route to the temple of Sekhet, where Pharaoh lodged, a very tedious
journey in the hot sun, since it involved a circuit of the endless walls
of Memphis, with stoppages before all the temples of the gods, at each
of which Pharaoh must make offerings. Nor, weary as he was, might he
rest, for in the outer court of the old shrine thrones had been set up
and seated on them he and Tua must hear petitions till sunset and give
judgment, or postpone them for further consideration.

At last there came to an end, but, as Pharaoh, tired out, rose from his
throne, Abi, his brother, who all this time had not left them, said that
he also had a private petition to prefer. So they went into an inner
court that had been a sanctuary, and sat down again, there being present
besides the scribes only Pharaoh, the Queen, some councillors, Mermes,
captain of the guard, and certain women of the royal household,
among them Asti, the Queen's nurse, and Merytra, Pharaoh's favourite
attendant. With Abi were his astrologer, Kaku, his two eldest sons, and
a few of the great officers of his government, also the high-priests of
the temples of Memphis, and three powerful chiefs of the Desert tribes.

"What is your prayer, my brother?" asked Pharaoh, as soon as the doors
were closed.

"A great one, your Majesties," answered the Prince, prostrating himself,
"which for the good of Egypt, and for your own good, and for my good,
who reverence you as a loyal subject, I pray that you will be pleased to
grant." Then he drew himself up and said slowly, "I am here to ask the
hand of the glorious Queen Neter-Tua, daughter of Amen, in marriage."

Now Pharaoh stared at him, while Tua, who knew well what was coming,
turned her head aside, and asked a councillor who stood near, if in the