tten the words of Ramses the
Great: 'The yellow people are more numerous than we and they are
richer; let us act against them, lest they grow too powerful, but let
us act carefully.' I do not think, therefore, that a girl of that
people is the one to be first mistress of the heir to the throne."

"Can the words of Ramses the Great apply to the daughter of a poor
tenant?" asked the prince. "Besides, where are the Jews? Three
centuries ago they left Egypt, and today they form a little state,
ridiculous and priest-governed."

"I see," answered the worthy lady, frowning slightly, "that thy
mistress is not losing time. Be careful, Ramses; remember, that their
leader was Messu (Moses), that traitor priest whom we curse to this day
in our temples. Remember that the Jews bore away out of Egypt more
treasures than the labor of their few generations was worth to us; they
took with them not only gold, but the faith in one god, and our sacred
laws, which they give out today as their own faith and laws. Last of
all, know this," added she, with great emphasis, "that the daughters of
that people prefer death to the bed of a foreigner. And if they give
themselves even to hostile leaders, it is to use them for their policy
or to kill them."

"Believe me, mother, that it is our priests who spread all these
reports. They will not admit to the footstool of the throne people of
another faith lest those people might serve the pharaoh in opposition
to their order."

The queen rose from the armchair, and crossing her arms on her breast,
gazed at her son with amazement.

"What they tell me is true then, Thou art an enemy of our priests.
Thou, their favorite pupil!"

"I must have the traces of their canes to this day on my shoulders,"
said Ramses.

"But thy grandfather and my father, Amenhotep, was a high priest, and
possessed extensive power in this country."

"Just because my grandfather was a pharaoh, and my father is a pharaoh
also, I cannot endure the rule of Herhor."

"He was brought to his position by thy grandfather, the holy
Amenhotep."

"And I will cast him down from it."

The mother shrugged her shoulders.

"And it is thou," answered she, with sadness, "who wishest to lead a
corps? But Thou art a spoiled girl, not a man and a leader."

"How is that?" interrupted the prince, restraining himself with
difficulty from an outburst.

"I cannot recognize my own son. I do not see in thee the future lord of
Egypt. The dyna