"But I think it necessary first of all to give laborers what belongs to them. A hungry ox will lie down; a hungry horse will totter on his feet and pant. How, then, can we ask a hungry man to work and not declare that he is suffering?"
"Then, holiness."
"Pentuer will open a council to investigate these matters," interrupted the pharaoh. "Meanwhile I have no desire to punish."
"In that case a general insurrection will break out," cried the judge, in alarm.
The pharaoh rested his chin on his hands and considered,
"Well," said he, after a while, "let the courts do their work, but as mildly as possible. And this very day Pentuer will assemble his council."
"In truth," added he, after a time, "it is easier to make a decision in battle than in the disorder which has mastered Egypt."
When the supreme judge had departed, the pharaoh summoned Tutmosis. He directed him to salute in the name of the sovereign the army returning from the Soda Lakes, and to distribute twenty talents among the officers and warriors.
Then he commanded Pentuer to come; meanwhile he received the chief treasurer.
"I wish to know," said he, "what the condition of the treasury is."