"But for my sake she had risked the honor of her name, and that of her royal father, and I--I should not have risked my life and freedom for--" "We have heard enough," interrupted Ameni.
"Not so," the Regent interposed.

"What became of the girl you had saved ?" "An old witch, Hekt by name, a neighbor of Pinem's, took her and her grandmother into her cave," answered the poet; who was then, by the high-priest's order, taken back to the temple-prison.
Scarcely had he disappeared when the Regent exclaimed: "A dangerous man! an enthusiast! an ardent worshipper of Rameses!" "And of his daughter," laughed Ameni, but only a worshipper.

Thou hast nothing to fear from him--I will answer for the purity of his motives." "But he is handsome and of powerful speech," replied Ani.

"I claim him as my prisoner, for he has killed one of my soldiers." Ameni's countenance darkened, and he answered very sternly: "It is the exclusive right of our conclave, as established by our charter, to judge any member of this fraternity.

You, the future king, have freely promised to secure our privileges to us, the champions of your own ancient and sacred rights." "And you shall have them," answered the Regent with a persuasive smile.
"But this man is dangerous, and you would not have him go unpunished." "He shall be severely judged," said Ameni, "but by us and in this house." "He has committed murder!" cried Ani.