The Washington times., 1919-03-23

an old man with the face of one worn by
years and care, but from his person
majesty seemed to flow.
With him, walking step or two behind,
went Nehesi his Vizier, shrivelled, parch-
ment-faced officer, whose cunning eyes
rolled about the place, and Roy the High
Priest, and Hora the Chamberlain of the
Table, and Meranu the Washer Of the
Kings Hands, and Yuy the Private Scribe
and many others whom Bakenkhonsu
named to me as they appeared. Then there
were fan-bearers and a gorgeous band Of
Kings Companions and Head Buffers and
l know not who besides, and after these
guards with spears and helms that shone
like gold, and black swordsmen from the
southern land Of Kesh.
But one woman accompanied his Maj
esty, walking alone Immediately behind
him in front OF the Vizier and the High
Priest She was the Royal Daughter, the
Princess Userti, who looked, 1 thought,
prouder and more splendid than any there,
though somewhat pale and anxious.
Pharaoh came to the steps Of the throne.
The Vizier and the High Priest advanced
to help him up the steps, for he was feeble
with age He waved them aside, and beck
oning to his daughter, rested his hand upon
her shoulder and by her aid mounted the
throne. 1t was as though he would show
to all the assembly that this Princess was
the prop Of Egypt
For a little while he stood still and
Userti sat herself down on the topmost
step, resting her chin upon her iewelled
hand There he stood searching the place
with his eyes. He lifted his sceptre and
all rose, hundreds and hundreds Of them
throughout the hall, their garments rust
ling like leaves in a sudden wind. He seated
himself and once more from every throat
went up the regal salutAtion that was the
kings alone.
In the silence that followed heard him
say, to the Princess, think:
"Amenmeses l see, and others Of our
kin, but where is my son Seti, the Prince
Of Egypt?"
watching us no doubt from some vesJ
thule. My. brother loves not ceremon-
lals," answered Userti.
Then, with a little sigh, Seti stepped
forward, followed by Bakenkhonsu and my
self, and at a distance by other members
Of his household. AS he marched up the
long hall all drew to this side. or that,
saluting him with low bows. Arriving in
front of the throne he bent till his knee
touched the ground, saying:
81 give greeting, o King and Father"
81 give greeting, o>Prlnce and Son. Be
seated" answered Meneptah.
Seti seated himself in a chair that had
been made ready for him at the foot of the
throne, and on its right, and in another
chair to the left, but set farther from the
steps, Amenmeses seated himself also: At
a motion from the Prince 1 took my stand
behind his chair.
The formal business Of the court began.
At the beckoning Of an usher people Of all
sorts appeared singly and handed in petit
tons written on rolled-up papyri, which
the Vizier Nehesi took and threw into .
leathern sack that was held open by q
black slave.
In some cases an answer to his petition,
whereof this was only the formal delivery,
was handed back to the suppliant, who
touched his brow with the roll that per.
haps meant everything to him, and bowed
himself away to learn his fate. Then ap-
peared sheiks Of the desert tribes, and
captains from fortresses in Syria, and
traders who had been harmed by enemies,
and even peasants who had suffered vio-
lence from officers, each to make his
prayer
OF all Of these applications the scribes
took notes, while to some the Vizier and
councillors made answers. But as yet
Pharaoh said nothing. There he sat silent
on his splendid throne o. ivory and gold,
like god Of stone above the altar, staring