For our part we held intercourse with as many as we pleased, since few forgot that Seti was by blood the Prince of Egypt, that is, a man almost half divine, and all were eager to visit him.  Also he was much beloved for his own sake and more particularly by the poor, whose wants it was his delight to relieve to the full limit of his wealth.  Thus it came about that whenever he went abroad, although against his will, he was received with honours and homage that were almost royal, for though Pharaoh could rob him of the Crown he could not empty his veins of the blood of kings.

It was on this account that I feared for his safety, since I was sure that through his spies Amenmeses knew all and would grow jealous of a dethroned prince who was still so much adored by those over whom of right he should have ruled.  I told Seti of my doubts and that when he travelled the streets he should be guarded by armed men.  But he only laughed and answered that, as the Hebrews had failed to kill him, he did not think that any others would succeed.  Moreover he believed there were no Egyptians in the land who would lift a sword against him, or put poison in his drink, whoever bade them.  Also he added these words: 

“The best way to escape death is to have no fear of death, for then Osiris shuns us.”

Now I must tell of the happenings at Tanis.  Pharaoh Meneptah lingered but a few hours and never found his mind again before his spirit flew to Heaven.  Then there was great mourning in the land, for, if he was not loved, Meneptah was honoured and feared.  Only among the Israelites there was open rejoicing, because he had been their enemy and their prophets had foretold that death was near to him.  They gave it out that he had been smitten of their God, which caused the Egyptians to hate them more than ever.  There was doubt, too, and bewilderment in Egypt, for though his proclamation disinheriting the Prince Seti had been published abroad, the people, and especially those who dwelt in the south, could not understand why this should have been done over a matter of the shepherd slaves who dwelt in Goshen.  Indeed, had the Prince but held up his hand, tens of thousands would have rallied to his standard.  Yet this he refused to do, which astonished all the world, who thought it marvellous that any man should refuse a throne which would have lifted him almost to the level of the gods.  Indeed, to avoid their importunities he had set out at once for Memphis, and there remained hidden away during the period of mourning for his father.  So it came about that Amenmeses succeeded with none to say him nay, since without her husband Userti could not or would not act.