Behind Merytra came
guards and high-priests, and after them the great lords of the Council,
who were called the King's Companions and the generals of the army.
On she swept up the hall till reaching the foot of the throne whereon
Abi sat, she motioned to Merytra to place the cushion upon its step, and
knelt, saying:
"I am come as a loyal wife to make a humble prayer to Pharaoh my Lord in
the presence of his Court."
"Rise and speak on, Great Lady," answered Abi. "It is not fit that you
should kneel to me."
"Nay, it is most fit that Pharaoh's Queen should kneel to Pharaoh when
she seeks his divine favour." Yet she rose, and, seating herself in a
chair that had been brought, spoke thus:
"O Pharaoh, last night I dreamed a dream. I dreamed of the Count Rames,
son of Mermes, the last of that royal race which ruled before our House
in Egypt. I mean that man who slew the Prince of Kesh in this very hall,
and whom, my Father being sick, I sent to Napata, to be judged by
the King of Kesh, but who, it seems, overthrew that king and took his
kingdom in the name of Egypt.
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