Captains, command that my armies be made ready, and let them assemble here at Tanis that I myself may lead them after the people of Israel and share their dangers." Then with a mighty shouting the company broke up, so that at the last all were gone and only Pharaoh remained seated upon his throne, staring at the ground with the air, said Bakenkhonsu, rather of one who is dead than of a living king about to wage war upon his foes.
To all these words the Prince listened in silence, but when they were finished he looked up and asked: "What think you, Bakenkhonsu ?" "I think, O Prince," answered the wise old man, "that her Highness did ill to stir up this matter, though doubtless she spoke with the voices of the priests and of the army, against which Pharaoh was not strong enough to stand." "What you think, I think," said Seti.
At this moment the lady Merapi entered.
"I hear, my lord," she said, "that Pharaoh purposes to pursue the people of Israel with his host.

I come to pray my lord that he will not join himself to the host of Pharaoh." "It is but natural, Lady, that you should not wish me to make war upon your kin, and to speak truth I have no mind that way," replied Seti, and, turning, left the chamber with her.
"She is not thinking of her king but of her lover's life," said Bakenkhonsu.

"She is not a witch as they declare, but it is true that she knows what we do not." "Yes," I answered, "it is true.".