which it is sunk and write my name large upon the books of history,
which I could only do by taking Pharaoh's heir to husband, as is my
duty."

She brooded a while, then added, "Now I have shown you all my thought.
Whether I have been wise to do so the gods know alone and time will tell
me."

"Princess," I said, "I thank you for trusting me and I will help you if
I may. Yet I am troubled. I, a humble man if of good blood, who a
little while ago was but a scribe and a student, a dreamer who had
known trouble also, have suddenly by chance, or some divine decree, been
lifted high in the favour of the heir of Egypt, and it would seem have
even won your trust. Now I wonder how I shall bear myself in this new
place which in truth I never sought."

"I do not know, who find the present and its troubles enough to carry.
But, doubtless, the decree of which you speak that set you there has
also written down what will be the end of all. Meanwhile, I have a gift
for you. Say, Scribe, have you ever handled any weapon besides a pen?"

"Yes, your Highness, as a lad I was skilled in sword play. Moreover,
though I do not love war and bloodshed, some years ago I fought in the
great battle between the Ninebow Barbarians, when Pharaoh called upon
the young men of Memphis to do their part. With my own hands I slew two
in fair fight, though one nearly brought me to my end," and I pointed
to a scar which showed red through my grey hair where a spear had bitten
deep.

"It is well, or so I think, who love soldiers better than stainers of