The statues disposed in the temple near the pylons, and at the sacred lakes accorded in size with all other parts of Karnak.
In the immense gate the worthy Herhor, the high priest of that temple, was waiting for Ramses. Surrounded by a whole staff of priests Herhor greeted the pharaoh almost haughtily, and while burning a censer before the sovereign he did not look at him. Then he conducted Ramses to the hypostyle and gave the order to admit deputations within the wall of the temple.
In the midst of the hypostyle stood the boat with the mummy of the departed sovereign, and on both sides of it, two thrones of equal height stood opposed to each other. On one of these Ramses took his place surrounded by nomarchs and generals, on the other sat Herhor surrounded by the priesthood. Then the high priest Mefres gave Herhor the miter of Amenhotep and the young pharaoh for the second time beheld on the head of the high priest the golden serpent, the symbol of regal authority.
Ramses grew pale from rage, and thought: "Shall I need to remove the ureus and thy head at the same time?"
But he was silent, knowing that in that greatest of Egyptian temples Herhor was lord, the equal of the gods, and a potentate perhaps greater than the pharaoh.
During this time when the people filled the court, behind the purple curtain dividing the rest of the temple from mortals were heard harps and low singing. Ramses looked at the hall. A whole forest of mighty columns covered from above to the bases with paintings, the mysterious lighting, the ceiling far up near the sky somewhere, produced on him an effect that was crushing.
"What does it signify," thought he, "to win a battle at the Soda Lakes? To build an edifice like this is an exploit! But those priests built it."
At that moment he felt the power of the priestly order. Could he, his army, or even the whole people overturn that temple? And if it would be difficult to deal with the edifice would it be easier to struggle with its builders? The voice of the high priest Mefres roused him from disagreeable meditations.
"Holiness," said the old man; "Thou most worthy confidant of the gods" (here he bowed to Herhor); "ye nomarchs, scribes, warriors, and common people, the most worthy high priest of this temple, Herhor, invites you to judge, according to ancient custom, the earthly acts of the late pharaoh, and to acknowledge or deny to him burial."
Anger rushed to the head of Ramses. "It was not enough that they insulted him in that place, but in addition they dare to discuss the deeds of his father, to decide as to his burial."