"High priests, nomarchs, and leaders," began Herhor. "We have assembled here on sad and important business. With the death of the eternally living Ramses XIII, whose short and stormy reign ended in a manner so unfortunate "Here Herhor sighed.
"With Ramses XIII perished not only a pharaoh, but the twentieth dynasty, which was full of glory."
Among those present rose a murmur.
"The dynasty has not ended," interrupted the powerful nomarch of Memphis, almost harshly. "The worthy Queen Niort's is still living, therefore the throne belongs to her."
After a time Herhor answered: "My most worthy consort, Queen Niort's."
Now in the assembly was heard, not a murmur, but a cry, and it lasted a number of minutes. When it ceased Herhor continued calmly and with emphasis:
"My most worthy consort, Queen Niort's, inconsolable through sorrow for her son, has abdicated the throne."
"Permit!" exclaimed the nomarch of Memphis. "The most worthy viceroy has called the queen his consort. This intelligence is entirely new, and, first of all it must be verified."
At a sign from Herhor the judge of Thebes drew out an act concluded two
days before between the most worthy high priest of Amon, San-Amen-
Herhor, and Queen Niort's, widow of Ramses XII, and mother of Ramses
XIII.
After this explanation came a grave-like silence. Herhor began again,