Tortured and tired by a barren review of officials, the prince's courage fell. He was terrified by the thought that he understood nothing, hence was unfitted to rule; but he feared to confess this even to himself. If Rameses could not rule Egypt, and others were able to rule it, what remained to him? Nothing but death. Without the throne he could have no happiness. He felt that for him life would be impossible unless he had power. But when he had rested a few days, in so far as rest was attainable in that chaos of court life, he summoned Otoes, and said to him,-- "Worthiness, I have begged thee to acquaint me with the secret of governing Aa. Thou hast done so, thou hast shown me the country and the officials, but still I know nothing. On the contrary. I am like a man in the underground divisions of a temple who sees so many passages about him that he is unable at last to find his way out into daylight." The nomarch was confused. "What am I to do?" asked he. "What dost thou wish of me, O ruler? Only say the word and I will yield to thee office, property, even life." And, seeing that the prince received this assurance with graciousness, he continued,-- "During thy journey thou hast seen the people of this province. Thou wilt say that all were not present. Agreed. I will command all to assemble, and they are, men, women, old men, and children, about two hundred thousand. From the summit of the pylon thou wert pleased to survey our whole province. But if it be thy wish, we can examine from near by every field, every village, and every street of the city of Sochem. Finally I have shown thee the officials; it is true, the very lowest were absent. But command and all will stand before thee to-morrow and fall on their faces. What am I to do more? Tell me, most worthy lord." "I believe that thou art most faithful," answered Rameses. "Therefore explain to me two things: first, why has the income of his holiness diminished? second, what art thou doing thyself in the province?" Otoes was confused, and the prince added quickly,-- "I wish to know what thou art doing here, and by what methods, since I am young and only commencing to govern." "Thou hast the wisdom of a century," whispered the nomarch. "Therefore it is proper," continued the prince, "that I should ask men of experience and that thou shouldst give me knowledge." "I will show thee all, and give every explanation," said Otoes. "But we should go to a place where there is no uproar." In fact, in the palace which the prince occupied as many people thronged in the inner and outer court as at a fair. They ate, drank, sang, raced or rested, and all this to enhance the glory of the viceroy whom they were serving. About three in the afternoon, the nomarch gave command to bring two horses, and with the prince he rode forth from the city westward. The court remained in the palace and amused itself with still greater gladness.