Since writing the foregoing, dear mother, I have heard the most
important intelligence from the seat of war in Ethiopia; and what is
more, that the Prince Remeses is even now on his return to Memphis, a
conqueror! The dispatches brought by the courier state, that four
weeks ago the army of Egypt engaged Occhoris, beyond the gates of
Thebes, and after a severe battle, in which the chariots and horse
were engaged, he was forced to retreat; that he gained a new position,
and fortified himself, but was dislodged from it, and finally routed
in the open plain, he himself being taken prisoner, with most of his
chief captains; while a great spoil in treasures, camp-equipage,
elephants, camels, and horses, besides captives innumerable, enriched
the victors. This news has gladdened the heart of Queen Amense, and
relieved her mind from the great anxiety that has oppressed it ever
since the departure of Remeses, lest he should lose his life in the
campaign, as his father had done before him. But, without a wound, he
returns triumphant, leading his enemy captive at the wheels of his
war-chariot. The city is excited with joy, and in all the temples,
ascending incense and bleeding sacrifices, together with libations and
oblations, bear testimony to the universal gratitude of the nation, at
the defeat of the hereditary foe of the kingdom.
I will for a time delay this letter, that I may witness the scenes in
the city and behold the rites for victory, which, I am told, will be
most imposing, especially in the temples of Apis and of Vulcan.
ISLAND AND PALACE OF RHODA.
Two weeks have elapsed since I laid down my pen, dearest mother. In
the interval I have been too much occupied to resume it, but do so now
with matter of the deepest interest to communicate. Remeses has
returned. Two days ago he entered Memphis in warlike triumph. On
hearing of his approach, I hastened to meet him three days' journey up
the Nile. When we met, he embraced me as a brother, with expressions
of joy; but the first question he put to me was:
"The queen--my mother, Sesostris, is she well?"
"Well, and happy at your victories," I answered.
"And your royal mother also, the Queen Epiphia, how fared she when
last you heard from her?"
"In good health, save her wish to see me," I answered.
Thus, dear mother, did this noble prince, amid all the splendor of his
victories, first think of his mother and mine! It is this filial
piety, which is one of the most eminent traits of his lofty and pure
character; and where love for a mother reigns supremely in the heart,
all other virtues will cluster around it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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