Moon of Israel | Page 7

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. You know, Pambasa, that
had he lived he would have been Pharaoh in place of my father. He
died too soon, however, which proves to me that there was something
in this tale of his wisdom, since no really wise man would ever wish to
be Pharaoh of Egypt."
Pambasa stared with his mouth open.
"Not wish to be Pharaoh!" he began--
"Now, Pambasa the Wise," went on the Prince as though he had not
heard him. "Listen. This old book gives a charm 'to empty the heart of
its weariness,' that it says is the oldest and most common sickness in
the world from which only kittens, some children, and mad people are
free. It appears that the cure for this sickness, so says the book, is to
stand on the top of the pyramid of Khufu at midnight at that moment
when the moon is largest in the whole year, and drink from the cup of
dreams, reciting meanwhile a spell written here at length in language
which I cannot read."
"There is no virtue in spells, Prince, if anyone can read them."

"And no use, it would seem, if they can be read by none."
"Moreover, how can any one climb the pyramid of Khufu, which is
covered with polished marble, even in the day let alone at midnight,
your Highness, and there drink of the cup of dreams?"
"I do not know, Pambasa. All I know is that I weary of this foolishness,
and of the world. Tell me of something that will lighten my heart, for it
is heavy."
"There are jugglers without, Prince, one of whom says he can throw a
rope into the air and climb up it until he vanishes into heaven."
"When he has done it in your sight, Pambasa, bring him to me, but not
before. Death is the only rope by which we climb to heaven--or be
lowered into hell. For remember there is a god called Set, after whom,
like my great-grandfather, I am named by the way--the priests alone
know why--as well as one called Osiris."
"Then there are the dancers, Prince, and among them some very finely
made girls, for I saw them bathing in the palace lake, such as would
have delighted the heart of your grandfather, the great Rameses."
"They do not delight my heart who want no naked women prancing
here. Try again, Pambasa."
"I can think of nothing else, Prince. Yet, stay. There is a scribe without
named Ana, a thin, sharp-nosed man who says he is your Highness's
twin in Ra."
"Ana!" said the Prince. "He of Memphis who writes stories? Why did
you not say so before, you old fool? Let him enter at once, at once."
Now hearing this I, Ana, walked through the curtains and prostrated
myself, saying,
"I am that scribe, O Royal Son of the Sun."
"How dare you enter the Prince's presence without being bidden----"

began Pambasa, but Seti broke in with a stern voice, saying,
"And how dare you, Pambasa, keep this learned man waiting at my
door like a dog? Rise, Ana, and cease from giving me titles, for we are
not at Court. Tell me, how long have you been in Tanis?"
"Many days, O Prince," I answered, "seeking your presence and in
vain."
"And how did you win it at last?"
"By payment, O Prince," I answered innocently, "as it seems is usual.
The doorkeepers----"
"I understand," said Seti, "the doorkeepers! Pambasa, you will ascertain
what amount this learned scribe has disbursed to 'the doorkeepers' and
refund him double. Begone now and see to the matter."
So Pambasa went, casting a piteous look at me out of the corner of his
eye.
"Tell me," said Seti when he was gone, "you who must be wise in your
fashion, why does a Court always breed thieves?"
"I suppose for the same reason, O Prince, that a dog's back breeds fleas.
Fleas must live, and there is the dog."
"True," he answered, "and these palace fleas are not paid enough. If
ever I have power I will see to it.