Before the Throne

36

HORUS HERALDED, “King Psamtek the Second!”

A short, plump man entered the chamber, waddling in his winding sheet until he stood before the throne.

Thoth, Recorder of the Divine Court, then recited, “He strengthened order at home, and to that end, made his daughter, Enekhnes-Neferibre, High Priestess of Amun, in place of her paternal aunt, Nitocris. And he deepened his relations with Greece.”

Osiris asked him to speak.

“I have nothing to add,” said Psamtek II, “save that my reign was one of peace and clemency.”

“You forgot,” Thutmose III reproached him, “that Egypt was once an empire!”

“What’s the use of dwelling upon youth that has passed?” answered Psamtek II.

“And you forgot that Babylon lay in wait at the frontier?” King Ahmose I demanded.

“And what did you do to instill the love of combat among the populace?” asked King Ahmose I.

When he did not reply, Isis inserted, “His era was a time of wealth and tranquility!”

“Get thee to Purgatory,” bade him Osiris.