He sat there very splendid, his red and white double crown on his head, and his sceptre in his hand.

The throne had a canopy of wood and wooden pillars painted in bright colours.

On a low, broad bench that ran all round the hall sat the friends, relatives, and courtiers of the King, leaning on richly-covered cushions.
The priest led the children up the steps till they all stood before the throne; and then, suddenly, he fell on his face with hands outstretched.
The others did the same, Anthea falling very carefully because of the Psammead.
'Raise them,' said the voice of Pharaoh, 'that they may speak to me.' The officers of the King's household raised them.
'Who are these strangers ?' Pharaoh asked, and added very crossly, 'And what do you mean, Rekh-mara, by daring to come into my presence while your innocence is not established ?' 'Oh, great King,' said the young priest, 'you are the very image of Ra, and the likeness of his son Horus in every respect.

You know the thoughts of the hearts of the gods and of men, and you have divined that these strangers are the children of the children of the vile and conquered Kings of the Empire where the sun never sets.

They know a magic not known to the Egyptians.