In the beginning of the month Paofi (July, August) the pharaoh, Queen
Nikotris, and the court returned from Thebes to the palace at Memphis.
Toward the end of the journey, which took place on the Nile this time
also, Rameses fell into meditation often, and said once to Tutmosis,--
"I notice a strange thing. The people assemble on both banks as
numerously, and perhaps even more so than they did when we sailed up
the river, but their shouts are far weaker, boats follow us in smaller
numbers, and flowers are thrown from them stingily."
"Divine truth flows from thy lips, lord," replied Tutmosis. "Indeed
the people look wearied, but great heat is the cause of that."
"Thou speakest wisely," said the pharaoh in praise, and his face
brightened.
But Tutmosis did not believe his own words. He felt, and what was
worse the whole retinue felt, that the masses of men had grown
somewhat cool in their love for the pharaoh. Whether this came from
tales of the unfortunate illness of the sovereign, or from new
intrigues, Tutmosis knew not; he felt certain, however, that the
priests had had influence in producing that coolness.
"That is a stupid rabble," thought he, not restraining the contempt in
his heart. "A short time ago they were drowning just to look at the
face of his holiness, and to-day they are sparing their voices. Have
they forgotten the seventh day for rest, or the land as property?"
Immediately after his arrival at the palace the pharaoh issued an
order to assemble delegates. At the same time he commanded officials
devoted to him, and also the police, to begin an agitation against the
priests and in favor of rest on the seventh day from labor.
Soon there was a buzzing in Lower Egypt as in a beehive. The common
people claimed not only a day for repose, but payment for public
labor. Artisans in inns and on the streets abused the priests for
wishing to limit the sacred power of the pharaoh. The number of
offenders increased, but criminals would not appear before any court.
Scribes grew timid, and no one dared strike a common man, knowing that
he would avenge himself. No one brought offerings to a temple. Stones
and mud were hurled more and more frequently at the gods guarding
boundaries, and at times these gods were thrown down even. Fear fell
on priests and nomarchs as well as their adherents. In vain did judges
announce on the highroads and squares that, according to ancient laws,
laborers, artisans, and even merchants were not to busy themselves
with politics which withdrew them from bread-giving labor. The crowd,
amid shouts and laughter, hurled rotten vegetables and date skins at
heralds.
Meanwhile the most powerful gathered at the palace, and, prostrate
before the pharaoh, begged for deliverance.
"We are," cried they, "as if the ground were opening under us, and as
if the world were nearing its end! The elements are in confusion,
men's minds are vexed, and if thou, lord, wilt not rescue us, our days
are numbered."
"My treasury is empty, the army not numerous, the police have seen no
salary this long time," replied the pharaoh. "If ye wish enduring
peace and safety ye must find funds for me. But since my heart is
troubled by your fear I will do what I can, and I hope to restore
order."
In fact his holiness gave command to concentrate troops and dispose
them at the most important points in the kingdom. At the same time he
ordered Nitager to leave the eastern boundary to his assistant, and
come himself with five chosen regiments to Memphis. This he did not so
much to protect aristocrats from common people as to have at hand
strong forces in case the high priests incited to rebellion Upper
Egypt and the troops attached to temples.
On Paofi 10 there was a great movement in the palace and about it. The
delegates who were to recognize the pharaoh's right to the treasures
in the labyrinth had assembled, also a multitude of men who wished at
least to look at the place of a solemnity rare in Egypt.
The procession of delegates began in the morning. In front went naked
earth-tillers wearing white caps and girdles; each held in his hand a
piece of coarse cloth to cover his back in presence of the pharaoh.
Next advanced artisans dressed like the earth-tillers, from whom they
differed in wearing finer cloth and narrow aprons covered with
parti-colored embroidery. Third came merchants, some in wigs, all in
long tunics and pelerines. Among them were some who had rich bracelets
on their arms and legs, and rings on their fingers.
Next appeared officers in caps and wearing coats with girdles which
were black and yellow, blue and white, blue and red. Two instead of
coats had bronze breastplates. After a long interval appeared thirteen
nobles, wearing immense wigs and white robes which reached the
pavement. After them advanced nomarchs in robes bordered with a purple
stripe, and on their heads were coronets. The procession was closed by
priests with shaven heads, and wearing panther skins over their
shoulders.
The delegates entered the great hall of the pharaoh's palace where
there were seven benches, one behind another, the highest for priests,
the lowest for earth-tillers.
Soon appeared in a litter his holiness, Rameses XIII., before whom the
delegates fell on their faces. When the lord of both worlds had taken
his seat on a lofty throne, he permitted his faithful subjects to rise
and occupy their places. Now Herhor, Mefres, and the overseer of the
labyrinth, the latter carrying a box, entered and took their seats on
lower thrones. A brilliant suite of generals surrounded the pharaoh,
behind whom stood two high officials with fans of peacock feathers.
"Truth-believing Egyptians," said the ruler of both worlds, "it is
known to you that my court, my army, and my officials are in such need
that the impoverished treasury cannot overcome it. Of expenses
concerning my sacred person I speak not, since my food and dress are
like those of a warrior; any general or chief scribe has more servants
and women than I have."
Among those assembled a murmur of assent was heard.
"Hitherto the custom has been," continued the pharaoh, "that when the
treasury needs funds, greater taxes are imposed on working people. I,
who know my people and their needs, not only do not wish to add
burdens, but would gladly lessen those which they now bear."
"Our lord, may thou live through eternity!" said some from the lowest
benches.
"Happily for Egypt," said the pharaoh, "our kingdom has treasures
through which we may improve the army, pay officials, help the people,
and even pay all debts which we owe either to the temples or
Phoenicians. These treasures, collected by my glorious ancestors, are
lying in the vaults of the labyrinth. But they can be taken only if
all you right believers recognize as one man that Egypt is in need,
and I, your lord, have the right to dispose of the treasures of my
ancestors."
"We recognize! We entreat thee to take what is needed!" was the answer
from all benches.
"Worthy Herhor," said the ruler, turning to him, "has the sacred
priestly order aught to say in this question?"
"Very little," answered the high priest rising. "According to ancient
laws the treasure of the labyrinth may be touched only when the state
has no other means; such is not the position at present, however, for
should the government wipe away the Phoenician debts, which have risen
from dishonest usury, not only would they fill thy treasury, holiness,
but men working to-day for Phoenicians would have respite from
grievous labor."
On the benches of the delegates approbation was heard now a second
time.
"Thy advice is keen, O holy man," replied the pharaoh, "but full of
danger. Were my treasurer, the worthy nomarchs, and the nobles, to
erase what the state owes to creditors, they might omit one day to pay
Phoenicians, the next day they might forget to pay sums due the
temples and the pharaoh. Who will assure me, that common men,
encouraged by examples from the great, would not think that they, too,
have the right to forget their duties toward the sovereign?"
The blow was so weighty that the most worthy Herhor bent and was
silent.
"And thou, chief overseer of the labyrinth, what hast thou to say?"
asked Rameses.
"I have a box here," replied the overseer, "with white and black
pebbles. Every delegate will receive two and will put one of them into
a pitcher; whoso wishes thee, holiness, to break the treasure in the
labyrinth will put in a black pebble; whoso wishes that the property
of the gods be untouched will put in a white one."
"Agree not, O lord, to that," whispered the treasurer to the
sovereign. "Let each delegate tell openly what he has on his soul."
"Let us respect ancient customs," interrupted Mefres.
"Yes, let them put pebbles into the pitcher," decided the pharaoh. "My
heart is pure and my plans are unbending."
Holy Mefres and Herhor exchanged glances. The overseer of the
labyrinth and two generals went around the benches and gave a white
pebble and a black one to each delegate. The poor men from the common
crowd were confused much at seeing before them such great dignitaries.
Some fell on the floor, did not dare to take the pebbles, and
understood with great difficulty that they were to put only one pebble
into the pitcher, a black or a white one.
"I wish to agree with the gods and his holiness," whispered an old
shepherd.
At last the officials succeeded in explaining, and the common men in
understanding what was needed. The voting began. Each delegate went to
the pitcher and dropped in his pebble in such fashion that others did
not see its color.
Meanwhile the chief treasurer knelt behind the throne, and
whispered,--
"All is lost! If they had voted openly we should have unanimity; but
now may my hand wither if there will not be twenty white pebbles in
the pitcher."
"Be at rest, faithful servant," replied Rameses with a smile. "I have
more regiments at hand than there will be voices against us."
"But to what purpose? to what purpose?" sighed the treasurer; "without
unanimity they will not open the labyrinth."
Rameses smiled all the time.
The procession of delegates had finished. The overseer of the
labyrinth raised the pitcher and poured out its contents on a golden
tray.
Of ninety-one pebbles eighty-three were black and only eight white.
The generals and officials lost courage, the high priests looked at
the assembly in triumph, but soon alarm seized them, for the face of
Rameses had a gladsome expression.
No one dared to declare openly that the plan of his holiness had been
defeated.
"Right-believing Egyptians, my good servants," said the pharaoh with
perfect freedom. "Ye have carried out my command, and my favor is with
you; for two days ye will be guests in my house. Ye will receive
presents and return to your houses and labors. Peace and blessings be
with you."
When he had said this he left the hall with his suite. The high
priests Herhor and Mefres gazed with a look of alarm at each other.
"He is not troubled in any way," whispered Herhor.
"Ah, I said that he is a raging wild beast," replied Mefres. "He will
not hesitate at violence, and if we do not anticipate--"
"The gods will defend us and our dwellings."
In the evening the most faithful servants of Rameses XIII. assembled
in his chamber: the chief treasurer, the chief scribe, Tutmosis, and
Kalippos, the commander-in-chief of the Greek forces.
"O lord," groaned the treasurer, "why not act like thy eternally
living ancestors. If the delegates had spoken openly we should now
have a right to the treasure in the labyrinth."
"His worthiness speaks the truth," put in the chief scribe.
The pharaoh shook his head.
"Ye are mistaken. If all Egypt cried, 'give the funds in the
labyrinth,' the priests would not give them."
"Then why disturb the priests by summoning delegates? This royal act
has stirred them greatly, and given insolence to common men, who
to-day are like a rising deluge."
"I have no fear of this deluge," said the pharaoh. "My regiments will
be dams against it. The advantage of this delegation is evident, since
it shows the weakness of my opponents: eighty-three for us, eight
against us. It proves that if they can count on one corps I can rely
on ten. Yield not to illusions; between me and the high priests war
has begun already. They are the fortress which we have summoned to
surrender. They have refused; we must storm the fortress."
"Live forever!" cried Tutmosis and Kalippos.
"Command us," said the chief scribe.
"This is my will," said Rameses. "Thou, O treasurer, wilt distribute
one hundred talents among the police, the overseers of the laborers,
and the mayors in the provinces of Seft, Neha-Chent, Neha-Pechu,
Sebt-Het, Aa, Ament, and Ka. In those same places you will give the
innkeepers and the keepers of dramshops barley, wheat, and wine,
whatever is at hand, so that common men may have meat and drink free
of charge. Ye will do this immediately, so that there be supplies
wherever needed till the 23d of Paofi."
The treasurer inclined to the pavement.
"Thou, scribe, wilt write and command to-morrow to herald forth in
the streets of provincial capitals that barbarians of the western
desert are advancing in great force to attack the province of Fayum.
Thou, Kalippos, wilt despatch four Greek regiments southward. Two of
these will halt at the labyrinth, two will push on to Hanes. If troops
of the priests go from Thebes ye will drive them back and not let them
approach Fayum. If people are indignant at the priests and threaten
the labyrinth, thy Greeks will occupy the edifice."
"But if the overseers of the labyrinth refuse?" inquired Kalippos.
"That would be rebellion," answered the pharaoh, and continued,--
"Thou, Tutmosis, wilt send three regiments to Memphis and post them
near the temples of Ptah, Isis, and Horus. If the enraged people wish
to storm the temples the commanders of the regiments will open the
gates to themselves, will not admit common men to the holy places, and
will guarantee the persons of the high priests from insult. There will
be priests in the labyrinth and in the temples of Memphis, who will
come forth to the army with green branches. The commanders of
regiments will ask those men for the password and will counsel with
them."
"But if they resist?" inquired Tutmosis.
"Only rebels would refuse to obey commanders of the pharaoh," answered
Rameses. "The temples and the labyrinth must be occupied by troops on
the 23d of Paofi," continued the pharaoh, turning to the chief scribe.
"The people both in Memphis and Fayum may begin to assemble on the
18th, at first in small groups, then in increasing numbers. But if
slight disturbances begin about the 20th, they are not to be
prevented. The people are to storm the temples not earlier than the
22d and 23d. And when troops occupy those points all must be quieted."
"Would it not be better to imprison Herhor and Mefres at once?"
inquired Tutmosis.
"What for? I am not concerned about them, but the labyrinth and the
temples, for the occupation of which troops are not ready yet.
Besides, Hiram, who intercepted Herhor's letters to the Assyrians will
return no sooner than the 20th. So only on the 21st of Paofi shall we
have proofs in our hands that the high priests are traitors, and we
shall announce their treason in public."
"Then am I to go to Fayum?" inquired Kalippos.
"Oh, no! Thou and Tutmosis will remain near me with chosen regiments.
We must have reserves in case the priests draw away a part of the
people."
"Art thou not afraid of treason, lord?" asked Tutmosis.
The pharaoh waved his hand with indifference. "Treason is always
leaking out like water from a swollen barrel. It will be difficult for
the high priests to divine my plans, while I know what they wish. But
as I have anticipated them in collecting forces they will be weaker.
Regiments are not formed in a few days."
"But enchantments?" inquired Tutmosis.
"There are no enchantments which an axe will not shatter," said
Rameses, laughing.
Tutmosis wished at that moment to mention the tricks of the high
priests with Lykon, but he was restrained by the thought that his lord
would be very angry and lose calmness, through which he was powerful
on that day. A chief before battle can think of nothing but action,
and there would be time enough for Lykon's case when the priests were
in prison.
At a sign from his holiness Tutmosis remained in the chamber, but the
three other dignitaries made low obeisances and vanished.
"At last!" sighed the chief scribe, when he found himself with the
treasurer in the antechamber, "at last the power of the shaven heads
is ending."
"Indeed it is time," said the treasurer. "During the last ten years
any prophet had more power than the nomarch of Thebes or of Memphis."
"I think that Herhor is preparing in secret a boat in which to flee
before the 23d of Paofi," put in Kalippos.
"What will be done to Herhor?" said the scribe. "His holiness, who is
terrible to-day, will forgive him when he is obedient."
"And even leave him his property at the intercession of Queen
Nikotris," said the treasurer. "At all events there will be order in
the state, which for some time has been lacking."
"But it seems to me that his holiness is making too great
preparations," said the scribe. "I should finish all with the Greek
regiments, and not employ the people."
"He is young; he likes noise and uproar," added the treasurer.
"How clear it is that ye are not warriors," said Kalippos. "When it
comes to battle we must concentrate all the forces, for surprises are
sure to happen."
"They would happen if we had not the people behind us," said the
scribe. "But what unexpected thing can happen? The gods will not come
down to defend the labyrinth."
"Such is thy speech, worthiness, for thou art at rest," answered
Kalippos; "thou knowest that the supreme chief is watching and is
trying to foresee everything; if that were not the case thy skin might
creep."
"I see no surprises," contended the scribe, "unless the high priests
are spreading reports again that the pharaoh is demented."
"They will try various tricks," added the treasurer, yawning; "but in
fact they have not strength enough. In every case I thank the gods who
put me in the pharaoh's camp. Well, let us go to sleep."
After the dignitaries had left the chamber of the pharaoh, Tutmosis
opened a secret door in one of the walls, and led in Samentu. Rameses
received the high priest of Set with great pleasure; he gave him his
hand to kiss, and pressed his head.
"Peace be with thee, good servant," said the sovereign. "What dost
thou bring me?"
"I have been twice in the labyrinth," replied the priest.
"And dost thou know the way now?"
"I knew it before, but this time I have made a new discovery: the
treasure chamber may sink, people may be lost, and jewels be destroyed
which are of the greatest value."
The pharaoh frowned.
"Therefore," continued Samentu, "be pleased, holiness, to have ready
some tens of reliable men. With them I will enter the labyrinth on the
night before the storm, and seize the chambers adjoining the treasury,
especially the upper ones."
"Canst thou lead in men?"
"Yes. Though I will go alone again to the labyrinth, and see
absolutely whether we may not avert destruction unaided. Even the most
faithful men are uncertain, and to introduce them at night might rouse
the attention of those watchdogs."
"Are they not following thee now?" asked the pharaoh.
"Believe me, lord," answered the priest, placing his hand on his
breast, "a miracle would be needed to follow me. Their blindness is
almost childlike. They feel that some one wants to invade the
labyrinth, but the fools have doubled the guard at the ordinary
gateways. Meanwhile, in the course of a month I have discovered three
hidden entrances, these they have forgotten, or perhaps they know
nothing about them. Only some spirit could warn those guardians that I
traverse the labyrinth, or indicate the room in which I may find
myself. Among three thousand chambers and corridors this is
impossible."
"The worthy Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "And perhaps we
employ too much keenness against these priestly reptiles."
"Do not say that," replied the priest. "Their strength, as compared
with that of his holiness, is as a handful of sand in comparison with
a temple, but Herhor and Mefres are very wise, and they may use
weapons against us and means before which we shall be dumb with
amazement. Our temples are full of secrets which will arrest even
sages, and bring down to the dust the courage of the multitude."
"Wilt thou tell us something of that?" inquired the pharaoh.
"I will say first that the warriors of your holiness will meet with
wonders in the temples. In one chamber torches will quench in their
hands, in another, flames and disgusting monsters will surround them.
In one place a wall will stop the way, or a gulf will open before
their feet. In some corridors water will cover them, in others
invisible hands will throw stones at them. And such thunders, such
voices will be heard round about."
"In every temple I have partisans among the younger priests, and thou
wilt be in the labyrinth--" said the pharaoh.
"But our axes?" said Tutmosis. "He is a poor soldier who draws back
before flames or frightful pictures, or who loses time listening to
mysterious voices."
"Thou speakest well, chief," cried Samentu. "If ye go ahead valiantly,
terrors will vanish, voices cease, and flames burn no longer. Now my
last word, lord," said the priest, turning to Rameses. "If I perish--"
"Do not speak thus," interrupted the pharaoh quickly.
"A young priest of Set will come to thee, holiness, with my ring. Let
the army occupy the labyrinth and expel the overseers, and let them
not leave the building, for that young priest in the course of a
month, perhaps, or even earlier, will find the way to the treasures
with the indications which I will leave him. But, lord," continued
Samentu kneeling down, "I implore thee for one thing: when thou shalt
conquer, avenge me, and above all, pardon not Mefres and Herhor. Thou
knowest not what enemies they are. If they win, thou wilt perish, not
only thou, but the dynasty."
"But does not magnanimity become a victor?" inquired the pharaoh
gloomily.
"No magnanimity! No favor!" cried Samentu. "As long as they live we
are threatened, thou and I, with death, with shame, even with insult
to our corpses. It is possible to fondle a lion, to buy a Phoenician,
to win the attachment of a Libyan and an Ethiopian. It is possible to
win favor from a Chaldean priest, for he, like an eagle, soars above
heights and is safe from missiles. But an Egyptian prophet who has
tried power and luxury thou wilt win with nothing, only his death or
thine can end the conflict."
"Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "Happily not his holiness, but
we, the warriors, will decide the ancient struggle between the priests
and the pharaoh."