"Evil men," said one of the envoys, "tempted our people saying that Egypt was weak; that her pharaoh was the shadow of a ruler. But yesterday we learned how strong your arm is, and we consider it wiser to yield and pay you tribute than expose our people to certain death and our property to ruin."
When the military council had heard this speech the Libyans were sent from the tent, and Prince Ramses asked the holy Mentezufis directly for his opinions; this astonished even the generals.
"Only yesterday," said the worthy prophet, "I should have been glad to refuse the prayer of Musawasa, transfer the war to Libya, and destroy that nest of robbers. But today I have received such important news from Memphis that I will vote for mercy to the conquered."
"Is his holiness, my father, sick?" inquired the prince, with deep emotion.
"He is sick. But till we finish with the Libyans Thou must not think of his holiness."
When the heir dropped his head in sadness, Mentezufis added,
"I must perform one more duty. Yesterday, worthy prince, I made bold to offer a judgment that for such a wretched captive as Tehenna, a chief should not leave his army. Today I see that I was mistaken, for if Thou hadst not seized Tehenna we should not have this early peace with Musawasa. Thy wisdom, chief, has proved higher than military regulations."
The prince was arrested by this compunction on the part of Mentezufis.
"Why does he speak thus?" thought he. "It is evident that Amon is not alone in knowing of my holy father's illness."
And in the soul of the heir the old feelings were roused, contempt for the priests and distrust of their miracles.