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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] great inner gate. 'We are fortunate, he said to the children, Pharaoh is even now in the Court of Honour. Now, don't forget to be overcome with respect and admiration. It won't do any harm if you fall flat on your faces. And whatever you do, don't speak until you're spoken to.' 'There used to be that rule in our country, said Robert, when my father was a little boy.' At the outer end of the great hall a crowd of people were arguing with and even shoving the Guards, who seemed to make it a rule not to let anyone through unless they were bribed to do it. The children heard several promises of the utmost richness, and wondered whether they would ever be kept. All round the hall were pillars of painted wood. The roof was of cedar, gorgeously inlaid. About half-way up the hall was a wide, shallow step that went right across the hall; then a little farther on another; and then a steep flight of narrower steps, leading right up to the throne on which Pharaoh sat. He sat there very splendid, his red and white double crown on his head, and his sceptre in his hand. The throne had a canopy of wood and wooden pillars painted in bright colours. On a low, broad bench that ran all round the hall sat the friends, relatives, and courtiers of the King, leaning on richly-covered cushions. The priest led the children up the steps till they all stood before the throne; and then, suddenly, he fell on his face with hands outstretched. The others did the same, Anthea falling very carefully because of the Psammead. 'Raise them, said the voice of Pharaoh, that they may speak to me.' The officers of the King's household raised them. 'Who are these strangers? Pharaoh asked, and added very crossly, And what do you mean, Rekh-mara, by daring to come into my presence while your innocence is not established?' 'Oh, great King, said the young priest, you are the very image of Ra, and the likeness of his son Horus in every respect. You know the thoughts of the hearts of the gods and of men, and you have divined that these strangers are the children of the children of the vile and conquered Kings of the Empire where the sun never sets. They know a magic not known to the Egyptians. And they come with gifts in their hands as tribute to Pharaoh, in whose heart is the wisdom of the gods, and on his lips their truth.' 'That is all very well, said Pharaoh, but where are the gifts?' The children, bowing as well as they could in their embarrassment at finding themselves the centre of interest in a circle more grand, more golden and more highly coloured than they could have imagined possible, pulled out the padlock, the Necessaire, and the tie-clip. But it's not tribute all the same, Cyril muttered. England doesn't pay tribute!' Pharaoh examined all the things with great interest when the chief of the household had taken them up to him. Deliver them to the Keeper of the Treasury, he said to one near him. And to the children he said 'A small tribute, truly, but strange, and not without worth. And the magic, O Rekh-mara?' 'These unworthy sons of a conquered nation ... began Rekh-mara. 'Nothing of the kind! Cyril whispered angrily. '...of a vile and conquered nation, can make fire to spring from dry wood-in the sight of all.' 'I should jolly well like to see them do it, said Pharaoh, just as the priest had done. So Cyril, without more ado, did it. 'Do more magic, said the King, with simple appreciation. 'He cannot do any more magic, said Anthea suddenly, and all eyes were turned on her, because of the voice of the free people who are shouting for bread and onions and beer and a long mid-day rest. If the people had what they wanted, he could do more.' 'A rude-spoken girl, said Pharaoh. But give the dogs what they want, he said, without turning his head. Let them have their rest and their extra rations. There are plenty of slaves to work.' A richly-dressed official hurried out. 'You will be the idol of the people, Rekh-mara whispered joyously; the Temple of Amen will not contain their offerings.' Cyril struck another match, and all the court was overwhelmed with delight and wonder. And when Cyril took the candle from his pocket and lighted it with the match, and then held the burning candle up before the King the enthusiasm knew no bounds. 'Oh, greatest of all, before whom sun and moon and stars bow down, said Rekh-mara insinuatingly, am I pardoned? Is my innocence made plain?' 'As plain as it ever will be, I daresay, said Pharaoh shortly. Get along with you. You are pardoned. Go in peace. The priest went with lightning swiftness. 'And what, said the King suddenly, is it that moves in that sack? Show me, oh strangers.' There was nothing for it but to show the Psammead. 'Seize it, said Pharaoh carelessly. A very curious monkey. It will be a nice little novelty for my wild beast collection.' And instantly, the entreaties of the children availing as little as the bites of the Psammead, though both bites and entreaties were fervent, it was carried away from before their eyes. 'Oh, DO be careful! cried Anthea. At least keep it dry! Keep it in its sacred house!' She held up the embroidered bag. 'It's a magic creature, cried Robert; it's simply priceless!' [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |