as one Mermes, who had married his own
half-sister, Asti, the enchantress. As was well known, this Mermes was
by right and true descent the last of that house of Pharaohs which had
filled the throne of Egypt until their line was cast down generations
before by the dynasty that now ruled the land, whereof the reigning
Pharaoh and his daughter Neter-Tua alone remained. A long while past, in
the early days of his reign, his council has whispered in Pharaoh's ear
that he should kill Mermes and his sister, lest a day should come when
they rebelled against him, proclaiming that they did so by right of
blood. But Pharaoh, who was gentle and hated murder, instead of slaying
Mermes sent for him and told him all.

Then Mermes, a noble-looking man as became the stock from which he
sprang, prostrated himself and said,

"O Pharaoh, why should you kill me? It has pleased the gods to debase
my House and to set up yours. Have I ever lifted up my heel against you
because my forefathers were kings, or plotted with the discontent to
overthrow you! See, I am satisfied with my station, which is that of a
noble and a soldier in your army. Therefore let me and my half-sister,
the wise lady Asti whom I purpose to marry, dwell on in peace as your
true and humble servants. Dip not your hands in our innocent blood,
O Pharaoh, lest the gods send a curse upon you and your House and our
ghosts come back from the grave to haunt you."

When Pharaoh heard these words, his heart was moved in him, and he
stretched out his sceptre for Mermes to kiss, thereby granting to him
life and protection.

"Mermes," he said, "you are an honourable man, and my equal in blood if
not in place. For their own purposes the gods raise up one and cast down
another that at last their ends may be fulfilled. I believe that you
will work no harm against me and mine, and, therefore, I will work no
harm against you and your sister Asti, Mistress of Magic. Rather shall
you be my friend and counsellor."

Then Pharaoh offered high rank and office to him, but Mermes would not
take them, answering that if he did, envy would be stirred up against
him, and in this way or that bring him to his death, since tall trees
are the first to fall. So in the end Pharaoh made Mermes Captain of the
Guard of Amen, and gave him land and houses enough to enable him to
live as a noble of good estate, but no more. Also he became a friend of
Pharaoh and one of his inner Council, to whose voice he al