"But why did Herhor and Mefres conclude such a treaty?" inquired
Ramses.
"In my opinion, they are men of weak heads whom Beroes, the great Chaldean priest, frightened. He told them that for ten years evil fates would threaten Egypt; that if we began war with Assyria during that time we should be defeated."
"And did they believe him?"
"Beroes, it seems, showed them wonders. He was even borne above the earth. Beyond doubt that is wonderful; but I cannot understand why we should lose Phoenicia because Beroes can fly above the earth."
"Then Thou dost not believe in miracles?"
"It depends upon what they are," replied Samentu. "It seems that Beroes does perform unusual things; but our priests merely deceive people as well as rulers."
"Thou hast a hatred for the priestly order?"
"Well, they cannot endure me, and what is worse they insult me under pretext that I am a minister of Set. Meanwhile, what do I care for gods whose hands and feet must be moved by strings. Or priests who pretend to be abstemious and devout, but have ten wives, spend some tens of talents yearly, steal the offerings placed on altars, and are little wiser than pupils of a higher school."
"But dost Thou take presents from Phoenicians?"'
"From whom should I take them? The Phoenicians are the only men who really honor Set; they fear lest he might wreck their ships. With us the poor alone revere him. Were I restricted to their offerings I should die of hunger, and my children also."