For a time he seemed lost in an ecstatic vision, as if the present had faded from his sight.
Then he said, “This moment is worth all the toil and waiting.”
He raised his voice, which every moment became more vigorous, and, speaking to the assembly, said—
“Rejoice, my sons, with me.”
He looked at the faces of Thoth’s companions, and suddenly his face darkened.
“Why look ye so amazed, weaklings? Feeble and childish ye seem compared with your fathers.” He turned to Thoth. “Thou seemest indeed my son. Surely it is not possible that my strict commands as to life and death have not been obeyed? Speak,” he hissed—“are these the best of thy generation?” for they trembled and looked foolish.
Then Thoth knew that the moment of trial had come, and he said with courage and simplicity, and speaking as if to an equal—
“These, oh king, are the best of thy race of my generation, and all are born of unions such as thou didst ordain. Know, also, that their children are still more weak and feeble, and that thy royal race appears to be threatened with destruction.”
The monarch grew pale with anger, and said—
“My rules have not been followed. Some traitor has been a victim to the guile of woman.”