Again and again they
proclaimed it, and of the multitudes who listened some cheered, but the
most remained silent, fearing the vengeance of their Prince, whom the
heralds summoned to do homage, but who made no sign.
Night came at last. At a signal the gates were opened, and through them,
borne upon the shoulders of his Councillors, preceded by a small body
of guards, and followed by his women and household, went the remains of
Pharaoh, in a coffin roughly fashioned from the sycamore timbers of the
temple. With solemn step and slow, they went as though they feared no
harm, the priests and singers chanting some ancient, funeral hymn. Next
followed the baggage bearers, and after these the royal bodyguard in the
midst of whom the Queen, clad in mail, as a man, rode in a chariot, and
with her the waiting-lady, Asti, wife of Mermes.
At first all went well, for the great square in front of the temple was
empty. The procession of the body of Pharaoh passed it, and vanished
down the street that led to the main gate, a mile away.
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