At the gate of the famous labyrinth Ramses was greeted by a company of priests of ascetic exterior, and a small division of troops, every man in which was completely shaven.
"These men look like priests," said Ramses.
"They do, because every one in the ranks has received the inferior ordination, and centurions the superior," answered the high priest of the edifice.
When he looked more carefully at the faces of those strange warriors, who ate no meat and were celibates, the pharaoh noted in them calm energy and quickness, he noted also that his sacred person made no impression whatever in that place.
"I am very curious to learn how Samentu's secret plan will succeed," thought he. The pharaoh understood that it was impossible either to frighten those men or to bribe them. They were as self-confident in looks as if each one commanded countless regiments of spirits.
"We shall see," thought Ramses, "if they can frighten my Greeks and Asiatics, who, fortunately, are so wild that they do not know pompous faces."
At the request of the priests, the pharaoh's suite remained at the gate, as if under guard of the shaven soldiers.
"Must I leave my sword too?" asked Ramses.
"It will not harm us," answered the chief overseer.
The young pharaoh had the wish at least to slap the pious man with the side of his sword for such an answer, but he restrained himself.