Bakenkhonsu my friend, the old prophet who served under the first Seti and died but the other day, having lived a hundred and twenty years, told me that he knew her before she was married, and that she and her descendant, Seti, might have been twins.
In his hand the Prince held an open roll, a very ancient writing as I, who am skilled in such matters that have to do with my trade, knew from its appearance.

Lifting his eyes suddenly from the study of this roll, he saw the chamberlain standing before him.
"You came at a good time, Pambasa," he said in a voice that was very soft and pleasant, and yet most manlike.

"You are old and doubtless wise.

Say, are you wise, Pambasa ?" "Yes, your Highness.

I am wise like your Highness's uncle, Khaemuas the mighty magician, whose sandals I used to clean when I was young." "Is it so?
Then why are you so careful to hide your wisdom which should be open like a flower for us poor bees to suck at?
Well, I am glad to learn that you are wise, for in this book of magic that I have been reading I find problems worthy of Khaemuas the departed, whom I only remember as a brooding, black-browed man much like my cousin, Amenmeses his son--save that no one can call Amenmeses wise." "Why is your Highness glad ?" "Because you, being by your own account his equal, can now interpret the matter as Khaemuas would have done.