"That is true," answered Mefres, "but in every case it is necessary to have ten thousand talents for that first year. I think even that twenty thousand talents would not be amiss."
"Thou art right, worthy Mefres," said the pharaoh. "In view of the changes which I wish to introduce in my state twenty thousand, and even thirty thousand talents would not be too great a sum; therefore," added he quickly, "I shall ask assistance of you holy men."
"We are ready to support every measure of thy holiness with prayers and processions," said Mefres.
"Very good; pray and encourage the people to pray. But besides that give the state thirty thousand talents," answered the pharaoh.
The high priests were silent; Ramses waited a while, then turned to
Herhor,
"Thou art silent, worthiness."
"Thou hast said thyself, O sovereign, that the treasury has no means, even to bury Osiris-Mer-Amen-Ramses. I cannot even divine, therefore, where we could get thirty thousand talents."
"But the treasury of the labyrinth."
"That is a treasury of the gods, to be touched only at a moment when the state is in supreme need," replied Mefres.
Ramses XIII boiled up with anger.