"Haggard, H Rider- Morning Star" - читать интересную книгу автора (Haggard H. Rider)

leapt in his breast, his wide nostrils spread themselves, and he
erected his strong head as though already he felt upon it the weight
of the double crown. Then he turned and walked back to the pavilion.

"I am minded to strike a blow," he said. "Say now, my officer, would
you and the soldiers follow me into the heart of yonder city to-night
to win a throne--or a grave? If it were the first, you should be the
general of all my army, and you, astrologer, should become vizier,
yes, after Pharaoh you two should be the greatest men in all the
land."

They looked at him and gasped.

"A venturesome deed, Prince," said the captain at length; "yet with
such a prize to win I think that I would dare it, though for the
soldiers I cannot speak. First they must be told what is on foot, and
out of so many, how know we that the heart of one or more would not
fail? A word from a traitor and before this time to-morrow the
embalmers, or the jackals, would be busy."

Abi heard and looked from him to his companion.

"Prince," said Kaku, "put such thoughts from you. Bury them deep. Let
them rise no more. In the heavens I read something of this business,
but then I did not understand, but now I see the black depths of hell
opening beneath our feet. Yes, hell would be our home if we dared to
lift hand against the divine person of the Pharaoh. I say that the
gods themselves would fight against us. Let it be, Prince, let it be,
and you shall have many years of rule, who, if you strike now, will
win nothing but a crown of shame, a nameless grave, and the
everlasting torment of the damned."

As he spoke Abi considered the man's face and saw that all craft had
left it. This was no charlatan that spoke to him, but one in earnest
who believed what he said.

"So be it," he answered. "I accept your judgment, and will wait upon
my fortune. Moreover, you are both right, the thing is too dangerous,
and evil often falls on the heads of those who shoot arrows at a god,
especially if they have not enough arrows. Let Pharaoh live on while I
make ready. Perhaps to-morrow I may work upon him to name me his
heir."

The astrologer sighed in relief, nor did the captain seem
disappointed.

"My head feels firmer on my shoulders than it did just now," he said:
"and doubtless there are times when wisdom is better than valour.
Sleep well, Prince; Pharaoh will receive you to-morrow two hours after
sunrise. Have we your leave to retire?"