Yet, my friends, it is evil that the safe and lawful government of Egypt should hang on one frail life.

Therefore this is the toast to which I drink--that the Queen Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, Hathor Strong in Beauty, who has rejected so many suitors, may before she departs from among us, find one to her liking, some husband of royal blood, skilled in the art of rule, whose strength and knowledge may serve to support her woman's weakness and inexperience in that sad hour when she finds herself alone." Now the audience, who well understood the inner meaning and objects of this speech, rose and cheered furiously, as they had been schooled to do, emptying their cups to Pharaoh and to Tua and shouting: "We know the man.

Take him, glorious Queen, take him, Daughter of Amen, and reign for ever." "What do they mean ?" muttered Pharaoh, "I do not understand.

Thank them, my daughter, my voice is weak, and let us begone." So Tua rose when at length there was silence and, looking round her with flashing eyes, said in her clear voice that reached the furthest recesses of the hall: "The Pharaoh, my father, and I, the Queen of the Upper and the Lower Lands, return thanks to you, our people of this city, for your loyal greetings.

But as for the words that the Prince Abi has spoken, we understand them not.