Therefore
this is the toast to which I drink--that the Queen Neter-Tua, Morning
Star of Amen, Hathor Strong in Beauty, who has rejected so many suitors,
may before she departs from among us, find one to her liking, some
husband of royal blood, skilled in the art of rule, whose strength and
knowledge may serve to support her woman's weakness and inexperience in
that sad hour when she finds herself alone."
Now the audience, who well understood the inner meaning and objects of
this speech, rose and cheered furiously, as they had been schooled to
do, emptying their cups to Pharaoh and to Tua and shouting:
"We know the man. Take him, glorious Queen, take him, Daughter of Amen,
and reign for ever."
"What do they mean?" muttered Pharaoh, "I do not understand. Thank them,
my daughter, my voice is weak, and let us begone."
So Tua rose when at length there was silence and, looking round her
with flashing eyes, said in her clear voice that reached the furthest
recesses of the hall:
"The Pharaoh, my father, and I, the Queen of the Upper and the Lower
Lands, return thanks to you, our people of this city, for your loyal
greetings.
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