Egypt had now become so powerful that many of the Phoenician cities voluntarily came under her protection, thinking in this way they could best secure safety for their extensive commerce on the seas. The Phoenicians were the middle-men for antiquity and desired above all to keep their triremes safe from sea pirates. Seeking the protection of the greatest world power, in this age they turned to Egypt. A vast amount of Asiatic plunder found its way to the temples as offerings to the gods who were supposed to have made victory possible. This accumulation of wealth within the temples proved a most important factor in strengthening the priesthood--a power with which the future had to reckon. A song of victory, composed in honor of Thutmose III., is preserved in the temple of Karnak. The god Amon is supposed to be speaking. We may be sure that it was not wholly the flattery of priests, written to appease the ruler, but that it embodied the general opinion as to the power bestowed by the god upon the king, who was his representative upon earth. HYMN OF VICTORY.[2] (_Amon speaking._) I have come, causing thee to smite the princes of Zahi; I have hurled them beneath thy feet among their highlands. I have caused them to see thy majesty as lord of radiance, So that thou hast shone in their faces like my image. I have come, causing thee to smite the Asiatics, Thou hast made captive the heads of the Asiatics of Retenu. I have caused them to see thy majesty equipped with thy adornment When thou takest the weapons of war in the chariot. I have come, causing thee to smite the eastern land, Thou hast trampled those who are in the districts of God's-Land. I have caused them to see thy majesty like a circling star, When it scatters its flame in fire, and gives forth its dew. I have come, causing thee to smite the western land, Keftyew and Cyprus are in terror. I have caused them to see thy majesty as a young bull, Firm of heart, ready-horned, irresistible. I have come, causing thee to smite those who are in their marshes, The lands of Mitanni tremble under fear of thee. I have caused them to see thy majesty as a crocodile, Lord of fear in the water, unapproachable. I have come, causing thee to smite those who are in their isles; Those who are in the midst of the Great Green (sea) hear thy roarings. I have caused them to see thy majesty as an avenger, Who rises upon the back of his slain victim.... I have come, causing thee to smite the uttermost ends of the lands, The circuit of the Great Circle (Okeanos) is included in thy grasp. I have caused them to see thy majesty as a lord of wing (hawk), Who seizeth upon that which he seeth, as much as he desires. I have come, causing thee to smite the Nubian Troglodytes, As far as Shat (they) are in thy grasp. I have caused them to see thy majesty as thy two brothers.[3] I have united their two arms for thee in victory.