pastophori with the standards, the images of the Gods, and the flocks and
herds for sacrifice. Only think, even the North has sent representatives
to the feast, as if my father were here. I know all the different signs
on the standards. Do you recognize the images of the king's ancestors,
Nefert? No? no more do I; but it seemed to me that Ahmes I., who
expelled the Hyksos--from whom our grandmother was descended--headed the
procession, and not my grandfather Seti, as he should have done. Here
come the soldiers; they are the legions which Ani equipped, and who
returned victorious from Ethiopia only last night. How the people cheer
them! and indeed they have behaved valiantly. Only think, Bent-Anat and
Nefert, what it will be when my father comes home, with a hundred captive
princes, who will humbly follow his chariot, which your Mena will drive,
with our brothers and all the nobles of the land, and the guards in their
splendid chariots."

"They do not think of returning yet!" sighed Nefert. While more and
more troops of the Regent's soldiers, more companies of musicians, and
rare animals, followed in procession, the festal bark of Amon started
from the shore.

It was a large and gorgeous barge of wood, polished all over and overlaid
with gold, and its edge was decorated with glittering glass-beads, which
imitated rubies and emeralds; the masts and yards were gilt, and purple
sails floated from them. The seats for the priests were of ivory, and
garlands of lilies and roses hung round the vessel, from its masts and
ropes.

The Regent's Nile-boat was not less splendid; the wood-work shone with
gilding, the cabin was furnished with gay Babylonian carpets; a lion's-
head formed the prow, as formerly in Hatasu's sea-going vessels, and two