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"Prince Abi, to affront those whom the gods have smitten, be they kings
or peasants, is an unworthy deed which the gods will not forget. You
know well that I have no children. Why then do you ask me to show you
their loveliness?"
"I had heard rumours, O Pharaoh," answered the Prince, "no more. Indeed,
I did not believe them, for where there are so many wives I was certain
that there would be some mothers. Therefore I asked to be sure before
I proffered a petition which now I will make to you not for my own sake
but for Egypt's and yours, O Pharaoh. Have I your leave to speak here in
public?"
"Speak on," said Pharaoh sternly. "Let aught that is for the welfare of
Egypt be heard by Egypt."
"Your Majesty has told me," replied Abi bowing, "that the gods, being
wrath, have denied you children. Not so much as one girl of your blood
have they given to you to fill your throne after you when in due season
it pleases you to depart to Osiris. Were it otherwise, were there even
but a single woman-child of your divine race, I would say nothing, I
would be silent as the grave.


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