"Ah! Where is that man who is skilled in my fate?"
"He fled to Memphis," replied the lady.
Ramses thought a while, then he said, smiling,
"As the Libyans at the Soda Lakes hurled missiles at us, the priests hurl threats today. Be calm, mother! Talk is less dangerous than stones and arrows."
From Memphis a new courier rushed in with a report that all was well, but still the main band was not ready.
On the comely face of the pharaoh appeared signs of anger. Wishing to calm the sovereign, Tutmosis said to him,
"The people are not an army. They know not how to assemble at a given hour; while marching they stretch out like a swamp, and obey no commands. If the occupation of the temples were committed to regiments they would be in possession at present."
"What art Thou saying, Tutmosis?" cried the queen. "Where has any one heard of Egyptian troops."
"Thou hast forgotten," interrupted Ramses, "that according to my commands the troops were not to attack, but defend the temples from attacks of the people."
"Action is delayed through this also," answered Tutmosis, impatiently.