"What would happen to our fleet, if the Assyrians settled in
Phoenicia?" inquired Herhor.
"That is not your fleet, but the Phoenician," replied Beroes. "When Tyrian and Sidonian ships are lost to you, ye will build your own, and exercise Egyptians in navigation. If ye have mind and a practical character, ye will drive out Phoenician commerce from western regions."
Herhor waved his hand.
"I have told that which was commanded me," said Beroes, "and do ye that which pleaseth you. But remember that ten evil years are impending."
"It seems to me, holy father," said Pentuer, "that Thou didst speak of internal troubles which threaten Egypt in the future. What will they be, if it please thee to answer thy servant?"
"Do not ask. Those are things which ye ought to know better than I, who am a stranger. Clear sight will discover the disease, and experience will give the remedy."
"Our working people are terribly oppressed by the great," whispered
Pentuer.
"Devotion has decreased," added Mefres.
"There are many who sigh for a foreign war," began Herhor. "I have seen this long time that we cannot carry on one, unless ten years hence."
"Then will ye conclude a treaty with Assyria?" inquired the Chaldean.