"The thought of them makes me shudder." "By all means, Beloved.

I have always held that we Egyptians dwell too much on tombs, and--whatever it may be that lies beyond them, which after all remains a matter of doubt--fortunately.

So let us turn from tombs and corpses to palaces and life.

As I said just now, although we grieve over the accident of Pharaoh's death, and that of all his guard -- and I may add, of Abi's four legitimate sons, things have gone well for us.

To-day I have received from the Prince, in writing, my appointment as Vizier, and first King's companion, to come into force when he mounts the throne as he must do, and to-day you have received from me, with all the usual public rites and ceremonies, the name of wife, as I promised that you should.