"My father praises his ability, and writes that he, before all others, will have his choice at the dividing of the spoil." Nefert threw a triumphant glance at her mother, and Katuti drew a deep breath.
Bent-Anat stroked Nefert's cheeks like those of a child.

Then she turned to Katuti, led her into the garden, and begged her to aid her, who had so early lost her mother, with her advice in a weighty matter.
"My father," she continued, after a few introductory words, "informs me that the Regent Ani desires me for his wife, and advises me to reward the fidelity of the worthy man with my hand.

He advises it, you understand-he does not command." "And thou ?" asked Katuti.
"And I," replied Bent-Anat decidedly, "must refuse him." "Thou must!" Bent-Anat made a sign of assent and went on: "It is quite clear to me.

I can do nothing else." "Then thou dost not need my counsel, since even thy father, I well know, will not be able to alter thy decision." "Not God even," said Anat firmly.

"But you are Ani's friend, and as I esteem him, I would save him from this humiliation.