The priests sang with more animation and the picture changed. Another patch of the desert was visible, and on it a group of people who looked no larger than ants. Still the movements and dress, and even the faces of the persons were so definite that the prince could describe them.
The astonishment of the heir knew no bounds. He rubbed his eyes, touched the moving picture. Suddenly he turned away his face; the picture vanished and darkness remained.
When he went out of the chapel the elder priest asked him,
"Well, Erpatr, dost Thou believe now in the might of the gods of
Egypt?"
"Indeed," answered he, "ye are such great sages that the whole world ought to give you offerings and homage. If ye can see the future in an equal degree nothing can oppose you."
After these words a priest entered the chapel and began to pray; soon a voice was heard from the chapel, saying,
"Ramses! the fates of the kingdom are weighed, and before another full moon comes Thou wilt be its ruler."
"O gods!" cried the terrified prince. "Is my father so sick, then?"
He fell on his face in the sand; then an assisting priest inquired if he did not wish to learn something more.
"Tell me, Father Amon, whether my plans will be accomplished."