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When Mentezufis heard what the Greeks had in mind he did not hesitate a moment to surrender the body of Patrokles. "The Greeks are right," said the holy man, "in thinking that we have power to torment the shade of Patrokles, but they are fools to suppose that any priest of Chaldea or Egypt would permit such a crime.
The severe and wise priests turned attention to the madness of the upper classes; but they were mistaken in estimating the cause of it, and the holy Mentezufis, who sent a report every few days to Herhor. stated that the heir, wearied by religious practices in the temple, was amusing himself to madness, and with him the entire aristocracy.
Sargon did not even once burst into loud laughter, though that was his custom; he cast down his eyes and thought deeply. But the two priests Istubar, the Chaldean, and Mentezufis, the Egyptian were calm, like men to whom the future is known, and who command it. AFTER his reception by the viceroy, Sargon delayed at Pi-Bast, waiting for letters from the pharaoh at Memphis.
"Thou didst give the leadership explicitly into my hands and into those of Patrokles," answered Tutmosis. "But when the holy Mentezufis came we had to yield to him, for he is our superior." The prince thought that the seizure of Tehenna was in every case purchased with surpassing misfortunes.
Prince Ramses saw this alarm of the people and the indifference of dignitaries. Mad anger seized him, because he received no command from Memphis, and because neither Mefres nor Mentezufis spoke with him of dangers threatening Egypt. But since neither priest visited him, and both, as it were, avoided conversation, the viceroy did not seek them, nor did he make any military preparations.
"How darest thou, O servant of the great Assar, doubt the good-will and faith of our ruler?" inquired Mentezufis. Sargon grew a little sobered. "I do not speak of his holiness," replied he, "but of the heir to the throne of Egypt." "He is a young man full of wisdom, who will carry out the will of his father and the supreme council without hesitation," answered Mefres.
"It is as Thou hast said." "And I have the right to hold a military council with you?" "Of course," replied Mefres. "Even this moment "Sit down," interrupted the prince. Both priests obeyed his command. "I ask because in view of my plans I must know why the Libyan regiments were disbanded." "Others too will be disbanded," caught up Mentezufis.
"What the prince needs may be known," answered Mentezufis, quietly, "for Thou hast the inferior priestly consecration. Those things, however, are hidden behind the veil in temples, which no one will dare to draw aside without due preparation." "I will draw it." "May the gods defend Egypt from such a misfortune!" replied the priest, as he raised both his hands.
A couple of days later the holy Mentezufis, assistant of the worthy Herhor, came to the erpatr. Ramses, looking at the pale face and downcast eyes of the prophet, divined that he too knew of the Phoenician woman, and perhaps wished, as a priest, to reprimand the viceroy. But this time Mentezufis did not mention affairs touching the heart of the heir.
This attracted the attention of the holy Mentezufis, who sent a letter to Herhor with the following contents: "From the time that the Assyrians have arrived at Pi-Bast the heir is feverish, and his court is inclined toward war very greatly. They drink and play dice as before; but all have thrown aside robes and wigs, and, disregarding the awful heat, go about in military caps and mantles.
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