"Wisdom teaches that the body of a man is like a granary full of various objects. Therefore, I choose at all times the good that is in me and express it. I keep the bad shut up in my person. The deceits of other men I repeat not, and as to that which is committed to me I always accomplish it in the best manner possible.
"And what is my reward?" finished Eunana, raising his voice; "I suffer cold, I go in rags, I am not able to lie on my back, it is so beaten. I read in books that the priestly order rewards valor and prudence. Indeed! that must have been at some other time, and very long ago. For the priests of today turn from men of ability and drive strength and valor out of the bones of officers."
"I shall fall asleep in presence of this man," said the pharaoh.
"Eunana," said Tutmosis, "his holiness is convinced that Thou art expert in books, but tell now in as few words as possible what thy wish is."
"An arrow does not go so quickly to its mark as my request will fly to the divine feet of his holiness," replied Eunana. "The service of the shaven heads has so disgusted me, the priests have filled my heart with such bitterness, that if I am not transferred to the army of the pharaoh, I shall pierce myself with my own sword, before which the enemies of Egypt have trembled more than one time and more than a hundred times. I would rather be a decurion, nay a simple warrior of his holiness than a centurion in priestly regiments; a pig or a dog may serve them, but not a believing Egyptian!"
Eunana uttered the last words with such mad anger that the pharaoh said in Greek to Tutmosis,
"Take him to the guard. An officer who does not like the priests may be of use to us."
"His holiness, the lord of both worlds has given command to receive thee into his guard," repeated Tutmosis.
"My health and life belong to our lord. May he live through eternity!" exclaimed Eunana, and he kissed the footstool beneath the feet of the pharaoh.
Eunana, now made happy, moved backward, falling on his face after every couple of steps, and left the tent, blessing his sovereign.