If any man had reckoned on dissensions in the sacred family of the pharaoh, he might convince himself then that the new royal branch held to its parent trunk firmly.
His holiness looked very ill. After the tender greeting of his son, he commanded him to sit at the side of the throne.
"My soul was rushing forth toward thee, Ramses," said he, "and all the more ardently the better were the tidings which I had of thee. Today I see not only that Thou hast the heart of a lion, but that Thou art a man full of prudence, who knows how to estimate his own acts, who is able to restrain himself, and who feels for the interests of Egypt."
When the prince, filled with emotion, was silent and kissed his father's feet, the pharaoh continued,
"Thou hast done well to renounce command of the Greek regiments, because from this day the corps in Memphis is thine, Thou art its commander."
"My father!" whispered the heir, trembling.
"Besides, in Lower Egypt, which is open on three sides to attacks of hostile nations, I need a wise, active man, who will watch all things round him, weigh them well in his heart, and act promptly. For this reason I appoint thee my lieutenant in that half of the kingdom."
Abundant tears flowed from the prince's eyes. With those tears he bade farewell to his youth; be greeted power, to which his soul had turned for years with uncertainty and longing.
"I am now weak and wearied," said the ruler, "and were it not for anxiety touching thy youth and the future of Egypt, I would this day beg my deathless ancestors to call me to their glory. Each day is for me more difficult, and therefore, Ramses, Thou wilt begin to share the burden of rule with me. As a hen teaches her chicks to search out grains of corn and hide before the hawk, so I will teach thee that toilsome art of ruling a state and watching the devices of enemies. May Thou fall on them in time, like an eagle on timid partridges."
The pharaoh's barge and its well-ordered retinue had descended to a point opposite the palace. The wearied ruler took a seat in his litter, and at that moment Herhor approached Ramses.