drew a small, two-wheeled chariot, cased in bronze, and in each stood a
warrior and the driver of the team. Huge quivers were fastened to the
front of the chariots, and the soldiers leaned on their lances or on
gigantic bows. Shirts covered with brazen scales, or padded coats of
mail with gay overmantle, a helmet, and the front of the chariot
protected the warrior from the missiles of the foe. This troop, which
Joshua said was the van, went by at a slow trot and was followed by a
great number of carts and wagons, drawn by horses, mules, or oxen, as
well as whole troops of heavily-laden asses.

The uncle now pointed out to his nephew the long masts, poles, and heavy
rolls of costly stuffs intended for the royal tent, and borne by numerous
beasts of burden, as well as the asses and carts with the kitchen
utensils and field forges. Among the baggage heaped on the asses, which
were followed by nimble drivers, rode the physicians, tailors, salve-
makers, cooks, weavers of garlands, attendants, and slaves belonging to
the camp. Their departure had been so recent that they were still fresh
and inclined to jest, and whoever caught sight of the convicts, flung
them, in the Egyptian fashion, a caustic quip which many sought to
palliate by the gift of alms. Others, who said nothing, also sent by the
ass-drivers fruit and trifling gifts; for those who were free to-day
might share the fate of these hapless men to-morrow. The captain
permitted it, and when a passing slave, whom Joshua had sold for
thieving, shouted the name of Hosea, pointing to him with a malicious
gesture, the rough but kind-hearted officer offered his insulted prisoner
a sip of wine from his own flask.

Ephraim, who had walked from Succoth to Tanis with a staff in his hand,
and a small bundle containing bread, dried lamb, radishes, and dates,
expressed his amazement at the countless people and things a single man