"I do not know that he is a maniac," answered Herhor, "but he is very dangerous in every case. Already Assyria has reminded us twice of the last treaty, and is beginning, I hear, to be alarmed at the arming of Egypt."
"That is of less importance," said Mefres; "there is something worse, for this godless man is thinking to violate the treasure of the labyrinth."
"But I should consider," said the nomarch of Emsuch, "that his promises to the people are the worst. Our income and that of the state will be shattered if the common people are idle one day in seven. But if the pharaoh gives them land in addition?"
"He is ready to do that," said the chief judge in a whisper.
"Is he ready?" asked the nomarch of Horti. "It seems to me that he merely wants money. If we should give him something from the labyrinth."
"Impossible," interrupted Herhor. "The state is not threatened by danger, but the pharaoh is, and that is not the same question. I repeat that as a dam is strong only while it is not penetrated by the tiniest stream of water, so the labyrinth is full till we touch the first block of gold in it. After that, all will go. Finally, whom do we strengthen by the treasures of the gods and of Egypt? This young man who despises religion, belittles priests, and disturbs the people. Is he not worse than Assar? Assar is a barbarian, but he does not harm us."
"It is improper for the pharaoh to pay court to his favorite's wife so openly on the very day of the marriage," said the judge, thoughtfully.
"Hebron herself entices him," said the nomarch of Horti.
"All women entice men," answered the nomarch of Emsuch. "Sense, however, is given a man to avoid sin."
"But is not the pharaoh husband to all the women of Egypt?" whispered the nomarch of Abs. "Moreover, sin is under the judgment of the gods, while we are occupied only with Egypt."