“Say on,” muttered Meneptah.

“Pharaoh, having your leave, I tell you that I think you have done a very evil work this day, one that is unpleasing to those Powers which rule the world, whoever and whatsoever they may be, one too that will bring upon Egypt sorrows countless as the sand.  I believe that these Hebrews whom you unjustly seek to slay worship a god as great or greater than our own, and that they and he will triumph over Egypt.  I believe also that the mighty heritage which you have taken from me will bring neither joy nor honour to him by whom it has been received.”

Here Amenmeses started forward, but Meneptah held up his hand, and he was silent.

“I believe, Pharaoh—­alas! that I must say it—­that your days on earth are few and that for the last time we look on each other living.  Farewell, Pharaoh my father, whom still I love mayhap more in this hour of parting than ever I did before.  Farewell, Amenmeses, Prince of Egypt.  Take from me this ornament which henceforth should be worn by you only,” and lifting from his headdress that royal circlet which marks the heir to the throne, he held it to Amenmeses, who took it and, with a smile of triumph, set it on his brow.

“Farewell, Lords and Councillors; it is my hope that in yonder prince you will find a master more to your liking that ever I could have been.  Come, Ana, my friend, if it still pleases you to cling to me for a little while, now that I have nothing left to give.”

For a few moments he stood still looking very earnestly at his father, who looked back at him with tears in his deep-set, faded eyes.

Then, though whether this was by chance I cannot say, taking no note of the Princess Userti, who gazed at him perplexed and wrathful, Seti drew himself up and cried in the ancient form: 

“Life!  Blood!  Strength!  Pharaoh!  Pharaoh!  Pharaoh!” and bowed almost to the ground.

Meneptah heard.  Muttering beneath his breath, “Oh!  Seti, my son, my most beloved son!” he stretched out his arms as though to call him back or perhaps to clasp him.  As he did so I saw his face change.  Next instant he fell forward to the ground and lay there still.  All the company stood struck with horror, only the royal physician ran to him, while Roi and others who were priests began to mutter prayers.

“Has the good god been gathered to Osiris?” asked Amenmeses presently in a hoarse voice, “because if it be so, I am Pharaoh.”

“Nay, Amenmeses,” exclaimed Userti, “the decrees have not yet been sealed or promulgated.  They have neither strength nor weight.”

Before he could answer the physician cried: 

“Peace!  Pharaoh still lives, his heart beats.  This is but a fit which may pass.  Begone, every one, he must have quiet.”

So we went, but first Seti knelt down and kissed his father on the brow.

An hour later the Princess Userti broke into the room of his palace where the Prince and I were talking.