Yet.... why then did you return to Tanis? Why did you put yourself into
Pharaoh's power?"

"Because a sacred oath compelled me, poor child," he answered kindly.

"An oath," she cried, "which places death and imprisonment between you
and those whom you love and still desire to serve. Oh, would that you
had never returned to this abode of injustice, treachery, and
ingratitude! To how many hearts this vow will bring grief and tears!
But what do you men care for the suffering you inflict on others? You
have spoiled all the pleasure of life for my hapless self, and among your
own people dwells a noble father whose only son you are. How often I
have seen the dear old man, the stately figure with sparkling eyes and
snow-white hair. So would you look when you, too, had reached a ripe old
age, as I said to myself, when I met him at the harbor, or in the fore-
court of the palace, directing the shepherds who were driving the cattle
and fleecy sheep to the tax-receiver's table. And now his son's
obstinacy must embitter every day of his old age."

"Now," replied Joshua, "he has a son who is going, laden with chains, to
endure a life of misery, but who can hold his head higher than those who
betrayed him. They, and Pharaoh at their head, have forgotten that he
has shed his heart's blood for them on many a battlefield, and kept faith
with the king at every peril. Menephtah, his vice-roy and chief, whose
life I saved, and many who formerly called me friend, have abandoned and
hurled me and this guiltless boy into wretchedness, but those who have
done this, woman, who have committed this crime, may they all. . . ."

"Do not curse them!" interrupted Kasana with glowing cheeks.