After a while a voice spoke in the chapel.
"If Thou begin no war in the east, if Thou give offerings to the gods and respect their servants, a long life awaits thee, and a reign full of glory."
After the miracles which had happened on the open field, in the open day, the excited prince returned to his tent.
"Nothing can resist the priests," thought he in fear.
He found Pentuer in the tent.
"Tell me, my counselor," said he, "whether priests can read the heart of a man and unveil his secret purpose."
Pentuer shook his head.
"Sooner," answered he, "will man see what there is in the centre of a cliff than read the heart of another man. It is even closed to the gods, and death alone can discover its secrets."
Ramses drew a deep sigh of relief, but he could not free himself from fear. When, toward evening, it was necessary to call a military council, he summoned Mentezufis and Pentuer.
No one mentioned the sudden death of Patrokles; perhaps because there was more urgent business; for Libyan envoys had come imploring in the name of Musawasa mercy for his son Tehenna, and offering to Egypt surrender and peace forever.