"If there are any prayers said," the prince replied, "the Hebrews will say them. Mine exorcism will be harsher than formulas."
The rest of the company ceased their undertone and listened.
"Wilt thou tell us again what thou hast said, O Prince?" Kenkenes asked.
"Mine exorcism of the Hebrew sorcerer, Mesu, will be harsher than formulas. I shall not beseech the Israelites and it will avail them naught to beseech me."
"Thou art ominous, Light of Egypt," Kenkenes commented quietly. "Wilt thou open thy heart further and give us thy meaning?"
"Hast lived out of the world, O Son of Mentu? The exorcism will begin ere long. In this I give thee the history of Israel for the next few years and close it. I shall not fall heir to the Hebrews when I come to wear the crown of Egypt."
"Are they to be sent forth?" Kenkenes asked in a low tone.
Rameses laughed shortly.
"Thou art not versed in the innuendoes of court-talk, my Kenkenes.
Nay, they die in Egypt and fertilize the soil."
"It will raise a Set-given uproar, Rameses," Menes broke in with meek conviction; "and as thou hast said—to the king, the credit—to his advisers, the blame."