This afternoon you could not have gone, had you
tried, but to-night, Abi, being a prisoner, his people are dismayed, and
having no leader will open the gates. By to-morrow one may be found, and
they will be double-barred and guarded."
"What!" asked the King scornfully, "do you mean that I am a prisoner
also, and here in Egypt, which I rule? Nay, good friends, at Pharaoh's
word those gates will open. Or if they do not, I will pull down Memphis
stone by stone, and drive out its people to share their caves with
jackals. Do they think because I am kind and gentle, that I cannot lift
the sword if there be need? Have they forgotten how I smote those rebels
in my youth, and gave their cities to the flames, and set my yoke on
Syria, that aided them. We march to-morrow, and not before. I have
spoken."
Now Mermes bowed and turned to go, since when those words had passed
Pharaoh's lips it was not lawful to answer them. Yet Asti dared to do
so.
"O Pharaoh," she said, "be not wrath with your servant.
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