"
"Aye!" she exclaimed, "and thou hast given tongue to the same estimate
of Israel, which hath wrought consternation among the powers of
Mizraim. And for that reason are we enslaved. Think of it, thou who
art unafraid to think. Think of a people in bondage because of its
numbers, its sturdiness and its wisdom. Thou who art in rebellion
against ancient law dost feel somewhat of Israel's hurt. Behold, am I
not also oppressed because I may think to the upsetting of idolatry and
the overthrow of mine oppressors? Thou and I are fellows in bondage;
but mark me! I am nearer freedom than thou. The Pharaohs began too
late. Ye may not dam the Nile at flood-tide."
Her face was full of triumph and her voice of prophecy. She seemed to
declare with authority the freedom of her people. Kenkenes did not
speak immediately. His thoughts were undergoing a change. The pity he
had felt that night a month agone for her sanguine anticipation of
freedom seemed useless and wasted. Her confidence was no longer
fatuous. He admitted in entirety the truth of her last words. If all
Israel--nay, if but part, if but its leaders were as able and
determined as she, did Meneptah guess his peril? Was not Egypt most
ominously menaced? He remembered that he had been amused at his
father's perturbation over the Israelitish unrest, but he vindicated
Mentu then and there.
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