foolishness, I'll not threaten, I'll strike when the time comes, but
that is not yet. Can I speak with the Pharaoh?"

"No, Queen. He is up already giving audience to the nobles of Memphis,
and trying cases from the Lower Land with his Counsellors; until it is
time to start for this ceremony of the laying of the foundation-stone of
the temple, whither you accompany him in state. Also it is as well--by
to-night we may learn more. Come, let me set the crown upon your head
that these dogs of Memphis may know their mistress."



The ceremony proved very wearisome. First there was the long chariot
ride through the crowded, shouting streets, Pharaoh and Abi going in the
first chariot, and Tua, attended by Abi's eldest daughter, a round-eyed
lady much older than herself, in the second. Next came the office of
the priests of Amen, over which Neter-Tua as daughter of Amen and
high-priestess, must preside, to dedicate the temple to the glory of the
god. Then the foundation deposit of little vases of offerings and models
of workmen's tools, and a ring drawn from Pharaoh's hand engraved with
his royal name, were blessed and set by the masons in hollows prepared
for them, and the two great corner-stones let down, hiding them for
ever, and declared respectively by Pharaoh and by Neter-Tua, Morning
Star of Amen, Joint Sovereign of Egypt, to be well and truly laid.

Afterwards architects, those who "drew the line," exhibited plans of the
temple, and received gifts from Pharaoh, and when these things were done
came the mid-day feast and speeches.

At length all was over, and the great procession returned by another