The Pharaoh and the Priest: An Historical Novel of Ancient Egypt

by Bolesław Prus

"How many troops have we?" asked he.

"Here in Memphis?"

"No, in all Egypt."

"Thou hadst ten regiments, holiness," answered Herhor. "The worthy Nitager on the eastern boundary has fifteen. There are ten on the south, for Nubia begins to be disturbed; five are garrisoned throughout the country."

"Forty altogether," said Ramses, after some thought. "How many warriors in all?"

"About sixty thousand."

Ramses sprang up from his chair.

"Sixty thousand instead of one hundred and twenty thousand!" shouted he. "What does this mean? What have ye done with my army?"

"There are no means to maintain more men."

"O God!" said the Pharaoh, seizing his head. "But the Assyrians may attack us a month hence. We are disarmed."