"We have to pay fifty thousand talents in two years," repeated the pharaoh. "Well, what more?"
"The taxes come in very slowly. During three months we have received barely one-fourth of what is due us."
"What has happened?"
The treasurer was anxious.
"I have heard," said he, "that some people have explained to earth- tillers that during thy reign they are not to pay taxes."
"Oh! ho!" cried Ramses, laughing. "Those 'some people' seem to me very like the worthy Herhor. Well, what is this; does he want to kill me with hunger? How can we meet current expenses?"
"At Hiram's command the Phoenicians lend us," answered the treasurer.
"We have received from them eight thousand talents already."
"But do ye give them notes?"
"Notes and mortgages," sighed the treasurer. "They say that this is a simple formality. Still they settle on thy lands, and take what they can from the people."
Delighted with the reception given him by the people and the obedience of magnates, the pharaoh was not even angry at Herhor and Mefres. The time of auger had passed, the moment of action had come, and Ramses formed his plan that very day. He summoned for the morrow those in whom he had most reliance: the high priest Sem, the prophet Pentuer, his favorite Tutmosis, and the Phoenician Hiram. When they had assembled he said,