Know, Pharaoh, that there are many who find
this strange, and wonder whether this beautiful queen, who is called
Daughter of Amen, and resembles you so little in body or in mind, sits
rightfully on the throne of Egypt. If I marry her these questionings
will cease. If I do not marry her the whisperings of men may grow to a
wind that will blow the crown from off her head."
Now a grasp of fear and wonder rose from all who heard this bold and
treasonable speech, and Tua, reddening to the eyes, bent forward as
though to answer. But before ever a word had passed her lips Pharaoh
sprang from his seat transformed with rage. All his patient gentleness
was gone, and he looked so fierce and royal that everyone present there,
even Abi himself, quailed before him.
"Is it for this that I have borne with you for so long, my brother?" he
cried, rending at his robes. "Is it for this that I spared you years ago
in Thebes, when your life was forfeit for your treachery? Is it for
this that I have suffered you to rise to great honour, and to rule here
almost as a king in my city of Memphis? Was it not enough that I should
sit quiet, while you, an old man, the son of our father's barbarian
slave, the loose-living despot, dare to ask for the pure hand of Egypt's
Queen in marriage, you, her uncle, who might well be her grandfather
also? Must I also hear your foul mouth beslime her royal birth, and
the honour of her divine mother, and spit sneers at Amen, Father of the
gods? Well, Amen shall deal with you when you come to the doors of his
Eternal House, but here on earth I am his son and servant.
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