Ramses XIII confided to Tutmosis the package of letters of Herhor to
Assyria, and said in a solemn voice,
"Till the rebellion of the priests is suppressed, I place my power in the person of Tutmosis, commander of the guards. And do ye listen to him, and do thou, worthy mother, go with thy judgments to him?"
"Wisely and justly has the sovereign acted!" exclaimed the chief scribe. "It does not become a pharaoh to struggle with sedition, and a lack of firm rule might destroy us."
All the dignitaries inclined before Tutmosis. Queen Niort's fell at her son's feet.
Tutmosis, in company with the generals, went out to the court. He commanded the first regiment of the guard to form, and said,
"I need 'a few tens of men who are ready to die for the glory of our lord."
More presented themselves, both men and officers, than were needed, and at the head of them Eunana.
"Are ye prepared for death?" inquired Tutmosis.
"We will die with thee, lord, for his holiness!" exclaimed Eunana.
"Ye will not die, but ye will overcome vile criminals," replied
Tutmosis. "Soldiers belonging to this expedition will become officers,
and officers will be advanced two degrees. I say this to you, I,
Tutmosis, supreme chief by the will of the pharaoh."