That man is the mortal foe of the Egyptians, the bare thought of him stirs my gall." "The cries of the wailing women behind this door admonish us loudly enough to hate him." "Yet the weakling on the throne has forgotten vengeance, and is now sending Hosea on an errand of reconciliation." "With your sanction, I think ?" "Ay," replied the priest with a mocking smile.

"We send him to build a bridge! Oh, this bridge! A grey-beard's withered brain recommends it to be thrown across the stream, and the idea just suits this pitiful son of a great father, who would certainly never have shunned swimming through the wildest whirlpool, especially when revenge was to be sought.

Let Hosea essay the bridge! If it leads him back across the stream to us, I will offer him a right warm and cordial welcome; but as soon as this one man stands on our shores, may its supports sink under the leaders of his people; we, the only brave souls in Egypt, must see to that." "So be it.

Yet I fear we shall lose the chief, too, if justice overtakes his people." "It might almost seem so." "You have greater wisdom than I." "Yet here you believe me in error." "How could I venture to...." "As a member of the military council you are entitled to your own opinion, and I consider myself bound to show you the end of the path along which you have hitherto followed us with blindfold eyes.

So listen, and judge accordingly when your turn comes to speak in the council.