Pentuer looked at his sovereign with amazement.
"The overseer of the treasure explained to me what I am to do," said the pharaoh. "I must call a general council of all orders, thirteen of each order. And if they declare that Egypt is in need the labyrinth will furnish me with treasure."
"O gods!" added he, "for a couple for one of the jewels which lie there it would be possible to give the people fifty rest days in a year! Never will they be used to better purpose."
Pentuer shook his head.
"Lord," said he, "the six million Egyptians, with me and my friends before others, will agree that Thou take from that treasure. But, O holiness, be not deceived; one hundred of the highest dignitaries of the state will oppose, and then the labyrinth will give nothing."
"They wish me, then, to beg before some temple!" burst out the pharaoh.
"No," replied the priest. "They fear lest that treasure house be emptied once Thou touch it. They will suspect thy most faithful servants, holiness, of sharing in the profits flowing from the labyrinth. And then envy will whisper to each of them: 'Why shouldst Thou not profit also?' Not hatred of thee, holiness, but mutual distrust, greed, will urge them to resistance."
When he heard this the pharaoh was calm, he smiled even.
"If it be as Thou sayst, be at rest, beloved Pentuer. At this moment I understand exactly why Amon established the authority of the pharaoh and gave him superhuman power. For the purpose, seest thou, that a hundred, even of the most distinguished rascals, should not wreck the state."
Ramses rose from his armchair and added,