frankly that I had stolen the ancient White Seal from the King's
servant who carried it as a warrant for the King's private vengeance
on one who had bested him. How I did not mention. I told them also of
the state of the Great King's empire and that I had heard that he was
about to enter upon a war with the Greeks which would need all its
strength, and that therefore if they wished to strike for liberty the
time was at hand.

Then the talk began and lasted for two hours, each man giving his
judgment according to precedence, some one way and some another. When
all had done and it became clear that there were differences of
opinion, some being content to live on in slavery with what remained
to them and others desiring to strike for freedom, among whom were the
high priests who feared lest the Eastern heretics should utterly
destroy their worship, Peroa spoke once more.

"Elders of Egypt," he said briefly, "certain of you think one way, and
certain another, but of this be sure, such talk as we have held
together cannot be hid. It will come to the ears of spies and through
them to those of the Great King, and then all of us alike are doomed.
If you refuse to stir, this very day I with my family and household
and the Royal Lady Amada, and all who cling to me, fly to Upper Egypt
and perhaps beyond it to Ethiopia, leaving you to deal with the Great
King, as you will, or to follow me into exile. That he will attack us
there is no doubt, either over the pretext of Amada or some other,
since Shabaka has heard as much from his own lips. Now choose."

Then, after a little whispering together, every man of them voted for
rebellion, though some of them I could see with heavy hearts, and
bound themselves by a great oath to cling together to the last.