"That proves," replied the pharaoh, "that there are traitors in the palace. But they are not very dangerous if they are able only to defile water and turn statues back forward."
"All our servants," continued the queen, "all the people are convinced that if thy army enters the temples, great misfortune will fall upon Egypt."
"A greater misfortune," said the pharaoh, "is the insolence of the priesthood. Admitted by my ever-living father to the palace, they think today that they have become its owners. But by the gods, what shall I become at last in presence of their all-mightiness? And shall I not be free to claim my rights as a sovereign?"
"At least at least," said the lady after a while, "be gracious. Yes, Thou must claim thy rights, but do not permit thy soldiers to violate holy places and do injustice to the priesthood. Remember that the gracious gods send down delight on Egypt, and the priests in spite of their errors (who is without them) have rendered incomparable services to this country. Only think, if Thou shouldest impoverish and dismiss them, Thou wouldst destroy wisdom which has raised our kingdom above all others."
The pharaoh took his mother by both hands, kissed her, and replied, smiling,
"Women must always exaggerate. Thou art speaking to me, mother, as if I were the chief of wild Hyksos, and not a pharaoh. Do I wish injustice to the priests? Do I hate their wisdom, even such barren wisdom as that of investigating the course of the stars which move in the heavens without our aid, and do not enrich us one uten? Neither their wisdom nor their piety troubles me, but the wretchedness of Egypt, which within is growing weak from hunger, and without is afraid of any threat from Assyria. Meanwhile the priests, in spite of their wisdom, not merely do not wish to help me in my measures, but they present resistance in the most dangerous manner.
"Let me, mother, convince them that not they, but I am the master of my own heritage. I should not be able to take revenge on the submissive, but I will trample on the necks of the insolent.
"They know this, but still do not trust, and with a lack of real power they wish to frighten me by declaring some misfortune. That is their last resource and weapon. When they understand that I do not fear their terrors they will submit. And then not a stone will fall from their temples, or one ring be lost from their treasures.
"I know those men! Today they put on a great front, for I am far from them. But when I stretch out a bronze fist they will fall on their faces, and all this confusion will end in general prosperity and contentment."
The queen embraced his feet and went out comforted, imploring him, however, to respect the gods and spare their servants.