"But with moderation in every case. I do not wish it to go to his holiness that I torture men without need. For rebellious conversation we must beat and take fines in money, but when there is no cause for punishment we may be magnanimous."
"I understand," answered the steward, looking into the eyes of Ramses.
"Let them cry out as much as they like if they do not whisper blasphemy."
These talks with Patrokles and the steward were reported throughout
Egypt.
After the steward's departure, the prince yawned and looking around with a tired glance, he said to himself,
"I have done all I could, but now, if I can, I will do nothing."
At that moment, from the direction of the outhouses, low groans and the sound of frequent blows reached the prince. Ramses turned his head, and saw that the overseer of the workmen, Ezekiel, son of Reuben, was beating some subordinate with a cane, pacifying him meanwhile,
"Be quiet! be silent, low beast!"
The beaten workman, lying on the ground, closed his mouth with his hand so as not to cry.
At first the prince rushed like a panther toward the outhouses.
Suddenly he halted.