This afternoon you could not have gone, had you tried, but to-night, Abi, being a prisoner, his people are dismayed, and having no leader will open the gates.

By to-morrow one may be found, and they will be double-barred and guarded." "What!" asked the King scornfully, "do you mean that I am a prisoner also, and here in Egypt, which I rule?
Nay, good friends, at Pharaoh's word those gates will open.

Or if they do not, I will pull down Memphis stone by stone, and drive out its people to share their caves with jackals.

Do they think because I am kind and gentle, that I cannot lift the sword if there be need?
Have they forgotten how I smote those rebels in my youth, and gave their cities to the flames, and set my yoke on Syria, that aided them.

We march to-morrow, and not before.