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

by Bolesław Prus

  CHAPTER LXII

  In the beginning of the month Paofi (July, August) the pharaoh, QueenNikotris, and the court returned from Thebes to the palace at Memphis.Toward the end of the journey, which took place on the Nile this timealso, Rameses fell into meditation often, and said once to Tutmosis,--

  "I notice a strange thing. The people assemble on both banks asnumerously, and perhaps even more so than they did when we sailed upthe river, but their shouts are far weaker, boats follow us in smallernumbers, and flowers are thrown from them stingily."

  "Divine truth flows from thy lips, lord," replied Tutmosis. "Indeedthe people look wearied, but great heat is the cause of that."

  "Thou speakest wisely," said the pharaoh in praise, and his facebrightened.

  But Tutmosis did not believe his own words. He felt, and what wasworse the whole retinue felt, that the masses of men had grownsomewhat cool in their love for the pharaoh. Whether this came fromtales of the unfortunate illness of the sovereign, or from newintrigues, Tutmosis knew not; he felt certain, however, that thepriests had had influence in producing that coolness.

  "That is a stupid rabble," thought he, not restraining the contempt inhis heart. "A short time ago they were drowning just to look at theface of his holiness, and to-day they are sparing their voices. Havethey forgotten the seventh day for rest, or the land as property?"

  Immediately after his arrival at the palace the pharaoh issued anorder to assemble delegates. At the same time he commanded officialsdevoted to him, and also the police, to begin an agitation against thepriests and in favor of rest on the seventh day from labor.

  Soon there was a buzzing in Lower Egypt as in a beehive. The commonpeople claimed not only a day for repose, but payment for publiclabor. Artisans in inns and on the streets abused the priests forwishing to limit the sacred power of the pharaoh. The number ofoffenders increased, but criminals would not appear before any court.Scribes grew timid, and no one dared strike a common man, knowing thathe would avenge himself. No one brought offerings to a temple. Stonesand mud were hurled more and more frequently at the gods guardingboundaries, and at times these gods were thrown down even. Fear fellon priests and nomarchs as well as their adherents. In vain did judgesannounce on the highroads and squares that, according to ancient laws,laborers, artisans, and even merchants were not to busy themselveswith politics which withdrew them from bread-giving labor. The crowd,amid shouts and laughter, hurled rotten vegetables and date skins atheralds.

  Meanwhile the most powerful gathered at the palace, and, prostratebefore the pharaoh, begged for deliverance.

  "We are," cried they, "as if the ground were opening under us, and asif 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 daysare numbered."

  "My treasury is empty, the army not numerous, the police have seen nosalary this long time," replied the pharaoh. "If ye wish enduringpeace and safety ye must find funds for me. But since my heart istroubled by your fear I will do what I can, and I hope to restoreorder."

  In fact his holiness gave command to concentrate troops and disposethem at the most important points in the kingdom. At the same time heordered Nitager to leave the eastern boundary to his assistant, andcome himself with five chosen regiments to Memphis. This he did not somuch to protect aristocrats from common people as to have at handstrong forces in case the high priests incited to rebellion UpperEgypt and the troops attached to temples.

  On Paofi 10 there was a great movement in the palace and about it. Thedelegates who were to recognize the pharaoh's right to the treasuresin the labyrinth had assembled, also a multitude of men who wished atleast to look at the place of a solemnity rare in Egypt.

  The procession of delegates began in the morning. In front went nakedearth-tillers wearing white caps and girdles; each held in his hand apiece of coarse cloth to cover his back in presence of the pharaoh.Next advanced artisans dressed like the earth-tillers, from whom theydiffered in wearing finer cloth and narrow aprons covered withparti-colored embroidery. Third came merchants, some in wigs, all inlong tunics and pelerines. Among them were some who had rich braceletson their arms and legs, and rings on their fingers.

  Next appeared officers in caps and wearing coats with girdles whichwere black and yellow, blue and white, blue and red. Two instead ofcoats had bronze breastplates. After a long interval appeared thirteennobles, wearing immense wigs and white robes which reached thepavement. After them advanced nomarchs in robes bordered with a purplestripe, and on their heads were coronets. The procession was closed bypriests with shaven heads, and wearing panther skins over theirshoulders.

  The delegates entered the great hall of the pharaoh's palace wherethere 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 thedelegates fell on their faces. When the lord of both worlds had takenhis seat on a lofty throne, he permitted his faithful subjects to riseand occupy their places. Now Herhor, Mefres, and the overseer of thelabyrinth, the latter carrying a box, entered and took their seats onlower 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 isknown to you that my court, my army, and my officials are in such needthat the impoverished treasury cannot overcome it. Of expensesconcerning my sacred person I speak not, since my food and dress arelike those of a warrior; any general or chief scribe has more servantsand women than I have."

  Among those assembled a murmur of assent was heard.

  "Hitherto the custom has been," continued the pharaoh, "that when thetreasury needs funds, greater taxes are imposed on working people. I,who know my people and their needs, not only do not wish to addburdens, but would gladly lessen those which they now bear."

  "Our lord, may thou live through eternity!" said some from the lowestbenches.

  "Happily for Egypt," said the pharaoh, "our kingdom has treasuresthrough which we may improve the army, pay officials, help the people,and even pay all debts which we owe either to the temples orPhoenicians. These treasures, collected by my glorious ancestors, arelying in the vaults of the labyrinth. But they can be taken only ifall 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 myancestors."

  "We recognize! We entreat thee to take what is needed!" was the answerfrom all benches.

  "Worthy Herhor," said the ruler, turning to him, "has the sacredpriestly order aught to say in this question?"

  "Very little," answered the high priest rising. "According to ancientlaws the treasure of the labyrinth may be touched only when the statehas no other means; such is not the position at present, however, forshould the government wipe away the Phoenician debts, which have risenfrom dishonest usury, not only would they fill thy treasury, holiness,but men working to-day for Phoenicians would have respite fromgrievous labor."

  On the benches of the delegates approbation was heard now a secondtime.

  "Thy advice is keen, O holy man," replied the pharaoh, "but full ofdanger. Were my treasurer, the worthy nomarchs, and the nobles, toerase what the state owes to creditors, they might omit one day to payPhoenicians, the next day they might forget to pay sums due thetemples 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 wassilent.

  "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 blackpebbles. Every delegate will receive two and will put one of them intoa pitcher; whoso wishes thee, holiness, to break the treasure in thelabyrinth will put in a black pebble; whoso wishes that the propertyof the gods be untouched w
ill put in a white one."

  "Agree not, O lord, to that," whispered the treasurer to thesovereign. "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. "Myheart is pure and my plans are unbending."

  Holy Mefres and Herhor exchanged glances. The overseer of thelabyrinth and two generals went around the benches and gave a whitepebble and a black one to each delegate. The poor men from the commoncrowd were confused much at seeing before them such great dignitaries.Some fell on the floor, did not dare to take the pebbles, andunderstood with great difficulty that they were to put only one pebbleinto the pitcher, a black or a white one.

  "I wish to agree with the gods and his holiness," whispered an oldshepherd.

  At last the officials succeeded in explaining, and the common men inunderstanding what was needed. The voting began. Each delegate went tothe pitcher and dropped in his pebble in such fashion that others didnot see its color.

  Meanwhile the chief treasurer knelt behind the throne, andwhispered,--

  "All is lost! If they had voted openly we should have unanimity; butnow may my hand wither if there will not be twenty white pebbles inthe pitcher."

  "Be at rest, faithful servant," replied Rameses with a smile. "I havemore regiments at hand than there will be voices against us."

  "But to what purpose? to what purpose?" sighed the treasurer; "withoutunanimity they will not open the labyrinth."

  Rameses smiled all the time.

  The procession of delegates had finished. The overseer of thelabyrinth raised the pitcher and poured out its contents on a goldentray.

  Of ninety-one pebbles eighty-three were black and only eight white.

  The generals and officials lost courage, the high priests looked atthe assembly in triumph, but soon alarm seized them, for the face ofRameses had a gladsome expression.

  No one dared to declare openly that the plan of his holiness had beendefeated.

  "Right-believing Egyptians, my good servants," said the pharaoh withperfect freedom. "Ye have carried out my command, and my favor is withyou; for two days ye will be guests in my house. Ye will receivepresents and return to your houses and labors. Peace and blessings bewith you."

  When he had said this he left the hall with his suite. The highpriests 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 willnot 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. assembledin his chamber: the chief treasurer, the chief scribe, Tutmosis, andKalippos, the commander-in-chief of the Greek forces.

  "O lord," groaned the treasurer, "why not act like thy eternallyliving ancestors. If the delegates had spoken openly we should nowhave 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 thelabyrinth,' the priests would not give them."

  "Then why disturb the priests by summoning delegates? This royal acthas stirred them greatly, and given insolence to common men, whoto-day are like a rising deluge."

  "I have no fear of this deluge," said the pharaoh. "My regiments willbe dams against it. The advantage of this delegation is evident, sinceit shows the weakness of my opponents: eighty-three for us, eightagainst us. It proves that if they can count on one corps I can relyon ten. Yield not to illusions; between me and the high priests warhas begun already. They are the fortress which we have summoned tosurrender. 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 distributeone 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 theinnkeepers and the keepers of dramshops barley, wheat, and wine,whatever is at hand, so that common men may have meat and drink freeof charge. Ye will do this immediately, so that there be supplieswherever needed till the 23d of Paofi."

  The treasurer inclined to the pavement.

  "Thou, scribe, wilt write and command to-morrow to herald forth inthe streets of provincial capitals that barbarians of the westerndesert are advancing in great force to attack the province of Fayum.Thou, Kalippos, wilt despatch four Greek regiments southward. Two ofthese will halt at the labyrinth, two will push on to Hanes. If troopsof the priests go from Thebes ye will drive them back and not let themapproach Fayum. If people are indignant at the priests and threatenthe 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 themnear the temples of Ptah, Isis, and Horus. If the enraged people wishto storm the temples the commanders of the regiments will open thegates to themselves, will not admit common men to the holy places, andwill guarantee the persons of the high priests from insult. There willbe priests in the labyrinth and in the temples of Memphis, who willcome forth to the army with green branches. The commanders ofregiments will ask those men for the password and will counsel withthem."

  "But if they resist?" inquired Tutmosis.

  "Only rebels would refuse to obey commanders of the pharaoh," answeredRameses. "The temples and the labyrinth must be occupied by troops onthe 23d of Paofi," continued the pharaoh, turning to the chief scribe."The people both in Memphis and Fayum may begin to assemble on the18th, at first in small groups, then in increasing numbers. But ifslight disturbances begin about the 20th, they are not to beprevented. The people are to storm the temples not earlier than the22d 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 thetemples, for the occupation of which troops are not ready yet.Besides, Hiram, who intercepted Herhor's letters to the Assyrians willreturn no sooner than the 20th. So only on the 21st of Paofi shall wehave proofs in our hands that the high priests are traitors, and weshall 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 thepeople."

  "Art thou not afraid of treason, lord?" asked Tutmosis.

  The pharaoh waved his hand with indifference. "Treason is alwaysleaking out like water from a swollen barrel. It will be difficult forthe high priests to divine my plans, while I know what they wish. Butas 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," saidRameses, laughing.

  Tutmosis wished at that moment to mention the tricks of the highpriests with Lykon, but he was restrained by the thought that his lordwould be very angry and lose calmness, through which he was powerfulon 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 werein prison.

  At a sign from his holiness Tutmosis remained in the chamber, but thethree other dignitaries made low obeisances and vanished.

  "At last!" sighed the chief scribe, when he found himself with thetreasurer in the antechamber, "at last the power of the shaven headsis ending."

  "Indeed it is time," said the treasurer. "During the last ten yea
rsany 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 fleebefore the 23d of Paofi," put in Kalippos.

  "What will be done to Herhor?" said the scribe. "His holiness, who isterrible to-day, will forgive him when he is obedient."

  "And even leave him his property at the intercession of QueenNikotris," said the treasurer. "At all events there will be order inthe state, which for some time has been lacking."

  "But it seems to me that his holiness is making too greatpreparations," said the scribe. "I should finish all with the Greekregiments, 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 itcomes to battle we must concentrate all the forces, for surprises aresure to happen."

  "They would happen if we had not the people behind us," said thescribe. "But what unexpected thing can happen? The gods will not comedown to defend the labyrinth."

  "Such is thy speech, worthiness, for thou art at rest," answeredKalippos; "thou knowest that the supreme chief is watching and istrying to foresee everything; if that were not the case thy skin mightcreep."

  "I see no surprises," contended the scribe, "unless the high priestsare spreading reports again that the pharaoh is demented."

  "They will try various tricks," added the treasurer, yawning; "but infact they have not strength enough. In every case I thank the gods whoput me in the pharaoh's camp. Well, let us go to sleep."

  After the dignitaries had left the chamber of the pharaoh, Tutmosisopened a secret door in one of the walls, and led in Samentu. Ramesesreceived the high priest of Set with great pleasure; he gave him hishand to kiss, and pressed his head.

  "Peace be with thee, good servant," said the sovereign. "What dostthou 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: thetreasure chamber may sink, people may be lost, and jewels be destroyedwhich are of the greatest value."

  The pharaoh frowned.

  "Therefore," continued Samentu, "be pleased, holiness, to have readysome tens of reliable men. With them I will enter the labyrinth on thenight 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 seeabsolutely whether we may not avert destruction unaided. Even the mostfaithful men are uncertain, and to introduce them at night might rousethe attention of those watchdogs."

  "Are they not following thee now?" asked the pharaoh.

  "Believe me, lord," answered the priest, placing his hand on hisbreast, "a miracle would be needed to follow me. Their blindness isalmost childlike. They feel that some one wants to invade thelabyrinth, but the fools have doubled the guard at the ordinarygateways. Meanwhile, in the course of a month I have discovered threehidden entrances, these they have forgotten, or perhaps they knownothing about them. Only some spirit could warn those guardians that Itraverse the labyrinth, or indicate the room in which I may findmyself. Among three thousand chambers and corridors this isimpossible."

  "The worthy Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "And perhaps weemploy too much keenness against these priestly reptiles."

  "Do not say that," replied the priest. "Their strength, as comparedwith that of his holiness, is as a handful of sand in comparison witha temple, but Herhor and Mefres are very wise, and they may useweapons against us and means before which we shall be dumb withamazement. Our temples are full of secrets which will arrest evensages, 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 withwonders in the temples. In one chamber torches will quench in theirhands, in another, flames and disgusting monsters will surround them.In one place a wall will stop the way, or a gulf will open beforetheir feet. In some corridors water will cover them, in othersinvisible hands will throw stones at them. And such thunders, suchvoices will be heard round about."

  "In every temple I have partisans among the younger priests, and thouwilt be in the labyrinth--" said the pharaoh.

  "But our axes?" said Tutmosis. "He is a poor soldier who draws backbefore flames or frightful pictures, or who loses time listening tomysterious voices."

  "Thou speakest well, chief," cried Samentu. "If ye go ahead valiantly,terrors will vanish, voices cease, and flames burn no longer. Now mylast 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. Letthe army occupy the labyrinth and expel the overseers, and let themnot leave the building, for that young priest in the course of amonth, perhaps, or even earlier, will find the way to the treasureswith the indications which I will leave him. But, lord," continuedSamentu kneeling down, "I implore thee for one thing: when thou shaltconquer, avenge me, and above all, pardon not Mefres and Herhor. Thouknowest not what enemies they are. If they win, thou wilt perish, notonly thou, but the dynasty."

  "But does not magnanimity become a victor?" inquired the pharaohgloomily.

  "No magnanimity! No favor!" cried Samentu. "As long as they live weare threatened, thou and I, with death, with shame, even with insultto 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 towin favor from a Chaldean priest, for he, like an eagle, soars aboveheights and is safe from missiles. But an Egyptian prophet who hastried power and luxury thou wilt win with nothing, only his death orthine can end the conflict."

  "Samentu speaks truth," said Tutmosis. "Happily not his holiness, butwe, the warriors, will decide the ancient struggle between the priestsand the pharaoh."