The Pharaoh and the Priest: An Historical Novel of Ancient Egypt

by Bolesław Prus

  CHAPTER XXXVII

  After their visit to Sargon the two holy men, Mentezufis and Mefres,when they had concealed themselves carefully with their burnouses,returned home, meditating deeply.

  "Who knows," said Mentezufis, "that the view of that drunken Sargonconcerning our prince is not the right one?"

  "In that case Istubar's view is still more correct," answered Mefres,decidedly.

  "Still, let us not be too hasty. We should examine the prince first,"remarked Mentezufis.

  "Let us do so."

  In fact, both priests went to the heir next morning with very seriousfaces, and asked for a confidential talk with him.

  "What has happened?" inquired the prince. "Has his worthiness Sargongone on some new night embassy?"

  "Alas! the question for us is not of Sargon," answered Mefres. "Butreports are current among people that thou, most worthy lord, artmaintaining relations continually with unbelieving Phoenicians."

  From these words the prince divined why the two prophets had made thevisit, and the blood boiled in him. But he saw at once that this wasthe beginning of a play between the priests and him, and, as becamethe son of a pharaoh, he mastered himself in one instant. His faceassumed an expression of innocent curiosity.

  "The Phoenicians are dangerous, born enemies of Egypt," said Mefres.

  The heir smiled.

  "Holy fathers, if ye would lend me money, and if ye had beautifulmaidens in your temples, I should see you oftener. But as things are,I must be friendly with Phoenicians."

  "Men say, Erpatr, that thou dost visit that Phoenician woman duringnight hours."

  "I must till the girl gains wit and moves to my house. But have nofear, I go with a sword; and if any man should bar the way to me--"

  "But through that Phoenician woman thou hast conceived repulsion forKing Assar's envoy."

  "Not through her by any means, but because Sargon smells of tallow.But whither does this lead? Ye, holy fathers, are not overseers of mywomen; I think that the worthy Sargon has not committed his to you.What is your desire?"

  Mefres was so confused that blushes appeared on his shaven forehead.

  "It is true, worthiness," answered he, "thy love affairs and themethods therein do not pertain to us. But there is a worsething;--people are astonished that the cunning Hiram lent thee ahundred talents with such readiness, even without a pledge."

  The prince's lips quivered, but again he answered quietly,--

  "It is no fault of mine that Hiram has more trust in my words thanhave rich Egyptians! He knows that I would rather yield the arms whichI inherit from my grandfather than fail to pay the money due him. Itseems to me that he must be at rest concerning interest, since he hasnot mentioned it. I do not think of hiding from you, holy fathers,that the Phoenicians are more dextrous than Egyptians. Our wealthy menwould make sour faces before lending me one hundred talents; theywould groan, make me wait a month, and at last demand immense pledgesand a high rate of interest. But Phoenicians know the hearts ofprinces better; they give us money even without a judge or witnesses."

  The high priest was so irritated by this quiet banter that he pressedhis lips together and was silent. Mentezufis rescued him by askingquickly,--

  "What wouldst thou say, worthiness, were we to make a treaty withAssyria, yielding northern Asia and Phoenicia?"

  While asking this question, he had his eyes fixed on the face of theheir. But Rameses answered him with perfect calmness,--

  "I should say that only traitors could persuade the pharaoh to makesuch a treaty."

  Both priests started up. Mefres raised his hands; Mentezufis clinchedhis fist.

  "But if danger to the state demanded it?" insisted Mentezufis.

  "What do ye wish of me?" burst out the prince. "Ye interfere with mydebts and women, ye surround me with spies, ye dare reproach me, andnow ye give me some sort of traitorous queries. Now I will tell you:I, if ye were to poison me, would not sign a treaty like the one yemention. Luckily that does not depend on me, but on his holiness,whose will we must all obey."

  "What wouldst thou do, then, wert thou the pharaoh?"

  "What the honor and the profit of the state demanded."

  "Of that I doubt not," said Mentezufis. "But what dost thou considerthe profit of the state? Where are we to look for indications?"

  "Why is the supreme council in existence?" asked Rameses, with feignedanger this time. "Ye say this council is made up of all the greatsages. In that case let them take on themselves responsibility for atreaty which I should look on as a shame and as destruction."

  "Whence dost thou know, worthiness, that thy godlike father would notact in just such a manner?"

  "Why ask me, then, of this matter? What investigation is this? Whogives you the right to pry into my heart?"

  Rameses feigned to be so mightily indignant that the priests weresatisfied.

  "Thou speakest, prince," said Mefres, "as becomes a good Egyptian.Such a treaty would pain us, too; but danger to the state forces mento yield temporarily to circumstances."

  "What forces you to yield?" cried the prince. "Have we lost a greatbattle, or have we no army?"

  "The oarsmen on the boat in which Egypt is sailing through the riverof eternity are gods," replied Mefres, with solemnity; "but thesteersman is the Highest Lord of existence. The oarsmen stopfrequently, or turn the boat so as to avoid dangerous eddies which wedo not even notice. In such cases we need only patience and obedience,for which, later or earlier, a liberal reward will meet us, surpassingall that mortal man can imagine."

  After this statement the priests took farewell. They were full of hopethat the prince, though angry because of the treaty, would not breakit, and would assure to Egypt the time of rest which she needed.After their departure the prince called his adjutant. When alone withTutmosis, his long-restrained anger and sorrow burst forth. He threwhimself on a couch; he writhed like a serpent, he struck his head withhis fists, and shed tears even.

  The frightened Tutmosis waited till the access of rage had subsided;then he gave Rameses wine and water, and fumed him with calmingperfumes; finally he sat near his lord and inquired the cause of thisunmanly outburst.

  "Sit here," said the prince, without rising. "Knowest thou, I amto-day convinced that our priests have concluded an infamous treatywith Assyria; without war, without demands even from the other side!Canst thou imagine what we are losing?"

  "Dagon told me that the Assyrians wished to take Phoenicia. But thePhoenicians are now less alarmed, for King Assar has a war on thenortheastern boundaries. A very valiant and numerous people inhabitthat region; hence it is unknown what the end of this affair may be.The Phoenicians will have peace for a couple of years in everycase,--time in which to prepare defence and find allies--"

  The prince waved his hand impatiently.

  "See," said he, interrupting Tutmosis, "even Phoenicia is arming herown people, and perhaps all the neighbors who surround her; in everycase, we lose the unpaid tribute of Asia, which reaches--hast thouheard the like?--more than a hundred thousand talents."

  "A hundred thousand talents," repeated the prince. "O gods! but such asum would fill the treasury of the pharaoh. And were we to attackAssyria at the right season, in Nineveh alone, in the single palace ofAssar, we should find inexhaustible treasures. Think how many slaveswe could take,--half a million--a million,--people of giganticstrength, and so wild that captivity in Egypt with the hardest laboron canals or in quarries would seem play to them. The fertility of theland would be increased; in the course of a few years our people, nowwretched, would rest, and before the last Assyrian slave had died, thestate would regain its ancient might and well-being. And the priestsare destroying all this by the aid of a few silver tablets, and a fewbricks marked with arrow-headed signs understood by no Egyptian."

  When he had heard the complaints of the prince, Tutmosis rose from thearmchair and looked carefully through the adjoining chambers to see ifsomeone in them were listening; then he sat down again near Rameses
,and whispered,--

  "Be of good heart, lord. As far as I know, the entire aristocracy, allthe nomarchs, all the higher officers have heard something of thistreaty and are indignant. Only give the sign and we will break thesebrick treaties on the head of Sargon, even on the head of King Assar."

  "But that would be rebellion against his holiness," replied theprince, also in a whisper.

  Tutmosis put on a sad face.

  "I should not like," said he, "to make thy heart bleed, but--thyfather, who is equal to the highest god, has a grievous illness."

  "That is not true!" said the prince, springing up.

  "It is true; but let not people see that thou knowest this. Hisholiness is greatly wearied by his stay on earth, and desires to leaveit. But the priests hold him back, and do not summon thee to Memphis,so that the treaty with Assyria may be signed without opposition."

  "But they are traitors, traitors!" whispered the enraged prince.

  "Therefore thou wilt have no difficulty in breaking the treaty whenthou shalt inherit power after thy father,--may he live througheternity!"

  Rameses thought awhile.

  "It is easier," said he, "to sign a treaty than to break it."

  "It is easy also to break a treaty," laughed Tutmosis. "Are there notin Asia unorganized races which attack our boundaries? Does not thegodlike Nitager stand on guard with his army to repulse them and carrywar into their countries? Dost thou suppose that Egypt will not findarmed men and treasures for the war? We will go, all of us, for eachman can gain something, and in some way make his life independent.Treasures are lying in the temples--but the labyrinth--"

  "Who will take them from the labyrinth?" asked the prince,doubtingly.

  "Who? Any nomarch, any officer, any noble will take them if he has acommand from the pharaoh, and--the minor priests will show the way tosecret places."

  "They would not dare to do so. The punishment of the gods--"

  Tutmosis waved his hand contemptuously.

  "But are we slaves or shepherds, to fear gods whom Greeks andPhoenicians revile, and whom any mercenary warrior will insult and gounpunished?"

  "The priests have invented silly tales about gods,--tales to whichthey themselves attach no credit. Thou knowest that they recognizeonly the One in temples. They perform miracles, too, at which theylaugh.

  "Only the lowest people strike the earth with their foreheads beforestatues in the old way. Even working women have doubts now about theall-might of Osiris, Set, and Horus; the scribes cheat the gods inaccounts, and the priests use them as a lock and chain to secure theirtreasures."

  "Oho!" continued Tutmosis; "the days have passed when all Egyptbelieved in everything announced from temples. At present we insultthe Phoenician gods, the Phoenicians insult our gods, and nothunderbolt strikes any man of us."

  The viceroy looked carefully at Tutmosis.

  "How did such thoughts come to thy head?" inquired he. "But it is notso long ago that thou wouldst pale at the very mention of thepriesthood."

  "Yes, because I felt alone. But to-day, after I have seen that all thenobles understand as I, I feel encouraged."

  "But who told thee and the nobles of that treaty with Assyria?"

  "Dagon and other Phoenicians," answered Tutmosis. "They even said thatwhen the time came they would rouse Asiatic races to rebellion, sothat our troops might have a pretext to cross the boundaries, and whenonce on the road to Nineveh, the Phoenicians and their allies wouldjoin us. And thy army would be larger than that which Rameses theGreat had behind him."

  This zeal of the Phoenicians did not please the heir, but he wassilent on that subject.

  "But what will happen if the priests learn of your conversations?"inquired he. "None of you will escape death, be sure of that."

  "They will learn nothing," replied Tutmosis, joyfully. "They trust toomuch in their power, they pay their spies badly, and have disgustedall Egypt with their pride and rapacity. Moreover, the aristocracy,the army, the scribes, the laborers, even the minor priests are onlywaiting for the signal to attack the temples, take out the treasures,and lay them at the feet of the pharaoh. When their treasures fail,all their power will be lost to the holy fathers. They will cease evento work miracles, for to work them gold rings are needed."

  The prince turned conversation to other subjects and gave Tutmosis thesign of withdrawal. When alone, he began to meditate.

  He would have been enchanted at the hostile disposition of the noblestoward the priests, and the warlike instincts of the higher classes,if the enthusiasm had not broken out so suddenly, and if Phoenicianswere not concealed behind it. This enjoined caution, for he understoodthat in the affairs of Egypt it was better to trust the patriotism ofpriests than the friendship of Phoenicians. He recalled, however, hisfather's words, that Phoenicians were truth-speaking and faithfulwhenever truth was in their interest. Beyond doubt the Phoenicians hada great interest in not falling under control of Assyria. And it waspossible to depend on them as allies in case of war, for the defeat ofEgypt would injure, first of all, Phoenicia.

  On the other hand, Rameses did not admit that Egyptian priests, evenwhen concluding such a harmful treaty with Assyria, thought oftreason. No, they were not traitors, they were slothful dignitaries.Peace agreed with them, for during peace their treasures grew, andthey increased their influence. They did not wish for war, since warwould raise the pharaoh's power, and impose on them a grievous outlay.

  So the young prince, despite his inexperience, understood that hemust be cautious, that he must not hasten, that he must not condemn,but also that he must not trust too much. He had decided on war withAssyria, not because the nobles and the pharaoh desired it, butbecause Egypt needed slaves and also treasures.

  But in making war he wished to make it with judgment. He wished tobring the priestly order to it gradually, and only in case ofopposition to crush that order through the nobles and the army.

  And just when the holy Mefres and Mentezufis were jeering at thepredictions of Sargon, who said that the heir would not yield to thepriests but force them to obedience, the prince had a plan to subjectthem. And he saw what power he possessed for that purpose. The momentto begin the war and the means of waging it he left to the future.

  "Time will bring the best counsels," said he to himself.

  He was calm and satisfied, like a man who after long hesitation knowswhat he must do, and has faith in his own abilities. So then, to freehimself of even the traces of his recent indignation, he went toSarah. Amusement with his little son always calmed him, and filled hisheart with serenity.

  He passed the garden, entered Sarah's villa, and found her in tearsagain.

  "Oh, Sarah!" cried he, "if the Nile were in thy bosom thou wouldstweep it all away."

  "I will not weep any longer," said she; but a more abundant streamflowed from her eyes.

  "What is this?" asked the prince; "or hast thou brought in some witchagain who frightens thee with Phoenician women?"

  "I am not afraid of Phoenician women, but of Phoenicia," said Sarah;"thou knowest not, lord, what bad people the Phoenicians are."

  "Do they burn children?" laughed Rameses.

  "Thou thinkest that they do not?" asked she, looking at him with greateyes.

  "A fable! I know, besides, from Prince Hiram, that that is a fable."

  "Hiram!" cried Sarah, "Hiram! but he is the most wicked of all! Askmy father, and he will tell thee how Hiram entices young girls ofdistant countries to his ships, and raising the sails takes away theunfortunates to sell them. Even we had a bright-haired slave girlstolen by Hiram. She became insane from sorrow for her country. Butshe could not even say where her country was; and she died. Such isHiram, such is that vile Dagon, and all those wretches."

  "Perhaps; but how does this concern us?" inquired Rameses.

  "Very much. Thou, O lord, art listening to Phoenician counsels; butour Jews have learned that Phoenicia wants to raise a war betweenEgypt and Assyria. Even their first bankers and merchants have boundth
emselves by dreadful oaths to raise it."

  "Why should they want war?" inquired the prince, with apparentindifference.

  "Because they will furnish arms to you and to Assyrians; they willfurnish, also, supplies and information, and for everything theyfurnish they will make you pay ten prices. They will plunder the deadand wounded of both armies. They will buy slaves from your warriorsand from the Assyrians. Is that little? Egypt and Assyria will ruinthemselves, but the Phoenicians will build up new storehouses withwealth from both sides!"

  "Who explained such wisdom to thee?" asked the prince, smiling.

  "Do I not hear my father and our relatives and friends whispering ofthis, while they look around in dread lest some one may hear what theyare saying? Besides, do I not know the Phoenicians? They lie prostratebefore thee, but thou dost not note their deceitful looks; often haveI seen their eyes green with greed and yellow from anger. O lord,guard thyself from Phoenicians as from venomous serpents."

  Rameses looked at Sarah, and involuntarily he compared her sincerelove with the calculations of the Phoenician priestess, her outburstsof tenderness with the treacherous coldness of Kama.

  "Indeed," thought he, "the Phoenicians are poisonous reptiles. But ifRameses the Great used a lion in war, why should I not use a serpentagainst the enemies of Egypt?"

  And the more plastically he pictured to himself the perversity ofKama, the more did he desire her. At times heroic souls seek outdanger.

  He took farewell of Sarah, and suddenly, it is unknown for whatreason, he remembered that Sargon had suspected him of taking part inthe attack on his person.

  The prince struck his forehead.

  "Did that second self of mine," thought he, "arrange the attack on theambassador? But if he did, who persuaded him? Was it Phoenicians? Butif they wished to connect my person with such a vile business? Sarahsays, justly, that they are scoundrels against whom I should guardmyself always."

  Straightway anger rose in him, and he determined to settle thequestion. Since evening was just coming, Rameses, without going home,went to Kama.

  It concerned him little that he might be recognized; besides, in caseof need, he had a sword on his person.

  There was light in the villa of the priestess, but there was noservant at the entrance.

  "Thus far," thought he, "Kama has sent away her servants when I was tocome. Had she a feeling that I would come to-day, or will she receivea more fortunate lover?"

  He ascended one story, stood before the chamber of the priestess, andpushed aside the curtain quickly. In the chamber were Kama and Hiram;they were whispering.

  "Oh, I come at the wrong time!" said Rameses, laughing. "Well, prince,art thou, too, paying court to a woman who cannot be gracious to menunless death be the penalty?"

  Hiram and the priestess sprang from their seats.

  "Thou wert forewarned by some good spirit that we were speaking ofthee, that is clear," said the Phoenician, bowing.

  "Are ye preparing some surprise for me?" inquired the heir.

  "Perhaps. Who can tell?" answered Kama, with a challenging expression.

  "May those who in future wish to surprise me not expose their ownnecks to the axe or the halter; if they do, they will surprisethemselves more than me."

  The smile grew cold on Kama's half-open lips; Hiram, now pale,answered humbly,--

  "How have we earned the anger of our lord and guardian?"

  "I would know the truth," said Rameses, sitting down and lookingthreateningly at Hiram. "I would know who arranged an attack on theAssyrian ambassador, and associated in that villainy a man resemblingme as much as my two hands resemble each other?"

  "Seest, Kama," said the frightened Hiram, "I told thee that intimacywith that ruffian would bring great misfortune-- And here it is! Wehave not waited long to see it."

  The priestess fell at the prince's feet.

  "I will tell all," cried she, groaning; "only cast from thy heart,lord, anger against Phoenicians. Slay me, imprison me, but be notangry at Phoenicians."

  "Who attacked Sargon?"

  "Lykon, the Greek, who sings in our temples," said the priestess,still kneeling.

  "Aha! it was he, then, who was singing outside thy house, and heresembles me greatly?"

  Hiram bent his head and placed his hand on his heart.

  "We, lord, have paid that man bountifully because he is so like thee.We thought that his figure might serve thee should the need come."

  "And it has," interrupted the prince. "Where is he? I wish to see thisperfect singer, this living picture of myself."

  Hiram held his hands apart.

  "The scoundrel has fled, but we will find him," replied he, "unless heturns into a fly or an earthworm."

  "But thou wilt forgive me, lord?" whispered the priestess, leaning onthe knees of the prince.

  "Much is forgiven women," said Rameses.

  "And ye will not take vengeance on me?" asked she of Hiram, with fear.

  "Phoenicia," replied the old man, deliberately and with emphasis,"forgives the greatest offence to that person who possesses the favorof our lord Rameses,--may he live through eternity! As to Lykon,"added he, turning to the heir, "thou wilt have him, dead or living."

  Hiram made a profound obeisance and went from the chamber, leaving theprince with the priestess.

  The blood rushed to Rameses' head; he embraced the kneeling Kama, andasked,--

  "Hast thou heard the words of the worthy Hiram? Phoenicia forgivesthee the greatest offence! That man is faithful to me indeed. And ifhe has said that, what answer wilt thou find?"

  Kama kissed his hands, whispering,--

  "Thou hast won me--I am thy slave. But leave me in peace to-day,respect the house which belongs to Astaroth."

  "Then thou wilt remove to my palace?" asked the prince.

  "O gods, what hast thou said? Since the sun first rose and set, nopriestess of As-- But this is difficult! Phoenicia, lord, gives thee aproof of attachment and honor such as no son of hers has received atany time."

  "Then?--" interrupted the prince.

  "But not to-day, and not here," implored Kama.