"In the worst case," thought he, "we must do what we can, and what pertains to us. When conditions improve, what is sown today will give fruit hereafter."
But still he determined to renounce agitation among the people. He was even ready to calm the impatient, so as not to increase trouble for the pharaoh.
A couple of weeks later Pentuer entered the boundaries of Lower Egypt, looking about on the way for the wisest of common men and artisans from whom it would be possible to select delegates to the assembly summoned by the pharaoh.
Everywhere on the way he found signs of the greatest excitement. Earth- tillers, as well as artisans, were trying to have the seventh day for rest and receive pay for all public works, as was the case in former ages. And it was only through remonstrances from priests of various temples, that a general uprising was averted, or at least that work was continued.
At the same time Pentuer was struck by certain new phenomena which he had not observed a month earlier! first of all the people had divided into two parties. Some were partisans of the pharaoh and enemies of the priests; others were active against Phoenicians. Some proved that the priests ought to give the treasures of the labyrinth to the pharaoh; others whispered that the pharaoh afforded foreigners too much protection.
But strangest of all was a report of unknown origin that
Ramses XIII showed signs of insanity, like his elder brother, who for this cause had been excluded from succession. Priests, scribes, even common men discussed this report of insanity.
"Who told thee such a lie?" inquired Pentuer of an engineer.
"It is no lie," replied the engineer, "it is sad reality. In the Theban palaces they saw the pharaoh running naked through the gardens. One night he climbed a tree under the window of his mother's chamber, and spoke to her."
Pentuer assured the man that no longer than two weeks before he had seen Ramses in the best of health. He observed at once, however, that the engineer did not believe him.