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Rh hissed—"are these the best of thy generation?" for they trembled and looked foolish.

Then Thoth knew that the moment of trial had come, and he said with courage and simplicity, and speaking as if to an equal—

"These, oh king, are the best of thy race of my generation, and all are born of unions such as thou didst ordain. Know, also, that their children, are still more weak and feeble, and that thy royal race appears to be threatened with destruction."

The monarch grew pale with anger, and said—

"My rules have not been followed. Some traitor has been a victim to the guile of woman."

Then Thoth replied, "Hear me, oh king, with attention, and know that in one thing thy policy has utterly failed. The rest of thy people have become, from age, more