"Should Egypt be in danger there would be great power in them," replied the overseer. "For a few of these helmets, chariots and swords we might buy the good-will of all the Assyrian satraps. And maybe even King Assar himself would not resist if we gave him furniture for his throne hall, or his arsenal."
"I think that they would rather take all from us by the sword than a few through good-will," said the pharaoh.
"Let them try!" replied the priest.
"I understand. Ye have then means of destroying the treasures. But in that case no one could make use of them."
"That is not a question for my mind," replied the overseer. "We guard what is given to us, and do what is ordered."
"Would it not be better to use a portion of these treasures to fill the coffers of the state and raise Egypt from the misery in which it is at present?" asked the pharaoh.
"That does not depend on us."
Ramses frowned. He examined things for some time without very great interest; at last he inquired,
"Yes, these products of art might be useful in gaining the good-will of Assyrian dignitaries; but if war were to break out with Assyria how could we get wheat, men, and arms from nations which have no knowledge of rare objects?"
"Open the treasury," said the high priest.