"And who sold the secret to thee?"
"It is a wonder to me," said Hiram, "that the prince has not discovered the power of gold."
"But stop, worthiness, our priests have more gold than thou, though
Thou art wealthy beyond the wealthy!"
"Still I am not angry when a drachma comes to me. Why should others refuse a talent?"
"They would because they are servants of the gods," said the prince, passionately; "they would fear divine punishment."
The Phoenician laughed.
"I have seen," said he, "many temples of various nations, and in those temples great and small statues, of wood, stone, and gold even. But gods I have never met."
"Blasphemer!" exclaimed Ramses. "I have seen a divinity, I have felt its hand on my person, I have heard its voice."
"In what place?"
"In the temple of Hator, in its hall of entrance, and in my cell."