I cannot bear to doubt my friends, and trustfulness is so dear, so essential to me, that I must indulge in it even if my confidence results in my being deceived." The king glanced at Mena, who handed him a golden cup--which he emptied.
He looked at the glittering beaker, and then, with a flash of his grave, bright eyes, he added: "And if I am betrayed--if ten such as Ameni and Ani entice my people into a snare--I shall return home, and will tread the reptiles into dust." His deep voice rang out the words, as if he were a herald proclaiming a victorious deed of arms.

Not a word was spoken, not a hand moved, when he ceased speaking.

Then he raised his cup, and said: "It is well before the battle to uplift our hearts! We have done great deeds; distant nations have felt our hand; we have planted our pillars of conquest by their rivers, and graven the record of our deeds on their rocks.
[Herodotus speaks of the pictures graven on the rocks in the provinces conquered by Rameses II., in memory of his achievements.
He saw two, one of which remains on a rock near Beyrut.] Your king is great above all kings, and it is through the might of the Gods, and your valor my brave comrades.

May to-morrow's fight bring us new glory! May the Immortals soon bring this war to a close! Empty your wine cups with me--To victory and a speedy return home in peace!" "Victory! Victory! Long life to the Pharaoh! Strength and health!" cried the guests of the king, who, as he descended from his throne, cried to the drinkers: "Now, rest till the star of Isis sets.

Then follow me to prayer at the altar of Amon, and then-to battle." Fresh cries of triumph sounded through the room, while Rameses gave his hand with a few words of encouragement to each of his sons in turn.