"Go now, and reflect on the words with which you will stir the souls of the people to-morrow morning; but know one thing--Truth has many forms, and her aspects are as manifold as those of the Godhead. As the sun does not travel over a level plain or by a straight path--as the stars follow a circuitous course, which we compare with the windings of the snake Mehen,--so the elect, who look out over time and space, and on whom the conduct of human life devolves, are not only permitted, but commanded, to follow indirect ways in order to reach the highest aims, ways that you do not understand, and which you may fancy deviate widely from the path of truth. You look only at to-day, we look forward to the morrow, and what we announce as truth you must needs believe. And mark my words: A lie stains the soul, but doubt eats into it." Ameni had spoken with strong excitement; when Pentaur had left the room, and he was alone with Gagabu, he exclaimed: "What things are these? Who is ruining the innocent child-like spirit of this highly favored youth?" "He is ruining it himself," replied Gagabu. "He is putting aside the old law, for he feels a new one growing up in his own breast." "But the laws," exclaimed Ameni, "grow and spread like shadowy woods; they are made by no one. I loved the poet, yet I must restrain him, else he will break down all barriers, like the Nile when it swells too high. And what he says of the miracle--" "Did you devise it?" "By the Holy One--no!" cried Ameni. And yet Pentaur is sincere, and inclined to faith," said the old man doubtfully. "I know it," returned Ameni. "It happened as he said. But who did it, and who told him of the shameful deed?" Both the priests stood thoughtfully gazing at the floor. Ameni first broke the silence. "Pentaur came in with Nebsecht," he exclaimed, "and they are intimate friends. Where was the leech while I was staying in Thebes?" "He was taking care of the child hurt by Bent-Anat--the child of the paraschites Pinem, and he stayed there three days," replied Gagabu. "And it was Pinem," said Ameni, "that opened the body of Rui! Now I know who has dimmed Pentaur's faith. It was that inquisitive stutterer, and he shall be made to repent of it. For the present let us think of to-morrow's feast, but the day after I will examine that nice couple, and will act with iron severity." "First let us examine the naturalist in private," said Gagabu. "He is an ornament to the temple, for he has investigated many matters, and his dexterity is wonderful." "All that may be considered Ameni said, interrupting the old enough to think of at present."