Before the Throne

19

HORUS CALLED OUT, “King Thutmose the Fourth!”

A tall, stringy man came in. As he stood before the throne, Thoth read from the holy scroll, “He came to power when the heir apparent died. A revolt broke out in the Asian territories, and he put the rebels down. He married Mutemwia, daughter of the king of Mitanni.”

Osiris invited Thutmose IV to speak.

“I was not designated to take the throne,” the king began. “One day, while visiting the Great Sphinx, I sat down in the shade of his paws. Something like drowsiness caressed me, and I heard the Sphinx’s voice asking me to remove the sands from around him — and promising me the kingship if I did. Immediately, I called the workmen and ordered them to free him, assuming the entire responsibility for that myself. Then what had been predicted came to pass, as the heir apparent died, and I found myself on the throne without a rival.

“From the first day, I understood it was my duty to preserve the grandeur of our inheritance. So I punished the rebels and, in order to strengthen international ties, I married the daughter of Mitanni’s king.”

“Such a step looks like weakness to me,” scolded Hatshepsut.

“I considered it a sensible policy,” replied Thutmose IV.

“Choosing a queen from abroad is a matter fraught with peril!” interjected Khufu.

“I agree with the king that it was a very wise decision,” opined the Sage Ptahhotep.

“Moreover,” added Thutmose IV, “our royal harem has always included women from foreign nations.”

“This man has done his duty, both at home and abroad,” declared Isis.

“Proceed to your seat among the Immortals,” Osiris bid him.