deviated from the exact truth even in jest. Take the lesson to heart,
Mernephtah--you, Rameri, take back your sword, and, believe me, life
brings us so many real causes of vexation, that it is well to learn early
to pass lightly over little things if you do not wish to become a surly
fellow like the pioneer Paaker; and that seems far from likely with a
gay, reckless temper like yours. Now shake hands with each other."

The young princes went up to each other, and Rameri fell on his brother's
neck and kissed him. The king stroked their heads. "Now go in peace,"
he said, "and to-morrow you shall both strive to win a fresh mark of
honor."

When his sons had left the tent, Rameses turned to his charioteer and
said: "I have to speak to you too before the battle. I can read your
soul through your eyes, and it seems to me that things have gone wrong
with you since the keeper of your stud arrived here. What has happened
in Thebes?" Mena looked frankly, but sadly at the king:

"My mother-in-law Katuti," he said, "is managing my estate very badly,
pledging the land, and selling the cattle."

"That can be remedied," said Rameses kindly. "You know I promised to
grant you the fulfilment of a wish, if Nefert trusted you as perfectly as
you believe. But it appears to me as if something more nearly concerning
you than this were wrong, for I never knew you anxious about money and
lands. Speak openly! you know I am your father, and the heart and the
eye of the man who guides my horses in battle, must be open without
reserve to my gaze."

Mena kissed the king's robe; then he said: