"A betrothal is sacred." [In the demotic papyrus preserved at Bulaq (novel by Setnau) first treated by H.Brugsch, the following words occur: "Is it not the law, which unites one to another ?" Betrothed brides are mentioned, for instance on the sarcophagus of Unnefer at Bulaq.] "Paaker," replied Septah, "was attached with all the strength of his ungoverned but passionate and faithful heart to his cousin Nefert, the sweetest maid in Thebes, the daughter of Katuti, his mother's sister; and she was promised to him to wife.

Then his father, whom he accompanied on his marches, was mortally wounded in Syria.

The king stood by his death-bed, and granting his last request, invested his son with his rank and office: Paaker brought the mummy of his father home to Thebes, gave him princely interment, and then before the time of mourning was over, hastened back to Syria, where, while the king returned to Egypt, it was his duty to reconnoitre the new possessions.

At last he could quit the scene of war with the hope of marrying Nefert.

He rode his horse to death the sooner to reach the goal of his desires; but when he reached Tanis, the city of Rameses, the news met him that his affianced cousin had been given to another, the handsomest and bravest man in Thebes--the noble Mena.