Though but just past midday, gloom increased. In the gardens of the temple the cocks began to crow. But the rage of the throng was so great now that few noticed the change.
"Look ye!" cried some beggar. "Behold the day of judgment is coming O gods."
He wished to speak on, but struck on the head by a club he fell prostrate.
On the walls of the temple naked but armed figures began to climb up. Officers called the warriors to arms, certain that soon they would have to support the attack of the multitude.
"What does this mean?" whispered warriors, looking at the sky. "There is not a cloud, still the world looks as it does in the time of a tempest."
"Strike! break!" shouted men near the temple.
The sound of beams was more and more frequent.
At that moment on the terrace above the gate appeared Herhor. He was surrounded by a retinue of priests and civil dignitaries. The most worthy high priest was in a golden robe, and wore the cap of Amenhotep with its regal serpent.
Herhor looked at the enormous masses of people who surrounded the temple, and bending toward the band of stormers, he said to them,
"Whoever ye are, right believers or unbelievers, leave this temple in peace, in the name of the gods I summon you."