloodthanAmathel，andbyrightshouldbetheKingofKesh，asheshouldalsobePharaohofEgypt；
therefore，tohumblehimhewassettowaituponAmathel。
Moreover，itwasguessedthattheyoungQueenlookedkindlyuponthisCountRameswithwhomshehadbeennursed，andwho，likeherself，wasbeautifultobehold。Therefore，toabasehiminhereyeshehadbeencommandedtoappearwalkinginthetrainofAmathelandgivenchargeoverhissacredpersonatthefeast。
InamomentTuaunderstooditall，andmadeavowbeforeherfatherAmenthatsoonorlatethosewhohadplannedthisoutrageshouldpayitsprice，nordidsheforgetthatpromiseintheafterdays。
NowthePrincehadmountedthedaisandwasbowinglowtoPharaohandtoher，andtheymustriseandbowinanswer。ThenPharaohwelcomedhimtoEgyptinfew，well-chosenwords，givinghimallhistitlesandspeakingmeaninglyoftheancienttieswhichhadlinkedtheirkingdoms，tieswhich，heprayed，mightyetdrawthemcloseagain。
HeceasedandlookedatTuawho，asQueen，hadalsoaspeechtodeliverthathadbeengiventoherinwriting。Althoughsherememberedthiswellenough，fortherolllaybesideher，neverawordwouldsheread，butturnedroundandbadeoneofherwaiting-ladiesbringherafan。
SoafterapausethatseemedsomewhatlongAmatheldeliveredhisanswerthatwaslearnedbyrote，foritrepliedto“gentlewordsfromthelipsofthedivineQueenthatmadehishearttoflowerlikethedesertafterrain，“notoneofwhichhadshespoken。ThereonTua，lookingoverthetopofherfan，sawRamessmilegrimly，whileunabletorestrainthemselves，someofthegreatpersonagesatthefeastbrokeoutlaughing，andboweddowntheirheadstohidetheirmerriment。
WithanangryscowlthePrinceturnedandcommandedthatthegiftsshouldbebrought。Nowslavesadvancedbearingcupsofworkedgold，elephantsandotherbeastsfashionedingold，andgoldenvasesfullofincense，whichhepresentedtoPharaohonbehalfofhisfather，theKingofKeshandhimself，sayingboastfullythatinhiscountrysuchthingswerecommon，andthathewouldhavebroughtmoreofthemhaditnotbeenfortheirweight。
WhenPharaohhadthankedhim，answeringgentlythatEgypttoowasnotpoor，ashehopedthathewouldfinduponthemorrow，thePrince，onhisownbehalfalone，offeredtotheQueenotherpresents，amongthempectoralsandnecklaceswithoutpricefashionedofamethystsandsapphires。Also，becauseshewasknowntobethefirstofmusiciansandthesweetest-voicedladyintheland——forthesewerethegreatestofthegiftsthatTuahadfromAmen——hegavetoherawonderfullyworkedharpofivorywithgoldenstrings，theframeoftheharpbeingfashionedtotheshapeofawoman，andtwoblackfemaleslavesladenwithornaments，whoweresaidtobethebestsingersintheSouthernLand。
NowPharaohwhisperedtoTuatoputononeofthenecklaces，butshewouldnot，sayingthatthecolourofthestonesdidnotmatchherwhiterobeandthebluelotusflowerswhichshewore。Instead，shethankedAmathelcoldlybutcourteously，andwithoutlookingathisgifts，toldtheroyalNurse，Asti，whostoodbehindher，tobearthemawayandtoplacethematadistance，astheperfumesthathadbeenpouredoverthem，oppressedher。Only，asthoughbyanafterthought，shebadethemleavetheivoryharp。
Thusinauspiciouslyenoughthefeastbegan。AtitAmatheldrankmuchofthesweetwineofAsiorCyprus，commandingRames，whostoodbehindhim，tofillhiscupagainandagain，thoughwhetherhedidthisbecausehewasnearesttohim，ortolowerhimtotherankofabutler，Tuadidnotknow。Atleast，havingnochoice，Ramesobeyed，thoughcup-fillingwasnofittingtaskforaCountofEgyptandanofficerofPharaoh"sguard。
Whenthewaitingwomen，cladinnetworkedwithspanglesofgold，hadborneawaythemeats，conjurersappearedwhodidwonderfulfeats，amongstotherthingscausingalikenessofQueenNeter-Tuawearingherroyalrobesandhavingastaruponherbrow，toariseoutofavase。
Then，astheyhadarranged，theystrovetodothesameforthePrinceAmathel，butAstiwhohadmoremagicthanallofthem，watchingbehindTua"schair，putoutherstrengthandthrewaspelluponthem。
Behold！insteadoftheformofthePrince，whichtheseconjurerssummonedloudlyandbyname，thereappearedoutofthevaseamonkeywearingacrownandfeathersthatyetresembledhimsomewhat，whichblackandhideousapestoodthereforawhileseemingtogibberatthem，thenfelldownandvanishedaway。
Nowsomeoftheaudiencelaughedandsomeweresilent，butPharaoh，notknowingwhetherthiswereaplotoranevilomenfromthegods，frownedandlookedanxiouslyathisguest。Asitchanced，however，thePrince，firedwithwine，wassoengagedinstaringatthelovelinessofTua，thathetooknonoteofthething，whiletheQueenlookedupwardsandseemedtoseenothing。Asfortheconjurers，theyfledfromthehall，fearingfortheirlives，andwonderingwhatstrongspirithadenteredintothevaseandspoiltthetrickwhichtheyhadprepared。
Astheywentsingersanddancingwomenhurriedlytooktheirplace，tillTua，wearyingofthestareofAmathel，wavedherhandandsaidthatshewishedtohearthosetwoNubianslaveswhosevoicesweresaidtobesowonderful。Sotheywerebroughtforwardwiththeirharps，andhavingprostratedthemselves，begantoplayandsingverysweetly，Nubiansongsmelancholyandwild，whereoffewcouldunderstandthemeaning。Sowelldidtheysing，indeed，thatwhentheyhaddone，Neter-Tuasaid:
“Youhavepleasedmemuch，andinpaymentIgiveyouaroyalgift。I
giveyouyourfreedom，andappointthathenceforthyoushallsingbeforetheCourt，ifyouthinkfittostayhere，notasslavesbutforhire。“
ThenthetwowomenprostratedthemselvesagainbeforeherMajestyandblessedher，fortheyknewthattheycouldearnwealthbytheirgift，andtherichcourtierstakingtheQueen"scue，flungringsandornamentstothem，sothatinaminutetheygotmoregoldthanevertheyhaddreamedof，whowerebutkidnappedslaves。ButPrinceAmathelgrewangryandsaid:
“Somemighthavebeenpleasedtokeepthepricelessgiftofthebestsingersintheworld。“
“Doyousaythatthesesweet-voicedwomenarethebestsingersintheworld，OPrince？“askedTua，speakingtohimforthefirsttime。“Nowifyouwillbepleasedtolisten，youprovokemetomaketrialofmyownsmallskillthatImaylearnhowfarIfallshortof"thebestsingersintheworld。"“
Thenshelifteduptheivoryharpwiththestringsofgoldandsweptherfingersoverit，tryingitsnotesandadjustingthemwiththeagatescrews，lookingatAmathelallthewhilewithachallengeinherlovelyeyes。
“Nay，nay，mydaughter，“saidPharaoh，“itisscarcelyfittingthataqueenofEgyptshouldsingbeforeallthisnoblecompany。“
“Whynot，myfather？“sheasked。“To-nightwealldohonourtotheheirofhisMajestyofKesh。Pharaohreceiveshim，Pharaoh"sdaughteracceptshisgifts，thehighestinthelandsurroundhim，“thenshepausedandaddedslowly，“oneofbloodmoreancientthanhisownwaitsonhimascup-bearer，onewhoseracebuiltupthethronehisfatherfills，“andshepointedtoRames，whostoodnearbyholdingthevaseofwine。“Why，then，shouldnotEgypt"squeenseektopleaseourroyalguestasbestshemay——sinceshehasnoothergifttogivehim？“
Theninthedeadsilencewhichfollowedthisboldspeech，whereofnonecouldmistakethemeaning，Neter-Tua，MorningStarofAmen，rosefromherseat。Pressingtheivoryharpagainstheryoungbreast，shebentoverit，herheadcrownedwiththecrownofUpperEgyptwhereonglistenedtheroyal/ur？us/，asnakeabouttostrike，andsweptthewell-tunedstrings。
Suchmagicwasinhertouchthatinstantlyallelsewasforgotten，eventhePharaohleanedbackinhisgoldenchairtolisten。Softlyshestruckatfirst，thenbyslowdegreeseverloudertillthemusicoftheharprangthroughthepillaredhall。Now，atlength，sheliftedupherheavenlyvoiceandbegantosinginastrainsowildandsweetthatitseemedtopiercetothewatchingstars。
Itwasasadandancientlove-talethatshesang，whichtoldhowapriestessofHathorofhighdegreelovedandwasbelovedbyasimplescribewhomshemightnotwed。Ittoldhowthescribe，maddenedbyhispassion，creptatnightintotheverysanctuaryofthetemplehopingtofindherthere，andforhissacrilegewasslainbytheangrygoddess。Ittoldhowthebeautifulpriestess，comingalonetomakeprayerinthesanctuaryforstrengthtoresistherlove，stumbledoverthelover"scorpseand，knowingit，diedofgrief。IttoldhowHathor，goddessoflove，meltedbythepiteoussight，breathedbacklifeintotheirnostrils，andsincetheymightnotremainuponearth，waftedthemtotheUnder-world，wheretheyawokeandembracedanddwellonforeverandforaye，triumphantandrejoicing。
Allhadheardthisold，oldstory，butnonehadeverhearditsodivinelysung。AsTua"spureandlovelyvoicefloatedoverthemthelistenersseemedtoseethatlover，daringallinhisdesire，creepintothesolemnsanctuaryofthetemple。TheysawHathorappearinherwrathandsmitehimcoldindeath。Theysawthebeauteouspriestesswithherlamp，andheardherwailherlifeawayuponherdarling"scorpse；saw，too，thedeadbornebyspiritsoverthebordersoftheworld。
Thencamethatlastburstofmusicthrillinganddivine，anditsrich，passionatenotesseemedtoopentheheavenstotheirsight。Thereinthedeepskytheyperceivedtheawakeningoftheloversandtheirembraceofperfectjoy，andwhenagloryhidthem，heardthevictoriouschantofthepriestessoflovesighingitselfaway，faintandeverfainter，tillatlengthitslastdistantechoesdiedintheuttersilenceoftheplaceofsouls。
Tuaceasedhermusic。Restingherstillquiveringharpupontheboard，shesankbackinherchairofstate，outworn，trembling，whileinherpalefacetheblueeyesshonelikestars。Therewasstillnessinthehall；thespellofthatmagicalvoicelayonthelisteners；noneapplauded，itseemedeventhatnonedaredtomove，formenrememberedthatthiswonderfulyoungQueenwassaidtobedaughterofAmen，Masteroftheworld，andthoughtthatithadbeengiventothemtohearken，nottoaroyalmaiden，buttoagoddessoftheskies。
Quiettheysatasthoughsleephadsmittenthem，onlyeverymanoftheirnumberstaredatthesweetpalefaceandatthoseradianteyes。
Drunkwithpassionandwithwine，Amathel，PrinceofKesh，leanedhisheavyheaduponhishandandstaredliketherest。Butthoseeyesdidnotstayonhim。Hadhebeenastonetheycouldnothavenotedhimless；theypassedoverhimseekingsomethingbeyond。
SlowlyheturnedtoseewhatitmightbeatwhichtheMorningStarofAmengazed，andperceivedthattheyoungcaptainwhowaitedonhim，hewhowassaidtobeofaracemoreancientandpurerthanhisown，hewhosehousehadreignedintheSouthernLandwhenhisancestorswerebuttraffickersingold，wasalsogazingatthisroyalsinger。Yes，hebentforwardtogazeasthoughaspelldrewhim，aspell，ortheeyesoftheQueen，andtherewasthatuponhisfacewhichevenadrunkenNubiancouldnotfailtounderstand。
InthehandsofRameswasthetall，goldenvaseofwine，andasAmathelthrustbackhischairitstopmostivorybarstruckthefootofthevaseandtiltedit，sothattheredwinepouredinatorrentoverthePrince"sheadandgorgeousrobes，staininghimfromhiscrestofplumestohisfeetasthoughwithblood。UpsprangthePrinceofKeshroaringwithfury。
“Dog-descendedslave！“heshouted。“Hog-headedbrotherofswine，isitthusthatyouwaituponmyRoyalty？“andwiththecupinhishandhesmoteRamesontheface，thendrewtheswordathissidetokillhim。
ButRamesalsoworeasword，thatswordhaftedwiththegoldencrocodilewhichPharaohhadgivenhimlongago——thatswordwhichAstitheforesightedhadseenredwithroyalblood。Withawild，lowcryhesnatcheditfromitssheath，andtoavoidtheblowthatAmathelstruckathimbeforehecouldguardhimself，sprangbackwardsfromthedaistotheopenspaceinthehallthathadbeenleftclearforthedancers。AfterhimleaptAmathelcallinghim“Coward，“andnextinstantthepillarsechoed，notwithTua"smusicbutwiththesternringingofbronzeuponbronze。
NowintheirfearandamazemenlookeduptoPharaoh，waitinghisword，butPharaoh，overcomebythehorrorofthescene，appearedtohaveswooned；atleast，helaybackinhischairwithhiseyesshutlikeoneasleep。ThentheylookedtotheQueen，butTuamadenosign，onlywithpartedlipsandheavingbreastwatched，watchedandwaitedfortheend。
AsforRamesheforgoteverythingsavethathe，asoldierandanobleofroyalrace，hadbeenstruckacrossthemouthbyablackNubianwhocalledhimselfaprince。Hisbloodboiledupinhim，andthrougharedhazeasitwere，hesawTua"sgloriouseyesbeckoninghimontoavictory。Hesawandsprangasspringsthelionofthedesert，sprangstraightatthethroatofAmathel。Theblowwenthigh，anostrichplumefloatedtotheground——nomore，andAmathelwasasturdyfighterandhadthestrengthofmadness。Moreover，hiswasthelongerweapon；
itfelluponthescalesofarmourofRamesandbeathimback，itfellagainonhisshoulderandstruckhimtohisknee。Itfellathirdtime，andglancingfromthemailwoundedhiminthethighsothatthebloodflowed。NowasoldierofPharaoh"sguardshoutedtoencouragehiscaptain，andtheNubiansshoutedback，cryingtotheirprincetoslitthehog"sthroat。
ThenRamesseemedtoawake。Heleaptfromhisknees，hesmoteandtheblowwenthome，thoughtheironwhichtheNubianworebeneathhisrobestayedit。Hesmoteagainmorefiercely，andnowitwasthebloodofAmathelthatflowed。Thenbendingalmosttothegroundbeforetheansweringstroke，heleaptandthrustwithallthestrengthofyounglimbstrainedtowar。Hethrustandbehold！betweenthebroadshouldersofAmathelpiercedfrombreasttoback，appearedthepointoftheEgyptian"ssword。Foramomenttheprincestoodstill，thenhefellbackwardsheavilyandlaydead。
Now，withashoutofragethegiantsoftheNubianguardrushedatRamestoavengetheirmaster"sdeath，sothathemustflybackwardsbeforetheirspears，backwardsintotheranksofthePharaoh"sguard。
InaflashtheNubianswereonthemalsoand，hownonecouldtell，afearfulfraybegan，forthesesoldiershatedeachother，astheirfathershaddonebeforethem，andtherewerenonewhocouldcomebetweenthem，sinceatthisfeastnomanboreweaponssavetheguards。
Fiercewasthebattle，buttheNubianslackedacaptainwhileRamesledveteransofThebespickedfortheirvalour。
Thegiantsbegantogive。Hereandtheretheyfelltillatlengthbutthreeofthemwereleftupontheirfeet，whothrewdowntheirarmsandcriedformercy。ThenitwasforthefirsttimethatRamesunderstoodwhathehaddone。Withbenthead，hisredswordinhishand，heclimbedthedaisandkneltbeforethethroneofPharaoh，saying:
“IhaveavengedmyhonourandthehonourofEgypt。Slayme，O
Pharaoh！“
ButPharaohmadenoanswerforhisswoonstillheldhim。
ThenRamesturnedtoTuaandsaid:
“Pharaohsleeps，butinyourhandisthesceptre。Slayme，OQueen！“
NowTua，whoallthiswhilehadwatchedlikeonefrozenintostone，seemedtothawtolifeagain。Herdangerwaspast。Shecouldneverbeforcedtowedthatcoarse，black-souledNubian，forRameshadkilledhim。Yonderhelaydeadinallhisfinerywithhishideousgiantsabouthimlikefallentrees，andoh！inherrebellioushumanheartsheblessedRamesforthedeed。
Butasshe，whowastrainedinstatecraft，knewwellenough，ifhehadescapedtheswordofPrinceAmathel，itwasbuttofallintoaperilfromwhichthereseemedtobenoescape。Thisdeadprincewastheheirofagreatking，ofakingsogreatthatforacenturyEgypthaddaredtomakenowaruponhiscountry，foritwasfaraway，well-fortifiedandhardtocomeatacrossdesertsandthroughsavagetribes。
Moreover，themanhadbeenslainatafeastinPharaoh"sCourt，andbyanofficerofPharaoh"sguard，whichafterwardshadkilledhisescortundertheeyesofEgypt"smonarchs，thehandofoneofwhomhesoughtinmarriage。SuchadeedmustmeanabitterwarforEgypt，andtothosewhostrucktheblow——death，asRameshimselfknewwell。
Tualookedathimkneelingbeforeher，andherheartached。Fiercely，despairinglyshethought，throwinghersoulafartoseekoutwisdomandawayofescapeforRames。Presentlyintheblacknessofhermindtherearoseaplanand，aseverwasherfashion，sheactedswiftly。
Liftingherheadshecommandedthatthedoorsshouldbelockedandguardedsothatnonemightgoinorout，andthatthosephysicianswhowereamongstthecompanyshouldattendtothewounded，andtoPharaoh，whowasill。ThenshecalledtheHighCounciloftheKingdom，allofwhomweregatheredthereabouther，andspokeinacold，calmvoice，whilethecompanyflockedroundtolisten。
“Lordsandpeople，“shesaid，“thegodsfortheirownpurposeshavesufferedafearfulthingtocometopass。Egypt"sguestandhisguardhavebeenslainbeforeEgypt"skings，yes，attheirfeastandintheirverypresence，anditwillbesaidfarandwidethatthishasbeendonebytreachery。Yetyouknowwell，asIdo，thatitwasnotreachery，butamischance。Thedivineprincewhoisdead，asallofyousaw，grewdrunkenafterthefashionofhispeople，andinhisdrunkennesshestruckahigh-bornman，aCountofEgyptandanofficerofPharaoh，whotodohimgreaterhonourwassettowaituponhim，callinghimbyvilenames，anddrewhissworduponhimtokillhim。AmIright？Didyouseeandhearthesethings？“
“Aye，“answeredtheCouncilandtheaudience。
“Then，“wentonTua，“thisofficer，forgettingallsavehisoutragedhonour，daredtofightforhislifeevenagainstthePrinceofKesh，andbeingthebetterman，slewhim。AfterwardstheservantsofthePrinceofKeshattackedhimandPharaoh"sguard，andwereconqueredandthemostofthemkilled，sincenoneherehadarmswherewithtopartthem。HaveIspokentruth？“
“Yea，OQueen，“theyansweredagainbytheirspokesman。“Ramesandtheroyalguardhavelittleblameinthematter，“andfromtherestofthemroseamurmurofassent。
“Now，“wentonTuawithgatheringconfidence，forshefeltthatallsawwithhereyes，“toaddtoourwoesPharaoh，myfather，hasbeensmittenbythegods。Hesleeps；hecannotspeak；Iknownotwhetherhewillliveordie，andthereforeitwouldseemthatI，theduly-crownedQueenofEgypt，mustactforhimaswasprovidedinsuchacase，sincethematterisveryurgentandmaynotbedelayed。Isityourwill，“
sheadded，addressingtheCouncil，“thatIshouldsoactasthegodsmayshowmehowtodo？“
“Itisrightandfitting，“answeredtheVizier，theKing"scompanion，onbehalfofallofthem。
“Then，priests，lordsandpeople，“continuedtheQueen，“whatcourseshallwetakeinthissorestrait？Speakingwiththevoiceofallofyouandonyourbehalf，IcancommandthattheCountRamesandallthoseotherchosenmenwhomPharaohloves，whofoughtwithhim，shallbeslainforthwith。This，indeed，“sheaddedslowly，“Ishouldwishtodo，sincealthoughRameshadsufferedintolerableinsultsuchasnohigh-bornmancanbeaskedtobearevenfromaprince，andheandallofthemwerebutfightingtosavetheirlivesandtoshowtheNubiansthatwearenotcowardshereinEgypt，withoutdoubttheyhaveconqueredandslaintheheirofKeshandhisblackgiantswhowereourguests，andforthisdeedtheirlivesareforfeit。“
Shepausedwatching，whilealthoughhereandthereavoiceanswered“Yes“or“Theymustdie，“fromtherestaroseamurmurofdissent。ForintheirheartsthecompanywereonthesideofRamesandPharaoh"sguards。Moreover，theywereproudoftheyoungcaptain"sskillandcourage，andgladthattheNubians，whomtheyhatedwithanancienthate，hadbeendefeatedbythelessermenofEgypt，someofwhomweretheirfriendsorrelatives。
Now，whiletheyarguedamongthemselvesTuarosefromherchairandwenttolookatPharaoh，whomthephysicianswereattending，chafinghishandsandpouringwateronhisbrow。Presentlyshereturnedwithtearsstandinginherbeautifuleyes，forshelovedherfather，andsaidinaheavyvoice:
“Alas！Pharaohisveryill。Settheevilhassmittenhim，anditishard，mypeople，thatheperchancemaybetakenfromusandwemustbearsuchwoe，becauseoftheillbehaviourofaroyalforeigner，forIcannotforgetthatitwashewhocausedthistumult。“
Theaudienceagreedthatitwasveryhard，andlookedangrilyatthesurvivingNubians，butTua，conqueringherself，continued:
“Wemustbeartheblowsthatthefatesrainonus，norsufferourprivategrieftodulltheswordofjustice。Now，asIhavesaid，eventhoughwelovethemasourbrothersorourhusbands，yettheCountRamesandhisbravecomradesshouldperishbyadeathofshame，suchadeathaslittlebefitstheflowerofPharaoh"sguard。“
Againshepaused，thenwentoninthemidstofanintensesilence，foreventhephysiciansceasedfromtheirworktohearkentoherdecree，assupremejudgeofEgypt。
“Andyet，andyet，mypeople，evenasIwasabouttopasssentenceuponthem，utteringthedoomthatmaynotberecalled，someguardianspiritofourlandsentathoughtintomyheart，onwhichIthinkitrighttotakeyourjudgment。Ifwedestroythesemen，asIdesiretodestroythem，willtheynotsayintheSouthernCountryandinallthenationsaround，thatfirsttheyhadbeentoldtomurderthePrinceofKeshandhisescort，andthenwerethemselvesexecutedtocoverupourcrime？WillitnotbebelievedthatthereisblooduponthehandsofPharaohandofEgypt，thebloodofaroyalguestwho，itiswellknown，waswelcomedherewithloveandjoy，thathemight——oh！forgiveme，Iambutamaiden，Icannotsayit。Nay，pitymenotandanswernottillIhavesetoutallthecaseasbestImay，whichIfearmeisbutill。Itiscertainthatthiswillbesaid——aye，andbelieved，andweofEgyptallcalledtraitors，andthatthesemen，whoafterall，howeverevilhasbeentheirdeed，arebraveandupright，willbewritteninallthebooksofallthelandsascommonmurderers，andgodowntoOsiriswiththatillnamebrandedontheirbrows。Yes，andtheirshamewillclingtothepurehandsofPharaohandhiscouncillors。“
Nowatthispicturethepeoplemurmured，andsomeofthenoblewomentherebegantoweepoutright。
“But，“proceededTuawithherpleadingvoice，“howifweweretotakeanothercourse？HowifwecommandedthisCountRamesandhiscompanionstojourney，withanescortsuchasbefitstheMajestyofPharaoh，tothefarcityofNapata，andtheretolaybeforethegreatkingofthatlandbywritingsandthemouthsofwitnesses，allthesadstoryofthedeathofhisonlyson？HowifwesentletterstothisMajestyofKesh，saying，"Thouhastheardourtale，thouknowestallourwoe。Nowjudge。Ifthouartnoble-heartedanditpleasestheetoacquitthesemen，acquitthemandwewillpraisethee。Butifthouartwrothandsternanditpleasestheetocondemnthesemen，condemnthem，andsendthembacktousforpunishment，thatpunishmentwhichthoudostdecree。"Isthatplangood，mypeople？CanhisMajestyofKeshcomplainifheismadejudgeinhisowncause？CanthekingsandcaptainsofotherlandsthendeclarethatinEgyptweworkmurderonourguests？Tellme，whohavesolittlewisdom，ifthisplanisgood，asIdaretosaytoyou，itseemstome。“
NowwithonevoicetheCouncilandalltheguests，andespeciallytheguardsthemselveswhowereontheirtrial，saveRames，whostillkneltinsilencebeforetheQueen，criedoutthatitwasverygood。Yes；
theyclappedtheirhandsandshouted，vowingtoeachotherthatthisyoungQueenoftheirswastheSpiritofWisdomcometoearth，andthatherexcellentpersonwasfilledwiththesoulofagod。
Butshefrownedattheirpraisesand，holdinguphersceptre，sternlycommandedsilence。
“Suchisyourdecree，OmyCouncil，“shecried，“andthedecreeofallyouherepresent，whoarethenoblestofmypeople，andI，asIamboundbymyoathofcrowning，proclaimandratifyit，I，Neter-Tua，whoamnamedStarandDaughterofAmen，whoamnamedGloriousinRa，whoamnamedHathor，StronginBeauty，whoamcrownedQueenoftheUpperandtheLowerLand。Iproclaim——writeitdown，OScribes，andletitberegisteredthisnightthatthedecreemaystandwhiletheworldendures——thattwothousandofthechoicesttroopsofEgyptshallsailupNile，forthwith，forKesh，andthatincommandofthem，sothatallmayknowhiscrime，shallgotheyoungCountRames，andwithhimthoseotherswhoalsodidthedeedofblood。“
Nowatthisannouncement，whichsoundedmorelikepromotionthandisgrace，somestartedandRameslookedup，quiveringinallhislimbs。
“Iproclaim，“wentonTuaquickly，“thatwhentheyarecometoNapatatheyshallkneelbeforeitskingandsubmitthemselvestothejudgmentofhisMajesty，andhavingbeenjudged，shallreturnandreporttousthejudgmentofhisMajesty，thatitmaybecarriedoutashisMajestyofKeshshallappoint。Letthetroopsandtheshipsbemadereadythisverynight，andmeanwhile，savewhenheappearsbeforeustotakehisordersasgeneral，intokenofourwrath，webanishtheCountRamesfromourCourtandPresence，andplacehiscompanionsunderguard。“
SospokeTua，andtheroyaldecreehavingbeenwrittendownswiftlyandreadaloud，shesealedandsignedwithhersign-manualasQueen，thatitmightnotbechangedoraltered，andcommandedthatcopiesofitshouldbesenttoalltheGovernorsoftheNomesofEgypt，andaduplicatepreparedanddespatchedwiththisroyalembassy，forsoshenamedit，tobedeliveredtotheKingofKeshwiththelettersofcondolence，andthepresentsofceremony，andthebodyofAmathel，thePrinceofKesh，nowdivineinOsiris。
Then，atlength，thedoorswerethrownopenandthecompanydispersed，RamesandtheguardbeingledawaybytheCouncilandplacedinsafekeeping。AlsoPharaoh，stillsenselessbutbreathingquietly，wascarriedtohisbed，andthedeadweretakentotheembalmers，whilstTua，sowearythatshecouldscarcelywalk，departedtoherchambersleaningontheshoulderoftheroyalNurse，Asti，themotherofRames。
CHAPTERVI
THEOATHOFRAMESANDOFTUA
StillrobedTualayuponacouch，forshewouldnotseekherbed，whileAstistoodneartoher，adarkcommandingfigure。
“YourMajestyhasdonestrangethingsto-night，“saidAstiinherquietvoice。
Tuaturnedherheadandlookedather，thenanswered:
“Verystrange，Nurse。Yousee，thegodsandthattroublesomesonofyoursandPharaoh"ssuddensicknessthrewthestringsofFateintomyhand，and——Ipulledthem。Ialwayshadafancyforthepullingofstrings，butthechancenevercamemywaybefore。“
“ItseemstomethatforabeginneryourMajestypulledsomewhathard，“saidAstidrily。
“Yes，Nurse，sohardthatIthinkIhavepulledyoursonoffthescaffoldintoaplaceofsomehonour，ifheknowshowtostaythere，thoughitwastheCouncilandthelordsandtheladies，whothoughtthat/they/pulled。Youseeonemustcommenceasonemeanstogoon。“
“YourMajestyisveryclever；youwillmakeagreatQueen——ifyoudonotoverpullyourself。“
“Nothalfsocleverasyouwere，Asti，whenyoumadethatmonkeycomeoutofthevase，“answeredTua，laughingsomewhathysterically。“Oh！
donotlookinnocent，Iknowitwasyourmagic，forIcouldfeelitpassingovermyhead。Howdidyoudoit，Asti？“
“IfyourMajestywilltellmehowyoumadethelordsofEgyptconsenttothesendingofanarmedexpeditiontoNapataunderthecommandofalad，amerecaptainwhohadjustkilleditsheir-apparentbeforetheireyes，whichdecree，ifIknowanythingofRames，willmeanawarbetweenKeshandEgypt，IwilltellyouhowImadethemonkeycomeoutofthevase。“
“ThenIshallneverlearn，Nurse，forIcan"tbecauseIdon"tknow。Itcameintomymind，asmusiccomesintomythroat，thatisall。Ramesshouldhavebeenbeheadedatonce，shouldn"the，fornotlettingthatblackboartuskhim？DoyouthinkhepouredthewineoverAmathel"sheadonpurpose？“andagainshelaughed。
“Yes，Isupposethatheshouldhavebeenkilled，ashewouldhavebeenifyourMajestyhadnotchancedtobesofond——“
“Talkingofwine，“brokeinTua，“givemeacupofit。ThedivinePrinceofKeshwhowastohavebeenmyhusband——didyouunderstand，Asti，thattheyreallymeanttomakethatblackbarbarianmyhusband？——
IsaythatthedivinePrince，whonowsupswithOsiris，dranksomuchthatIcouldnottouchadrop，andIamtiredandthirsty，andhavestillsomethingstodoto-night。“
Astiwenttoatablewherestoodaflagonofwinewreathedinvineleaves，andbyitcupsofglass，andfillingoneofthembroughtittoTua。
“Here"stothememoryofthedivineprince，andmayhehaveleftthetableofOsirisbeforeIcomethere。Andhere"stothehandthatsenthimthither，“saidTuarecklessly。Thenshedrainedthewine，everydropofit，andthrewthecuptothemarblefloorwhereitshatteredintobits。
“WhatgodhasenteredintoyourMajestyto-night？“askedAstiquietly。
“Onethatknowshisownmind，Ithink，“repliedTua。“There，Ifeelstrongagain，IgotovisitPharaoh。Comewithme，Asti。“
WhenTuaarrivedatthebedsideofPharaohshefoundthattheworstofthedangerwasover。Fearingforhislifethephysicianshadbledhim，andnowthefithadpassedawayandhiseyeswereopen，althoughhewasunabletospeakanddidnotknowheroranyone。Sheaskedwhetherhewouldliveordie，andwastoldthathewouldlive，orsohisdoctorsbelieved，butthatforalongwhilehemustliequitequiet，seeingasfewpeopleaspossible，andaboveallbeingtroubledwithnobusiness，since，ifhewereweariedorexcited，thefitwouldcertainlyreturnandkillhim。So，rejoicingatthisnewswhichwasbetterthanshehadexpected，Tuakissedherfatherandlefthim。
“NowwillyourMajestygotobed？“askedAstiwhenshehadreturnedtoherownapartments。
“Bynomeans，“answeredTua，“IwearPharaoh"sshoesandhavemuchbusinesslefttodoto-night。SummonMermes，yourhusband。“
SoMermescameandstoodbeforeher。HewasstillwhathehadbeenintheolddayswhenTuaplayedasaninfantinhishouse，stern，noble-
lookingandoffewwords，butnowhishairhadgrownwhiteandhisfacewasdrawnwithgrief，bothforthesakeofRames，whosehotbloodhadbroughthimintosomuchdanger，andbecausePharaoh，whowashisfriend，laybetweenlifeanddeath。