Voices from the Other World Read Free Page A

alien man had vanished. His disciples searched for him everywhere, ransacking every corner of the nome—without finding a single trace.
    His disappearance came as a confounding surprise— and it provoked differing remarks. Some said that he had moved out of the district after making sure that his creed had been firmly rooted there. Others claimed that he had ascended into heaven after carrying out his mission. Regardless, sadness enfolded the entire province, and all those within it.
    Except for those in powerful positions. They let out their breath, and—with hopes high—they each dreamed of their glory that had fled, their comfort that had disappeared. Filled with anticipation, they waited expectantly for these things to return.
    But disappointment awaits whoever puts his faith in such expectant hope. When the big shots saw that the ordinary people still clung to their belief—true in their remembrance of the aged outsider—they were struck with disquiet. Their hearts were vexed, and they could not sleep.
    Fuming with rage, the protector of order cried, “This situation cannot stand!”
    Eyes filled with longing looked toward him. The hard work of hoping had drained them. Perceiving this, Ram said in a conspiratorial tone, “In the province of Ptah, I know of an enticing dancer, to whom the gods have given irresistible beauty. Why don’t we borrow her for a few months? I’m aware that the ruler of that district is anxious to get rid of her, for her looks are inciting strife and turmoil there. Let the nome of Khnum be her place of exile for a while, and she will no doubt sow divisions between brother and brother, and between husband and wife. The affluent will be agitated to burst the chains that they have put obediently around their own necks. Keep a lookout for a good result soon.”
    And so this inspired man put into action his dangerous plan.
    With joyous, gleaming eyes, they all witnessed the edifice of the old stranger’s regime break down and fall apart, stone by stone. The stomach returned to its throne, commanding necks and minds alike to bend to its rule. The devilish life came back to quiet Khnum, blowing away the serenity that had prevailed in its parts. The gang of leading citizens resumed their campaign, finding themselves once again fighting the good fight—for Virtue, Justice, and Peace.

King Userkaf’s Forgiveness

    Pharaoh Userkaf was among the most magnificent monarchs of the Fifth Dynasty, who ruled Egypt by blending justice with mercy, firmness with sagacity, and force with affection. When he first took the throne, he mustered a mighty army to march into the Western Desert. His purpose was to squelch the impudence of the wandering tribes—whom his forebears had wooed to make peace—in preying on caravans, pillaging the Delta villages, and attacking peaceful citizens. He crushed them so utterly that his army came back heavily laden with both prisoners and their herds. In this way, he bolstered his own authority, making it—and the name of Egypt— things to be feared, while saving his country’s people from the savage tribes’ evil. In the shade of peace and security, he devoted all of his care to the domestic affairs of the nation and the welfare of her children. He cut out roads and dug canals, and built for himself a great pyramid at Aswan, his royal capital. His reign was one of safety, wealth, and construction, and the king dwelt, content and confident, among his glorious subjects. His breast was gladdened by his people’s love for their king, and his days and nights were brightened by the sincerity of a band of his highest subordinates in their consuming fondness for him. They were his most excellent friends and most splendid companions: his son Sahura, the heir apparent, and Horurra, his chief vizier. There was also Samun, high priest of the god Khnum, as well as Samunra, supreme commander of the Egyptian