Before the Throne

9

HORUS CALLED OUT, “Kings Sebekemsaf, Neferhotep, Si-Hathor, Neferkhera, Intef, and Timaios!”

The six entered in their shrouds and processed, bare of head and feet, until they stood before the throne.

Thoth then recited, “They each ruled for a short time. Each reign was known for its weakness, corruption, and internecine fighting over the throne, as well as the encroachments of the provincial governors and priests, the despotism of officials, and the hunger of the people. The thieves among nations fixed their eyes upon Egypt, until the Hyksos came to occupy her, and she suffered disgrace.”

Osiris bid them to speak, and Sebekemsaf replied, “I lived under threat from my family and my courtiers, and was unable to confront the challenges that faced me.”

The others spoke after him, saying much the same thing — then there was silence.

“Clearly,” lamented Abnum, “there was not in all Egypt a man whose heart beat with sincerity. The state of the nation at this time was much like that which rallied the peasants to revolt in ours.”

“All you think about is revolution,” Amenemhat I upbraided him. “When I was governor of a nome, I found the country drowning in chaos. I did not therefore call for greater disorder, but trained my men and took over the throne, saving the land and the people, without violating our sacred customs, and without giving up either lives or honor.”

“These men were feeble,” Isis added, “and nothing can be done for the weak.”

“You committed unforgivable crimes against the rights of your country,” Osiris reproved the wretched sextet. “Weakness was not your only offense, for your hearts lacked nobility, and good intentions as well. Therefore, go to the Western Gate that leads unto Hell.”