I am built strong; my children are many; my house is built upon a rock;
the army trusts me; the millions of the people love me. Take me then to
rule with you and in the hearing of all the earth name me and my sons
as your successors, so that our royal race may continue for generation
after generation. So shall you end your days in peace and hope. I have
spoken."

Now, as the meaning of this bold request sank into their hearts, all the
court there gathered gasped and whispered, while the Queen Ahura in her
anger crushed the lotus flower which she held in her hand and cast it to
the floor. Only Pharaoh sat still and silent, his head bent and his eyes
shut as though in prayer. For a minute or more he sat thus, and when he
lifted his pale, pure face, there was a smile upon it.

"Abi, my brother," he said in his gentle voice, "listen to me. There are
those who filled this throne before me, who on hearing such words would
have pointed to you with their sceptres, whereon, Abi, those lips of
yours would have grown still for ever, and you and your name and the
names of all your House would have been blotted out by death. But, Abi,
you were ever bold, and I forgive you for laying open the thoughts of
your heart to me. Still, Abi, you have not told us all of them. You have
not told us, for instance," he went on slowly, and in the midst of an
intense silence, "that but last night you debated whether it would not
be possible with that guard of yours to break into my palace and put me
to the sword and name yourself Pharaoh--by right of blood, Abi; yes, by
right of blood--my blood shed by you, my brother."

As these words left the royal lips a tumult arose in the hall, the women
and the great officers sprang up, the captains stepped forward drawing
their swords to avenge so horrible a sacrilege. But Pharaoh waved his