Myra, it seemed, making no answer, rose and
departed with angry eyes. It went thus:Pharaoh forgets that in this quiet place his
armies avail himnothing.
If I spare you, how can I be certain that youwill
spare me?
Ramose, know that I do not wish to kill you if only
I can be surethat you will not plot against me. But you are not angry,Ramose, and
you have promised to protect me from those men.
Suddenly a figure appeared stopping my path and I
sprang back, fearingthieves.
Again he looked at me as though he would search my
heart, and inquiredwhere I lived. Be a man, show yourself as a high lordin Egypt,
become famous.
Where have you been all these years,
Ramose?
At thedoor I sprang out and called to the running
footmen to lead away thehorses. He has thousands at hiscommand to do his will,
whereas I am defenceless.
In Memphis we are not aswe were at Salamis the
happy. Yet whyshould he cause me to be killed whom in the past he saved from
death?
Search out another house for you and me and Myra,
forhere I can dwell no more.
Yes, he does this even at a time when Babylon is
threatened byCyrus the Persian.
If you are weary of life and rule, strive to bring
death uponme who never harmed you.
At length theescort came, and with it the chariot
of Pharaoh.
Indeed, what I said was but to tryyou, so let it be
forgotten.
That Pharaoh cannot do, I said, having eaten of my
bread. Then Amasis turned to me and asked,What happened to you after we parted years
ago, Ramose?
It was as though it had been gripped by a cold
hand. I would hear no more ofyour evil-opened talk.
I have heard much of this man, morethan I wish
indeed. I repeat those words, for the stars do not change theirstory.
You seem disturbed, Ramose, he said as he checked
the motion ofthese swinging balls.
Although he spoke so low all he said, or the
meaning of it, cameto my sense made keen by danger.
See, Ramose, how well I trust you, he
said.
Have you not a mother who knows the ways of courts
and can help you?
I think that you have power, Babylonian, he said,
if of a differentsort from mine.
He was arrayed as ageneral, and wore no emblem of
royalty save a small golden uraeus uponhis helm. Presently I met Belus and noting
that he looked weary, asked him howhe fared. I did so and bowing to Pharaoh, told
him that his guard andchariot waited on his pleasure.
Believe me, neither did I wish tokill your
father.
He comes of a great House that has grown wealthy by
trade.