"He is far seeing, and does not tell all he thinks. In the wake of the heir various young lords who go to war taking singers would have shoved themselves into the corps, and they would occupy the highest places. Naturally old officers would fall into idleness from anger, because promotion had missed them; the exquisites would be idle for the sake of amusement, and the corps would break up without even meeting an enemy. Oh, Herhor is a sage!"
"May his wisdom not cost thee more than the inexperience of Ramses," whispered Patrokles.
Through a series of chambers filled with columns and adorned with paintings, where at each door priests and palace officials gave low obeisances before him, the pharaoh passed to his cabinet. That was a lofty hall with alabaster walls on which in gold and bright colors were depicted the most famous events in the reign of Ramses XII, therefore homage given him by the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, the embassy from the King of Buchten, and the triumphal journey of the god Khonsu through the land of that potentate.
In this hall was the malachite statue of the bird-headed Horus, adorned with gold and jewels. In front of the statue was an altar shaped as a truncated pyramid, the king's armor, costly armchairs and stools, also tables covered with trifles and small objects.
When the pharaoh appeared, one of the priests burnt incense before him, and one of the officials announced Prince Ramses, who soon entered and bowed low before his father. On the expressive face of the prince feverish disquiet was evident.
"Erpatr, I rejoice," said the pharaoh, "that Thou hast returned in good health from a difficult journey."
"Mayst Thou live through eternity, holiness, and thy affairs fill the two worlds!" replied Ramses.
"My military advisers have just informed me of thy labor and prudence."
The heir's face quivered and changed. He fixed great eyes on the pharaoh and listened.
"Thy deeds will not remain without reward. Thou wilt receive ten talents, a great chain, and two Greek regiments with which Thou wilt exercise."