"Permit me, worthy prince," said he, "to be the earliest among those who are delighted with thy elevation. May Thou lead the army with as much success as Thou shalt govern the most important part of the state to the glory of Egypt."
Ramses pressed his hand firmly.
"Didst Thou do this, O Herhor?" asked he.
"It belonged to thee," replied the minister.
"Thou hast my gratitude, and wilt see that it is of value."
"Thou hast rewarded me already in speaking thus," replied Herhor.
The prince wished to depart; Herhor detained him.
"A brief word. Be careful, O heir, that one of thy women, Sarah, does not sing religious hymns."
When Ramses looked at him with astonishment, he added,
"During our sail on the Nile that maiden sang our most sacred hymn, a hymn to which only the pharaoh and high priests have the right to listen. Poor child! she might have suffered for her skill and for her ignorance of what she was singing."