第7章
“Trustinthegods，“saidAsti。“Therearestillthreehourstosundown，andinthreehoursthegods，towhomtimeisnothing，candestroytheworldandbuilditupagain。RememberwhenwestarvedinthepylontoweratMemphis，andwhatbefellusthere。RemembertheleaptodeathandtheBoatofRa，andthosebywhomitwascaptained。
Rememberandtrustinthegods。“
“Itrust——intruthItrust，Asti，butyet——oh！letustalkofsomethingelse。IwonderwhathaschancedinMemphissinceweleftitinsostrangeafashion？DoyouthinkthatawfulKaofminequeensittherewithAbiforahusband？Ifso，IalmostgrieveforAbi，forshehadsomethinginhereyeswhichchilledmymortalblood，andyetyousaysheisapartofme，aspiritwhocannotdie，castinmymould，andgiventomeatbirth。IwouldIhadanotherKa，andthatyoucoulddrawitforthagain，Asti，tobewitchthisJanees，andholdhimwhilewefled。See，thatcasedrawstoanendatlength。Janeesisgivingjudgment，orratherhiscouncilloris，forhepromptshimallthetime。Canyounothearhiswhispers？AsforJaneeshimself，histhoughtsarehere，Ifeelhiseyesburnmethroughthiswoodenscreen。
Heisabouttorise。Why！Whocomes？Awake，Nurse，andlook。“
Astiobeyed。Thereinthegateofthecourtshesawatallman，white-
bearded，yellow-faced，horny-eyed，ancient，who，cladinatatteredrobe，leaneduponhisstaffofthornwood，andstaredabouthimblindlyasthoughthesunbewilderedhim。Theguardscametothrusthimaway，buthewavedhisstaff，andtheyfellbackfromhimasthoughtherewerepowerinthatstaff。Nowhisslow，tortoise-likeeyesseemedtocatchsightoftheglitteringthrone，andofhimwhosatuponit，andwithlongstrideshewalkedtothethroneandhaltedinfrontofit，againleaningonhisstaff。
“Whoisthisfellow，“askedJaneesinanangryvoice，“whostandshereandmakesnoobeisancetotheKing？“
“Areyouaking？“askedKepher。“Iamveryblind。IthoughtyouwerebutacommonmansuchasIam，onlycladinbrightclothes。Tellme，whatisitliketobeaking，andhaveallthingsbeneathyourfeet。
Doyoustillhopeandsuffer，andfeardeathlikeacommonman？Isthefleshbeneathyourgoldandpurplethesameasminebeneathmyrags？
Dooldmemoriestormentyou，memoriesofthedeadwhocomenomore？
Canyoufeelgriefs，andtheacheofdisappointment？“
“DoIsitheretoanswerriddles，Fool？“answeredJaneesangrily。
“Turnthefellowout。Ihavebusiness。“
NowguardssprangforwardtodotheKing"sbidding，butagainKepherwavedhisstaff，andagaintheyfellback。Certainlyitseemedasthoughtherewerepowerinthatstaff。
“Business，King，“hesaid。“NotoftheState，Ithink，butwithonewholodgesyonder，“andhenoddedtowardstheshutteredroomwhenceTuawatchedhim。“Well，thatisthreehourshenceafterthesunhasset，soyoustillhavetimetolistentomyprayer，whichyouwilldo，asitisofthissameladywithwhomyouhavebusiness。“
“Whatdoyouknowofthelady，youoldknave，andofmydealingswithher？“askedJaneesangrily。
“Muchofboth，OKing，forIamherfather，and——shallItelltherest？“
“Herfather，youhoaryliar！“brokeinJanees。
“Aye，herfather，andIhavecometotellyouthatasourbloodismoreancientthanyours，Iwillnothaveyouforason-in-law，anymorethanthatdaughterofminewillhaveyouforahusband。“
Nowsomeofthecourtierswhoheardthesewordslaughedoutright，butJaneesdidnotlaugh，hisdarkfaceturnedwhitewithrage，andhegaspedforbreath。
“Dragthismadmanforth，“heshoutedatlength，“andcutouthisinsolenttongue。“
Againtheguardssprangforward，butbeforeevertheyreachedhimKepherwasspeakinginanewvoice，avoicesoterriblethatatthesoundofittheystopped，leavinghimuntouched。
“Bewarehowyoulayafingeronme，youmenofTat，“hecried，“forhowknowyouwhodwellswithintheserags？Janees，youwhocallyourselfaKing，listentothecommandsofagreaterking，whosethroneisyonderabovethesun。Erenightfallsupontheearth，setthatmaidenuponwhomyouwouldforceyourselfandhercompanionandallhergoodswithoutyoursoutherngate，andleavethemthereunharmed。SuchisthecommandoftheKingofkings，whodwellsonhigh。“
“AndwhatifImockatthecommandofthisKing？“askedJanees。
“Mocknot，“repliedKepher。“BethinkyouofacertainpicturethattheladyAstishowedyouinthewater，andmocknot。“
“ItwasbutanEgyptiantrick，Wizard，andoneinwhichIseeyouhadahand。Begone，Idefyyouandyoursorceries，andyourKing。To-nightthatmaidshallbemywife。“
“Then，Janees，LordofTat，listentothedoomthatIamsenttodecreeuponyou。To-nightyoushallhaveanotherbride，andhernameisDeath。Moreover，fortheirsins，andbecausetheireyesareevil，andtheyhaverejectedtheworshipofthegods，manyofyourpeopleshallaccompanyyoutodarkness，andto-morrowanotherKing，whoisnotofyourHouse，shallruleinTat。“
Kepherceasedspeaking，thenturnedandwalkedslowlydownthecourtofjudgmentandthroughitsgates，nordidanysomuchasliftafingertostayhim，fornowaboutthisoldmanthereseemedtobeamajestywhichmadethemstrengthless。
“Bringthatwizardbackandkillhimhere，“shoutedJaneespresently，asthespellpassedoffthem，andlikehoundsfromaleashtheysprangforwardtodothebiddingoftheKing。
Butwithoutthewallstheycouldnotfindhim。Awomanhadseenhimhere，achildhadseenhimthere，someslaveshadwatchedhimpassyonder，andranawaybecausetheynotedthathehadnoshadow。Atlength，aftermanyafalseturn，theytrackedhimtothesoutherngate，andtheretheguardsaidthatjustsuchabeggar-manhadpassedthroughastheywereabouttoclosethegate，vanishingintothesandstormwhichblewwithout。Theyfollowed，butsothicklyblewthatsandthattheylosteachotherintheirsearch，andbutjustbeforesundownreturnedtothepalacesingly，whereinhisragethekingcommandedthemtobebeatenwithrodsupontheirfeet。
Nowthedarknesscame，andattheappointedhourJanees，hardeninghisheart，wentupintothechamberwheredweltTuaandAsti，leavinghisguardofeunuchsatthedoor。Thelampswerelitwithinthatchamber，andthewindow-placesclosed，butwithoutthedesertwindhowledloudly，andtheairwasblindwithsand。Onthefarthersideofthemarblebasin，asoncebefore，TuaandAstistoodawaitinghim。
“Lady，“hesaid，“itistheappointedhour，andIseekyouranswer。“
“King，“repliedTua，“hearme，andforyourownsake——notformine。I
ammorethanIseem。Ihavefriendsintheearthandair，didnotoneofthemvisityouto-dayinyondercourt？Putawaythismadnessandletmebe，forIwishyougood，notevil，butifyousomuchaslayafingeronme，thenIthinkthatevildrawsnear，oratthebestIdiebymyownhand。“
“Lady，“repliedJaneesinacoldvoice，“havedonewiththreats；I
awaityouranswer。“
“King，“saidTua，“forthelasttimeIpleadwithyou。YouthinkthatIlietosavemyself，butitisnotso。Iwouldsaveyou。Looknow，“
andshethrewbackherveilandopenedthewrappingsaboutherthroat。
“Lookatthatwhichisstampeduponmybreast，andthink——isitwelltoofferviolencetoawomanwhobearsthisholyseal？“
“Ihaveheardofsuchaone，“saidJaneeshoarsely，forthesightofherbeautymaddenedhim。“TheysaythatshewasborninThebes，andofastrangefather，though，ifso，howcameshehere？IamtoldthatshereignsasPharaohinEgypt。“
“Askthatquestionofyouroracles，OKing，butrememberthatrumourdoesnotalwayslie，andletthedaughterofthatstrangefathergo。“
“Thereisanotherwhoclaimstobeyourfather，Lady，ifbynowmysoldiershavenotscourgedhimtohisdeath——atatteredbeggar-man。“
“Whomthosesoldierscouldnottouchorfind，“brokeinAsti，speakingforthefirsttime。
“Well，“wentonJanees，withoutheedingher，“whetheryourfatherbeabeggaroragod，orevenifyouareHathor"sselfcomedownfromheaventobethedeathofmen，knowthatItakeyouformyown。Forthethirdtime，answer，willyoubemyQueenofyourownchoice，ormustmywomendrownyonderwitchinthiswateratyourfeet，anddragyouhence？“
NowTuamadenoanswer。Sheonlyletfallherveil，foldedherarmsuponherbreast，andwaited。ButAsti，mockinghim，criedinaloudvoice，thathemighthearabovethehowlingofthehurricanewithout:
“Callyourwomen，King，fortheairisfullofsandthatchokesmythroat，andIlongforthewaterwhichyoupromiseme。“
Then，inhisfury，Janeesturned，andshouted:
“Comehither，Slaves，anddowhatIhavecommandedyou。“
Ashespokethedoorburstopen，andthroughit，nolongercladinrags，butwearingawhiterobeandhead-dress，walkedKephertheWanderer，whileafterhim，theirredswordsintheirhands，camesavage-lookingchiefs，bearded，blank-faced，round-eyed，withgoldchainsthatclankedupontheirmail，captainsoftheDesert，menwhoknewneitherfearnormercy。
Janeeslookedandunderstood。Hesnatchedouthissword，andforamomentstayedirresolute，whilethegreatmenringedhimroundandwaited，theireyesfixedonKepher"sface。
“Sparehim，Father，ifitmaybeso，“saidTua，“sincelovehasmadehimmad。“
“Toolate！“answeredKephersolemnly。“Thosewhowillnotacceptthewarningofthegodsmustsufferthevengeanceofthegods。Janees，youwhowoulddoviolencetoahelplesswoman，yourpalaceburns，yourcityisinmykeeping，andthefewwhostoodbyyouareslain。Janees，to-morrowanothershallruleinyourplace。AmentheFatherhasdecreedyourdoom。“
“Aye，“echoedJaneesheavily，“toolate！Mortalscannotfightagainstthegodsthatmaketheirsportofthem。SomegodcommandedthatI
shouldlove。SomegodcommandsthatIshalldie。Sobeit，Iamgladtodie；wouldthatIhadnotbeenborntoknowgriefanddeath。Tellme，OProphet，whatevilpoweristherewhichordainsthatwemustbebornandsuffer？“
KepherbeckonedtoTuaandtoAsti，andtheyfollowedhim，leavingJaneesringedroundbythosestern-facedmen。
“Farewell，Lady，“hecalledtoTuaasshepassed。“HereandhereafterrememberthisofJanees，KingofTat，thathewhomighthavesavedhislifechosetodieforloveofyou。“
Thentheywentandsawhimnomore。
Theypassedthedoorofthegreatmarblechamberaboutwhichtheyfoundguardsandeunuchslyingdead；theypasseddownthestairways，andthroughthetallgateswheremoresoldierslaydead，andlookingbehindthem，sawthatthepalacewasinflames。Theyreachedthesquarewithout，andatthecommandofKepherenteredintoalitter，andwerebornebyblackslaveswhithertheyknewnot。
Allthatnighttheywereborne，awakeorsleeping，tillatlengththemorningcame，andtheydescendedfromthelittertofindthemselvesinanoasisofthewildernesssurroundedbyavastarmyofthedesertmen。OfthecityofTattheycouldseenothing；likeadreamithadpassedoutoftheirlives，nordidtheyeverhearofitanditskingagain。Onlyinthepavilionthathadbeenprovidedforthemtheyfoundtheirpearlsandgold，andTua"sivoryharp。
Theylaidthemselvesdownandslept，fortheywereveryweary，onlytowakewhenoncemorethedayhaddawned。Thentheyroseandateofthefoodthathadbeenplacedbythem，andwentoutofthetent。IntheshadowofsomepalmtreesstoodKepher，awaitingthem，andwithhimcertainofthestern-faced，desertchiefs，whobowedastheyadvanced。
“Hearken，LadyNeferte，andyou，OAstihercompanion，“saidKephertothem，“Imustdepart，who，thismatterfinished，havemybreadtobegfarfromhere。Yet，fearnot，forknowthattheseLordsoftheDesertareyourservants，andforthisreasonweretheyborn，thattheymayhelpyouonyourway。Repeatyourorders，“hecontinued，addressingthechiefs。
Thenthecaptainofthemallsaid:
“Wanderer，knowntoourfathers"grandfathers，Guardianofourracebywhomweliveandtriumph，theseareyourcommands:ThatweleadthisdivineLadyandhercompanionajourneyofmanymoonsacrossthedesertsandmountains，tillatlengthwebringhertothegatesoftheCityofGold，whereourtaskends。Whileonemanofusremainsalivetheyshallbeobeyed。“
“Youhear，“saidKephertoTua。“Putyourtrustinthesemen。Goinpeaceinthedaytime，andsleepinpeaceatnight，forbesurethattheyshallnotfailyou。Butifthey，oranyothershouldperchancebringyouintotrouble，thenstrikeupontheharpandcallthenameyouknow，asyoucalleditinthehouseofJaneesthemad，andIthinkthatonewillcometoyou。LordsoftheDesert，whosegreatgrandsireswereknowntome，andwholivebymywisdom，thisdivineLadyisinyourkeeping。Seethatyouguardherasyoushould，andwhenthejourneyisdone，returnandmakereporttome。Farewell。“
Then，liftinghisstaff，withoutspeakinganotherwordtoTuaortoAsti，Kepherstrodeawayfromamongstthem，walkingthroughtheranksoftheDesertmenwhoforcedtheircamelstokneelandsalutedhimashepassed。Presentlytheysawhimstandingaloneuponaridge，andlookingtowardsthemforawhile。Thenofasuddenhewasgone。
“Whoisthatman，OCaptain，atwhosebiddingthewildernessswarmswithtribesmenandkingsarebroughttodoom？“askedAstiwhenshehadwatchedhimdisappear。
“Lady，“heanswered，“Icannottellyou，butfromthebeginninghehasbeenMasteroftheDesert，andthosewhodwelltherein。Athiswordthesandwindblowsasitblewyesterdaytocoverouradvance，athiswordthefountainsspringandtribesgrowgreatorsinktonothingness。Wethinkthatheisaspiritwhomoveswherehelists，andexecutesthedecreesofheaven。Attheleast，thoughtheybutseehimfromtimetotime，allthedwellersinthewildernessobeyhim，aswedo，andilldoesitgo，asyouhavelearned，withthosedwellersincitieswhoknownotthepowerwhichbreathesbeneaththattatteredrobe。“
“Ithankyou，“answeredAsti。“IthinkwithyouthatthisWandererisaspirit，andagreatone，sogreatthatIwillnotnamehisname。
Captains，myLadyisreadytomarchtowardstheCityofGold，whitheryouwillleadus。“
Fordayafterday，forweekafterweek，formonthaftermonth，theymarchedsouthwardandwestwardacrosstheDesert，andinthecentreoftheirhost，mounteduponcamels，rodeTuaandAstiveiled。Oncethehillmenattackedtheminadefileofsomeruggedmountains，buttheybeatthemback，andoncetherewasagreatbattlewithothertribesofthewilderness，who，hearingthattheyhadagoddessamongthem，soughttocaptureherforthemselves。Thesetribesalsotheydefeatedwithslaughter，forwhenthefighthunginthebalanceTuaherselfheadedthechargeofherhorsemen，andatthesightofherinherwhiterobestheenemyfledamazed。Oncealsotheycampedfortwowholemonthsinanoasis，waitingtillrainshouldfall，forthecountrybeyondlackedwater。Atlengthitcame，andtheywentonagain，onandonovertheendlesslands，tillonacertainnighttheypitchedtheirtentuponahill。
AtthefirstbrighteningofthedawnTuaandAstiwentout，andthere，beneaththem，neartothebanksofagreatriver，whichtheyknewfortheNile，theysawthepyramidsandthetemplesofNapatatheGolden，thesoutherncityofAmen，andthankedthegodswhohadbroughtthemhereinsafety。
Whiletheystillgazeduponitsgloriesintheredlightoftherisingsunthecaptainofthedesertmenappeared，andbowedbeforethem。
“DivineLady，“hesaid，“womanorgoddess，whicheveryoumaybe，wehavefulfilledthecommandgiventousbyKepher，theancientKingoftheWilderness。BeneathyouliesNapatawhitherwehavejourneyedthroughsomanywearymonths，butwewoulddrawnonearertoitswalls，whofromgenerationtogenerationareswornnottoenteranycitysaveinwar。Lady，ourtaskisdone，andourmenmurmurtobeledbacktotheirownplace，wheretheirwivesandchildrenawaitthem，ere，thinkingthatweareenemies，thepeopleofNapatasallyforthtoattackus。“
“Itiswell，“answeredTua。“Ithankyouandthegodsshallgiveyouyourreward。Leaveus，andgobacktoyourhomes，butbeforeyougo，takeagiftfromme。“
ThenshesentforthegoldthattheyhadgatheredintheirtradinginthecityofTat，andgaveittobedividedamongthem，agreatandprecioustreasure。Onlythepearlsshekept，withalittleofthegold。Sothecaptainssalutedher，andinthemistsofthemorningtheyandtheirswarthyhoststoleaway，andsoonwerehiddeninacloudofdust。
FromthebacksoftheircamelsTuaandAstiwatchedthemgolikeadreamofthenight。Thenwithnowordspokenbetweenthem，fortheirlipsweresealedwithhopeandwonder，wrappingthemselvesintheirdarkcloaks，theyrodedowntothehighwaybythebanksoftheNile，whichledtothewallsofNapata。Minglingwithothertravellers，theypassedthroughtheFieldofPyramids，andcomingtothebeautifulnortherngatethatwascoveredoverwithgold，waitedthere，forthisgatewasnotyetopened。Awomanwholedthreeassesladenwithgreenbarleyandvegetables，whichshepurposedtosellinthemarket-place，fellintotalkwiththem，askingthemwhencetheycame。
Astianswered，fromthecityofMeroe，addingthattheyweresingersanddealersinpearls。
“Thenyouhavecometotherightplace，“answeredthewoman，“forpearlsarerareatNapata，whichissofarfromthesea；alsoitissaidthattheyoungKinglovessingingifitbegood。“
“TheyoungKing？“askedAsti。“Whatishisname，andwhereistheoldking？“
“YoucannothavedweltlonginMeroe，Strangers，“answeredthewomansuspiciously，“oryouwouldknowthattheoldKingdwellswithOsirisbeneathyonderpyramid，wherethegeneralofthePharaohofEgypt，hewhorulesherenow，buriedhimafterthegreatbattle。Oh！itisastrangestory，andIdonotknowtherightsofitwhosellmystuffandtakelittleheedofsuchthings。ButatthelasthighNilebeforeonethisgeneralcamewiththreethousandsoldiersofEgypt，andthebodyofthePrinceofKesh，whomitseemshehadslainsomewhere，itissaidbecausebothofthemsoughtthefavouroftheQueenofEgypt。
Astheytell，thiswasthecommandofthatQueen——thatheshouldsubmithimselftotheKingofNapatatobejudgedforhiscrime。Thishedid，andtheKinginhisfurycommandedthatheshouldbehangedfromthemastofthesacredboatofAmen。ThegeneralansweredthathewasreadytobehangediftheKingcouldhanghim。ThentherewasawarbetweenthepeopleofNapataandtheEgyptians，aidedbymanyofthesoldiersofthecitywhohatedtheirmasterandrebelledagainsthisrule，whichwasevercruel。TheendofitwasthattheEgyptiansandtherebelswon，andtheKinghavingfalleninthefight，theycrownedtheEgyptiangeneralinhisplace。
“Hisname？——Oh，Iforgetit，hehassomany，butheisagoodlymantolookat，andalllovehimalthoughheismad。See，thegatesareopenatlast。Farewell，“anddraggingherassesbythehalter，thepeasantwomanmingledwiththecrowdandwasgone。
TuaandAstialsomingledwiththecrowd，androdeonupawidestreettilltheycametoasquareplantedroundwithtrees，ononesideofwhichwasbuiltasplendidpalace。Heretheyhaltedtheircamels，notknowingwhithertheyshouldgo，andastheystoodirresolutethegatesofthepalaceopenedandthroughthemcameabodyofhorsemencladinarmour。
“Seethewritingontheirshields，“whisperedAsti。
Tualookedandread，andlo！thereintheroyalcartouchewasherownname，andafteritnewtitles——QueenoftheUpperandtheLowerLand，OpeneroftheGatesoftheSouth，DivineLadyofNapatabygraceofAmen，FatheroftheGods。
“ItseemsthatIhavesubjectshere，“shemurmured，“whoelsewherehavenone，“thenceased。
Fornowthroughthegaterodeonemountedonasplendidhorse，whoseshapeseemedfamiliartoherevenwhilehewasfaraway。
“Whoisthat？“falteredTua。
“MyhearttellsmeitisRamesmyson，“answeredAsti，graspingathersaddle-rope。
CHAPTERXVII
TUAFINDSHERLOVER
Ramesitwaswithoutadoubt；Ramesgrownolderandsternandsadofface，butstillRames，andnootherman，andoh！theireyesswamandtheirheartsbeatatthesightofhim。
“Say，shallwedeclareourselves？“askedAsti。
“Nay，“answeredTua，“nothereandnow。Hewouldnotbelieve，andwecannotunveilbeforeallthesemen。Also，firstIdesiretolearnmore。Lethimpass。“
Ramesrodeontillhecameoppositetowherethetwowomensatontheirwhitecamelsbeneathatree，whensomethingseemedtoattracthisgazetothem。Helookedoncecarelesslyandturnedhisheadaway。
Helookedasecondtime，andagainturnedhishead，thoughmoreslowly。Helookedathirdtime，andhiseyesremainedfixeduponthosetwoveiledwomenseatedontheircamelsbeneaththetrees。Then，asthoughactinguponsomeimpulse，hepulleduponhishorse"sbit，androdeuptothem。
“Whoareyou，StrangerLadies，“heasked，“whoownsuchfinecamels？“
Tuabowedherheadthatthefoldsofherveilmighthidehershape，butAstiansweredinafeignedvoice:
“Sir，bothofusaremerchants，andoneisaharperandasinger。WehavetravelledhitheruptheNiletotheGoldenCitybecauseweunderstandthatinNapatapearlsarerare，andsuchwehavetosell。
AlsoweweretoldthatthenewKingofthiscitylovedgoodsinging，andmycompanion，whosingsandharps，learnedherartinEgypt，evenatThebestheholy。Butwhoareyou，Sir，thatquestionus？“
“Lady，“answeredRames，“IamanEgyptianwhoholdsthistownonbehalfoftheQueenofEgyptwhomonceIknew。OrperhapsIshouldsaythatIholditonbehalfofthePharaohofEgypt，sincemyspiestellmethattheStarofAmenhastakenAbi，PrinceofMemphis，tohusband，althoughtheyaddthathefindsheramasterfulwife，“andhelaughedbitterly。
“Sir，“repliedAsti，“itislongsinceweleftholyThebes，someyearsindeed，andweknownothingofthesethings，whoplyourtradefromplacetoplace。Butifyouarethegovernorofthistown，showus，weprayyou，ascountrywomenofyours，wherewemaylodgeinsafety，andatyourleisurethisafternoonpermitthatweexhibitourpearlsbeforeyou，andwhenthatisdone，andyouhaveboughtorrefusedthem，asyoumaywish，thatmycompanionshouldsingtoyousomeoftheancientsongsofEgypt。“
“Ladies，“answeredRames，“Iamasoldierwhowouldratherbuyswordsthanpearls。Also，asitchances，Iamamanwhodwellsalone，oneinwhosehouseholdnowomencanbefound。Yetbecauseyouareofmycountry，orbyAmenIknownotwhy！Igrantyouyourrequest。Igoouttoexercisethiscompanyintheartsofwar，butaftersundownyoushallcometomypalace，andIwillseeyourwaresandhearyoursongs。Tillthen，farewell。Officer，“headdedtoacaptainwhohadfollowedhim，“taketheseEgyptiansandtheircamelsandgivethemalodgingintheguest-house，wheretheywillnotbemolested，andatsundownbringthemtome。“
Then，stillstaringatthemasthoughtheyheldhiseyesintheirhearts，Ramesdeparted，andthecaptainledthemtotheirlodging。
Itwasthehourofsundown，andTua，adornedinbeautifulwhiteraiment，broideredwithroyalpurple，thatshecarriedinherbaggageonthecamel，withherlonghaircombedoutandscented，anecklaceofgreatpearlsuponherbosom，aveilflungoverherhead，andherharpofgoldandivoryinherhand，waitedtobeledbeforeRames。Asti，hismother，waitedalso，butshewascladinaplainblackrobe，andoverherheadwasablackveil。Presentlythatcaptainwhohadshownthemtheirlodging，cametothemandaskediftheywerereadytobeledbeforetheViceroyofNapata。
“Viceroy？“answeredAsti，“IthoughthewasaKing。“
“Soheis，mygoodWoman，“repliedthecaptain，“butithisfancytocallhimselftheViceroyofNeter-Tua，StarofAmen，wifeofAbitheUsurperwhorulesinEgypt。AmadfancywhenhemightbeaPharaohonhisownaccount，butsoitis。“
“Well，Sir，“saidAsti，“wemerchantshavenothingtodowiththesehighmatters；leadustothisPharaoh，orGeneral，orViceroy，withwhomwehopetotransactbusiness。“
Sothecaptainconductedthemtoasidegateofthepalace，andthencethroughvariouspassagesandhalls，insomeofwhichTuarecognisedofficersofherownwhomshehadcommandedtoaccompanyRames，toanapartmentofnogreatsize，wherehebadethembeseated。Presentlyadooropened，andthroughitcameRames，plainlydressedintheuniformofanEgyptiangeneral，onwhichtheysawheworenoserpentcrestorotheroftheoutwardsignsofroyalty。Onlyonhisrighthandthatlackedthelittlefinger，gleamedacertainroyalring，whichTuaknew。Withhimalsowereseveralcaptainstowhomhetalkedofmilitaryaffairs。
Seeingthetwowomen，hebowedtothemcourteously，andaskedthemtoforgivehimforhavingkeptthemwaitingforhim。Thenhesaid:
“Whatwasitthatyouwishedtoshowme，Ladies？Oh！Iremember，preciousstones。Well，Ifearmethatyouhavebroughtthemtoabadmarket，seeingthatalthoughNapataiscalledtheCityofGold，sheneedsallherwealthforherownpurposes，andIdrawfromitonlyageneral"spay，andasumforthesustenanceofmyhousehold，whichissmall。Still，letmelookatyourwares，forifIdonotbuymyself，perhapsImaybeabletofindyouacustomer。“
Nowwhentheysawtheyoungman"snoblefaceandbearing，andheardhissimplewords，theheartsofAstiandTua，hismotherandhislove，beatsohardwithintheirbreaststhatforawhiletheycouldscarcelyspeak。Gladwerethey，indeed，thattheveilstheyworehidtheirtroubledfacesfromhiseyes，which，asinthemorning，lingeredonthemcuriously。
Atlength，controllingherselfwithaneffort，Astianswered:
“Perchance，Lord，theGreatLadyyourwife，ortheladiesyourcompanions，willbuyifyoudonot。“
“HaveInotalreadytoldyou，Merchant，“askedRamesangrily，“thatI
havenowife，andnocompanionsthatarenotmen？“
“Yousaidso，Sir，“sherepliedhumbly，alwaysspeakinginherfeignedvoice，“yetforgiveusifwebelievedyounot，sinceinourjourneyingsmydaughterandIhaveseenmanyprinces，andknowthatsuchathingiscontrarytotheirnature。Stillwewillshowyouourwares，forsurelyallthemeninNapataarenotunmarried。“
Then，withoutmoreado，shedrewoutaboxofscentedcedarand，openingit，revealedadiademofpearlsworkedintotheshapeoftheroyal/ur？us/，whichtheyhadfashionedthusatTat，andalsoafewoftheirlargestsinglegems。
“Beautiful，indeed，“saidRames，lookingatthem，“thoughthereisbutonewhohastherighttowearthiscrown，thedivineQueenoftheUpperandtheLowerLand，“andhesighed。
“Nay，Lord，“repliedAsti，“forsurelyherhusbandmightwearitalso。“
“ItwouldsitbutillonthefatheadofAbi，fromallIhear，Lady，“
hebrokein，laughingbitterly。
“Or，“wentonAsti，takingnoheedofhiswords，“ageneralwhohadconqueredagreatcountrycouldusurpit，andfindnonetoreprovehim，especiallyifhehimselfhappenedtobeoftheroyalblood。“
NowRameslookedathersharply。
“Youspeakstrangewords，“hesaid，“butdoubtlessitisbychance。
Merchant，thosepearlsofyoursareforrichermenthanIam，shutthemintheboxagain，andletthelady，yourdaughter，singsomeoldsongofEgypt，forsuchIlongtohear。“
“Sobeit，Lord，“answeredAsti。“Still，keepthediademasagift，sinceitwasmadeforyoualone，andmayyetbeusefultoyou——whocanknow？Itisthepricewepayforlibertytotradeinyourdominions。
Nay，unlessyoukeepitmydaughtershallnotsing。“
“Letitliethere，then，mostprincelyMerchant，andwewilltalkofthematterafterwards。Nowforthesong。“
Then，hermomentcomeatlast，Tuastoodup，andholdingtheivoryharpbeneathherveil，shesweptitsgoldenchords。Disguisinghervoice，asAstihaddone，shebegantosing，somewhatlow，ashortandgentlelove-song，whichsooncametoanend。
“Itispretty，“saidRames，whenshehadfinished，“andremindsmeofIknownotwhat。Buthaveyounofullermusicatyourcommand？Ifso，IwouldlistentoitbeforeIbidyougood-night。“
Shebentherheadandansweredalmostinawhisper:
“Lord，ifyouwishit，Iwillsingyouthestoryofonewhodaredtosethishearttoohigh，andofwhatbefellhimatthehandsofanangrygoddess。“
“Singon，“heanswered。“OnceIheardsuchastory——elsewhere。“
ThenTuasweptherharpandsangagain，butthistimewithallherstrengthandsoul。AsthefirstgloriousnotesfloatedfromherlipsRamesrosefromhisseat，andstoodstaringatherentranced。Onwentthesong，andon，asshehadsungitinthebanquetinghallofPharaohatThebes，soshesangitinthechamberofRamesatNapata。Thescribedaredthesanctuary，theangrygoddesssmotehimcoldindeath，thehigh-priestesswailedandmourned，theQueenofLoverelented，andgavehimbackhislifeagain。Thencamethatlastgloriousburstwhen，lifteduptoheaven，thetwolovers，forgiven，purged，chantedtheirtriumphtothestars，and，byslowdegrees，themusicthrobbeditselftosilence。
Look！white-faced，trembling，Ramesclungtoapillarinhischamber，whileTuasankbackuponherchair，andtheharpsheheldslippedfromherhanddownuponthefloor。
“Whencecamethatharp？“hegasped。“Surelytherearenottwosuchintheworld？Woman，youhavestolenit。Nay，howcanyouhavestolenthemusic，andthevoiceaswell？Lady，forgiveme，Ihavenothoughtofevil，butoh！grantmeaboon。Why，Iwilltellyouafterwards。Grantmeaboon——letmelookuponyourface。“
Tualiftedherhands，andundidthefasteningofherveil，whichslippedfromhertoherfeet，showingherinthericharrayofaprinceofEgypt。Hiseyesmetherbeautifuleyes，andforawhiletheygazeduponeachotherlikefolkwhodream。
“Whattrickisthis？“hesaidangrilyatlast。“BeforemestandstheStarofAmen，Egypt"sanointedQueen。TheharpshebearswastheroyalgiftofthePrinceofKesh，hewhofellthatnightbeneathmysword。
ThevoiceisEgypt"svoice，thesongisEgypt"ssong。Nay，howcanitbe？Iammad，youaremagicianscometomockme，forthatStar，Amen"sdaughter，reignsathousandmilesawaywiththelordshechose，Abi，herownuncle，hewho，theysay，murderedPharaoh。Getyougone，Sorceress，lestIcausethepriestsofAmen，whereofyoualsomakeamock，tocastyoutotheflamesforblasphemy。“
Slowly，veryslowly，Tuaopenedthewrappingsaboutherthroat，revealingtheSignofLifethatfromherbirthwasstampedaboveherbosom。
“Whentheyseethisholymark，thinkyouthatthepriestsofAmenwillcastmetotheflames，ORoyalSonofMermes？“askedTuasoftly。
“Whynot？“heanswered。“Ifyouhavepowertolieinonething，youhavepowertolieinall。ShewhocanstealthelovelinessofEgypt"sself，canalsostealthesignetofthegod。“
“Say，didyou，ORames，alsostealthatothersignetonyourhand，aQueen"sgift，Ithink，thatonceaPharaohwore？Sayalsohowdidyoulosethelittlefingerofthathand？WasitperchanceinthemawofacertaingodthatdwellsinthesecretpoolofatempleatholyThebes？“
SoTuaspake，andwaitedawhile，butRamessaidnothing。Heopenedhismouthtoanswer，indeed，butadumbnesssealedhislips。
“Nurse，“shewentonpresently，“IcannotpersuadethisLordthatIamEgyptandnoother。Tryyou。“
SoAstiloosedherblackveil，andletitfallaboutherfeet。Hestaredathernoblefeaturesandgreyhair，then，utteringagreatcryof“Mother，myMother，whotheysworetomewasdeadinMemphis，“heflunghimselfuponherbreast，andthereburstintoweeping。
“Aye，Rames，“saidAstipresently，“yourMother，shewhoboreyou，andnootherwoman，andwithheronewhobecauseherroyalheartlovesyounowasfromthefirst，frommoontomoonfortwowholeyearshasbravedthedangersofthedesert，andofwickedmen，tillatlastAmenherfatherbringshersafelytoyourside。Nowdoyoubelieve？“
“Aye，“answeredRames，“Ibelieve。“
“Then，OfaithfulCaptain，“saidTua，“takethisgiftfromEgypt"sQueen，whichawhileagoyouthrustaside，andbeitsLordandmine，“
andliftingthediademofpearlscrestedwiththeroyal/ur？i/shesetitonhisbrow，asoncebeforeshehaddoneinthathourofdawnwhenshevowedherselftohiminThebes。
Itwasnight，andalltheirwonderfulstoryhadbeentold。
“Suchisourtale，RamesmySon，“saidAsti，“andlongmayyousearchbeforeyoufindanotherthatwillmatchit。Nowtellusyours。“
“Itisshort，Mother，“heanswered。“ObeyingthecommandsofherMajestyyonder，“andhebowedtowardsTua，whosatatthefurthersideofthetableatwhichtheyate，“ItravelleduptheNiletothiscity。
Astheoldking，thefatherofthePrinceofKesh，wouldhaveslainmeIattackedhimfirstbythehelpofmyEgyptiansandhisownsubjects，and——well，hedied。Moreover，noneregrettedhim，forhewasabadking，andIsteppedintohisplace，andeversincehavebeenengagedinrightingmatterswhichtheyneeded。LongagoIwouldhavereturnedtoEgyptandreportedmyself，onlymyspiestoldmeofallthathadhappenedthere。Theytoldme，forinstance，ofthemurderofPharaoh，bythewitchcraftofAbiandhiscompanions；andtheytoldmethatPharaoh"sdaughter，theStarofAmen，forgettingallthingsandtheoathshesworetome，hadmarriedherolduncleAbithatshemightsaveherlifeandpower。“
“Andyoubelievedthem，Rames？“askedTuareproachfully。
“WhatelsecouldIdobutbelieve，Lady，seeingthatthosesamespiessworethattheyhadseenyourMajestyseateduponyourthroneatMemphis，andelsewhere，andcausingAbitoruntoandfrolikealittledog，anddoyourbiddinginallthings？HowcouldIknowthatitwasyourDouble，andnotyourselfthatmarriedAbi？“
“IthinkthatAbiknowsto-day，“answeredTua，“sinceitseemsthataKamakesbutabadwifetoanyman。Butnowwhatshallwedo？“
“Willyounotfirstmarryme，Lady？“suggestedRames。“Afterwards，wecanthink。“
“Aye，“sheanswered，“IwillmarryyouasIhavepromised，butinoneplaceonly，thetempleofAmeninEgypt。Firstwinmebackmythrone，thenaskformyhand。“
“Itshallbedone，“heanswered，“thoughhowIknownot，seeingthatanothersitsuponthatthroneofyours，who，perhaps，willnotbewillingtobiditfarewell。“
“Wewillsendheramessage，Son，“saidAsti。“Nowleaveus，forwemustsleep。“
“Whereisyourmessenger，Mother？“askedRamesashewent。
“Haveyouknownmealltheseyears，mySon，andnotlearnedthatI
haveservantswhomyoucannotsee？“answeredAsti。
Itwasmidnight，andintheirchamberofthepalaceofRames，AstiandTuakneltsidebysideinprayertoAmen，FatheroftheGods。Then，theirpetitionsfinished，Astirosetoherfeet，andonceagain，asinthepylontoweratMemphis，utteredtheawfulwordsthatinbygonedayshadbeenspokentoherbythespiritofAhurathedivineinOsiris。
Therewasasoundasofwhispering，asoundasofbeatingwings。Lo！
intheshadowbeyondthelamplightamistgatheredthatbrightenedbydegreesandtookshape，theshapeofaroyalwomancladintherobesandornamentsofEgypt"sQueen，whosefacewasasthefaceofNeter-
Tua，onlyprouderandmoreunearthly。Insilenceitstoodbeforethemscanningthemwithitsglitteringeyes。
“Whencecomeyou，ODouble？“askedAsti。
“Fromthatplacewhereyourcommandfoundme，OMistressofSecretThings，fromthehouseofAbiatThebes，whereinheseemstoruleasPharaoh，“theFormansweredinitscoldvoice。
“HowfaresitwithAbiandwithEgypt，ODouble？“
“WithAbiitfaresbutill；hewastesintoilandfearandlongings，andknowsnohappyhour。ButwithEgyptitfareswell。Never，OLadyofStrength，wasshemoregreatthansheisto-day，forinallthingsIhavefulfilledthecommandmentsthatwerelaiduponme，andnowI
desiretorestinthatbosomwhenceIcame，“andshepointedtoTua，whostoodandwatched。
“Notyet，ODouble，forthereisstillworkforyoutodo，andthenyoushallbeatpeacetillthedayofthelastAwakening。Hearken:
ReturntoThebes，andtellafalsetaleintheearsofAbiandhiscouncillors。SaythatRamestheEgyptian，whohasseizedtheruleofKesh，hasdeclaredhimselfPharaohofEgyptbyrightofrace，andyourhusbandbythepromiseofhimwhoruledbeforeyouwhomAbididtodeath。CausethisAbitogatheragreatarmy，andtomarchsouthwardtomakeanendofRames。Butsecretlywhisperintotheearsofthegeneralsofthisarmy，thatitistruethedivinePharaohwhoisgonepromisedyouinmarriagetoRameswithyourownconsent，andbythecommandofAmen，FatheroftheGods，andofyourSpirit。WhispertothemthatAmeniswrathwithAbibecauseofhiscrime，ashewillshowthemindueseason，andthatthosewhorebelagainsthimshallhavehisloveandfavour。AttheGatewayoftheSouth，whencetheNilerushesnorthwardbetweengreatwallsofrock，RamesshallmeetthearmyofAbi。Withhimwillcomeherofwhomyouare，andIwhomyoumustobey；alsoperchanceanotherwhoisgreaterthanallofus。ThereattheGatewayoftheSouthyourtaskshallbeaccomplished，andyoushallfindtherestyouseek。Itissaid。“
“Ihearthecommand，anditshallbedone，“answeredtheKainitscold，passionlessvoice。“Only，LadyoftheSecrets，DoeroftheWillDivine，delaynot，lest，outworn，Ishouldbreakbacklikeaflametoyonderbreastthatismyhome，slayingasIcome，andleavingwreckbehindme。“
Thenasthefigurehadappeared，soalsoitdisappeared，growingfaintbydegrees，andvanishingawayintothenightoutofwhichitcame。
ItwasmorningatThebes，andAbisatinthegreathallofPharaohtransactingbusinessoftheState，whileathissidestoodKakutheVizier。Changedwerebothofthem，indeed，sincetheyhadplottedthedeathoftheirguestandkingatMemphis，fornowAbiwassowornwithworkandfearandwretchedness，thathisroyalrobeshungabouthiminloosefolds，whileKakuhadbecomeanold，oldman，whotrembledashewalked。
“Isthebusinessfinished，Officer？“askedAbiimpatiently。
“Nay，MightyLord，“answeredKaku，“thereisstillenoughtokeepyousittingheretillnoon，andafterthatyoumustreceivetheCouncilandtheEmbassies。“
“Iwillnotreceivethem。Letthemwaittillanotherday。Knave，wouldyouworkmetodeath，whohaveneverknownanhour"srestorpeacesincethehappytimewhenIruledasPrinceofMemphis？“
“Lord，“answeredKaku，bowinghumbly，“wearyornoyoumustreceivethem，forsoithasbeendecreedbyherMajestytheQueen，whosecommandmaynotbebroken。“
“TheQueen！“exclaimedAbiinalowvoice，rollinghisholloweyesaroundhimasthoughinfear。“Oh，Kaku，wouldthatIhadneverbeheldtheQueen。Itellyouthatsheisnotawoman，asindeedyouknowwell，butafiendwithaheartofice，andthevenomouscunningofasnake。IamcalledPharaoh，yetambutherpuppettocarryoutherdecrees。Iamcalledherhusband，yetsheisstillnowifetome，ortoany，althoughallmenloveher，andbythatloveareofttimesbroughttodoom。LastnightagainshevanishedfrommysideasIsatlisteningtoherorders，andafterawhile，lo！thereshewasasbefore，only，asitseemedtome，somewhatweary。Iaskedherwhereshehadbeenandsheanswered:“FurtherthanIcouldtravelinayeartovisitoneshelovedasmuchasshehatedme。Nowwhocanthatbe，Kaku？“
“Rames，Ithink，Lord，hewhohasmadehimselfKingofKesh，“repliedKakuinanawedwhisper。“Withoutadoubtshelovedthemanwhenshewasawoman，thoughwhomshelovesnowtheevilgodsknowalone。Weareinherpower，andmustworkherwill，for，Lord，ifwedonotweshalldie，andIthinkthatneitherofusdesirestodie，sincebeyondthatgatedeadPharaohwaitsforus。“
AtthesewordsAbigroanedaloud，wipingthesweatfromhisblanchedfacewiththecornerofhisrobe，andsaying:
“Thereyouspeaktruly。Go，callthescribes，andletusgetonwiththeQueen"sbusiness。“
Kakuturnedtoobey，whensuddenlyheraldsenteredtheemptyhall，crying:
“HerMajestytheQueenwaitswithoutwithagreatcompany，andhumblycravesaudienceofhergoodlord，thedivinePharaohoftheUpperandtheLowerLand。“
AbiandKakulookedateachother，anddespairwasintheireyes。
“LetherMajestyenter，“saidtheKinginalowvoice。
Theheraldsretired，andpresentlythroughthecedardoorsappearedtheQueeninstate。Shewassplendidtobehold，splendidinherproudbeauty，splendidinherdress，andinherroyalornaments。Onshesweptupthehall，attendedbyMerytra，whoboreherfanandcushion，foritwasherpleasurethatthiswomanshouldwaituponherdayandnightwithoutpauseorrest，althoughshewhohadoncebeensohandsomenowwaswornalmosttonothingnesswithtoilandterror。
BehindMerytracameguardsandhigh-priests，andafterthemthegreatlordsoftheCouncil，whowerecalledtheKing"sCompanionsandthegeneralsofthearmy。
OnshesweptupthehalltillreachingthefootofthethronewhereonAbisat，shemotionedtoMerytratoplacethecushionuponitsstep，andknelt，saying:
“IamcomeasaloyalwifetomakeahumbleprayertoPharaohmyLordinthepresenceofhisCourt。“
“Riseandspeakon，GreatLady，“answeredAbi。“Itisnotfitthatyoushouldkneeltome。“
“Nay，itismostfitthatPharaoh"sQueenshouldkneeltoPharaohwhensheseekshisdivinefavour。“Yetsherose，and，seatingherselfinachairthathadbeenbrought，spokethus:
“OPharaoh，lastnightIdreamedadream。IdreamedoftheCountRames，sonofMermes，thelastofthatroyalracewhichruledbeforeourHouseinEgypt。ImeanthatmanwhoslewthePrinceofKeshinthisveryhall，andwhom，myFatherbeingsick，IsenttoNapata，tobejudgedbytheKingofKesh，butwho，itseems，overthrewthatkingandtookhiskingdominthenameofEgypt。
“Idreamedthatthisboldandableman，notsatisfiedwiththerichkingdomofKesh，hasmadeaschemetoattackEgypt；toslayyou，mostgloriousLord，toproclaimhimselfPharaohbyrightofancientblood，andmore——totakeme，yourfaithfulwife，tobehiswife，andtherebysecurehisthrone。“
“Withoutdoubt，Queen，thisturbulentRamesmightthinkofsuchthings，“saidAbi，“andsofaryourdreammaybetrue；yetitshouldberememberedthatatpresentheisatNapata，whichisaverylongwayoff，andhasprobablyonlyasmallarmyathiscommand，sowhyshouldyoutroubleaboutwhathethinks？“
“OPharaoh，thatwasnotallmydream，forinitIsawtwopictures。
ThefirstwasofthisboldRamesattackingThebes，andconqueringit，yes，anddraggingmeawaytobehiswifeoveryourverycorpse，O
Pharaoh。ThesecondwasofyouandyourarmymeetinghimattheGateoftheSouthLand，andslayinghim，andtakingpossessionofthekingdomofKesh，anditsgoldencity，andrulingthemforEgypt，untilyoudie。“
“Herebetwodreams，OQueen，“saidAbi。“Tellusnow，whichwouldyoufollow，forbothofthemcannotberight？“
“HowcanIknow，Pharaoh，andhowcanyouknow？Yetbyyoursidestandsonewhowillknow，forheisthefirstofmagicians，andachoseninterpreteroftheheartofthegods。Grantthathemaymakethismatterclear，“andshepointedtoKaku，whostoodbythethrone。
“DivineLady，“stammeredKaku，“thethingistoohighforme。Ihavenomessage，Icannottellyou——“
“Youwereeverover-modest，Kaku，“saidtheQueen。“Commandhim，O
Pharaoh，toshedthelightofhiswisdomonus，forwithoutdoubtheknowsthetruth。“
“Yes，yes，“saidAbi，“heknowsit，heknowseverything。Kaku，delaynot，interpretthedreamofherMajesty。“
“Icannot，Iwillnot，“splutteredtheoldastrologer。“Askmywife，theLadyMerytrathere，sheiswiserthanIam。“
“MygoodfriendMerytrahasalreadytoldmehermind，“saidtheQueen，“nowwewaitforyours。Aprophetmustspeakwhenthegodscallonhim，or，“sheaddedslowly，“hemustceasetobeaprophetwhobetraysthegodsbyhidingtheirhighcounsel。“
NowKakucouldfindnowayofescape，so，sincehefearedtheverynameofRames，withinhimselfhedeterminedthathewouldinterpretthedreaminthesensethatPharaohshouldawaittheattackofthisRamesatThebes，andwhileeveryearlistenedtohim，thusbeganhistale。YetashespokehefelttheglitteringeyesofthatspiritwhowascalledtheQueen，fixthemselvesuponhimandcompelhistongue，sothathesaidjustwhathedidnotmeantosay。
“Alightshinesinme，“hecried，“andIseethatthesecondvisionofherMajestyisthetruevision。YoumustgoupwithyourarmytotheGateoftheSouth，OPharaoh，andtheremeetthisusurper，Rames，thatthesemattersmaybebroughttotheirappointedend。“
“Theirappointedend？Whatappointedend？“shoutedAbi。
“DoubtlessthatwhichherMajestydreamed，“answeredKaku。“Atleast，itislaiduponmetotellyouthatyoumustgouptotheGateoftheSouth。“
“ThenIwishthattheGateoftheSouthwerelaiduponyoualso，O
EvilProphet，“exclaimedAbi。“FortwoyearsonlyhaveIruledinEgypt，andlo！threewarshavebeenmyportion，awaragainstthepeopleofSyria，awaragainstthedesertmen，andawaragainsttheNineBowbarbariansthatinvadedtheLowLands。MustInow，inmyage，undertakeanotherwaragainsttheterriblesonsofKeshalso？Letthisdog，Rames，come，ifcomehewill，andIwillhanghimhereatthegatesofThebes。“
“Nay，nay，OPharaoh，“repliedKaku，“itislaiduponmetotellyouthatyoumusthanghiminthedeserthundredsofmilesawayfromThebes。Thatistheinterpretationofthevision；thatisthecommandofthegods。“
“Thegodshavespokenbythemouthoftheirprophet，“criedtheQueeninathrilling，triumphantvoice。“NowPharaoh，Priests，Councillors，andCaptainsofEgypt，letusmakereadytotraveltotheGateoftheSouth，andtherehangthedogRamesinthedesertland，thatthusEgyptandEgypt"sKingandEgypt"sQueenmaybefreedfromdanger，andrestinpeace，andthewealthoftheCityofGoldbedividedamongstyouall。“
“Aye，aye，“answeredthePriests，Councillors，andCaptains，theshrillvoiceofKakuleadingthechorus，stillagainsthiswill，“letusgoupatonce，andletherMajestyaccompanyus。“
“Yes，“saidtheQueen，“Iwillaccompanyyou，forthoughIbebutawoman，shallIshrinkfromwhatPharaoh，mydearLord，dares？Wewillsailatthenewmoon。“
ThatnightAbiandKakustoodfacetoface。
“Whatisthisthatyouhavedone？“askedAbi。“DoyounotrememberthewordswhichdeadPharaohspokeintheawfulvisionthatcametomethatnightatMemphis，whenhebademetaketheRoyalLovelinesswhichIdesiredtobemywife？DoyounotrememberthathebademealsoreigninherrightuntilImet"oneRames，SonofMermes"andwithhimaBeggar-manwhoischargedwithanothermessageforme？“
“Iremember，“answeredKakuinahollowvoice。
“What，then，isthismessage，Man，thatwillcomefromRamesortheBeggar？Isitnotthemessageofmydeathandyours，ofuswhosetombswerefinishedbutyesterday？“
“Itmaybeso，Lord。“
“ThenwhydidyouinterpretthedreamoftheQueeninthesensethatI
musthurrysouthwardstomeetthisveryRames——andmydoom？“
“BecauseIcouldnothelpit，“groanedKaku。“ThatspiritwhoiscalledaQueencompelledme。Abi，thereisnoescapeforus；weareinthenetofFate——unless，unlessyoudare——“andhelookedmeaninglyattheswordthathungbyPharaoh"sside。
“Nay，Kaku，“heanswered，“Idarenot。Letuslivewhilewemay，knowingwhatawaitsusbeyondthegate。“
“Aye，“moanedKaku，“beyondtheGateoftheSouth，whereweshallfindRamestheAvenger，andthatBeggarwhoischargedwithamessageforus。“
CHAPTERXVIII
THEJUDGMENTOFTHEGODS
Threemoremonthshadgoneby，andthegreathostofPharaohwasencampedbeyondtheSouthernGate，andthewarshipsofPharaohwereanchoredthickoneitherbankoftheNile。Theretheylaypreparedforbattle，forspieshadreportedtothemthatthegeneral，Rames，LordofKesh，wasadvancingnorthwardswiftly，thoughwithsosmallanarmythatitcouldeasilybedestroyed。ThereforeAbiwaitedtheretodestroyitwithoutfurthertoil，nordidhisterribleQueengainsayhim。Shealsoseemedcontenttowait。
OneeveningasthesunsankitwastoldtothemthatthetroopsofRameshadappeared，andoccupiedthemountainsontherightbankoftheNile，beingencampedaroundthattempleofAmenwhichhadstoodthereforthousandsofyears。
“Good，“saidtheQueen。“To-morrowPharaohwillgoupagainsthimandmakeanendofthismatter。Isitnotso，Pharaoh？“andshelookedathimwithherglitteringeyes。
“Yes，yes，“answeredAbi，“thesoonerthebetter，forIamwornout，andwouldreturntoThebes。Yet，“headdedinaweak，uncertainvoice，“Imisdoubtmeofthiswar，Iknownotwhy。Whatisitthatyoustareatintheheavenssofixedly，OKaku？“
NowtheeyesoftheCouncilwereturnedonKakutheVizier，andtheyperceivedthathewasmuchdisturbed。
“Look，“hesaid，pointingwithatremblingfingertowardstheskies。
Theylooked，andsawhangingjustabovetheeveningglowaverybrightandwonderfulstar，andneartoit，another，palerstarwhichpresentlyitseemedtocover。
“TheStarofAmen，“gaspedKakuinavoicethatshook，“andyourstar，OPharaoh。TheStarofAmeneatsitup，yourstargoesout，andwillneverbeseenagainbylivingman。Oh！Abi，thatwhichIforesawyearsandyearsagohascometopass。Yourdayisdone，andyournightisathand，OAbi。“
“Ifso，“shoutedAbiinhisrageandterror，“besureofthis，Dog——
thatyoushallshareit。“
Ashespokeasoundofscreamsdrewnear，andpresentlyintothemidstofthemrushedMerytra，thewifeofKaku。
“Thevengeanceofthegods，“shescreamed，“thevengeanceofthegods！
Listen，Abi。ButnowthisveryeveningasIsleptinmypavilion，whocanneversleepatnight，thereappearedtomethespiritofdeadPharaoh，ofPharaohwhomweslewbymagic，andhesaid:"Tellthemurderer，Abi，andthewizard-rogue，Kaku，yourhusband，thatIsummonbothofthemtomeetmeereanothersunisset，andWoman，comeyouwiththem。"Deathisatourdoor，Abi，deathandtheterriblevengeanceofthegod！“andMerytrafelldownfoaminginafit。
NowAbiwentmadintheextremityofhisfear。
“Theyaresorcerers，“heshouted，“whowouldbewitchme。Takethemandkeepthemsafe，andletKakubebeatenwithrodstillhecomestohisrightmindagain。To-morrow，whenIhaveslainRames，Iwillhangthismagicianatmymast-head。“
ButtheQueenonlylaughedandrepeatedafterhim:
“Yes，yes，mygoodLord，to-morrow，whenyouhavekilledRames，thismagicianshallhangatyourmast-head。Fearnot，whateverchancesI
willseethatitisdone。“
Merytra，recoveredfromhermadness，layuponabed，whenawomanenteredandstoodoverher。LookingupshesawitwastheQueen。
“Hearkentome，“saidtheQueeninanicyvoice，“andtellthewordsI
speaktoAbi。Thetimeisaccomplished，andIleavehim。IfhewouldlookagainuponNeter-Tua，MorningStarofAmen，theGreatLadyofEgypt，lethimseekherinthecampofRames。ThereheshallfindherinthetempleofAmen，whichissetuponthemountaininthemidstofthecamp。“
Thenshewasgone。
Merytrarosefromthebed，andcalledtotheguardstoleadhertoAbi。Soloudlydidshecall，sayingthatshehadamessageforhimwhichmustnotbedelayed，thatatlengthonewentandtoldhimofherwords，andhecametoher。
“Whatisitnow，Sorceress？“heasked。“Haveyoudreamedmoreill-
omeneddreams？“
“Nay，Pharaoh，“sheanswered，“buttheQueenhasfledtoRames，“andwordforwordsherepeatedwhathadbeentoldher。
“Itisalie，“saidAbi。“Howcanshehavefledthroughatriplelineofguards？“
“Search，then，andsee，OPharaoh。“
SoAbisearched，butthoughnonehadseenherpass，andnonehadgonewithher，theQueencouldnotbefound。
Itwasmidnight，andwhiletheystillsearched，bythelightofthemoonatallfigurecladintatteredrobes，whoboreathornwoodstaffinhishand，andhadawhitebeardthatfelldownbelowhismiddle，wasperceivedwalkingtoandfroaboutthecamp。
“Whoisthatfellow？“askedAbi，andashespokethefigurecriedaloudinagreatvoice:
“Listen，Councillors，Captains，andSoldiersofEgypt，tothecommandofAmen，spokenbythelipsofhismessenger，KephertheWanderer。
LiftnoswordagainstRames，LordofKesh，forheismyservant，andshallbePharaohoveryou，andhusbandofyourQueen，andfatherofkingstocome。SeizeAbitheusurper，themurdererofPharaoh，hisbrother，andKakuthesorcerer，andMerytrathetraitress，andleadthematthedawntomytempleuponyonderhill，whereIwilldeclaremycommandstoyouinthesanctuaryofthetemple。SoshallpeacebeuponyouandallEgypt，andthebreathofliferemaininyournostrils。“
Nowhearingthesefearfulwords，andrememberingdeadPharaoh"sprophecyofaBeggarwhoshouldbringamessagetohim，Abidrewhisswordandrushedattheman。Butereeverhecamethere，theWandererwasgone，andlo！theyheardhimrepeatinghismessagefaraway。
Thithertheyranalso，butnowthewordsofdoomwerebeingcalledupontheships，andontheirprowstheysawhistallshapestand——
firstonthisandthenonthat。
“Itisthegodswhospeak，“criedthepriests，“letusobeythegods！“
andsuddenlytheyflungthemselvesuponAbiandboundhim，andKakuandMerytratheyboundalso，waitingforthedawn。Butofthetall，white-beardedmaninbeggar"srobestheysawandheardnomore。
AtthatsametimeTuasleptinachamberofthetempleuponthehill，whileAstiwatchedher。Presentlyawindblewinthechamber，andAsti，lookingup，becameawareofaShapethatsheknewwell，theveryshapeofTuawhosleptuponthebed。
“Whatisyourwill，ODouble？“askedAsti。
“Mywillisthatyougivemerest，“answeredtheKa。“Mytaskisaccomplished，Iamweary。Speakthesecretwordsofpowerthatyouhave，andletmereturntoherfromwhomIcame，andinherbosomsleeptillthegreatDayofAwakening。“
SoAsti，knowingthatshewascommandedsotodo，utteredthosesecretwords，andasshespokethemthegloriousShapeseemedtogrowfaintandfadeaway。OnlyTuaroseuponherbed，stretchedoutherarmsandsighed，fellbackagainandsleptheavilyuntilthemorning。Thensheawoke，askingwhathadbefallenher，forshewaschanged。
“Thishasbefallen，Queen。ThatwhichwentforthfromyoubythecommandofAmenhasreturnedtoyouagain，itsdutydone。Riseupnowandadornyourself，forthisisyourdayofvictoryandmarriage。“
AsthesunroseTuawentforthmorebeautifulthanthemorning，andatthegatesofthetemplefoundRamesawaitingher，cladinhisarmour，whilefromthemistsbelowcameasoundasofanarmyapproaching。
“Whatpasses？“askedTua，lookingathim，andtherewasmoreloveinherblueeyesthanthereiswaterintheNileatflood。
“IthinkthatAbiattacksus，Lady，“hesaid，bowingthekneetoher，“andIamfearfulforyou，forourmenarefew，andhisaremany。“
“BenotafraidofAbi，orofanything，ORames，thoughitistruethatthisdayyoumustloseyourliberty，“sheansweredwithasweetandgentlesmile，andhewonderedatherwords。
Then，beforehecouldspeakagain，twoofthecaptainsofhisoutpostsraninandreportedthatwithoutwerepriestsandheralds，whocameinpeacefromthearmyofAbi。
“Summontheofficers，andletthembeadmitted，“saidRames，“butbecareful，allofyou，lestthisembassyshouldhidesometrickofwar。
Come，Queen，itistoyouthattheyshouldspeak，andnottome，whoambutageneralofyourprovince，Kesh，“andhefollowedhertotheinnercourt，where，infrontofthesanctuary，wasachair，onwhich，athisprayer，sheseatedherself，asamightyQueenshoulddo。
Now，conductedbyhisownofficers，theembassyentered，bearingwiththemthreeclosedlitters，andTuaandRamesnotedthatamongthatembassywerethegreatestgenerals，andthemostholypriestsofEgypt。AtagivensigntheyprostratedthemselvesbeforethegloryoftheQueen，allsavethesoldierswhoborethelitters。Next，fromamongtheirranksoutsteppedthevenerableHigh-PriestofAmenatThebes，andstoodbeforeTuawithbowedheadtill，withamotionofherhand，shecommandedhimtospeak。
“OMorning-StarofAmen，“hebegan，“afteryouleftourcamplastnightamessengercametousfromtheFatheroftheGods——“
“Stay，OHigh-Priest，“brokeinTua。“Ididnotleaveyourcampwhonevertarriedthere，andwhofortwolongyearshavesetnofootupontheholysoilofEgypt。No，notsinceIfledfromMemphistosavemyselffromdeath，orwhatisworse——thedefilementofaforcedmarriagewithAbi，myUncle，andPharaoh"smurderer。“
NowtheHigh-Priestturnedandstaredatthosebehindhim，andallwhowerepresentstaredattheQueen。
“Pardonme，“hesaid，“buthowcanthisthingbe，seeingthatforthosetwoyearswehaveseenyourMajestydaybydaylivingamongusasthewifeofAbi？“
NowTualookedatAsti，whostoodatherside，andthetallandnobleAstilookedattheHigh-Priest，saying:
“Youknowme，doyounot？“
“Aye，Lady，“heanswered，“weknowyou。YouwerethewifeofMermes，thelastshootofaroyaltree，andyouarethemotheroftheLordRamesyonder，againstwhomwecameouttomakewar。Weknowyouwell，OgreatestofalltheseersinEgypt，MistressofSecretThings。ButwebelievedthatyouhadperishedinthetempleofSekhetatMemphis，thattemplewherePharaohdied。Nowweunderstandthat，beingamagician，youonlyvanishedthence。“
“Whatbearyouthere？“askedAsti，glancingatthelitters。
“Bringforththeprisoners，“saidtheHigh-Priest。
Thenthecurtainsweredrawn，andthesoldiersliftedfromthelittersAbi，Kaku，andMerytra，whowereboundwithcords，andstoodthemontheirfeetbeforetheQueen。
“ThesearetheverymurderersofPharaoh，myFather，whowouldhavealsobroughtmetoshame。Whyaremyeyesaffrontedwiththesightofthem？“askedTuaindignantly。
“BecausetheMessengeroftheGods，clothedasaBeggar-man，commandedit，yourMajesty，“answeredtheHigh-Priest。“NowweunderstandthattheyarebroughthithertobejudgedforthemurderofPharaoh，thegoodgodwhowasyourfather。“
“Shallawifesitinjudgmentonherhusband？“brokeinAbi。
“Man，“saidTua，“Ineverwasyourwife。HowcanIhavebeenyourwife，whohavenotseenyousincethedeathofPharaoh？Listen，now，allofyou，tothetaleofthatmarvelwhichhascometopass。Atmybirth——you，OHigh-Priest，shouldknowitwell——AmengavetomeaKa，aSelfwithinmyself，toprotectmeinalldangers。Thedangerscameuponme，andAstitheMagician，myfoster-mother，speakingthewordsthathadbeentaughttoherbythespiritofthedivineAhurawhoboreme，calledforththatKaofmine，andleftitwhereIhadbeen，tobethewifeofAbi，suchawife，Ithink，asnevermanhadbefore。Butme，Amen，myfather，rescued，andwithmeAsti，bearingusintheBoatoftheSuntofarlands，andprotectingusinmanyperils，tillatlengthwecametothecityofNapata，wherewefoundacertainservantofminewhom，asitchances，I——love，“andshelookedatRamesandsmiled。
“Meanwhile，myShadowdidtheworktowhichitwasappointed，rulingformeinEgypt，anddrawingonAbitohisruin。ButlastnightItreturnedtome，andwillbeseennomorebymen，except，perchance，inmytombafterIamdead。Judgeyouifmytalebetrue，andwhetherI
amindeedNeter-Tua，DaughterofAmen，“andopeningthewrappingsaboutherthroat，sheshowedtheholysignthatwasstampedaboveherbreast，adding:
“TheHigh-Priestyondershouldknowthismark，forhesawitatmybirth。“
Nowtheagedmandrewnear，looked，andsaid:
“Itisthesign。HereshinestheStarofAmenandnoother。Stillwedonotunderstand。Tellusthetale，OAsti。“
SoAstistoodforward，andtoldthattale，omittingnothing，andthenRamestoldhistale，wheretoTuatheQueenaddedalittle，and，althougheretheyfinishedthesunwashigh，noneweariedinlisteningsaveonlyAbi，Kaku，andMerytra，whohearddeathineveryword。
Itwasdoneatlength，andagreatsilencefellupontheplace，forthetonguesofmenweretied。Presently，theHigh-Priest，whoallthiswhilehadstoodwithbenthead，lifteduphiseyestoheaven，crying:
“OAmen，FatheroftheSpiritofthisQueen，shownowthywill，thatwemaylearnitandobey。“
Forawhiletherewassilence，tillsuddenlyasoundwasheardinthedarksanctuarywherestoodthestatueofthegod，asoundasofasticktappinguponthegranitefloor。Thenthecurtainsofthatsanctuaryweredrawn，andstandingbetweenthemthereappearedthefigureofanancient，beardedman，withstonyeyes，whowascladinabeggar"srobe。ItwashewhohadmetTuaandAstiinthewildernessandeatenuptheirfood。Itwashewhohadsavedtheminthepalaceofthedesertking。ItwashewhobutlastnighthadwalkedthecampofAbi。
“IamthatMessengerwhommenfromthebeginninghavecalledKepher，“
hesaid。“IamtheDwellerinthewildernesswhomyourfathersknew，andyoursonsshallknow。Iamhewhoseeksforcharityandpaysitbackinlifeanddeath。IamthepenofThoththeRecorder，IamthescourgeofOsiris。IamthevoiceofAmen，godabovethegods。HearkenyoupeopleofEgypt——notforalittleendhavethesethingscometopass，butthatyemaylearnthatthereisdesigninheaven，andjusticeuponearth，and，afterjustice，judgment。Pharaoh，thegoodservantofthegods，wasbaselymurderedbyhisownkinwhomhetrusted。Neter-Tua，hisdaughter，anddaughterofAmen，wascondemnedtoshame，Ramesoftheroyalracewassentforthtodangerortodeath，farfromherheloved，andwholovedhimbythatdivinecommandwhichrulestheheartsofmen。Thisisthecommandofthegods——LetthesetwainbewedandtakeEgyptastheirheritage，andcalldownuponitpeaceandgreatness。Butasforthesemurderersandwizards“——
andhepointedtoAbi，toKaku，andtoMerytra——“letthembeplacedinthesanctuaryofAmen，toawaitwhatheshallsendthem。“
SospokeKephertheMessenger，anddepartedwhencehecame，norinthatgenerationdidanyseehimmore。
ThentheytookupAbi，Kaku，andMerytra，andcuttheirbonds。Theythrewthemintothedarksanctuarybeforethegreatstoneimageofthegod。Theyshuttheelectrumdoorsuponthem，andleftthemtherewailingandcursing，whiletheHigh-PriestofAmenjoinedthehandsofRamesandofTua，anddeclaredthemtobemanandwifeforever。
Now，afterthesethingsweredone，thePharaohandhisQueendrovethroughthehostsofEgyptintheirgoldenchariot，andreceivedthehomageofthehostseretheydepartednorthwardsforThebes。Atnightfalltheyreturnedagainandsatsidebysideatthemarriagefeast，andoncemoreTuasweptherharpofivoryandgold，andsangtheancientsongofhimwhodaredmuchforlove，andwontheprize。
Sointhedim，forgottenyears，theirjoyfellonRamesandonTua，Morning-StarofAmen，whichstillwiththemremainsinthenewimmortalkingdomthattheyhavewonlongandlongago。
ButwheninthemorningAstithewisedaredtoopenthegreatdoorsandpeerintothesanctuaryofAmen，shesawadreadfulsight。ForthereatthefeetoftheeffigyofthegodlayAbi，whoslewhisbrother，andKakuthesorcerer，andMerytrathetraitress，dead，slainbytheirownorbyeachother"shand，andthestonyeyesofthegodstareddownuponthem。
End