The scribes fell on their faces, gathered up their papyruses quickly, and bore them away in a twinkle.
The prince summoned the nomarch. He came with crossed hands, but with a calm face, for he had learned from the scribes that the viceroy could understand nothing from reports, and that he did not give ear to them.
"Tell me, worthiness," began the heir, "do they read reports to thee?"
"Every day."
"And dost Thou understand them?"
"Pardon, most worthy lord, but could I manage a province if I did not understand?"
The prince was confused and fell to thinking. Could it be really that he, Ramses, was the only incompetent? But in this case what would become of his power?
"Sit down," said he, after a while, indicating a chair to the nomarch.
"Sit down and tell me how Thou governest the province."
The dignitary grew pale, and the whites of his eyes turned upward.
Ramses noticed this, and began explaining,
"Do not think that I have not trust in thy wisdom. On the contrary, I know no man who could manage better. But I am young and curious to know the art of government, so I beg thee to deal out to me crumbs of thy knowledge. Thou art ruling the province I know that. Now explain to me the process."