Page:The Pharaohs and their people; scenes of old Egyptian life and history (IA pharaohstheirpeo00berkiala).pdf/123

 King Ma-Ka-Ra; may he live for ever!' No doubt it was the general custom thus to flatter the foible of their sovereign, who was, in fact, designated by a name signifying 'Lady-King.'

Under the queen's rule, however, there was an entire cessation of military enterprises, for Hatasu did not so far assume the character of a Pharaoh as to put on armour and lead her troops to the battle-field. Egypt therefore enjoyed unbroken tranquillity during her peaceful and brilliant reign—a reign not only distinguished for the splendour of its architecture, but memorable also for an expedition to the land of Punt. This expedition is portrayed in curious and interesting detail upon the stages of the terraced temple. Long ago we know that the Egyptian imagination had been stirred by the supposed marvels of that 'sacred land' of dream and legend. And in the days of Hatasu the expedition sent thither by King Sankh-ka-ra, centuries before, would not have been forgotten. By the queen's command an embassy was despatched to its shores. Princes and lords were intrusted