Before the Throne

15

HORUS SHOUTED with his resounding voice, “King Thutmose the Second!”

A frail, emaciated man walked in and stood before the throne.

Thoth, Scribe of the Gods, read aloud, “He suppressed a rebellion that arose in the south, and another in Asia. Feeble and ailing, he was in power but a short time before departing to the other world.”

Osiris asked Thutmose II to speak.

“When my father died,” testified Thutmose II, “his sons all vied for the throne. Each one relied upon his own faction of followers. My father had put me forward for the succession, but my sister Hatshepsut seized it instead, marrying my brother to distract attention from her femininity. Although my faction could have restored my right by force, I took control without violence or bloodshed. Nor did I resort to revenge.

“Despite my poor health, I did not hesitate to suppress the revolt that sprang up in the south, and another in Asia, as well. Incapable of savoring life, I was unable to endure longer than a few years.”

“You should have given up the throne in view of your weakness,” Menes admonished him. “The weak should not aspire to rule.”

“I triumphed anyway,” retorted Thutmose II.

“Thanks to luck, and in spite of your frailty,” Menes answered in scorn.

“He acted to the best of his ability,” Isis declared. “I would compare his labor to that of the peasant who tills the land.”

“Take your place among the Immortals,” Osiris commanded Thutmose II.