With Abi were his astrologer, Kaku, his two eldest sons, and
a few of the great officers of his government, also the high-priests of
the temples of Memphis, and three powerful chiefs of the Desert tribes.
"What is your prayer, my brother?" asked Pharaoh, as soon as the doors
were closed.
"A great one, your Majesties," answered the Prince, prostrating himself,
"which for the good of Egypt, and for your own good, and for my good,
who reverence you as a loyal subject, I pray that you will be pleased to
grant." Then he drew himself up and said slowly, "I am here to ask the
hand of the glorious Queen Neter-Tua, daughter of Amen, in marriage."
Now Pharaoh stared at him, while Tua, who knew well what was coming,
turned her head aside, and asked a councillor who stood near, if in the
history of the land any Queen of Egypt had ever married her uncle.
The councillor who was noted for his historical studies, answered that
at the moment he could recall no such case.
"Then," said Tua coolly, and still addressing him, "it seems that it
would be scarcely wise to create a precedent which other poor young
women of the royal race might be called upon to follow.
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