I
have consented to release the Israelites. But other thought hath come
to me in the night. Thou knowest that no evil hath befallen the land
of Goshen. Har-hat explaineth this strange thing by the location of
the strip. The Nile toucheth it not and rains fall there. Furthermore
the winds blow differently in that district, and withal the hand of
Rannu of the harvests hath sheltered it. It may be, but to me it
seemeth that the Hebrew sorcerer hath cast a protecting spell over the
spot. But whatever the cause, the race of churls and their riches have
escaped misfortune. Thinkest thou not, good Hotep, that, if they must
go, we may by right require their flocks of them to replenish the
pastures of Egypt?"
Surely the Hathors were exploiting themselves this day. Another
opportunity for good and what would come of it? Hotep knew the man
with whom he dealt. Still it were a sin to slight even an unprofitable
chance that seemed to offer alleviation for Egypt. He would proceed
cautiously and do his best.
"Be the little lamp trimmed never so brightly, O Son of Ptah, it may
not help the sun. Thou art monarch, I am thy slave. How can I mold
thee, my King?"
"Others have swayed me, thou modest man.
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