But what had come to the Queen? Was she for all her soldierly bearing a wilful woman? Surely no other motive could have so changed the current of her purpose! surely it was that which made her happening by chance to look into the General’s eyes to say:
“Child, child, hold thy peace! It is the great King’s will that Israel shall not go, but go on to bitterer bondage, to a more intense servitude.” “But, my mother, listen!” cried the child, “he said go, and not go on.” It was then Miriam entered and Hatsu turned wearily to her saying: “Take him hence. His ceaseless prattle disturbs the Monarch’s great thought.”
It was some power, mightier than man, that made the silent, gentle Miriam answer: “My Queen, fail not to remember, that out of the mouths of babes comes perfect wisdom, God’s own truth! Thy son is a prophet! Listen to his plea ere it be too late! for the wrath of Jehovah, when it is kindled, does not quench till His will is done! The wrath of the God of Israel shall ere long darken this land! Hark, ye! has all your years of binding broken our strength? Our children wax strong! our cattle multiply! Listen to wisdom ere it be too late! listen to the great King’s counsel! and let Israel go!” Then in the profound stillness, she stretched out her hand to the child, who, disentangling his other hand with much effort from his father (who was only stayed from following in obedience to some whispered words of the Queen), the two departed.
CHAPTER IV.
Then it was that Hatsu spoke. “Bring in the prophets of Israel,” she said, “that they may hear the King’s decree and so waste no more time in idle hoping.”
And into the apartment were ushered two men.
Both were far past middle life. One was small and thin, with pinched features and bright, gray eyes; the other was tall and grandly formed, and both were in the garb of shepherds.
They stood two mute figures before the chair of Tothmes the Second, and although it was the custom of the age to bend low the knee before sovereignty, neither man did aught save to wait his bidding.
It was the Princess Hatsu who addressed them.