The snake does not roar like the lion, yet it is more to be feared."
"Once I am out of this place it is the snake that shall have cause
to fear, Asti, for I will break its back and throw it writhing to the
kites. Nurse, we must leave Memphis."
"That is not easy, Queen, since some ceremony is planned for each of the
next eight days. If Pharaoh were to go away without attending them, he
would anger all the people of the North which he has not visited since
he was crowned."
"Then let them be angered; Pharaoh can do as he wills."
"Yes, Queen, at least, that is the saying. But do you think that Pharaoh
wishes to bring about a civil war and risk his crown and yours? Listen:
Abi is very strong, and under his command he has a greater army than
Pharaoh can muster in these times of peace, for in addition to his
trained troops, all the thousands of the Bedouin tribes of the desert
look on him as lord, and at his word will fall on the wealth of Egypt
like famished vultures on a fatted ox. Moreover, here you have but a
guard of five hundred men, whereas Abi's regiments, summoned to do you
honour, and his ships of war block the river and the southern road.
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