"I cannot explain anything, and even were I able I have a great seal on my lips. I do nothing now but pray and lament."
"Do the Phoenicians pray also?" thought the prince.
"Unable to render any service," continued Dagon, "I will give good counsel at least. There is here in Pi-Bast a renowned Syrian, Prince Hiram, an old man, wise and tremendously wealthy. Summon him, Erpatr, ask of him a hundred talents; perhaps he will be able to gratify thee."
Since Ramses could get no explanations from the banker, he dismissed him, and promised to send an embassy to Hiram.
CHAPTER XXX
NEXT day Tutmosis, with a great suite of officers and attendants, paid a visit to the Phoenician prince, and invited him to the viceroy.
In the afternoon Hiram appeared before the palace in a simple litter borne by eight poor Egyptians to whom he gave alms. He was surrounded by the most notable Phoenician merchants, and that same throng of people who stood before his house daily.
Ramses greeted with a certain astonishment the old man out of whose eyes wisdom was gazing and in whose whole bearing there was dignity. He bowed gravely before the viceroy, and raising his hands above his head, pronounced a short blessing. Those present were deeply affected.
When the viceroy indicated an armchair and commanded his courtiers to withdraw, Hiram said,
"Yesterday thy servant Dagon informed me that the prince needs a hundred talents. I sent out my couriers at once to Sabne-Chetam, Sethroe, Pi-Uto, and other cities where there are Phoenician ships, asking them to land all their goods. I think that in a day or two Thou wilt receive this small sum."