This struggle for riches and splendor corrupts the hearts of the people, foreign luxury has given a deadly blow to the simple manners of our citizens, and many an Egyptian has been taught by the Greeks to scoff at the gods of his fathers.

Every day brings news of bloody strife between the Greek mercenaries and our native soldiery, between our own people and the strangers.

The shepherd and his flock are at variance; the wheels of the state machinery are grinding one another and thus the state itself, into total ruin.

This once, father, though never again, I must speak out clearly what is weighing on my heart.

While engaged in contending with the priests, thou hast seen with calmness the young might of Persia roll on from the East, consuming the nations on its way, and, like a devouring monster, growing more and more formidable from every fresh prey.