| “Ha, you wise one!” said the dog. “Let us travel to Egypt at once, king’s son!”
“How shall I profit from this rascal of a speaking dog?” the lad asked of the one great of magic. “He will show you the way back to the house of your father,” the magician said to the prince. “Where he runs, go after him. Let him do the duty of a hound who finds what he seeks.” “I am content,” said the dog. “I will act for the praise of my master.” The prince returned to his house where his wife awaited him. He caused her to know that a magician had instructed him to return to Egypt. The wife of the lad lamented and tore her hair. “Woe to you and your enemy of a dog!” she said to her husband. “If you follow after him, he will surely prove to be your fate. Remain here in the land of Naharin at the side of your wife who loves you and will protect you from evil.” The lad said to her, “Shall a man seek the protection of a female? I have found a heart of courage. My fate awaits me in Egypt, the land of my fathers!” Lo, the prince took leave of his wife before the setting of the sun and followed behind his dog as the magician had advised. There was with him his groom, who ran behind his chariot. After a month and a few days had passed, the dog found the way back to Memphis upon roads not lacking in water. No misfortune befell the lad upon the roads. At Djaru, it was told to the prince that His Majesty, l. p. h., had flown to heaven and was in the company of the gods. The lad wept and his dog sent up a great moaning. On account of this awful grieving, the lad was permitted to enter into Egypt and food and drink was given to him. His speech was after the manner of a nobleman of the land, a true man of Egypt, although he wore the clothes of a prince of Naharin. The step-mother of the lad was enthroned at Memphis and the entire land served her with a bowed head. The heart of the prince was filled with rage when he heard this report. He became like unto a panther of the south. His dog said unto him, “Let us go and take counsel of our hearts. Let us act wisely in this matter. Arise, for your father has gone to the West. All the gods of the land of Egypt are assembled to witness your receiving the crown.” GO TO NEXT |