eak on!" said the pharaoh. But it was impossible to learn
from his face whether his curiosity was roused by the description, or
he was indignant at the untruth of the Phoenician.

"In those countries," continued Hiram, "are pearls, precious stones,
gold, copper; in those countries grow the most curious grains, flowers,
and fruits; finally they have forests where a man might wander whole
months among trees thicker than the columns in the temples of Egypt and
taller than palms. The inhabitants of those countries are mild and
simple. And, holiness, if Thou wouldst send thither two regiments on
ships, Thou wouldst be able to win an area of land larger than Egypt,
richer than the treasures of the labyrinth. If Thou permit, I will send
thee to-morrow specimens of the woven stuffs of those regions, with
bronzes and woods from them. I will send also two grains of a wondrous
balsam from those countries; if a man swallows this balsam, it opens
the gates of eternity before him, and he experiences the happiness
which falls to divinities only."

"I beg thee to send specimens of the stuffs, and the utensils. As to
the balsam, never mind! We shall enjoy eternity and the gods without it
sufficiently after death."

"But far, very far east of Assyria," added Hiram, "lie still greater
countries, countries which have two hundred millions of inhabitants."

"How easy millions come to you Phoenicians," laughed Ramses.

Hiram placed his baud on his heart.

"I swear," said he, "by the souls of my ancestors, and by my honor that
I am telling truth."

The pharaoh was moved; such a great oath arrested his attention.

"Speak on speak!" said he.

"These last lands," continued the Phoenician, "are very wonderful. They
are inhabited by people with yellow skin and sloping eyes. Those people
have a sovereign who is called the Son of Heaven, and he governs
through sages, who are not priests, however, and have not such power as
priests have in Egypt. Still those people are like the Egyptians. They
honor dead ancestors and take great care of their remains. They use
writing which calls to mind the writing of Egyptian priests. But they
wear long robes of such stuffs as are unknown in this country; they
have sandals which are like little benches, and they cover their heads
with pointed boxes. The roofs of their houses are pointed too at the
top, and are turned up at the edges.

"Those uncommon people have a grain which is more plentiful than
Egypt