He was a Hebrew. His draperies were loose, voluminous, heavily fringed, and of such silky texture of linen that they flowed in the light wind. His head was covered with a wide kerchief, which was bound with a cord, and hid the forehead.
He was of good stature and upright, but his drapings were so ample that the structure of his frame was not discernible. His eyes were black, bright and young in their alertness, but the beard that rippled over his breast to his girdle was as white as the foam of the Middle Sea.
The Hebrew walked in the grass by the roadside and came on, his face expectant. At sight of the prince he stepped into the roadway. Seti drew up.
"Thou art Seti-Meneptah?" the ancient wayfarer asked.
"Even so," the prince answered.
The Hebrew put back his kerchief and stood uncovered.
"Dost thou know me, my son?" he asked.
"Thou art that Aaron, of the able tongue, brother to Mesu. Camest thou forth to meet me?"
The Hebrew readjusted the kerchief.
"Thou hast said."