"You and I, prince, when the queen, my aunt, has departed to the shades of the realm of Osiris, will divide Egypt between us. I will be content with the Thebaïd country, and will defend your borders on that side. Two crowns are too much for one man's head, albeit you have a large one upon your shoulders!"
"Prince Mœris," said Remeses, with a look of indignation, "forget not yourself in my mother's palace!"
Thus speaking, the son of Amense rose from the table, and I followed him to the portico which overlooked the gardens.
"That man, Sesostris," said he to me, after a moment's silence, "would not hesitate to conspire to the whole throne and both crowns of Egypt, if he were hopeful of success."
"He is a man of an evil eye," I said.
"And heart! But he must not be incensed. He is powerful, and as wicked as powerful. In a few days he will be on his way to Upper Egypt; and in this war with Ethiopia, will find an outlet for his restless ambition."
"Suppose (the gods guarding your gracious mother, the queen) you should come to the throne; what, Remeses, would you do with or for your cousin, your father's nephew? Would you suffer so dangerous a man to hold the viceroyalty of Upper Nile?"
"I should wear both crowns, Sesostris," answered Remeses, quietly and steadily.
While we were thus conversing, a Hebrew page came, and said:
"My lord prince, her majesty is taken ill, and desires to have you come to her."