Har-hat was dead, the
army destroyed at his hands. When the news of the disaster reached
Tanis Meneptah's anger and grief knew no bounds.
After Rameses had been interred at Thebes beside his fathers, and the
court had returned to Memphis, the king summoned Masanath, the sole
representative of the family of Har-hat, to give reason why she should
not be accused of complicity in the treason of her father.
Meneptah had taken counsel with none on this step. Perhaps he had an
inkling that it would be unpopular; perhaps he thought he was but
fulfilling the law. Hotep was at On comforting his family, who mourned
over Bettis, and most of the other ministers were scattered over Egypt
lamenting their own dead, and few expected the ungallant act of the
king.
But one day, when all the court had reassembled, Masanath came into the
great council chamber. Alone and dressed in mourning, she seemed so
little and defenseless that Meneptah stirred uncomfortably in his
throne. Slowly she approached the dais and fell on her knees before
the king. The great gathering of courtiers held its breath, wondering
and pitying.
Such was the scene upon which Hotep came all unknowing. At a glance he
understood the situation.
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