第5章
TheKamotionedtothemtostandtogetherinthenarrowwinding-place，andthistheydid，theirarmsabouteachother。Nextsheliftedhersceptreandspokesomeword。
Thenfireflashedbeforetheireyes，arushofwindbeatupontheirbrows，andtheyknewnomore。
CHAPTERXI
THEDREAMOFABI
Onthenightofthedrawing-forthoftheKaofNeter-Tua，Kakuthewizard，andMerytrathespy，shewhohadbeenLadyoftheFootstooltoPharaoh，sattogetherinthathighchamberwhereMerytrahadvowedhervow，andreceivedthemagicimage。
“Whydoyoulooksodisturbed？“askedtheastrologerofhisaccomplicewhoglancedcontinuallyoverhershoulder，andseemedveryillatease。“Allhasgonewell。IfSethimselfhadfashionedthatimage，itcouldnothavedoneitsworkmorethoroughly。“
“Thoroughly，indeed，“brokeinMerytrainanangryvoice。“Youhavetrickedme，Wizard，IpromisedtohelpyoutolamePharaoh，nottomurderhim！“
“Hush！Beloved，“saidKakunervously，“murderisanuglyword，andmurdererscometouglyends——sometimes。Isityourfaultifanaccursedfoolofapriestchosetoburnthemannikinuponanaltar，andthusbringthisgodtohislamentedend？“
“No，“answeredMerytra，“notmine，orthepriest"s，butyours，andthathog，Abi"s；andSet"sthemasterofbothofyou。ButIshallgettheblameofit，fortheQueenandAstiknowthetruth，andsoonorlateitwillcomeout，andtheywillburnmeasasorceress，sendingmetotheUnderworldwiththebloodofPharaohuponmyhands。Pharaohwhoneverdidmeaughtbutgood。Andthen，whatwillhappentome？“
EvidentlyKakudidnotknow，forheroseandstoodoppositetoher，scratchinghisleanchinandsmilinginasickly，indeterminatefashionthatenragedMerytra。
“Ceasegrinningatmelikeanapeoftherocks，“shesaid，“andtellme，whatistobetheendofthisevilbusiness？“
“Whytroubleaboutends，FairOne？“heasked。“Theyarealwaysalongwayoff；indeed，thebestphilosophersholdthatthereisnosuchthingasanend。Youknowthesacredsymbolofasnakewithitstailinitsmouththatsurroundsthewholeworld，butbeginswhereitends，andendswhereitbegins。Itmaybeseeninanytomb——“
“Ceaseyourtalkofsnakesandtombs，“burstinMerytra。“Thethoughtofthemmakesmeshudder。“
“Byallmeans，Beloved。IhavealwaysheldthatweEgyptiansdwelltoomuchontombs，and——whateveritmaybethatliesbeyondthem，whichafterallremainsamatterofdoubt——fortunately。Soletusturnfromtombsandcorpsestopalacesandlife。AsIsaidjustnow，althoughwegrieveovertheaccidentofPharaoh"sdeath，andthatofallhisguard——andImayadd，ofAbi"sfourlegitimatesons，thingshavegonewellforus。To-dayIhavereceivedfromthePrince，inwriting，myappointmentasVizier，andfirstKing"scompanion，tocomeintoforcewhenhemountsthethroneashemustdo，andto-dayyouhavereceivedfromme，withalltheusualpublicritesandceremonies，thenameofwife，asIpromisedthatyoushould。Merytra，youarethewifeofthegreatVizier，thepre-eminentlord，thesoleCompanionoftheKingofEgypt，ahighpositionforonewhoafterallduringthelatereignwasbutPharaoh"sfavourite，andLadyoftheFootstool。“
“Afootstoolofsilkismorecomfortabletositonthanastatechairfashionedofblood-stainedswords。Hearkenyou，Kaku！Iamafraid。Yousaythatyouarethegreatestofseers，andcanreadthefuture。Well，Idesiretoknowthefuture，soifyouarenotacharlatan，showittome。“
“Acharlatan！Howcanyousuggestit，Merytra，rememberingtheadventureoftheimage？“
“Thatmayhavebeenanaccident。Pharaohwassicklyforyears，andhadastrokebefore。Ifyouarenotacheatshowmethefutureinthatmagiccrystal。Iwouldlearntheworst，sothatImayknowhowtomeetitwhenitcomes。“
“Well，Wife，wewilltry，thoughtoseesuchhighvisionsthespiritshouldbecalm，whichIfearyoursisnot——nay，benotangry。Wewilltry，wewilltry。Sitherenow，andgaze，andaboveallbesilentwhileIsaytheappropriatespells。“
Sotheballofcrystalhavingbeensetuponthetable，thepairstaredintoitasKakumutteredhischarmsandinvocations。ForalongwhileMerytrasawnothing，tillsuddenlyashadowgatheredintheball，whichslowlyclearedaway，revealingtheimageofdeadPharaohclothedinhismummywrappings。Asshestartedbacktoscreamtheimageseemedtolooseitshandsfromtheclothsthatboundthem，andstrikeoutwards，whereonthecrystalsuddenlyshattered，sothatthepiecesofitflewabouttheroom，oneofwhichstruckheronthemouth，knockingouttwoofherfrontteeth，andgashingherlips。
Merytrautteredacry，andfellbackwardstothefloor，whileKakusprangfromhischairasthoughtorunaway，thenthoughtbetterofit，andstoodstill，shiveringwithfear。
“Whatwasthat？“saidMerytra，risingfromtheground，andwipingthebloodfromhercutmouth。
“Idonotknow，“answeredKaku，inaquaveringvoice。“Itwouldseemthatthegodsdenytousthatknowledgeofthefuturewhichyousought。Becontentwiththepresent，Merytra。“
“Contentwiththepresent，“shescreamed，infuriated。“Lookatwhatthepresenthasgivenme——amouthfulofbloodandteeth。I，whowasbeautiful，amspoiledforever；Iambecomeanoldhag。Pharaohbursttheballwithhishand，andthrewthepiecesatme。Isawhimdoit，andyousethimthere。Wretch，Iwillpayyoubackforthiseviltrick，“andspringingatKaku，shetoreofhisastrologer"scap，andthewigbeneathit，andbeathisbaldheadwiththemtillhecriedformercy。
Itwasatthismomentthatthedooropened，andthroughit，breathless，whitewithterror，half-clothed，appearednoneotherthanthePrinceAbi。
“Whatpasseshere？“hegasped，sinkingintoachair。“Isthisthewayyouconductyourmidnightstudies，Kaku？“
“Certainlynot，mosthighLord，“repliedtheastrologer，tryingtobowwithhiseyefixedonMerytra，whostoodbyhim，thetornwiginherhand，intheactofstriking。“Certainlynot，exaltedPrince。A
domesticdifference，thatisall。ThiswildcatofawomanwhomIhavemarriedhavingmetwithanaccident，gavewaytoherdevilishtemper。“
“Repeatthat，“exclaimedMerytra，“andIwillthrowyoufromthewindow-placetofindoutwhetheryoursorceriescanmakepaving-stonesassoftasair。See，Lord，whathehasdonetomebyhisaccursedwizardry，“andsheexhibitedhertwofrontteethinhershakinghand。
“IsaythathesetthespiritofPharaohwhomhebeguiledmetodotodeath，inthecrystal，forIsawhimtherewrappedinhismummyclothes，andcauseddeadPharaohtoburstthecrystalandstonemewithitsfragments。“
“Besilent，Woman，“shoutedAbi，“orIwillhaveyoubeatenwithrods，tillyourfeethurtmorethanyourmouth。WhatisthisaboutthespiritofPharaoh，Kaku？Isheeverywhere，forknow，itisofPharaoh，thedwellerinOsiris，thatIcametospeaktoyou。“
“MostexaltedRuleroftheNorth，SonofRoyalBlood，HereditaryCountwhoshallbeKing——“
“Ceaseyourtitles，Knave，“exclaimedAbi，“andlisten，forIneedcounsel，andifyoucannotgiveitIwillfindonewhocan。JustnowI
layonmybedasleep，andadreadfulvisioncametome。IdreamedthatIwokeup，andfeelingaweightonthebedbesidemeturnedtolearnwhatitwas，andsawtherethebodyofmybrother，Pharaoh，inhisdeath-wrappings——“
“AsIsawhimintheball，“brokeinMerytra。“Didhepeltyoualso，O
Abi？“
“Nay，Woman，hedidworse，hespoketome。Hesaid——"You，mybrother，towhomIforgaveallyoursins，youandthewoman-snakethatI
cherishedinmybosom，andyourservant，theblack-souledmagician，heraccomplice，havedonememiserablytodeath，andsettheQueenofboththeLands，Amen"sroyalchild，tostarveinyondertowerwiththenobleladyAsti，untilshediesortakesyoutobeherhusband——you，heruncle，whoseekherbeautyandmythrone。NowIhaveamessageforyoufromthegods，whowritedownthesethingsintheireternalbooksagainstthedayofjudgment，whenweallshallmeetandpleadourcausebeforethem，OsiristheRedeemerstandingontherighthand，andtheEater-upofSoulsstandingontheleft。
“"Thisisthemessage，OAbi——GototheTempleofSekhetatthedawn。
ThereyoushallfindthatRoyalLovelinesswhichyoudesire。Takeittobeyourwifeasyoudesire，foritshallnotsayyounay。BeweddedtothatLovelinesswithpompbeforealltheeyesofEgypt，andreignbyrightofthatRoyalty，untilyoumeetoneRames，sonofMermes，whomyoualsomurdered，andwithhimacertainBeggar-manwhoischargedwithanothermessageforyou，OAbi。AscendtheNiletoThebes，andlaythisbodyofmineinthesplendidtombwhichIhavemadereadyandsitinmyseat，anddothosethingswhichthatRoyalLovelinessyouhavewed，commandstoyou，forItyoushallobey。Buthasten，hasten，Abi，tohollowforyourselfagrave，andletitbeneartomine，forwhenyouaredeadthismyKawouldcometovisityou，asitdoesto-night。"
“ThentheKaorthebodyofPharaoh——Iknownotwhichitwas——ceasedfromspeaking，andlaythereawhilestaringatmewithitscoldeyes，tillatlengththespiritsofmyfoursonswhoaredeadenteredthechamberand，liftinguptheshape，carrieditaway。Iawoke，shakinglikeareedinthewind，andranhitherupathousandstepstofindyoubrawlingwiththislow-bornslut，deadPharaoh"sworn-outshoethatinbygoneyearsIkickedfromoffmyfoot。“
NowMerytrawouldhaveanswered，forshelovednotsuchnames，butthetwomenlookedathersofiercelythatherragedied，andshewassilent。
“Readmethisvision，Man，andbeswift，forthetormentofithauntsme，“wentonAbi。“IfyoucannotIstripyouofyouroffices，andgiveyourcarcasetotherodsuntilyoufindwisdom。Itwasyouwhosetmeonthispath，andbythegodsyoushallkeepmesafeinitordiebyinches。“
Now，seeinghisgreatdanger，Kakugrewcoldandcunning。
“Itistrue，OPrince，“hesaid，“thatIsetyouonthispath，thishighandsplendidpath，anditistruealsothatfromthebeginningI
havekeptyousafeinit。Haditnotbeenformeandmycounsel，longagoyouwouldhavebecomebutaforgottentraitor。RememberthatnightatThebes，wheninyourprideyoudesiredtosmiteattheheartofPharaoh，andhowIheldyourhand，andrememberhow，manyatime，mywisdomhasbeenyourguide，whenlefttoyourownrashfollyyoumusthavefailedorperished。Itistruealso，Prince，thatinthefutureasinthepast，withmeandbymeyoustandorfall。Yetifyouthinkotherwise，findsomewisermantoleadyou，andwaittheend。AlltherodsinEgyptcannotbebrokenonmyback，OAbi。NowshallIspeakwhoalonehaveknowledge，orwillyouseekanothercounsellor？“
“Speakon，“answeredAbisullenly，“wearefishinthesamenet，andshareeachother"sfortunetotheend，whetheritbeSet"sgridironorfatEgypt"spleasurepond。Fearnot，whatIhavepromisedyoushallhavewhileitisminetogive。“
“Justnowyoupromisedrods，“remarkedKaku，makingawryfaceandreplacingtheremainsofhiswiguponhisbaldhead，“butletthatpass。Nowastothisdreamofyours，Ifinditsmeaninggood。HowdidPharaohcometoyou？Notasalivingspirit，butinthefashionofadeadman，andwhocaresfordeadmen？“
“Ido，forone，whentheycutmymouthwithbrokencrystals，“
interruptedMerytra，whowasbathingherwoundsinabasinofwater。
“Wouldthattheyhadcutyourtongueinsteadofyourlips，Woman，“
snarledAbi。“Continue，Kaku，andheedhernot。“
“Andwhatwashismessage？“wentonthemagician。“Why，thatyoushallmarrytheMajestyofEgypt，andruleinherrightandsitintheseatofkings。Arenotthesetheverythingsthatyoudesire，andhaveworkedforyearstowin？“
“Yes，Kaku，butyouforgetallthataboutoneRames，andthetombthatImusthollow，andtherest。“
“Rames？Merytraherecantellyouofhim，Prince。HeisthemadcapyoungCountwhokilledthePrinceofKesh，andwassentbyNeter-TuafartotheSouth-lands，thatthebarbarianstheremightmakeanendofhimwithoutscandal。IfeverheshouldcomebackwiththeBeggar-manandhismessage，whichisnotlikely，youcananswerhimwiththehalterhedeserves。“
“Aye，Kaku，buthowwilltheQueenanswerhim？Therearestoriesafloat——“
“Lies，everyoneofthem，Prince。ShewouldhaveexecutedhimatoncehaditnotbeenfortheinfluenceofMermes，andherfoster-mother，Asti。ThisRameshasinhimtheroyalbloodofthelastdynasty，andtheStarofAmenisnotonewhowillshareherskywitharivalstar，unlesshebeherlawfulLord，whichisyourpart。IfRamesorthefoulBeggarbringsyouanymessageitwillbethatyouareKingofKeshaswellasofEgypt，andthenyoucankillhimandtaketheheritage。A
figforRamesanditsstalkfortheBeggar！“
“Perhaps，“repliedAbimorecheerfully，“atanyrateIdonotfearthatrisk；buthowaboutallPharaoh"stalkoftombs？“
“Beingdead，Prince，itisnaturalthatthemindofhisKashouldrunontombs，andhisownroyalburial，whichasamatterofpolicywemustgivetohim。Besidestheretheprophesywassafe，sincetothesesametombsallmustcome，especiallythoseofuswhohaveseentheNileriseoversixtytimes——asIhave，“headdedhastily。“Whenwereachthetombitwillbetimetodealwithitsaffairs；tillthenletusbecontentwithlife，andthegoodthingsitoffers，suchasthrones，andfindtheloveofthemostbeautifulwomanintheworld，andtherest。Harvestyourcornwhenitisripe，Prince，anddonottroubleaboutnextyear"scroporwhetherinhisgravePharaoh"sDoubleeatswhitebreadorbrown。Pharaoh"sdaughter——orAmen"s——isyourbusiness，nothisghost。“
“Yes，goodsoothsayer，“saidAbi，“sheismybusiness。Butonemorequestion。Whydidthataccursedmummyspeakofheras"It"——inmydreamImean——asthoughshewerenowoman，butsomethingbeyondwoman？“
ForamomentKakuhesitated，forthepointwashardtoanswer，thenherepliedboldly:
“BecauseasIbelieve，Prince，thisQueenwithwhomthegodsarerewardingyourdesertsisintruthmorethanwoman，beingAmen"sverydaughter，andthereforeinthoserealmswhencethedreamcame，sheisknownnotaswoman，butbyhertitleofRoyalLoveliness。Oh！“wentonKaku，simulatinganenthusiasmthatintruthdidnotglowwithinhisbreast，“greatandgloriousisyourlot，Kingoftheworld，andsplendidthepathwhichIhaveopenedtoyourtriumphantfeet。ItwasIwhoshowedyouhowPharaohmightbetrappedinMemphis，beingbutapoorfooleasytodeceive，anditwasI——orratherMerytrayonder——whoridyouofhim。AndnowitisI，theMasterwhomyouthreatenedwithrods，thatalonecaninterprettoyouthehappyomenofadreamwhichyouthoughtfearsome。Thinkoftheendofit，Prince，andbanisheverydoubt。WhoboreawaytheshapeofPharaoh？Whythespiritsofyoursons，thussymbolisingthetriumphofyourHouse。“
“Atleasttheywillhavenoshareinit，Kaku，fortheyaredead，“
saidAbiwithagroan，forhehadlovedhissons。
“Whatofthat，Prince？Theydiedbravely，andwemournthem，buthereagainFortuneiswithyou，forhadtheylivedtroublemighthavearisenbetweenthemandthoseothersonswhichtheQueenofEgyptshallbeartoyou。“
“Mayhap，mayhap，“repliedAbi，wavinghishand，forthesubjectwaspainfultohim，“butthisQueenisnotyetmywife。Sheisstarvinginyondertower，andwhatamItodo？IfItrytoforcemypresenceuponher，shewilldestroyherselfassheswore，andifIleaveherthereanylonger，beingmortal，shemustdie。Moreover，Idarenot，foreventhesefolkofMemphis，wholoveme，begintomurmur。Egypt"sQueenisEgypt"sQueen，andtheywillnotsufferthatsheshouldperishmiserably，beingbeautifulandyoung，andonewhotakesallhearts。
ThisnightatsunsettheygatheredintensofthousandsroundthetowertohearhersingthateveninghymntoRa，andafterwardsmarchedpastmypalace，shoutinginthedarkness，"GivefoodtoHerMajesty，andfreeher，orwewill。"Moreover，bynowthenewsmusthavecometoThebes，andthereagreatarmywillgathertoliberateoravengeher。
WhatamItodo，Prophet？“
“DowhatdeadPharaohbadeyouinyourdream，Prince。AtthehourofdawngototheTempleofSekhet，whereyouwillfindtheQueenbecomeobedienttoyourwishes，fordidnotthedreamdeclarethatshewillnotsayyounay？Thenleadhertoyourpalace，andmarryherinthefaceofallmen，andrulebyrightofherMajestyandofyourownconqueringarm。“
“Itcanbetried，“saidAbi，“forthen，atleast，weshalllearnwhattruththereisindreams。ButwhatofthisAstihercompanion？“
“AstihasbeenanillguidetoherMajesty，Prince，“repliedKaku，rubbinghischinashealwaysdidwhentherewasmischiefinhismind。
“Moreover，sheisadvancedinyears，andmustbeweakwithgriefandhunger。IfshestilllivesMerytraherewilltakeherinchargeandcareforher。Youareoldfriends，areyounot，Merytra？“
“Very，“answeredthatladywithemphasis，“likethecatandthebirdwhichwerepetsofthesamemaster。Well，weshallhavemuchtosaytoeachother。Only，beware，Husband，Astiisnoweakling。Yourmagicmaybestrong，buthersisstronger，forsheisagreatpriestessanddrawsitfromgods——notdevils。“
SoitcameaboutthatatdawnPrinceAbi，cladinmagnificentrobes，andaccompaniedbyCouncillors，amongthemKaku，andbyasmallguard，wascarriedinalittertothegatesoftheoldtempleofSekhet，beingtooheavytowalksofar，andtheredescended。Astherewerenonetodefendthemthesegateswereopenedeasilyenough，andtheypassedthrough，leavingtheguardwithout。Whentheycametotheinnercourt，Abistoppedandaskedwheretheyshouldsearch。
“Inoneplaceonly，yourHighness，“answeredKaku，“thatpylontowerwhichoverlookstheNile，forthereherMajestystarveswithAsti。“
“Pylontower，“grumbledAbi。“HaveInotclimbedenoughstepsthisnight？Still，leadon。“
Sotheywenttothenarrowstair，upwhichthethinKakuranlikeacat，whiletheofficerspushedandledthehugeAbibehindhim。OnthethirdlandingtheyallhaltedatAbi"scommand。
“Hurrynot，“hesaidinathickwhisper。“HerMajestydwellsonthenextfloorofthishatefultower，andsinceAstiiswithhershecannotbesurprised。Beware，then，offrighteningherbyyoursuddenappearance，lestsheshouldruntothetopofthepylon，andhurlherselfintotheNile，asshehasswornthatshewilldo。Haltnow，andIwillcalltoherwhenIhavegotmybreath。“
Soafterawhilehecalled，saying:
“OQueen，ceasetostarveyourselfinthismiserableabode，andcomedowntodwellinplentywithyourfaithfulsubject。“
Hecalleditonce，andtwice，andthrice，buttherewasnoanswer。NowAbigrewafraid。
“Shemusthaveperished，“hesaid，“andEgyptwilldemandherbloodatmyhands。Kaku，goupandseewhathashappened。Youareamagician，andhavenothingtofear。“
Buttheastrologerthoughtotherwise，andhesitated，tillAbiinarageliftedhiscedarwandtostrikehimontheback。Thenhewent，stepbystep，slowly，pausingateachsteptoaddressprayersandpraisestoherMajestyofEgypt。AtlengthhecametothedooroftheQueen"schamber，andkneelingdown，peepedintoit，toseethatitwasquiteempty。Nexthecrawledacrossthelandingtothechamberopposite，thatwhichhadbeenAsti"s，andfounditemptyalso。Then，madeboldbyfear，heascendedtothepylonroof。Buthere，too，therewasnoonetobeseen。Sohereturned，andtoldAbi，whoshouted:
“ByPtah，greatLordofMemphis！eithershehasescapedtoraiseEgyptonme，orshehassoughtdeathintheNiletoraisethegodsuponme，whichisworse。Somuchforyourinterpretationofdreams，OCheat。“
“Waittillyouaresurebeforeyoucallmesuchnames，Prince，“
repliedKakuindignantly。“Letussearchthetemple，shemaybeelsewhere。“
Sotheysearcheditcourtbycourt，andchamberbychamber，tilltheycametothatinnerhallinfrontoftheSanctuarywherePharaohhadsetuphisthronewhilehesojournedatMemphis。Thishallwasadarkplace，intowhichlightflowedonlythroughthegratingsintheclerestory，beingroofedinwithblocksofgranitelaiduponitslotus-shapedcolumns。Now，atthehourofsunrise，thegloominitwasstilldeep，sodeepthatthesearchersfelttheirwayfrompillartopillar，seeingnothing。Presently，however，arayoflightfromtherisingsunspedthroughtheopeningshapedliketheeyeofOsirisintheeasternwall，andasithaddoneforthousandsofyears，struckupontheshrineofthegoddess，andthethronethatwassetinfrontofit，revealingthethrone，andseatedthereonNeter-Tua，herMajestyofEgypt。
Gloriousshelookedindeed，afigureofflamesetinthemidstofdarkness。Theroyalrobesheworeglitteredinthesunlight，glitteredhersceptre，herjewels，andthe/ur？i/onherDoubleCrown，butmorethanallofthemglitteredherfierceandsplendideyes。Indeed，therewassomethingsoterribleinthoseeyesthatthebeholderswhodiscoveredthemthussuddenly，shrankback，whisperingtoeachotherthatheresatagoddess，notawoman。Forinhercalmness，herproudbeautyandhersilence，sheseemedlikeanimmortal，onevictoriouswhohadtriumphedoverdeath，notawomanwhoforsevendayshadstarvedwithinatower。
Theyshrankback，theyhuddledthemselvestogetherinthedoorway，andthereremainedwhisperingtillthegrowinglightfellonthemalso。
Butthefigureonthethronetooknoheed，onlystaredovertheirheadsasthoughitwerelostinmysteryandthought。
AtlengthKaku，gatheringcourage，saidtoAbi:
“OPrince，thereisyourbride，suchabrideasnevermanhadbefore。
Gonowandtakeher，“andalltheothersechoed:
“Gonow，OPrince，andtakeher。“
Thusadjuredforveryshame"ssakeAbiadvanced，lookingoftenbehindhim，tillhecametothefootofthethrone，andstoodtherebowing。
Foralongwhilehestoodbowingthus，tillhegrewwearyindeed，forheknewnotwhattosay。Thensuddenlyaclearandsilveryvoicespokeabovehim，asking:
“Whatdoyouhere，LordofMemphis？WhyareyounotinthecellwherePharaohboundyou？Oh！Iremember——thefootstool-bearer，Merytra，yourpaidspy，letyouout，didshenot？WhyisshenotherewithKakutheSorcerer，whofashionedtheenchantedimagethatdidPharaohtodeath？
IsitbecauseshestaystodoctorthosefalselipsofhersthatwerecutlastnightbeforeyouwenttoaskyonderKakutointerpretacertaindreamwhichcametoyou？“
“Howdidyoulearnthesethings？Haveyouspiesinmypalace，O
Queen？“
“Yes，myuncle，Ihavespiesinyourpalaceandeverywhere。WhatAmenseeshisdaughterknows。Nowyouhavecometoleadmeawaytobeyourwife，haveyounot？Well，Iawaityou，Iamready。Doitifyoudare！“
“IfIdare？WhyshouldInotdare，OQueen？“askedAbiinadoubtfulvoice。
“Surelythatquestionisoneforyoutoanswer，CountofMemphisanditssubjectnomes。Yettellmethis——whydidthemagiccrystalburstasunderwithoutcauseinthechamberofKakulastnight，andwhydoyousupposethatKakuinterpretedtoyouallthemeaningofyourdream——hewhowillnevertellthetruthunlessitbebeneaththerods？“
“Idonotknow，Queen，“answeredAbi，“butwithKakuIcanspeaklater，ifneedbeafterthefashionyousuggest，“andheglancedatthemagicianwrathfully。
“No，PrinceAbi，youknownothing，andKakuknowsnothing，savethatrodsbreakthebacksofsnakes，unlesstheycanfindawalltohidein，“andshepointedtotheastrologerslinkingbackintotheshadow。
“Nooneknowsanythingsaveme，towhomAmengiveswisdomwithsightofthefuture，andwhatIknowIkeep。Wereitotherwise，OAbi，I
couldtellyouthingsthatwouldturnyourgreyhairwhite，andtoKakuandMerytrathespy，promiserewardsthatwouldmakethetorture-
chamberseemabedofdown。Butitisnotlawful，norwouldtheysoundpleasantinthisbridalhour。“
NowwhileKakubetweenhischatteringteethmutteredthewordsofProtectionintheshadow，Abiandhiscourtiersstaredatthisterriblequeenasboysseekingwildfowls"eggsinthereeds，andstumblingonalion，stareeretheyfly。Twice，indeed，thePrinceturnedlookingtowardsthedoorandthepleasantlightwithout，foritseemedtohimthathewasenteringonadarkanddoubtfulroad。Thenhesaid:
“Yourwords，OQueen，cutlikeatwo-edgedsword，andmethinkstheyleaveapoisoninthewound。Saynow，ifyouarehuman，howitcomesaboutthataftersevendaysofwantyourfleshisnotminishednorhasyourbeautywaned。Sayalsowhobroughttoyouthosegloriousrobesyouwearhereinthisemptytemple，andwhereisyourfoster-mother，Asti？“
“Thegodsfedme，“answeredtheQueengently，“andbroughtmetheserobesthatImightseemthemoreworthyofyou，OPrince。AndasforAsti，IsenthertoCyprustofetchascenttheymakethereandnowhereelse。No，Iforgot，itwasyesterdayshewenttobringthescentfromCyprusthatnowisonmyhair；to-daysheisinThebes，seeingtoabusinessofmine。Thatisnosecret，Iwilltellityou——
itisastothecarvingofallthehistoryofhismurderandbetrayalinthefirstchamberofthePharaoh"stomb。“
Nowatthesemagicalandill-omenedwordsthecourageofthecompanyleftthem，sothattheybegantowalkbackwardstowardsthedoor，Abigoingwiththem。
“What！“criedtheQueeninavoiceofsorrowthatyetseemedladenwithmockery。“Wouldyouleavemeherealone？Domypowerandmywisdomfrightenyou？Alas！Icannothelpthem，forwhenthefullvaseistiltedthewinewillrunout，andwhenlightissetbehindalabaster，thenthewhitestonemustshine。YetamIonemeettoadornthepalaceoftheKing，evensuchakingasyoushallbe，OAbi，whomOsirisloves。See，now，IwilldanceandsingtoyouasonceIsangtothePrinceofKeshbeforetheswordofRamestookawayhislife，sothatyoumayjudgeofme，Abi，you，whohavelookeduponsomanylovelywomen。“
Asshespoke，veryslowly，soslowlythattheycouldscarcelyseehermove，sheglidedfromthethrone，andstandingbeforethem，begantomoveherfeetandbody，andtochantasong。
Whatwerethewordsofthatsongnonecouldeverremember，buttoeverymantherepresentitopenedadoorinhisheart，andbroughtbacktheknowledgeofyouth。Shewhomhehadlovedbestdancedbeforehim，hertenderhandscaressedhim；thewordsshesangweresighswhichthedeadhadwhisperedinhisears。EventoAbi，old，unwieldyandsteepedincunning，thesesoftvisionscame，althoughitistruethatitseemedtohimthatthislovelysingerledhimtoaprecipice，andthatwhensheceasedhersongandappearedtovanish，toseekherheleaptintothecloudsthatrushedbeneath。
Nowthedancewasdone，andthelastechoesofthemusicdiedawayagainsttheancientwallswhencetheimagesofSekhetthecat-headedwatchedthemwithhercruelsmileofvengeance。Thedancewasdone，andthebeautifuldancerstoodbeforethemunflushed，unheated，butlaughinggently。
“Nowgo，divinePrince，“shesaid，“andyouhisfollowers，go，allofyou，andleavemetomylonelyhouse，untilPharaohsendsformetosharethatnewrealmwhichheinheritsbeyondtheWest。“
Buttheywouldnotgoandcouldnotiftheywould，forsomepowerboundthemtoher，while，asforAbihescarcecouldtakehiseyesfromher，butheedlessofwhoheardthem，babbledouthispassionatherfeet，whiletherestgloweredonhimjealously。Shelistenedalwayssmilingthatsamesmilethatwassosweet，yetsoinhuman。Thenwhenhestoppedexhausted，atlastshespoke，saying:
“What！doyoulovenowmoregreatlythanyoufear，asthedivinePrinceofKeshlovedafterAmen"sStarhadsungtohim。Mayyourfatebehappier，OnobleAbi，butthat，sinceitisnotlawfulthatI
shouldtellittoyou，youshalldiscover。Abi，thereshallbearoyalmarriageinMemphisofsuchjoyandfeastingashasnotbeenknowninthehistoryoftheNorthernortheSouthernLand，andforyourallottedspanyoushallsitbythesideofEgypt"sQueenandshineinherlight。Haveyounotearnedtheplacebyrightofblood，O
conquerorofPharaoh，anddidnotPharaohpromiseittoyouinyoursleep？Come，thesunofthisnewdayshines，letuswalkinit，andbidfarewelltoshadows。“
CHAPTERXII
THEROYALMARRIAGE
AstrangerumourranthroughMemphis。ItwassaidthattheQueenhadyielded；itwassaidthatshewouldmarrythePrinceAbi，thatshewasalreadyatthegreatWhiteHousewaitingtobemadeabride。Menwrangledaboutinthestreets。Theysworethatitcouldnotbetrue，forwouldthishighlady，theanointedPharaohofEgypt，takeherfather"smurderer，andherownuncletohusband？Wouldshenotratherdieinherprisontoweronwhichnightbynighttheyhadseenherstandandsing？Intheirheartstheythoughtthatsheshoulddie，forthustheyhadsummedherup，thispure，high-hearteddaughterofAmen，whomFatehadcaughtinanevilnet。Yes，beingmentheyheldthatsheoughttodie，andleaveastoryintheworld，whereofEgyptcouldbeproudforever。
Buttheirwivesanddaughtersmockedatthem。Afterallshewasbutawoman，theyargued，andwasitlikelythatshewouldthrowasidethepompofruleandtheprospectoflongyearsinordertostealawayintotheshadowsofaforgottentomb？Henceforth，itwastrue，shemusttakesecondplace，forAbiwouldbeasternmastertoher。Still，anyplacewasbetterthanafuneralbarge。Shehadfeltthepinchofhungeryonderinthatoldtemple；herfiercespirithadbeentamed；
shehadkissedtherod，andafterlongyearsofwaiting，AbiwouldbePharaohinEgypt。
Thedisputegrewhot，foreventhosemenwhorebelledagainsther，intheirheartshadsetherhigh，andgrievedtothinkofher，thedivineLady，bowinghernecktothecommonyokeofcircumstance，andsellingherselfforsafety，andaseatonthestepsofherownthrone。Butthewomenmockedon，andshowedthemthatastheyhadalwayssaid，shewasnobetterthanothersofhersex。
Presentlythematterwassettled，forheraldsappearedcryingthroughoutthecitythatthemarriagewouldtakeplaceinthegreathalloftheWhiteHouseonehourbeforesundown。Thenthewomenlaughedintriumph，andthemenweresilent。
Itwastheappointedhour，andthathallwasfilledtooverflowingbyallwhocouldgainentrancethere。Betweenthetoweringobelisksthatstoodoneithersidetheopencedardoors，folkhunguponitsstepslikehivingbees；thevastsquarewithoutandallthestreetsthatledtoitwereblackwiththem。Here，itistrue，theycouldseenothing，stilltheyfoughtforthemerestfoothold，andsomeofthosewhofellneverroseagain。Attheheadofthehallweresettwothrones，thegreaterandthericherthroneforAbithePrince，thelesserthroneforNeter-TuatheQueen。HehadarrangeditthussinceKakuthecunningpointedouttohimthatfromthefirstheshouldshowthepeoplethatitwashewhoruled，andnotPharaoh"sdaughter。
Itwastheappointedhour，andatsomesignalfromeverytempletoprangouttheblareoftrumpets。Thricetheysounded，andechoedintosilenceinthathot，stillair，thusannouncingthatinthetempleofHathor，andthepresenceofthepriestsofallthegods，thehandsofAbiandNeter-Tuahadbeenjoinedinmarriage。
Anotherrumourbegantorunamongthecrowd；liketheringsetcirclingbyastoneinwateritspreadfrommouthtomouth，everwideningasitwent。
MarvelshadhappenedinthetempleofHathor，thatwastherumour。
Moreoveritgavedetails:thattheHigh-Priesthadhandedtothebridetheaccustomedlotus-bud，theflowerofthegoddess，andlo！itopenedinherhand。Also，itwassaid，thatpresentlythestemofitturnedtoasceptreofgold，andthecupofthebloomtosapphirestonesmoreperfectfarthananyfromthedesertmines。
Norwasthisall，sowentthetale，forwhen，ashemust，thebridegroomAbiofferedthewhitedovetoHathorinhershrine，ahawksweptthroughthedoorwayandsmoteitinhisveryhand。Yes，thereinthegloomoftheshrinesmoteitandleftitdead，bloodrunningfromitsbeakandbreast，deaduponthekneesofthegoddess；leftitandwasgoneagain！
Nowwhathawk，askedthepeopleofeachother，daresuchadeedasthis，unlessintruthitwassentbythehawk-headedHorus，thesonofAmen-Ra。
Soonthesematterswereforgottenforthemoment，sincenowitwasknownthattheroyalpairwereenteringthegreatWhiteHall，theretoshowthemselvestothepeople，andreceivethehomageofthenobles，chiefs，andcaptains。First，advancingbythecoveredwaywhichledfromthetempleofHathor，appearedthepriestsintheirrobes，chantingastheywalked，followedbythemastersofceremonies，butlers，andheralds。Next，surroundedbyhisofficersandguard，camethePrinceAbihimself，accompaniedbyhisvizier，Kaku，hewhosemagicwassaidtohavebroughtPharaohtohisend。
Notallhispompnorthesplendourofhisapparel，whereofthewhiteness，asmanynoted，wasspottedwithill-omenedblood，noreventheroyalcrownwhichnow，forthefirsttime，wassetuponhishuge，roundhead，couldhidefromthosewhowatchedthatthisbridegroomwasillatease。Evenashestoodthere，bowinginanswertotheobsequiousshoutsofthemultitude，thesceptreinhisfathandshook，andhisredlipsblanchedandtrembled。Stillhesmiledandbowedon，tillatlengththeshoutingdiedaway，andquietfellupontheplace。
Abiwasforgotten，theywaitedthecomingoftheQueen，andthoughnoheraldcalledheradvent，yeteveryheartofallthosethousandsfeltthatshedrewneartothem。Look！Yondershestood。Theyhadwatchedcloselyenough，yetnonesawhercome，doubtlessbecausetheshadowswerethick。Butthereshestood，quitealoneupontheedgeofthedaisinfrontofthetwothrones，and，oh！shewasdifferentfromwhattheyhadexpected。Thusnowsheworenogorgeousrobes，butonlyasimplegarmentofpurestwhite，cutlowuponherbosom，wheretheredraysofthesinkingsun，strikingupthehall，revealedtoeveryeyethatdarkmoleshapedliketheCrossofLife，whichwasherwondrousbirthmark。
Buttwoornamentsadornedher，thedoublesnakesofroyalty，goldenwithredeyes，setinfrontofhertallwhitehead-dress，whichnonebutshemightwear，thecrownsofUpperandofLowerEgypt，andofallthesubjectlands，andinherhandasceptrefashionedofgold，andsurmountedbyalotus-bloomofsapphire，thatsceptreofwhichrumourhadtoldthemagictale。
Yes，shewasdifferent。Theyhadthoughttoseeawomanweakandpale，hereyesstillredwithgrief，herfacestillstainedwithtears，onewhohadbeentamedbymisfortune，hunger，andthefearofdeath，whenceshehadboughtherselfbymarriagewithherconqueror。Butitwasnotso，forneverhadtheStarofAmenshonehalfsobeautiful，neverhadtheyseensuchmajestyinthosedeepblueeyesthatlookedthemthroughandthroughasthoughtheyreadthesecretheartofeveryoneofthem。Hertallandlovelyformhadnotwasted，hercheekswereredwiththeglowofhealth；poweranddignityflowedfromherpresence，fearseemedbeneathherfeet。
Nownovoicewasliftedup；theystaredather，and，smilingalittle，sheansweredthemwithhercalmeyestilltheirheadssankbeneathhergaze。Thenatlengthinthemidstofthatdead，oppressivesilencewhichnonedaredtobreak，sheturned，andtheyheardthesweepofhersilkenrobeuponthealabasterfloor。
Withanefforttwochamberlainssteppedforward，theirwandsofofficeintheirhands，toleadhertoherseat，butshewavedthemback，andsaidinherclearvoice:
“Nay，hereIamalone；ofallthemillionswhoserveher，notoneislefttoleadAmen"sdaughterandEgypt"sQueentoherrightfulplace。
Thereforeshetakesitofherownstrength，nowandforevermore。“
Thenveryslowly，stillinthemidstofsilence，shemountedthegreaterthronethathadbeenpreparedforAbi，andthereseatedherselfandwaited。
NowmurmuringroseamongthecourtiersandKakuwhisperedintoAbi"sear，whilethemultitudehelditsbreath。Abistampedhisfootandissuedorderswhichallseemedtofeartoexecute。Atlengthhesteppedforward，addressingtheQueeninahoarsevoice。
“Lady，“hesaid，“doubtlessyouknowitnot，butthatplaceismine；
yourseatisonmyleft。Bepleasedtotakeit。“
“Whyso，PrinceAbi？“sheaskedquietly。
“Lady，“heanswered，“becausethehusbandtakesprecedenceofthewife，and，“headdedwithsavagemeaning，“theconqueroroftheconquered。“
“Theconqueroroftheconquered？“sherepeatedafterhiminamusingvoice。“Shouldyounothavesaid——themurdererofthemurderedandhisseed？Nay，PrinceAbi，youarewrong。ThesovereignofEgyptbyrightdivine，takesprecedenceofhervassal，eventhoughithaspleasedthegods，whosewillshehascometoexecute，tocommandhertogivetohimthenameofhusbanduntilthatwillismorefullyknown。ComenowanddohomagetoyourQueen，andafteryouthoseslavesofyourswhodaredtolifttheswordagainsther。“
Thenagreattumultarose，atumultofrageandofdismay，forwellnighallinthatvastplacewerepartnersinthiscrime，andknewthatifNeter-Tuaprevaileddeathyawnedwideforthem。
TheyshoutedtoAbitotakenoheedofher。Theyshoutedtohimtotearherfromthethrone，tokillher，andseizethecrown。Theydrewtheirswordsandragedlikeanangrysea。ThosewhowereloyalamongthemtoPharaoh"sHouse，andthosewhofearedturmoil，begantoworktheirwaybackwards，andslippedbytwosandthreesoutofthegreatopendoors，tillTuahadnofriendleftinallthathall。Buteverastheywent，othersoftheturbulentandtherebelliouswhohadbeenconcernedintheslaughterofPharaoh"sguard，tooktheirplace，pouringinfromthemobwithout。
Wilddesert-dwellersoftheBedouintribes，whoforthousandsofyearshadbeenthebitterenemiesofEgypt；descendantsoftheHyksos，whoseforefathershadruledthelandforadozengenerations，andatlastbeendrivenout；thoseHyksoswhosebloodraninAbi"sveins，andwholookedtohimtoliftthemupagain；evil-doerswhohadsoughtshelterinhisregiments；hook-nosedSemitesfromtheLebanon；black，barbariansavagesfromtheshoresofPunt——withsuchasthesewasthathallfilled。
Abiwasthehopeofeveryoneofthem；tohimtheylookedforthespoilsofEgypt，andbeforethemonAbi"sthronetheysawawomanwhostoodbetweenthemandtheirends，whoinherancientpridedaredtodemandthathe，herhusband，shoulddohomagetoher，andwhoto-morrow，ifsheconquered，wouldgivethemtothesword。
“Tearhertopieces！“theyscreamed，“thebastardwhomchildlessPharaohpalmedoffupontheland！Sheisasorceresswhokeepsfatonair——anevilspirit。Awaywithher！Orifyoufear，thenletuscome！“
Atlengththeyhadroaredthemselveshoarse；atlengththeygrewstill。ThenAbi，whoallthiswhilehadstoodtherehesitating，andnowandagainturningtohearkentoKakuwhowhisperedinhisear，lookedupatTuaandspoke。
“Youseeandyouhear，Queen，“hesaid。“Mypeoplemistrustyou，andtheyarearoughpeople，Icannotholdthembackforlong。Ifoncetheygetatyou，verysoonthatsweetbodyofyourswillbeinmorefragmentsthanwasOsirisafterSethadhandledhim。“
NowTua，whohithertohadsatstillandindifferent，likeonewhotakesnoheed，seemedtoawake，andanswered:
“Abadexample，Prince，forOsirisroseagain，didhenot？“Thensheleanedbackandoncemorewassilent。
“DoyoustilldesirethatIshoulddohomagetoyou，Queen，I，yourhusband？“heaskedpresently。
“Whynot？“shereplied。“Ihavespoken。AdecreeofPharaohmaynotbechanged，andthoughawoman，Iam——Pharaoh。“
NowAbiwentwhitewithrage，andturnedtohisguardtobidthemdragherfromthethrone。Butshewhowaswatchinghim，suddenlyliftedhersceptreandspokeinanewvoice，aclear，strongvoicethatrangthroughthehall，andevenreachedthosewhoweregatheredonthestepswithout。
“Thereisaquestionbetweenyouandme，OPeople，“shesaid，“anditisthis——ShallI，yourQueen，ruleinEgypt，asmyfathersruled，orshallyondermanrulewhombythedecreeofAmenIhavetakenforhusband？NowyouwhoforthemostparthavetheHyksosbloodrunninginyourveins，ashehas，desirethatheshouldrule，andyouhaveslainthegoodgod，myfather，andwouldmakeAbikingoveryou，andseemehishandmaid，onetogivehimchildrenofmyroyalrace，nomore。See，youareamultitudeandmylegionsarefaraway，andI——I
amalone，onelambamongthejackals，thousandsandthousandsofjackalswhoforalongwhilehavebeenhungry。How，then，shallI
matchmyselfagainstyou？“
“Youcannot，“shoutedawild-eyedspokesman。“Comedown，lamb，andkneelbeforethelion，Abi，orwe，thejackals，willrendyou。Wewillnotacknowledgeyou，wewhoareofthefierceHyksosblood。WhiletheobelisksstandthatweresetupbythegreatHyksosPharaohwhosedescendantwasAbi"smother，whiletheobelisksstandthataresetthereforalleternity，wewillnotacknowledgeyou。Comedownandtakeyourplaceinourlord"sharem，OPharaoh"sbastarddaughter。“
“Ah！“Tuarepeatedafterhim，“whiletheobelisksstandthattheHyksosthiefsetupyouwillnotacknowledgeme，Pharaoh"sbastarddaughter！“
Thenshepausedandseemedtogrowdisturbed；shesighed，wrungherhandsalittle，andsaidinachokingvoice:
“Iambutonewomanaloneamongyou。Myfather，Pharaoh，isdead，andyoubidmelaydownmyrankandhenceforthruleonlythroughhimwhotrappedPharaohandbroughthimtohisend。What，then，canIdo？“
“Beagoodmaidandobeyyourhusband，Bastard，“mockedavoice，andduringtheroaroflaughterthatfollowedTualookedatthespeaker，anofficerofAbi"s，whohadtakenagreatpartintheslaughteroftheirescort。
Verystrangelyshelookedathim，andthosewhostoodbythemannotedthathislipsbecamewhite，andthatheturnedsofaintthathaditnotbeenforthepressabouthimhewouldhavefallen。Presentlyheseemedtorecover，andaskedthepriestswhowereneartolethimjointheircircle，asamongtheouterthrongtheheatwastoogreatforhimtobear。Thereononeofthemnoddedandmaderoomforhim，andhepassedin，whichTuanotedalso。
Nowshewasspeakingagain。
“IllnamestothrowatEgypt"sanointedqueen，crownedandacceptedbythegodhimselfinthesanctuaryofhismostholytemple，“shesaid，hereyesstillrestingonthebrutalsoldier。“Yetitisyourhour，andshemustbearthemwhohasnofriendsinMemphis。Oh！whatshallI
do？“andagainshewrungherhands。“GoodPeople，itwassworntomethatAmen，greatestofthegods，sethisspiritwithinmewhenIwasborn，andvowedthathewouldhelpmeinthehourofmyneed。Ofyourgrace，then，givemespacetopraytoAmen。Look，“andshepointedbeforeher，“yondersinkstheredballofthesun；soon，soonitwillbegone——givemeuntilitentersthegatewaysoftheWesttopraytoAmen，andthenifnohelpcomesIwillbowmetoyourbidding，anddohomagetothisnoblePrinceoftheHyksosblood，whosnaredPharaohhisbrother，andbyhelpofhismagiciansandofhisspy，Merytra，broughthimtohisend。“
“Yes，mypeople，giveherthespacesheasks，“calledAbi，whofearednothingfromAmen，asomewhatremotepersonage，andwasafraidlestsometumultshouldhappeninthecourseofwhichthislovely，new-madewifeofhismightbeslainorinjured。
Sotheygaveherthespaceoftimesheasked。Standingup，Tuaraisedherarmsandeyestowardsheaven，andbegantoprayaloud:
“Hearme，AmenmyFather，intheHouseofthyRest，asthouhastsworntodo。OAmenmyFather，thouseestmystrait。Isitthywillthatthydaughtershoulddegradeherselfandtheebeforethismanwhoslewhiskingandbrother，towhomthouhastcommandedhertogivethenameofhusband？Ifitbeso，Iwillobey；butifitbenotso，thenshowthywordbymightormarvel，andcausehimandhisfolkwhomockmymajestyandnamemebastard，tobowdownbeforeme。OAmen，theydenytheeintheirheartswhoworshipothergods，asdidthebarbarianswhobegatthemandthrewdownthyshrinesinEgypt，butIknowthatthousentestmeforth，andintheeIputmytrust，aye，evenifthouslayme。AmenmyFather，yondersinksthatgloryinwhichthoudosthidethyspirit。Now，ereitbegoneandnightfallsupontheworld，declarethyselfinsuchfashionthatallmenmayknowthatindeedIamthychild；orifthisbethydecree，desertmeandEgypt，andleavemetomyshame。“
Sheendedherprayerand，sinkingbackuponthethrone，restedherchinuponherhand，andgazedsteadilyuponthesplendourofthesinkingsun。Nordidshegazealone，foreverymaninthatvasthallturnedhimselfabout，andstaredatitsdepartingglory。Thereintheredlighttheystood，andstared，andsincetheplacewasopentothesky，theshadowsofthetwotoweringobeliskswithoutfellonthemliketheshadowsofswordswhereofthepointsmettogetheratthefootofTua"sthrone。Theydidnotbelievethatanythingwouldhappen，no，noteventhepriestsbelieveditwhohereatMemphis，thecityofPtah，thoughtlittleofAmen，thegodofThebes。Theythoughtthatthispiteousprayerwasbutalastcryofdyingfaithwrungfromaproudandfallenwomaninherwretchedness。
Andyet，andyettheystared，forshehadspokenwithastrangecertaintylikeonewhoknewthegod，andwasshenotnamedStarofAmen，andweretherenotwondroustalesastoherbirth，andhadnotalotus-bloomseemedtoturntogoldandjewelsinthehandofthisyoung，anointedQueenwhoboretheCrossofLifeuponherbreast？No，nothingwouldhappen，butstilltheystared。
Itwasaverystrangesunset。Fordaystheheathadbeengreat，butnowitwasfearful，alsoamarvellousstillnessreignedinheavenandearth。Nothingseemedtostirinallthecity，nodogbarked，nochildcried，noleafquivereduponthetallpalms；itmighthavebeenacityofthedead。
Densecloudsaroseuponthesky，andmoved，thoughnowindblew。Wherethesun"sraystouchedthemtheyweregoldandredandpurple，butabovetheseofaninkyblackness。Theytookstrangeshapesthoseclouds，andmarshalledthemselveslikeahostgatheringforbattle。
Therewerethecommandersmovingquicklytoandfro；therethechariots，andtherethesullenlinesoffootmenwiththeirgleamingspears。Nowonecloudhigherthantherestseemedtoshootitselfacrossthearchofheaven，anditsfashionwasthatofawomanwithoutspreadhairofgold。Herfeetstooduponthesun，herbodybentitselfathwartthesky，anduponthefarhorizonintheeastherhandsheldthepaleglobeoftherisingmoon。
Thewatcherswerefrightenedatthiscloud。“ItisIsiswiththemooninherarms，“saidone。“Nay，itisthemothergoddessNoutbroodingupontheworld，“answeredanother。Andthoughtheyonlyspokesoftly，inthatawfulsilencetheirvoicesreachedTuaonthethrone，andforthefirsttimeherfacechanged，foronitcameacold，curioussmile。
KakubegantowhisperintoAbi"sear，andtherewasfearintheeyesofbothofthem。Hepointedwithhisfingerattwostars，whichofasuddenshoneoutthroughthegreenhazeabovethesunsetglow，andthenturnedandlookedattheQueen，urginghismastereagerly。AtlastAbispoke。
“Raisset，“hesaid。“Come，letusmakeanendofallthisfolly。“
“Notyet，“answeredTuaquietly，“notyetawhile。“
Asshesaidthewords，ofasudden，asthoughatagivensignal，allthelonglinesofpalmtreesthatgrewintherichgardensupontheriverbankswereseentobowthemselvestowardstheeast，asthoughtheydidobeisancetotheQueenuponherthrone。Thricetheybowedthus，withoutawind，andthenwerestraightandstilloncemore。Nextthecloudsrushedtogetherasthoughablackpallhadbeendrawnacrosstheheavens，onlyinthewestthehalf-hiddenglobeofthesunshoneonthroughanopeninginthem，shonelikeagreatandfuriouseye。Byslowdegreesitsank，tillnothingwasleftsavealittlerimoffire。Allthehallgrewdark，andthroughthedarknessNeter-TuacouldbeheardcallingonthenameofAmen。
“Raisdead！“shoutedavoice。“Havedone，Bastard，Raisdead！“
“Aye，“sheansweredinacoldtriumphantcry，“butAmenlives。Beholdhissword，yeTraitors！“
Asthewordsleftherlipstheheavenswerecleftintwainbyafearfulflashoflightning，andinitthepeoplesawthatonceagainthepalm-treesbowedthemselves，thistimealmosttotheground。Thenwitharoarthewindswereloosed，andbeneaththeirfeetthesolidearthbegantoheaveasthoughagiantliftedit。Thriceitheavedlikeaheavingwave，andthethirdtimethroughthethickcoverofthedarknessthereroseashriekofterrorandofagonyfollowedbytheawfulcrashoffallingstones。
Nowthewholeskyseemedtomeltinfire，andinthatfiercelightwasseenTua，StarofAmen，seatedonherthrone，holdinghersceptretotheheavens，andlaughingintriumphantmerriment。Wellmightshelaugh，forthetwogreatobeliskswithoutthegatethattheoldHyksoslionhadsetuptheretostand“toalleternity，“hadfallenacrossthelowpylonsandthedoorsandcrushedthem。Ontotheheadsofthosewhowatchedbeneaththeyhadfallen，shatteringintheirfallandcarryingdeathtohundreds。Beneaththeelectrumcapofoneofthemthathadbeenhurledfromitinitsdescentrightintothecircleofthepriests，layashapelessmass。ItwasthatmanwhohadmockedtheQueenandturnedfaintbeneathhergaze。
Throughthewesternruinofthehallthosewhowereleftalivewithinitfledout，amaddenedmob，tramplingeachothertodeathbyscores，fightingfuriouslytoescapethevengeanceofAmenandhisdaughter。
Withintheenclosurethepriestslayprostrateontheirfaces，eachprayingtohisgodformercy。Infrontofthethrone，uponhisknees，theroyalcrownshakenfromhishead，AbigraspedthefeetofNeter-
Tuaandscreamedtohertoforgiveandsparehim，whilstabove，shininglikefire，Thatwhichsatuponthethronepointedwithhersceptreattheruinandtherout，andlaughedandlaughedagain。
Soonallweregonesavethemumblingpriests，thedying，thedead，andAbiwithhisofficers。
Thecloudsrolledoff，themoonandthestarsshoneout，fillingtheplacewithgentlelight。ThenTuaspoke，lookingdownatthewretchedAbiwhogrovelledbeforeher。
“Say，now，Husband，“sheasked，“whoisgodinEgypt？“
“Amenyourfather，“hegasped。
“AndwhoisPharaohinEgypt？“
“You，andnoother，OQueen。“
“Ah！“shesaid，“itwasoverthatmatterthatwequarrelled，didwenot？whichforcedme，whomyouthoughtsohelpless，tofindhelpers。
Look，therearetheirfootsteps；theywalkheavily，dotheynot，myUncle？“andshenoddedtowardsthehugefragmentsofthebrokenobelisks。
Heglancedbehindhimathisruinedhall，atthedyingandthedead。
“YouarePharaohandnoother，“herepeatedwithashudder。“Givebreathtoyourservant，andlethimliveoninyourshadow。“
“Thefirstisnotminetogive，“sheansweredcoldly，“thoughperchanceitmaypleaseAmentoholdyoubackalittlewhilefromthatplacewhereyoumustsettleyouraccountwithhimwhowentbeforeme，andhiscompanionswhodiedinyourstreets。Ihopeso，foryouhaveworktodo。Asforthesecond——arise，youPriestsandOfficers，andseethisPrinceofyoursdohomagetotheQueenofEgypt。“
Theyrose，andclungtoeachothertrembling，foralltheheartwasoutofthem。Thenshepointedtoherfootwiththesceptreinherhand，andintheirpresenceAbikneltdownandkissedhersandal。
Afterhimfollowedtheothers，thepriests，thecaptains，thehead-
stewards，andthebutlers，tillatlengthcameKaku，theastrologer，whoprostratedhimselfbeforeher，tremblingineverylimb。Buthimshewouldnotsuffereventotouchhersandals。
“Tellme，“shesaid，drawingbackherfoot，“youwhoareamagician，andhavestudiedthesecretwritings，howdoesitchancethatyoustillliveon，whenforlessercrimessomanylieheredead，youwhoarestainedwiththebloodofPharaoh？“
Hearingthesewordsfromwhichhepresagedtheveryworst，Kakubeathisheadupontheground，babblingdenialsofthisawfulcrime，andatthesametimebegantoimplorepardonforwhathesaidhehadnotcommitted。
“Cease，“sheexclaimed，“andlearnthatyourlifeissparedforawhile，yes，andevenMerytra"s。AlsoyouwillretainyourofficeofVizier——forawhile。“
Nowhebegantopouroutthanks，butshestoppedhim，saying:
“Thankmenot，seeingthatyoudonotknowtheendofthismatter。
Perchanceitishiddenfromyoulestyoushouldgomad，youandyourwife，Merytra，shewhowasthePharaoh"sLadyoftheFootstool，andsanghimtosleep。Lookatme，Wizard，andtellme，whoamI？“andshebentdownoverhim。
Heglancedupather，andtheireyesmet，norcouldheturnhisheadawayagain。
“Come，“shesaid，“asyoumayhavelearnedto-night，Ialsohavesomeknowledgeofthehiddenthings。Forotherwise，whydidtheearthshakeandtheeverlastingpillarsfallatmybidding？Now，betweentwoofatradethereshouldbenosecrets，soIwilltellyousomethingthatperhapsyouhavealreadyguessed，sinceIamsurethatyouwillnotrepeatiteventoyourmasterortoMerytra。ForIwilladdthis——thatthemomentyourepeatitwillbethemomentofyourdeath，andthebeginningofthatpunishmentwhichhereIwithhold。Now，intheNameoftheEater-upofSouls，listentome，Ofashionerofwaxenimages！“
and，bendingdown，shewhisperedintohisear。
Anotherinstant，and，starkhorrorwrittenonhisface，thetallshapeofKakuwasseenreelingbackward，liketoadrunkenman。Indeed，hadnotAbicaughthimhewouldhavefallenovertheedgeofthedais。
“Whatdidshetellyou？“hemuttered，fortheQueen，whoseemedtohaveforgottenallabouthim，waslookingtheotherway。
But，makingnoanswer，Kakuwrenchedhimselffreeandfledtheplace。
CHAPTERXIII
ABILEARNSTHETRUTH
Amoonhadgoneby，andonthefirstdayofthenewmonthKakutheViziersatintheHalloftheGreatOfficersatMemphis，checkingthepublicaccountsofthecity。Itwasnoteasywork，forduringthepasttendaystwicetheseaccountshadbeensentbacktohimbythecommandoftheQueen，orthePharaohasshecalledherself，withrequestsforinformationastotheiritems，andotherawkwardqueries。Abihadoverlookedsuchmatters，recognisingthatafaithfulservantwasworthyofhishire——providedthathepaidhimself。Butnowitseemedthatthingsweredifferent，andthattheamountreceivedwastheexactamountthathadtobehandedovertotheCrown，neithermorenorless。
Well，therewasalargediscrepancywhichmustbemadeupfromsomewhere，or，inotherwords，fromKaku"sprivatestore。
Inaragehecausedthetwoheadcollectorsoftaxestobebroughtbeforehim，andastheywouldnotpay，badetheexecutionersthrowthemdownandbeatthemonthefeetuntiltheypromisedtoproducethemissingsums，mostofwhichhehimselfhadstolen。
Then，somewhatsoothed，heretiredfromthehallintohisownoffice，tofindhimselffacetofacewithAbi，whowaswaitingforhim。SochangedwasthePrincefromhisold，portlyself，soagedandthinandmiserabledidhelook，thatintheduskofthatchamberKakufailedtorecognisehim。Thinkingthathewassomesuppliant，hebegantorevilehimandorderhimtobegone。ThenthefuryofAbibrokeout。
Rushingathim，heseizedtheastrologerbythebeardandsmotehimontheears，saying:“Dog，isitthusthatyouspeaktoyourking？Well，onyouatleastIcanrevengemyself。“
“Pardon，yourMajesty，“saidKaku，“Ididnotknowyouintheseshadows。YourMajestyischangedoflate。“
“Changed！“saidAbi，lettinghimgo。“WhowouldnotbechangedwhosuffersasIdoeversinceIlistenedtoyourcursedcounsel，andtriedtoclimbintotheseatofPharaoh？BeforethatIwashappy。I
hadmysons，Ihadmywives，asmanyasIwished。Ihadmyrevenuesandarmies。Noweverythinghasgone。Mysonsaredead，mywomenaredrivenaway，myrevenuesaretakenfromme，myarmiesserveanother。“
“Atleast，“suggestedKaku，“youarePharaoh，andthehusbandofthemostbeautifulandthewisestwomanintheworld。“
“Pharaoh！“groanedAbi。“ThehumblestmummyinthecommoncityvaultsisagreaterkingthanIam，andasfortherest——“andhestoppedandgroanedagain。
“WhatisthematterwithyourMajesty？“askedKaku。
“ThematteristhatIhavefallenundertheinfluenceofanevilplanet。“
“TheStarofAmen，“suggestedtheastrologer。
“Yes，theStarofAmen，thatlovelyTerrorwhomyoucallmywife。Man，sheisnowifetome。Listen——thereintheharemIwentintothechamberwhereshewas，noneforbiddingme，andfoundhersittingbeforehermirrorandsinging，clothedonlyinathinrobeofwhite，andherdarkhair——OKaku，neverdidyouseesuchhair——whichfellalmosttotheground。Shesmiledonme，shespokemefair，shedrewmewiththoseglitteringeyesofhers——yes，sheevencalledmehusband，andsighedandtalkedoflove，tillatlengthIdrewneartoherandthrewmyarmsabouther。“
“Andthen——“
“Andthen，Kaku，shewasgone，andwherehersweetfaceshouldhavebeenIsawtheyellow，mummiedheadofPharaoh，hewhoiswithOsiris，thatseemedtogrinatme。Iopenedmyarmsagain，andlo！thereshesat，laughingandshakingperfumefromherhair，askingme，too，whatailedmethatIturnedsowhite，andifsuchwerethewayofhusbands？
“Well，thatwasnighamonthago，andasitbegan，soithasgoneon。
Iseekmywife，andIfindthemummiedheadofPharaoh，andallthewhileshemocksme。NormayIseetheothersanymore，forshehascausedthemtobehuntedhence，eventhosewhohavedweltwithmeforyears，sayingthatshemustrulealone。“
“Isthatall？“askedKaku。
“No，indeed，forasshetormentsme，soshetormentseveryothermanwhocomesneartoher。Shenetsthemwithsmiles，shebewitchesthemwithhereyestilltheygomadforloveofher，andthen，stillsmiling，shesendsthemabouttheirbusiness。Alreadytwoofthemwhowereleadersinthegreatplothavediedbytheirownhands，andanotherismad，whiletheresthavebecomemysecretbutmybitterfoes，becausetheylovemyQueenandthinkthatIstandbetweenherandthem。“
“Isthatall？“askedKakuagain。
“No，notall，formypoweristakenfromme。Iwhowasgreat，afterPharaohthegreatestinalltheland，nowambutaslave。FrommorningtonightImustworkattasksIhate；ImustbuildtemplestoAmen，I
mustdigcanals，Imusttruckletothecommonherd，andredresstheirgrievancesandremittheirtaxes。More，ImustchastisetheBedouinwhohaveeverbeenmyfriends，and——nextmonthundertakeawaragainstthatKingofKhita，withwhomImadeasecrettreaty，andwhosedaughterthatImarriedhasbeensentbacktohimbecauseIlovedher。“
“Andthen？“askedKaku。
“Oh！thenwhentheKhitahavebeendestroyedandmadesubjecttoEgypt，thenherMajestypurposestoreturninstatetoThebes"toattendtothefashioningofmysepulchre"since，soshesays，thisisamatterthatwillnotbeardelay。Indeed，alreadyshemakesdrawingsforit，horribleandmysticdrawingsthatIcannotunderstand，andbringsthemtometosee。Moreover，Friend，knowthis，outofitopensanothersmallertombfor/you/。Indeed，butthismorningshesentanexpeditiontothedesertquarriestobringthencethreeblocksofstone，oneformysarcophagus，oneforyours，andoneforthatofyourwife，Merytra。Forshesaysthataftertheoldfashionshepurposestohonourbothofyouwiththesegifts。“
AtthesewordsKakucouldnolongercontrolhimself，butbegantowalkupanddowntheroom，mutteringandsnatchingathisbeard。
“Howcanyousufferit？“hesaidatlength，“Youwhowereagreatprince，tobecomeawoman"sslave，tobemadeasdirtbeneathherfeet，tobehelduptothemockeryofthoseyourule，toseeyourwivesandhouseholddrivenawayfromyou，tobetormented，tobemocked，tolookonothermenfavouredbeforeyoureyes，tobethreatenedwithearlydeath。Oh！howcanyousufferit？Whydoyounotkillher，andmakeanend？“
“Because，“answeredAbi，“becauseIdarenot，sinceifIdreamedofsuchathingshewouldguessmythoughtandkill/me/。Fool，doyounotrememberthefalloftheeternalobelisksuponmycaptains，andwhatbefellthatmanwhomockedher，callingherBastard，andsoughtrefugeamongthepriests？No，Idarenotliftafingeragainsther。“
“Then，Prince，youmustcarryyouryokeuntilitwearsthroughtothemarrow，whichwillbewhenthatsepulchreisready。“
“Notso，“answeredAbi，shivering，“forIhaveanotherplan；itisofitthatIamcometospeakwithyou。FriendKaku，/you/mustkillher。
Listen:youareamasterofspells。Themagicwhichprevailedagainstthefatherwillovercomethedaughteralso。Youhavebuttomakeawaxenimageortwoandbreathestrengthintothem，andthethingisdone，andthen——thinkofthereward。“
“IndeedIamthinking，mostnoblePrince，“repliedtheastrologerwithsarcasm。“ShallItellyouofthatreward？Itwouldbemydeathbyslowtorture。Moreover，itisimpossible，forifyouwouldknowthetruth，shecannotbekilled。“
“Whatdoyoumean，Fool？“askedAbiangrily。“Fleshandbloodmustbowtodeath。“
AsicklysmilespreaditselfoverKaku"sthinfaceasheanswered:
“Asayingworthyofyourwisdom，Prince。Certainlytheexperienceofmankindisthatfleshandbloodmustbowtodeath。Yes，yes，fleshandblood！“
“Ceasegrinningatme，youapeoftherocks，“hissedtheenragedAbi，“orIwillproveasmuchonyourmockingthroat，“andsnatchingouthisswordhethreatenedhimwithit，adding:“Nowtellmewhatyoumean，or——“
“Prince，“ejaculatedKaku，fallingtohisknees，“Imaynot，Icannot。
Spareme，itisasecretofthegods。“
“Thengetyougonetothegods，youlyingcur，andtalkitoverwiththem，“answeredAbi，liftingthesword，“foratleastshewillnotblamemeifIsendyouthere。“
“Mercy，mercy！“gaspedKaku，sprawlingontheground，whilehislordheldtheswordabovehisbaldhead，thinkingthathewouldchoosespeechratherthandeath。
Itwasatthismoment，whiletheastrologer"sfatetrembledinthebalance，thatasoundofvoicesreachedtheirears，andabovethemtheringofalight，clearlaughwhichtheyknewwell。Forgettinghispurpose，Abisteppedtothewindow-place，andlookedthroughtheopeningoftheshutters。Presentlyheturned，beckoningtoKaku，andwhispered:
“Comeandlook；thereisalwaystimeforyoutodie。“
TheVizierheard，and，creepingonhishandsandkneestothewindow-
place，raisedhimselfandpeepedthroughtheshutter。Thiswaswhathesaw。Inthewalledgardenbelow，thesecretgardenofthepalace，stoodthequeenNeter-Tua，andthesunlightpiercingthroughtheboughsofafloweringtree，fellinbrightbarsuponherbeauty。Shewasnotalone，forbeforeherkneltamanwearingtherichrobesofanoble。Kakuknewhimatonce，foralthoughstillyoung，hewasAbi"sfavouritecaptain，anofficerwhomheloved，andhadraisedtohighplacebecauseofhiswitandvalour，havinggivenhimoneofhisdaughtersinmarriage。AlsohehadplayedachiefpartinthegreatplotagainstPharaoh，anditwashewhohaddealtthedeath-blowtoMermes，thehusbandoftheladyAsti。
Nowhewasplayinganotherpart，namelythatoflovertotheQueen，forheclaspedthehemofherrobeinhishands，andkisseditwithhislips，andpleadedwithherpassionately。Theycouldcatchsomeofhiswords。
Hehadriskedhislifetoclimbthewall。Heworshippedher。Hecouldnotlivewithouther。Hewasreadytodoherbiddinginallthings——togatherabandandslayAbi；itwouldbeeasy，foreverymanwasjealousofthePrince，andthoughthimquiteunworthyofher。Lethergivehimherlove，andhewouldmakehersolePharaohofEgyptagain，andbecontenttoserveherasaslave。Atleastlethersayonekindwordtohim。
Thushespoke，wildly，imploringly，likeamanthatisdrunkwithpassionandknowsnotwhathesaysordoes，whileNeter-Tualistenedcalmly，andnowandagainlaughedthatlight，lowlaughofhers。