第4章
“Oh，toSetwithPharaoh！Thoughitistruethatheisagoodpaymaster，andknowsthevalueofacleverwoman。Now，whatisthisbusiness？“
Theoldastrologer"sfacegrewhardandcunning。Goingtothedoorhemadesurethatitwaslockedanddrewacurtainoverit。ThenhetookastoolandsathimselfdowninfrontofMerytra，insuchapositionthatthelightfellonherfacewhilehisownremainedinshadow。
“Abigbusiness，Merytra，andbythegodsIdonotknowthatIshouldtrustyouwithit。Youtrickedmeonce，youhavetrickedPharaohforyears；howdoIknowthatyouwillnotplaythesamegameoncemoreandearnmeanordertocutmyownthroat，andsoloselifeandsoultogether？“
“Ifyouthinkthat，Kaku，perhapsyouwillunlockthedoorandgivemeanescorthome，forweareonlywastingtime。“
“Idon"tknowwhattothink，foryouareascunningasyouarebeautiful。Listen，woman，“hecontinuedinasavagewhisper，andclaspingherbythewrist。“Ifyouarefalse，Itellyouthatyoushalldiehorribly，foriftheknifeandpoisonfail，Iamnocharlatan，Ihavearts。Icanmakeyouturnloathsometothesightandwasteaway，Icanhauntyouatnightssothatyoumayneversleepawink，saveinfullsunshine，andIwilldoitallandmore。IfIdie，Merytra，wegotogether。Nowwillyousweartobetrue，willyouswearitbytheoathofoaths？“
Thespylookedabouther。SheknewKaku"spowerwhichwasfamousthroughoutEgypt，andthatitwassaidtobeofthemostevilsort，andshefearedhim。
“Itseemsthatthisisadangerousaffair，“shereplieduneasily，“andIthinkthatIcanguessyouraim。NowifIhelpyou，Kaku，whatam/I/toget？“
“Me，“heanswered。
“Iamflattered，butwhatelse？“
“AfterPharaohthegreatestplaceandthemostpowerinEgypt，asthewifeofPharaoh"sVizier。“
“Thewife？DoubtlessfromwhatIhaveheardofyou，Kaku，therewouldbeotherwivestosharethesehonours。“
“Nootherwife——upontheoath，none，Merytra。“
Shethoughtamoment，lookingatthewizenedbutpowerful-facedoldmagician，thenanswered:
“Iwilltaketheoathandkeepmyshareofit。Seethatyoukeepyours，Kaku，oritwillbetheworseforyou，forwomenhavetheirownevilpower。“
“Iknowit，Merytra，andfromthebeginningthewisehaveheldthatthespiritdwells，notintheheartorbrainorliver，butinthefemaletongue。Nowstandup。“
Sheobeyed，andfromsomehiddenplaceinthewallKakuproducedabook，orratherarollofmagicalwritings，thatwasencasediniron，themetaloftheevilgod，Typhon。
“Thereisnoothersuchbookasthis，“hesaid，“foritwaswrittenbythegreatestofwizardswholivedbeforeMena，whenthegod-kingsruledinEgypt，andI，myself，tookitfromamonghisbones，aterribletaskforhisKaroseupinthegraveandthreatenedme。Hewhocanreadinthatbook，asIcan，hasmuchstrength，andlethimbewarewhobreaksanoathtakenonthatbook。Nowpressittoyourheart，Merytra，andswearafterme。“
Thenherepeatedaveryterribleoath，forshoulditbeviolateditconsignedtheswearertoshame，sicknessandmisfortuneinthisworld，andtoeverlastingtormentsinthenextattheclawsandfangsofbeast-headeddemonswhodwellinthedarknessbeyondthesun，appointing，byname，thosebeingswhoshouldworkthetorments，andsummoningthemaswitnessestothebond。
Merytralistened，thensaid，“Youhaveleftoutyourpartoftheoath，Friend，namely，thatyoupromisethatIshallbetheonlywifeofPharaoh"sVizierandholdequalpowerwithhim。“
“Iforgot，“saidKaku，andaddedthewords。
Thentheybothswore，touchingtheirbrowswiththebook，andasshelookedupagain，Merytrasawastrange，flame-likelightpulseinthecrystalglobethathungaboveherhead，whichbecamepresentlyinfiltratedwithcrimsonflowingthroughitasbloodmightflowfromawound，tillitgloweddullred，outofwhichrednessagreateyewatchedher。Thentheeyevanishedandthebloodvanished，andinplaceofthemQueenNeter-Tuasatingloryonherthrone，whilethenationsworshippedher，andbyhersidesatamaninroyalrobeswhosefacewashiddeninacloud。
“Whatdoyousee？“askedKaku，followinghergazetothecrystal。
Shetoldhim，andheponderedawhile，thenanswereddoubtfully:
“Ithinkitisagoodomen；theroyalconsortsitsbesideher。Onlywhywashisfacehidden？“
“IamsureIdonotknow，“answeredMerytra。“Ithinkthatstrong，redwineofyourswasdoctoredandhasgotintomyhead。But，come，wehaveswornthisoath，whichIdaresaywillworkinmorewaysthanweguess，forsuchaccursedswordshavetwoedgestothem。Nowoutwiththeplot，andthrowaclothoverthatcrystalforIwanttoseenomorepictures。“
“Itseemsapitysinceyouhavesuchagiftofvision，“repliedKakuinthesamedubiousvoice。Yetheobeyed，tyinguptheshiningballinapieceofmummywrappingwhichheusedinhisspells。
“Now，“hesaid，“Iwillbebrief。Myfatmaster，Abi，meanstobePharaohofEgypt，anditseemsthatthebestwaytodosoisbyclimbingintohisniece"sthrone，wheremostmenwouldliketosit。“
“Youmeanbymarryingher，Kaku。“
“Ofcourse。Whatelse？HewhomarriestheQueen，rulesinrightoftheQueen。“
“Indeed。DoyouknowanythingofNeter-Tua？“
“Asmuchasanyothermanknows；butwhatdoyoumean？“
“ImeanthatIshallbesorryforthehusbandwhomarriesheragainstherwill，howeverbeautifulandhigh-placedshemaybe。Itellyouthatwomanisaflame。ShehasmorestrengthinherthanallthemagiciansinEgypt，yourselfamongthem。TheysaysheisadaughterofAmen，andIbelieveit。Ibelievethatthegoddwellsinher，andwoebetohimwhomshemaychancetohate，ifhecomestoherasahusband。“
“ThatisAbi"sbusiness，isitnot？Ourbusiness，Merytra，istogethimthere。Nowwemaytakeitthiswillnotbewithherconsent。“
“Certainlynot，Kaku，“sheanswered。“ThegossipgoesthatsheisinlovewithyoungCountRames，whofoughtandkilledthePrinceofKeshbeforehereyes，andnowhasgonetomakeamendstothekinghisfatherattheheadofanarmy。“
“Thatmaybetrue，Merytra。Whynot？Heisherfoster-brotherandofroyalblood，bold，too，andhandsome，theysay。Well，queenshavenobusinesstobeinlove。Thatistheprivilegeofhumblerfolklikeyouandme，Merytra。Say，isshesuspicious——aboutPrinceAbi，Imean？“
“Idonotknow，butAsti，hernurseandfavouritelady，thewifeofMermesandmotherofRames，issuspiciousenough。Sheisagreatermagicianthanyouare，Kaku，andifshecouldhavehadherwayPharaohwouldneverhavesetfootinMemphis。ButIgotyourletterandover-
persuadedhim，thepoorfool。YouseehethinksmefaithfultohisHouse，andthatiswhyIamallowedtobehereto-night，tocollectinformation。“
“Ah！Well，whatAstiknowstheQueenwillknow，andsheisstrongerthanPharaoh，andnotwithstandingallAbi"sshipsandsoldiers，maybreakawayfromMemphisandmakewaruponhim。Soitcomestothis——
Pharaohmuststayhere，forhisdaughterwillnotdeserthim。“
“Howwillyoumakehimstayhere，Kaku？Notby——“andsheglancedtowardstheshroudedcrystal。
“Nay，nobloodifitcanbehelped。Hemustnotevenseemtobeaprisoner，itistoodangerous。Butthereareotherways。“
“Whatways？Poison？“
“Toodangerousagain。Now，ifhefellsick，andhehasbeensickbefore，andcouldnotstir，itwouldgiveustimetobringaboutthemarriage，woulditnot？Oh！Iknowthatheiswellatpresent——forhim，butlookhere，Merytra，Ihavesomethingtoshowyou。“
ThengoingtoachestKakutookfromitaplainboxofcedarwoodwhichwasshapedlikeamummycase，and，liftingoffitslid，revealedwithinitawaxenfigureofthelengthofahand。ThisfigurewasbeautifullyfashionedtothelivinglikenessofPharaoh，andcrownedwiththedoublecrownofEgypt。
“Whatisit？“askedMerytra，shrinkingback。“An/ushapti/tobeplacedinhistomb？“
“No，woman，amagicKafashionedwithmanyaspelloutofyonderancientroll，thatcanbring/him/tothetombifitberightlyused，asyoushalluseit。“
“I！“sheexclaimed，starting。“How？“
“Thus:You，asoneofPharaoh"sfavouriteladies，havechargeofthechamberwherehesleeps。Nowyoumustmakeshifttoentertherealoneandlaythisfigureinhisbed，thatthebreathofPharaohmayenterintoit。Thentakeitfromthebedandsaythesewords，"Figure，figure，IcommandtheebythepowerwithintheeandinthenameoftheLordifIll，thatasthylimbswaste，soshallthelimbsofhiminwhoselikenessthouartfashionedwastealso。"Havingspokenthus，holdthelegsoftheimageovertheflameofalampuntilitbehalfmelted，andconveytherestofitawaytoyourownsleeping-placeandhideitthere。SoitshallcomeaboutthatduringthatnightthenervesandmusclesinthelegsofPharaohwillwitherandgrowuselesstohim，andhebeparalysedandunabletostir。Afterwards，ifitbeneedful，Iwilltellyoumore。“
Now，boldthoughshewas，Merytragrewafraid。
“Icannotdoit，“shesaid，“itisblacksorceryagainstonewhoisagod，andwillbringmysoultohell。Findsomeotherinstrument，orplacethewaxenimpinthebedofPharaohyourself，Kaku。“
Thefaceofthemagiciangrewfierceandcruel。
“Comewithme，Merytra，“hesaid，andtakingherbythewristheledhertotheopenwindow-placewhenceheobservedthestars。
Sogiddywastheheightatthetopofthisloftytowerthatthehousesbeneathlookedsmallandfaraway，andtheskyquitenear。
“BeholdMemphisandtheNile，andthewidelandsofEgyptgleaminginthemoonlight，andthePyramidsoftheancientkings。Youwishtoruleoverallthese，likemyself——doyounot，Merytra？——andifyouobeymeyoushalldoso。“
“AndifIdonotobey？“
“ThenIwillthrowmyspelluponyou，andyoursensesshallleaveyouandyoushallfallheadlongtothatwhiteline，whichisastreet，andbeforeto-morrowmorningthedogswillhavepickedyourbrokenbones，sothatnonecanknowyou，foryouhaveheardtoomuchtogohencealiveunlessitbetodomybidding。Oh，no！Thinknottosay"Iwill"
andafterwardsdeceiveme，forthatimagewhichyoutakewithyouismyservant，andwillkeepwatchonyouandmakereporttomeandtothegod，itsmaster。Nowchoose。“
“Iwillobey，“saidMerytrafaintly，andasshespokeshethoughtthatsheheardalaughintheairoutsidethewindow。
“Good。Nowhidetheboxbeneathyourcloakanddropitnot，forifsothatwhichiswithinwillcallaloudafteryou，andtheywillkillyouforasorceress。Unlessmywordcometoyou，laythefigureinPharaoh"sbedto-morrowevening，andatthehourofmoonriseholditslimbsintheflameinyourownchamber，andhideitaway，andafterwardsbringitbacktomethatImayenchantitafresh，iftherebeanyneed。Nowcome，andIwillguardyoutothegatesoftheoldtempleofSekhet，wherePharaohdwells。“
CHAPTERIX
THEDOOMOFPHARAOH
OnthemorrowwhentheladyAsticametodresstheQueenforthatday"sceremony，sheaskedherifAmenhadgivenherthewisdomthatshesought。
“Notso，“answeredtheyoungQueen，“allhegavemewasverybaddreams，andineveryoneofthemwasmixedupthatwaitingwomanofmyfather，Merytra，ofwhomyouspoketome。IfIbelievedinomensI
shouldsaythatshewasabouttobringsomeeviluponourHouse。“
“Itmaywellbeso，Queen，“answeredAsti，“andinthatcaseIthinkthatsheisatthework。Atanyrate，watchingfromthelittlewindowofmyroom，bythelightofthemoonIsawherreturnacrossthetemplecourtatmidnight。Moreover，itseemedtomethatshewascarryingsomethingbeneathherrobe。“
“Whencedidshereturn？“
“Fromthecity，Isuppose。ShehasPharaoh"spass，andcangoinandoutwhenshewill。IhavecausedMermestoquestiontheofficeroftheguard，andhesaysthatshecametothegateaccompaniedbyatallmanwrappedinadarkcloak，whospokewithherearnestly，andlefther。
FromthisdescriptionIthinkitmusthavebeentheastrologer，Kaku，withwhomshewastalkingatthefeast。“
“Thatisbadnews，Nurse。Whatelsehaveyoutotell？“
“Onlythis，Queen。Thegatesareguardedmorecloselyeventhanwethought。ItriedtosendoutamantoThebesthismorningwithamessageonmyownaccount——nevermindwhatitwas——andthesentriesturnedhimback。“
“Bythegods！“exclaimedTua，“beforeIhavereignedayeareverygateinMemphisshallbemelteddownforcookingvessels，andIwillsettheircaptainstoworkinthedesertmines。Nay，suchthreatsarefoolishness，I"llnotthreaten，I"llstrikewhenthetimecomes，butthatisnotyet。CanIspeakwiththePharaoh？“
“No，Queen。HeisupalreadygivingaudiencetothenoblesofMemphis，andtryingcasesfromtheLowerLandwithhisCounsellors；untilitistimetostartforthisceremonyofthelayingofthefoundation-stoneofthetemple，whitheryouaccompanyhiminstate。Alsoitisaswell——byto-nightwemaylearnmore。Come，letmesetthecrownuponyourheadthatthesedogsofMemphismayknowtheirmistress。“
Theceremonyprovedverywearisome。Firsttherewasthelongchariotridethroughthecrowded，shoutingstreets，PharaohandAbigoinginthefirstchariot，andTua，attendedbyAbi"seldestdaughter，around-eyedladymucholderthanherself，inthesecond。NextcametheofficeofthepriestsofAmen，overwhichNeter-TuaasdaughterofAmenandhigh-priestess，mustpreside，todedicatethetempletothegloryofthegod。Thenthefoundationdepositoflittlevasesofofferingsandmodelsofworkmen"stools，andaringdrawnfromPharaoh"shandengravedwithhisroyalname，wereblessedandsetbythemasonsinhollowspreparedforthem，andthetwogreatcorner-
stonesletdown，hidingthemforever，anddeclaredrespectivelybyPharaohandbyNeter-Tua，MorningStarofAmen，JointSovereignofEgypt，tobewellandtrulylaid。
Afterwardsarchitects，thosewho“drewtheline，“exhibitedplansofthetemple，andreceivedgiftsfromPharaoh，andwhenthesethingsweredonecamethemid-dayfeastandspeeches。
Atlengthallwasover，andthegreatprocessionreturnedbyanotherroutetothetempleofSekhet，wherePharaohlodged，averytediousjourneyinthehotsun，sinceitinvolvedacircuitoftheendlesswallsofMemphis，withstoppagesbeforeallthetemplesofthegods，ateachofwhichPharaohmustmakeofferings。Nor，wearyashewas，mightherest，forintheoutercourtoftheoldshrinethroneshadbeensetupandseatedonthemheandTuamusthearpetitionstillsunsetandgivejudgment，orpostponethemforfurtherconsideration。
Atlasttherecametoanend，but，asPharaoh，tiredout，rosefromhisthrone，Abi，hisbrother，whoallthistimehadnotleftthem，saidthathealsohadaprivatepetitiontoprefer。Sotheywentintoaninnercourtthathadbeenasanctuary，andsatdownagain，therebeingpresentbesidesthescribesonlyPharaoh，theQueen，somecouncillors，Mermes，captainoftheguard，andcertainwomenoftheroyalhousehold，amongthemAsti，theQueen"snurse，andMerytra，Pharaoh"sfavouriteattendant。WithAbiwerehisastrologer，Kaku，histwoeldestsons，andafewofthegreatofficersofhisgovernment，alsothehigh-priestsofthetemplesofMemphis，andthreepowerfulchiefsoftheDeserttribes。
“Whatisyourprayer，mybrother？“askedPharaoh，assoonasthedoorswereclosed。
“Agreatone，yourMajesties，“answeredthePrince，prostratinghimself，“whichforthegoodofEgypt，andforyourowngood，andformygood，whoreverenceyouasaloyalsubject，Ipraythatyouwillbepleasedtogrant。“Thenhedrewhimselfupandsaidslowly，“IamheretoaskthehandofthegloriousQueenNeter-Tua，daughterofAmen，inmarriage。“
NowPharaohstaredathim，whileTua，whoknewwellwhatwascoming，turnedherheadaside，andaskedacouncillorwhostoodnear，ifinthehistoryofthelandanyQueenofEgypthadevermarriedheruncle。
Thecouncillorwhowasnotedforhishistoricalstudies，answeredthatatthemomenthecouldrecallnosuchcase。
“Then，“saidTuacoolly，andstilladdressinghim，“itseemsthatitwouldbescarcelywisetocreateaprecedentwhichotherpooryoungwomenoftheroyalracemightbecalledupontofollow。“
Pharaohcaughtsomethingofthewords，thoughAbididnotfortheywerespokeninalowvoice，andbethoughthimofawayoutofhisdifficulty。
“TheQueenNeter-Tuasitsatmyside，andisco-regentwithmeofthiskingdom，hermindismymind，andwhatsheapprovesitisprobableI
shallapprove。Preferyourrequesttoher，“hesaid。
SoAbiturnedtotheQueen，andlayinghishandsuponhisheart，bowed，ogled，andbegan:
“AburningloveofyourmostexcellentMajestymovesme——“
“Iprayyou，myUncle，“interruptedTua，“correctyourwords，whichshouldbegin"AburningloveofyourmostexcellentMajesty"sthroneandpowermoveme，"andsoon。“
NowAbifrownedwhileeveryoneelsesmiled，notexceptingPharaohandtheastrologer，Kaku。Againhebeganhisspeech，butsoconfusedlythatpresentlyTuastoppedhimforthesecondtime，saying:
“Iamnotdeaf，mostnobleprince，myUncle。IheardthewordsyouusedtoPharaoh，andevenunderstoodtheirimport。Infact，Ihavealreadyconsultedourcouncillorhere，alearnedmasterofthelaw，astothelegalityofsuchanallianceasyoupropose，andhegiveshisjudgmentagainstit。“
NowAbiglaredattheCouncillor，ahumble，dustyoldmanwhospentallhislifeamongrollsandchronicles。
“MayitpleaseyourMajesty，“thislawyerexclaimedinathinagitatedvoice，“IonlysaidtherewasnorecordofsuchamarriagethatIcanremember，thoughonceIthinkaqueenadoptedanephew，whoafterwardsbecamePharaoh。“
“Itisthesamething，Friend，“repliedTuasweetly，“forthatofwhichthereisnorecordinthelonghistoryofEgyptmustofnecessitybeillegal。Still，ifmyuncleherewishestoadoptme，I
thankhim，thoughhislawfulheirsmaynot，andthematterisonethatcanbeconsidered。“
Now，guessingthathewasbeingplayedwith，Abigrewangry。
“IhaveputaplainquestiontoyourMajesty，“hesaid，“andperhapsI
amworthyofaplainanswer。Asallmenknow，OQueen，itistimethatyoushouldbewed，andIoffermyselfasyourhusband。ItistruethatIamsomewhatolderthanyouare——“
“InwhatyearwasthePrinceAbiborn，thesameasyourself，didyousay？“askedTuainanaudibleasideoftheagedandlearnedCouncillor，whothereonvanishedbehindthethrone，andwasseennomore。
“But，“wentonAbi，takingnonoticeofthisinterruption，“ontheotherhandIhavemuchtooffer。Irulehere，yourMajesties，whoamalsooftheroyalblood，andthereissomedisaffectionintheNorth，especiallyamongthegreatBedouintribesoftheDesertwhowatchthefrontieroftheKingdom。Nowifthisalliancecomesabout，andindaystobeIsituponthedoublethroneasKing-ConsortofEgypt，theywillbeloyal，andnorthandsouthwillbeunitedmorecloselythantheyeverwerebefore。Whereasifitdoesnotcomeabout——“HereKaku，pretendingtobrushaflyfromhisface，caughthishandinAbi"srobe，asignalatwhichhismasterpaused。
“Goon，myUncle，Iprayyou，“saidTua。“Ifitdoesnotcomeabout，whatthen？“
“Then，Queen，theremaybetrouble。Nay，leavemealone，Magician，I
willspeakthetruth，chancewhatmay。Pharaoh，youhavereignedformanyyears；yes，fortytimeshastheNileoverfloweditsbankssincewelaidourdivinefatherinthetomb。Now，duringallthoseyearsbutonechildhasbeenborntoyou，andthatafterIcametoThebestoprayyoutonamemeasyourheir。Know，Pharaoh，thattherearemanywhofindthisstrange，andwonderwhetherthisbeautifulqueen，whoiscalledDaughterofAmen，andresemblesyousolittleinbodyorinmind，sitsrightfullyonthethroneofEgypt。IfImarryherthesequestioningswillcease。IfIdonotmarryherthewhisperingsofmenmaygrowtoawindthatwillblowthecrownfromoffherhead。“
Nowagraspoffearandwonderrosefromallwhoheardthisboldandtreasonablespeech，andTua，reddeningtotheeyes，bentforwardasthoughtoanswer。ButbeforeeverawordhadpassedherlipsPharaohsprangfromhisseattransformedwithrage。Allhispatientgentlenesswasgone，andhelookedsofierceandroyalthateveryonepresentthere，evenAbihimself，quailedbeforehim。
“IsitforthisthatIhavebornewithyouforsolong，mybrother？“
hecried，rendingathisrobes。“IsitforthisthatIsparedyouyearsagoinThebes，whenyourlifewasforfeitforyourtreachery？IsitforthisthatIhavesufferedyoutorisetogreathonour，andtoruleherealmostasakinginmycityofMemphis？WasitnotenoughthatIshouldsitquiet，whileyou，anoldman，thesonofourfather"sbarbarianslave，theloose-livingdespot，daretoaskforthepurehandofEgypt"sQueeninmarriage，you，heruncle，whomightwellbehergrandfatheralso？MustIalsohearyourfoulmouthbeslimeherroyalbirth，andthehonourofherdivinemother，andspitsneersatAmen，Fatherofthegods？Well，AmenshalldealwithyouwhenyoucometothedoorsofhisEternalHouse，buthereonearthIamhissonandservant。Mermes，callmyguards，andarrestthismanandholdhimsafe。AtThebes，whitherwedepartto-morrow，heshallbejudgedaccordingtoourlaw。“
NowMermesblewashrillcallonthesilverwhistlethathungabouthisneck，and，springingforward，seizedthePrincebythearm。Abidrewhisswordtocuthimdown，andatthesightoftheblade，allwhowerewithhimrushedtothedoortoescape，sweepingbeforethemcertainofPharaoh"sladies，amongthemthewaiting-woman，Merytra。
Butbeforeevertheycouldpassit，theguardswhohadheardthesignalofMermes，raninwithliftedspears，drivingthembackagain。
LeapinguponAbi，theytoretheswordfromhishand，andthrewhimtotheground，huddlingtheresttogetherlikefrightenedsheep。
“Bindthistraitorandkeephimsafe，forto-morrowheaccompaniesustoThebes，“saidPharaoh。
“Whatofhissons，andthosewithhim，yourMajesty？“askedtheofficeroftheguard。
“Letthemgo，“answeredPharaohwearily，“fortheyhavenotsinnedagainstus。Letthemgo，andtakewarningfromtheirmaster"sfate。“
Now，asitchancedintheconfusion，MerytrahadbeenpushedagainstKaku。
“Hearken，“whisperedtheastrologerintothewoman"sear。“DoasIbidyoulastnight，andallwillyetbewell。Doitordie。Doyouhearme？“
“Ihear，andIwillobey，“answeredMerytrainthesamelowvoice。
Thentheywereseparated，fortheguardstookKakubythearmandthrusthimoutofthetempletogetherwiththesonsofAbi。
AnhourlaterMermesandAstistoodbeforePharaoh，andprayedhimthathewoulddepartfromMemphisthatverynight，sayingthatsuchwasthecounselalsooftheQueenandofhisofficers。ButPharaohwastiredout，andwouldnotlisten。
“To-morrow，whenIhaveslept，willbetimeenough，“heanswered。
“Moreover，shallIflyfrommyowncitylikeathiefwhennaughtisreadyforourjourney？Whydoyoupressmetosuchacoward"sact？“headdedpeevishly。
“Forthisreason，yourMajesty，“answeredMermes。“Wearesurethereisaplottokeepyouhere。Thisafternoonyoucouldnothavegone，hadyoutried，butto-night，Abi，beingaprisoner，hispeoplearedismayed，andhavingnoleaderwillopenthegates。Byto-morrowonemaybefound，andtheywillbedouble-barredandguarded。“
“What！“askedtheKingscornfully，“doyoumeanthatIamaprisoneralso，andhereinEgypt，whichIrule？Nay，goodfriends，atPharaoh"swordthosegateswillopen。Oriftheydonot，IwillpulldownMemphisstonebystone，anddriveoutitspeopletosharetheircaveswithjackals。DotheythinkbecauseIamkindandgentle，thatI
cannotlifttheswordiftherebeneed？HavetheyforgottenhowI
smotethoserebelsinmyyouth，andgavetheircitiestotheflames，andsetmyyokeonSyria，thataidedthem。Wemarchto-morrow，andnotbefore。Ihavespoken。“
NowMermesbowedandturnedtogo，sincewhenthosewordshadpassedPharaoh"slipsitwasnotlawfultoanswerthem。YetAstidaredtodoso。
“OPharaoh，“shesaid，“benotwrathwithyourservant。Pharaoh，asyouknow，Ihaveskillindivination，thespiritsofthedeadwhisperattimesinmyearsofthingsthataretobe。ItseemedtomejustnowwhenhavingleftthepresenceoftheQueen，myfoster-child，Istoodawhilealoneinthedarkness，thatthedivineMajestyofthegreatlady，theroyalwife，Ahura，whowasmyfriendandmistress，stoodbesidemeandsaid:
“"Go，Asti，toPharaoh，andsaytoPharaohthatgreatdangerthreatenshimandourroyaldaughter。Saytohim——FlyfromMemphis，lestthereheshouldbepreparedforburial，andtheStarofAmenhiddenbyacloudofshame。Bidhimbewareofoneabouthisthrone，andofthatevilmagicianwithwhomshemadeapactlastnight。"“
NowPharaohlookedatAstiandsaid:
“Odreamerofdreams，interpretyourowndream。WhoissheaboutmythroneofwhomIshouldbeware，andwhoisthemagicianwithwhomshemadeapact？“
“ThedivineQueendidnottellme，Pharaoh，“answeredAstistubbornly，“butmyownskilltellsme。SheisMerytra，yourfavourite，andthemagicianisKaku，whomshevisitedlastnight。“
“What！“exclaimedPharaoh，laughing。“Thatlong-leggedoldastrologerwiththepaintedcapwhoransofastwhenhismasterwastaken？Why！
heisnothingbutaspywhohasbeeninmypayforyears；acharlatanwhopretendstoknowledgethathemaywinthesecretsofhisPrince。
AndMerytra，too，Merytra，whoinbygonetimeswarnedmeofthisAbi"sfoolishplot。Asti，youarehigh-bornandwise，onewhomIlove，andhonourmuch，asdoestheQueen，mydaughter，butyoucanstillbejealous，asIhavenotedlong。Asti，benotdeceived，itwasjealousyofMerytrathatwhisperedinyourears，notthespiritofthedivineAhura。Nowgoandtakeyourterrorswithyou，forthisdarkconspirator，Merytra，waitsinmychambertounrobeme，andtalkmetosleepwithherpleasantjestsandgossip。“
“Pharaohhasspoken，Igo，“saidAstiinherquietvoice。“MayPharaoh"srestbesweet，andhisawakinghappy。“
ThatnightTuacouldnotsleep。Wheneversheshuthereyesvisionsrosebeforehermind，terrifying，fantasticvisionsinallofwhichthefatandhideousAbiplayedapart。Thusshesawagainthesceneatherfather"sfatalfeasttothePriestofKesh，whenAstibyhermagichadcausedthelikenessofamonkeytocomefromthejuggler"svase。
OnlynowitwasAbiwhoemergedfromthevase，aterribleAbi，witharedswordinhishand，andPharaoh"scrownuponhishead。Heleaptfromthemouthofthevase，hedevouredherwithhisgreedyeyes，withstealthystepshecametoseizeher，andshecouldnotstiraninch，somethingheldherfastuponherthrone。
Shecouldbearitnomore——sheopenedhereyes，staredatthedarkness，andoutofthedarknesscamevoices，tellingofdeathandwar。Shethrustherfingersintoherears，andtriedtofixherthoughtsonRames，thatbright-eyed，light-footedloverofhers，whomshesolongedtoseeagain，withoutwhomshewassolonelyandundefended。
WherewasRames？shewondered。Whatfatehadovertakenhim？Somethinginherseemedtoanswer——Death。Oh！ifRamesweredead，whatshouldshedo？OfwhatusewasittobeQueenofEgypt，thefirstwomanintheworld，ifRamesweredead？“
Loneliness，insufferablelonelinessseemedtogetaholdofher。Sheslippedfromherbed，andthroughthedoorwayofherlittlepylonchamber。Nowshewasuponthenarrowstair，andinfaceofherwasthatotherchamberwhereAstislept。Someonewastalkingwithher！
PerhapsMermeswaswithhiswife，andifsoshecouldnotenter。No，itwasAsti"svoice，and，listening，shecouldhearhermurmuringprayersorinvocationsinsolemntones。Shepushedopenthedoorandentered。Alittlelampburnedintheroom，andbyitsfeeblelightshesawthewhite-robedAsti，whoselonghairfellabouther，standingwithupturnedeyesandarmsoutstretchedtoHeaven。SuddenlyAstisawheralso，thoughbutdimlyforshestoodinthedenseshadow，andknewhernot。
“Advance，OthouGhost，anddeclarethyself，forneverwasthyhelpmoreneeded，“shesaid。
“Itisnoghost，butI，“saidTua。“Whatdealingsarethesethatyouhavewithghostsatthisdeadesthourofthenight，Asti？Donotenoughterrorsencompassusthatyoumustneedscallonyourfamiliarspiritstoaddtothem？“
“Icallonthespiritstosaveusfromthem，Queen，for，likeyou，I
thinkthatwearesetinthemidstofperils。Thisnightisfullofsorcery；Iscentitintheair，andstrivetomatchspellwithspell。
Butwhydoyounotsleep？“
“Icannot，Asti，Icannot。Fearhasgotholdofme。Oh！IwouldthatwehadnevercometothishatefulMemphis，orseteyesuponitsill-
omenedlord，thatfoulbrutewhoseekstomakeawifeofme。“
“Benotafraid，Lady，“saidAsti，throwingherarmsaboutTua"sslightandquiveringform。“To-morrowmorningwemarch；IhaveitfromPharaoh，andalreadytheguardmakepreparations，whileasfortheaccursedAbi，heisinprison。“
“Thereisnoprisonthatwillholdhim，Asti，savethegrave。Oh！whydidnotmyFathercommandhimtobeslain，asIwouldhavedone？Then，atleast，weshouldbefreeofhim，andhecouldnevermarryme。“
“Becauseitwasotherwisedecreed，ONeter-Tua，andPharaohmustfulfilhisfateandours，forthoughheissogentle，nonecanturnhim。“
Asshespokethewords，somewhere，farbeneaththem，aroseacry，avoiceofoneindreadorwoe，andwithitthesoundoffeetuponthestairs。
“Whatpasses？“saidAsti，leapingtothedoor。
“Pharaohisdeadordying，“answeredtheterrifiedvoicewithout。“LetherMajestycometoPharaoh。“
Theythrewontheirgarments，theyrandownthenarrowstairandacrossthehallstilltheycametothechamberofPharaoh。ThereuponhisbedhelayandabouthimwerethephysiciansofhisCourt。Hewasspeechless，buthiseyeswereopen，andheknewhisdaughter，for，raisinghishandfeebly，hebeckonedtoher，andpointedathisfeet。
“Whatisit，man？“sheaskedoftheheadphysician，who，bywayofanswer，liftedthelinenonthebed，andshowedherPharaoh"slegsandfeet，whiteandwitheredasthoughwithfire。
“Whatsicknessisthis？“askedTuaagain。
“Weknownot，OQueen，“answeredthephysician，“forinallourliveswehaveneverseenitslike。Thefleshissuddenlywasted，andthelimbsareparalysed。“
“ButIknow，“brokeinAsti。“Thisisnotsickness，itissorcery。
PharaohhasbeensmittenbysomefoulspellofthePrinceAbi，orofhiswizards。Say，whowaswithhimlast？“
“ItseemsthattheLadyoftheFootstool，Merytra，sanghimtosleep，aswashercustom，“answeredthephysician，“andlefthimabouttwohoursago，sosaytheguard。WhenIcameintoseehowhisMajestyrestedbutnow，Ifoundhimthus。“
NowTualiftedupherheadandspoke，saying:
“MydivineFatherishelpless，andthereforeagainIrulealoneinEgypt。Hearmeandobey。LetthePrinceAbibebroughtfromhisprisontotheinnerhall，forIwouldquestionhimatonce。Letthewaiting-
woman，Merytra，bebroughtalsounderguardwithdrawnswords。“
TheofficerofthewatchbowedanddepartedtodothebiddingofherMajesty，whileotherswenttolightthehall。
SoonhereturnedtoanouterchamberwhitherTuahadwithdrawnherselfwhilethephysiciansexaminedPharaoh。
“OQueen，“hesaid，withafrightenedface，“benotwrath，butthePrinceAbihasgone。Hehasescapedoutofhisprison，andthewaiting-woman，Merytra，isgonealso。“
“Howcamethisabout？“askedTuainacoldvoice。
“OQueen，thesmallgatewasopen，forpeoplepassedinandoutofitcontinually，makingpreparationforto-morrow"smarch。itseemsthataboutanhouragotheladyMerytracametothegateandshowedPharaoh"ssignettotheofficer，sayingthatshewasonPharaoh"sbusiness。WithherwentafatmandressedintherobeofamasterofcamelsthatinthedarknesstheofficerthoughtwasacertainAraboftheDesertwhohasbeentoandfroaboutthecamels。ItisbelievedthatthismanwasnoneotherthanthePrinceAbi，dressedintheArab"srobe，andthatheescapedfromhiscellbysomesecretpassagewhichwasknowntohim，apassageoftheoldpriests。TheArab，whoserobeshewore，cannotbefound，butperhapsheisasleepinsomecorner。“
“Barthegates，“saidTua，“andletnonepassinorout。Asti，takemenwithyou，andgosearchtheroomwhereMerytraslept。Perchanceshehasreturnedagain。“
SoAstiwent，andawhileafterre-appearedcarryingsomethingenvelopedinacloth。
“Merytrahasgone，OQueen，“shesaidinanominousvoice，“leavingthisbehindhiddenbeneathherbed，“andsheplacedtheobjectonatable。
“Whatisit？Themummyofachild？“askedTua，shrinkingback。
“Nay，Queen，theimageofaman。“
ThenthrowingasidetheclothAstirevealedthewaxenfigureshapedtotheexactlikenessofPharaoh，orratherwhatremainedofit，forthelegsweremoltenandtwisted，andinthemcouldbeseenthebonesofivoryandthesinewsofthinwire，aboutwhichtheyhadbeenmoulded。
Alsobeneaththechinwherethetonguewouldbe，sharpthornshadbeenthrustuptotherootofthemouth。Thethingwaslife-likeandhorrible，andasitwas，sowasthedumbandstrickenPharaohonhisbed。
Neter-Tuahidhereyesforawhile，andleanedagainstthewall，thenshedrewherselfupandsaid:
“CallthephysiciansandthemembersoftheCouncil，andthosewhocanbesparedoftheofficersoftheguard，thateveryoneofthemmayseeandbearwitnesstothehideouscrimewhichhasbeenworkedagainstPharaohbyhisbrother，thePrinceAbi，andthewizardKaku，andtheiraccomplice，thewomanMerytra。“
Sotheywerecalled，andcame，andwhentheysawthedreadfulthinglyinginitswaxenwhitenessbeforethem，theywailedandcursedthosewhohadwroughtthisabominablesorcery。
“Cursethemnot，“saidNeter-Tua，“whoarealreadyaccursed，andgivenovertotheDevourerofSoulswhentheirtimeshallcome。Makearecordofthisdeed，OScribes，anddoitswiftly。“
Sothescribeswrotethematterdown，andtheQueenandotherswhowerepresentsignedthewritingsaswitnesses。ThenNeter-Tuacommandedthattheyshouldtaketheimageanddestroyitbeforeitworkedmoreevil，andapriestofOsiriswhowaspresentseizeditanddeparted。
ButNeter-TuawenttoPharaoh"sroomandkneltbyhisbed，watchinghim，forheseemedtobeasleep。Presentlyheawoke，andlookedroundhimwildly，movinghislips。Forawhilehecouldnotspeak，thenofasuddenhisvoiceburstfromhiminahoarse，unnaturalcry。
“Theyhavebewitchedme！Iburn，Iburn！“hescreamed，rollinghimselftoandfrouponthebed。“Avengeme，mydaughter，andfearnothing，forthegodsareaboutyou。Iseetheirawfuleyes。Oh！Iburn，I
burn！“
Thenhisheadfellback，andthepeaceofdeathdescendedonhistorturedbrow。
Tuakissedhisdeadbrow，andkneltathissideinprayer。Afteralittlewhilesheroseandsaid:
“IthaspleasedPharaoh，thejustandperfect，todeparttohiseverlastinghabitationinOsiris。Makeitknownthatthisgodisdead，andthatIrulealoneinEgypt。SendhitherthepriestofOsiris，thathemayrepeattheRitualofDeparting，andyou，physicians，doyouroffice。“
Sothepriestcame，butatthedoorAsticaughthimbythehandandasked:
“Howdidyoudestroytheimageofwax？“
“Iburnedituponthealtarintheoldsanctuaryofthistemple，“heanswered。
“O，Fool！“saidAsti，“youshouldhaveburiedit。KnowthatwiththeenchantedthingyouhaveburnedawaythelifeofPharaohalso。“
Thenthatpriestfellswooningtotheground，andanotherhadtobesummonedtouttertheRitualofDeparting。
CHAPTERX
THECOMINGOFTHEKA
Nowitwasmorning，andwhilethephysiciansembalmedthebodyofPharaohasbesttheycould，Tuaconsultedwithherofficers。Longandearnestwasthatcouncil，forallofthemfeltthattheirdangerwasverygreat。Abihadescaped，andifhewerere-taken，noneknewbetterthanhethathisdeathandthatofallhisHousewouldbetherewardofhiscrimesandsorcerieswhichcouldonlybecoveredupinoneway——bymarriagewiththeQueenofEgypt。Moreover，hehadthousandsofsoldiersinthecityandaroundit，allofthemsworntohisservice，whereastheroyalguardwasbutfivecompanies，eachofahundredmen，trappedinasnareofstreetsandstone。
Oneofthemsuggestedthattheyshouldbreakawaythroughthewallofthetemple，andescapetotheroyalbargesthatlaymooredontheNilebeneaththem，andthisplanwasapproved。Butwhentheywenttosetabouttheworkitwasseenthatthesebargeshadbeenseizedandwerealreadysailingawayuptheriver。Sobuttwoalternativesremained——
tobidewithinthefortificationsoftheoldtemple，andsendoutmessengersforhelp，ortomarchthroughthecityboldly，breakdownthegatesifthesewereshutagainstthem，seizeboats，andsailuptheNileforsomeloyaltown，orifthatcouldnotbedone，totaketheirchanceintheopenlands。
Nowsomefavouredonescheme，andsometheother，sothatatlastthedecisionwasleftwithherMajesty。Shethoughtawhile，thensaid:
“HereIwillnotstay，tobestarvedoutaswemustereeveranarmycouldbegatheredtorescueus，andbegivenintothepowerofthatvileandwickedman，themurdererofthegoodgod，myfather。BetterthatIshoulddiefightinginthestreets，forthenatleastIshallpassundefiledtojoinhiminhiseternalhabitationbeyondthesun。
Wemarchatmidnight。“
Sotheybowedbeneathherword，andmadereadywhilethewomenofhishouseholdraisedadeath-wailforPharaoh，andcriersstandingonthehightowersproclaimedtheaccessionofNeter-Tua，Morning-StarofAmen，GloriousinRa，Hathor，StronginBeauty，assoleLordandSovereignoftheNorthandSouth，andofEgypt"ssubjectlands。Againandagaintheyproclaimedit，andofthemultitudeswholistenedsomecheered，butthemostremainedsilent，fearingthevengeanceoftheirPrince，whomtheheraldssummonedtodohomage，butwhomadenosign。
Nightcameatlast。Atasignalthegateswereopened，andthroughthem，borneupontheshouldersofhisCouncillors，precededbyasmallbodyofguards，andfollowedbyhiswomenandhousehold，wenttheremainsofPharaoh，inacoffinroughlyfashionedfromthesycamoretimbersofthetemple。Withsolemnstepandslow，theywentasthoughtheyfearednoharm，thepriestsandsingerschantingsomeancient，funeralhymn。Nextfollowedthebaggagebearers，andafterthesetheroyalbodyguardinthemidstofwhomtheQueen，cladinmail，asaman，rodeinachariot，andwithherthewaiting-lady，Asti，wifeofMermes。
Atfirstallwentwell，forthegreatsquareinfrontofthetemplewasempty。TheprocessionofthebodyofPharaohpassedit，andvanisheddownthestreetthatledtothemaingate，amileaway。Nowtheguardformedintolinetoenterthisstreetalso，whensuddenly，barringthemouthofit，appearedgreatcompaniesofmenwhohadbeenhiddeninotherstreets。
Avoicecried“Halt！“andwhiletheguardsre-shapedthemselvesintoasquareaboutthepersonoftheQueen，anembassyofofficers，amongwhomwererecognisedthefourlawfulsonsofAbi，advancedanddemandedinthePrince"snamethatherMajestyshouldbegivenovertothem，sayingthatshewouldbetreatedwithallhonour，andthatthosewhoaccompaniedhermightgofree。
“AnswerthattheQueenofEgyptdoesnotyieldherselfintothehandsofrebels，andofmurderers；thenfallonthem，andslaythemall，“
criedNeter-TuawhenMermes，hercaptain，hadgivenherthismessage。
Sohewentforwardandreturnedtheanswer，andnextmomentaflightofarrowsfromtheQueen"sguardlaidlowthefoursonsofAbi，andmostofthosewhowerewiththem。
Thenthefightbegan，oneofthefiercestthathadbeenknowninEgyptformanyageneration。Theroyalregiment，itistrue，wasbutsmall，buttheywerepickedmen，andmadwithdespairandrage。Moreover，TuatheQueenplayednowoman"spartthatnight，forwhenthesecharged，strivingtocutapaththroughtheopposinghosts，shechargedwiththem，andbythemoonlightwasseenstandinglikeanangrygoddessinherchariot，andloosingarrowsfromherbow。Alsonohurtcametoherorthosewithher，oreventothehorsesthatdrewher。Itwasasthoughshewereprotectedbysomeunseenstrength，thatcaughttheswordcutsandturnedasidethepointsofspears。
Yetitavailednot，forthemenofAbiwereamultitude，andtheroyalguardbutveryfew。Slowly，anever-lesseningband，theywerepressedback，firsttothewallsoftheoldtempleofSekhet，andthenwithinitsoutercourt。Nowallwhowereleftofthem，notfiftymenunderthecommandofMermes，strovetoholdthegate。Desperatelytheyfought，andonebyonewentdowntodeathbeneaththerainofspears。
Tuahaddismountedfromherchariot，andleaningonherbow，forallherarrowswerespent，watchedthefraywithAstiatherside。WithayellthetroopsofAbirushedthroughthegate，killingastheycame。
Now，surroundedbyallwhoremainedtoher，notadozenmen，theyweredrivenbackthroughtheinnercourts，throughthehalls，tothepylonstairs。
Herethelaststandwasmade。Stepbysteptheyheldthestairs，tillatlengththerewereleftupontheirfeetonlyTua，AstiandMermes，herhusband，whowassorelywoundedinmanyplaces。AtthelittlelandingbetweentheroomsoftheQueenandAstiwhiletheassailantspausedamoment，theCaptainMermes，madwithgriefandpain，turnedandkissedhiswife。NexthebowedbeforetheQueen，saying:
“Whatamanmaydo，IhavedonetosaveyourMajesty。NowIgotomakereporttoPharaoh，leavingyouinchargeofAmen，whoshallprotectyou，andtoRames，myson，theheritageofvengeance。Farewell，O
DaughterofAmen，tillIseeyourstarriseinthedarknessoftheUnder-World，andtoyou，belovedwife，farewell。“
Then，utteringthewar-cryofhisfathers，thosePharaohswhooncehadruledinEgypt，thetallandnobleMermesgraspedhisswordinbothhishands，andrushedupontheadvancingfoe，slayingandslayinguntilhehimselfwasslain。
“Comewithme，OWifeofaroyalhero，“saidTuatoAsti，whohadcoveredhereyeswithherhand，andwasleaningagainstthewall。
“Widow，notwife，Queen。Didyounotseehisspiritpass？“
ThenTualedherupmorestepstothetopofthepylontower，whereAstisankdownmoaninginhermisery。Tuawalkedtotheoutermostedgeofthetowerandstoodtherewaitingtheend。Itwasthemomentofdawn。Ontheeasternhorizontheredrimofthesunaroseoutofthedesertinaclearsky。Thereuponthatloftypinnacle，cladinshiningmail，andwearingahelmshapedlikethecrownofLowerEgypt，Tuastoodinitsgloriousraysthatturnedhertoafigureoffiresetaboveaworldofshadow。Thethousandsofthepeoplewatchingfromthestreetsbelow，andfromboatsupontheNile，sawher，andraisedashoutofwonderandofadoration。
“TheDaughterofAmen-Ra！“theycried。“Beholdhercladinthegloryofthegod！“
Soldierscreptupthestairstothepylonroofandsawheralso，while，nowthatthefraywasended，withthemcamethePrinceAbi。
“Seizeher，“hepanted，forthestairsweresteepandrobbedhimofhisbreath。
ButthesoldierslookedandshrankbackbeforetheMajestyofEgypt，wrappedinherrobeoflight。
“Wefear，“theyanswered，“theghostofPharaohstandsbeforeher。“
ThenNeter-Tuaspoke，saying:
“Abi，onceaPrinceofEgyptandHereditaryLordofMemphis，butnowanoutcastmurderer，blackwiththebloodofyourKing，andofmanyaloyalman，hearme，theanointedQueenofEgypt，hearme，OmanuponwhomIdecreethejudgmentofthefirstandseconddeath。ComebutonestepneartomyMajesty，andbeforeyoureyes，andtheeyesofallthemultitudewhowatch，IhurlmyselffromthishideousplaceintothewatersoftheNile。YetereIgotojoindeadPharaoh，andsidebysidewithhimtolayourplaintagainstyoubeforetheeternalgods，listentoourcurseuponyou。Fromthisdayforwardasnakeshallpreyuponyourvitals，gnawingupwardstoyourheart。ThespiritsofPharaohandofallhisservantswhomyouhaveslainshallhauntyoursleep；nevershallyouknowonemorehourofhappyrest。Throughlifehenceforthyoushallflyfromashadow，andifyouclimbathrone，itshallbesuchaoneasthatonwhichIstandencircledwiththeperilousdepthsofdarkness。Thenceyoushallfallatlast，dyingbyadeathofshame，andtheevilgodsshallseizeuponyou，OTraitor，anddragyoutothemawoftheEater-upofSouls，andthereinyoushallvanishforeverforaye，youandallyourHouse，andallthosewhoclingtoyou。ThussaithNeter-Tua，speakingwiththevoiceofAmenwhocreatedher，herfatherandthegodofgods。“
Nowwhenthesoldiersheardthesedreadfulwords，onebyonetheyturnedandcreptdownthestairs，tillatlasttherewereleftuponthepylonroofonlytheQueen，Asticrouchingatherfeet，andthemonstrousAbi，heruncle。
Helookedather，andthricehetriedtospeakbutfailed，forthewordschokedinhisthroat。Afourthtimehetried，andtheycamehoarsely:
“Takeoffyourcurse，OmightyQueen，“hesaid，“andIwillletyougo。Iamold，to-nightallmylawfulsonsaredead；takeoffyourcurse，leavemeinmyGovernment，andthoughIdesireyoumorethanthethroneofEgypt，OBeautiful，stillIwillletyougo。“
“Nay，“answeredtheQueen，“IcannotifIwould。ItisnotIwhospoke，butaSpiritinmymouth。Doyourworst，OsonofSet。Thecurseremainsuponyou。“
NowAbishookinthefuryofhisfear，andanswered:
“Sobeit，StarofAmen，havingnothingmoretodreadIwilldomyworst。Pharaohmyenemyisdead，andyou，hisdaughter，shallbemywifeofyourownfreewill，orsincenomanwilllayafingeruponyou，hereinthistoweryoushallstarve。Deathisnotyet；Ishallhavemyday，itissworntome。Reignwithmeifyouwill，orstarvewithoutmeifyouwill——Itellyou，DaughterofAmen，thatIshallhavemyday。“
“AndItellyou，SonofSet，thatafterthedaycomesthelongterrorofthatnightwhichknowsnomorrow。“
Thenfindingnoanswer，hetooturnedandwent。
WhenhewasgoneNeter-Tuastoodawhilelookingdownuponthethousandsofpeoplegatheredinthegreatsquarewherethebattlehadbeenfought，whostaredupatherinadeadlysilence。Thenshedescendedfromthecoping-stone，and，takingAstibythearm，ledherfromtherooftothelittlechamberwhereshehadslept。
Sixdayshadgoneby，andQueenNeter-Tuastarvedinthepylontower。
Tillnowthewaterhadheldoutfortherewasagoodsupplyofitinjars，butatlastitwasdone，while，asforfood，theyhadeatennothingexceptastoreofhoneywhichAstitookatnightfromthebeesthathivedamongthetopmostpylonstones。Thatdaythehoneywasdonealso，andifhadnotbeen，withoutwatertowashitdowntheycouldhaveswallowednomoreofthesicklystuff。Indeed，althoughinafteryearsinmemoryofitshelp，Neter-Tuachosethebeeasherroyalsymbol，neveragaincouldshebringherselftoeatofthefruitofitslabours。
“Come，Nurse，“saidTua，“letusgototheroof，andwatchthesettingofRa，perhapsforthelasttime，sinceIthinkthatwefollowhimthroughtheWesternGates。“
Sotheywent，supportingeachotherupthesteps，fortheygrewweak。
FromthisloftyplacetheysawthatsaveontheNilesideofitwhichwaspatrolledbythewarshipsofAbi，allthetemplewassurroundedbyadoubleringofsoldiers，whilebeyondthesoldiers，onthesquarewherethegreatfighthadbeen，weregatheredthousandsofthepeoplewhoknewthatthestarvingQueenwaswonttoappearthusuponthepylonatsunset。
Atthesightofher，cladinthemailwhichshestillwore，amurmurrosefromthemlikethemurmurofthesea，followedbyadeepsilencesincetheydarednotdeclarethepitywhichmovedthemall。Inthemidstofthissilence，whilstthesunsankbehindthePyramidsoftheancientkings，Neter-TualifteduphergloriousvoiceandsangtheeveninghymntoAmen-Ra。Asthelastnotesdiedawayinthestillair，againthemurmurrosewhilethedarknessgatheredaboutthepylon，hidingherfromthegazeofmen。
Handinhandastheyhadcome，thetwodesertedwomendescendedthestairtotheirsleeping-place。
“Theydarenothelpus，Asti，“saidTua，“letusliedownanddie。“
“Nay，Queen，“answeredAsti，“letusturntoonethatgivethhelptothehelpless。DoyourememberthewordsspokenbytheshiningspiritofAhuratheDivine？“
“Irememberthem，Asti。“
“Queen，Ihavewaitedlong，sincethespellshewhisperedtomemaybeusedonceonly，butnowIamsurethatthemomentisathandwhenthatwhichdwellswithinyoumustbecalledforthtosaveyou。“
“Thencallitforth，Asti，“answeredTuawearily，“ifyouhavethepower。Ifnot，oh！letusdie。Butsay，whomwouldyousummon？ThegloryofAmenortheghostofPharaoh，orAhura，mymother，oroneoftheguardiangods？“
“Noneofthese，“answeredAsti，“forIhavebeenbiddenotherwise。Lieyoudownandsleep，myfosterling，forIhavemuchtodointhehoursofdarkness。Whenyouawakeyoushalllearnall。“
“Aye，“saidTua，“whenIawake，ifeverIdoawake。Isitinyourmindtokillmeinmysleep，Asti？Isthatyourcommand？Well，ifso，I
shallnotblameyou，forthenIwillbreakthislongfastofminewithPharaohandthedivinemother，Ahura，whoboreme，andtogetherinthepleasantFieldsofPeacewewillwaitforRames，myloverandyourson。Beingaqueen，theywillgivemyburialinmyfather"stomb，andthatisallIcraveofthem，andofthiswearyworld。Singmetorest，Nurse，asyouwerewonttodowhenIwaslittle，and，ifitbeyourwill，tarrynotlongbehindme。“
Soshelaidherselfdownuponthebed，and，takingherhandthathadgrownsothin，thetallandnobleAstibentoverherinthedarkness，andbegantosingagentlechantorlullaby。
Tua"seyesclosed，herbreathcameslowanddeep。ThenAstithemagicianceasedhersongand，gatheringuphersecretstrength，putoutherprayers，prayerafterprayer，tillatlengthallhersoulwaspure，andshedaredtouttertheawfulspellthatAhurahadwhisperedinherear。Atthemuttered，holywordswildvoicescriedthroughthenight，thesolidpylonrocked，andinthecitythecrystalglobeintowhichKakuandMerytragazedwassuddenlyshatteredbetweenthem，and，whitewithterroratheknewnotwhat，Abisprangfromhiscouch。
ThenAstialsosankintosleeporswoon，andallwassilentinthatchamber，silentasthegrave。
Neter-Tuaawoke。Throughthepylonwindow-placecreptthefirstgreylightofdawn。Hereyessearchingthegloomfellfirstuponthedark-
robedfigureofAstisleepinginachair，herheadrestinguponherhand。Thenabrightnessdrewthemtothefootofherbed，andthere，clothedinafaint，whitelight，thatseemedasthoughitweredrawnfromthestarsandthemoon，wearingtheDoubleCrown，andarrayedinalltheroyalrobesofEgypt，shesaw——/herself/。
NowTuaknewthatshedreamed，andforalongwhilelaystill，foritpleasedher，starvedandwretchedasshewas，aprisonerinthehandsofherfoes，anettedbird，toletherfancydwelluponthissplendidimageofwhatshehadbeenbeforeanevilfate，speakingwiththevoiceofMerytra，LadyoftheFootstool，hadbeguileddeadPharaohtoMemphis。Ifthingshadgonewellwithher，sheshouldbeasthatimagewasto-day，thatimagewhichworehercrownandrobesofstate，yes，andherveryjewels。Suchwerethechangesoffortuneeveninthelivesofprinceswhosethroneseemedtobesetuponarock，princeswhomthegodofgodshadfathered。Neverbeforeinheryounglifehadthethingcomesohometoher，foruntilnow，eventhroughthehungerandthefear，herpridehadborneherup。Butinthischillyhourthatprecedesthedawn，thehourwhen，astheysay，menarewonttodie，itwasotherwisewithher。Herendwasnear——sheknewitandunderstoodthatbetweenthemightiestmonarchintheworldandthehumblestpeasantmaidatthelastthereisnodifference，saveperchanceadifferenceofthesoulwithin。
Hereshelay，ashadow，whomustchoosebetweenamiserableendbythirstandhunger，oraloathsomemarriage。AndwhatavaileditthatshewascalledMorning-StarofAmen，shetheonlychildofPharaohandofhisroyalwife，andthatwhenshewasdeadtheywouldgrantherastatefuneral，andinscribehernameamongthelistsofkings，whileAbi，thefoulusurper，satuponherthrone。Hereonthebedlaywhatshewas，thereatthefootofitstoodwhatsheshouldbeifthegodshadnotdesertedher。
Herpoorheartwasfilledwithbitternesslikeacupwithvinegar，bitternessflowedthroughherintheplaceofblood。Itseemedhardtodiesoyoung，shewhommennamedagod；todierobbedofhercrown，robbedofhervengeance，andtakingwithherherdeep，unfruitfullove。WouldsheandRamesmeetbeyondthegrave，shewondered？Wouldtheywedandbearchildrenthere，whoshouldruleasPharaohsintheUnder-world？WouldOsirisredeemhermortalflesh，andAmentheFather，receiveher；orwouldsherushdownintoeverlastingblacknesswheresleepisallinall？
Oh！foronehourofstrengthandfreedom，oneshorthourwhileattheheadofherarmiessherolleddownuponrebelliousMemphisinhermight，andtroditshighwallsflat，andgaveitspalacestotheflames，andcastitsaccursedprincetothejawsofcrocodiles。Hersunkeyesflashedatthethoughtofit，andherwastedbosomheaved，andlo！theeyesofthatroyalqueenofherdreamsflashedalsoasthoughinanswer，andonitsbreastthejewelsroseasthoughprideorangerliftedthem。
Thenthismarvelcametopass，forthebeautifulface——couldherowneverhavebeensobeautiful？——theimperialface，bentforwardalittle，andfromtheredlipscameasoftvoice，herownrichvoice，thatsaid:
“Speakyourwill，Queen，anditshallbedone。I，whostandhere，amyourservanttocommand，OMorning-Star，OAmen"sroyalchild。“
Tuasatupinherbedandlaughedatthevision。
“Mywill！“shesaid。“ODream，whydoyoumockme？Letmethink。Whatismywill？Well，Dream，itisthatofthebeggaratthegate——I
desireadrinkofwater，andacrustofbread。“
“Theyarethere，“answeredthefigure，pointingwiththecrystalsceptreinherhandtothetablebesidethecouch。
IdlyenoughTualooked，andsoitwas！Onthetablestoodpurewaterinasilvercup，andbyitcakesofbreaduponagoldenplatter。Shestretchedoutherhand，forsurelythisfantasywaspleasant，andtookthatghostofasilvercup，herowncupthatPharaohhadgivenherasachild，andbroughtittoherlipsanddrank，andlo！waterpureandcoldfloweddownherthroat，untilatlengthevenherragingthirstwassatisfied。Thenshestretchedoutherhandagain，andtooktheloavesofbread，andatethemhungrilytillallweregone，andassheswallowedthelastofthem，exclaimedinbittershame:
“Oh！whataselfishwretchamIwhohavedrunkandeatenall，leavingnothingformyfoster-mother，Asti，wholiesasleep，anddiesofwantasIdid。“
“Fearnot，“answeredtheDream。“Look，therearemoreforAsti。“Anditwastrue，forthesilvercupbrimmedoncemorewithcoldwater，andonthegoldenplatterwereothercakes。
NowtheDreamspokeagain:
“Surely，“itsaid，“therewereotherwishesinyourheart，OMorning-
Star，thanthatforhumansustenance？“
“Aye，ODream，IwishedforvengeanceuponAbi，thetraitor，Abithemurdererofmyfather，whowouldbringmetothelastshameofwomanhood。IwishedforvengeanceuponAbi，andallwhoclingtohim。“
Thebrightfigurebowed，stretchingoutitsjewelledhands，andanswered:
“Iamyourservanttoobey。Itshallbeworked，OQueen，suchvengeanceasyoucannotdreamof，vengeancepoureddropbydroplikepoisoninhisveins，thetormentofdisappointedlove，thetormentofhorriblefear，thetormentofpowergivenandsnatchedaway，thetormentofadeathofshame，andtheeverlastingtormentoftheEater-
upofSouls——thisvengeanceshallbeworkeduponAbiandallwhoclingtohim。Wastherenotanotherwishinyourheart，OMorning-Star，O
Queendivine？“
“Aye，“answeredTua，“butImaynotspeakitalleventomyselfinsleep。“
“Itshallbegiventoyou，OMorning-Star。Youshallfindyourlovethoughfarawaybeyondthehorizon，andheshallreturnwithyou，andyoutwainshallruleintheUpperandtheLowerLand，andinallthelandsbeyondwithglorysuchashasnotbeenknowninEgypt。“
Now，atlength，Tuaseemedtoawake。Sherubbedhereyesandlooked。
TherewasthesleepingAsti；thereonthetablebesideherwerethewaterandthebread；thereatthefootofthecouch，glimmeringinthelowlightsofdawn，wasthegloriousfigureofherselfdrapedinthesplendidrobes。
“Who，andwhatareyou？“shecried。“Areyouagodoraspirit，orareyoubutamockingvisioncaughtinthewebofmymadness？“
“Iamnoneofthesethings，OMorning-Star，Iamyourself。IamthatKawhomourfatherAmengavetoyouatbirthtodwellwithyouandprotectyou。Doyounotremembermewhenasachildweplayedtogether？“
“Iremember，“answeredTua。“YouwarnedmeofthedangerofthesacredcrocodileintheTempletank，butsincethenIhaveneverseenyou。
Whatgivesyouthestrengthtoappearinthefleshbeforeme，O
Double？“
“ThemagicofAstiwithwhichshehasbeenendowedfromonhightosaveyou，Neter-Tua，thatgivesmestrength。Knowthatalthoughyoucannotalwaysseeme，Iamyoureternalcompanion。ThroughlifeIgowithyou，andwhenyoudieIwatchinyourtomb，perfect，incorruptible，preservingyourwisdom，yourloveliness，andallthatisyours，untilthedayofresurrection。Ihavepower，Ihavethesecretknowledgewhichdwellsinyou，althoughyoucannotgraspit；I
rememberthePast，theinfinite，infinitePastthatyouforget，I
foreseetheFuture，theendless，endlessFuturethatishiddenfromyou，towhichthelifeyouknowisbutasasingleleafuponthetree，butasonegrainofsandinthebillionsoftheDesert。Ilookuponthefacesofthegods，andheartheirwhisperings；Fategivesmehisbooktoread；IsleepsecureinthepresenceoftheEternalwhosentmeforth，andtowhomatlastIreturnagain，myjourneyended，myworkfulfilled，bearingyouinmyholyarms。OMorning-Star，thespellsofAstihaveclothedmeinthismagicflesh，themightofAmenhassetmeonmyfeet。Iamhere，yourservant，toobey。“
Now，amazed，bewildered，Tuacalledout:
“Awake，Nurse，awake，forIammad。Itseemstomethatamessengerfromonhigh，robedinmyownflesh，standsbeforemeandspeakswithme。“
Astiopenedhereyes，and，perceivingthebeautifulfigure，roseanddidobeisancetoit，butsaidnoword。
“Beseated，“saidtheKa，“andhearme，timeisshort。Iawokeatthesummons，Icameforth，Iampresent，Iendureuntilthespellistakenoffme，andIreturnwhenceIcame。OInterpreter，speakthewillofherofwhomIam，thatImaydoitinmyownfashion。Thereisfood——
eatanddrink，thenspeak。“
SoAstiateanddrankasTuahaddone，andwhenshehadfinishedandwassatisfied，behold！thecupandtheplattervanishedaway。Nextinaslow，quietvoiceshespoke，saying:
“OShadowofthisroyalStar，bymyspellsincorporate，thisisourcase:Herewestarveinmisery，andwithoutthegateAbiwaitstheend。IftheQueenlives，hewilltakeherwhohateshimtobehiswife；ifshedieshewillseizeherthrone。Ourwisdomisfinished。
WhatmustwedotosavethisStarthatitmayshinesereneuntilitsappointedhourofsetting？“
“Isthatallyouseek？“askedtheDouble，whenshehadfinished。
“Nay，“brokeinTuahurriedly，“Iwouldnotshinealone，IseekanotherStartosharemyskywithme。“
“Haveyoufaithandwillyouobey？“askedtheDoubleagain。“ForwithoutfaithIcandonothing。“
NowAstilookedatTuawhobowedherheadinassenttoanunspokenquestion，thensheanswered:
“Wehavefaith，wewillobey。“
“Sobeit，“saidtheShadow。“PresentlyAbiwillcometoaskwhethertheQueenconsentstobehiswife，orwhethershewillbidehereuntilshedies。IwhowearthefashionoftheQueenwillgoforthandbehiswife，oh！suchawifeasmanneverhadbefore，“andasshespokethewordsanawfullooksweptacrossherface，andherdeepeyesflamed。
“Illgoesitwiththemortalmanwhowedsawraiththathateshimandiscommandedtoworkhiswoe，“sheadded。
NowAstiandTuaunderstoodandsmiled，thentheQueensaid:
“Soyouwillsitinmyseat，OShadow，andasyourlord，AbiwillsitonPharaoh"sthroneandfindithard。ButwhatofEgyptandmypeople？“
“FearnotforEgyptandyourpeople，OMorningStar。Withtheseitshallgowellenoughuntilyoucomebacktoclaimthem。“
“Andwhatofmycompanionandmyself？“askedTua。
TheDoubleraisedhersceptre，andpointedtotheopenwindow-spacebetweenthem，beneathwhich，hundredsoffeetbeneath，ranthemilkywatersoftheriver。
“YoushalltrustyourselvestothebosomofFatherNile，“sheansweredsolemnly。
NowtheQueenandAstistaredateachother。
“Thatmeans，“saidTua，“thatwemusttrustourselvestoOsiris，fornonecanfallsofarandlive。“
“Thinkyouso，OStar？Where，then，isthatfaithyoupromised，withoutwhichIcandonothing？Nay，Itellnomore。Domybidding，orletmego，anddealwithAbiasitpleasesyou。Choosenow，hedrawsnear，“andasshespokethewordstheyheardthebronzegatesofthetempleclashupontheirhinges。
Tuashiveredatthesound，thensprangfromthecouch，anddrewherselftoherfullheight，exclaiming:
“FormypartIhavechosen。NevershallitbesaidthatPharaoh"sdaughterwasacoward。BetterthebreastofOsiristhanthearmsofAbi，orslowdeathinadungeon。InAmenandinthee，ODouble，Iputmytrust。“
TheShadowlookedfromhertoAsti，whoansweredbriefly:
“WheremyLadygoesthereIfollow，knowingthatMermesalwayswaits。
Whatshallwedo？“