Before the Throne

31

HORUS HERALDED, “The kings Ramesses IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII.”

Nine men of varying shapes and sizes came in, wrapped in their winding sheets, and walked in a row until they stood before the throne.

Thoth, Scribe of the Gods, recited from the book before him, “They each ruled for a short time only, one after the other, and none cared for anything but to hang onto power. They let their lusts run away with them — and things fell apart. Wickedness was rampant, the area of the north coast seceding under the last of their line.”

Osiris bid them to speak — but they all remained silent.

Ramesses II then asked them, “Why did you take my name as your own? Are we related in any way?”

“We took it in order to be blessed and ennobled!” said Ramesses IV.

“But you had none of my fortitude, and, in truth, you did not live up to it,” retorted Ramesses II.

“I cannot request their forgiveness,” said Isis, “but I do ask for mercy.”

“To Purgatory with the lot of you,” commanded Osiris.