"Aha! Tell me, then, worthiness," continued the prince, "with what object is Sargon going to the feet of the pharaoh?"
"I know not."
"Aha! But why should I not know, I, who am heir to the throne?"
"Because there are state secrets which barely a few dignitaries know."
"And which even my most worthy father may not know?"
"Assuredly he may not, for there are things which even his holiness may not know, since he does not possess the highest priestly consecration."
"It is wonderful!" said the prince, after some thought. "Egypt is the property of the pharaoh, and still things may be done in it which are unknown to him. Explain this to me, worthiness."
"Egypt is first of all, and even only and exclusively, the property of Amon," said the priest. "There is absolute need, therefore, that only those should know the highest secrets to whom Amon has declared his plans and purposes."
The prince, while listening, felt as if people were turning him on a bed of dagger points under which fire was burning.
Mentezufis wished to rise; Ramses detained him.