The prince embraced her and went to the barge, telling his black attendant to wait for the pigeons.
At sight of the heir, drums and fifes sounded, and the garrison raised a loud shout of welcome. When he found himself among warriors, the prince drew a deep breath, and stretched out his arms, like a man liberated from bondage.
"Well," said he to Tutmosis, "women have tormented me, and those Jews O Cyrus! command to roast me on a slow fire at once, but put me not in the country a second time."
"So it is," confirmed Tutmosis; "love is like honey. It must be taken by sips, a man must not swim in it. Brr! shudders pass over me when I think that Thou hast passed nearly two months fed on kisses in the evening, dates in the morning, and asses' milk at midday."
"Sarah is a very good girl," said Ramses.
"I do not speak of her, but of those Jews who have settled down at that villa like papyrus in swamp land. Dost Thou see, they are looking out at thee yet, and perhaps are sending greetings," said the flatterer.
The prince turned to another side with displeasure, and Tutmosis winked joyfully at the officers, as if to tell them that Ramses would not leave their society very soon this time.
The higher they ascended the Nile the denser on both banks were spectators, the more numerous were boats on the river, and the more did flowers, garlands, and bouquets float down; these had been thrown at the barge of the pharaoh.
About five miles above Memphis there were multitudes of people with banners, with statues of gods, and with music; an immense roar was heard, like the sound of a tempest.
"There is his holiness!" cried Tutmosis, delighted.