I wish you stood nearer to me; but Rameses will not part with you, although--although--In point of fact your office has two aspects; it requires the daring of a soldier, and the dexterity of a scribe.

No one denies that you have the first, but the second--the sword and the reed-pen are very different weapons, one requires supple fingers, the other a sturdy fist.

The king used to complain of your reports--is he better satisfied with them now ?" "I hope so," replied the Mohar; "my brother Horus is a practised writer, and accompanies me in my journeys." "That is well," said Ani.

"If I had the management of affairs I should treble your staff, and give you four--five--six scribes under you, who should be entirely at your command, and to whom you could give the materials for the reports to be sent out.

Your office demands that you should be both brave and circumspect; these characteristics are rarely united; but there are scriveners by hundreds in the temples." "So it seems to me," said Paaker.
Ani looked down meditatively, and continued--Rameses is fond of comparing you with your father.