Meneptah staggered away from Hotep, his frenzy upon him again.
"Send them hither," he cried hoarsely, waving his arms toward a
white-faced courtier that had stood his ground. "Send them hither--the
Hebrews, Mesu and Aaron! Israel shall depart, before they make me sink
the world! For they have sent madness upon me! I condemned my gentle
son, I punished those who gave me wise counsel, I have ruined Egypt, I
have slain mine heir, and now the blood of the first-born of all my
kingdom is upon my head!" His voice rose to a shriek, and Hotep,
putting an arm about him, hushed him with gentle authority and signed
the courtier to obey.
The physicians lifted the queen and bore her away. Seti stopped at
Masanath's side and looked at her with compassion in his eyes. Har-hat
came to him.
"Seeing that thou hast won the pardon of thy father, am I not also
included in the restoration of good feeling? Have I won thine enmity,
my Prince?"
"I hold naught against thee, O Har-hat, but thou hast not been a
profitable counselor to my father in these days of his great need."
The young prince spoke frankly and returned the comprehending gaze of
the fan-bearer. Har-hat's eyes fell on his daughter, and again on the
prince.
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