At the same time a number of the best riders were sent to Memphis.
The generals took their places at the head of the columns, the pharaoh walked through the court thoughtfully, the civilians whispered with Hiram; Queen Niort's, left alone in the chamber, fell on her face before the statue of Osiris.
It was after one. The light of the sun began to lessen.
"Will night come in fact?" asked the pharaoh of Pentuer.
"It will come, but during a very short interval."
"Where will the sun be?"
"It will hide behind the moon."
"I must restore to my favor the sages who investigate stars," said the pharaoh to himself.
The darkness increased quickly. The horses of the Asiatics grew restive, flocks of birds flew into the garden, and occupied all the trees, with noisy twitter.
"Rouse up!" cried Kalippos to the Greeks.