"The worthy Mefres speaks truth," said Mentezufis. "Thy head would ache, and thy stomach also, should human lips repeat the blasphemous words which we have heard this day from that giddy stripling."
"Jest not, O prophet," said the high priest Sem, with indignation.
"Sooner would I believe that water burns and air quenches than that
Ramses would commit blasphemy."
"He did so in seeming drunkenness," said Mefres, maliciously.
"Even if he were drunk I do not deny that the prince is frivolous, and a rioter; but a blasphemer."
"So, too, did we think," said Mentezufis. "And we were so sure of knowing his character that when he returned from the temple of Hator we ceased even to exercise control over him."
"Thou wert sparing of gold to pay men for watching," said Mefres. "Thou seest now what results are involved in a neglect which seemed slight to thee."
"But what has happened?" inquired Sem, impatiently.
"I will answer briefly: the prince reviles the gods."
"Oho!"
"He criticizes the commands of the pharaoh."